ARE YOU BEING INFECTED AND POISONED?

Is the culture you live in infecting you and poisoning you? I do not mean by chemicals and illnesses but by the things you choose to do that are not good for you. Things such as movies, television shows, video games, music, magazines you choose to read, books and on the list goes. Have you heard the saying "Garbage in, garbage out?" This refers to what you choose to expose your brain and spirit to. A person can not expect to feed on a constant diet of crude humor, sex scenes, foul language, murders, rapes, lust, incest and all the rest and say it has no effect on them. It is called being desensitized. Basically it means the more you read something, hear it or watch it the less it bothers you. It is sad that happens but it will if you are not careful  it does indeed happen. It always saddens me when parents of young children seemingly do not care what they watch.

As a Christian do you think you have any place in movies that depict sex scenes, whether married or unmarried, or ultra violent behavior? Some may stop reading this right now and tell me to 'get with the program' as that is all there is. I beg to differ. Do you realize if you say you love Jesus you are to be his examples on the earth?  That is not to say you have to go to church around the clock. God expects you to get out among the people to win others to the Lord but  your mind has to stay clear too. If you get to a point that things no longer shock you or bother you then I would say there is a good likelihood you have been bitten by the 'desensitization monster' and been poisoned and infected.


Many movies nowadays depict vulgar language and crude humor. There is a verse in the Bible that deals with crude joking. Ephesians 5:3-4 says "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."  Aren't we supposedly supposed to be lights in a dark world? Light dispels darkness. Darkness is evil and light is good. The Bible says in 1 John 1:5 "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." None, zero, nada!

People today do not even blush anymore at commercials on TV. Those who grew up without wholesome entertainment in  movies may think people like me are prudish but you can only put so much junk into your brain without it having an effect on you. Do you spend more time getting to know God or going to movies you have no business in? Someone told me once their parents did not allow them go to any movies as they were all bad. Now that to me seemed far fetched but each to their own. For instance in Romans 14:5 it says "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." When you get a moment read all of Romans Chapter 14 as there is some good stuff in there.
The Holy Spirit brings conviction to you heart. People can start to get a appetite for violence, monster movies, sex scenes until that is all they care to see. Be on the alert. Satan can use this as a trap to get you away from the Lord and take you down the wrong path of life. 2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us to be aware of "Satan's schemes" and indeed he is a scheming liar and deceiver trying his best to get people away from Jesus.

Do the things you do bring you closer to God or further from him? Do you think what you choose to do is holy and would it bring shame to God or glory? Do you feel bad after doing something knowing perfectly well it was not the thing to do?

I love Philippians 4:8 which says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It is rather difficult to think on good and pleasant things when you are watching a slasher movie or some film that can not stop taking the Lord's name in vain.

So today is your heart and mind pure before the Lord? Do you desire to know Him better? In Matthew 5:13 it says "You are the salt of the earth.But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Salt seasons and makes food taste better. Are you doing that in the lives of those around you? Let me leave you with one final verse which may be a good one to post on your television set. Psalm 101:3 which says "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me."

PRAYER: Father I know at times I go watch movies that may not be the best choices for helping me grow in the Lord. I do it because it is popular. Forgive me. Help me be more selective in what I choose to do for entertainment not worrying about what others think. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song of praise!
http://youtu.be/zASHA-9WhHY

WORK AS IF WORKING FOR THE LORD

Today our nation celebrates Labor Day usually bringing on the anticipation of cooler weather,football season, and back to school time. What is Labor Day really? The first Labor Day was 1882. It stemmed from a Central Labor Union wanting a holiday for their workers. It became a Federal holiday in 1894. People were to celebrate trade and labor organizations. Some places used to hold parades and speeches.

 As I think of Labor Day I think of work. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden by eating fruit God told them not to God had something to say in Genesis Chapter 3. It is too long to put here but basically God said to man " because you disobeyed me you will work the land all the days of your life". Take time and read Genesis 1 through 3 for a refresher. It has some good things in there we all need to remember.

 In society today in America, our government almost encourages laziness by increasing welfare and unemployment. People get to feeling entitled and thus become dependent and lazy expecting everything. They have no desire to do anything if the government and hard working tax payers are  doling it out to them. It says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "For even when we were with you we gave you this rule, if a man does not work he does not eat." Parents, it is good to start  teaching your young children responsibility so they do not grow up lazy and expecting someone else to do things for them . Their future spouses will thank you too. When you do work, do it with a smile and be thankful for your job. Colossians 3:23 says " Whatever you do do it with all our heart as if working for the Lord and not for man." Working brings a reward too to help you pay your bills and do fun things. Now stay at home moms out there, you are working too and yours is the most important job ever so never say "I am just a mom" and men show respect and love to those beautiful women who are raising your children. It is not easy. My husband even got me my own stay home mom business card several years ago when my children were small.

Genesis 2:2-3 is where the verse is giving us Sunday, the Sabbath, as a day of rest. When I was young, on this day no malls were open and mostly only an occasional gas station, movie theater, or restaurant were open. It was actually quite refreshing as I recall. One day of less hustle and bustle, giving workers a day of rest and time to worship the Lord too. You need to to refresh and renew. Honor that day.

Those retired among us, do not just drift away thinking you can play golf or sit in a rocking chair. If you are blessed with health and ability to get around go find a place to volunteer. There are many places who would be thrilled with your services. Stop saying you are too old.Keep working past that set retirement age if you feel like it. Who says you are too old?

Today stop and say thanks too for those critical employees such as doctors, nurses, medical staff, firefighters, police, and the military who do not have this day off. We appreciate what they do to keep us healthy, safe, and secure.

So today if you are blessed with a day off enjoy it. Regardless be sure to thank the Lord for your job and the blessing of work. Get up each day and say "I get to go to work today" instead of "I have to go to work today". See your job as a Mission field God has placed you in. Stay home moms that means you are ministering to those darling little children. Go now into your mission field being thankful each and every day.

 PRAYER: Lord thank you for jobs. Thank you for those who create jobs.thank you for the blessing of an income. Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to witness where you have placed me. In Jesus name.amen.
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GOD BLESS AMERICA...HOPE SO!

We in America are at a unique crossroads between liberty and tyranny. We have been blessed and given  freedoms from God,which our government, who works for us by the way, is trying to take away. Many have been lied to and deceived or because of endearment to their parents political party, even though naming the name of Jesus, can not see domination of the people right on our doorstep. It is happening in a very subtle way. Destroy the economy, make people dependent on the government, de-fund the finest military in the world and therefore lose the ability to wage war, allow Muslim extremists special rights and you have a mixture for disaster. Many feel we need to tolerate each other, don't pray if it offends others, and give away our money to those too lazy to work. They call it a nice word, 'fair' to make it seem alright. Tomorrow I will write about work it today I am writing to say we need to wake up. God is giving us another chance.

This is not about a person or a political party but is about Spiritual Warfare. Wouldn't the enemy, Satan, just love tearing apart the most free and God fearing country on earth? The answer is yes and he is in the process of attempting that right now. Satan and  his warfare are subtle and deceptive and that is why we need to be constantly on guard. Do not be so in love with a particular political party that if they go against God's word you do not run the other way.


1 Corinthians 16:3 says "Be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." Further  in 1 Peter 5:8 it reminds us "Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Satan is deceptive. He is not going to appear with a red suit, horns, and pitchfork but will work through those he has captured and lied to to trick more people. He hates prayer and the name of Jesus, I can assure you. He would like nothing better to get rid of everything Christian from our great land. Do not be mad at those working on his side but lift them up in  prayer.

I have something on my refrigerator at home from the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC which reads "First they came for the Socialists but I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist; Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist; Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a  Jew; Then they came for me and there was no one let to speak for me." Writing by Pastor Martin Niemoller.

Basically this is telling us to stop taking freedom for granted or feeling someone is a bit extreme thinking free speech is really threatened just because we have a Constitution and things such as that. Evil will not follow the rule book or the Constitution but it will steam roll and take over and only God  will be able to save us. The enemy likes it when folks do not take threats to our liberties seriously. He is a divider,liar and destroyer. It says that in John 10:10 "The thief does not come but to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly."

Galatians 5:1 says "it is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be entangled again in a yoke of bondage." 2nd Corinthians 3:17 reminds us "Now the Lord is a spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." I do not think it makes God happy when dictators act like God and lord over their people. God did not intend that. We have a Constitution and Bill of Rights that gives us freedoms too if only they are adhered to. Many are ignored by our current administration. The founding fathers intended for government to be limited and to answer to the people, not become bullies trying to dominate and divide us. But we skeptics in America have had it way too good and often do not even read our Bibles and pray. The creature comforts we enjoy often lure us away from God. We listen to people more than we do the voice of God our Saviour. We tune into the TV more than tuning into the voice of God. This is sad indeed. It says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that "If my people who are called my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land."

Are you willing to do that today? Can you really truly get serious about God and thank Him for the wonderful freedoms we enjoy? Loving Jesus is not saved just for Sunday. To be victorious you need to be connected to Him around the clock. This nation can be saved. It is not too late.

God Bless an America whose Government says marriage is just not between a man and woman and says it is okay to kill innocent unborn babies in the name of choice? Hmm. Blessings or cursing?

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The people he has called to His inheritance."

PRAYER: Lord I love freedom and I hate the enemy and how he is trying to trick people in order to destroy our wonderful nation. People buy into lies and then start trying to remove your name from our world. Lord Jesus I thank you that you are still in charge and on the throne. No mere man or government is greater than you. Thank you for saving us and protecting us and blessing us with freedom. Forgive me for not speaking up when liberty is threatened. In Jesus name. Amen.


Click on link for awesome song of praise.
http://youtu.be/KudssJKRBB0

RESTORATION NOT CONDEMNATION

 Are you perfect? Never ever messed up? Then if so no need to read any further. Most of us would admit we have done something stupid and not really holy at one time or another.The saying goes when you point your finger condemning someone or judging them, look out as your other fingers are left pointing back at you.

The good news is God allows second chances, third chances and even more chances to get it right. He wants you to restored, refreshed, renewed, and redeemed. Do not allow the lies of the enemy to defeat you making you feel you can not start over and get close to God. Even when human relationships fail us God is there. He loves you with an everlasting love.

1 Peter 5:10 is one of my favorite verses given to me during a hard time in my life and it says "After you have suffered a little while the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you." If that is not a verse of promise what is? 1 Corinthians 6:10-11 says "nor thieves,nor the greedy,nor drunkards, nor reviles,nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. But such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of God." Basically this verse is warning us to not be so high and mighty thinking we have 'arrived' but let's us know God can set us free and heal our brokenness.

Let me conclude with Psalm 107:20 which says "He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction."

 Do you need a touch from God today? He is only a prayer away.

 PRAYER: Lord thank you so much for the times you are there to pick me up when I fall and you set me back on the right path. I choose to believe you and not the lies of Satan. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song. Be blessed.
http://youtu.be/UzK5y5T5v64

LOST?

We all lose things don't we? Keys, drivers license, wallet, important papers. It is hard not to sometimes. There was a TV show on a couple years ago entitled simply 'Lost', about survivors from a plane crash trying to find their way back home out of a jungle. Hansel and Gretel were lost and dropped crumbs in hopes of finding their way back home. Losing things and being lost happens in life. We may get lost on a trip driving as we take a wrong turn. Even with a GPS or map it sometimes does not help. Sometimes we just can not find our way.

The Bible mentions the word lost  many times. There are lost coins, lost sheep, parable of lost son. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and  Saviour  or do you often times feel like you are wandering around with no purpose? In Jeremiah 50:6 it says "My people have been lost sheep, their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place." Have you let other more 'important' activities keep you away from the Lord? Are you wandering in the wilderness without turning to God to help you find your way?

The good news is you can find your way with Jesus and the word of God as your compass in life. Isaiah 53:6 says " we all like sheep have gone astray , each of us has turned to his own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

God can give you direction in life if only you will turn to him. It says in John 14:6 that "I am the way, the truth, yes and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."  Jesus can ChriDirection,direct your paths and keep you from being lost. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

There is no need to wander lost in life and have no direction. Jesus can be that true light to help you find your way out of the wilderness you am encounter in your journey. Turn to him for guidance.

Let me leave you with two of my favorite Bible verses found in Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

PRAYER: Lord thank you for guiding me along the path of life. I know when I turn to my own way without you I can make wrong turns in life. I want to use your word as my 'map' to guide me on my journey. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for awesome song of worship.

http://youtu.be/Jo8dgK4RvWM

BE A LIVING BREATHING SERMON

Do you show by your  actions that you love the Lord? I did not say do you have a fish on your car, a big cross around your neck, or a Jesus bumper sticker but do you truly show that you are a follower of Christ. All the Christian bumper stickers in the world won't amount to anything unless you show love to those around you.

Are you kind, generous, happy, respectful, grateful, unselfish, and loving? I did not ask if your went to a certain church or were a member of a church but can you get outside your 'Holy  huddle' and show Jesus' love to those maybe who make you feel uncomfortable or who are not just like you?  Can you stop judging, condemning, and pointing the finger long enough to pray for those people who maybe aren't like you or who do not like you?Can you forgive?

Matthew 5:46 says "If you love those who love you what reward  will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"  Are you able to show love for those who may be different than you let's say covered with tattoos or body piercing as one example. Remember the Bible says in Matthew 7:1 " Judge not that you be not judged." Have you ever been guilty  of saying "I can not stand her" or " he makes me sick?"  Aren't comments such as those a bit on the unloving, unkind, and unchristian side? I would think so. Do you think Jesus sat around with His disciples and said "He makes me sick" or "I can't stand him?" Probably not. Sure he was displeased with actions but not by the people.

Do you realize you reap what you sow? It says that in Galatians 6:7. Look it up in the New Testament right after the four gospels, Acts, Romans, and 1st and 2nd Corinthians there are the books you can find by saying the acronym 'Gentiles Eat Pork Chops' or 'General Electric Power Company' which are Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Each of those small,but valuable books of the Bible, is packed with so much wisdom. Why not take about 30 minutes and read them all one day.

Let me leave you with this. Once I heard someone say "You may be the only Bible some people ever read."  This simply means that some people who are 'unchurched' or could care less about 'religious' things may see you and you can reflect the love of Jesus. But if you are complaining, calling people names, gossiping and not showing joy you are not a good example for Him. Just some food for thought for your day. Be blessed to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Lord I choose to walk in a manner that brings glory to you and helps show Christian love and is a good witness Convict me if I ever start to name call or gripe and help me instead learn to sing praises. Forgive me for ever speaking ugly about anyone. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song of praise.
http://youtu.be/qrOywJnLj7Y

Note: Dated my devotion wrong yesterday. It should have been Wednesday 29 August 2012. Maybe no one noticed but I caught it too late.

DOWN IN THE DUMPS??TRY GOD.

There are probably times when all of us have had a down kind of day. Circumstances in life, illnesses, and various problems can tend to get our focus off positive things and onto gloom and doom. In many cases a person who is unable to escape from this may need to seek professional help. But many times we are just not focused on happy or positive things. Dwelling on the past has got to stop. Give your worries over to the Lord. If you think about it, much of what you worry about you have no control over anyway so why not get in the practice of being a Bible dweller and not a worry pit dweller.

 Probably everyone has had that kind of day. If things are not going like you want in life and you pray you may wonder why God has not heard. All I know is to stay above the pity pits and gloominess a person has to make a purposeful effort to stay focused on the promises in God's word. It is the enemy, Satan, who wants you to feel all alone and hurt. Don't give the devil a foothold in your life. Stay above the gloom by focusing on God. Read the verses below out loud and see if you do not feel better.

Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible with God.
Romans 8:28 And we know all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares on God for He cares for you.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in time of trouble.
Psalm 27:10 Even  if my father and mother forsake me, you Lord hold me close.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Psalm 56:4  In God whose word I trust. I will not be afraid what mortal man can do to me.

When you have this feeling coming on you don't just run and sit in front of the TV as it may add to the despair by what you view on it. Try reading some of the verses above out loud and then spending some time talking to God. It is the best cure I know.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for your word that gives me hope,freedom,strength,and guidance. I love your word Lord and I know the times I find myself gloomy I need to fix my eyes and thoughts on the promises in your word. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/0ZFN8TBfgNU