DO LOVE JESUS AND DO HATE SIN

If you happen to have children, no matter what their age, there is a prayer that can be prayed for them. Pray that they love the things Jesus loves and hate the things He hates. Jesus loves the sinner but hates the sin. In this world we have many opportunities to fall into sin and the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. That is why it is essential that if you claim to know the Lord to stay rooted and grounded in the word of God. Pray this same prayer for yourself saying "Lord help my heart be broken by what breaks yours. Convict me of my sin."

Lately many seem to be writing their own rules for sin. A certain part of the Bible rubs you the wrong way then simply ignore it. For instance in the Bible it clearly states marriage is between one man and one woman and yet many, some even in Christian circles, choose to believe otherwise, and do not seek to learn the truth or be set free if they are caught in Satan's deceptive trap.

Others who claim to love the Lord may see nothing wrong with killing innocent babies in the mother's wombs in the name of "choice". What about the babies choice? Isn't it God's creation you are snuffing out? Killing a baby is not health care or a choice. It is murder!

We are told to not lust yet how many regularly attend movies with half naked women which insight lust? We are to use pure speech but once again the type of entertainment you may regularly choose to attend may take the Lord's name in vain or spew forth cursing like you would never repeat or should not repeat.

The thing is, we can not lead a "double agent" life for the Lord. Is what you are doing Holy? Really truly ask yourself that. Do not be so deceived by the lies Satan throws out that you can not clearly see right from wrong and good from evil. Satan is a master at warping minds and deceiving the masses. Would you be ashamed if the Lord were to walk in on your activity? Think about that because guess what? He is with you all the time. Sin is sin, there is no compromise. But there is forgiveness and redemption. There is a saying 'the ground is level at the foot of the cross' meaning no matter how vile the sin God has not classified them into a "sin scale".

Luke 10:27(NIV) reminds us' Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.' When you love someone you seek to please them and bring joy to them? Does your life bring joy or sorrow to our Lord?

Today if you know you are caught in a trap of deception that Satan has laid out for you stop right now and call out to Jesus. He is there to set you free.

PRAYER: Lord God forgive me for secret sins and those not so secret. Help me to learn to run the race to win and casting off works of darkness. Help me to not think to myself, 'I am not so bad'. Father I choose this day to truly seek to lead a life that pleases you and to not judge others. That is our job. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of redemption and freedom.
http://youtu.be/-08YZF87OBQ

DO YOU FEEL MERRY?

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! There are many people out there who feel like saying 'No, No, No, go away Christmas!' Perhaps because of the commercialization of this time of celebrating the Lord's birth many become distraught. When merchants start to bombard us with TV ads and store displays as early as August, it can wear on us. Many tend to overspend and become in debt only for a gift that someone "has to have". Maybe you feel you "have to" do certain things expected of you. Because of this you run yourself ragged and just can not wait for this time of year to fade away and put everything back to normal in the new year. So where is this "peace on Earth' as you do not feel any of it.

Why not take this time of year to attempt to really be '"Merry" in the Lord. Start new traditions but do not take on so much you are too wiped out to enjoy the birthday of Jesus. There is nothing you "have to do." Your first priority is to relax and to celebrate the birthday of the King of kings and Lord of lords. If you are too worn out making everything "just so" it is quite possible you will be too frazzled to enjoy this season. Take a lesson from Martha and Mary. (See Luke 10:38-42).

Try this. Get up each day and say thank you to Jesus for another day He has given you. You do not have to have a Christmas activity planned each and every day. If you are a family with children try to make the emphasis "Jesus and giving" and not "Santa and getting."

Let this Christmas season be filled with peace, joy, giving, loving, kindness, and shining for Jesus in your daily life and you will truly feel "Merry".

John 1:1-11 says 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.'

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your birthday we get to celebrate. Forgive us when we have put too much emphasis on candy canes, Santa, snowmen, and toys and not enough on you. For it is your birthday after all. In Jesus' name Amen.

Click on link below to worship and praise God in song.

http://youtu.be/zQWXfHzOKUU

MESSED UP? YOU'RE FIRED! (NOT)

Who hasn't made mistakes in their life? We all have. Sometimes the thing you do might possibly be a sin against God. Guess what? God doesn't say 'you're fired' but instead He allows you grace and mercy. He forgives you. It says in Psalm 103:12(NIV) 'As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our sins from us.' Isn't that terrific news? 'But wait, I really messed up and think there is no hope' you may say. God is the God of hope and second chances. He loves you with an everlasting love. When bad stuff in life happens He does indeed care for you. He is your best friend if only you would let Him be. Often times, when awful stuff happens and you fear for your future, you might be tempted to run to friends and just get mad at your situation instead of seeking God and praying.

In 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) we are reminded 'And that is what some of you were but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.' Again more wonderful news! Psalm 56:4(NASB) reminds us also that 'In God whose word I praise, In God who I have put my trust, I will not be afraid what mere men can do to me.' I love that, mere men! God is greater and more powerful than any mere man. He is sovereign over all. Remember that.

Even if you have something terrible happen it does not mean it is the end of the world. Now mind you, those reading this who have lost a child or loved one may say there is no way to go on, but God does indeed want us to go on. He has plans and purposes for all things and if you run to Him he will see you through whatever storm or trial in life you are in the midst of.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being with me in good times and in not so good times. Sometimes I do not understand why awful stuff has to happen but help me Lord to lean on you and not listen to the lies the enemy puts in my head trying to get me angry at you. You are a God of mercy and truth and I thank you for the many ways you have blessed my life in good times and in bad. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and praise God in song:

http://youtu.be/9xPzTSpbYmk

GOD IS GREAT! GOD IS GOOD!

Most people probably are familiar with the children's mealtime prayer which says ' God is Great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.' Let's pause for a moment and focus on the goodness of God. Instead of your worries, concerns and fears stop what you are doing and just think about how good God really is. He is awesome, powerful, mighty and in control. He is sovereign. He is Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. He loves us. He gave His only son that we might have life. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is gracious and full of compassion. His love never fails. He is our strength when we are weak.

Instead of being all caught up in the day ahead of you, which is probably getting more hectic as Christmas gets closer, just take time out today and think on God. Get your Bible and turn to Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4 and read them simply because this is the fourth of December and it is a good way to do your Bible reading sometimes when you do not know where to start.

Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. Praise be to God!

Psalm 31:19(ESV) says 'Oh how abundant is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind.'

PRAYER: Thank you for your goodness to me Lord sometimes when I really do not deserve it. You have blessed me so very much. I stop today to say thank you and give you praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song to lift you up and start your day.

http://youtu.be/gn5CMSSAx_c

LOOK AHEAD, NOT BACK

 The idea for this title came to me while driving about 5 p.m. one weekday. I realized just how important it was to not look behind me but to keep my eyes focused on the traffic particularly in the high traffic times of the start and end of the work day. If you live in a major city you have true rush hour but here where I am we have lots of cars on the road but nothing like a huge city rush hour. It is important when you drive in lots of heavy traffic that you keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and pay attention always looking ahead down the road for hazards. If you start being distracted by your rear view mirror the traffic could, in fact, suddenly stop and you will more than likely crash into the vehicle ahead of you.

In life too, we need to look ahead and not behind. The past is gone and can not be resurrected. You can learn from the mistakes you have made and confess sins you may have committed, but after that you are to move on and let it go and focus on the here and now and the future. Constantly clinging to the past is not going to bring it back. It is gone, period!

Let's say you can not forget some sin you committed in your life even though you confessed it and God forgave you but Satan keeps trying to torment you with it. Talk out loud to Satan and say 'Satan I will not believe your lies. God has redeemed me and set me free to lead a life pleasing to Him so in the name of Jesus be gone' then move on. After all there is a verse in Psalm 103:12(NIV) that reminds me 'as far as the East is from the West so far has He removed our transgressions from us.'
You might recall the story about Lot's wife in Genesis 19:18-26 where the family was fleeing the evils of the city of Sodom before God destroyed it. God had commanded them to not look back. Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Not listening to and obeying God then sure had dire consequences. It is tempting to maybe turn around but forget it and keep looking ahead. Charge on!

The Army used to sing a Jody call for marching in formation and maybe it is still used and it went something like this: 'Ain't no use in looking down, there's no discharge on the ground. One two three four, one two give me some more.' Looking down and looking back indicate perhaps a lack of peace about the future or wanting to stay way you are.

Can you look straight ahead and keep your eye on the prize, that being living a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ and throwing off the weights of sin along the way that cling to you and try to drag you down? Keep your eyes on the future. God has good things in store!

Philippians 3:14(NIV) says 'I press on toward the goal, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.'

PRAYER: I thank you so much that in Christ I have a future and a hope. I need not cling to the past and worry over things that can not be changed. Help me Lord as I press on for the prize of eternal life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

KEEP SETTING GOALS

There have been times when I have heard people over 60 say 'I would like to work but I will never get hired as I am too old." Excuse me, but age is a state of mind. If you talk like that if you happen to be 60 or over you will convince yourself you are washed up and no use to anyone in society. You can always keep learning, keep growing, keep reaching for a dream or a goal no matter what age you happen to be as long as there are not health limitations. I have met workers in stores who are into the empty nest years having fun rediscovering themselves, setting goals, and starting a new adventure or hobby. In my travels I have met flight attendants who took the job after the children had grown and left home. There have been inventors and authors who got ideas later in life. Satan would love you to believe this lie as then he can get you sitting in a rocker not using your creative abilities. God can and will always use you!

Someone over 60 should not be ashamed of their age. They have many experiences in life and much to contribute to the world around them. If not a paid job then they can volunteer. It is not just the young that are important but the "young at heart" as well. So no more excuses. Keep setting goals and looking to contribute to society around you in a positive way.

The Foundation For a Better Life has the greatest billboards. Check out their website at www.values.com. These superb series of billboards bring hope and encouragement to a discouraged world. Our world could always use a good dose of hope. Our hope as believers is in Lord Jesus Christ, not a government or a mere individual.One of the billboards showed a 97 year old woman and the caption was something like 'Oldest Graduate', Perseverance, Pass it On.'

There is a verse in Psalm 92:14 (TLB) which says 'Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.' My friend, set your mind on good things and 'God things' and prepare to have an outstanding journey in life. Do not listen to the worldly voices around you saying fifty is old. That is nutty in my humble opinion. And stay home moms out there, your job is vitally important and should not be demeaned as saying 'they just stay at home'. You are contributing to the formation of the future of that wonderful blessing God has given you. Hold your head up high and be thankful you get to stay home and raise your children.

From here on out just remember that whatever you do you are working for the Lord. he has created you for His purposes. Shine for Him no matter what your age.

PRAYER: I am grateful Lord for the life you have given me. Thank you for where you have placed me. Help me not to ever be discouraged and know whatever my age I am important to you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

I'M SO HUNGRY!

 How many of you have probably uttered this phrase? If you are in America reading this(recently discovered I had some overseas readers) you probably have never really been truly 'starved'. We are blessed with an abundance of food much of which we eat way too much of and gain weight or it ends up in the dumpster. We never really are needy like some people in Third World nations. There are soup kitchens here in America though but no one eating porridge with their fingers out of a bowl that I hear of. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Those blessings really do flow and we are oh so grateful for three meals a day, snacks, expensive coffee drinks, and more.

A different kind of hunger is for the word of God. Once again in America, a Christian nation, Bibles can be found in abundance but how many people really get into the word of God on a daily basis? If you do not read it and study it you are starving yourself spiritually. What good does a bathtub and bar of soap do if you do not get in it, turn on the water, and bathe? Likewise, what good is your Bible if it is not read? Many Bibles are wonderful dust collectors.

There is a saying I heard once that 'going into a church won't make you into a Christian any more than going into a garage will make you into a car.' You have to study. Would you want a surgeon to operate on you unless he studied his medical school books and completed his five year residency?

The word is referred to as "milk" and as "meat". God is called the "bread of life" in John 6:35. Just like a human baby needs to eventually be weaned off the baby bottle or their mothers' breast, we too, need to grow up and become spiritually mature and eat "meat" and things that will help us grow and get stronger. 1 Corinthians 3:2(NIV) says 'I gave you milk, not solid food, for you weren't yet ready for it. Indeed you are still not ready.' Hebrews 5:12(NIV) also carries this theme when it says 'in fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.You need milk, or solid food!'

Do you hunger for the word of God? A time may come in this country when evil forces rise up and try to take away our Freedom of Religion. It has started to happen to a certain extent on a small scale across the United States. Don't be deceived and think I am making this up as I am not.Laws have been made that contradict the Bible, sad but true. Would you have much of God's word hidden in your heart if one day your Bibles were confiscated?

Start today to feed the inner man the word of God daily so you have strength to face the challenges life brings your way. You can indeed be strong in the Lord if you get prepared by knowing His word.

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.' (Matthew 5:6)

PRAYER: Lord you are so wonderful,patient, and kind. I often times find myself getting caught up in life and or forgetting you till Sunday for one hour. I know I cannot stay spiritually strong unless I pick up and read my Bible. Help me not make excuses any more. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link to hear a worship song which goes along with this devotion.

http://youtu.be/2SLHWFpSlq4

Also check out this great Christian family film concerning Freedom of Religion in America.Movie is Last Ounce of Courage.

http://www.standusa.com/last-ounce-of-courage/