BE THANKFUL AND SAY SO!

Do you consider yourself a thankful person? Does your heart overflow with gratitude? If not it is possible to develop this trait. Do you write thank you notes? Do you thank God for the answer to prayer and praise and thank Him for each and every day He gives you? Thankfulness is a great habit to cultivate. Do not take things for granted ever.

2 Timothy 3:1-7(NIV) says 'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires.' Don't succumb to these "last day" predictions. You don't have to go far without bumping into someone that fits this category. Some of them might be people you are close to. Don't be their Holy Spirit but allow God to bring conviction. It works much better.

Do you have a special person in your life you are thankful for? Each and every day try to show kindness and thanks as you never know how many days you will still have breath. Even if you do not feel like thanking and praising do it anyway. Before you realize it you will start feeling more joyful.

"What do you have you to be thankful for" you may say? Food, clothing, shelter, friends, family, and much much more. Focus on goodness of people and you will have little time to take things for granted.

Just as I have done with other topics I am going to list a few verses of thanks for you to read.

Psalm 69:30(NAS) 'I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with Thanksgiving.'

Psalm 100:4(RSV) 'Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.'

Colossians 3:15(NAS) 'And let the peace of Christ rule in your heats and be thankful.'

1 Corinthians 1:4(NIV) 'I always think God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.'

Are you able to be thankful today and every day? Satan, of course, does not want you praising God or being in an attitude of thanks because he is out to take you down and make you miserable. You are bought with the blood of Jesus so remind Satan of that next time he tries to get your focus off God and onto defeat and ungratefulness.

PRAYER: This is the day Lord you have made. A rejoicing for another day of life to serve you and be a light in the world you have put me in. I will not allow attacks of the enemy to cause me to be whining all the time. I have much to give thanks for. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a wonderful song:

http://youtu.be/ZI6585ekuhg

GROUND HOG WRONG BUT GOD ALWAYS RIGHT

Isn't it funny how in February many people rely on a groundhog to predict the weather future? The animal "tea leaves" of sort for meteorologists and others fascinated in predictions. Guess what? This year people wanted to sue "Punxsutawney Phil" for making a mistake.

We can place our trust in so many things other than God. Fortune tellers, Farmers' Almanac, and horoscopes and anything but the Bible. Only God knows the true future. No human can tell you exactly what is going to happen.

Proverbs 27:1(NIV) reminds us 'Do not boast about tomorrow for we do not know what a day will bring.' We need to trust God who holds the future.

Similarly one day Jesus will return and no one can predict that although many have tried. Mark 13:32(NIV) says 'But about the day or the hour no one knows , not even the angels in heaven nor the Son but only the Father.'

Who do you believe?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that you know all things and we need not fear as you have things under control. Help me trust in your wisdom found in the Bible and not predictions made by man. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TROUBLED?

 What is troubling you today? Many times we may be overwhelmed by problems or potential problems and can not seem to let our wandering thoughts go. This is where it is critical to practice mind discipline. By this I mean focusing your thoughts intentionally on "things above".

The verse I have written about numerous times in my devotions is Philippians 4:8(NIV) 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 there be anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on those things.' Make no mistake about it. Wrong thinking can mess up your life. Dwelling on fear,worry, and all the "what if's" of life can make you crazy if you let it. It is your choice. Read and do what God's word, The Bible, says to or be miserable and let Satan take control of your thoughts.

Perhaps fear of world problems has a grip on you. Maybe it is a situation with a family member you wonder will it ever end. It could be you are concerned about your job and can not stop worrying about what you will do if you lose it. Maybe an upcoming medical report or procedure has you concerned. There are many things that could occupy your thought life to get your mind off of God and onto constant turmoil.

You can not have peace if you can not give these up. You have to try. Guess what? God can help with that. You have to make up your mind you will put Him first and get into the word of God.It is your "peace and joy" manual of sorts. It is your guidebook for going through life on this earth.

Psalm 32:7(NIV) says 'You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.' Speaking of songs, one of the reasons I frequently include a song with my devotion is because when you are singing praises to God above it is hard to be flustered. Praising God is an awesome prescription for having a good thought life.

Why not begin today to truly let God have your troubles? What is stopping you?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being our burden bearer. Nothing I can humanly do will bring peace. Only you Lord bring lasting peace. I cast off the works of darkness that are trying to get me to give up and worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click the following link and lift up your hands and praise God:

http://youtu.be/HzNsEBPB-Z8

WHAT IS FIRST? FACEBOOK OR HIS BOOK?

 

Be honest for a moment. When you get up each day and get ready what is more important to you? Do you check your Facebook and see what all your friends and family are doing or do you sit down with a cup of coffee and pick up the Bible and strengthen your spirit with God's word? The 'world' tries to distract you with the things that are not that important in the big scheme of things. Is the morning show going to help you more or is the Bible? Will seeing everyone's pictures on Facebook make your day any better? The things that are most important have to be prioritized. I am not trying to guilt you into not relaxing and enjoying a few worldly pleasures but trying to get you to think for a moment where you spend your time and what you put first.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there your heart will be also'. Meditate on that scripture for just a moment. Is Jesus your passion or just a passing thought? Do you look forward to spending time with Him each day or would you rather get up and turn on the morning news?

You may have been all excited about God and Jesus this past Sunday on Easter but guess what? Jesus is more than just an "Easter thing". For someone who names the name of Jesus He should be your way of life and a "habit". He is part of your going out and your coming in. He is mighty to save and ready to help you through all of lifes ups and downs. It is not just about church on Sunday but it should be a way of life.

Stop and ask yourself if you need more of Jesus in your life.Only you can answer this question. Do you want more of Jesus in your life or is Sunday enough?

Your assignment today is to read the first chapter of the book of John in the New Testament. After you have done this ask God to give you a passion for His word and getting to know Him better. He can and will transform your life if you ask Him to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I need you in my life each and every day. I can not do life without you in it as an active part. At times I have let other things become more important and squeeze you out. Forgive me Lord. I run to you now and ask you to help transform me into your image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and tune your heart into Jesus:

http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ

GODLY ENCOUNTERS

 A good prayer to pray for yourself before you head out the door each day would be "Lord use me in someones life today to make a difference." I have to admit my intentions are good but sometimes I forget to pray that. When you do pray this be prepared for whatever encounter you may have. I have had some memorable ones throughout the years.

Last Friday as I wrote in a local coffee shop, a man came in who seemed to be slightly mentally challenged. He struck up a conversation with me and I thought he was saying "I am having an Alabama omelet" when in fact he said "who are you for,.Alabama or Auburn?" Ha ha. Get the hearing aids out Becky. Anyway it was only a brief encounter but I was nice and smiled. You never know how your kindness will affect someone.

There have been times when I felt disturbed by distractions or interruptions when I was trying to get my writing done and then realized "hey Becky you represent Jesus and represent Him to the world around you so be careful and do not repel people."

There may be all sorts of people who need a touch of Jesus' love out there in a gesture as simple as a smile. We all can smile I assume. When you go about your day be open to opportunities to shine Jesus' light out in to the "dark" world around you.

Keep alert throughout your day for how you are a witness for Jesus. If you have a Christian sticker on your car better not be speeding. Perhaps you wear a huge cross around your neck. Then make sure you represent Christ well.

Matthew 5:16(NASB) says 'Let your light shine before men in such a way, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Are you prepared for your Godly encounter?

PRAYER: Lord each day I know there are opportunities to shine your light and express love to those who I come into contact with. I am in a mission field wherever it is you have placed me. There is no need to travel to Africa as hurting needy people are right on my doorstep so to speak. Open my eyes to ways I can shine your light in the world I am in. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHO IS THE FOOL NOW?

 Are you a foolish person? Do you know what pleases God but go your own way and do your "own thing"? When I think of a fool the picture of the joker in a deck of cards comes to mind. I do not know about you but I do not want to look like or be like a "joker" or a "fool".

Yesterday's devotion dealt with not being foolish. There are so many scriptures relating to this. Foolish people are easily deceived by Satan. Someone who knows the truth but compromises their values because they have let Satan infiltrate their mind could be classified as foolish. The enemy loves foolish people as they are easily led astray.

Psalms 14:1(KJV) says 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt. They have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.'
At one time or another we have all probably acted in a foolish fashion. The thing is, we recognize our error and turn from it asking God to help us be wise. Being wise in our own eyes without the Lord's help is utterly foolish.

Do not be foolish. Make time for God and the reading of the Bible each day. Don't just wait till Easter or Christmas to "get religion" but make it your lifestyle. Psalm 10:4(NIV) says 'In his pride the wicked man does not seek him, in all his thoughts there is no room for God.'

Do you have time for God? Would you rather be considered wise or foolish amongst your family and peers? I know my answer and I for one need God to help me daily lead a life pleasing to Him. Do not let your life be controlled by the "lies" of Satan but walk in wisdom letting Jesus be your Lord and savior.
PRAYER: Today Lord I seek your face. I thank you for helping me to stay on the path of wisdom and not the path of a foolish person. Help me remember to pray daily and read your word to get rid of any possibility of a foolish spirit residing inside of me. You are my Lord and I choose daily to hear your voice and walk with you.In Jesus' name. Amen.

TODAY DON'T BE A FOOL!

Easter has come and gone for another year. It is probably by far my favorite Christian holiday. It is a grand and glorious time of Jesus coming back to life just as he promised He would.

The holiday trailing Easter,unfortunately, has to be April Fool's Day but what better way to transition into talking about how foolish people are for not trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus loves you so very much and that is no fooling! He does not want you to be foolish.

Many places in scripture it speaks of man being foolish or a fool for going against God. Here are just a sampling of some of them.

Proverbs 12:15(NIV) The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Matthew 7:28(NIV) But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

Luke 12:20(NLT) But God said to him, "You fool you will die this very night then who will get all the things you worked for?"

Psalm 14:1The fool says in their heart, there is no God, they are corrupt, they have done abominable works. There is none that does good.
 

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
 

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
 

There are something like 65 verses referring to fools. Do you want to be thought of as a fool or a wise and obedient child of God? Fools are often stubborn and deceived by lies from the pit of hell to try to get them to stray from God's side to Satan's side. Which side are you leaning towards today?

PRAYER: Lord I do not want to be a fool for straying from the path of truth and righteousness. I know Satan will "bait" many traps to try to capture me. Help me be wise, not foolish, to his schemes. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and worship the Lord:
http://youtu.be/kVuK_eos8dM