1, 2, 3 .....BREATHE

Do you ever catch yourself just getting out of control and rushed or hyper? Things may not be going your way. Maybe you are stuck in traffic and are late getting somewhere. You could be at the grocery store behind someone with 100 coupons to redeem(seriously). Could be your Internet connection is too slow for your liking. Let's say you are in line at a "fast food" drive thru which is anything but fast. Regardless of your situation these are opportunities to learn patience. One, two, three, now breathe. It does not pay to raise your blood pressure over minor inconveniences of life. 

Patience. What a virtue to work towards. Having patience will help life in general go much smoother and cause lots less headaches. Do you consider yourself a patient person or do the scenarios above describe you? 

Proverbs 14:29(NIV) says 'A patient man has great understanding but a quick tempered man observes folly.' When impatience starts rearing its' ugly head it can create angry words and even fights. Best to ask God to help you overlook some things. You will be better off for it in the long run. 

PRAYER: it is my desire to go through my life with patience. Seems at times it is very difficult to do this. I need your help Lord to conquer the urge to get rushed and do things stupid. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

WHO HATES WHO ANYWAY?

The word "hate" is being thrown around lots today in political circles and sometimes "religious" circles. If you speak out against something you do not believe in such as homosexuals getting married then you are classified by some as one who hates. If you speak out against the new healthcare law because of how it was rammed down our throats then some say you are hateful and do not care that all people should get medical care. If you think a business owner has the right to hire who he or she wants and yet a transgender or cross dressing individual applies for a job and are not hired them obviously you must hate them.

First of all HATE is a very strong word. People who hold a certain opinion and express it are not people who hate unless they say the word hate. Hate means hate. Webster's describes it as "intense hostility". A person of faith who holds the Bible to be the infallible word of God and simply expresses an opinion is not a hater. We disagree, that is all.

Hatred is often followed by acts of anger and rage. We as believers are on the defensive today all over the world. Some can openly express their religious beliefs and in the United States the First Amendment has guaranteed it. Right now that is not the case when lawmakers refuse to abide by it.

Christians need to stand up and be heard in the public square. There is a saying that "evil triumphs when good men do nothing."(Sir Edmund Burke) Deceptive spirits are causing people to believe lies. Scripture is being changed to suit the needs of the time. The Bible is not to be changed. Hebrews 13:8(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes and forever."

1 Peter 5:8(ASV) says 'Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' Whose voice are you listening to?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be protected from deceptive spirits that try to get me to believe the lies of the enemy. Lord Jesus help me be diligent to show myself approved as a workmen that does not need to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth as it says in 2 Timothy 2:15(NIV). Lord help me to show your true love to all I meet. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LESS THAN HONEST

 

Lately in our news we have heard the terms thrown around "less than honest", "not 100% truthful" or "misspoke " in regards to the public not being told the whole truth in regards to the new healthcare law. These terms sugarcoat the sin of lying. A lie, is a lie, is a lie. You can say to make it sound better " less than honest" but it is still a lie. Satan is the original liar and Father of lies it says in John 8:44.

Lying or being "less than honest" seems to have been made acceptable in our modern world. It is not more acceptable to God. You can be forgiven for being a liar if you sincerely repent and turn from this sin. Yes folks "being less than honest" is in fact a sin.

The Bible has much to say about lying. The first place most people run into it is in the Ten Commandments in Exodus Chapter 20 verse 16. In Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV) it says 'There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness we who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.'

Revelation 21:8(ASV) is pretty clear when it says 'But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.' A lake of fire. Ouch. No my friend, lying is wrong. If this is your habit ask God to help you purge it from your life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be truthful in all areas of my life. I do not want to stretch the truth, tell "white lies" or any thing that is not true. The truth is what you want. I clearly know from your word what happens to those who make it a practice to lie and I ask you to forgive me of any time I have been "less than truthful" which is lying. Help our leaders who take an oath on the Bible start to take it seriously. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL!

 I believe it was the late maestro and television star Lawrence Welk, who many in my generation probably remember on television, would often say in his familiar accent "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful" when referring to the music of his orchestra or the voices of the talented singers on his show. You don't find a decent show like his on anymore except in re-runs.
 I loved when he said it because it made you feel good. Life is wonderful. Many going through trials, hardships, tribulations and hurting right now may not agree with me. Truly though we have much to say "wonderful, wonderful, wonderful" about if you would take time from complaining, worrying, and busyness to stop and think on that a while.
 Get a piece of paper and make a list of all the wonderful things in your life. Things you can give God thanks for. It could even bad things that led you into good things.
1 Thessalonians 5:18(NIV) reminds us 'give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' This verse means what it says, ALL circumstances. Can you do that?
Psalm 139:14(NIV) says 'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful.I know that full well.' Right now stop what you are doing and think on the wonders of God. It will do you good.
 PRAYER: This earth and all that is in it is wonderful Lord. You indeed have given us much more than we deserve. Just watching wildlife and plants bloom I am in awe of your creation. Seeing a newborn baby and knowing how you knit it together in the mother's womb. What a miracle indeed. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"CHURCH" HOME OR CHRIST VALUED HOME?

What type of legacy are you leaving when it comes to your walk with the Lord in your own home? Is Christ really important and the center or do you just say that He is? Is church all you do?

Maybe your passion is Jesus but no one else's is. One thing you do not want to do is try to be "Holy Spirit junior" a phrase coined by Bible teacher Joyce Meyer. "Shoving Jesus down someone's throat" is sure to backfire. You have to pray and leave the results to God.

You may be blessed to be in a home where you can really tell the Lord takes center stage. If so rejoice. Then again you may yearn for your husband to be the spiritual leader and grow in Christ but have not experienced that yet. Keep praying and do not bring it up just leave it to God. Never compare to others as know one really knows the whole story of what it is really like at a person's home who appears righteous on the surface.

There is a verse I love in the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 6:6-7(ESV) says ' And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.' Teach your children the importance of quiet time and reading God's word. Make it common place in your home.

What do you treasure? What do you value? What will people say about you when you are gone? Matthew 6:21 says 'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'

PRAYER: Today I choose to start on the right track if I have not already making your truly first place in my life. Keep me from self righteousness as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SPRING AHEAD, FALL BACK

 Not only is it that time we Americans in most states change our clocks but also the time we as believers need to remember to "spring ahead" into new opportunities and "fall back" out of the old ones holding you back from having a closer walk with the Lord. Similar to the new year when resolutions are made this could be a time to drop off old bad habits, or fall out of them, and spring into a new you and new promises and hopes.

What in your life do you need to let go of or what new things do you need to embrace? What a perfect opportunity to do this. As you "wind back" your clock "wind back" problems in your life. Give them to God and let them go. What is it you have been meaning to do? Why not spring ahead and go for it?

Isaiah 43:18(ESV) says 'Remember not the former things nor consider the things of old.'

Wouldn't you like a fresh start? Commit starting NOW to repent of sins holding you back and trust God to make new brand new. He restores, forgives, redeems, and sets free so why not let Him?

PRAYER: Wow Lord I get an opportunity to let things go. I can remember as I set my clock back tonight to set forth on a new journey with you allowing you to make all things new. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR WORDS...WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT YOU?

Our mouth can sure get us into much trouble if we are not cautious. It is so easy to speak without thinking how our words will affect the listener. Words can build up or they can tear down. They can create chaos or bring peace. That is probably why so much is said in God's word about our mouth, our tongue, and the words we utter. Sometimes we just need to stop and slow down and not be so in a hurry to talk.
Are you careful what you say? Once a word is spoken it can not be taken back. How many of us have probably said " Oh I wish I had not said that?"

Here are a few Bible verses about what we say to maybe help you on your journey to get control of the tongue.
Ecclesiastes 5:2(NIV) ' Do not be quick with your mouth. Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on Earth, so let your words be few.'

Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 'Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.'

James 3:2(NIV) 'We all stumble in many ways.Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.'

Proverbs 13:3 (NIV) 'Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but tho who speak rashly will come to ruin.'

Make it a point today and every day to ask God to help you and guide you with the words you say to make sure they are pleasant and encouraging to those who hear.

PRAYER: Each day is a challenge to be able to think before I speak Lord. Whether to friends, family, or perfect strangers help me to be honorable with my mouth and not let it cause pain to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.