Say What?

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8

Do you ever open your mouth at inappropriate times and say the wrong thing? Maybe you are trying to extend comfort and it backfires. Sometimes we may say things that seem appropriate but to the receiver they come out all wrong. Words can be taken the right way or totally be misunderstood. With our computer generation it is easy to be have things misinterpreted on emails and texts. 

Our mouth can certainly be our downfall. With it we can bless people or turn around and beat them down with words. We can cause joy or pain. It is so important for us to be careful what we say and if in doubt to not utter certain things. 

When you go about your day today try to bless people and not cause them pain. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I desire to not stumble with my words. It is a battle. Guide me as I speak to make up my mind to only bless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Undercover Christian

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

Occasionally I enjoy watching the television show 'Undercover Boss' and especially when the boss reveals his true identity at the end of each show. How would we each do as an undercover Christian? Maybe some of us act like that now where we don't want people to know. We are not supposed to be living two lives and have one foot in the world and one in church.

If Jesus popped in would you be proud of your actions, what you just said, or how you treat others? Would you have to switch television channels or hide some of your reading materials? This does not mean we need to be street preachers, but we should be ready to answer someone if they ask what is the reason for our hope and joy.

Every opportunity you have why not share God's love just by a simple smile and let God do the rest.

PRAYER: Help me not hide my light under a bushel but shine for you wherever I go each and every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Like

Not JUST Anything!

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

I'm just a mom. I just write devotions. I just volunteer. I'm just a garbage collector.  I'm just a grandma. And on it goes. That little word 'just' can sure tend to belittle a person's status in life. The word 'just' makes a person feel they are not worthy, or perhaps ashamed, of where they are in life. Maybe it is because we are comparing ourselves to someone else, which is a big no no. The enemy can sure make us dwell on it if we allow him to. I know he has dealt me a blow or two. God is bigger than all that. We have to rise above that and embrace where God has allowed us to be.

Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability, as a representative of Christ. We aren't to compare ourselves or bring condemnation upon ourselves. Think about it. Satan would love to make a stay home mom feel she is wasting her degree. All those negative thoughts do not originate with God! Now is the time to stop dwelling on the word 'just' and instead say "I am blessed to do___________.

Right now thank the Lord for whatever it is you do and wherever it is you are be it a mom or a corporate executive. Then bloom where you are planted.

PRAYER: I want to thank you Lord for where I am and what I do. I know you have a perfect plan for me whether I think it perfect or not. Shine through me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Jesus Trucks

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. John 12:9

My husband and I like to watch the Food Network. There was a show one time talking about the rise in popularity of food trucks in populated urban areas. I remember when we were in New York City a few years ago seeing the variety of food trucks up and down city streets. In Tulsa where my sister lives there is a section downtown where they are popular. And here in the Huntsville, Alabama area it is starting to catch on.

As exciting and different that food trucks are, imagine if there could be 'Jesus Trucks' going up and down the street and giving people spiritual food. Would folks flock to them and get as excited as they do about regular food? It just struck me one day. Maybe they could pass out Bibles and offer prayer. But would people be excited?

Are you excited about Jesus? Is He first place in your life? If not why not ask Him to be Lord of your life today.

PRAYER: My Jesus I love you. Often I have let something else be more important than you. Forgive me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

If you do not know what food trucks are take a peek at this link below I have included for info only.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-great-food-truck-race.html

Forget About It!

Hatred stirs old quarrels, but love overlooks insults. Proverbs 10:12

 Have you ever been hurt verbally by a friend or family member? I have and it is painful. Sometimes you just want to keep talking about it and trying to figure things out when in actuality that only makes things worse. God is in control and you can not change someone's heart or feelings towards you.

Maybe try praying for the person who has hurt you. They may not even be aware of it. None of us are perfect but when you are verbally beat up, your human nature says, "talk this out" when in fact it may be best to let it go, pray,and let God intervene.

Your job is to move on, stay in God's word, and forgive. Learn the best response may be no response at all.

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus it hurts when someone beats up on you with their words and you just take it. Father help me to not get angry but help me Lord to pray for those who have hurt me, some unknowingly. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Frogs In A Pot

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. Psalm 101:3

There is an illustration I have heard about being desensitized to evil and sin. It is frogs in a pot of water on the stove. Gradually the heat is increased and the frogs have no idea they are being cooked alive.

With sin it is like that too.  Take our entertainment industry. When I was growing up most everything on television was okay for all ages. It was happy, pure, and often taught valuable life lessons. Those in our generation today, even Christians, are exposed to raunchy stuff in the name of entertainment, often subtly, till they are 'cooked' or desensitized to evil and right versus wrong. There are still good people in Hollywood but Satan would sure like to control it totally.

What we need to do is maybe say, "Would I turn this on or go to this movie if Jesus were here?" Remember to pray for not just actors but those who make decisions about shows and even advertisers that support some stuff. Pray that this country and the world can return to moral purity and teach your children to make wise choices. 

 PRAYER: Father at times I have been guilty of watching something that is bad or just drags me down. Give me discernment to either turn off television or select wholesome shows. Convict me clearly of what is good and evil. In Jesus ' name. Amen.

Check out the following ministry which ministers to those in the entertainment industry in California and New York.

Www.mastermediaintl.org

Labor On!

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Work is considered by some to be a curse. Many are in jobs they do not like and can't wait till retirement. But work is a blessing if you think about it. Instead of getting up and dreading to go I heard someone say we should have the attitude "I get to go to work" and be like the Seven Dwarfs in Snow White and sing "Hi ho, Hi ho, It's off to work I go" and out the door you would go happily. Labor Day first became a US Holiday in 1896. It is a joy to get to work. A blessing. This is a means for you to provide for your family and receive blessings. It is not to be dreaded. In the United States virtually the door is wide open to be anyone you want to be if you try hard enough. 

One of my favorite Bible verses about our attitude about work is found in Colossians 3:23.It says "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." Whatever and whoever you work for whether you like your job or not, work as a servant of the Lord. Be His representative. Be His hands and feet. Don't be a complainer. Many people out of work would gladly take your job. Shine for Jesus just where he has placed you. Maybe dear moms that place is in the home and your job is to raise those precious babies and children to grow up to be leaders and good citizens so do not  feel you have to be in the work force to make a difference. 

Man is not intended to just sit around and let others give hand outs to him according to the verse above in 2 Thessalonians. So work hard because it is a blessing. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord thank you for the blessing of being able to work. Help me Lord be able to always go in with the right attitude and know I am your light in a dark world. In Jesus' name. Amen.