This Means You!

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

Do any of these scenarios describe you? Gossiping about someone to include an "innocent" sharing prayer request. Maybe speaking unkindly of in-laws or other family members.  Neighbors bothering you and you chatter away about it. Co workers are irritating the heck out of you and you continue to jabber on. Forming opinions of others without knowing their situation. Treating certain people better than others. Being rude to telemarketers. 

When you claim to be a Christian it entails a huge responsibility and that is trying to act like one when people are looking or when they are not. You may be the only Christian in your office for instance so then you should be kind and set a good example. If you have a hard time dealing with certain personalities then pray about it and pray for them regardless. We never know what people are going through or have been through that makes the way they are.

Try the best you can to not allow any unwholesome word come from your mouth. (See Ephesians 4:29). Sometimes God has us certain places for a reason. Ask Him what he wants you to learn and ask Him to use you just where you are.

PRAYER: You have a plan for my life Lord. I am not perfect so forgive me when I put others down and don't show love. Help me be more Christlike. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Extreme.....Yes I Am, For Righteousness!

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. Proverbs 14:34

The political spectrum often times runs into the Christian spectrum. Our lives are not to be separate where godly is one way we live and then the other days believe and think whatever we like. Sad to say, the world we reside in, at least here in America, is getting less and less Christian friendly. Deeply held convictions often label us as 'extreme' when in fact we are simply following the word of God and what the Bible commands and teaches. If the word of God is 'extreme' then so be it, there are millions of extremists.

Evil has crept in and Satan has blinded many minds within and outside of the Christian church community. What we have to do is to stand firm as we are in a spiritual battle for our very souls.  Everything you do or believe should be weighed by what the word of God says. It does not change, to suit a lifestyle or belief held by society. We are at war with the devil. The enemy loves to come in and divide people groups too. Maybe one friend might believe a certain political stand on abortion being okay and you take the stand it is killing a life God created. Once again the enemy is at work dividing the body of Christ. 

In the days God has given you to live I urge you to constantly be in prayer. If you do not spend time with Him by reading his word on a regular basis then it is going to be hard to believe the truth. Indeed my friend, the truth will set you free! America and the world need a revival! 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for my Bible. I need to read it daily and study it. Forgive me when I have neglected it, my quiet time, or Sunday fellowship and pursued my own selfish desires. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

You Can Do It!

 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Is there some task you have wanted to try or some goal in mind that you want to do? For example, I used to say I wanted to run a marathon by my 50th birthday but I did not make that goal. I have set other goals to make and worked towards them. Let's say you know you need to lose weight and start being better disciplined in exercise. With God's help and your willingness to do your part, you can set your mind on making this a reality.

Discipline is a thing we need to develop in our spiritual life as well. Not just the lofty goal we often hear of reading the the Bible, although that is admirable, but say of studying each and every day and insuring you are growing your spirit and learning the truths in the Bible. The enemy would love to steal your time. He will make you feel you are "too busy" for taking time in the morning for a prayer or Bible time. He will make the things of Christ seem unimportant on Sunday. Anything Satan can do to clutter your mind and keep it distracted he will do. God is yearning for time with you. Quick question. Do you give time alone with God as much time as Facebook or social media or a hobby? Ouch.

Pray and ask God to examine your heart and bring conviction of the areas you know you need to change to truly make Him first in your life. Don't just say it but live it!

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus there have been many times I have done my own thing or said I was too busy for my quiet time. I know that is only Satan trying to get me off the course you want me to be on. I pray for those in my family he has tricked as well. I pray blinders come off and once again we can all hunger and thirst for righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Tock Is Clicking

For he says, in the time of my favor I heard you and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of Gods'  favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Made you look with that title huh? A little play on words to remind us our 'clock is ticking' each and every day. We never know when we will breathe our last breath. If we could choose the way we want to die it may be just sleeping in bed, at age 95, as long as we're still in good health and not on feeding tubes. We do not  get to choose the way we die. And we do not know when. We need to be ready at all times as the Lord could come back anytime it says in the Bible.

Just because you are a church member, baptized, or a certain denomination does not guarantee you admission into the heavenly kingdom. Make sure you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and savior. Now is the time of salvation. Don't be left behind.

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus we know and we feel the last days are near because of prophecies being fulfilled but yet no one knows the day or the hour. I want to be sure when it is time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Random Act of Friendly

 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I believe it was inside a rental car bus at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport  where I saw the sign that is the same as my title asking customers to reward drivers who were observed doing a random act of friendly.  What a novel idea!  We have all heard of random acts of kindness so what about a random act of friendly, just because. Look for ways to help or make people smile.

Many people around us are suffering and may not even show it. Physically, monetarily, emotionally the hurts are there but often times hidden. Pray and ask God to send someone for you to help. Even as much as opening a door for a young mom with her children in tow. Maybe give someone a couple dollars who is fumbling for their money at a check out line and did not have quite enough for the bill. Many elderly people are often lonely so maybe write a letter, an actual paper letter,  to a senior you may know who is all alone. It might be a parent.

 As you go about your day forget about yourself and your own troubles for a while and see how you feel helping someone else.

 PRAYER: Lord your mercies are new every morning. You bless us so help me bless and show kindness to others without wanting anything in return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your Choice...Worrier or Warrior!

Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Your situation may never change. Your children may never stop doing dangerous things. You are going to die someday. Everyone will. You can enjoy flying without gripping the arm rests. You may get sick, people do.

Please know when you worry you make yourself into an ineffective prayer warrior. Pray, trust, believe, then let it go. Your fretting and anguish will not bring you closer to God or change anything. Many worriers out there need to understand  when you worry you make Satan very thrilled. Don't keep saying "I'm just a worrier" and go through life stressed and anxious. Learn to practice letting go of a situation knowing that by you worrying as it says in scripture in Matthew 6:27, "you can not add an hour to life."

Wake up each day and look at yourself in the mirror and say "I am not going to allow Satan to make me ineffective for you. I trust you God and will NOT worry" then walk away and let it go. If you have been a constant worrier as your daily routine this may take a while to get this new habit.

I have a son who flies planes for a living and another son and daughter in law who enjoy rock climbing.  I do not wake up and fret all day. I am excited for them that they are doing what they enjoy.

Start your day and truly let God have your situation. Turn on some praise music and think of the song 'I Surrender All' then do just that.

 PRAYER: You are always with me. You care for my needs and walk with me each day. I need your strength to trust you and stop trying to constantly be on edge. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link for this song I mentioned above:

http://youtu.be/xultsXJpwl8

Building Blocks of Love

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. 1 Corinthians 13:4

I love to go to Christian weddings. Typically 1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter the man and woman have chosen to have the minister, priest, or judge read from. It is filled with so many good things. If only the couple will leave the wedding ceremony and make that chapter come alive in their lives on a daily basis and not forget it at the wedding altar. If both parties routinely did what it said, it may put divorce lawyers out of business. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Love is not about trying to get your own way. Love puts the other person first. So many do this when they are newlyweds but then in some cases complacency sets in. This type of love  is the foundational building block in a solid marriage. Also  life in general takes putting others above yourself. 

Are your building blocks of love solid or in need of repair?  God can help you show this kind of love to those you find hard to love whether married or single.

PRAYER: The word love is often overused or misused.  I want to love with your love Jesus, no matter what. This means putting up with those who I do not agree with and trying to be merciful to all. Give me your strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.