Spring Forward

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

Unless you live in a tropical or desert environment then you are looking forward to the beginning of spring. Today is the day in The United States we set ours clocks ahead at midnight or 'spring forward'. Newness, freshness, flowers just around the corner, spring rain. So much to look forward to. New beginnings. 

Now I like snow but who doesn't anticipate the daffodils popping  up from the soil or seeing a robin's egg in a nest? The sight of new ducklings swimming in a pond with their parents is also a nice spring treat. Freshness, newness. It is wonderful. A time also to get rid of junk in the attic and junk in your life as well. Treat yourself to a fresh start by purposing in your heart you will let go of habits or people that don't get you closer to Jesus.

 Move on for spring with a fresh transformed new you. Only you can make yourself 'spring forward'.

PRAYER: Thank you for signs of spring and the newness it brings. Guide me as I seek to do new things in my life as well to get me closer to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Kind, Rewind

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 1 Peter 3:8

Those of us old enough to remember video tapes probably also remember the sticker on most of the tapes rented that simply stated "Be Kind Rewind". Unlike the DVD's of today's generation, a tape had to be wound back to the front of the movie and if you were considerate you would kindly do this for the customer who would rent the videotape after you. 

Kindness and courtesy are pretty valuable character traits. Parents need to teach love, kindness, courtesy, and respect so the little ones under their charge learn how to treat others. My generation even learned it in school. Kindness is a trait we should never outgrow and always practice. Whether it is to the telemarketer who interrupts your supper or the person who cuts in front of you in line or cuts you off on the road. Blow it off and forget about it. Married couples need to treat each other with kindness. If everyone did this divorces may end. 

So wherever you go today try to be kind. Ask God to help you if you feel like spouting off. Try to think of gestures of kindness such as returning your shopping cart, throwing away your popcorn bag at theater, and returning products to the proper place in a store. Do something unexpected and kind for your spouse too. Have a blessed day!

PRAYER: I love to try to be kind. When I don't feel up to it give me your strength to carry on. In Jesus' name. Amen.

And Then 911 Happened

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you  for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what He has done.Psalm 9:9-11

2001 was a defining year in the history of our free republic called The United States of America. Almost everyone alive then over 5 years old can remember where they were when the World Trade Center twin towers were taken down by two commercial jets flown by Islamic terrorists. Another  plane flew into the Pentagon taking about 135 lives and yet another was crashed by passengers over Pennsylvania, who were able to get into the cockpit before the plane possibly went for the US Capitol or White House.That was a defining day that changed the way we do business in America. At first loyalty, prayer, and patriotism abounded but as years went by the American flags flying on cars were replaced by favorite football team flags. Flags on porches came down and were put away. Where did the patriotism go? Where did prayer and worshipping God go? How soon we forget. 

When tragedy strikes, be it a national disaster such as this which claimed the lives of thousands of citizens of the United States and other countries as well, most of us lean on God. Maybe He was not there initially in your life but you find yourself crying out to Him. Many say where was He during 911? He was still there. I can not answer why nearly 3,000 persons of all nationalities and faiths lost their lives that day but I do know it certainly brought unity. Many times good does come out of bad. 

Wherever you are today, be it in the United States or another country, know that God is watching over His people. He is a good God and He does not like evil. He will rule and reign when all is said and done so do not turn your back on Him.

PRAYER: Give me ears to hear the needs of others and the ability to reach out to the lost,confused,sad, grieving, and hurting. Help us keep our eyes open to evil and be discerning of the tricks of our enemy Satan, who does not like freedom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Man's Law Versus Bible

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Who do you listen to, man or God? By God I mean the word of God. Seems as though in our world today many people want to make up their own rules for morality, purity, evil or good. There is only one way to do things and it is found in the word of God. You have to read it and not change what it says. 

Recently a mega box office smash 'romantic' movie, was released in theaters on Valentines' Day. This movie had the wrong view of sex and as I hear was filled with it. I am not judging you or condemning you if you caved in an went to it because of the media hype, but we are to be different, not like the world. There is not much on the three main television networks in prime time or at the cinema that is wholesome anymore either. You almost have to have satellite or cable to watch anything pure. I am not innocent. A Christian friend and I went to a suspense thriller once that ended up making us blush. We should have both left but we did not. 

We have a choice, God's way or the world's way. If you're a believer, try to have the mind of Christ. I am pretty sure Christ does not like going to movies or sitting through 'entertaining' television filled with sex, nudity, and violence. The truth has been perverted in our world and we see so much garbage it sometimes is hard to discern as we become desensitized to right and wrong. Rule of thumb, do what pleases and brings glory to God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus forgive me for the times I have allowed wrong images and words to enter my brain. I know that I am supposed to be a representative of you and I want to stay pure and holy. Guide me and convict me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Throw Off Works of Darkness

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

We are in a battle of good and evil. The enemy has put us in a mind game. When you hear the word 'darkness' you may say "I don't read horoscopes, play the Ouija board, or go to fortune tellers." Those are obvious forms of darkness even though I have met believers who follow their horoscopes. Only God knows the future, not an astrologer. 

So darkness could be simply opening up the door to the enemy by your choice of reading material or what music you listen to. It can also be through programs you choose to watch on television or at the movies or even live plays you go to. The enemy is sinister and will try to make darkness appear okay. How else would he capture so many innocent victims?

We have to be on our guard because the Satan prowls around trying to destroy us. It says that in God's word too. Ask God to reveal to you any areas of your life that border on leading you from Him and get them out of your life. Keep your heart and mind pure and holy. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to 'walk' a walk pleasing to you. Alert me to any dangers lying in my path that could throw me off course. I look to you for my strength and the enemy has no power over me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:

http://youtu.be/AtzNecqxeSI

Martha's Manna circa 1982-84

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Back in the 'olden days' before personal and desk top computers there was something called a typewriter. To get info to people you typed a letter and put it in an envelope with a postage stamp and took it to the post office. No instant emails. No tweets. No texts. There may have been faxes. I was in a ladies Bible study at Fort Rucker, Alabama and a older woman named Martha was also in it. She put out a monthly Christian newsletter entitled 'Martha's Manna' which I enjoyed receiving each month in the mail. She also put little books called 'My Little Pocket Book of God' or something like that, in children's birthday cards. I assume that she passed away but  I sadly lost contact with her after moving from Alabama to Arizona in 1984.

When I write my daily email devotion, which is also a Facebook page and a blog, I think of her. I referred to her as an 'older woman' but it looks like I may be fitting into that category too at least to those who are 50 or younger. The Bible says the older woman are to teach the younger(See Titus 2:3-5).  Martha had a passion for the word of God and getting the truth into the hands of others. I too consider what I do as my passion. This is the 'manna' I am passing on to my reader's not for Becky's glory but to serve the Lord and hopefully reach the lost or hurting. This is not for the baby Christian or non Christians, as one person thought my writing was geared to, but it is intended for ALL people, believers or non believers.

Do you hunger for God's word, the 'bread of Life, daily? If not perhaps you need a spiritual renewal to bring about a desire and hunger for God in your life. He is waiting to serve you up the best manna ever. Why not taste and see that the Lord is good!?

PRAYER: I love your word Lord. There was a time when I took it for granted. I do not anymore. I thank you I live where I can openly have my Bible. I know religious persecution goes on throughout the world and it is starting here in America. I cherish your word and will stand up for what is right to keep it. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

Click link below for a song of worship:

http://youtu.be/RcWMLZdS4rE

God Is Not Mocked

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8

My husband and I were out having lunch after church one day and at the counter of this one restaurant was a young couple. The female was wearing a shirt that had '666' on the back. It was obvious what this was. Whether she intended it or not we all know that this number represents the anti Christ. I felt truly sorry for this girl. She was either blatantly sticking her nose out at God or thought it was cute. 

Many people do their own thing without thought of consequences. Going along with the crowd is not always the best answer. Also doing what is popular in the world may not be right in the eyes of God. The world and its' temporary pleasures can lead to a path of death and destruction. If you are in the world doing your own thing it is my hope you are counteracting life with feeding on God's word or going to a Bible preaching church where truth is taught. 

As the verse above indicates, 'God will NOT be mocked,' and indeed he will not. If a little voice deep down inside is telling you to leave your questionable ways and run back to God, do it! 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for owning a Bible and knowing it contains the truth. It doesn't change as much as people try to re interpret it. Guide anyone reading this who may be struggling with right and wrong to follow hard after God. In Jesus' name. Amen.