Prayer Is For Nutty Idiotic People? Says Who?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Do you ever feel that you are paddling up stream? You pray but things don't quite turn out the way you hoped. Nay sayers say "why bother." 

Recently I had what some would call an accidental encounter on text messaging with a stranger who had a number that used to be assigned to a Christian prayer sister of mine in Colorado. I texted a prayer request and this atheist who received it let me have it. I was called stupid, unthinking, idiot and a couple cuss words. Wow kind of sounds like Jesus being beat up in a way. 

I saw this not as an accident but as an opportunity to plant a seed for Christ. I did not get angry or spit bad ugly things. I said something to this individual I had heard the pastor say on Easter Sunday and that was "Earth is as close as you will ever get to heaven." The individual responded berating me again. I stood firm and told them not to email again unless I could tell them how to ask Jesus into their heart. Do you believe God is real or are you like this individual who thought Christians were loony? Jesus is the way and the only way. 

What do you need to do to believe or if you already believe what can you do to spread this belief to others? 

PRAYER: Lord when I pray to be used by You like I have many times recently, help me be ready for what you bring my way. I know you can strengthen me to say and do the right thing.in Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, Monday

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Each day is a gift from God whether it is Sunday or any other day. Yes even Monday's! Somehow people may think Monday is to be dreaded. That 'engine' of ours has to somehow get 'restarted' in order to function at the first part of the week. If anything is going to go wrong it is bound to happen on Monday or so we think. I had a Monday recently where after completing my gym workout and was getting dressed to go to a prayer group, discovered my blouse fresh from the cleaners, was  minus all four buttons. It was not my desire to show myself off to the world wearing a plunging neck line throughout the day. This could have wrecked my day but a friend loaned me a tee shirt to wear.

We can choose to make a day bad or good. It is all in the attitude we have. Of course Satan wants you getting up sad,depressed, angry,anxious, and upset. God wants you to look at each new day, and it's troubles as an opportunity. Yes even the way you react to a problem can be a witness, good or bad,to those your encounter throughout your day. 

Think about all your have to be thankful for. Try to start each new day and say thanks when you get out of bed. Then make time for God in your morning before the morning shows, newspaper, or other things like Facebook, that could easily lure you away. After all what is more important? 

PRAYER: I am so thankful for each day you give me to impact the world around me. Help me learn to be patient with others and to show kindness. Keep my speech and thoughts pure. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Coffee Time

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Recently when I was at one of my favorite local writing caves(coffee shops) which just happens to be Christian, the tune 'Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing' was coming over the PA system. What a joy to hear that song and to really soak in the true meaning of what this song was saying. 

Here I was having time to write when many people had no choice but to go to work. Yes I felt blessed indeed. Not to say that work is not a blessing because God has each of us where we are to serve Him and to hopefully do it joyfully. Take time and do this exercise today. Make a list of your blessings. Food, clothing, shelter, friends, money, a Bible to read, freedom, good health, family, mobility, vision,hearing, and on the list goes. Each person is unique so the lists would be different. 

When you tend to want to complain about your 'lot' in life stop and count your blessings naming them one by one. Then indeed you will see what the Lord has done. 

PRAYER: Lord I do indeed thank and praise you for how you watch over me and have me right where you want me. Forgive me for ever complaining or comparing myself to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Forest Fire

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

My country, the United States of America, has its' share of forest fires, especially out West. These fires sometimes are caused by lightening strikes but often times by a careless person not putting out a campfire or throwing a cigarette butt on ground. Never the less the fires are destructive to property and lives.

Our words are like forest fires. It is critical to be very careful what we say. A misspoken word can wreak havoc and even break up relationships. I am sure I have had burning 'embers' that may have started a small blaze a few times. If we are honest, probably we all have. It is essential to be very wise in the use of our words. Words can build up but can also tear down and destroy.

Are there any 'forest fires' in your own life you need to throw the water of love and grace on before the turn into a raging blaze?

PRAYER: Help me Lord be wise in the use of the words that come out of my mouth. Also help me with my thought life to show love and not be dragging people down even in my thoughts. Help the words I say only bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What Kind Of Friend Are You?

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Friends are very important. To be a friend you need to be friendly. Sometimes friends can disappoint us. We are not to put our total trust in them. Guess who is our very best friend? Jesus. That is right. He will not unfriend you ever. He can be trusted. He is not moody or fickle. He puts you first. He understands your heartbreaks and pains. Too bad earthly friends are not fail proof like our savior. Indeed the old hymn 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' is so true.

Who is your best friend? Is it Jesus? I tried to teach our sons through the acronym J.O.Y. that Jesus was first, others second, and themselves last. This sort of slaps the worlds' view in the face. Look out for number one. Go for the gusto! For a believer there should be no question that Jesus is your best friend and should be the one you keep a daily morning appointment with before dashing out the door.

If you remember to think more highly of others right after Jesus of course, you will be a much better friend, and have a fulfilled life. Start setting up that appointment with your best friend each day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for being there when the world seemingly has run out. When hurts come you are there in the midst of them. I choose to make you my best friend. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hope and Healing For Your Hurting Soul

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

 It is difficult to make it through a lifetime without experiencing emotional pain. Some I know have had to endure more than their fair share. I am sure you have heard that trials and struggles make you stronger and indeed in a strange way that is how it works. Our pain and suffering often helps us down the road to help others going through their own battles. But why?

All I can say is God is on the throne and even though He did not cause all the calamities we blame Him for, He uses all things to work out for good. Don't tell that to a grieving mother, but it is still true. How do you think Mary felt seeing her son Jesus being whipped, spit on, beaten, and crucified? We as children of God need to know that Jesus knows our pain. Run to Him my friend.

Above all never ever stop praying, believing, or hoping. Our God indeed is a miracle working God even today.

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus sometimes I feel like I can't breathe due to emotions getting me down. I choose to stay lifted up knowing you Lord are my hope. You have been and always will be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise to lift your spirit. 

https://youtu.be/R3yCod-IfjY

Easter Is Over. Now What?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

Hopefully most of you reading this today made it to church on Easter Sunday. Traditionally this is the day many unchurched people come out of the woodwork and make their way to worship somewhere. Others even if they are believers may get lazy and make excuses that church will be too crowded that day so they will stay home. Even some believers just really have not made God a priority and have other idols in their lives that have taken them away from worshipping each weekend or even making time daily for Him.

The minister where I attended church on Easter made a profound statement to close his message. Chris Hodges, Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, Alabama,  said the following: "For a believer Earth is as close as you will ever get to Hell. For a non believer Earth is as close to Heaven as you will ever get." Think about those statements for a while. 

Do you love the Lord? If not why not? And if you say you do and someone were to arrest you would there be enough evidence to convict you of loving the Lord? Are you sold out to Him? 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray today for those reading this who may not love you very much. I pray you will help the things of the world not capture them and drag them away from spending time with you. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear those things you want to teach me as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.