Club Member Or Fully Alive?

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me. John 15:4

Are you experiencing the fullness of Christ in your life? Do you get up daily and yearn for a quiet time to know Him better? Often times this goes on the back burner of a person's' life as more 'important pressing' duties crowd it out. Busyness is one of Satan's best tools. There are many who may assume because they attend church one day a week or are in a certain denomination that is all they need do to be part of the 'club' so to speak. 

Jesus is more than Sunday. He is also Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. To stay close to Him and resist the onslaught of lies swirling around us daily,  it is necessary to stay anchored to the Holy Bible. Not as a good luck charm or coffee table decoration. This most important book is a Christian's most valuable tool and guidebook. If it is not opened you have no power to defeat the enemy nor are you aware of his schemes. 

Instead of just being a club member or having a Christian sticker on your car, why not make it a point in 2016 to get closer to Him than ever before!

PRAYER:  It is easy to make excuses as to why I don't read my Bible more. Forgive me Lord. I know it is Satan who wants me defeated and powerless. I refuse to allow that. I purpose in 2016 to do what I need to grow in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hell Is No Joke!

A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2

Today in 2016 in the United States we have let culture define what is right and wrong and a lawless government has approved things that are against the word of God. Some within the church are starting to cave in to things like same sex marriage for instance. We have a rule book called the Bible and it does not change with the times. Clearly Satan is at work overtime deceiving even those who should know better.

If a person dare to speak out against a people group then they are labeled hateful. In Proverbs 14:12 it says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Inside of everyone that little voice called a conscience lets you know what is right or wrong. Sometimes because of 'feelings' the wrong is embraced despite knowing better. 

Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." One sin is not the 'big one'. We must all be on guard for our enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion it says in 1 Peter 5:8, seeking who he will destroy. Deceit is subtle and it catches many off guard. Stand firm and stay in God's word for there only is truth. 

PRAYER: Be with those people caught up in sins that mankind has said are perfectly okay. Help the truth set thousands free who are in bondage to demonic spirits who have captivated them. May we show Christian love to those who are deceived and never be caught up in self righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Help For Those Who Are Sinking

"I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!"   Jonah 2:6

Do you ever feel that you are sinking in quick sand and can't get out? I am speaking of of course emotionally not physically. Problems seem to overwhelm you and you sense there is no way out. You may even be clinically depressed and not realize it.

There is good news. It is the enemy of our souls Satan who brings about these feelings of hopelessness, despair, anguish, and defeat. You are a victor in Christ if you have asked Him to be Lord of your life. Problems in life do not have to overwhelm you. Romans 7:25 says "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." At the time you are going through something you do feel helpless but that is why it is necessary to praise God even through the storms of life. They will end and there will be a rainbow. 

1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Can you praise the name of Jesus today and thank Him ahead of time for the victory you will have?

PRAYER: Thank you for being my rescuer in times I feel like I am sinking in the issues of life. I know those feelings are not of you and I choose to look up and not into the pit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Patience Is A Good Thing

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Everyone is probably breathing a sigh of relief that Christmas is behind them. So much hustle and bustle on this day that is supposed to bring peace on Earth and good will to men. A true exercise in patience during the Christmas season is to go to your local post office four days prior and have only one clerk working and a line nearly out the door. I saw frazzled nerves and people turning around and leaving. 

Patience is defined as forbearance, tolerance and strength. There is always the standing joke that says to not pray for patience or you will undergo trials. Patience is needed in every aspect of our lives. We wait for food at a restaurant. Wait to hear about a job application. Wait on grades. Wait in line at the store or DMV. You get the point. Not having patience is bound to wreak havoc in your life. It causes anger,high blood pressure, and ill will. 

Why not purpose in your heart you will not be impatient and try to relax when you hate to play the waiting game. You and others around you will better for it. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to calm down and learn to not let lines frustrate me. Give me your super natural peace to handle each situation that comes my way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Aromas Galore!

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Recently I was in one of my favorite places to do my writing during the breakfast hour and the aroma of bacon was so delightful. I wanted to order an entire plate full but I resisted. A sweet smell attracts others and for hungry people the smell of bacon or any food is wonderful. 

As a believer we are to be like the 'aroma' of Christ or when people see us they should be drawn from not repelled away from the savior who we represent. Are we delightful to be around or do we act 'religious' and scare people away? Are you blooming for Christ wherever you are planted whether it is in a place where you might be the only believer? Do you hold your tongue when you are outnumbered or get into arguments over  Christian things? Do you show the love of Christ even when you do not agree with someone and their stand on something? After all it says in the word that "kindness lead to repentance"(Romans 2:4).

Ask God to help you in being like a sweet smelling aroma and having people attracted to the life you lead rather than want to hold their nose.

PRAYER: There have been times I have not smelled like the aroma of Christ and I want to be able to be your witness. Help me as I seek to guard my heart and share Jesus' love even when someone opposes the Christian message. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Further reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-13 to see what it says about the last days. 

Our Power Source

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

When I go to a coffee shop to do my writing I am always on the lookout for a power outlet. Sometimes they are hard to locate and if my battery is on low power I may not be able to stay very long. I need a source of electricity to keep my computer fully charged. 

As a believer I need more than just Sunday for one hour to stay fully powered for the Lord. If you think you can get by on one hour then you have much to learn. Being a Christian  means more than having a 'country club' membership. Many people know deep down they should get closer to God or maybe they don't. The second category squeaks by with very low power all week long.

To get powered up and charged for the Lord you have to spend time with Him. You do this by setting aside daily time to get into the word of God. Not just Christian TV or radio but actually opening up the Bible and reading. It is through reading you become to develop a Christlike character and are able to recognize and thwart the attacks of our enemy Satan. Do you plan to stay connected?

PRAYER: Often times I get too busy or simply make excuses for why I do not have a daily quiet  time. There is really no excuse so forgive me. Help me recognize the enemy trying to get me into a complacent mode and defeat him by opening up the Bible and reading it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

On The Sidelines Or In The Game?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Happy New Year! Today is traditionally the day for Rose Parade(I am there in person this year😃), Rose Bowl game, traditional food such as pork and kraut in our family, and making New Years resolutions.  Football though,  seems to overshadow it all. Even a non football fanatic family like mine watches the Rose Bowl game.

The theme of football lead me to ask the all important question in life and that is "are you sitting on God's sideline or are you in the game?" Sideline sitters are important parts of the team but get little action unless the primary 'star' gets worn out or injured. The sidelines of a Christian life would be living a ho hum existence. Maybe too into 'religion' and denominations and not so much into Christ. Maybe you feel the sidelines is just fine and will keep you from being too fanatical. Guess what? I am proud to be a team player and fanatic for the Lord. How about you? 

Are you content remaining on the sidelines or do you want more of Jesus in your life? 

PRAYER: I want more of you in my life. I know Satan is the nasty culprit who tries to keep me down and make me believe the lies of this modern culture. I choose to stay on the team. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: Click link to begin 2016 with a worship song.

http://youtu.be/FrCDh3wizQk