Jesus To The World

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to Angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

The scenario was a stormy dark morning as I drove into Redstone Arsenal. As I proceeded down the road towards the post, before arriving at the security gate I saw a man in baggy pants, unkept hair, carrying plastic bags. He was covered up by a hoody. Not sure his story but I felt so terrible as I drove past him all dry in my nice car. There is a safety issue for a woman alone approaching a strange man so I drove on by like most others.

After this occurrence I said to myself, how many of us daily pass by people who are truly down and out? We all have seen those posted at interstate exits holding the sign saying they need money for food and in many cases those people are doing it fraudulently. But if deep inside your spirit is speaking to you to help someone as long as it is not at risk to your own safety do it.

 Bible teacher Joyce Meyer often says to maybe buy some gift cards and have them ready just in case you have the opportunity to be a blessing to someone. We never know if it is going to be us needing help someday. You really never do know if the person maybe is an angel in disguise. Just something to think about.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for blessing me. I am rich in the eyes of many. Help me be attune to any persons crossing my path who may need a kind word, some cash, or some other form of help. The best help I can be is to be Jesus to them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What's In A Name?

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

Shine, Shepherd, Boost, Goforth, and Light are just a few of the last names of friends who have what I call 'inspirational' last names. 'Shine' for Jesus. 'Shepherd' the flock of God. Knowing God gives us a 'Boost'. 'Goforth' and preach. Jesus is the 'Light' of the world. Surnames or last names used to be given by a persons trade such as Smith, Miller, Cooper, Boatwright, and I am sure you can easily think of more. I just find it very interesting. Also spellings changed too as probably folks could not spell or things were written wrong. My maiden name has various variations of Juett, Jewett,and Jouette. 

Often times parents name their babies Christian names for the meaning behind them. Our two sons are Matthew and Jonathan. Matthew means 'Gift of God' and Jonathan means 'God has given'. Special babies deserve special names.  We are all God's children too. Some of us accept Him and other reject Him. Christian parents desire is that their children love and serve Jesus.

Have you named the name of Jesus? Is He Lord of your life and does He hold first place in your life daily or just when you feel like it? If you know you need to turn from evil and turn back to God do it today. Also if you are just sort of Ho hum about your walk with Him why not reflect on why and turn back to Him as well. He is the name above all other names by which men are saved. Call His name today!

PRAYER: Today, not tomorrow, I need to decide I am all in for you and not just on Sunday. Use me in the lives of those around me to draw them to you. Search my heart and get rid of anything Lord that is making me believe lies of the enemy. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Stop Tailgating Me!

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

There are things in life that could be a pet peeve or just drive you nuts. Sometimes it may be  to the point you could lose your God given peace and joy and get mad. One of mine, which I seemed to have gotten victory over, is those vehicles who like to get right on your bumper and tailgate. I just do not want to get rear ended. My husband says to focus in front of me and  ignore this person. 

Is there some thing you need to ignore that is driving you crazy? An irritating co worker. Rude store clerk. Inconsiderate drivers. Whatever it is, our aim as a believer is to be Christlike in all situations. Some times it may take a few tests and trials to get you to have victory in a certain area.  

If you claim to know the Lord,  you then,  are His ambassador here while He has given you breath on this Earth. Part of your job is to represent Him well. I heard a saying once that said "if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you" and that is something to really give some thought to. So what behavior do you need to ignore today and who do you need to pray to have more patience with?

PRAYER: Each day Lord we face things where we are challenged as a believer how to respond. I know I am to respond in love, humility, and with grace. Use me in the lives of those around me to share your love and help calm me when I feel irritated. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Supremes

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

Recently conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin G. Scalia passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79. All of a sudden this tragic and sad event sent the country into a whirlwind. Who would our president suggest to fill this vacated seat long the pivotal vote in Constitutional issues and morality? Fear set in. Talks of blocking any appointment until after the 2016 elections were held. 

These 9 people, 'The Supremes' as I will call them, not even elected, but appointed and approved through the Senate, hold so much of our fate in the balance. Sometimes they rule on things they have no business ruling on. If the court works correctly all is well, but when it gets radical and forgets God and the Constitution then we are in trouble. We tend to become fearful and think life as we know it is over. Newsflash! You need not fret. Read that verse above again. 

Isaiah 33:22 which says "The Lord is our judge, the Lord if our lawgiver, the Lord is our king, it is he who will save us" was used in setting up government to make the three branches. Our nation was indeed founded on God and using the Bible. Forces of evil have been trying to remove God and Christianity from the United States of America. He is not going anywhere, so do not fret. We the people need to be in prayer like never before but know that God indeed does have our back. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for this young country, the United States of America. When we followed your laws and loved you, you blessed up but when we turned out back on you you let us have our own way. Oh Father wake the people up and let them repent and turn back to you. Turn evil hearts to good. Renew the minds of those who have been led astray by Satanic forces. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

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I'm Stoked And Can't Hold It In!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

 After a superb sermon and worship experience on a recent Sunday, I could not contain myself. I got out of my car at Kroger's to go in for coffee and to post my writing for the day, and could not stop smiling and singing a praise song, 'My Chains Are Gone'. Send me to the looney bin right? The 'world' would probably do that.

Are you excited to be a Christian? Do you look forward to time alone with Him daily not just Sunday? You have to be intentional about planning your day around God. It becomes easy to let worldly pursuits squeeze Him entirely out. Oh, you may rush off to church each Sunday in a dutiful way but with no real joy. Maybe the church you go to doesn't even get you excited about living for Jesus.

 Try this. Wake up. Put the newspaper away. Don't turn on the morning show. Keep social media off too. Purpose in your heart you will not allow the world to shape and influence you with its' wrong way of doing life. It's either the worlds way or God's way. Which do you choose?

 PRAYER: I am excited to be a part of your family Lord. I pray for those I may know who aren't excited about you. Draw them close to you. Send people across their path that will help them be excited to serve you again. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Companion Of Fools

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

When I was in my formative years my parents taught me the value and importance of good friends. The wrong kind of relationships can ruin your life. Also to hang out with hot tempered and  gossipy people may cause you to pick up their bad habits.

Another verse for today from 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Also bad companions keep you from thinking sensibly and rationally. As a parent I continue to pray for the friendship choices of my adult children.

 Don't catch yourself getting self righteous and starting to talk about bad people. Pray and pray hard. We all are subject to falling into bad habits and none of us is perfect. Pray that you will be wise to evil and wrong company.

PRAYER: Help me look to you in guidance for who to choose as my friends insuring they are filled with Christ, joy, and love. Help me set a example. Break any wrong relationship choices in my children's lives. In Jesus' name.

Our Patriotic Privilege

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Today is a huge day in our nation for presidential primaries particularly here in the Southeast where I reside. I actually know people who even though they could vote, choose not to for whatever reason. Reasons are apathy, don't think it matters, too busy. Whatever the excuse given in this nation,  we are blessed to have a voice. I was so excited when I turned 18 and go to cast my vote, sometimes not wisely but never the less I went to the polls. 

Statistics I heard were something like 14 million Evangelical registered voters did not vote in 2012. Don't quote me. Imagine had they turned out how the outcome may have changed. 

When a believer votes they should vote the Bible as I like to call it. This nation was founded by God fearing Patriots and slowly Satan got his evil clutches on people who led us far away from that. Christians have a responsibility to not vote Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian and yes some even Socialists, but to vote to uphold things in God's word. You know marriage, life, liberty, family, morals. Pray and then go vote! 

PRAYER: Give me wisdom as I cast my vote. Help those people who are apathetic see the value in making choices in elections. I pray for the person who loves you and who will keep this nation safe. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cluck below for an awesome song of worship.
http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/god-of-this-city