Shrugging Over Tumbling Markets

Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life.Psalm 62:10

In these times of uncertainty, the stock market has taken quite a hit. For those blessed to have funds in money markets and stocks, it often becomes disheartening to see all your savings going down, down, down. We are not to fear because we are not to trust in our riches. Also for those without riches, you are not to envy and wish every thing was equal as that too is wrong. 

Yes money is important but it is not supposed to be worshipped. And if we have a way to meet a need then we should do it. Also those without money sadly fall prey to get  rich quick schemes anywhere from the state lottery to pay day loan companies. It is necessary to trust in the Lord, be sure to tithe and do it joyfully and know that God is in control. Don't do stupid things with the money God has blessed you with. 

In the classic 1946 film 'It's A Wonderful Life' the main character George Bailey, played by the late Jimmy Stewart, was going to kill himself over the loss of money. His guardian angel named Clarence Oddbody came on the scene to make him realize how foolish taking his life would be, over money. Trust in the Lord and He will guide you. 

PRAYER: It becomes all too easy to focus on earthly possessions and money. The more we have the more we seem to want. For those struggling with finances now Lord I ask you give them wisdom in what to do and for those blessed to learn to share when they know there is a need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cobwebs

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15

Most people don't like cobwebs because they are an indication some sort of spider lingers not too far away. I live out in the country and have lots of spiders and have to keep the cobwebs taken down from my garage so the little critters don't sneak into the house and send me into a fright. If you walk into a cobweb they stick all over you. If a fly goes into one he is stuck.

Cobwebs of sorts can be in our spiritual life if you don't take care to keep them down. By this I mean if your Bible just sits there on a table like a ornament or decoration rarely even picked up, what good is that? You may not know how to read it is the excuse I often hear. Satan loves excuses like that because the more he can keep you away from God's word, the more he can influence you with wrong thoughts, fear, anxiety, and a host of other conditions.

Being a Christian is more than a country club membership in a particular church. It is more than being dedicated as a baby. It is more than baptism either as an infant or as a believer. It is more than being 'religious' as often religion kills and Jesus restores. Where are you today? Do you need to take down some spiritual cobwebs??

 PRAYER: Many days so many other things crowd my day and I neglect you and for that I am ashamed and say forgive me. I know how important it is to read the word daily and keep armed and ready for battles I might encounter out in the world. Block anything that takes me away from you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stop Watering Dead Plants

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

My title could also refer  to trying to shove doors open that are apparently stuck. In other words relationships come and go. This should not mean marital bonds as they are sacred and meant to be kept. But sometimes we try and try to get someone to like us to no avail. Move on.

 Examples might be a conservative hated and not tolerated by his or her liberal friends. A Christian who others may think it a little nutty or overboard. Animosity over loyalty to a rival sports team can get crazy sometime. You are unfriended on Facebook and keep trying to get that person to 'like' you.

The thing is God loves us and we are to love like God. You can be nice but sometimes it is not well received. There could be underlying causes. It is hard to say. Don't stop loving and praying but let it go and move on.

 PRAYER: Help me to still have live in my heart for those who reject me or who do not see eye to eye with me. Help me be faithful in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: If you failed to receive God's Lemonade Stand over the 4th of July weekend please go to see all devotions at www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com and there you will see all of them not only from this weekend but as far back as 2010. 

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Happy 240th birthday to the United States of America! I am thankful to have been born in this fairly young country who values individual liberty, the Bible, and freedom or at least we used  to. 

What does it mean to be free? The original settlers and founders valued freedom from the tyranny of England. Here in this new world they were free to worship God and not be under bondage to a King. It wasn't easy. Securing freedom never is. 

Many threats to our freedom exist today and are slipping in on us ever so subtly that sometimes we don't realize what is being taken away till it is almost too late to fight back.  There is a saying by Sir Edmund Burke that simply says "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." Today as you celebrate the birthday of America really think what freedom means and do your part to help the US remain free. 

PRAYER: Lord I love freedom. So many different people have not been blessed with the quality of life we have been blessed with here. Enemies are at work even within our own country to take freedom away and transform America. Please protect us Lord and hear our prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link for a patriotic song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ywDLpfBHg

Do You Radiate Jesus?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:16

Back several years ago when a lady became pregnant, some said there was a way to tell before it was announced officially called 'the glow of pregnancy'. Somehow in the expectant mother's face or skin there were those who said they could tell. 

Similarly to a pregnant woman said to have this 'glow' do you glow or radiate for Jesus or do you just put on a fake Sunday mask and act like the world the rest of the time? When Jesus is Lord of your life people around you should be able to notice a difference. This does not mean you will have no problems but you have a different way to react to them.

Why not go out wherever it is you go today and make it a point to let your light shine for Jesus. 

PRAYER: I choose to be different than those caught up in this world and its' problems. Strengthen me Lord to react in a positive way even in tough times. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Sent from my iPhone

The Bad D's

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

My title sounds like it might be referring to a rock singing group but it is not. It is referring to many negative words that start with the letter D and what you can do to try to alleviate them from your life. 

Let me list just a few. Being down, defeated, depressed, discouraged, doubting, in despair, double minded, in the dumps. All these are basically negative feelings or emotions and all of us are susceptible to falling prey to them at one time or another. It is learning how to overcome them and move on. Granted, in the case of depression, medical intervention may be needed so I do not want to discount that aspect.

To have victory over these 'bad D's' one of the best things to do is to let your mind focus on 'things above'. Stop meditating on all your problems and trying to fix things yourself. Pray and ask God to help you and allow Him to truly take the controls and take the burden of for you. I have shouldered many things and wasted so much time worrying when what I need to do is realize God wants me to walk in peace not discouragement. 

PRAYER: Many times Lord I bring my problems on myself by not taking time to have a quiet time each morning or by allowing Satan to make me stress and fret over stupid things. Help me Lord as I seek to bring my mind under your control. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dealing With Sourpusses

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Half full or half empty. Positive outlook or doomsday. Happy go lucky or burdened and angry. When I hear of people who are less than pleasant to encounter I tell friends to give them a dose of this lemonade each morning then pray. You can't force someone to be nice but we can pray.

 Various things cause irritated people. Being ugly, rude, mean spirited after just praising God in church makes no sense yet how many readers may have encountered a family scenario of just this? Kindness is always supposed to be the order of the day but not all embrace it.

 Arguments happen and meanness occurs and yet some feel justified in this response.

If you are the recipient of ugliness blow it off then pray for this person. If you have been convicted of being the hurtful one go apologize and start anew being kind.

PRAYER: So many times Lord when others are mean to me or hurt me somehow I just want to run. Instead show me how to respond with Christian love and of itself behave ugly help me ask forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.