Keep Going West

As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations, before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17(KJV)

Many brave men, women, and children in America decided to leave the East and venture over the rugged mountains not knowing what lay ahead risking life and limb to discover the riches of the West. There were those who died along the way. Indians, disease, wild animals, rattle snakes, raging rivers, running out of food, and many other things were obstacles that could have deterred them but they kept going West despite the danger. I for one am glad they did because look at the marvelous beauty of the Western United States. On a recent vacation to Oregon and Idaho I saw the Oregon Trail Museum and marveled at what those before us endured.

In our spiritual life sometimes we may feel like these early pioneers in the 1800's who felt hopeless at times. Maybe you become fearful of what lies ahead. Perhaps have prayed and sought God over a situation that seems to not be changing. You become tried and weary in your journey and just want to throw your hands up and quit trying.

God had a plan for this great land. We are blessed as we have acknowledged God and the Bible as our tools in founding this great land. When man starts to forget this valuable aspect of our founding we will cease to receive God's blessing. Keep believing even when you do not see results. Never allow negativity to mold your beliefs and keep on praying.

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for godly men and women who went before us at the risk of their own lives to settle the Western part of this great nation. I thank you for how you have blessed us. I thank you that I know you hear our prayers and want us to keep pressing on even when things look bleak. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Liar Liar Pants On Fire

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:8

"I can not tell a lie. I chopped down the cherry tree" was the famous childhood quote attributed to our First President George Washington. Lying seems to be pretty common place  these days especially among some politicians but all of us can be caught in it when telling only half truths,  not the whole story, skipping details, being less than truthful, or being sneaky. If each of you is honest, I am sure you can recall a time you lied whether a big lie, white lie, tall tale, fib,  or something unintentional because you did not want someone to think bad of you and left out details. Whatever,  it is all still lying. 

If you ever find yourself on a witness stand in a court of law and knowingly lie after having taken an oath to "tell the truth, the whole truth so help you God" then you have committed perjury, which is pretty serious. Being truthful is a very important trait for a Christian but we, like others, can slip up and God can forgive. Lying is wrong and when you tell one lie usually you  have to tell another to cover up for the first. Just like a teenager lying to their parents about where they drove the family car, all lying is wrong and should be stopped. Satan is the father of lies and loves it when you lie because you are sort of glorying him not God.

Right now ask God to bring to mind anytime you lied and did not confess it. Further ask Him to direct your steps into a truthful  life you will never be ashamed of. Better to get the cards out on the table so to speak than lie and brush things under the carpet. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to lead a God honoring truthful life with family, friends, business associates, and strangers. Get rid of anything in me that pulls me away from the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Interruptions.....Go With The Flow!

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

All of you have probably had the time when you would have rather not been interrupted because you were in your own little world but alas you sit next to a chatty person and the rest is history. I am sure I have been that chatty person a time or two. Anyway whether at a coffee shop trying to study or read, on an airplane or public transportation, and other places maybe it is good to be able to talk. 

I feel loneliness is an epidemic and maybe a person sitting alone deep in thought is waiting for someone to say hi. Or maybe the individual that broke into your serene moment needed to talk. You just never know. If you call yourself a believer you should try to go with the flow and be hospitable.

Today look for opportunities to be a light in the darkness. A smile, a kind word, an unexpected gift. Be creative. Pray for the Lord to open opportunities for you to be His witness. 

PRAYER:Forgive me Lord for ever being so into myself that I neglected being kind to a stranger. Use me to bring joy today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Be Afraid

Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart. Isaiah 7:4

I don't know about you, but if you listen to the news it can frighten you. Possible martial law, ISIS attacks, failed coups, police getting shot,  nuclear weapons in Iran, corruption at the highest levels. Humanly you may feel helpless. 

Our God is a big God. He is a patient God. He is neither Republican nor Democrat. He rules and reigns forever and ever and His throne lasts forever. The plans of puny man trying to abolish our God given freedom don't worry Him for He is God. 

Today's verse is meant to bring you peace if you are struggling. Worry, fear, and fret are pointless. Prayer is our weapon. Getting serious about daily prayer and not the "now I lay me down to sleep" kind. We are in a spiritual battle and now is the time to arm yourself for battle. 

PRAYER: I am not afraid of terror for you oh Lord are in the throne. Your word is true. May your people get serious about engaging in spiritual warfare. Help me Lord to encourage the feint hearted. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Happy, Have Fun

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

In watching the Republican national convention in July, during the opening part before the speakers began, lively music was being played by a band and many delegates in the audience were rocking and rolling with the music regardless of their age. I would have joined with them had I been there. Don't be afraid to do things because you feel you are too old. Who says? 

Many may have been taught that it is not dignified if a person a certain age or social stature does things but that is man's rule and not God's as far as I know. Doing silly things often is a great stress reliever and can have the side effect of making you smile. Imagine that! Go swing at the park, dance at a wedding, watch silly kids movies, ride a carnival ride, but just relax and be happy. 

Often helping other people is an excellent way to happiness and joy as well. Enjoy your life, be kind to others, and don't forget to laugh. 

PRAYER: Lord you have given us the gift of laughter. For that I say thank you. Thanks for being able to enjoy simple pleasures of life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

An Army Of One

"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. Luke 12:11

It is easy to be a believer when we are in our Holy huddles but when the rubber meets the road and you are isolated and all alone how do you react then? As a believer we are members of God's Army so to speak. You are not alone and God is always with you. 

Throughout your day you encounter many types of people. Some believers and some not. And oh by the way there is not a certain 'look' for a believer so don't fall into the rut of thinking say a person with tattoos or piercings can't be saved. Everyone is different and there are various personalities. So off you march in God's Army to be His witness but you are truly not an Army of One but He is with you every step of the way.

Before you leave the house each day stop and pray and dedicate the day to the Lord. Give Him your burdens, your prayers,your fears. Trust Him to guide you to exactly the people that day who need a little encouragement or joy in their lives. 

PRAYER: I am excited to be in your Army Lord and to be a soldier equipped for daily battle. Help me always to remember to put on my armor daily to be prepared for the skirmishes ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: Click link below for an awesome song to get your day started.

Cedarmont Kids - I'm In The Lord's Army

Music video by Cedarmont Kids performing I'm In The Lord's Army. (C) 1995 Cedarmont Kids

YOUTUBE.COM

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Frustrations And Blowing Things Off

Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

So here I sit with a nice iced latte at a local coffee shop/grocery store and can not connect to wifi. My day was going to go smoothly and it still can. An hour of listening to piped in grocery store music while I sat with my latte and almonds and created some more devotions, but alas no connection. The Ipad says I am connected but clearly something is wrong. Oh well. 

Do you have days such as that? You wake up expecting everything to fit into a pattern of peace and tranquility when something unexpected throws you off? Sometimes it can be something pretty major but most of the time just minor glitches. So you have a choice. Get upset, scowl, rant, complain or choose to be at peace regardless. For my friends in the business world it can be as simple as being called in by the boss and you start to panic. 

Anger does not always have to be the solution when things don't go as planned. Go with the flow. Flight delayed? Take a breath. Heavy traffic? Just be still. Broken appliances? Relax and then call repairman. Your life is being watched by others so remember to let your light shine in all circumstances. 

PRAYER: Give me the ability to remain peaceful when things don't go as planned during my day. Help me react positively and be a witness for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.