Stop Your Worrying!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

For those of us in the United  States there is much to lose sleep over if you allow yourself to. You know God is in control yet you still can't stop fretting over bank failure, government tyranny, war,and natural disasters,to name but a few. In order to have peace you have to stop focusing on bad stuff. It has to be intentional. 

You have probably heard no amount of worrying will change things and that is so true. Think about worry for a moment. You stay up at night losing sleep and for what reason? Something you can't even control. People in the United States are concerned now about the November elections. Once again the outcome won't be changed by one ounce of your worry. 

Have you tried prayer? That should be a believers first option before all else. Your worrying does not do a thing but make you sick and make the devil happy. Make the devil mad and start praying instead then let it go. 

PRAYER: I choose peace Lord. I know tests will come to see how I am dealing with things but help me remain calm under all circumstances and give you the glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Balloons, Blooms, And Bubbles

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

There are three things that start with the letter B that can make people smile. Those three are the title of my devotion for today. Balloons no matter what your age are nice. Blooms of flowers are wonderful. And blowing bubbles may seem like a kid activity but try it sometime. Now for my male  readers I am not trying to exclude you but perhaps that special lady in your life may like some of these? Hmmm?

What brings your simple joy? A cool breeze. A child laughing. A smile. Watching ocean waves crashing against the shore. Life is to be celebrated even with the occasional bumps and bruises that occur. (Hey that's two more 'B'words.) start your day today by praising God for the good things in this life you enjoy giving Him the praise and glory. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the simple pleasures of life. Even when things happen I don't understand I know you are still on the throne. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Whistle While You Work

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

I always like to say that he verse above should be every Christian's job description. If you are known around your office or wherever it is you work and constantly grumble and complain about junk what kind of an example does that set? There are those looking for work that would probably gladly take your job if qualified.

America has celebrated Labor Day since 1894 to honor workers in America. Started in actuality to celebrate Labor Unions now it is a time to celebrate working men and women. Today Labor Unions represent about 14% of the working population. Today it is more thought of as the end of summer holiday but yet it is in fact to celebrate those who work.

There is a verse in the Bible in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that says "if a man does not work either then he should not eat" but today sadly there are those who are capable and able bodied and let  government take care of them. If you have a job be thankful and never take it for granted. God has blessed you. Give Him the praise and glory.

 PRAYER: I thank you Lord for my family members who work hard to help us have provisions. I thank you for all work to include even the unappreciated job of the stay home mom. I thank you for the ability to work and contribute to things in society. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Helping Others

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God . 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Almost everyone can come up with a name of a person who is truly needy or suffering in some way. A friend or family member with cancer. Perhaps someone who lost their job. A person going through a divorce. An individual mourning the loss of a loved one.

There are many people we cross paths with daily who may smile but may have serious needs and hurts in their lives hidden from others. There is the good intention of getting involved and helping someone but maybe you never get around to it. Even the simple gesture of a greeting card mailed to a person. An unexpected gift of encouragement. A kind word. A visit?

You may think you are not in the obvious position of encouragement like say someone in the medical profession who daily is in contact with hurt and pain, but no matter where you are and who you come into contact with there is a need to be met. God wants to use you to encouragement and spread hope.

PRAYER: Each day father make me aware of someone I know who needs to be uplifted. I pray for those persons right now serving you in foreign lands that you would strengthen and protect them daily as they are often in hostile environments. Use me to spread hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Onward Christian Soldier!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

Many reading this may be very familiar with the Christian hymn 'Onward Christian Soldier' where it says "marching into war". We are indeed daily marching into a battlefield. This world is not our home. We are strangers and aliens in this land and the enemy is wanting to take us out.

There is much evidence in our world today of the enemies attacks when it comes to killing Christians in foreign lands, ISIS attacks on our own soil, the taking of innocent life in the womb, uprising against police, and many other things. 

When a soldier goes into battle he needs to be prepared and armed if you will. The proper equipment is worn to protect the soldier from the bullets fired by the enemy. Our preparation is the word of God. You read it daily to prepare your heart and be able to focus on taking out the enemy,  which in this case is Satan. Don't be fooled. As it says in 1 Peter 5:8 "Satan is roaming around like a raging lion seeking whom he may destroy." Be prepared to face the battles ahead. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord I seek to always be prepared for daily war with Satan. I know he hates prayer and despises truth. He is a destroyer and divider. Well he can't have me or my family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and worship the Lord in song:

https://youtu.be/GsjJmk7tdk4

Dream Homes

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Recently I was in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee where many country music stars reside. I am not sure whose homes I was passing but they sure were glamorous and huge. We are not to covet another's home or anything else and be content with what God has blessed us with and not jealous of others. These homes were more like small hotels and I did in fact ooh and ahh a bit while driving by. Mind you I am perfectly content in my own dwelling place.

Did you know that for those of us on our way to Heaven someday our heavenly mansion awaits us? The verse above indicates we can't even imagine what is in store for us. Life down here on Earth is so very temporary yet how many treat it like this is it? Sadly many do not have their mind on heavenly things and are so mesmerized by the things of man. Nothing can compare with what is to come.

Are you excited about Heaven? Are you letting your light shine and sharing Jesus when you have an opportunity? Don't live for just today because this Earth is going to pass away but Heaven is forever. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the beauty of this Earth and talents of the many humans who have made dwelling places down here that are stunning. I know though nothing compares to what is head. Help me remember that each day as I am out and  about to shine love on others. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Coarse Jesting....Should We Or Shouldn't We?

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.Ephesians 4:5

I often wonder how many people may lead dual lives. One for Sunday church and one the other 6 days. When it comes to rude, crude, filthy humor that is found in many mainstream movies today how many of us are bothered by it to the point we choose not to go or how many say "It is just a movie?".Something to think about. 

What prompted me to write about this topic today was recently I happened upon a You Tube video of an actress who shall remain nameless who many associate with a Christian film out in the past two years. The video just surprised me so much that this lady would do it. But it is only acting right?? She was reading a children's book with the F word constantly in it. A children's book! 

Search your heart and see if in fact you find nothing wrong with swearing and crude humor and maybe it is time for God to perform heart surgery. None of us are perfect for sure and there may be occasional slip ups but if you aren't bothered at all by some of this nastiness just ask yourself if you would say certain things if Jesus were with you cause He always is.

PRAYER: Lord God I know I am not perfect. I have said wrong words before or laughed at crude jokes. I know your desire is for purity in the inner man and for me to set an example for you. Help me to stay away from places that cause me to engage in bad junk. In Jesus' name. Amen.