Jesus In The Attic

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Christmas 2016 is over. Time to undeck the halls with those boughs of holly and pull staples out of the side of the house holding up the flashing lights. Put the outdoor nativity away. Take down the Christmas 🎄 tree. Back up in the attic it all goes for yet another year until you repeat the same ritual  again in 2017. Jesus in the attic, sounds a bit strange doesn't it?

Jesus does not have to be put away until next year. He should be kept alive in your heart ❤️ every single day and not just for the 'Holy holly holiday'. Many people do keep Jesus in the attic of their hearts and only bring Him out occasionally as you would fine china. The Jesus I know and love wants you to want to be with Him and not make Him a religious experience.

Try this in 2017. Make your New Years resolution to remove Jesus from the attic and put Him in your living room, your bedroom, the den, your workshop, your car, the gym, the kitchen, on the hiking trail and basically every where you go. Start by reading the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to the date it is so today would be Proverbs 7. The more you read God's word the less time you will want to keep Him in the attic.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it was never my intent to put you up in the attic and treat you like a simple holiday. Forgive me. I choose in 2017 for things to be different and for me to take seriously my walk with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Imaginary Friends But Real Problems

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Children and teens are growing up today in a unique world unknown to their parents. The world is social media, selfies, likes, follows, tweets, snapchat and more. As one of my sons' reminds me, this is not real but sadly for many they count on those likes, comments, and follows or they become sad and depressed. Teens are super connected to being connected but not face to face. A dangerous path to take.

Here is the thing. How do you communicate to your child,grandchild, niece, or nephew that this social media world is not realistic? Also why do we feel compelled to want everyone to 'like' everything? Don't get me wrong, I have been guilty of it but I feel it is a particular issue when it comes to the generations who have grown up not knowing anything but this kind of existence. 

There used to be a saying with the Bell Telephone 'back in the day' that said "Reach Out And Touch Someone" referring to picking up the phone and calling someone. What we really need to encourage in the younger generation is really doing just that! Get out, connect with the world in a real way not just through social media. Make an effort as you start 2017 to purpose to be more connected in a 'real' way in the coming year and help those younger people whose lives you influence to do just the same. Many people really do need to have a hug, a touch, a connection. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for being a stranger to my neighbors or those in my social media world that I really do not truly connect to. Help me Lord to get beyond my mobile device and be real in the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Relax It's 2017!

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

Wow I don't know about you but I love fresh starts! What a better opportunity for a fresh start than at the beginning of a brand new calendar year. "Making a list and checking it twice" does not just refer to the Santa stories, but to the list each of us can make about what they hope to accomplish in 2017.

A clean slate, a fresh break, a recharge in life, new beginnings. I love it! What have you struggled with over the past year? For me it is trying to do those things I write about. LOL. My own therapy and opportunity to 'get it together' and charge on. 

Get your tablet, an actual piece of paper, or a journal and start writing down those things you want to do in 2017. Dream big. Don't sell yourself short. When you make this list hopefully something on it includes spiritual goals. On these spiritual goals make it more specific than just saying "getting closer to God" but how you intend to do this. It is good to have things to look forward to and know that Jesus will guide you and see you through on your journey.

PRAYER: Thanks for yet another year on planet Earth. I am excited for what is in store and want to make sure you use me in your kingdom purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Leave Me Alone Jesus!

When Jesus heard it, He said unto them, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17
As a believer when you are in your 'Holy huddle' on Sunday or hanging out with like minded friends everything is peachy keen and just a bed of roses. No challenges so to speak beyond differences in denominational theology. But when you throw yourself out into the 'world' not friendly to God 's people, it is a whole different story.

Scenario number one, an office party where co workers party hardy. You feel like a fish out of water. Scenario number two, you befriend someone who keeps referring to things of the Lord as religion and says they are not much into that. Scenario three, you find yourself wanting to hide your 'light' under a basket when you go out into 'the world' not wanting to be your true self. Scenario number four, friends wanting you to go somewhere that you just do not feel comfortable with.

If you have accepted Jesus as Lord of your life you are called to "be His witness to the uttermost parts of the Earth" it says in Acts 1:8.  You are also called to "not be ashamed" according to Mark 8:38. You are not called to run and hide like Jonah did in the book of Jonah starting with chapter 1. How will others ever know or hear about Jesus unless you are Jesus to them. You are not on Earth to just occupy space. Your mission if you choose to accept is to help win others to Christ!

PRAYER: Give me courage and Holy boldness to let your light shine through me. Help me know what to say when provided the opportunity. Help me remember this is not about getting people to join a church but to ask you into their ❤️ heart to be Lord of their life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The 'Lite' Bible

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Seems like life offers us many choices for shortcuts and easy ways to do things. For instance when losing weight those ads with a magic pill to burn fat seem attractive to many. Sometimes shortcuts can get you into trouble such as when driving and thinking a shorter way is better then you wind up lost. 

Do you ever wish there was a quick way to get your Bible reading done? You have so much to do so let's get on with it right? The 'lite' Bible might be a catchy title which I do not think exists, but is it really a good idea? Even when I write my 'sips' daily it is not with the intent that is all I want the reader to do but to get your day started and get you hungry for more. A bug gulp if you will. 

Does 2017 need to be the year you reevaluate your love and commitment to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Do you need to plan your day around Jesus and not the other way around? Don't let Jesus end up being only a shortcut but make Him the priority in your daily activities. 

PRAYER: Lord I have been guilty at times of not spending quality and quantity time with you or have allowed other things that are not even important to squeeze you out such as that all important TV show,checking Facebook statuses, or reading a magazine article. Forgive me Lord and help me search my heart for ways to be closer to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Orange Jumpsuit

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." Matthew 7:1

As I drove into Huntsville one morning I noticed along side the road many young men in Department of Corrections Orange jump suits on litter patrol under the watchful eye of their police escort. Have you ever considered praying for these inmates as you pass by them? 

Those who messed up in a big way but out on good behavior of sorts picking up trash along our highways have feelings too. As a result of bad family upbringing, getting in the wrong crowd, inappropriate impulsive behavior, criminal activity,  DUI, hit and run and other things,  they are now incarcerated in the local jail for a period of time and being semi rehabilitated by doing community service.  That could be your child, your grandchild, your cousin, your friend, your former co worker, your parent or yes even you! 

It is so easy to condemn and judge others. None of us are without fault. When you see these individuals just think about God's grace and be thankful you are not out there with them. Mistakes are made in life and don't be so high and mighty to think you are immune from that orange jumpsuit. I have known people who have worn them and through their trials they grew stronger and learned many lessons and often are drawn closer to God. Just remember when you see a man or woman out there in their orange jumpsuit to pray God would bring them closer to Him and deliver them. 

PRAYER: Lord help me make wise choices and to slow down and think before I act on things. Help me stay honest and full of integrity. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

Chances

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians  3:13
Here it is the first day of 2017 and many are ready to let the past year go and move on to what lies ahead. That is what believers are supposed to do. Out with the old and in with the new. 

I always look forward to a new year. A chance to begin again. A chance to make things right. A chance to forgive and forget. A chance to be loving. A chance to right wrongs. A chance to learn new things. A chance to nurture friendships. A chance to KEEP resolutions. A chance to give without expecting anything back. A chance to do something outstanding for someone.  A chance to watch what you say and think. A chance to learn to be grateful. A chance to stop complaining. A chance to love those who don't love you back. Add to this list.

Does ushering  in a new year makes you joyful?  You can look forward with hope expectantly to what God is going to do in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Make up your mind to work on your weak areas and to spend more time with Jesus. Now that should make you smile!

PRAYER: Thanks so much for yet another day of life and a new calendar and new year. You have great things in store for those who love you. Help me Lord be intentional in working for you and putting you first. Truly! In Jesus' name. Amen.