Refrigerator Prayers

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Many churches are doing 21 Days of Prayer right now as the new year is here. As I was doing this one day I thought about how you can pray over your refrigerators. No not pray they won't break down but most folks have some photos on theirs, I know I do, a regular gallery. 

So you begin with praising Jesus for who He is. Then you confess your sins to him to get your heart and mind clear. Next you praise him for what He has done in your life. Finally you can pray over your needs and those of others. As I walk by my refrigerator many of my friends and family adorn it so I just look at it and there is a prayer list. Voila!

You don't have to do this just when it is the designated 21 days of prayer but any time you open the door to get something out. You could also make some sort of an altar in your home where you could keep your Bible, a notebook, maybe a photo or two. I know of someone who has a prayer garden. Be creative. The point is to make prayer a priority in 2017.

PRAYER: Thanks for the many means available to help me learn to pray better or more direct for an issue. Help me make good use of each day in order to 'talk' to you. in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Deliver Us From Evil

'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Matthew 6:13

When you say the Lord's Prayer do you ever stop and break it down and think about what it really means? The statement "deliver us from evil" for instance? 

Evil represents Satan and the despicable things he does. Lies, deceives, kills, steals, destroys. The dictionary defines it is as wicked,bad, wrong, sinful. Sinful, ah there is that word that when Christians speak up against 'evils' in society we are told be tolerant. 

There is good and there is evil. Period. Former President George W Bush on 29 January 2002 referred to countries sponsoring terrorism as the 'axis of evil'. 

Our enemy Satan is real. He will do anything he can to manipulate minds, cause people to have wrong beliefs, and weave his evil web. Often people are captivated or in a trance so to speak over how he accomplishes his evil deeds. I Peter 5:8 warns us he "roams around like a lion seeking whom he may devour." Stay alert!

PRAYER: One way Lord I know to ward off the evil one is to quote scripture at him. Help me Lord to stay in the word of God for it is my most powerful weapon for beating Satan at his game. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray For Our Leaders

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2:1-2

Today we in the United States can witness the new President and Vice President taking the oath of office and being sworn in as the 45th President and Vice President of The United States.  The good thing about America is if we don't like our leaders we can vote them out. Since the start of this young nation there have been enemies within our own country who have tried to dominate, control, bankrupt, and force things upon Americans without 'the consent of the governed' and that was not ever the intent of the Founders. 

If you do not agree with the new President you can at least pray for him. The country the way it was going for 8 years was headed for bankruptcy and many feel it was intentional. Former President Ronald Reagan said “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

Stop what you are doing today and purpose to stay involved in what is happening in Washington, DC and get involved in decisions that may impact your family, your job, the military, and don't assume everything is going smoothly. Stay on top of it. Pray for the media and try to not believe everything you hear. Even the few times a year I write about 'politics' I may be misunderstood. The point is just stop and give thanks for living in America and pray for those who lead us. Don't condemn them. 

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful to know we have Godly men and women in places of authority. Help each of them as they are in an environment often hostile to them. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Freedom Is Not For Sissies

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:16

I don't know where I first heard the statement I am using today for my title but it is the truth. This country is a free nation only because of those brave  men and women who fought and died and rallied for freedom sometimes against all odds. Tomorrow is the Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. Some are elated and others are acting like children and protesting even sad to say on the floor of the US Senate and shamefully at the Golden Globe awards. 

Much misinformation has been disseminated by a media typically not friendly to Christians and conservatives. From the get go this nation was founded and established using God's Holy word. Those who wanted to break free from tyranny and oppression set forth at great cost to them mentally and physically to cross the ocean and establish a democracy here. There have always been forces trying to get their way and force their ideals on this nation and transform and dominate it.  The subject of politics alone opens up a can of worms so to speak and wrecks relationships. 

What I am appealing to each of my readers today to do is to be in prayer for this country. Don't get your news from the media but instead turn off the radio and television and listen to the voice of God through the Holy scriptures. Pray for your enemies and don't wish evil on those you disagree with. Be in prayer for our new President, Vice President and the entire administration, and oh yes,their families too. Now go shine your light in the darkness. 

PRAYER: Lord you have a plan for the United States of America. Thank you for freedom. It came at a great cost. Thanks for the men and women who defend this great land from enemies sometimes within our own borders. May my heart be turned to seek the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

How Is Your Walk?

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Walking in love. Sounds easy enough but is it really? You claim to be a Christian but then you catch yourself calling people idiots, stupid, brain dead, fat, ignorant, and many other not so edifying terms. It takes guts to walk out the love walk. It will mean really trying to love ALL people.

Wait, all people such as those mean to me, bad in laws, an ex spouse, a boss who fired me, co workers who talk behind my back? Yeah ALL people is what it means. Politicians we don't see eye to eye with? Yep, them too, remember the "love your enemies" verse in Matthew 5:44?

So how is your walk? Do you need a little bit of practice?

PRAYER: Father I have been guilty of maybe calling someone stupid or being not so kind to someone who maybe hurt me. Sometimes I may not even personally know the people I feel ill will to. I know you want me to love and love unconditionally. Help me cast off works of darkness that cause me to have wrong thoughts towards others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

He's Got A Plan

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,  neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Do you ever get overly concerned when you hear the doom and gloom stories nightly news? First, turn off the news. Why is it necessary to have a steady diet of bad stuff which is about 75% of it in my estimation. Stay positive and know God is the real master of the universe and if you trust Him then why should you fear?

His ways are bigger than our ways and He knows the big picture so to speak. He is greater than bully governments, terror threats, murders, evil tyrants, and much more. He is King, He is Lord, He Reigns! 

Next time you start wondering about the future and all the stuff going on in the world stop and try to think of at least one good thing. For three years I kept a blessing jar and each day would write one thing down on a slip of paper that was good that day. After a while it helps you start 'looking up' and trusting God more. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for getting all caught up in bad news and starting to worry or fret. I know you are much greater an any mere man. I choose to put my trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Want To Go Home Home

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

In the movie 'La La Land' the character played by actress Emma Stone in her frustration with not 'making it' in Hollywood said to her boyfriend played by actor Ryan Gosling, that she just wanted to go home. He says "you are home" and her response was "no I mean home home" meaning where her 'roots' were. 

Do you ever feel as a believer that you just want to go 'home home' meaning Heaven? This world is not our real home but only a temporary living space for those who have asked Jesus to be Lord of their life. This is such a temporary stopover for those who place their faith in Jesus. Sometimes the frustrations of life, the pain, the heartache make things just seem awful. God has a plan and if you have accepted Him as savior He uses you for His purposes. 

Keep walking the path daily and being grateful where you are. Praise Him in good times and in bad. A better tomorrow does await you in Heaven. But while here do the work of an evangelist and don't whine. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I don't trust you with the big picture. Your purposes are greater then my understanding. Help me to shine my light in this dark world until that day you call me home. In Jesus' name. Amen.