Forgiveness...It Is A Life Changer!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Have you ever uttered the statement "I can not forgive them for what they did to me?" When you did, do you think it pleased God? You may say "I can forgive but I certainly won't forget" then I say to you, is that true forgiveness? 

I recently saw the new Pureflix film 'A Question Of Faith' which deals with forgiveness, teen texting while driving, death, racial prejudice, and has a marvelous impactful tremendously joyful ending urging people to stop texting while driving and to become organ donors.  Carrying grudges against people because of unsettled issues only glorifies our enemy Satan. He loves to cause division so don't let him!

Whatever it is you are dealing with, get on your knees and pray for God to take away the stony heart inside of you that is causing anger which sometimes you may feel is justified. God's plan is to forgive, period! What if God said "Well they sure do deserve Hell but I will forgive them but I am not going to forget." Sounds pretty silly doesn't it? My friend, no matter what it is first stop dwelling on it, talking about it, then truly surrender your hurt,anger,and pain and ask the Lord to help you love that person as only He can. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to let go of the pain of those in my life who have been mean to me or hurt me or a family member. I choose this day to stay in your word and to pray daily for any enemies I may have. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Worry Throne

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:27

Who or what is on the throne of your life? Seriously, give that some thought. I was recently watching Bible teacher Joel Osteen referring to what he called the 'worry throne'. Many of you may have at one time or another found yourself camped out upon it.  I know I have. 

If you and I call ourselves children of God and trust in Him then what business do you have worrying about every little thing that happens. Just as today's verse indicates, that worry or anxiety does not do one thing to change a situation. But it can have the effects of making you mentally and physically sick. 

You prayed for an issue correct? Well then it is time to act like you really trust God and not sit around striving over this and trust that God is a pretty big God, wouldn't you say, and knows what He is doing. The main thing is you have to get your thoughts under control. Your mind can destroy any chance of peace. Meditate on God's word and not your problem and truly surrender it to Him. Can you do that?  

PRAYER: I know when I am able to fully trust you and let go of what is weighing me down I will start to see you working. Help me to not allow the enemy to make me cave in to fear and doubt. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No New Amendments

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

In our government occasionally there are votes held and amendments have been made to the US Constitution. People in our society have tried to get rid of God's word probably because they realize how powerful it is. There is no changing what it says in God's Holy word.  You can't add to it or take away from it it further states in Revelation 22:19. 

The Bible may be banned in school distribution and colleges that once were founded on the Bible now have become liberal in their ideology. That is because man was tempted to stray from the truth and believe lies of the enemy. Heartbroken parents who raised their children for the Lord often discover their adult children have no desire for the word of God. Satan is not going to win this battle. 

The battle is NOT over. Continue to lean into the truth regardless of what is swirling around you in your world you occupy. There are many promises in the word as well. It has power to change whole nations. My child know that nothing that Satan can ever do will overpower truth. 

PRAYER: Lord I do love your word and don't understand when people stray from what they once knew to guide them. By the mighty power of your name we bind Satan from hindering the truth from those who once you it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today is Bring Your Bible To School Day. Click link below:

http://www.bringyourbible.org/

Battlefield Sundays

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:25

Does it ever seem to you that Sunday turns into a battle day of sorts as you scurry about to get ready for church? Could be Satan is doing his darnedest to upset you and keep your heart from being prepared to soak in a good teaching at your house of worship. Fight on way to the church parking lot then exit as if everything is peachy as you walk in the doors of the sanctuary.

Our enemy is Satan. He does not like you going to worship and feeling all good about loving and helping others so naturally chaos might erupt sending some families into a tizzy on the day they have looked forward to all week.

If this has happened to you stop now and recognize it is a tactic from the enemy and say  "in Jesus' name we do not want you to bother us Satan so get out now!" If someone tries to pick a fight be at peace and just give it to God. Be proactive in allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and be careful to not let things go crazy on Sundays.

PRAYER: I know the enemy likes to cause people to argue and fight and has been at the center of many marriage breakups. Right now I come against him and say to get out of my house and stay out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Peace, Just Have It!

Peace I leave with 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

What things happen in your life that cause you to lose peace? Worry is a huge culprit. Losing things such as keys, cell phone, credit card, or glasses. You can not continually allow Satan to make you lack peace. That is a tool straight from the pit of hell. 

There are people who I have encountered who tell me they are just naturally worriers. If that is you please try to understand that stressing over stuff won't change it and you are going to have to purpose in your heart to not allow Satan to rob you of God's gift of peace. Pray then try to let it go. I had some issues I was allowing Satan to cause me grief over then I realized it and knew it was spiritual warfare and now I am totally at peace over it, really! 

Worry, stress, and all the rest can destroy you not only mentally and spiritually but physically as well. Talk out loud to Satan and tell him you are a child of God bought with the blood of Jesus and he will no longer steal your peace and joy. Then do it!

PRAYER: Many things occur in life and can indeed wreak havoc on me emotionally Lord but I choose with your help to start turning it over to you then truly let it go. Help me not allow Satan any more leeway into messing with my mind. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Bitten By The Nice Bug

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 ESV)

No there really is not a 'nice bug' but my point is how hard is it to smile and show kindness? You might surprise many people when you start displaying this wonderful Christian gift and trait. No strings attached, just niceness overflowing and running over.

You may be surprised at those your kindness  or your smile might make the difference in their otherwise heart breaking, stressful, dull day. You never know what people are going through. Be nice to clerks when an order is wrong or a coupon won't go through. Be nice to the car dealership service department when they do shoddy maintenance work on your car. I am not saying to not make things right but do it in a kind manner just like Jesus were sitting there with you. Treat people like you expect to be treated. 

You are not placed in this world by some cosmic accident but God has a purpose for you. He wants you to share his love to those you encounter and spread love, joy, hope, and goodness wherever you may go. The store, the gas station, the airport, the bus station, the restaurant, the coffee shop, your child's school, your school and add to this list. He wants you to treat people kind who you may not feel like you want to. Try it and if it is hard ask God to help you. 

PRAYER: Your love endures forever Lord and I know I am a big part in helping display that love to other people I encounter. Give me a shining smile each and every day and help me stop saying ugly things about people behind their back or on social media. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Here It Comes Again!

Peace I leave with 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

My title today is meant to refer to Christmas or the merchants high holy day being facetious of course. August was not even over till I saw red and green popping up in all sorts of stores. I just wanted to scream. Let us get through Labor Day first okay?

The older I get the faster Christmas seems to roll around. Also the older I get the more I become less compelled to have to stress over the world's secular view of what is often called Xmas. Christmas does not have to cause stress only if you allow it. You can even break from tradition and do something different such as a trip on your own. Try not to allow extended family to dictate what is required and do it lovingly and you might enjoy this Holy holiday much more for a change. Find ways to give to others such as Samaritans Purse Shoebox Ministry or Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Ministry. 

Don't let obligations stress you out. Purpose to cut back, change things up a bit, and have a peaceful Christmas season. Remember in fact in all the hub bub right around the corner to never forget what it is all about. The birthday of the greatest man ever, Jesus!

PRAYER: Lord in just 86 days it is the best day ever so help me remember now and not do so many worldly things I forget the meaning. In Jesus name. Amen.