Root Causes Of Stress

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Many things can cause stress and often times you may be bringing it on yourself. Some things such as not trusting God can handle stuff. Maybe not spending enough time in prayer or the word. Perhaps not putting God first but letting self rule. Maybe sticking your nose in someone else's business. These are just a few thoughts I had on this.

What do you think? If you looked at your life what do you suppose needs to be changed to give you a stress free life? The verse for today is a good one to commit to memory.  Basically do not be like this world as you should be transformed to be like Christ. You can't attempt to do both. Live in the world but don't be of this world. Often people may be confronting issues in their own life and know there needs to be a change but the world and it's system is tugging in them too hard. 

Alas God is always here. He knows our struggles. If you are praying for someone close to you caught up in the lies of the world and getting sucked into deception keep on lifting them up in prayer. God is not finished yet. Have faith. Believe receive and doubt do without. 

PRAYER: Lord I know I need to talk to you in prayer and oftentimes I allow the tyranny of the urgent or junk in this world to squeeze you out. Shame on me. Forgive me know better. Draw my loved ones closer to you who have strayed away. Help me to rest in you and therefore be less stressed out. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Plays Well With Others

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7

Back in the early 60's when my generation got their report cards in grade school, the good paper kind handwritten, there was a category about behavior and one of the lines had the teacher rate us in how we got along with our peers. As I recall I did pretty well in that category. I don't recall biting or punching anyone. Now fast forward to 2017 and how do you and I both get along with others?  Do you show kindness even when you don't feel like it? 

Give this some thought. In the world we do in fact reap what we sow. Treat people poorly and you naturally will have it returned to you. Do a good deed and one will be done for you. Smile another usually returns a smile. It is vital you learn how to treat people no matter what kind of business you may be in. No one wants to in the company of a mean person very long.

Today as you go about your day make it a point to treat others well and be the kind of person people want to around. Some folks will never like you or may even just shut you out of their life for no apparent reason. Trudge on my friend, pray for those who hurt you, and choose to begin each day with the purpose of spreading joy around you. 

PRAYER: I hope to be the kind of person who others want to be around. Let the radiance of the Holy Spirit shine on my face. I choose to pray for anyone who treats me poorly. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Music Heals

Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Psalm 33:2

Music is worship and worship is music. There is nothing better in my opinion than listening to the words of a powerful song of worship. To listen to the lyrics and even hear the story behind many of them that were written is truly amazing. Thank the Lord for talented song writers.

Music can be a healing therapy in many instances. It soothes the soul, uplifts the spirit and can give us a heart of gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father. To me music 🎶 is one of the most important aspects of worship on Sunday. I can't wait to get to our church and lift my hands in praise to the Lord.

If you have had those days where you feel in a slump an uplifting sound of praise and worship can truly lift you up out of a pit. There are many I know who are Christians but for whatever reason do not listen to Christian radio. K-LOVE which has an App you can download is syndicated nationwide and locally here is WAYFM which also has an APP. Music and teaching found on Christian radio can really help set the tone for the day. If you have never tried it give it a try. Feed your mind with good things while you are driving. You will be surprised how it will encourage you.

PRAYER: Lord I love to sing your praises. Your creation sings your glory through birds and the wind. I thank you for talented people who write the songs of praise to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click for a song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/_b305km03b8

Birth Days Are Great!

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.John 16:24

Today our family is in the waiting mode for the birth of our first grandbaby. I will not lie and say Satan has reared his ugly head and caused fear. As I write for others to not fear I too must trust God and know there will soon be a bundle from Heaven to love on. 

Are you struggling with doubt and fear you can't shake? In order to move closer to God you have to tell Satan to take a hike and take his stinking thinking junk with him. Tell him you refuse to be crippled by fear  so leave you alone. 

It is easy to worry but requires faith to trust. What do you choose. The worry simply accomplishes nothing so start praising God for wonderful things he will do and don't sink into a bottomless pit of despair.

PRAYER: Oh Father you are good and gracious and do mighty things. Thank you for the joy we have only in you when we completely stay in your footsteps. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

In honor of our soon to be 1st Grandbaby coming soon! 

Elegance And Luxury

But as it was written "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love  him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

The advertisements on TV for elegant places such as Sandals Resorts or gorgeous 5 Star hotels are a mere dream for many. Oh to be treated like a five star guest!  The luxurious towels, bathrobe, fancy soaps, and many other amenities. 

Being a five star customer whether at a fancy resort, bed and breakfast, or a European Cruise may seem like only a dream. Many in the world would be happy with simply staying in a motel, period. The good news is for those who have asked Jesus into their hearts the best Five Star accommodations await you upon your death. The Heavenly Kingdom will be 100 Stars!

Those in this world who think Jesus and God are fairy tales will be sorely surprised upon taking their last breath. We should be doing all we can to share the good news with people. Even many in church don't really have a personal relationship with Him. Today is the day of salvation. You never know when Jesus might come back, and he will, so better be ready. 

PRAYER: Much confusion and legalism has been spread by some churches as to how one gets to Heaven. Lord I pray for the truth to be heard by millions in all countries and in churches in our country. I pray for false teachers to be silenced. I pray for the lost and those who persecute believers to come to a saving knowledge of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Abandon Your Post

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

In the armed forces if you are on guard duty or some other form of staff duty you stay at your post and follow orders. Abandoning your post is not an option because the lives of many depend upon you fulfilling your 'guard' duties. 

Have you made a decision in your Christian walk to stand firm in the faith and not go with the crowd or whatever is popular is the thing to do? Sometimes deep down you may have a conviction that some movie you choose to watch is wrong or a book you are reading is putting wrong thoughts into you head. A student may be forced to read certain material in school and if they are in disagreement due to their Christian beliefs they too need to be courageous and keep at their 'post'.

Sometimes it is hard to go against popular culture but if you expect to stand strong in the teachings of the Bible you have a decision to make. Choose God or choose the world and it's way. Stand for the truth and stay where you are and protect those in your circle of influence. That may be a mom at home with children watching you. Don't leave your post! It is so important for the lives of others. 

PRAYER: I am so grateful to be able to know I do not have to cave into the world and it's ways. I choose to stand my ground and protect those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Big One!

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! Philippians 1:21-22

I was sitting waiting for a friend on a bench in the warm sunshine when two ladies walked by with gifts and balloons that said 40. I said "Oh the big one huh?!" spoken by a lady who has had 5 'Big ones' in my life. When exactly do we 'arrive' to that really big one? That special milestone celebration.  

Every year is a gift from God. Some people are 'taken away' by death in what humans deem as too early. Too early for earthly milestones and dreams' perhaps but not too early to be used in God's perfect plan. It is easy to treat our earthly home like this is it but this is by far not IT. Living for the here and now and its' pleasures is not what brings true joy. 

Be thankful for each year you take a breath on your birthday but don't simply live for today. No one knows the day or the hour Christ will return but He will come back. What will you be able to say you have done for the kingdom? Are you sharing Jesus' love with those you meet either in words, deeds, or simple smiles? Remember the really BIG ONE is when you arrive in the Heavenly Kingdom some day. In the meantime do what you can to spread His love to others. 

PRAYER: Birthdays are fun. The first day of birth is extra special for parents, grandparents, and friends.  Help me Lord as I seek to serve you between my Earthly birthdays and rejoice in each day of life. In Jesus' name. Amen.