Be Delighted

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. – Psalm 119:35

I feel so sad for people who try to make it through life without Jesus or maybe just with a marginal existence as a believer. By this I mean they have no true desire to get in the word and to some they find it boring. 

I truly do find DELIGHT in the pages of scripture and hope you do too. In them are found the answers or solutions to most of life problems or at least how to handle them. Striking out as a Lone Ranger Christian is never a really good idea. We need each other to build one another up. Prisoners of war during Vietnam who were believers had the word of God ‘hidden’ in their heart to call on in times of distress and turmoil. 

If you don’t really desire the Word first ask yourself why? Maybe you grew up where the church you attended did not emphasize bringing your Bible. The Bible is like a ‘toolbox’ of sorts helping us work out the bumps of everyday life. If it were not so effective why is it so many countries ban it? If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life maybe it is time to do that now. I know once I became ‘born again’ I thirsted for the word. Do you thirst for God’s word? If not ask God to place a hunger for the Bible in your heart. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and love your word. There are those I know who don’t even read it and are in danger of being trapped by the world’s lies. I pray for those people. Continue to make me hunger and thirst for your words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

More Than A Kim By Ya Moment

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Different people have different experiences with how they relate to The Almighty. Some feel a seriousness and formal way is best. Many just do it cause they were taught to go to church but sadly that is where it ends. Then there are those who go and feel they are on God’s Team but really lack any real passion for the things of the Lord. Others are mad at God because he didn’t stop the death of someone close. There are many scenarios.

I must say from personal experience that once you fall in love with Jesus truly you will know it. It is called being born again. Loving Jesus is more than a feel good moment around a camp fire but it is a desire to serve Him and love others. It is a journey of ups and downs. It does not mean your life will be perfect but you will have the blessed hope of eternal life in Heaven.

Where do you stand today? Do you desire Jesus more than anything else? Listen to the song I have attached to this devotion and let the Holy Spirit fill your soul. Have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven I love you but there have been times I have thought I really only needed you on Sunday. Forgive me. I pray for friends and family who may be fence sitters and have no real desire to grow. Touch their hearts and let them have a passion for you, In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:

https://youtu.be/K-0EgzOWkvc

First Fifteen

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

I got the idea for this devotion from a sermon I heard at our church a while back and it is so vitally important if you want to really put God first and stop just giving it lip service. Many things vie for your time as soon as the alarm clock goes off but it is what you decide to do that matters.

First fifteen consists of five minutes Bible reading, five minutes in worship, and five minutes in prayer. The plan sounds very doable even if you are rushed. You could start reading in the book of Psalms to start out. Worship consists of good music that make you want to praise God an lifts your spirit. Finally take time to pray. Really pour your heart out to God.

Most reading this devotion already probably have a grasp of how important it is to spend time with God and may live with others who do not or have extended family who are complacent.  Keep believing and lifting them up as well. Your job is not to drag them to the cross but to have The Holy Spirit to give them that desire. Now go take fifteen!

PRAYER: Lord you are good and gracious and patient with me even when I rush out the door and totally give you zero time. I want my focus to be on you and start my day praising you. Help me get rid of strongholds that may be keeping me from this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Spa

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Rejuvenation sounds good. A back or neck massage. Cool glass of iced tea. Most  everyone would probably not reject the idea of being pampered.

Maybe there needs to be a Bible spa to get people interested in God's word. Some of you may live with people who never open the Bible or have quiet time. Maybe you don't. The idea of a spa day with God's word seems comical perhaps but the point I am making is what needs to be done to draw people to this daily discipline?

A persons heart has to be changed. No amount of prodding will effect true desire and change. Satan uses everything he can to keep you from spending time with the Lord daily.

Purpose in your heart to make every day a Spa day with Jesus. Not out of obligation but because you want to. Pray for others you may know who seem disinterested beyond that dutiful hour in Sunday then trust God with the results.

PRAYER: Lord your word speaks to me daily. I treasure it and if there was cause to evacuate in a storm would run get my Bible. Forgive me if I ever just ignored you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Blood Of Jesus Friday

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Black Friday is upon us here in America. The one crazy crowded shopping day after Thanksgiving where bargains are galore and people are everywhere. I tend to avoid this day and opt for Cyber Monday in the comfort of my home on the following Monday.

Wouldn’t it be great if people got as excited about the real meaning of this Holy Holiday as they do the buying frenzy? Many credit cards are maxed out. If you are caught up in this worldly activity have you ever wanted to escape? It certainly may be a tradition for some but is it a peaceful God honoring one? Do you feel good after buying all day long? Don’t forget to donate to Salvation Army Red buckets when you see one.

So should we have a national ‘Blood of Jesus Friday’ and completely shut down stores and spend time renewing our mind with the king of Kings praising Him for who He is? Don’t forget to teach your children and grandchildren to love Jesus with all their hearts. On Black Friday why not give to others if you are out that day. Share Jesus!

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I love you. I don’t want to get caught up in the worldly frenzy around the celebration of your birth.Help me purposeful in reaching out to others but continue last December. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gobble, Gobble! Thankful! Thankful!

O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (NLT) 1 Chronicles 16:28-30,34

The first unofficial thanksgiving was held in the fall of 1621 when the Pilgrims and native Americans sat down to celebrate the bountiful harvest. have tried to ruin it and some places This was always one of my favorite days. Family, thankfulness,food.a great combination. 

The source of all you have is in fact the Lord whether some choose to acknowledge it or not. Take time this day between all the busyness of the day to make a list of what you are thankful for. Spend time in prayer. Ponder that first Thanksgiving Day. 

Every day should be a day of thanksgiving. Not a day to be jealous of others or angry about injustices but a day to truly say thanks to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Rejoice and enjoy your day however you choose to spend it. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord I am indeed grateful for living where I do, having clean water,electricity, friends and family that love me. I choose this day to focus on blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Follow The Path

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

On a recent trip to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama I got off the designated  plan laid out by visitors guide and consequently ended up outside the facility where there were no unlocked doors. Had I read the guide book I would have known the proper route and not ended up locked out.

Do you follow God's rule book or do you strike out independently doing things your own way? God's way is best. If you ignore His word and feel you can be your own god then soon you will find yourself aimlessly wandering with no purpose. 

Don't listen to the voices in this worlds' culture or you will surely go astray and lose your way. Just because something is popular does not mean it is right. Have you become arrogant and self sufficient thinking you have no time for God? Now is the time to decide to resist the world's ways and follow God's way. 

PRAYER: I can get tempted by things that aren't going to lead me to you. Help me hear your voice Lord and forgive me when I act like I no longer need guidance. In Jesus' name. Amen.