Don't Get Greedy

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

Recently at a church Christmas gathering we were playing dirty Santa and there was a non wrapped gift in an REI bag and I assumed maybe it was something from this amazing outdoor store so when it was my turn promptly made a bee line for the bag. Did it contain an outdoor item? You guessed it, NO! A huge bag of Snickers bars and I don’t eat candy. 

This little episode taught me something about life. What the outside of the package is is not always what you get whether it is with a person or a material item. Don’t judge a book by its’ cover you may have heard. 

This writing could be about contentment, not being greedy or not judging. However it speaks to your heart is fine. It speaks to me about all three areas. Now go in peace and be blessed to receive a blessing. 

PRAYER: I am thankful for where I am in life. Even when things aren’t so good they are still good. You are the giver of all  things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chasing A Leaf

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. Mark 6:51

I love watching small children playing and am thrilled I have entered the ranks of grandparent and can’t wait to play with our granddaughter when she is old enough.  I was watching a two year old boy in the park with his mom one day just fascinated by falling leaves. It was so cute to watch as he was amazed at each falling leaf swirl to the  ground. I wondered what happens to us to keep we adults from still taking time to be amazed. 

Don’t get all wrapped up in being an adult and not be able to stand in awe and wonder of things and try to have a little child like fun. Some may think you have to act the age you are and I always say “what fun is that”. Don’t lose the ability to laugh. God wants us to have fun. 

Is it time for you to pause and be childlike again? 

PRAYER: Thank you for the beauty of babbling brooks,sunsets, falling leaves, chirping birds, a gentle rain. You truly are the great creator and help me never lose that special glow of child hood when appreciating your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Texting, Texting, 1,2,3,4

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Texting, texting, pay attention now. Our technologically crazed society can’t seem to be without this handy device. But don’t let it control you or your children. Take time to just take some alone time, without clutching it to your chest like a defibrillator paddle. It is nice to be still and free from it every now and then. 

The verse today says to be still. No music, no noise except maybe the purring of a cat or the rustle of leaves. Being still is a great discipline to learn and especially handy when waiting and waiting some more for prayer to be answered. Let your mind think on good things during this time. Pray. Write in a journal. Develop this vital habit to have a much better stress free life. 

Even if you are inundated with responsibilities that seem never ending try to schedule a Be still time and leave your cellular device put away. Grab your Bible, a good faith building book and just sit and talk to God. 

PRAYER: Oh how I love times of quiet. Thank you for allowing me the freedom to occasionally be alone. Help me to learn to put away distractive cell devices when I spend time in your presence. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Carefree

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:19

As I drove past an elementary playground one day the children were enjoying recess and were frolicking, swinging, playing, and running. It was so pleasant to watch little ones without a care in the world, so it seemed, enjoying life.  Why can’t adults try to be more carefree I pondered.  

I have mentioned in devotions previously that everyone who is physically able ought to get to a playground and swing. It may do you good. So what if you get stared at. Or take a simple walk and leave your phone put away and enjoy the beauty of nature around you. Children have not been saddled with the burdens of life although they can be emotionally wounded by family situations. They are enjoying life as it is. Adults have responsibilities but you don’t have to let burdens of life drag you down and steal your joy. 

Keep looking up to Jesus. Worry as it says in verse above ‘chokes’ the word of God. You can read the Bible till you are blue in the face but have to put into practice what it says to do and that means casting your cares on the Lord. You must trust God and not try to let everything weigh you down. Now go swing! 

PRAYER: I know Lord your intent is for me to totally give you my burdens and to also meditate on your word so that it becomes part of me and allows me to breeze through problems without stressing. Give me strength as I seek with your help to do this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Evil And Good

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Love is your secret weapon for getting through trials of life. Anyone can be hateful but it takes a special person to love unconditionally. Feelings, thoughts, and emotions can try to control you but with God’s help you can master this and be set apart and different. 

Evil is sinister, cruel, Satan inspired, ugly, and hateful. Nothing good comes from evil. Good on the other hand seeks to be kind, loving, helpful, put others first, and be full of grace. You can be one or you can swing the other way. Of course you know the way you should be but may get caught up thinking bad stuff you know would displease God. Give up your right to hate or seek revenge. 

In the world pray for those doing evil deeds being controlled by Satan. People like the North Korean dictator threatening to nuke America. Don’t hate him but lift him up in prayer for a ‘heart transplant’ and changed life. Others in our own country being evil trying to destroy our nation need a bunch of prayers as well. George Soros, The Resist Movement, The Shadow Government. Go to the Lord daily asking for his transformative powers to change hearts bent on evil. God is in control after all. Be a lover, not a hater. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord thank you for the word of God which is truth. Satan tries to deceive many and is a divider of people and has blinded the eyes of many. I choose to love and pray for evil people even when I don’t feel like it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blah, Blah, Blah

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.1 Timothy 4:7

As I sit in a coffee shop to write recently,  a talk show was on the TV blaring in the background. In my opinion so much valuable time is wasted not just on TV but these talk shows really do not add value to life. They in a way create idolization of  a celebrity and can be a great time waster for women who they appeal to the most. I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes but how much time is wasted daily listening to stuff that does not matter for eternity anyway or that can put wrong thoughts in your head. Another one is soap operas. Ouch. 

It is a discipline to resist things which may or may not be good for us. Pop up ads that create overspending and unneeded items. Gossip magazines at the grocery store check out line. A newspaper with a grabbing headline. Why do we even care about some of this stuff anyway? That is an individual decision for each person. 

Are things you do keeping you away from God?  If you looked at how much time you really spent involved in activities that did not matter for eternity you may be surprised. Don’t get caught up in the world’s gossip or ideals. Set yourself apart for the kingdom of God. This does not mean to be a monk but to really evaluate how you spend your life and how much stuff is just a noisy distraction. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to not be captivated by things that either aren’t good for me or waste time I could have spent with you. Help me to discipline myself to godliness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Get Off The Treadmill

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28

This time of year is exceptionally crazy insanely busy for most people or so it seems. Each year you may say to yourself things are going to change but then the busy cycle continues to press in on you. It may be necessary to look at your calendar and see what activities you could truly cut back on. 

When you are planning your day why not schedule some down time. Yes a time to actually sit in a chair somewhere and relax. Don’t feel guilty doing it. Stop and get off the treadmill for a while and appreciate life and spend some time with the Lord. Schedule time to keep your physical body in shape as well, after all it is God’s temple. Say no to things you don’t really need to do. Parents don’t over schedule your young children repeating this cycle for them. 

You are the only person who controls your schedule except yes if you have a job that factors in but point being don’t try to be super woman or super man. Take care of yourself.  Insure you get a good dose of Jesus every day by filling your mind with scripture. Take time to just be still. Try it you might like it! 

PRAYER: Lord it is my responsibility to not schedule myself into a tizzy. I know I don’t have to do it all during this time of year or anytime of year for that matter. Convict my heart of what truly matters and help me to learn to say no. In Jesus’ name. Amen.