Spiritual Fitness Often Involves Stillness

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:8

When you think of physical fitness what comes to mind? Gym time, sit ups,  walking, weight lifting, eating right? Spiritual fitness is even more important and yes, it can involve walking in the form of ‘prayer walking’, but a good bit of it learning to be still to hear from God. 

After praying there won’t necessarily be an instant answer in fact it may be years or not even in your lifetime for you to see the results or the fruits of your labor but God hears you. Occasionally a great spiritual discipline for a spiritually fit person is being still before the Lord. No phones, computers, TV or radio. Just you, God, and your Bible and maybe a notebook and pen. 

Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “be still and KNOW that I am GOD” so that in fact is what you need to try to do. Even this time of year where people get crazy busy for whatever reasons they really don’t need to, go back, have some coffee, schedule some ‘time alone with God’ daily then keep your appointments. 

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I thank you so very much for the word which is truth. Help me not let life take over and drive me over the edge but help me insure a time daily for stillness regardless of my schedule. Help young moms perhaps include their babies in this time or do it while they nap. Help everyone reading this prayer make spiritual fitness a priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Leave Home On Empty

And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

When you drive you certainly would not venture out on a long trip without first filling up the gas tank on your vehicle. Similarly as a believer you should not venture out of your front door without first filling up your spiritual tank.

How do you do this? First don’t compare yourself to sister Suzy Q who you hear may read her Bible for an hour, go to all sorts of Bible studies and pray for hours. God does not want us to compare. Whatever works for you the important thing being to make it happen. There is not a certain amount of time and God standing there over you saying “that’s not enough” but instead he wants your love, faithfulness, devotion. One theory I once heard was to tithe your time similarly to how you tithe your income so however many hours you are awake do you only give the Lord crumbs?

Now is the time as the year starts to draw to a close to get serious about your quiet time. You don’t just exist for yourself but you exist to bring glory to God by your actions. I know how easy it is to stay glued to your TV or computer and then it is 10 at night and whoops no God time. Pray about what you should do then go have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love you and I love spending time in prayer and reading your word or a devotion book or watching a Christian preacher on TV. Guide me as I seek to put you truly first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Click link for a wonderful song of praise: https://binged.it/2Pbi5L4

You Are Special

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16

I recently got a new book for my granddaughter entitled ‘God Says You Are Special’ but sometimes we adults need to take a good dose of feeling special affirmation as well. 

Opinions of others, hurtful words or actions whether intentional or unintentional, listening to the lies of Satan over what the truth of God is. There are a host of negative messages out there that can really get you down on yourself and feeling like a scum bag but God says you are special, period! The enemies specialty is deception and lies and you know when you feel negative it is NOT from God. 

Today know God loves you period. The world puts standards on people to reject them and even some believers are guilty of judging and not loving. We are ALL sinners remember that. Come down from that lofty perch meant for eagles not for you. Today love those who are hard to love. Smile at people that may need that to be lifted from an otherwise bad day. See what you can do to make someone feel special. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord. There are all kinds of people that may not love or serve you but we are called to love them and be kind. Open the hearts of those who would reject because of manmade standards. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trusting God For Little Things And Big Things

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

What are you trusting God for? It could be a change in someone, an item you need and can’t afford, a new job, even a coat and a nursing bra. Yes that got your attention I am certain. I actually prayed once for hand me down nursing bras and coincidentally, NOT, a lady in day care at church one day says “hey could you use some nursing bras.” I prayed for a certain jacket years ago and found it shortly thereafter at a Thrift store.

Don’t figure out how just trust God to do work in your life seemingly impossible stuff but once again not on your timetable but His. God is the giver of good things and he loves you. He is not Santa Claus or a genie but simply and powerfully God. Enough said. 

So today whatever you are hoping for or wishing you would see a breakthrough in a situation don’t listen to the enemy who will make you the biggest doubter ever, don’t compare yourself to another’s situation as everyone’s plan is different, but simply continue to pray believing God can do the impossible! 

PRAYER: I lift your name on high Lord Jesus! I thank you for miracles I have seen or heard about and know how awesome and powerful you are. As I look around at people whose faces look sad or hopeless I pray for a touch of God to come to many not just because it is the Christmas season but to show your mighty power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Him Not You

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

We are living in a me centered generation with selfies, Facebook, and self promotion. When it come to God Almighty He is first. I doubt he would be stopping all the time capturing selfies of Himself at The Jordan River and The Temple Mount and other places. Sounds comical but trying to make a point. 

When it comes to praying you have to remember God is not a genie or a cake where we wish and blow out the candles. Its not about what you want it is about what He wants. Sure the Bible says He will give you the desires of your heart but His plans supersede yours. Then why pray? Because he wants to hear from you. He is a jealous God and wants your love and devotion. 

Is God really first place in your life? If I asked the question “if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you” what would the answer be? Think about that and then make changes as necessary to get closer to be wholly devoted child of God. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the opportunity to live in a free nation and declare my love for Jesus and God openly without fear of punishment. I continue to pray for more people to come to know Jesus as savior and leave the church they are in if they are not growing and it is more out of duty than love. I pray you will use me to draw others closer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Zip It!

And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Sometimes things are better left unspoken, untexted, untweeted, and not posted on Facebook if you know what I mean. I feel a new area for professional counselors will not only be electronic device addiction but will be hurt and pain caused through this modern outlet. 

Keeping your thoughts on ‘things above’ as it says in Philippians 4:8 is another vital thing to do. Not feeling compelled to talk back or reply and being still. Give things to the Lord and zippy the lippy. As a friend of mine often reminds me “Facebook is not real” and it can absorb huge chunks of time if you allow it to. Discipline is for sure necessary. 

So today go out with good thoughts, kind words, love in your heart looking to the cross of Jesus Christ to guide you and sustain you knowing He is all that really matters. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for forgiving people who don’t take things so seriously and pray for those who get hurt too easily and wreck relationships because of being unwilling to forgive and move on. Help me Lord never be guilty of intentionally hurting anyone with words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Transformer

 '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

While waiting to board a plane to Chicago I saw an advertisement for a local university which simply reads "Transforming Lives". What parent would not want to send their child where their life would be transformed? But wait. It did not specify "how" this transformation would take place. Would it be intellectual, situation, emotional, relational, spiritual?

As a believer I want my life transformed and that of my children but I want it transformed into the image of Christ. Today’s verse is one my favorite verses after recommitting my life to Jesus back in 1975. Transforming your mind requires getting into the word of God on a daily basis and reading it and studying it so your life will "conform" to His.

The world's way is not God's way. This is not to say that we become monks and act holier than thou but it is necessary to make a deliberate effort to saturate your mind with the teaching of the Lord so when wrong stuff comes along you will recognize it. Are you ready for that transformation today?

PRAYER: My desire Lord is to have more of you in my life. I want your light to shine so others can know that you have transformed me. In Jesus' name. Amen.