There's Something About Water

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10

God created a beautiful earth for us to enjoy and one of the very best creations was water. Flowing streams, rushing rivers, babbling brooks, waterfalls, vast oceans with crashing waves, and trickling tributaries and don’t forget rain! 

On a day when you may need peace or need refreshing of your soul if you live near a body of water and it is safe to do so, perhaps you can go sit by it and ponder all that God has done for you. As I write this devotion that is exactly what I am doing. 

What area of your life do you need a breath of fresh air from God? Life is not without struggles and heartache and perhaps you are in the midst of something right now. Know that God loves you. I know that sounds so trite but He really does. Talk to Him, out loud if you can. Maybe find a person to show kindness to as it helps get your mind off your problems. Now go and enjoy your day. Rejoice! 

PRAYER: Lord forever you are faithful. You are so good to me. Thank you for your beautiful creation. Use me today Lord to bring joy to someone hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Kindness Pays Huge Dividends!

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?Romans 2:4

It pays to treat others with kindness even if they don’t acknowledge you. Some examples: walking through neighborhood saying hi three times to a young couple who ignored you. Treating gate agent at airport nice even if they are rude to you. Finally just smiling to see how many people smile back.

It is not hard to be kind but for whatever reason not everyone is the most gifted in this area. If you are poorly treated or ignored simply blow it off and pray for the people.

Make it your aim to be kind as you never know what someone is going through.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord if I have been unkind to anyone and didn’t realize it. Help me Lord forgive those who hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don't Get Ahead Of God

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Bible Gateway 

Do you ever try to manipulate situations and rush the Almighty? You prayed, you wait, you pray some more. The art of being still doesn’t seem to be in your marching orders. 

Depending on what you are waiting on for a breakthrough it can be tempting to do things your own way to speed things up and believe me it’s never a good idea. 

Each day make it a priority, similar to breathing, to not neglect time alone with God. If you are clueless on how to start just pick up your Bible and turn to the book of John in the New Testament. The more you read the more you will be transformed. 

PRAYER: Another day to wake up and give thanks regardless of feeling which are fleeting. I choose to be still and lean in and trust you with what is on my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. #Biblegatewayblogger

Follow Him

 

To every one of his disciples, he says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”.  Luke 9:23

What does it mean to be a radically saved follower of Jesus? To follow Christ you have to get rid of stuff that trips you up. Only you can decide what that is. 

Your life is a journey. Maybe you are a recovering alcoholic or addicted to drugs or pornography. Perhaps you were in an abusive  relationship or recovering from a divorce. Maybe you were captivated by a gay lifestyle because the devil manipulated you into believing lies. Whatever it is if you radically run towards Jesus you can have victory over the demons in your life. 
 

You first and  foremost have to be willing to see that Jesus loves you and he desires the best for you, and that includes freedom from things that take you away from him or try to justify sin. 

Are you ready to follow hard after Jesus? 

PRAYER: I am so very thankful that I can be set free totally from messes in my past. I refuse to entertain negative thinking and saturate my mind with things of the Lord. Thanks for forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Redeeming Social Media

 

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Normally social media, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,Pinterest,  You tube and the new conservative sites are all pretty addictive and major time wasters but they don’t have to be. 

You can limit your use with a timer, put on reminder alarms on Alexa. Let’s face it you probably know social media causes relationship problems both inside the home when all family members can’t do without their device, probably there have been divorces over it who knows.  

I like to put my devotions on social media but when I link to Twitter it is easy to start reading vicious Twitter comments with vulgarity about honestly nice people. So post then skidaddle out of there. No reading and getting caught up in the frenzy of news and gossip. Your life will be more peaceful and those you live with will thank you. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for modern technology and the way to stream church, prayer meetings, devotions, podcasts and really good things but help the younger generation those who never did not live without this technology to not become addicted and need therapy for FOMO(fear of missing out) and help all of us think before we post things if it builds up or tears down. Give me self control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Lord!!

 

But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.Psalm 88:13

Look around you beyond your little world and torment, sadness, evil, fear, judgment, and ugliness abounds. I don’t know about you but I am ready for a spiritual awakening and  revival in a big way. 

Demons and demonic spirits are quite real. Pity the churches who don’t warn their congregations otherwise. There is a battle raging good versus evil, God versus the devil. Many scoff at the notion of Satan and that is just what he wants. Don’t believe in demons yet get angry at God. 

Grab hold of truth which is found in scripture. Get serious about fighting demons I am not talking about the little girl spitting up pea soup in the 70’s movie The Exorcist but I am talking about not letting him lie to you and manipulate you which he has done sadly to many in America, and don’t hate your enemies but pray for them to be set free as that really aggravates the devil. 

PRAYER: Father set my spirit free from lies and deception from the devil. Help those people who think spiritual warfare is a joke find a new church home and become energized and empowered. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Watch

 

"So you, too, must keep watch!  For you do not know the day or hour of My return."  (Matthew 25:13)  

No one can predict when Jesus’ will return. People have attempted to but the word of God clearly states we don’t know. There are many signs leading up to His coming. 

When Jesus’ returns what do you think he will find you doing? He is a loving savior but likes all mankind to want to follow him. 

Are you keeping watch? Are you daily reading scripture and looking up? You need to be ‘watchful’ and thankful until he comes again. And he WILL be back. 

PRAYER: Each day I get up and am thankful that I am alive. I realize I have a distinct purpose and thank you for that. Use me to help point others to Jesus’. In Jesus’ name. Amen