So You're Getting Older

 

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

Many people dread getting older. Seems like we are in a society that glorifies youth and at times disrespects or pokes fun at older people.

As I wrote this I chuckled because I was headed to my 50th High school reunion making sure not to forget my contact lenses and age spot cover cream. The cosmetics industry makes a ton of money trying to sell the fountain of youth.

Frankly I would not want to live forever. Death is nothing to fear if you know the Lord and as a matter of fact is the icing on the cake of life to be looked forward to. Gods’ plan was never being frozen and brought back to life once mankind knows how to keep you alive. Rejoice in each day the Lord has given you. Mourn those who died ‘before their time’ whatever that really means. My heart aches for those who lost babies, children, teens, or thirty somethings. Know that God loves you and can be your source of comfort if only you allow him to.

PRAYER: Thanks for giving me life and in this generation. Help me to rejoice instead of being puzzled by death. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Test

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:7

This is not about taking school exams or a work or drivers license test but about being ‘tested’ in general when it comes to your boiling point and patience, particularly when wearing a bracelet that says ‘Pray First’.

Even without the bracelet telling the folks around you who see it that you believe in prayer, as a follower of God, it is important to keep in mind others are watching and maybe want you to mess up.

Many situations can agitate especially under time constraints things such as traffic jams, tailgaters, airline travel, slow clerks, lines, and busy signals or being on hold only to get cut off when trying to secure the last room at a hotel for your class reunion one day away. When ‘tested’ take a few deep relaxing breaths, say a prayer and trust God. Now go have a good day.

PRAYER: Father I need your help to not come unglued and frazzled when a situation goes south. I know each ‘test’ I pass means I may not have to take that same one again. I choose joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Job?

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19 NLT)

What do you consider to be your job? A stay home mom, student, teacher, factory worker? The list of jobs paid and unpaid is unending. Do you also consider your job a disciple of Jesus wherever He places you?

The verse today sort of fell in my lap, so to speak, the first day as a volunteer counselor at a Pro Life center and it puts in a nutshell what a believer does or is ordained to do.

Are you doing your best for the kingdom? You should want to if your heart is truly in the right place. Make it your ultimate aim to work for God’s kingdom wherever life takes you.

PRAYER: I am humbled that as a lowly servant you have big ideas for me and a very important job to do. Help me realize I don’t live for myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Belong!!

 

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37

A popular fitness center has a motto on the wall that simply says ‘You Belong’ and another that says ‘Check Your Ego At The Door’ and both of those statements readily apply to walking a Christian walk. 

There are no levels in your Christian life of one person being better than another because another’s spiritual gift seems outwardly taking more talent. Humility, kindness, love are right up there at the top for following Christ. Being thankful as well. 

You do in fact belong in God’s family each person has a choice whether to accept Him or reject Him. What have you done? 

PRAYER: I am thankful all gifts are equal in the kingdom. It takes many gifts to build a church. Help me never think more highly of myself and thank you lord for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Nana Nana Boo Boo

 

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.1 Peter 4:15 ESV Bible Gateway

Words are powerful. Emotions can be powerful and confusing. Being a neighbor who cares is important to keep watch over anything that could be dangerous or harm the neighborhood.

Different personalities react to things in different ways. Differing temperaments also can influence how good a neighbor and friend you are. Something meant to help others may be interpreted as being none of your business. So where do you draw the line on neighborhood watchfulness and being caring and helpful. 

Your gesture of doing something to keep others safe may be considered an intrusion. So maybe unless it is a life or death situation it is best to put down the bullhorn and keep friends and make new friends. 

PRAYER: I try Lord to be kind to all people even if I have never met them. People can say ugly and hurtful things and can name call but help me never be guilty of this. Lord give me love for even those people I disagree with or don’t see eye to eye with. Calm my spirit so I am more like Jesus and less like myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Love One Another….Can You?

 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

As a follower of Christ we are commanded to love one another. A tall order you may think with so many personality types to deal with but it is right there in the Bible. 

Love unconditionally like Jesus’ would love and when others enter into gossip about people don’t involve yourself but instead pray for the gossiper and the person being gossiped about. 

Satan loves division and he loves false fake people who claim to know Jesus but say they hate someone. Love others and treat them kind as wouldn’t you want the same treatment? 

PRAYER: Father thanks for giving me the ability to love supernaturally because of the Holy Spirit who dwells inside me. Help me to love every person and pray for those whose hearts are hurting due to rejection. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Books To Transform Your Life

 

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

 

A pop up appeared in my news feed one day with the heading ‘Five Books You Must Read To Transform Your Life’ leaving  out most important One…The Bible. This is typical of a secular worldview where spiritual things are not important unless talking of yoga or Transcendental meditation or some other New Age religion. 

The Bible transforms your mind simply by reading it daily. You read, meditate on what the scripture said and read some more. What you take into your mind does have power and that is why many parents get concerned over tactics to re-educate their children with false narratives knowing how susceptible the human mind is to transformation. 

You hear something long enough you assume it to be true or you don’t know what is truth because it has been keep from you through a propaganda machine. This is why God’s word is ever so important so the more you read the more you recognize truth. Be aware or the enemy can deceive those you love.

PRAYER: Lord keep me wise in what is necessary to know to stay above the lies and deceit and tricks of Satan for I am not unaware of how he subtly weaves his way into all facets of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.