A Day That Will Live In Infamy

 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”1 Peter 4:12

If you are blessed to be a natural born citizen of the US or a legal immigrant you know the feeling of freedom and what it costs. Many men and women have given their lives in wars to secure freedom. 

The few remaining survivors who were on the island that horrific day can attest to the surprise and shock of this Sunday attack. This day launched the US into World War 2. Being unprepared for the carnage from this surprise attack reminds me of attacks from Satan who I guess you could say was working through the Japanese soldiers that day to disable American forces in the Pacific. 

“Be on your guard” it says in 1 Peter 5:8 “for the enemy of your soul prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy.”Don’t be caught blindsided. Stay alert. Stay in tune with God through reading of scripture. On this solemn day of remembrance as you go about your Christmas shopping take a moment to remember the sacrifices of the US military who keep our nation free. 

PRAYER: Jesus just knowing you are with me brings me great delight. I pray for anyone who is still alive who survived that awful day on Pearl Harbor. Help me never return hate for hate but to pray lifting up Holy Hands to praise your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Say Something Kind Or Nothing At All

 

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:16 KJV Bible Gateway

During my time of prayer I came across this one simple verse above pretty self explanatory. Basically shush unless what you are about to say brings value. 

To lead a life where you have control over this type of speaking it is necessary to stay in the word and not ‘the world’. Once you asked Jesus into your heart, you  are a child of the most high sent here to bring him glory and be a witness. You can’t expect to have one foot in the world and the other in the kingdom. 

Peace and joy comes when following Christ. You exercise your senses to godliness and not to the gossip, worldly news, and foul speech. This Christmas season don’t try to jump on the treadmill of activity but be still. Spend time in the word. Decide you want to speak kind and encouraging words. Now go and rest in the Lord. 

PRAYER: Lord I come to you this day and thank you for the Holy Spirit which brings conviction. Help me use my words to bless and not curse. In Jesus’ name. Amen. #Biblegatewayblogger

Pruned Lately?

 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

Pruning is a necessary thing for gardeners to do if they expect their trees and bushes to flourish. Often timed after being pruned they look real pathetic almost like really those will be nice again? 

In your spiritual life you also receive pruning to help you grow better in your walk with Christ. At time’s you may say “why God do I have to go through this painful process” while not literally being cut with shears as you do with trees, things are taken away from you or cut from your life that are of no benefit in growing into a mature follower of Christ. 

The pruning could be getting rid of wrong friends leading you into a sinful lifestyle. It could be the difficult time of waiting and trusting God for Christ centered friends while your heart is aching in loneliness. It could be stopping bad spending habits and trusting God with your finances. It could be leaving a dead church for one alive in the spirit. Whatever the case once the finished product from this pruning emerges it will be wonderful. Have faith.

PRAYER: Lord I don’t understand why I have to give up so much or wait so long for things you are preparing for me so you can use me better. I trust you now and want strength to hang on in this process. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Costly Price Of Controversies

 

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. Proverbs 6:16-19

I am so worn out over all the controversies, supposedly all factual,  swirling around about Covid. This man made bio virus originating from China has wreaked complete havoc on our nation and the world as well as friends and family with opposing views. If ever Satan were doing a happy dance it is now. 

What are we to do brother and sister? It is likely some families have had tremendous division over this during Thanksgiving. So many ‘experts’ attempting to push their opinions. On top of that a government attempting to force things on their citizens. Oh how we need the Lord to intervene. 

Right now purpose in your heart you will not add to the division and pray for those you differ with. Continue lifting up the medical community and others who are often disrespected because of ‘factual news’ so to speak. Above all try to keep the peace with friends, neighbors, and family. Just keep praying. God is in control. 

PRAYER: Father these past couple years have been heart breaking. I wonder what is happening why did Satan have to create so much fear and division. I pray for healing and for love to take over. Help me not say anything unless it brings glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Junk Folder

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

I was recently going through my digital junk folders on all my devices. Clutter can sure accumulate to the point of overwhelming you.

How is your day to day life? Is it overtaken by ‘junk’ that is unnecessary and needs to be purged? Many times we allow so much to seem urgent and get piled up with many unimportant details and notes.

Clutter in life can often make you miss out on all God has for you. Many ‘voices’ vie for attention and unless you can separate the necessary from the junk your heart can be weighed down. Are you ready for a Jesus overhaul letting go of things holding you back?

PRAYER: Help me Lord to recognize bad junk in my life that holds me back from a closer more intimate relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Not Everyone Feels Joy!

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Philippians 4:4

This time of year is for many forced happiness of sorts. On top of the normal sadness there are the family restrictions of Covid that keep people at arms length. I for one will be thrilled to see Covid blown into a big huge abyss as I am sure may of you can attest to. It has caused death, confusion, heartache, separation, isolation sounds like stuff right out of Satan’s playbook. 

As you get ready to celebrate Christmas you don’t have to get worked up and frazzled trying to meet expectations of parties, gifts, cards, lunches out, drop ins, etc etc. Try to wind things back and take a breath. I know many who are caretakers of a family member and they really can’t abandon them but come to terms with your limitations. Everything does not have to meet up to Hallmark standards or trying to be perfect. Chill and be still, speaking to myself too. 

What do you really have to do? Think that over. Pray, be still, normal life. Your cards can be sent out in January as New Years greetings as that takes some pressure off. I truly do not think the Christ child wanted us all frazzled on his birthday. Ponder that and go have a peace break. 

PRAYER: Lord each year at this time it seems life gets on a treadmill of sorts which I feel in many ways we can alleviate stress by taking time for what is truly important. Get outside and get some fresh air and exercise. Help me relax and be still and try to remember to pursue the joy of the Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is It Well With Your Soul?

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.Philippians 4:9 NIV Bible Gateway

How are things lately? Any thing troubling you or getting you down? Sometimes when something happens to upset you it is time to chill and allow Holy Spirit to give you rest. 

Go get your Bible and look up verses on peace or read Psalm 23 out loud or the Lord’s Prayer and really think about what the words are saying. 

Be still. Don’t overreact. Do something nice for a friend or family member. Smile. Pray. Relax. Breathe in. Take a walk if you are able. Put on some praise music. Tell God you love Him. 

PRAYER: Your mercies never come to an end Lord. You are there for me when others have failed me or let me down. You help me keep charging on. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger