Press On...Hang On To God!

 

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.2 Peter 3:15-16

A grieving widower, a friend with cancer, you or spouse overlooked for promotion or bonus, friend lost house in a natural disaster, snubbed by friends due to ‘stupid politics’, family who is dealing with an unexplained child illness, and many other scenarios are very painful if you are the one enduring them. 

Hurt and pain are part of life and also can be tools God used to mold character as long as you can remember to not act like you know more than God and shake your fist at him.

What do you say to someone who is close to you to lift their spirits and help get their life back on the right course? The main thing is to not quote scriptures to them but be there with them to encourage and give a hug. As a new year has just begun it is time to reflect on what you want to pursue and do different as the calendar changes. Just know you are not alone. 

PRAYER: Lord when the world seems to cave in around me help me to press on and know I am not abandoned. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Arsenal Against The Devil

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

As a believer there is your enemy, Satan aka the devil, who is not a comic character but is a real being. Those church goers who don’t hear about this in their denomination would be at a loss to ward him off. 

When you have strongholds in your life that keep you from victory and freedom it is likely demonic influence trying to get your thoughts off God and onto worry and fear. 

Likewise in the world there is good and there is evil. Good of course is God and evil is, you guessed it, Satan. To fight the enemy you do it by quoting scripture to him and continually staying in the Word. To learn what is wrong you study the Bible. Keep from saturating your mind with worldly junk found in many tv shows and movies. Stay alert it says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  Your arsenal is knowing the word. 

PRAYER:Thank you Lord for my Bible for in it I have the tools to defeat the enemy.In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Light Versus Darkness

 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

The Christmas celebration is behind you but the light of Jesus should remain alive and bright not be extinguished like a candle blown out at the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Light represents good and darkness represents evil and both clearly do exist. Don’t be angry at an evil person but instead be mad at demonic spirits which have indeed captivated people to turn away from the light.

After Christmas you may feel like a let down but Jesus has not gone anywhere. You may take down the lights and the tree but Jesus is alive and his word is alive and active. Keep letting the light of Jesus guide you and keep you out of darkness.

PRAYER: Father I am ever grateful for being able to walk in the light. Satan would like us to put our light out or make it barely flicker but I know all I need to is stay in your word daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Great Designer

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

When you hear the word design what type designer comes to mind? Maybe you think of an artist who designs furniture, houses and so forth but I reflect on the ‘greatest designer’ of all time Jesus Christ.

There is a perfect design of each human and no mistakes in the big scheme if things. Modern society may not be happy with genders so decide to try to alter God’s design of male and female. There is no telling God He made a mistake in creation. 

You are a unique puzzle piece created by God to worship and serve Him. God did not just accidentally drop you into the cosmos but had a purpose for each being. Mankind has always thought they knew better than God so tried to come in between. As from the fall of Adam and Eve mankind thinks they know more. Do you trust God or do you try to be on the throne?

PRAYER: Lord help me stay under your great umbrella of protection where I trust and follow you and not the opinions of ‘experts’ in the modern culture. Use me lovingly to share truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Put On New Things For 2022

 Put On New Things For 2022

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT Bible Gateway 

The break between the old year and new year always seems like a good time to change things up or work on areas of your life that need improving. A marker of sorts as a starting point. 

What in your life needs some improvement? Spiritually speaking do you have any areas needing some touch ups? 

Only you can hone in the on areas you know deep down displease the Lord. Perhaps the goal to study and read God’s word more. Whatever it is commit to doing it and stick with it. God can help you. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord I want to grow deeper into my knowledge of you. I want to be used by you to draw others to the throne of grace. When the enemy tries to get me in a slump help me resist that stronghold and look to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: suggest reading entire Colossians Chapter 3 for more insight. 

Note # 2: Many churches have 21 Days of Fasting and prayer to start each new year. For more information check this website from Birmingham, AL and try to participate if you can. https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/

God Is My Pilot

 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.Proverbs 19:21

There is a well known bumper sticker that simply says ‘God Is My Co-pilot’ and I get the message but I would rather God take the left seat and be pilot in command. 

In day to day life he wants you to follow Him. He wants to be first place. He wants you to talk to Him in prayer.

What is so hard and complicated about developing a relationship with the Almighty? Depending on your church background or lack thereof has many things to do with it. Do you think there is more to following Christ than just naming a name of a church when someone asks if you are a Christian? As you start another calendar year why not decide this year is the one you will be intentional about putting God really first. 

PRAYER: Father I know you are in charge of my life and if I choose to put you as my assistant or co leader or second anything I would not be truly trusting you. Take the wheel Father and be my guide. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Some New Years’ Thoughts

 

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Well welcome to 2022. Wow. That sounds like fiction almost. 2022, where have the years gone. Last year and the year before were certainly filled with emotions of all kinds. What will 2022 bring? 

The resolutions are made, bucket lists updated, tentative plans made for 2022 but really what will happen and what do you want to happen, and what changes do you need to make?

Maybe this is the year to become more serious in your faith. Perhaps you have wandered away or don’t feel that inspired or excited about a relationship with Jesus. My prayer for you is that in 2022 you will draw closer to Him and discover Jesus in a new and fresh way.Maybe today’s verse could be the verse you could meditate upon, memorize,then live by. Something to ponder. Happy New Year! 

PRAYER: Lord give me eyes to see hurting lonely people around me. Help me not think only of myself but use me Lord to build your kingdom here on Earth. Guard my heart that it is not drawn to or captivated by evil.In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a of worship:https://youtu.be/IdJBYyNsQd0