Afraid?

 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Many times in the past I have written about not fixating on bad news and try to get away from constant news alerts which only cause stress and anxiety. Be thankful you are not in a war torn country and stay on your knees in prayer.

There is plenty to fear if you choose to allow it to disrupt your life. The fear is not one of fight or flight like a bear encounter in isolated woods like my husband and I faced in September 2018 in Homer, Alaska or is not the fear of dying in an airplane crash or being ejected from a roller coaster but fear of what is to come or what evil man can do to you.

You may say well I can’t help it that is my personality but in fact you can conquer fear. If you don’t it will soon defeat you. As a child of God you set an example for the rest of the world because you can have perfect peace. You have to do the ‘spiritual work’ to develop a peaceful mindset by memorizing scripture on peace. Make the rest of March your happy time!

PRAYER: Lord I come to you daily asking for strength to fight the enemy when he comes knocking at my door. I choose to seek peace and pursue it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Missed Days

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

I tend to bounce around lots and not focus as good as I should and one area this is frustrating is following a daily quiet time plan. Recently I went to one plan and got the message I had missed seven days. Oh no what is wrong with me?

Perhaps you can identify with this in that there are so many good plans out there you either bounce around or just skip it entirely. Your enemy Satan loves to distract you and keep you from settling down and enjoying a quiet time with the Lord. 

Decide today what direction you need to go and don’t beat yourself up when you miss a day. Don’t just do this out of a legalistic habit but desire and hunger for it. God knows your heart and He loves a heart set apart for Him. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord each day as I start my quiet time to not let the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ disrupt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Getting Off Track

So let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Don’t beat yourself up if you had the best intentions to stay on a Bible reading plan and something happened. It almost becomes a chore instead of a joy so relax. 

At the beginning of a new year you may have decided to start a Bible reading plan or a time alone with God and each day is unique and sometimes things don’t come out as planned. Relax my friend. God knows your heart. He isn’t going to punish you for missing a day of your Lenten reading. 

Of course be alert to the enemies tricks to immobilize your growth in Christ but stay  watchful and hopeful and even on days when you don’t ‘feel’ spiritual make an effort to at least talk to God. 

PRAYER: Thanks Father for loving me even when I fall short of plans I had. Help me to keep running the race to be closer to you and shaking off any of the world’s garbage that hinders me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Brain Fog? Press On!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD's people.Ephesians 6:18

Do you ever get up and have one of those days? Your heart is set on spending time with the Lord but everything else seems to get in the way. 

If you have small children or infants incorporate a fun learning time with many things available through children’s ministries. Put on lively spirit filled music to get the day started. If you need to get to work listen to scripture in your car instead of regular news or secular music. 

The sword of the spirit(the word of God) can help slash through that brain fog so you can see and feel the glorious light and warmth of the savior. Don’t focus on the world’s issues and get worried and fretful. Work on developing trust in the King of kings. 

PRAYER: I need you every day Lord but at times things get in the way of good quality time with you. There is no excuse. Forgive me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Treasure

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

NIV Bible Gateway 

You must make time for God. Do you desire to do this? Do you want your life to impact the world around you?

If someone were to ask you what is the most important thing in your life how would you respond? Not all days will you feel like jumping for joy even though the joy of the Lord should always be your strength. 

Don’t be ruled by emotions or feelings as they are ever changing. Just where is your treasure being stored? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for watching over me and providing for me even on days when I give you little time. I seek to walk with you daily. Keep my feet from stumbling. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Works Of The Flesh

 

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11

We are in this world but we are not to be of this world. In other words people should be able to tell you are different, not holier than thou different but just a different demeanor. 

The flesh would cover such things as jealousy, homosexuality, adulterous behavior, sorcery, fortune telling, drunkenness, murder, hatred, and I am sure you can add a few more. There is always redemption and forgiveness because we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 

The enemy blinds the minds of people getting them to believe lies and get off the course God has for them. Stand firm my friend. Stay rooted and grounded. Don’t allow deception to drag you away from growing closer to God. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to have ears to hear and a heart to show kindness and compassion. Thanks that there is always a way to freedom in Christ. I pray for anyone I know who might be believing a lie to guide them gently to the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Saying Thank You Helps Clear The Blues

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”Psalm 100:4

Ever catch yourself just feeling down and there is no apparent reason? You need to quick find a way to become joyful before Satan takes advantage of you. Don’t run to social media for  comfort as it usually does the opposite. 

Sure you can escape in a book, good movie, or games. But much better would be to start to think of things that bring joy to your life. Think of something good that happened just today for instance. Maybe it was a phone call, a card in the mail, a smile, a hug, a gift. Then think of the ways God has taken care of you. 

You have been set free and redeemed..give thanks. God is working in and through you….give thanks. You are where you are for a reason…give thanks. You have people who love you and enjoy being with you..give thanks. See you have a pretty good life so give thanks! 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for my life and thank you for helping me in times when I feel a little down. I choose to cast my burdens on you. I refuse to allow the lies of Satan to drag me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.