The Grass Is Always Greener

 

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.2 Corinthians 10:12

Theodore Roosevelt – “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparison really is the thief of joy. One day on a walk I was noticing in this neighborhood in nearby Meridian, Idaho how many backyards looked the same. Perhaps one family gets something and the next one thinks they need it whether they do or not. 

Someone gets something and maybe you think it would be neat to acquire so you get it to. It can be a vehicle, landscaping, electric bike, or whatever as if getting that will make you happy. The grass seems to be greener on the other side of the fence when in reality it is not. 

Be content in your own skin and with your own life not trying to be someone God did not intend you to be. You have a distinct purpose as a follower of Christ and don’t let comparing get in the way of that. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for blessings big and small on my life. I am thankful for being able to let my light shine. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Tidbits For The Savior

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,Ephesians 3:20

Most people reading this give more than tidbits to the savior as you obviously have made it a priority to start your day with God and a quiet time as it is commonly called. Many people may be following God but just don’t get it when it comes to prioritizing your day. 

Think about what you think about? Do your thoughts turn to the greatness or goodness of God or an overwhelming issue enveloping your life? Stop right now and say “This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it”(Psalm 118:24). 

Before you do anything else stop and think about the promises of God and the goodness of God. Don’t give up on people or a situation. The god of this world has blinded people to follow the culture not the Almighty God. Keep running towards the cross of Jesus and keep your head held high. Pray for truth to be revealed to those walking in darkness. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I run to start my day with the morning show, social media, and so forth. Those things can’t bring me joy and truth only you can. Help me stay on track. I pray for believers who need to start that holy habit to get plugged in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Or Babylon?Who Do You Align With?

But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!"Joshua 24:15

I have been doing a study on the book of Revelation this year with Bible study fellowship(BSF)  and it is quite an eye opener. Some really deep stuff in there especially when speaking of Babylon the city who was all for fun, sin, parties and totally rejected God and His word. People seemed to exalt themselves over God and saw no need to align with Him. 

You are either for God and His kingdom purposes or against Him. You can’t have one foot in one place and the other another. Sin seems fun for a season and Satan lies and deceives to trap people and make them feel superior and they reject God and His followers. 

My friend, this Earth will end someday. No one knows the day nor the hour but you will either join Jesus or be thrown into utter darkness in Hell. There is no Vegas strip, Bourbon Street, or Burlesque in Heaven. There is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Trouble is so many make up their own rules about what is acceptable after all this is 2025. Do you want to know for certain you will be with Him and are you ready to cast off any works of darkness you are part of? There is nothing so bad God can’t redeem you. Check out the verses below and then contact me if you need to. 

PRAYER: So many have been trapped by Satan who plays God and edits the Bible to suit the culture. Help those blinded by tricks of the enemy get on their knees and cry out to Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Human Problem - Sin

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

This verse tells us that all people have sinned and thus fall short of God's glorious standard.

The Consequence of Sin

Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This highlights the consequences of sin - death, which means eternal separation from God. However, it also introduces the solution - the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Solution - Christ's Sacrifice

Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Despite our sins, God demonstrated His love for us through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died in our place.

The Response - Faith

Romans 10:9 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ—by confessing Him as Lord and believing in His resurrection.

The Assurance of Salvation

Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Wait, Wait

They quickly forgot His works;
They did not wait for His counsel,Psalm 106:13

There are many towns and cities where the ‘Walk and don’t walk’ signs at intersections speak out loud saying “Wait, Wait” in a sort of robotic voice. This is  to insure people do not enter the busy intersection and get mowed over by a vehicle. 

I chuckle because in my own life I need to practice making believe I hear that voice “ wait, wait” before doing anything on impulse or when I am not certain what my actions will result in. Usually it is a relationship issue and I don’t want my words to be the cause of a flood of unnecessary emotional pain. 

The 24 hour rule is another one that makes sure that what you want to say or do will come out the right way and not be misinterpreted or end up digging you deep into a hole you never intended to be in. So my friend is there something you need to be still for and say “Wait Wait”? 

PRAYER: Father I don’t want to run ahead of you in the plans for my life. Sometimes waiting is because the thing that is to occur needs patience , trust, and stillness. Help me Lord to break stronghold of a hurried spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Hoping For?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Never give up hope. What are you hoping for is it to have friends, restoration of a marriage, healing a a family relationship, a new job or just a job, it could be a host of things. 

Hope is not just wishful thinking but if you have prayed, staying positive over a situation even when it looks awful, and believe God is working that is hope Ky friend. 

So no matter what things look like or how you feel continue to believe receive or doubt so without. Now go bless someone’s day. 

PRAYER:Lord I thank you that you love me, care for me and hear my prayers. I choose to remain hopeful even if something looks bleak. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Have An Index Finger Problem?

"And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:30). 

For younger people it would be thumbs but for the older generation it is that one lone finger you text with. At times impulsivity and not thinking through can wreak havoc. I speak from my own experience. 

I have a small sign that simply says ‘Think before you press send’ and another sign that has a traffic signal on it. Red of course means Stop. Yellow caution and green go. 

The 24 hour rule too applies as I look at the stoplight hanging on my frig asking myself with the light illustration first I stop. Yellow I think or am supposed to. Green is to proceed after you pray. With today’s verse I am not advocating cutting off your hand but never the less it is an excellent illustration.  Pray, be still, wait. Put that finger away! 

PRAYER: Father I need you each and every minute. Break the stronghold of control and impulsivity. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

note-If you missed receiving my devotions the past three days go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com to read them. 

When to Speak And When To Be Silent

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

I am reading a You version devotion now entitled ‘Dealing With Complicated People’ by Ryan Leak and an excerpt from it here-‘Rather than wishing they’d change, focus on what is within your power. Could you change your thinking? Your attitude? Your expectations? Your words? Your actions?’

How do you react to this? I don’t know if you are feeling left out, lonely, overlooked, forgotten, or like someone’s punching bag and if you are not, consider yourself blessed. For the rest of us we need to learn just how to react to hurtful people in our lives. 

Trying to be silent means keeping the text message finger still as well. It means waiting on God after you prayed. Not overreacting and trusting that God is working. It is very hard as you feel like you have lost control or have no rights. My friend God knows your wounds and pain keep crying out to Him. 

PRAYER: Lord waiting for you to ‘fix’ a situation or intervene in a relationship issue is very difficult. Different personalities react different. Prepare my heart Lord as you handle what’s on my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.