Happy 2011 will soon be ringing out across our nation. The crystal ball will drop in New Yorks' Times Square and the Georgia Peach will drop in Atlanta signifying the start of another new year. It is time to take stock of your life and the things you may have done right or the things you want to change. A new year is a great time to attempt to change things. As mentioned in a previous devotion we make New Years' resolutions and try to keep them. The big one seems to be losing weight but this is also a time that we can chart our course for change in other areas too, purposing in your heart that you will do things differently in certain areas. I have started a list of several things which include not letting junk mail pile up on counter, listening more and talking less, working on some new writing projects, trying to love like Jesus loves, and trying to not be nosy and think I need to know everything. These are just some of the ones. I have a total of about 10 altogether.
In God's word in Isaiah 43:19 it says 'behold I do a new thing' and in 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says "if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old is gone the new is here" referring to when a person has asked Jesus into their life and old things are passed away and behold all things far new. As a believer we are supposed to not want to do things that displease God. Starting 2011 out with ways you can get closer to God would be one excellent resolution. These things could include read the Bible daily, make church a priority, think of others first, not talking about people or saying you hate them, showing God's love to those around us,do not gossip, treating all people with respect, forgiving people even if you do not feel like it, trying to feed your mind with good things such as Christian music and teaching on TV and radio or reading a good Christian book or novel, and of course prayer.
Why not use tomorrow as the start of setting things straight? Our human nature wants to hold onto hurts but God says to forgive. January 1, 2011 can be a grand day where we can choose to say yes to Jesus and no to sin. It can be the start of a new relationship with a person you may have hurt or who has hurt you. Allow God to come into your heart and life and smooth the rough edges. Admit when you are wrong and ask for his guidance and help. He loves you. Happy New Year!
PRAYER: Father I choose this day to start off a new year with a new attitude regardless of those around me. I have no idea what 2011 has in store but I know that I do not want to go into the new year with 'old baggage' and problems. Convict the hearts of those reading of what they need to do to get closer to you Lord. Help us start 2011 out with a joyful spirit praising you and thanking you for another year you have given us to shine your light in this world. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
HUMILITY
What is exactly does it mean to be humble? Without going to a dictionary I would say basically not thinking you are wonderful in all that you do and 'Gods gift' to whatever it is you are involved in. No one likes to be around people that brag all the time, but it can be more subtle things too that we all can be guilty of. When you start to get complimented a good deal on something you do, unless you ask God to help you give Him the glory for your abilities,then your may fall into the trap of thinking to yourself,"I am something aren't I?
I know in writing letters to the editor, as I have done frequently since the early 90's, it is nice when folks comment on them,to include total strangers who seek you out to thank you, and you think to yourself, I am pretty fortunate to have that printed. But when you write and write and nothing gets put in then you step back and say,' wow, I guess there are other good writers too' and eat some humble pie. Not that I go around with a haughty attitude, because I try not to ,but one can get spoiled when people keep patting you on the back. You have to ask the Lord for a spirit of humility. Let others be the one to point out the good things. Resist the urge to tell others of your 'glory days'. As an Army boss I had back at Ft Campbell, Ky used to say, "Let your virtues speak for themselves."
There is a verse in the Bible that says " Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that in due time you might be exalted."(see 1 Peter 5:6). If you do something good realize your talents were given to you by God and without him you are nothing. Don't get too big for your britches, so to speak, or look out. Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth ; A stranger, and not your own lips.'
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 says "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
It would be pretty tough, humanly speaking, to be a famous person and have everyone fawning all over you saying how wonderful you were. It could easily go to your head. National leaders, who are supposed to be servants of the people, can become tainted and arrogant under the hypnotic effects of power. People who the world think as having an 'important lofty position" could easily slip into the mode of thinking,"hey I am pretty great. Look where I am". I think of the song "New York New York" where it goes "If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere.." The words to that song are not exactly humble. Whatever you do in life and whatever you achieve realize if not for God's goodness and grace you would not be where you are. Kings are not more important in God's eyes than the bread baker for instance. The star of the movie could not be the star without the supporting cast and crew.
God is the only one who is to be exalted and praised. Isaiah 57:15 says, " For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
PRAYER: Father it is my desire to stay humble in whatever I do. If people praise me help me remember to give the glory to you. Forgive me for times in my life where I have let my position in life go to my head. Help me stay focused on you and give you all the praise and glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I know in writing letters to the editor, as I have done frequently since the early 90's, it is nice when folks comment on them,to include total strangers who seek you out to thank you, and you think to yourself, I am pretty fortunate to have that printed. But when you write and write and nothing gets put in then you step back and say,' wow, I guess there are other good writers too' and eat some humble pie. Not that I go around with a haughty attitude, because I try not to ,but one can get spoiled when people keep patting you on the back. You have to ask the Lord for a spirit of humility. Let others be the one to point out the good things. Resist the urge to tell others of your 'glory days'. As an Army boss I had back at Ft Campbell, Ky used to say, "Let your virtues speak for themselves."
There is a verse in the Bible that says " Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that in due time you might be exalted."(see 1 Peter 5:6). If you do something good realize your talents were given to you by God and without him you are nothing. Don't get too big for your britches, so to speak, or look out. Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth ; A stranger, and not your own lips.'
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 says "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
It would be pretty tough, humanly speaking, to be a famous person and have everyone fawning all over you saying how wonderful you were. It could easily go to your head. National leaders, who are supposed to be servants of the people, can become tainted and arrogant under the hypnotic effects of power. People who the world think as having an 'important lofty position" could easily slip into the mode of thinking,"hey I am pretty great. Look where I am". I think of the song "New York New York" where it goes "If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere.." The words to that song are not exactly humble. Whatever you do in life and whatever you achieve realize if not for God's goodness and grace you would not be where you are. Kings are not more important in God's eyes than the bread baker for instance. The star of the movie could not be the star without the supporting cast and crew.
God is the only one who is to be exalted and praised. Isaiah 57:15 says, " For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
PRAYER: Father it is my desire to stay humble in whatever I do. If people praise me help me remember to give the glory to you. Forgive me for times in my life where I have let my position in life go to my head. Help me stay focused on you and give you all the praise and glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
GOD LOVES OTHERS, DO YOU?
Going into a New Year here in a couple days is always a good time to take stock of your life. What have you done right and what have you messed up on. Weight loss seems to dominate New Years resolutions, but maybe loving others and mending relationships should be a top priority too.
Why is it so hard to forgive someone? Pride perhaps. We humans mess up a great deal yet no matter how bad we are God is there with open arms ready to take us back in and forgive and start over. When we reject God, spit in his face, hurt him by our words or actions he is still ready to forgive. God does not say,"He deserves this. I'll show him". Also he does not say, "I will give him a taste of his own medicine. Just wait!" He also does not say, "How could you do this? You are a stupid moron." No God is patient, forgiving, loving and kind and if he ever made a mistake, he would be ready to admit it and move on. By his example we are to love others regardless and reach out in love to them.
If you have been wronged, let it go. Why continue to let something fester? What good does it do? The only one celebrating is going to be Satan as he is the great divider. (Read John 10:10). A hard heart is hard to win over. You have to be willing to move on, forgive others when they have hurt you and pray for God to heal the relationship. Getting back at someone is not the answer. Misunderstandings happen often in life due to miscommunication and that little tongue of ours can sure cause a lot of 'fires' to break out. Remember in James 3 it says "no one can tame the tongue.' It is a constant battle to watch what we say and think before we speak. Much trouble among people comes from saying the wrong thing. Be willing to hear both sides and be willing to allow God to come in and forgive and heal.
No thank goodness, Jesus is not like us. His love is not based on us being 'perfect'. We often hear 1 Corinthians 13 called the 'love chapter' and associate it primarily at weddings,but if you read it there is much in there about love in general. For instance 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says ' Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' If you are in the midst of something right now with a family member or friend due to a misunderstanding read those words in 1 Corinthians and think what they mean. This world would be a better place if we could just learn to move on and let things go and really let God have control. No matter how bad we are God gives second chances. Is there someone in life you need to give a second chance to and forgive?
Colossians 3:13 says " Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.'
PRAYER: Father it is often hard to humble ourselves and admit when we are wrong. Lord I pray if anyone is reading this and has issues with associates in their life, family members, loved ones, or friends that you will help them forgive and move on. Help us Lord each day to think before we speak. Give us the ability to watch what we say, this includes in email since we often 'speak' through emails these days. Father we want your love to permeate our lives. Help us let go of hurt and move on. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Why is it so hard to forgive someone? Pride perhaps. We humans mess up a great deal yet no matter how bad we are God is there with open arms ready to take us back in and forgive and start over. When we reject God, spit in his face, hurt him by our words or actions he is still ready to forgive. God does not say,"He deserves this. I'll show him". Also he does not say, "I will give him a taste of his own medicine. Just wait!" He also does not say, "How could you do this? You are a stupid moron." No God is patient, forgiving, loving and kind and if he ever made a mistake, he would be ready to admit it and move on. By his example we are to love others regardless and reach out in love to them.
If you have been wronged, let it go. Why continue to let something fester? What good does it do? The only one celebrating is going to be Satan as he is the great divider. (Read John 10:10). A hard heart is hard to win over. You have to be willing to move on, forgive others when they have hurt you and pray for God to heal the relationship. Getting back at someone is not the answer. Misunderstandings happen often in life due to miscommunication and that little tongue of ours can sure cause a lot of 'fires' to break out. Remember in James 3 it says "no one can tame the tongue.' It is a constant battle to watch what we say and think before we speak. Much trouble among people comes from saying the wrong thing. Be willing to hear both sides and be willing to allow God to come in and forgive and heal.
No thank goodness, Jesus is not like us. His love is not based on us being 'perfect'. We often hear 1 Corinthians 13 called the 'love chapter' and associate it primarily at weddings,but if you read it there is much in there about love in general. For instance 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says ' Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' If you are in the midst of something right now with a family member or friend due to a misunderstanding read those words in 1 Corinthians and think what they mean. This world would be a better place if we could just learn to move on and let things go and really let God have control. No matter how bad we are God gives second chances. Is there someone in life you need to give a second chance to and forgive?
Colossians 3:13 says " Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.'
PRAYER: Father it is often hard to humble ourselves and admit when we are wrong. Lord I pray if anyone is reading this and has issues with associates in their life, family members, loved ones, or friends that you will help them forgive and move on. Help us Lord each day to think before we speak. Give us the ability to watch what we say, this includes in email since we often 'speak' through emails these days. Father we want your love to permeate our lives. Help us let go of hurt and move on. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
THIS TOO SHALL MELT
Today we are recovering from a winter storm with remnants of snow on the grass,sidewalks,rooftops, and roads. It is a gorgeous sunny day,albeit cold, so I was in the mood to wash my car at one of the car washes that does it thoroughly. You know the kind with the brushes and free sweeper at the end? Now I am trying to avoid melted dirty water in puddles. I thought of the snow melting and how life starts to get back to normal and thought that this "'too shall melt.' It melts and we start driving and going places again. We try to avoid the puddles on the journey that life may still throw at us.
In life we go through situations that are pretty tough sometimes and we wonder when on earth things will end and get back to normal. Things will get better although when you are in the midst of junk in your life you feel it will last forever. Isaiah 43:2 says 'when you pass through the rivers they will not overflow you.' This too shall pass. God is with you in the storms of life.
PRAYER: Lord God let those who are reading this who are in midst of a storm in life know that things will get better. In Jesus name. Amen.
In life we go through situations that are pretty tough sometimes and we wonder when on earth things will end and get back to normal. Things will get better although when you are in the midst of junk in your life you feel it will last forever. Isaiah 43:2 says 'when you pass through the rivers they will not overflow you.' This too shall pass. God is with you in the storms of life.
PRAYER: Lord God let those who are reading this who are in midst of a storm in life know that things will get better. In Jesus name. Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
YOUR BODY, GODS' TEMPLE
(There was no devotion on Dec 26th,10)
As 2011 approaches the big thing to do is make a new years resolution. How many resolutions are made but broken? The biggest resolution made yearly is probably to lose weight. In the Bible it says "our bodies are God's temple" (read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Do you take care of your body? Do you abuse it with bad food you know is not good for you? Do you drink too much alcohol? How about smoking? The Bible does not say to not smoke but it certainly can't be healthy to turn our bodies into smoke stacks and we know it is linked to lung cancer. Do you mark your body up with tattoos?Those seem to be the in thing in todays' world but read Leviticus 19:28 for some insight there. Even sex outside of marriage is abusive to the body and not part of God's plan as it can lead to diseases and emotional problems. (See 1 Corinthians 6:15 and Hebrews 13:4).
It does not take a lot of effort to start a new healthy lifestyle. First think about God living inside of you. Does God want us to be lazy and lethargic? A lot of health issues today could be alleviated if we took care of the temple of God, our body. There may be those of us out there who justify their sedentary lifestyle by misquoting or misusing the verse in 1 Timothy that says 'bodily exercise profits little' (1 Timothy 4:8). Granted there are medical issues that may prevent a person from taking up running, for instance, but ask yourself as you look in the mirror if you are taking care of God's temple and if not what you plan to do about it.
Start today, do not wait til January 1st and decide what in your life needs to be changed and as Nike says, "Just do it!' The enemy does not want you to take care of your body. He would rather have you sick and tired and laying around doing nothing for the kingdom of God. Purpose in your heart today you will get on the right track, no pun intended, and wake up each day and seize the day. Do not allow yourself to lay around and be lazy. For starters go out for a walk. " But it's winter and it is cold' you may say. That is why stores sell gloves and hats. Bundle up and go out and enjoy God's kingdom no matter what season it is.
Basically take care of the body God gave you. You do not buy a new car and not put oil in it, wash it, and do maintenance. If you do not take care of your car it will fall apart and not last long. Our bodies belong to God so unlike your car you should want to take care of it for the glory of God. Ask God for discipline to not pick up cookies and to get out and walk. God can help you and he can give you the strength to do all things.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
PRAYER: Lord many may need discipline in their life. Give those reading this the discipline to wake up daily and get in your word and to exercise physically each day as well.We know our body is your temple. Forgive us when we have not taken care of it. Help me no longer make excuses and get going to take care of what you have blessed me with. In Jesus Name. Amen.
As 2011 approaches the big thing to do is make a new years resolution. How many resolutions are made but broken? The biggest resolution made yearly is probably to lose weight. In the Bible it says "our bodies are God's temple" (read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Do you take care of your body? Do you abuse it with bad food you know is not good for you? Do you drink too much alcohol? How about smoking? The Bible does not say to not smoke but it certainly can't be healthy to turn our bodies into smoke stacks and we know it is linked to lung cancer. Do you mark your body up with tattoos?Those seem to be the in thing in todays' world but read Leviticus 19:28 for some insight there. Even sex outside of marriage is abusive to the body and not part of God's plan as it can lead to diseases and emotional problems. (See 1 Corinthians 6:15 and Hebrews 13:4).
It does not take a lot of effort to start a new healthy lifestyle. First think about God living inside of you. Does God want us to be lazy and lethargic? A lot of health issues today could be alleviated if we took care of the temple of God, our body. There may be those of us out there who justify their sedentary lifestyle by misquoting or misusing the verse in 1 Timothy that says 'bodily exercise profits little' (1 Timothy 4:8). Granted there are medical issues that may prevent a person from taking up running, for instance, but ask yourself as you look in the mirror if you are taking care of God's temple and if not what you plan to do about it.
Start today, do not wait til January 1st and decide what in your life needs to be changed and as Nike says, "Just do it!' The enemy does not want you to take care of your body. He would rather have you sick and tired and laying around doing nothing for the kingdom of God. Purpose in your heart today you will get on the right track, no pun intended, and wake up each day and seize the day. Do not allow yourself to lay around and be lazy. For starters go out for a walk. " But it's winter and it is cold' you may say. That is why stores sell gloves and hats. Bundle up and go out and enjoy God's kingdom no matter what season it is.
Basically take care of the body God gave you. You do not buy a new car and not put oil in it, wash it, and do maintenance. If you do not take care of your car it will fall apart and not last long. Our bodies belong to God so unlike your car you should want to take care of it for the glory of God. Ask God for discipline to not pick up cookies and to get out and walk. God can help you and he can give you the strength to do all things.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
PRAYER: Lord many may need discipline in their life. Give those reading this the discipline to wake up daily and get in your word and to exercise physically each day as well.We know our body is your temple. Forgive us when we have not taken care of it. Help me no longer make excuses and get going to take care of what you have blessed me with. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
DISTRACTIONS
(Written on Christmas but sent late. No wi fi where I was.)
Last night, Christmas eve, here in Kentucky where I am visiting my mom, after the candlelight service at her church, which was wonderful by the way, we proceeded to do a family tradition. When we are able to make the trip to Kentucky to see my mom and brother on Christmas day we like to take in the light display at Central Park here in her town. (New York City is not the only place that has a Central Park.)
As we drove slowly through the park looking at the various light displays I commented, after we were nearly done, that sadly I had not seen the real reason for this 'holiday', that being Jesus's birth. That is when my son Matthew said, 'no mom, we went past it. It is right over there,' as he pointed in that direction. What had occurred was we were so mesmerized by a home's light display which was across from the park that we were distracted and did not see the baby Jesus in the manger.
I was thinking of the spiritual parallel to this in today's world. Many of us are so caught up in day to day activities that we totally forget Jesus or do not see Him actively working in our life for our good because of the distractions of this world. What about you? Are you so caught up in the things of the world you do not see or have time for Jesus?
Hebrews 12:2 says, 'fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'
Last night, Christmas eve, here in Kentucky where I am visiting my mom, after the candlelight service at her church, which was wonderful by the way, we proceeded to do a family tradition. When we are able to make the trip to Kentucky to see my mom and brother on Christmas day we like to take in the light display at Central Park here in her town. (New York City is not the only place that has a Central Park.)
As we drove slowly through the park looking at the various light displays I commented, after we were nearly done, that sadly I had not seen the real reason for this 'holiday', that being Jesus's birth. That is when my son Matthew said, 'no mom, we went past it. It is right over there,' as he pointed in that direction. What had occurred was we were so mesmerized by a home's light display which was across from the park that we were distracted and did not see the baby Jesus in the manger.
I was thinking of the spiritual parallel to this in today's world. Many of us are so caught up in day to day activities that we totally forget Jesus or do not see Him actively working in our life for our good because of the distractions of this world. What about you? Are you so caught up in the things of the world you do not see or have time for Jesus?
Hebrews 12:2 says, 'fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'
Thursday, December 23, 2010
GOD CARES, LET HIM
There are times in life when we may feel like giving up and feeling like God could care less. He is this big 'thing' out there who some may believe in but He can not possibly care for me. God does care. God does have a plan. It is the enemy who is out there trying to distract you and put these type of thoughts in your mind. There are two forces in this world. The powers of darkness, Satan, and the power of light, God. There is either evil or good. Evil Satanic forces will always be there trying to throw us off course. And the enemy likes to mess with our minds. We have to get control of our thoughts to win this battle. Think on good things. How do you do this? Saturate yourself with the word of God. For instance google or 'bing' the words 'God's love' and you will come up with all kinds of Bible verses to read. I suggest starting in the Psalms and just begin reading. The word of God is alive, sharper than a two edged sword.(See Hebrews 4:12). "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. " (Philippians 4:8).
PRAYER: Dear Lord forgive me if I have ever blamed you for bad things in my life. I know you have a perfect plan with the ultimate goal being entering heaven to be with you. Teach us to number our days to make each and every day count. We do not know how long we have on this earth. No one is promised to live to age 100 so when I get up today Father help me to use the day wisely and to do something to share your love with those around me. Help me to trust you with each days' problems. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcUnVYRRYzo
PRAYER: Dear Lord forgive me if I have ever blamed you for bad things in my life. I know you have a perfect plan with the ultimate goal being entering heaven to be with you. Teach us to number our days to make each and every day count. We do not know how long we have on this earth. No one is promised to live to age 100 so when I get up today Father help me to use the day wisely and to do something to share your love with those around me. Help me to trust you with each days' problems. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcUnVYRRYzo
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