Every Christian has to be convicted in their own heart about whether to celebrate Halloween with all the spooks, goblins, bloody things,monsters, red devils with pitchforks or go with a kinder gentler version of harvest celebrations which many churches choose to do as an alternative. Halloween can be fun for small children to dress up like fairies, princesses, super heroes and such but should a Christian really being getting 'in to' this holiday? My devotion today is not meant to condemn, point fingers or judge but only to make each person think for themselves whether this day should be celebrated like the world does for those who claim to know Jesus.
First off in Psalm 141:4 it says "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies". Just because the stores promote celebrating this day and putting up cobwebs and having witches kettles brewing in your front yard should you really toy with this stuff? We are told to be 'in the world' but not 'of the world'. "Do not get so religious on me" you might say. "What is wrong with having a little fun?" someone else might exclaim. Yes you can have fun but do you have to have fun with satanic type things and ghoulish creatures or can you go with more laid back fun for all? The churches have the right ideas with games and 'trunk or treat' as many call it. Some people just think it is fun to be scared out of their wits and can even become a little addicted to it. Halloween is big business in Hollywood too where horror films abound this time of year.
There are places in the Bible where it talks about not to be involved in divination and fortune telling. These areas are sort of borderline a too.I know Christians who read horoscopes. Only God knows your future not a column in the newspaper. Connecting with the dark side or things that could be getting you to be drawn closer to the enemies camp are sort of dangerous. "Oh come on now. That is ridiculous. This is a fun holiday. You are way out of line." Each person has to have their own conviction on this one .
Proverbs 23:3 says "Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." Satan comes like an angel of light and in fact it is highly possible he could use this 'innocent holiday' to trip up many in the church who find no harm in going all out and celebrating like the world. But should you? I have heard that sales of decorations for this holiday are second only to Christmas. Amazing. What is the attraction? News reports said over 60% of Americans celebrated this day.
Witchcraft, satanic rituals, evil, death do not sound like what a Christian should really be getting in to. You decide. Many seemingly innocent things are used by Christians which are borderline toying with evil such as Ouija boards, esp games, levitation and innocent slumber party games. We laugh and say no big deal but is it really no big deal?
2 Corinthians 11:14 says "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' We know we are in a battle between good and evil and in spiritual warfare so to turn Satan into a innocent comical character would probably truly delight him. A person becomes desensitized perhaps to how evil and conniving he really is. Ephesians 6:12 says "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." Colossians 1:13 says about God "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves."
Cornfield mazes are cool as long as there are not Satanic things running after you. Having a hayride is a nice way to celebrate. Some churches put on Hallelujah nights where they present a drama of sorts and end with an invitation to accept Jesus. And then there are harvest parties mentioned earlier.
Once again if you choose to celebrate with the traditions of the world I am not here condemning you. This is only to make you think and perhaps decide if you should do that next year. John 15:19 says "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." There is a saying I heard once that if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you.When Halloween comes into play that in fact could be a factor. If people came up to your door on October 31 would they be able to tell by your displays that you were a believer or would they not have a clue?
Halloween is not really mentioned in the Bible but good and evil are mentioned. So once again this has to be something the individual has to be convicted in their own hearts what to do and do you celebrate or not. If you do, how do you choose to celebrate? Nothing says you have to participate. It is not a law or anything.
So where is your heart today? Do you desire light more than darkness and do you choose to follow the worlds' ways or follow God's ways? Is this 'just' a fun holiday? Colossians 3:17 says "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
PRAYER: Lord I know Halloween in itself is not mentioned in your word but I do not want my heart to be drawn to evil. I do not want to chance doing anything that would give Satan a foothold in my life. Give me discernment for what to do about this day without being self righteous or condemning of others. Whatever I do I want to do it all unto the Lord. Whatever I do I want to please you so I need to remember to ask is what I am doing pleasing you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Romans 14:1-9
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
WIRELESS
Have you ever purposely turned off your cell phone and not used your computer for awhile? In other words disconnect for the world? I met a group of young moms once who thought their grade school children could not get along without having a cell phone. Does a 6 year old really need a phone? Well these moms seemed to think they did. One of the best things for children I feel is to raise them without electronic gadgets and video games. One mom told me that was fine back then but now? Good old fashioned board games, toys without batteries and things that make them use their heads never goes out of style.Anyway the point of this devotion is not to bash techy young moms who think their children have to have an Iphone but is to make the point why do we feel we can not just sit and be still and disconnect for a while? It would behoove a young mom to teach her children the beauty of peace and quietness.
Do you have the ability to set yourself free from technology for a short time? I mean really does everyone really need to know on Facebook that you are sitting by a lake enjoying the beautiful day? Today, just wading through junk email, is enough to drive one crazy. Get alone and away on purpose and leave the technology behind. The best thing is to go somewhere like a quiet park and just enjoy the trees, take a walk and get alone with God. The people who you need to text and talk to can wait for a few hours I think.
As I was preparing this devotion I had no Internet connection or cell phone signal and that is sort of what gave me the idea initially to write on this subject. I had gone to an auction with my husband in a remote country location in Western Tennessee and all I heard were the sounds of auctioneers, an occasional small plane overhead from a nearby airport, chirping birds, some machinery, and passing motor vehicles. It was rather pleasant for a change. Try it and you might like it. For young moms reading this it is good to teach your young ones to sit and be still and not always have to have something noisy turned on.
One of the best vacations a person could take, because I have done it, is to be somewhere where you are in a cabin without a radio, TV or a phone. You think it would drive you nuts? Just tell someone where you are in case of a emergency. If you are in a cabin by a babbling brook who wants to hear a beeping cell phone or be on their laptop?
God made so many beautiful things to enjoy. Take a day if you are able and try to get alone with God. If you have children then get them engaged in perhaps reading a book or playing a game. If they are old enough you can get them out on a day hike with you or if in a stroller take a walk in the park. Too cold? Bundle up. They make awesome winter clothes.
By being alone like this you will learn to develop a peacefulness. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." In Psalm 46:10 it reads "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Isaiah 30:15 says "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it." Psalm 116:7 says "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Isaiah 32:17 says "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Why not take the time and schedule a 'wireless' time on your calendar.Sure in today's world we get used to our gadgets to keep us connected but why not purposely just take a 'wireless break'. In other words if you are able, although some jobs require you to stay connected, but if you can, take a technology break and get alone with God. You will not be sorry.
PRAYER: Lord I love to be alone with you and pray. When I get too busy and distracted by the world and the computer, phone, Ipad, and texts I send out I often run out of time to really give you quality time. Lord give me the ability to disconnect and be still in your presence. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: enjoy the worship song below. Click on the link.
http://youtu.be/6iqpqAjUWYo
Do you have the ability to set yourself free from technology for a short time? I mean really does everyone really need to know on Facebook that you are sitting by a lake enjoying the beautiful day? Today, just wading through junk email, is enough to drive one crazy. Get alone and away on purpose and leave the technology behind. The best thing is to go somewhere like a quiet park and just enjoy the trees, take a walk and get alone with God. The people who you need to text and talk to can wait for a few hours I think.
As I was preparing this devotion I had no Internet connection or cell phone signal and that is sort of what gave me the idea initially to write on this subject. I had gone to an auction with my husband in a remote country location in Western Tennessee and all I heard were the sounds of auctioneers, an occasional small plane overhead from a nearby airport, chirping birds, some machinery, and passing motor vehicles. It was rather pleasant for a change. Try it and you might like it. For young moms reading this it is good to teach your young ones to sit and be still and not always have to have something noisy turned on.
One of the best vacations a person could take, because I have done it, is to be somewhere where you are in a cabin without a radio, TV or a phone. You think it would drive you nuts? Just tell someone where you are in case of a emergency. If you are in a cabin by a babbling brook who wants to hear a beeping cell phone or be on their laptop?
God made so many beautiful things to enjoy. Take a day if you are able and try to get alone with God. If you have children then get them engaged in perhaps reading a book or playing a game. If they are old enough you can get them out on a day hike with you or if in a stroller take a walk in the park. Too cold? Bundle up. They make awesome winter clothes.
By being alone like this you will learn to develop a peacefulness. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." In Psalm 46:10 it reads "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Isaiah 30:15 says "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it." Psalm 116:7 says "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Isaiah 32:17 says "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Exodus 14:14 says "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Why not take the time and schedule a 'wireless' time on your calendar.Sure in today's world we get used to our gadgets to keep us connected but why not purposely just take a 'wireless break'. In other words if you are able, although some jobs require you to stay connected, but if you can, take a technology break and get alone with God. You will not be sorry.
PRAYER: Lord I love to be alone with you and pray. When I get too busy and distracted by the world and the computer, phone, Ipad, and texts I send out I often run out of time to really give you quality time. Lord give me the ability to disconnect and be still in your presence. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: enjoy the worship song below. Click on the link.
http://youtu.be/6iqpqAjUWYo
Saturday, October 29, 2011
STOP TALKING SO MUCH
Does anyone out there have trouble keeping their mouth closed? Do you open it and say things that are inappropriate or not necessary and then just wish you could take it all back? It is an awful feeling to have said something and then say to yourself "maybe I should not have shared that with them". You may 'innocently' share something with a friend about someone else or some issue then realize maybe in fact you should have not said anything. For sure, the mouth gets most people into lots of trouble. James chapter 3 says "no man can tame the tongue". How many times do we wish we could just have a roll of duct tape and the problem would be solved? Better yet, what we need is self control. Those two words have popped up in several devotions lately. The ability with God's help to control yourself. To not be impulsive. To think before you speak. To be careful what you are saying is not 'gossip'.
Proverbs 10:19 says "Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" Ouch now that hits home I am sure with lots of people. It is so easy to just ramble on and talk and then regret it. You may innocently repeat something you had no business sharing. Oh how we wish we could stop talking so much. Really truly try to engage your brain before your mouth. Truly you have to gain control over the mouth. It has so much power to do good or to do harm.
Once we open our mouth that is that. The words are out there never to be taken back. We can build people up with our words or we can cause great pain and misunderstanding. We can bring joy or we can bring sorrow. We can uplift or tear down. Proverbs 10:14 says "A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows. That only leads to sorrow and trouble." Lets say you are privy to information only you should know and keep to yourself but you just can not stand it any longer. You blurt this info out to a 'trusted friend'. Even if the trusted friend keeps it to themselves you have done wrong by sharing something you had no business sharing. If this leaks out it can ruin a relationship or hurt someone. But oh how hard it is to just keep quiet. You then start feeling guilty for divulging a confidence someone entrusted to you. This can 'innocently' happen even in prayer groups where a person can share a prayer then that person shares it with others when they really should not have. Even sometimes the initial prayer should not have been said to a group if someone asked you not to. You get the idea. Be trustworthy. Keep your mouth closed and keep a confidence.
Our mouths often times speculate about things 'out loud' and can start rumors because of thinking out loud. Best to keep thoughts to yourself. If you are in a group and this is happening take it upon yourself to drop it right there and no longer bring up to anyone what was shared. Once again self control comes in to play. What good do you gain by repeating something anyway? Proverbs 17:9 says "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." This could do with forgetting an action someone did to hurt you but could include speaking something that hurt someone as well.
Proverbs 18:6-7 says "A fool gets into constant fights. His mouth is his undoing. His words endanger him." Do not be afraid of silence. Sometimes thinking you always have to have speaking going on is what can lead to trouble. Just be quiet a while and relax. Proverbs 20:19 says "Do not tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world." Better to just really pray and ask God to help you know when to share something and when to remain silent.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 says "a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak." We do not have to say everything we know to everyone we know. Use discernment and wisdom. Above all ask God to guide you and help you and if you need to talk to someone and are not sure you should, then why not just talk to God?
PRAYER: Thank you father for the gift of speaking and being able to talk. Help me to not talk too much and to now betray a confidence or share things I should not. Forgive me if I have done this. Guide my speak so it brings only glory to you and builds up the hearer. I want to only bring glory by the words of my mouth. Help me Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Proverbs 10:19 says "Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" Ouch now that hits home I am sure with lots of people. It is so easy to just ramble on and talk and then regret it. You may innocently repeat something you had no business sharing. Oh how we wish we could stop talking so much. Really truly try to engage your brain before your mouth. Truly you have to gain control over the mouth. It has so much power to do good or to do harm.
Once we open our mouth that is that. The words are out there never to be taken back. We can build people up with our words or we can cause great pain and misunderstanding. We can bring joy or we can bring sorrow. We can uplift or tear down. Proverbs 10:14 says "A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows. That only leads to sorrow and trouble." Lets say you are privy to information only you should know and keep to yourself but you just can not stand it any longer. You blurt this info out to a 'trusted friend'. Even if the trusted friend keeps it to themselves you have done wrong by sharing something you had no business sharing. If this leaks out it can ruin a relationship or hurt someone. But oh how hard it is to just keep quiet. You then start feeling guilty for divulging a confidence someone entrusted to you. This can 'innocently' happen even in prayer groups where a person can share a prayer then that person shares it with others when they really should not have. Even sometimes the initial prayer should not have been said to a group if someone asked you not to. You get the idea. Be trustworthy. Keep your mouth closed and keep a confidence.
Our mouths often times speculate about things 'out loud' and can start rumors because of thinking out loud. Best to keep thoughts to yourself. If you are in a group and this is happening take it upon yourself to drop it right there and no longer bring up to anyone what was shared. Once again self control comes in to play. What good do you gain by repeating something anyway? Proverbs 17:9 says "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." This could do with forgetting an action someone did to hurt you but could include speaking something that hurt someone as well.
Proverbs 18:6-7 says "A fool gets into constant fights. His mouth is his undoing. His words endanger him." Do not be afraid of silence. Sometimes thinking you always have to have speaking going on is what can lead to trouble. Just be quiet a while and relax. Proverbs 20:19 says "Do not tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world." Better to just really pray and ask God to help you know when to share something and when to remain silent.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 says "a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak." We do not have to say everything we know to everyone we know. Use discernment and wisdom. Above all ask God to guide you and help you and if you need to talk to someone and are not sure you should, then why not just talk to God?
PRAYER: Thank you father for the gift of speaking and being able to talk. Help me to not talk too much and to now betray a confidence or share things I should not. Forgive me if I have done this. Guide my speak so it brings only glory to you and builds up the hearer. I want to only bring glory by the words of my mouth. Help me Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Friday, October 28, 2011
THE BIG BLACK BOOK
Are you scared of the Bible? Do you rarely, if ever, even open it up? Were you baptized as a child and given a Bible but think it is some historic book and have no desire to read it? Is the only Bible you own the big huge coffee table kind? I mean that is better than none at all but is not exactly 'user friendly'. I heard once that a Bible falling apart was owned by someone who was not. Not saying this to say those who read the Bible more are perfect, but they have a handle on how to get through the trials of life more than say someone who never opens it up at all. The 'coffee table' Bible is a nice decoration, family heirloom and a great dust catcher, but the Bible is not supposed to be a decoration but a well used 'tool' of sorts.
2 Timothy 2:15 says "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth." Some versions say study instead of be diligent. If you get a new phone and do not open the instruction manual that comes with it you likely will be unfamiliar with how it operates. Likewise if you do not open the Bible you will not know how to gain victory over attacks from the enemy, Satan, or even recognize them as attacks. The enemy would like to keep it that way and keep you disinterested in the Bible as he knows when you read it you will start to have wisdom, knowledge and power to defeat him. He will do all in his power to distract you, make you too busy, or keep you thinking it is the preacher, rabbi or priests' job to know it and share it with you, but it is not necessary for you to pick it up and read it. Says who?
Acts 17:11 says " these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." That is what we have to do if we expect to grow in Christ. You have to search the scriptures. Matthew 5:6 says " Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." What does it mean to hunger? Think about being physically hungry. No one really who is reading this has probably ever been at the point of starvation like the children we see in pictures from Third World countries with swelled bellies and ribs sticking out but we know what it feels like to miss a meal and want something to eat. Do you feel that way when you do not get to read the Bible? Do you miss it? Maybe you do not even know how to read it or where to start. Start in Proverbs in the Old Testament. It has 31 chapters so take one month which normally has 31 days and read a chapter a day. After that start reading the book of John. Pray for God to teach you as you read and clear your mind of distractions.
Many through the years have tried to get rid of the Bible as they know the power that is in it. It is the book of truth. No lies are within its' pages. It is our guidebook for life. The acronym I once heard was B.I.B.L.E. or 'Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth'. John 17:17 says "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you". To hide the word of God in your heart you have to read and memorize some of it.
Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." To delight means you are thrilled to be around something or someone. You are delighted or very happy.To delight yourself in the Lord you have to spend time with Him and you spend time with Him by opening up the word to get to know Him better. Psalm 1:1-3 says "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." There is that word again. Delight! So do you want to be delighted in Jesus? Have you truly asked Him to be Lord of your life? Maybe if you are not hungry for God's word you have not accepted Him into your heart. You can do that today.
Say "Lord Jesus I need you. I ask to be forgiven of my sins and I want to live for you and serve you. Come in to my heart right now Jesus.I want you to be Lord of my life.Amen." Find a good church that uses the Bible and teaches the uncompromising word of God. It is not about church membership but about a relationship with Jesus and getting to know him through the Holy Bible. The more you read scripture and hide God's word in your heart the more you will become like Him.
PRAYER: I want to thirst for your word Lord. I do not want to put the newspaper, magazines or novels before the Bible. I want the Bible to be first priority in my life and in my day. Forgive me when I have gone for days and not read it at all. I know when I do this I am giving the enemy, Satan, an opportunity to fill my mind with untruths and get me off the path of truth. I want to start today Lord to begin each day with reading the Bible. Guide me and direct me and keep distractions from me as I seek to do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: enjoy a wonderful worship song as you start your weekend. Be blessed to be a blessing. Click on link below.
http://youtu.be/hGr8as7pPBE
2 Timothy 2:15 says "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth." Some versions say study instead of be diligent. If you get a new phone and do not open the instruction manual that comes with it you likely will be unfamiliar with how it operates. Likewise if you do not open the Bible you will not know how to gain victory over attacks from the enemy, Satan, or even recognize them as attacks. The enemy would like to keep it that way and keep you disinterested in the Bible as he knows when you read it you will start to have wisdom, knowledge and power to defeat him. He will do all in his power to distract you, make you too busy, or keep you thinking it is the preacher, rabbi or priests' job to know it and share it with you, but it is not necessary for you to pick it up and read it. Says who?
Acts 17:11 says " these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." That is what we have to do if we expect to grow in Christ. You have to search the scriptures. Matthew 5:6 says " Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." What does it mean to hunger? Think about being physically hungry. No one really who is reading this has probably ever been at the point of starvation like the children we see in pictures from Third World countries with swelled bellies and ribs sticking out but we know what it feels like to miss a meal and want something to eat. Do you feel that way when you do not get to read the Bible? Do you miss it? Maybe you do not even know how to read it or where to start. Start in Proverbs in the Old Testament. It has 31 chapters so take one month which normally has 31 days and read a chapter a day. After that start reading the book of John. Pray for God to teach you as you read and clear your mind of distractions.
Many through the years have tried to get rid of the Bible as they know the power that is in it. It is the book of truth. No lies are within its' pages. It is our guidebook for life. The acronym I once heard was B.I.B.L.E. or 'Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth'. John 17:17 says "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you". To hide the word of God in your heart you have to read and memorize some of it.
Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." To delight means you are thrilled to be around something or someone. You are delighted or very happy.To delight yourself in the Lord you have to spend time with Him and you spend time with Him by opening up the word to get to know Him better. Psalm 1:1-3 says "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." There is that word again. Delight! So do you want to be delighted in Jesus? Have you truly asked Him to be Lord of your life? Maybe if you are not hungry for God's word you have not accepted Him into your heart. You can do that today.
Say "Lord Jesus I need you. I ask to be forgiven of my sins and I want to live for you and serve you. Come in to my heart right now Jesus.I want you to be Lord of my life.Amen." Find a good church that uses the Bible and teaches the uncompromising word of God. It is not about church membership but about a relationship with Jesus and getting to know him through the Holy Bible. The more you read scripture and hide God's word in your heart the more you will become like Him.
PRAYER: I want to thirst for your word Lord. I do not want to put the newspaper, magazines or novels before the Bible. I want the Bible to be first priority in my life and in my day. Forgive me when I have gone for days and not read it at all. I know when I do this I am giving the enemy, Satan, an opportunity to fill my mind with untruths and get me off the path of truth. I want to start today Lord to begin each day with reading the Bible. Guide me and direct me and keep distractions from me as I seek to do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: enjoy a wonderful worship song as you start your weekend. Be blessed to be a blessing. Click on link below.
http://youtu.be/hGr8as7pPBE
Thursday, October 27, 2011
TESTING! TESTING! 1,2,3,4
Today I write about the 'tests' that come our way to see just how patient, cool, calm and collected we really claim to be. My test yesterday was in the computer store when a seemingly simple procedure being performed on my Ipad by their tech went bad. I ended up losing all my photographs and my address book and nearly lost all my writing and other files. It was the classic scenario that a normal reaction would have caused great anger and maybe sent some folks into a rage. I almost did feel like crying. When he was able to restore parts of it I exclaimed "praise the Lord"!
Now I think these items were also on my laptop, but at first I wanted to scream, go crazy, blame someone and freak out. Since I am a Christian, and had just left our prayer group two hours earlier praying all of us would 'go out into the world' and be an example for Christ, I did not think it would be very appropriate to cry, yell,and blame, although that is what my human nature wanted to do. I had to sort of laugh when I remembered this prayer I had prayed. Be prepared after you ask for something like patience in a prayer to have a test come along to see if you really are patient.
Even writing this I lost a bunch of the stuff I had written right into 'thin air' and had to once again recreate it. I was nearly done when poof, I hit a wrong key and lost half my devotion.
There are many things in life that come around to test our faith and our reaction. 1 Peter 1:7 says" these have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." James 1:3 says "and you know the testing of your faith works patience".
Bad stuff does happen in life and unexpected things do happen such as flat tires on a car, a grocery sack full of food bursting open in the parking lot of the store, a long line forming at a store when you are in a hurry and of course the clerk is slowest in the store. You have something stolen such as your debit card, your bicycle, your purse or wallet, or your laptop. All these things happen and test our reaction. We can choose to react like the 'world' and cuss and get mad or we can choose to silently pray " Lord help me react in a positive way to this bad situation and help it turn out for the good."
Where are you at today on the patience meter of tests and trials? It is a spiritual discipline to learn to form positive reactions to adverse situations. I have heard it said if you pray for patience look out because tests will come.
PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to react in a positive way when bad things happen. I want to act like a Christian in good times and in not so good times. Forgive me for times in the past when I have acted poorly and not represented Christ very well. I want to be like you in the things I say and do. Please strengthen me and guide me. In Jesus name. Amen!
Now I think these items were also on my laptop, but at first I wanted to scream, go crazy, blame someone and freak out. Since I am a Christian, and had just left our prayer group two hours earlier praying all of us would 'go out into the world' and be an example for Christ, I did not think it would be very appropriate to cry, yell,and blame, although that is what my human nature wanted to do. I had to sort of laugh when I remembered this prayer I had prayed. Be prepared after you ask for something like patience in a prayer to have a test come along to see if you really are patient.
Even writing this I lost a bunch of the stuff I had written right into 'thin air' and had to once again recreate it. I was nearly done when poof, I hit a wrong key and lost half my devotion.
There are many things in life that come around to test our faith and our reaction. 1 Peter 1:7 says" these have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." James 1:3 says "and you know the testing of your faith works patience".
Bad stuff does happen in life and unexpected things do happen such as flat tires on a car, a grocery sack full of food bursting open in the parking lot of the store, a long line forming at a store when you are in a hurry and of course the clerk is slowest in the store. You have something stolen such as your debit card, your bicycle, your purse or wallet, or your laptop. All these things happen and test our reaction. We can choose to react like the 'world' and cuss and get mad or we can choose to silently pray " Lord help me react in a positive way to this bad situation and help it turn out for the good."
Where are you at today on the patience meter of tests and trials? It is a spiritual discipline to learn to form positive reactions to adverse situations. I have heard it said if you pray for patience look out because tests will come.
PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to react in a positive way when bad things happen. I want to act like a Christian in good times and in not so good times. Forgive me for times in the past when I have acted poorly and not represented Christ very well. I want to be like you in the things I say and do. Please strengthen me and guide me. In Jesus name. Amen!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
MIND CONTROL GOD'S WAY
Got your attention with that title didn't I? To walk a walk with the Lord and stay on the right path we have to have our minds renewed with the word of God daily. You can not continue to 'feed' your mind with the worlds' garbage and expect to live victoriously. Plus sometimes we have wrong thoughts that lead us into thinking things that are not really happening. We imagine people do not like us. We fear the future. We worry about our children going off God's path. We worry about things at work.
Each and every day you have to start your day with prayer, praise and God's word. Do you wake up and the first thing you do is tune into the local news or the syndicated news shows out of New York City? Sure there may be a lot of good things on them but there are things that bring us down when we hear bad news or gossipy type things all the time. You can stay informed other ways by listening to news on the radio for instance. You may have to discipline yourself to keep the television off in the morning if it is distracting you. Maybe it is the newspaper that you put first before God. You may have to choose to not take the paper for a while if you are constantly spending hours in it and not one bit of time studying or meditating on God's word.
You can have 'the mind of Christ' if you fill your mind with good and pleasant things. If you start to get angry or upset about issues of our present day then try giving it over to God and praying. It helps to praise God when we start to slump into a pit of despair or anger. The world situation may get us down today. At the end of this devotion is a wonderful prayer ministry link that prays for the nation.
Rom 12:1-2 is a good verse to commit to memory and it says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." You renew your mind when you put good things into it. You may have heard the phrase 'garbage in, garbage out' referring to junk we put into our brains. For instance if you have young ones that you are raising for the Lord what an excellent time to build up the spirit of God that lives inside of them. There are many fine Christian books to read to children and even Christian children's TV shows and DVD's. And of course the most important book to train your children's mind with is God's word.
You have to control what you think. It takes discipline. But with God's help you can get this control. In yesterdays devotion I mentioned self control in the aspect of temptation but now you need self control to tame what comes into your mind. It can be done but it takes practice to think right thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." Sincerely ask yourself if things you put into your mind daily meet this heavenly criteria.
Proverbs 23:7 says "as a man thinks in his heart so is he" so if you have wrong thoughts and thinking you have to truly ask for God's help to think the right things. Philippians 2:5 says to "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace". Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Where are you today in the 'mind control' department? God can help you if you only call on Him. Start today and read a Psalm or Proverb each day to start getting your mind back on track if you have been away from the word of God for a while. Be blessed.
PRAYER: I choose to watch what I put into my mind and thoughts Lord. Sometimes it is very hard. Help me resist the enemies attempts to get me worried or fearful. I choose to think on good things and to be guided by the truth. Help me with the self control I need to keep focused on you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note if the things in the world today are bothering you and getting you scared or depressed I urge you to check out the link here and read others prayers and post prayers. This site is not related to the White House in any way but it is independent ministry from Scottsdale,AZ.
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/
Each and every day you have to start your day with prayer, praise and God's word. Do you wake up and the first thing you do is tune into the local news or the syndicated news shows out of New York City? Sure there may be a lot of good things on them but there are things that bring us down when we hear bad news or gossipy type things all the time. You can stay informed other ways by listening to news on the radio for instance. You may have to discipline yourself to keep the television off in the morning if it is distracting you. Maybe it is the newspaper that you put first before God. You may have to choose to not take the paper for a while if you are constantly spending hours in it and not one bit of time studying or meditating on God's word.
You can have 'the mind of Christ' if you fill your mind with good and pleasant things. If you start to get angry or upset about issues of our present day then try giving it over to God and praying. It helps to praise God when we start to slump into a pit of despair or anger. The world situation may get us down today. At the end of this devotion is a wonderful prayer ministry link that prays for the nation.
Rom 12:1-2 is a good verse to commit to memory and it says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." You renew your mind when you put good things into it. You may have heard the phrase 'garbage in, garbage out' referring to junk we put into our brains. For instance if you have young ones that you are raising for the Lord what an excellent time to build up the spirit of God that lives inside of them. There are many fine Christian books to read to children and even Christian children's TV shows and DVD's. And of course the most important book to train your children's mind with is God's word.
You have to control what you think. It takes discipline. But with God's help you can get this control. In yesterdays devotion I mentioned self control in the aspect of temptation but now you need self control to tame what comes into your mind. It can be done but it takes practice to think right thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." Sincerely ask yourself if things you put into your mind daily meet this heavenly criteria.
Proverbs 23:7 says "as a man thinks in his heart so is he" so if you have wrong thoughts and thinking you have to truly ask for God's help to think the right things. Philippians 2:5 says to "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace". Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Where are you today in the 'mind control' department? God can help you if you only call on Him. Start today and read a Psalm or Proverb each day to start getting your mind back on track if you have been away from the word of God for a while. Be blessed.
PRAYER: I choose to watch what I put into my mind and thoughts Lord. Sometimes it is very hard. Help me resist the enemies attempts to get me worried or fearful. I choose to think on good things and to be guided by the truth. Help me with the self control I need to keep focused on you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note if the things in the world today are bothering you and getting you scared or depressed I urge you to check out the link here and read others prayers and post prayers. This site is not related to the White House in any way but it is independent ministry from Scottsdale,AZ.
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
TEMPTATIONS
This is not about the 60's Motown Musical artists but instead about temptations we face each and every day in our daily lives. Many temptations abound and they are thrown in our path by the enemy to get us off course.This is not necessarily about being tempted by chocolate or food but many deeper things than that. Although gluttony is listed as wrong in the Bible there are some other temptations that have more severe consequences.
Some of these include the temptation to lie. Not saving sex for marriage is a tremendous temptation for many. Wanting to cheat on tests is also not up there on good things to do list. Giving false information or incomplete information on tax forms is one you often hear of that can send you to jail. Speeding in your car is a temptation for many which can cause vehicle accidents and tickets. For some there may be a temptation to steal which too can land you with some time incarcerated in your local 'gray bar motel'. As mentioned previously the temptation in eating too much especially if you know you need to lose weight. Alcohol is not necessarily a sin but drinking alcohol to excess can make you end up doing things you regret(See Proverbs 23:31-35). It is best to not touch alcohol at all if you can resist it. You will save a ton of money and heartaches as well. There are those people who want to stop smoking and tobacco tempts them. The temptation to tell someone off has to be kept under control. To idly sit and watch immoral things on TV or in the movies may be tempting because the ads make it look attractive. We know is not good for us so we have to resist the temptation and choose to turn off the TV or not go to a particular movie. Even just sitting around watching television where people talk about their lives does not really add anything to your life. It can be a temptation for some to give up these daytime shows and movie star magazines. The reading material we choose that tears down instead of building up can tempt some as well. Many today are addicted to pornography and even some within the church. This can be porn on the Internet, TV, or magazines. You have to run from this sin which so easily destroys the mind and can hurt relationships as well. For many men there is a temptation to go to what the south calls 'Gentlemans' Clubs' otherwise known as strip clubs. We all know this is not a wise thing to do at all. Matthew 5:28 says "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Nowadays there are even 'gay clubs' which enters into a whole new realm of temptations. The Bible says in the book of Leviticus that a "man should not lie with another man". (See Leviticus 18:22).
Those were just some of the ways people can be tempted. You may be able to add to the list. But let's go over some Bible verses now that deal with temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says " No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure." James 1:14 says "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away." So those 'evil desires' have to be controlled and that is where the fruit of the spirit of 'self control' comes in handy. You can not do everything you feel like doing in life or you will get yourself into major trouble. Some of the temptations that lead us off God's path can cause not just spiritual problems but emotional and psychological problems as well and sometimes medical problems in the case of a possible pregnancy from premarital sex or a sexually transmitted disease as well. Just cause you 'feel' like doing something does not mean you have to do it. Control yourself. If you can't, ask God for His help and direction.
Remember Jesus was led into the wilderness by the devil and tempted but never succumbed to sin. Matthew 4:1 says "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil."
Temptations come when our evil or wrong desires lead us off the path God has set before us. Sometimes you might have to verbally say out loud "Get thee behind me Satan" when you start to feel yourself slipping into temptations. James 1:13 says "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." You are responsible for your own actions. You can control yourself. It is possible. You first have to know what is right and what is wrong and that is found in the pages of God's word the Bible. You can not erase the things in the Bible you do not like. You will give account for the things in your life you have done wrong.
We all have things that have led us down the wrong path. The thing is we do not want to continue down that path. Change friends if you have to. Stay away from places you know you have hard time resisting. Ask yourself if God were with you would he be pleased by your behavior.
To help you as you seek to walk a walk pleasing of the Lord keep in mind this verse in Galatians 5:22-23 which says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." There are those words again, self control. Basically stop yourself from doing wrong before the bad stuff has happened. James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Ephesians 4:7 says "and do not give the devil a foothold." Just remember what 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Get that self control in full gear.
Start today and walk a walk pleasing to the Lord asking Him to give you the ability to stay on the path of righteousness and away from those things that tempt you to do wrong.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven I thank you for the things I have learned in the course of my life that have kept me running the good race. Temptations are all around so give me the ability to do what is right and good in your eyes. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Some of these include the temptation to lie. Not saving sex for marriage is a tremendous temptation for many. Wanting to cheat on tests is also not up there on good things to do list. Giving false information or incomplete information on tax forms is one you often hear of that can send you to jail. Speeding in your car is a temptation for many which can cause vehicle accidents and tickets. For some there may be a temptation to steal which too can land you with some time incarcerated in your local 'gray bar motel'. As mentioned previously the temptation in eating too much especially if you know you need to lose weight. Alcohol is not necessarily a sin but drinking alcohol to excess can make you end up doing things you regret(See Proverbs 23:31-35). It is best to not touch alcohol at all if you can resist it. You will save a ton of money and heartaches as well. There are those people who want to stop smoking and tobacco tempts them. The temptation to tell someone off has to be kept under control. To idly sit and watch immoral things on TV or in the movies may be tempting because the ads make it look attractive. We know is not good for us so we have to resist the temptation and choose to turn off the TV or not go to a particular movie. Even just sitting around watching television where people talk about their lives does not really add anything to your life. It can be a temptation for some to give up these daytime shows and movie star magazines. The reading material we choose that tears down instead of building up can tempt some as well. Many today are addicted to pornography and even some within the church. This can be porn on the Internet, TV, or magazines. You have to run from this sin which so easily destroys the mind and can hurt relationships as well. For many men there is a temptation to go to what the south calls 'Gentlemans' Clubs' otherwise known as strip clubs. We all know this is not a wise thing to do at all. Matthew 5:28 says "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Nowadays there are even 'gay clubs' which enters into a whole new realm of temptations. The Bible says in the book of Leviticus that a "man should not lie with another man". (See Leviticus 18:22).
Those were just some of the ways people can be tempted. You may be able to add to the list. But let's go over some Bible verses now that deal with temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says " No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure." James 1:14 says "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away." So those 'evil desires' have to be controlled and that is where the fruit of the spirit of 'self control' comes in handy. You can not do everything you feel like doing in life or you will get yourself into major trouble. Some of the temptations that lead us off God's path can cause not just spiritual problems but emotional and psychological problems as well and sometimes medical problems in the case of a possible pregnancy from premarital sex or a sexually transmitted disease as well. Just cause you 'feel' like doing something does not mean you have to do it. Control yourself. If you can't, ask God for His help and direction.
Remember Jesus was led into the wilderness by the devil and tempted but never succumbed to sin. Matthew 4:1 says "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil."
Temptations come when our evil or wrong desires lead us off the path God has set before us. Sometimes you might have to verbally say out loud "Get thee behind me Satan" when you start to feel yourself slipping into temptations. James 1:13 says "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." You are responsible for your own actions. You can control yourself. It is possible. You first have to know what is right and what is wrong and that is found in the pages of God's word the Bible. You can not erase the things in the Bible you do not like. You will give account for the things in your life you have done wrong.
We all have things that have led us down the wrong path. The thing is we do not want to continue down that path. Change friends if you have to. Stay away from places you know you have hard time resisting. Ask yourself if God were with you would he be pleased by your behavior.
To help you as you seek to walk a walk pleasing of the Lord keep in mind this verse in Galatians 5:22-23 which says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." There are those words again, self control. Basically stop yourself from doing wrong before the bad stuff has happened. James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Ephesians 4:7 says "and do not give the devil a foothold." Just remember what 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Get that self control in full gear.
Start today and walk a walk pleasing to the Lord asking Him to give you the ability to stay on the path of righteousness and away from those things that tempt you to do wrong.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven I thank you for the things I have learned in the course of my life that have kept me running the good race. Temptations are all around so give me the ability to do what is right and good in your eyes. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)