Have you ever done a spiritual fast? This is where you give up something, most likely food, and concentrate on praying and usually for a specific reason? Fasting is about denying yourself and focusing on spiritual purposes. When we fast we are not to tell people so they will think we are 'oh so wonderful and spiritual' but we are to do it in secret. 1 Corinthians 15:31 says "I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord." To 'die daily' do not mean literal death but dying to the pleasures of this world we think we need. To die is to put off always putting 'self' on the throne. It is also thinking of others more than yourself. Self can be a real problem for trying to get closer to God. Matthew 16:24 says "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Perhaps you are good at making excuses of why you can not do a certain thing. Is there something going on in your life that needs serious prayer right now? Perhaps a wayward child? Maybe it is being able to let go of a hurt or forgiving someone? Maybe issues at work? Perhaps a health issue? Maybe some marriage problems? Whatever it is, have you considered the discipline of fasting? I am not promising you an instant answer to prayer, but this is one way to get serious about being close to God and giving him your concerns .
When some outsiders think of 'Christians' or 'church people' they may think of people who like to go to allot of potluck suppers because you are always hearing of that. The sin of gluttony is not mentioned much in sermons now is it? But to 'fast' we need to let our stomach growl a bit and do not think we have to eat just because it is lunch time. When you feel the urge to eat, then pray. Of course some people need to check with their doctors if they have a medical condition that would cause a problem.
In Mark 9:29 it says "He told them, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting." This means you may need to get serious about the praying to the point of denying yourself the pleasure of keeping your tummy full. Half the time we are hungry we do not really need to eat anyway but it is out of habit. When you feel you just can not stand it and have to eat, stop a minute and do a word picture in your head of the little children you always see in Africa with bloated bellies and only mush of some sort to eat then think how much you really need that hamburger. Give it up and go pray. We are pretty blessed here in this country and many could stand to miss a few meals anyway. We are blessed to not have to eat a bowl of cornmeal each day washing it down with dirty diseased water from a polluted river .
There have been fasting movements for the country and for others reasons .You may have something going on in your life or a family members life you want to spend quality time in prayer about and fasting is a good way to do this. If you are free to get away somewhere for a couple hours and concentrate on praying for whatever the issue is that is ideal. If you work full time you may not have that luxury. If you do this at home, take your phone off the hook, turn off the TV and concentrate on worshipping God. Do not get distracted by lots of other things like your housework and such, but focus on God during this time.
Why not pray about this and consider trying a fast? The verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which is often prayed in relation to the state of our nation and it says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." I have heard the word 'humble' means to fast. Deny yourself and your needs and truly concentrate on prayer and on God.
Matthew 6:16 reminds us concerning fasting that "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." They were basically trying to prove how wonderful they were by doing this. There is no need for this. It is between you and God.
Pray about this and seek the Lord and listen for His answer. Do you feel there is something you could fast about in your life?
PRAYER: Lord I want to be closer to you. I know there are things in my life going on that I need to be in serious prayer over. Give me the ability to do a spiritual fast if this is what you want me to do. Help me to not boast to anyone if I do decide to do this. I thank you Lord for loving me and hearing my prayers. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link below to worship God through song.
http://youtu.be/a_tdG9yM93A
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
AFRAID?
Does fear have its' grip on you? Do you worry about your tomorrow's? Do you fret over your children or grandchildren who are either small or grown? Do you have a fear of flying or trying new things? Maybe you have a fear of what your boss will do at work or fear of being fired or laid off? What is paralyzing you and making you not be able to relax? A fear of dying troubles many people. Fear of surgery plagues many because of the unknown. Fear will not get you any closer to God but take you away from Him because it shows you are not trusting God to fully take care of you. Fear is the opposite of faith. It can disable you if you let it get its' grip on you. You have to fight fear. There is a saying "Do it afraid". Sometimes that is what we have to do. Psalm 188:6 tells us "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." When you are fearful your mind is all over the place. You conjure up scenarios in your head and imagine things that may not even happen. You think you know but you are just speculating. Let's say a person is scared of what their boss is going to say or do and worry they may lose their job. They hear of many downsized companies and start to worry. Worry,by the way, goes hand in hand with that 'fear monster' and in order to maintain a peaceful spirit we have to try to get both under control. It is not easy. Say the 2 Timothy 1:7 verse above OUT LOUD. Get it into your heart and spirit.
Can you give your cares, fears, and worries to God and not take them back? Can you trust that God has a plan and no worrying or being afraid will change anything? It is basically useless but is so easy to be caught up in. Maintaining a peaceful spirit no matter what is in fact a discipline to be practiced. Romans 8:15 says "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
By staying in the word and listening to positive uplifting Christian music we can at least alleviate some of it. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Matthew 8:23-27 shows how we should try to be and it says "Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” For anyone who has been on whitewater or in huge ocean swells it can be scary. Thank goodness for the expert river guides to take us down the rivers and the ship captains to sail through rough waters.Also it can be a little scary up in a plane in turbulent rough air but the pilots are highly trained to fly in all sorts of weather. Like Jesus, when his disciples started to get fearful he just simply slept. Can you 'just sleep' during these times? Jesus says in Matthew 14:27 "but Jesus spoke to them at once and said Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here." Take courage friend. Jesus is with you!
PRAYER: Lord I need you in my heart and in my thoughts. I want to learn to relax and not use valuable time being afraid of the 'what ifs' of life. Lord I want to be more like you. I give you my fears of the world I am in and do not want to keep taking them back. I need your help to do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: Click on link below to enjoy a worship song to sooth your spirit. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/4bD_90W6WIc
2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." When you are fearful your mind is all over the place. You conjure up scenarios in your head and imagine things that may not even happen. You think you know but you are just speculating. Let's say a person is scared of what their boss is going to say or do and worry they may lose their job. They hear of many downsized companies and start to worry. Worry,by the way, goes hand in hand with that 'fear monster' and in order to maintain a peaceful spirit we have to try to get both under control. It is not easy. Say the 2 Timothy 1:7 verse above OUT LOUD. Get it into your heart and spirit.
Can you give your cares, fears, and worries to God and not take them back? Can you trust that God has a plan and no worrying or being afraid will change anything? It is basically useless but is so easy to be caught up in. Maintaining a peaceful spirit no matter what is in fact a discipline to be practiced. Romans 8:15 says "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
By staying in the word and listening to positive uplifting Christian music we can at least alleviate some of it. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Matthew 8:23-27 shows how we should try to be and it says "Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” For anyone who has been on whitewater or in huge ocean swells it can be scary. Thank goodness for the expert river guides to take us down the rivers and the ship captains to sail through rough waters.Also it can be a little scary up in a plane in turbulent rough air but the pilots are highly trained to fly in all sorts of weather. Like Jesus, when his disciples started to get fearful he just simply slept. Can you 'just sleep' during these times? Jesus says in Matthew 14:27 "but Jesus spoke to them at once and said Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here." Take courage friend. Jesus is with you!
PRAYER: Lord I need you in my heart and in my thoughts. I want to learn to relax and not use valuable time being afraid of the 'what ifs' of life. Lord I want to be more like you. I give you my fears of the world I am in and do not want to keep taking them back. I need your help to do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: Click on link below to enjoy a worship song to sooth your spirit. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/4bD_90W6WIc
Sunday, January 29, 2012
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Whatever we do in life takes practice to get good at. For those striving to be in a marathon or the Olympics they have to train daily. Someone who wants to be a medical doctor has to study years and years and then still it is called 'practicing medicine' because they are always learning. To master cooking a chef goes to culinary school to learn the skills of the trade and has to keep at it to master it. A cake decorator works on decorating cakes over and over til they look professional. I have made baskets before and it takes weaving them over and over before you would get good enough to sell them in a gift shop. A pilot is first a student then at times becomes an instructor and eventually a co pilot before assuming command of the aircraft as Captain. He or she has to train under many difficult circumstances to master aviation skills. In the military, troops train by leaping walls, running, crawling under barbed wire, firing weapons and all sorts of other things to get ready for battle and to become disciplined. A police officer has to train to stay physically fit in order to go after criminals.
A Christian is practicing daily too. Going through things in life that can make him more Christlike. The Christian walk is not without trouble. Jesus said in his word in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." In James 1:2-4 it says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 1 Peter 1:7 says "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." In Psalm 66:10 it says "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver."
It is going through things that we get stronger and often times the things we go through help prepare us for helping others get through hard times. We are not supposed to be comfortable Christians with no problems. Strength comes from work. In a gymnasium you work out and lift weights in order to get stronger. At first it is hard but it gets easier as progress is made. A potter takes a lump of clay and in order to form a new pot tosses the clay around and smacks it over and over til they get the finished beautiful results. Isaiah 64:8 says "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." These things we go through are a practice of sorts for preparing for God's heavenly kingdom.
So as we go on our journey through life do not despair when trouble comes your way. Look at it as an opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus. Ask the Lord what He wants you to learn from the trial you are enduring. After all He suffered and died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly!
PRAYER: Father thank you that you help get me through the bad things of life and prepare for the good things. Help me to learn to give thanks in all circumstances as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Forgive me when I have complained and not trusted you to see me through whatever it is that I think is so bad in my life.I trust in you Lord .In Jesus Name. Amen!
A Christian is practicing daily too. Going through things in life that can make him more Christlike. The Christian walk is not without trouble. Jesus said in his word in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." In James 1:2-4 it says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 1 Peter 1:7 says "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." In Psalm 66:10 it says "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver."
It is going through things that we get stronger and often times the things we go through help prepare us for helping others get through hard times. We are not supposed to be comfortable Christians with no problems. Strength comes from work. In a gymnasium you work out and lift weights in order to get stronger. At first it is hard but it gets easier as progress is made. A potter takes a lump of clay and in order to form a new pot tosses the clay around and smacks it over and over til they get the finished beautiful results. Isaiah 64:8 says "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." These things we go through are a practice of sorts for preparing for God's heavenly kingdom.
So as we go on our journey through life do not despair when trouble comes your way. Look at it as an opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus. Ask the Lord what He wants you to learn from the trial you are enduring. After all He suffered and died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly!
PRAYER: Father thank you that you help get me through the bad things of life and prepare for the good things. Help me to learn to give thanks in all circumstances as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Forgive me when I have complained and not trusted you to see me through whatever it is that I think is so bad in my life.I trust in you Lord .In Jesus Name. Amen!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
ASSUMPTIONS, EXPECTATIONS, OBSESSIONS, SPECULATIONS
This devotion could be called the 'ions'. These four things listed in the title can really get us into trouble with people. Assuming, jumping to conclusions when we do not know the facts. Expecting something to be a certain way or like a norm of life and it turns out different can devastate some or burst their bubble. Obsessing over something you can not do anything about is sort of wasted energy. And finally speculating on why things happen the way they do.
These four things can be controlled once we get our mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. If we continually seek to think on 'things above' we will have little time to waste on unnecessary thoughts that drag us down and often make us blurt out things we do not mean. The verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to "..take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ." To do this it must be purposeful and takes discipline. There is that dreaded word again, discipline. Controlling out thoughts is extremely important as that is the doorway Satan can enter to drag us down into his little pit of destruction. We as children of God are not going to allow that to happen.
Today if you are plagued with these four 'ions' of life make up your mind you will not allow thoughts to come in that will dominate and cause you to worry, assume, expect or obsess over something. It will take practice and self control. Keep your mind on the word of God. Cast down wrong thoughts and even speak out loud, "get behind me Satan. I am not allowing you to make me dwell on unnecessary things."
Philippians 4:8 is a verse have used many times in my writing and it is a good one to commit to memory and especially useful in controlling these 'ions'. It 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." Verse nine goes on to say what then will happen. "whatever you have learned, heard, or received from me, put into practice, And the God of peace will be with you."
It won't happen overnight. You have to want to receive victory in this area and ask for Gods' help to help you overcome these problem areas.
PRAYER: Lord I desire to have right thinking and to get bad thoughts out of my head. I know by keeping my mind focused on 'things above' I can have victory and win this battle. In Jesus name. Amen.
These four things can be controlled once we get our mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. If we continually seek to think on 'things above' we will have little time to waste on unnecessary thoughts that drag us down and often make us blurt out things we do not mean. The verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to "..take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ." To do this it must be purposeful and takes discipline. There is that dreaded word again, discipline. Controlling out thoughts is extremely important as that is the doorway Satan can enter to drag us down into his little pit of destruction. We as children of God are not going to allow that to happen.
Today if you are plagued with these four 'ions' of life make up your mind you will not allow thoughts to come in that will dominate and cause you to worry, assume, expect or obsess over something. It will take practice and self control. Keep your mind on the word of God. Cast down wrong thoughts and even speak out loud, "get behind me Satan. I am not allowing you to make me dwell on unnecessary things."
Philippians 4:8 is a verse have used many times in my writing and it is a good one to commit to memory and especially useful in controlling these 'ions'. It 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." Verse nine goes on to say what then will happen. "whatever you have learned, heard, or received from me, put into practice, And the God of peace will be with you."
It won't happen overnight. You have to want to receive victory in this area and ask for Gods' help to help you overcome these problem areas.
PRAYER: Lord I desire to have right thinking and to get bad thoughts out of my head. I know by keeping my mind focused on 'things above' I can have victory and win this battle. In Jesus name. Amen.
Friday, January 27, 2012
KEEP LOOKING UP
Some days it is just hard to stay focused and positive. You start out with good intentions then something happens to throw you off your game, so to speak. So how do you react when things do not go as planned? Do you worry, fret, pace the floor, or do you think to actually give the situation to God and say "Hey Lord I need you in good times and not so good times." Does praying come to mind? The Lord wants to 'talk' to you daily by you coming to Him in prayer. Don't just wait until there is a crisis but call out to Him each and every day. Jeremiah 33:3 is often referred to as 'God's telephone number' and it simply says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Matthew 6:33 says "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.". Do you 'look up' to the heavenly father and call out to Him in prayer? Seek his face, seek his face continually.
Looking up is a good thing. Look to the heavens. There was a cute Jody call in the Army we sang while running in formation and one verse went "What's the use of looking down, Ain't no discharge on the ground.Am I right or wrong? You're right! Correct me if I'm wrong. you're right!" When you look down you will trip and fall or walk into something .Keep your eyes focused above.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Just keep focused on the prize, the goal, of knowing Jesus better!
It is so easy to get caught up in things we have no control over and Satan would love it if you would waste valuable time pondering and fretting. Let Jesus have the wheel and let Him be your guide. Call on Him today. Keep looking up and let God control your life.
PRAYER: Father I thank you that you do not want me to bear my own burdens. You want me to call on you and give you my cares. I thank you Lord for being in control of my life. Help me learn to trust you and seek your face. In Jesus Name. Amen .
Click on link to listen to 2 wonderful worship songs. Be blessed. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/-X4Q-yFB-NQ
http://youtu.be/iv68ruS6DVE
Matthew 6:33 says "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.". Do you 'look up' to the heavenly father and call out to Him in prayer? Seek his face, seek his face continually.
Looking up is a good thing. Look to the heavens. There was a cute Jody call in the Army we sang while running in formation and one verse went "What's the use of looking down, Ain't no discharge on the ground.Am I right or wrong? You're right! Correct me if I'm wrong. you're right!" When you look down you will trip and fall or walk into something .Keep your eyes focused above.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Just keep focused on the prize, the goal, of knowing Jesus better!
It is so easy to get caught up in things we have no control over and Satan would love it if you would waste valuable time pondering and fretting. Let Jesus have the wheel and let Him be your guide. Call on Him today. Keep looking up and let God control your life.
PRAYER: Father I thank you that you do not want me to bear my own burdens. You want me to call on you and give you my cares. I thank you Lord for being in control of my life. Help me learn to trust you and seek your face. In Jesus Name. Amen .
Click on link to listen to 2 wonderful worship songs. Be blessed. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/-X4Q-yFB-NQ
http://youtu.be/iv68ruS6DVE
Thursday, January 26, 2012
SHUSH! SHHH! WATCH THAT MOUTH!
Oh my goodness to be able to control what randomly pops out of our mouth. A continual struggle for many. Sometimes the best things said are nothing at all. You have heard "the less said the better?" There is allot of wisdom in that statement. Sometimes talking too much, saying the wrong thing, or being misunderstood leads to confusion, heartache and anguish. Practice silence sometimes and really think before engaging the mouth. Ask yourself "will what I say bring joy or sorrow? Is what I plan to say necessary? Is what I am saying gossip or truthful? Am I breaking a confidence by saying what I am about to say?" Spouting off is really not a good thing to do. Let your words bring joy, encouragement, happiness, help, and not crush someones spirit. Be Christlike in all you say and do. Don't let your mouth be a one man wrecking crew leaving destruction in its' path. Practice speaking with grace and kindness.
To help you with the battle of the mouth here are a few Bible verses to commit to memory as you seek to become more like Christ with not only your actions but your words. Ephesians 4:29 says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Do not just keep babbling on like a running stream. Be careful in what you say. Even when it comes to praying, the Bible has something to say about words and it says "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns us "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Colossians 4:6 says "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
In contrast try to seek to watch what you say and emulate Jesus who was perfect. Proverbs 30:5 says "Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Imagine that! Flawless! Tame that tongue. Get it under control. Make it a point to let good things come out and not hurtful, boastful, arrogant, cursing or harsh words.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer."(Psalms 19:14). James 1:19 also is one to memorize and live by and it says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Run to Jesus. He can help you so let Him.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me as I struggle in the area of the mouth. I seek to say only kind words and want to learn to always respond to everyone with grace. If my tongue is hurting others convict me and help me to say I am sorry to anyone I have hurt by my careless words. Help me not lead a double life with the words of my mouth. I know I am a witness for you Lord so strengthen me to get this area of speech under your control. In Jesus Name. Amen
Click link below to enjoy a praise song that goes along with this devotion.
http://youtu.be/9u-13JeJhCg
To help you with the battle of the mouth here are a few Bible verses to commit to memory as you seek to become more like Christ with not only your actions but your words. Ephesians 4:29 says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Do not just keep babbling on like a running stream. Be careful in what you say. Even when it comes to praying, the Bible has something to say about words and it says "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns us "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Colossians 4:6 says "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
In contrast try to seek to watch what you say and emulate Jesus who was perfect. Proverbs 30:5 says "Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Imagine that! Flawless! Tame that tongue. Get it under control. Make it a point to let good things come out and not hurtful, boastful, arrogant, cursing or harsh words.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer."(Psalms 19:14). James 1:19 also is one to memorize and live by and it says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Run to Jesus. He can help you so let Him.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me as I struggle in the area of the mouth. I seek to say only kind words and want to learn to always respond to everyone with grace. If my tongue is hurting others convict me and help me to say I am sorry to anyone I have hurt by my careless words. Help me not lead a double life with the words of my mouth. I know I am a witness for you Lord so strengthen me to get this area of speech under your control. In Jesus Name. Amen
Click link below to enjoy a praise song that goes along with this devotion.
http://youtu.be/9u-13JeJhCg
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
PROSPERITY, PEACE, PROTECTION:HOW LONG WILL WE HAVE THEM?
Right now in this wonderful nation we enjoy an immense amount of blessing like no other country in the world. We are in a spiritual warfare battle now where I feel the enemy is trying to take this great nation out. Many have become complacent and seem to not think we could 'fall' and lose the blessings of God.
In my lifetime I have seen the end of prayer in the classroom, the taking down of the Ten Commandments, the confusion and misinterpretation of separation of church and state, the killing of babies being legalized and encouraged by our own government, and most recently trying to say the homosexual lifestyle is perfectly okay. If we continue to change what is the definition of right and wrong to suit our own political and social needs God will remove the blessings of peace, prosperity and protection from us we currently enjoy. We are not just in a physical fight but in a spiritual battle as well as I mentioned above.
Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance". Our nation has been turning its' back on God. Romans 1:18-32 gives a warning of what will occur when we allow this to happen. Take a moment and read it.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The enemy, Satan, does not like anything where the name of Jesus is lifted up. This nation was indeed founded upon God but little by little Christian values are being eroded and citizens are believing lies planted in their head about the history of this great land.
We have a chance to save this great nation and the religious freedoms we had from it's founding. Even the church state thing was misinterpreted and to this day is still being used against the church. It was meant to protect the church from the government intrusion. The enemy is coy and sly. The more you hear things they more you are convinced they are true.
It is time for Americans to get on their knees and cry out to God to save this land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 clearly states "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Commit that verse to memory and think about what it is saying. Humbling yourself could be fasting. Many churches in the month of January nationwide are in a fasting movement. In that verse it says to 'turn from your wicked ways". First people have to realize what they are doing is wicked as many are fooled by the enemy. Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
We need to commit to pray for leaders eyes to be opened to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to pray for those believing lies to be set free from the veil of darkness. People are in spiritual darkness. No nor knows day or hour of when Jesus will return. This has been a favored nation. All of us need to be on our knees praying and take this seriously. Look around you. Wake up. It is not a good thing when people start changing the Bible to justify sin. Ignoring God and kicking him out of life by taking meaningless oaths on a Bible is totally wrong and deceitful. It is time to get serious about following God's word and keeping this nation free and enjoying liberties only God can provide.
PRAYER: Father we yearn to be a Holy nation again. Many have turned to their own ways. Help those in leadership in our government put God truly first. Remove those from office who will not acknowledge you or who take false oaths. We look for Godly men and women who truly look to you for guidance. Help us be alert to liars and deceivers out there. Let us ears to hear. Wake people up. Help us listen to your voice Lord. In Jesus name.Amen.
Note: Click on link below and enjoy a song to go along with this devotion.
http://youtu.be/13yY9sXFKB8
In my lifetime I have seen the end of prayer in the classroom, the taking down of the Ten Commandments, the confusion and misinterpretation of separation of church and state, the killing of babies being legalized and encouraged by our own government, and most recently trying to say the homosexual lifestyle is perfectly okay. If we continue to change what is the definition of right and wrong to suit our own political and social needs God will remove the blessings of peace, prosperity and protection from us we currently enjoy. We are not just in a physical fight but in a spiritual battle as well as I mentioned above.
Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance". Our nation has been turning its' back on God. Romans 1:18-32 gives a warning of what will occur when we allow this to happen. Take a moment and read it.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The enemy, Satan, does not like anything where the name of Jesus is lifted up. This nation was indeed founded upon God but little by little Christian values are being eroded and citizens are believing lies planted in their head about the history of this great land.
We have a chance to save this great nation and the religious freedoms we had from it's founding. Even the church state thing was misinterpreted and to this day is still being used against the church. It was meant to protect the church from the government intrusion. The enemy is coy and sly. The more you hear things they more you are convinced they are true.
It is time for Americans to get on their knees and cry out to God to save this land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 clearly states "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Commit that verse to memory and think about what it is saying. Humbling yourself could be fasting. Many churches in the month of January nationwide are in a fasting movement. In that verse it says to 'turn from your wicked ways". First people have to realize what they are doing is wicked as many are fooled by the enemy. Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
We need to commit to pray for leaders eyes to be opened to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to pray for those believing lies to be set free from the veil of darkness. People are in spiritual darkness. No nor knows day or hour of when Jesus will return. This has been a favored nation. All of us need to be on our knees praying and take this seriously. Look around you. Wake up. It is not a good thing when people start changing the Bible to justify sin. Ignoring God and kicking him out of life by taking meaningless oaths on a Bible is totally wrong and deceitful. It is time to get serious about following God's word and keeping this nation free and enjoying liberties only God can provide.
PRAYER: Father we yearn to be a Holy nation again. Many have turned to their own ways. Help those in leadership in our government put God truly first. Remove those from office who will not acknowledge you or who take false oaths. We look for Godly men and women who truly look to you for guidance. Help us be alert to liars and deceivers out there. Let us ears to hear. Wake people up. Help us listen to your voice Lord. In Jesus name.Amen.
Note: Click on link below and enjoy a song to go along with this devotion.
http://youtu.be/13yY9sXFKB8
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