WHOA! WATCH THAT MOUTH.

In the book of James Chapter 3:8(NIV) it says 'but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.'  The entire chapter of James 3 deals with problems with the tongue or basically the mouth and what we say. 

I have dealt with this many times previously in my writings because indeed it is hard to tame the tongue. We say something and then go "why did I say that? I could kick myself."  Tongue control requires much discipline. You may think you are just fine. You do not cuss, lie, gossip, and think you pretty much have it under control. But do you really? What about talking about people innocently such as commenting on someone's appearance maybe saying they are too fat, you don't like their hair, or the clothes they have are ugly? Who are we to judge anyway? 

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is an excellent verse to memorize. It 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.'  Talking bad about others does not solve anything and only has you standing in judgment over one of God's creatures. That is something we need not do. If this is your weakness just remember the saying "if you do not have anything good to say then don't say anything at all."

PRAYER: If I am not careful Lord I can find myself being critical of another. I know deep down this is not right. You did not create my mouth to criticize others with but you created it to praise you and encourage others and show love. Help me Lord as I choose good words to build up and help me not murmur about others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT CONSCIENCE?

We all have a conscience. You know that "little voice" in your head that gives you convictions and tells you what is right and wrong? For just a moment let me focus on this as it has been in the news concerning the new healthcare law and abortion debate. Did you know that God gave us a conscience? Yes it is true. We know what is right or wrong and good or bad because this "little voice" sort of tells us. Unfortunately our current USA President does not think a Christian should be entitled to his or her conscience. It is God who gave it to us. Galatians 5:1(NIV) says 'It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm then and do not allow yourselves to be burdened by a yoke of slavery.' 

Medical Doctors used to be protected by a "conscience clause" to keep them from doing procedures that opposed their religious beliefs but under the new, deceitfully named the "Patient Affordable Health Care Act", the right of conscience for both doctors, nurses, and Christian businesses,  churches and  Christian people will slowly be taken away. Yes I am not joking!! This is not on mainstream news but it is true! Our religious convictions are under fire, that is why there have been so many lawsuits by Christian groups to get it stopped. Our very freedoms are being threatened. Freedom and conscience are from God, not the government. 

Typical of the government,  much is hidden within this health care legislation that no one knew about and many lies are still being told but as insurance is being cancelled and promises are broken, people are finding out.The government was in such a hurry to control the medical industry and the people, they did all they could to shove this monstrosity through regardless of what "We The People" thought. 

Back in 2010 when the big fight between "We the People" and 535 leaders on the "Hill" ,"We The People"  were ignored. Then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said 'we have to pass the bill so we can read it and find out what is in it." Say what?  In the Bible is clearly says in Proverbs 18:13(KJV)' he that answers a matter before he hears it is folly and shame to him.'  You do not sign contracts without first reading them, so our government should have to do the same. 

What about all the "good" Catholics in Congress and in the Senate, who voted to go ahead and approve it knowing abortion, which their church opposes, was in it?  This is a very  sad time in America indeed. Remember abortion is taking a innocent babies life. 

Concerning the conscience, Acts 24:16 clearly states "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." So we Americans who love God and follow the Bible teaching and have the God given right to have our convictions, are told by our government that that right no longer exists. Hobby Lobby has paid a huge price for standing up for righteousness and their beliefs, something like fines of over a million dollars per day if I am not mistaken. 

This is not a fantasy but is happening here in America. People bury their heads and do not want to know the truth. This is not a Democrat thing or Republican thing but we are talking about a government takeover of the people's rights given to them in the Bible and in our Constitution!! (You can not blame that on George Bush).No matter what anyone says, The United States was founded on Biblical Christianity. When you try to remove God and the Bible, chaos and evil are the result. We in this country are in the midst of spiritual warfare.

God will protect His followers but we are marching slowly but surely into the hands of a tyrannical government trying to control everything we do and even what we believe apparently. We need to use our Bibles more, the sword of the Spirit(see Ephesians 6:17),  and keep the television news off. Psalm 91:5(NIV) says 'You will not fear the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day.'

The major media will not report the whole story anymore. The ones that do are threatened by the government to shut them down through something called a "Fairness Act". This is an unending onslaught against all that Christians stand for and free speech guaranteed by our First Amendment. Never before in my lifetime have we been under so much attack by our own government that is supposed to be "limited" and to protect it's citizens. I am speaking up for our freedom, which is given to us by God. We have our freedoms now to worship but how long will that last? There has been talk of taking away the tax deduction for charitable contributions as well. Many are unaware of this as evil forces like to keep the masses ignorant. They sneak in and do their dirty work when no one notices or is too busy to care. What happens if they approve gay marriage nationwide and a Christian minister refuses to perform a ceremony as it is against his beliefs? Probably prison time. This is religious persecution. 

Speaker Kitty Werthmann, who I have been fortunate to hear speak, tells Americans of her time in Austria under the Nazi regime and warns America that things happening now in America are very similar to those days before Germany was taken over by Nazi's and Hitler. Why are we too busy to care or too endeared to a party or a race of people to believe it? As for violence and taking away peoples right to own guns according to the Second Amendment, well might I add that guns are not the issue, but the human heart and mind are the issue. Why didn't the leaders in the Senate scream at the video game or movie industry or irresponsible parents who think it is okay to let their children feed their minds with this garbage? Does anyone happen to see the correlation to the problems in America to taking prayer out of the schools in 1963? No, it is automatically blamed on a gun, instead of what shapes the human mind. Philippians 4:8( NIV) tells us '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 on these things.'

  Jesus is Lord of lords and he rules from on high. Trust Him but stand up for the truth or fall for lies. There is a saying by Sir Edmund Burke that simply says 'Evil triumphs when good men donothing.' I urge you to make it a daily practice to pray and read the word of God. Do not keep watching news if it is making fearful or angry. Romans 8:31(NIV) says 'If God be for us who can be against us.'  Go out in peace and know God is on our side. Keep praying!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know there is spiritual warfare going on now in this world. Evil is being confused with good. Wrong is being confused with what is right. Lord God I know you rule from on high and it is not your desire that anyone die but that all come to repentance. I choose to walk in the spirit keeping my mind on heavenly thoughts which is the best cure for anger and hate. Use me Lord to share your love with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Might I urge you to take a peek at the Presidential Prayer Team website. Click on the link I have provided and check it out. After all, the Bible does tell us to pray for our leaders.

www.presidentialprayerteam.org

FRIEND OF SINNERS?

Jesus is, are you? Guess what? We are all sinners! "Oh but no way my sin is not nearly as bad as so and so. Do you know what they did?" Hey God does not like that self righteous attitude either. There aren't good sins and worse sins. It is all sin.

There are people that think homosexuality is the ultimate sin or murder or adultery. Show me where in the Bible it says that?  Instead of condemning those caught in these "worse" sins we need to stop judging and start praying. Isaiah 64:6(NIV) says ' All of us have become like one who is unclean,and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags, we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.'

Romans 3:23(NIV) reminds each of us when we start to look down on others 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'

Take a moment and clean yourself up. I do not mean to take a bath but mentally stop and think and confess those things to God that keep you from being closer to Him. Do not worry or condemn others. Point the finger at yourself for just a moment. 

1 John 1:9(NIV) 'If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'

PRAYER: Father each day I need to come to you in my quiet time and cleanse myself from the things I have said or dense that have not pleased you. I need to focus on working on myself and not trying to fix everyone else. Help me to pray and not judge.I am thankful you forgive us and forget our sins. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

PAYDAY

Today for many people it is payday, the middle of the month and  time to collect your wages for your work for the past 15 days.  There is a real payday coming not based on getting wages for work but getting a crown of life after you have been on this earth, lived for Christ , and enter God's heavenly kingdom. 

This "payday" will be more than we can imagine. Better than the best bonus check you could receive. Better than the ultimate bonus. Even better than a millionaire's riches. No one can even imagine what this day or the heavenly kingdom will be like.

1 Corinthians 2:9(ASV) says 'but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And which entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.'  As vivid as the imagination is of Hollywood movie script writers, producers, directors and everyone else responsible for creating unbelievable scenes for motion pictures, well this verse attests to the fact that not even in their minds could they ever dream up what awaits those who have trusted Jesus and asked them into their hearts prior to their death.

Matthew 7:21-23(NIV) says ''Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Romans 10:13(NIV) says 'All those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Are you ready for your "spiritual payday?"

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord I want to be doing things that will draw me closer to you and not take me away from you. I realize the enemy Satan is our there with his bag of tricks and lies trying to deceive me and my loved ones. Keep me alert to the tricks of the enemy. I look forward to my heavenly payday when my time on this earth is over. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR WAY OR GOD'S WAY

Are you more concerned with going your own way and doing your own thing or trying to make sure things you do please the Lord or are God's way? 

Isaiah 55:8-9(KJV) says ' For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways.' What are His ways do you suppose? Perhaps things that are good, pure, perfect,kind, uplifting,wholesome, encouraging, good, and awe inspiring. 

To know God is to know His ways. Matthew 7:21-23(NKJV) says '“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’' His way is to not make it a practice and habit to sin. 

To know God's ways you have to get into the word of God. You have to commit to daily time with Him, praying and reading the Bible. The more you saturate yourself with the things of Christ the more deeply you will know and understand God.

PRAYER: My hearts  desire is to know you more and to do things pleasing unto you. It is also to run the race set before me looking to you to guide me. Help me Lord on this journey. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

YOU WILL NEVER EVER WALK ALONE!!

               

It was a very early morning recently when I was at Starbucks and the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" was playing over the sound system in the store. Between this wonderful praise song,jazz music, and broadway tunes they played, it was an awesome morning for writing and praising Jesus. It is hard to sit still and not praise God when you hear this tune being played. I wanted to lift my hands in the air right there in the coffee shop.

I love to worship Jesus with awesome praise songs and often include them for my readers to enjoy. These melodies can help lift your spirit and give you hope when you are feeling lonely and rejected or lost in a sea of worry and confusion. Half the experience of going to church on Sunday for me is being able to really truly worship God with awesome praise music. The kind that makes you want to shout.

You know the Lord is always with you similar to the "Footprints" poem most are familiar with. Wherever you are God is there. "You can not flee from His presence" it says in Psalm 139:7. Take time to read the entire chapter. It is short and will bless you I guarantee it.

Hebrews 13:5-6(NIV) says 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”'

There you have it. Now go about your day with full confidence you Lord and savior is walking with you.

PRAYER: Thank you for another day of life. I know you are with me and walk beside me. Help me to never doubt your awesome power and majesty. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

 Do you have love for others in your heart? Loving others is sacrificing sometimes what you want to do to out the other person first. It could be a spouse, friend, family member, or a complete stranger. You show love through your words and your actions.

Love is speaking a kind word to someone be it a friend or stranger. Love is being a friend to someone who is hurting. Love is lending a helping hand to those in need. Love is putting another before yourself. Love is not getting even. Love is sharing. Love is finding a way to cheer up someone and make their day better. Love is overlooking faults. Love is being kind.

When people think of you do you think they think of you as someone who would represent love? What can you do today to show God's love to someone? It can be as simple as a smile. Yes our mouth is also not just to communicate with, eat, sing, and kiss but it works to smile and make someone happy too.

1 John 4:7(NIV) says 'Dear friends let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.' Do you know God? I do not mean do you go to church each week or you are a member of a certain church but do you truly feel you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life? Once you do it is easier to truly love people and even those who may rub you the wrong way. This does not mean you will not slip up but each day try to love like God would love.

PRAYER: I want to love like you love Father. I want to speak kindness to those around me. I want to be able to forgive and forget. I know this is all a part of having love in my heart. Help me Lord as I seek to love more and judge less. In Jesus' name. Amen.