Not Connected

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3

All of us who use computers, mobile devices, and tablets have one time or another received that dreaded pop up 'not connected' which often occurs when traveling and away from your signal at home. It is so frustrating when you need on the Internet and can't because of a connectivity issue. 

Aren't you glad our connection with God is there and we don't receive error messages? We can call on Him 24/7 and He is there. Not having earthly connections is disruptive but Jesus is our around the clock friend. No need to talk to tech support.

Are you in need of a Jesus connection? He is waiting to hear from you.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being there around the clock to reach out to. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Going My Way?

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

Have you ever stopped to think if your actions point people to Jesus or away from Him? For instance, are you a constant complainer? Do you pick up after yourself, meaning shopping carts and popcorn bags at the theater? Are you constantly judging others, even silently? What kind of movies might someone see you in? Is your speech 'preacher friendly'?

These questions are asked simply to make you think. A Christian bumper sticker is great but if you have it on your car,  better obey traffic laws and be kind to others. Also try to be joyful even if you don't feel the best. Don't just huddle with other believers but let your light shine in your realm of influence. 

I guess it boils down to if we claim to be a follower of Christ someone is probably watching. Jesus is! 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be a great example for the kingdom of God. I know I have slipped up so please forgive me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Set Apart

Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Psalm 4:3

Lately I have been noticing a trend with new 2015 SUV's. No matter what automobile manufacturer it is they all seem to be indistinguishable from others. Presently I drive a Sante Fe but the new Sante Fe looks no different from say a Kia, a Honda Pilot, or a Lexus. The only way you can tell what car it is would be to look up close for their logo. It makes me sad.

 What if we as believers were all alike? Pretty boring wouldn't you think. What is we all were given the same spiritual gift? God has a better plan and we all have different gifts. A believer is set apart for the kingdom of God. He knows us by name and the very head of our heads are numbered it says in Matthew 10:30.


What are you doing with your life? Are you just a carbon copy of someone or do you use your unique abilities to serve The Lord?

PRAYER: I recognize Father you have created me different from anyone else. My fingerprints are mine alone and my talents are mine alone. Help me use what you have given me to shine in this world for you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Yeah, You're Religious

If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness. 2 Corinthians 3:9

I am not sure if anyone else has faced this before, being called 'religious'. Personally I know what the person is trying to say but I am NOT religious, I just love Jesus. When I think of religious people I think of people set in their ways. Unloving. No grace. Too many thou shalt nots. You know the Saduccee and Pharisee type who were legalistic about healing on Sunday or someone more concerned about rules and thou shalt nots than love, mercy,and grace. 

       Maybe a person who writes devotions and leads prayer groups seems religious but when we do these things we may be seen as 'religious' but I prefer to say "I just love Jesus" period!  Those who love the Lord need not go around acting like they are superior but we are supposed to be ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the gospel of a particular church or religion. Just go show Jesus' Love and shine for Him!

      Don't be religious, but be in love with Jesus! 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it is my desire to not come off as holier than thou but to be used to draw people to you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Your Choice! Worrier or Warrior?

Cast all your anxiety on Him for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Your situation may never change. Your children may never stop doing dangerous things. You are going to die someday. Everyone will. You can enjoy flying without gripping the arm rests. You may get sick, people do. 

Please know when you worry you make yourself into an ineffective prayer warrior. Pray, trust, believe, then let it go. Your fretting and anguish will not bring you closer to God or change anything. Many worriers out there need to understand  when you worry you make Satan very thrilled. Don't keep saying "I'm just a worrier" and go through life stressed and anxious. Learn to practice letting go of a situation knowing that by you worrying as it says in scripture in Matthew 6:27, "you can not add an hour to life."

Wake up each day and look at yourself in the mirror and say "I am not going to allow Satan to make me ineffective for you. I trust you God and will NOT worry" then walk away and let it go. If you have been a constant worrier as your daily routine this may take a while to get this new habit.

I have a son who flies planes for a living and another son and daughter in law who enjoy rock climbing.  Do not wake up and fret all day. I am excited for them that they are doing what they enjoy.

Start your day and truly let God have your situation. Turn on some praise music and think of the song 'I Surrender All' then do just that.

PRAYER: You are always with me. You care for my needs and walk with me each day. I need your strength to trust you and stop trying to constantly be on edge. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Remorse

  Why, my soul, are you downcast?Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5

     

 Have you ever felt bad about doing something or saying something? That would be called being remorseful. We get a guilty conscious and the Holy Spirit living inside of us convicts us of right and wrong. We have forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Once we confess a sin Jesus remembers it no more. Satan wants us to keep worrying about it but God says "Sin, what sin?" If you confessed it.

As I was preparing to write my devotion on an entirely different subject and the word 'remorse' popped up. I figured maybe God wanted me to write on being remorseful so I changed my plan.

Face things in life and instead of trying to rehash and go over and over and over the same things, drop it, forget it and move on. Get control of your thought life and your mouth. We know it is Satan who tries to bring us down. We can not be a victorious Christian if we constantly complain and harbor  bitterness. 

The thing is we are to go and sin no more as Jesus said in John 8:11. Whatever is bothering you friend confess it to Jesus and know His love and grace make you whole. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you paid for my sins with your death on the cross. Help me remember to know that your grace is greater than all my sins. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Wounded, Pitiful, Pathetic

Why, my soul, are you downcast?Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God,for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5

Stop whining and get moving. Stop complaining about how life has treated you and charge on. It is not always the other person's fault. Sometimes we need to take responsibility for what is wrong in our life. Do not allow others to steal your joy and above all, keep looking up to Jesus. 

Face things in life and instead of trying to rehash and go over and over and over the same things, drop it, forget it and move on. Get control of your thought life and your mouth. We know it is Satan who tries to bring us down. We can not be a victorious Christian if we constantly complain and harbor  bitterness.

  Today is the day for a new you to emerge. Start marching to the beat of a different drummer and get joyful for a change. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to always have your joy. Forgive me when I have been consumed with myself and whined. I choose to look up to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.