Caution: Changes Ahead!

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

Here we are at the last day of 2014! Wow, another year gone and a brand new year ahead. Have you made your New Year Resolutions yet? It is always good to make a list of things you want to try to accomplish. Last year I fulfilled a few of mine one of which was finally going tandem skydiving. It is good to have a goal. Mark my word, there will always be new challenges and change in each new year. Nothing stays the same, except God's word,so be prepared.

Changes can be frustrating and catch us off guard. It is how we react that is important. Sometimes they are a challenge of sorts and it is getting through them still praising God in the good and in the not so good is what counts. I learned to deal with change many times being a veteran of the U.S. Military and military wife. Change was part of our lives as we pulled up our roots to move to a new Army post or Air Force Base. We adapted even though initially it was difficult for myself and the children as they grew older.

Change can challenge us too. Ask God to prepare you for whatever comes your way in 2015 whether you consider it good or not. God can use all things for His good and His glory.

PRAYER: Lord help me to learn to praise you no matter what my circumstances as I know you can use all things to grow me up to be more like you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Christmas 24/7 Challenge

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Christmas may be over, but who says we have to stop that spirit of giving, loving, sharing and being joyful? Why is it necessary to even put away the nativity scene for that matter? Jesus is alive and we are to act like it and show His love the other 364 days.

I challenge you in 2015 to find ways to be joyful, loving, kind, and giving each and every day. Perhaps to the rude store clerk or disgruntled airline employee. Maybe it is to someone who cuts in front of you at a busy fast food restaurant. It even could be a friend or heaven forbid, a unkind spouse, who is saying hurtful words, which you need to return good for evil. Show kindness even when humanly you would rather 'spout off'. Anger causes fights and fights lead to only hurt feelings and broken relationships. Treat a friend to coffee or lunch. Buy an unexpected gift. Purchase a gift card for a restaurant and give it to a homeless or needy person, not just at Christmas but ALL the time. 

Start today and make up your mind the spirit of the Christmas season will live in your heart year round then go do something about it.

PRAYER: Lord I choose this day forward to be kind. When provoked I will hold my tongue and take my issues to you in prayer instead. Show me how to love even those hard to love people, some who may have hurt me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

My Prayer List Post Christmas

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

How many of us have been well intentioned when someone asks us to pray for them and if we do not do it right then totally forget? I have to admit I have done this I am ashamed to say.  

Have you ever thought of using the Christmas  cards you receive as a prayer tool. Leave them out just a while and each day select two or three to pray for in your prayer time. Everyone has needs and concerns but only the Lord knows what each person is dealing with. Make Christmas season continue past December 25 by putting those cards to good use. Even better when there is a photo on the card so you put a face with a name.

Remember just as today's very short verse says,we are to pray all the time. You can actually talk to God in prayer even when you are driving your car. I often turn off my radio and just pray at that time in the quiet and comfort of my car.  Whatever you choose, just do not stop praying.

PRAYER: Dear Lord I thank you for every chance I get to pray. I thank you that I happen to live in a country where I can do this in most places. Help me not forget when someone requests prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Unconditional Love

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Today is a special day for me. It is my 37th wedding anniversary as my husband lovingly introduces me as "his first wife Becky"! This is not to make those in multiple marriages feel bad because sometimes things happen that are out of one parties control as I know from a few people very close to me. I am grateful to have an enduring marriage, not that there have not been challenges. The thing is that when you stand up before a minister, judge,or justice of the peace and become man and wife, you make a solemn vow to love in sickness and in health,in good times and in bad times, forsaking all others,till death do you part. I actually went to a wedding once or twice where these vows of commitment were deleted from the ceremony. Sort of gives the couple an 'out' should they become 'incompatible'. But before God, vows are solemn and not to be entered into lightly or taken lightly.

I know of a few rare couples who tell me they have never had a problems and I say,"Be grateful"! It takes two committed people to make a solemn enduring marriage. What the Bible says should be followed and Christ needs to remain on the throne of the marriage as the centerpiece. At no time should divorce be an option. If a partner in the marriage is wanting to remain kind and the other one is unkind then you have to love with Jesus' love and overlook faults in order to not start arguments. At all times pray and give God any situations in the marriage that need help.

So today I hope to be the start of 37 more years. Wow that is going to make me pretty old but it is something to shoot for.

PRAYER: Dear Lord help me take my vows of marriage seriously. Help me to always out you first and follow Your commands about how to treat my spouse. Guide me in my actions of what I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Down In The Dumps?

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

If we dwell all the time on the news, our problems, bills, sicknesses and other such things in depressing categories, it is easy to lose any joy you may have had. I have a suggestion for you. Wake up daily and the first thing just say, "thank you Lord for this wonderful day"!

The author of bad stuff is not the Lord. He indeed can use awful things to draw us closer to Him. Life does have a problem here and there. Death of a family member, bankruptcy, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, loss of income, cancelled medical insurance, bad grades, a car that won't start. These are only a few. But you can choose to dwell on those things or look up to Jesus who can help you overcome anything in your path. Tell Satan to get his stinking hands off you and run your race to win, straight to the cross. 

Today and every day start praising God for the good things and even write them down. Do not allow Satan to keep you from having joy. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for every thing in life for in the bad I see how much I need you all the time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a song of praise. 

http://youtu.be/tZIMDcgrF-Q

Like/Love/Be Kind

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

There are different personalities. Some may rub us the wrong way but we are still commanded to love one another. Talking ugly about people doesn't make for a loving relationship. This ugliness could be in the form of passing judgment on someone when that is not our job. For instance constantly talking bad about obese people,prisoners, unwed parents, drunks, homosexuals, homeless people, those who talk on their cell phones in public places, or someone we do not see eye to eye with is plain wrong. When we comment on others it makes us sound like we are somehow superior. God is the one who is the judge,not us. Ugly comments about people only make those who say them 'little' and when you claim to know Jesus it does not say much for your 'love meter'. This is not to say something may not be wrong but the point being it is up to us to love, not judge and be unkind. Read Romans 2:4 where it says that "kindness leads to repentance".

So if someone is ugly to you do not be ugly in return but show the love of Jesus to your friends and to your enemies. You will make God smile!

PRAYER: Love is what lifts people from the pit of despair. Use me Lord to show that kind of love to hurting people even in the form of a simple smile. Forgive me if I have ever passed judgement on someone as that is not my responsibility. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Best Gift Ever!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas. The day has arrived. Are we going to be able to enjoy the true meaning of this day or are we too exhausted with all the activities leading up to it that it is time for a nap?

Think about what this day means. The birth of the savior of the world. Born to a young virgin in a manger, or stable in other words. No fancy accommodations or five star service. People  talking  behind her back because she is pregnant and was not married. The towns folk probably loved this gossip. She was the chosen one. Through her the Messiah would be born.

Indeed she was special and gave birth to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The best gift ever indeed.

Is CHRIST or Santa at the center of your celebration today?

PRAYER: I am so thankful for your birth, death, and resurrection. Happy Birthday JESUS! In your name we pray. Amen. 

Click link and praise our Lord in a song of worship!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPqCP0UiPI0&sns=em