Finishing Strong

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

What kind of a year has this been for you? For many 2015 brought sorrow at the death of a loved one. For others it brought the joy of a newborn baby. Life is like that. Ups and downs, good and bad. It is how we respond to things that matters. We can't allow bad situations to define us. 

The good thing is at this last day of 2015 is a good time to set goals and make up your mind you will not allow trials and tribulations to drag you down. You will not allow Satan to defeat you. You will look ahead and run the race of life to win!

End this year with a prayer and also by turning over a new chapter in your life. Purpose in your heart to make 2016 good regardless of politics, finances, family matters, jobs, or relationship issues. Give God your concerns and stay hopeful. 

PRAYER: I look forward to a new year. The old is gone and the new is ahead. Help me build on things I have learned and have an attitude of peace, joy, and love in 2016! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Keep Christmas Alive In Your Heart!

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

Christmas 2015 has come and gone. Trees and decorations are down. Cards have been read. Parties and family gatherings are but a memory. Christmas should be a time of joy and merriment. The manger scene of Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus should remain in your heart all throughout 2016. Jesus is to be celebrated every day not just at Christmas.

The joy and spirit of the season should be a daily thing. Being kind, giving, and loving are not reserved solely for the 25th of December. People need the spirit of Christmas 365 days a year. To many, a sigh of relief is breathed because the season caused undue stress. This is not the intent of this special day. The focus needs to stay on a baby in a manger that is alive today.  

Are you able to make every day a joyous day of praising God and living for Jesus? 

PRAYER: Joy to the world, Jesus has come. I want to have Christmas in my heart every day. Help me not make excuses for getting into the word of God to know you better. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for an awesome song of worship:

http://youtu.be/tC3SwhJsLqU

Be Nice. It's Fun!

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

There are different personality types, but still there's no personality type that says you need to frown and be ugly to people. We never know what someone is going through so when you are out and about why not try to smile. You may not feel like smiling but it sure can even make you feel better too and brighten another's day.

Perhaps you never made any New Years resolutions, so being kind, regardless, might be a good one. There are many opportunities throughout the day that may cause you to 'steam' or 'boil over' but why not start something new and maybe even uncharacteristic. See how many people you can make smile? I do it as I sit at local coffee shops and write. Very interesting experiment. Try it. 

There is really no reason to allow the enemy to make you be ugly or unkind to others. We have not walked in another's shoes so try to be kind. 

PRAYER: There are times I truly do not feel up to running around being nice so help me Lord to act like a Christian when I am out and about and not rely on a Christian bumper sticker or cross necklace to try to prove to others I am. I intend with your help to live it out daily. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What Are My Options?

What Are My Options?

And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Door A or Door B. "I'll take an A Pat". "Give me the leather interior option." "I would like to go by plane instead of on the bus."  "Put some sprinkles on top of my ice cream." Life throws many choices and options at us. "To be or not to be, that is the question." 

When it comes to knowing and following Christ there is no in between ground. You are either not in or all in. No half way. Even Revelation 3:16 says "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Pretty direct I would say. No one likes any thing lukewarm. Lukewarm showers are horrible. Lukewarm coffee is awful. Also a lukewarm believer has no impact in his or her world and really there is a question about how much they really have a passion for the Lord if they act lukewarm.

Are you just a lukewarm believer or do you 100% serve the Lord with all your being? Maybe saying you are a Christian is like being a member of a club but you aren't active. Why not choose Jesus and live for Him and see how great your life can be.

PRAYER: I choose to not be lukewarm and to not listen to the lies of Satan. I commit to pray for those I know who are leading lukewarm lives. Help me never become judgmental or self righteous. In Jesus' name. Ame.

Culture Or Christ?

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. Romans 12:2

People living in 2015 are greatly challenged more than anytime in history. What is wrong is being called right. A follower of Christ is not to cave in to what the world says is right. We are to be different and set apart. But what happens when believers get caught up in the worlds' view of truth? 

The Bible is not about compromise or what the media says is right. Christians who are moral and speak the truth are often called hateful. Satan has a hold on so many people and many are afraid to fight him and just accept life as it is. Satan is truly prowling around like a roaring lion seeking to devour people. (see 1 Peter 5:8). Don't be deceived dear friend. Also don't get an attitude that you are above falling into Satan's trap. 

Which worldview are you going to follow? A Christ centered world view or one of the modern anti God culture? Don't be fooled. Keep your eyes on the cross and don't fulfill the lusts of the flesh. 

PRAYER: Help me not be led astray to get captivated by the lies of the enemy. Convict my heart of any sin and help me keep  on the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

I Shall Not Want

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  Psalm 23:1

I am not sure if it is maturity, growing older or what but I am pretty content in life and not desiring a bunch of material things. The verse for today tells us we should not want. Really I am perfectly content when I do not receive presents from people and love giving gifts and never expecting one in return. This verse though could also mean we should never be in want of food, clothing and shelter as God is taking care of us. 

If you read Psalm 23 in its' entirety it becomes pretty clear. The Lord is our Shepherd and basically He has stuff under control. He is not wanting you to be all stressed out about material things in life. 1 Timothy 6:8 says 'if you have food and clothing be content in that.' Possessing lots of stuff does not make a person happier. 

Here we are a the day following the  celebration of Jesus' birth and seemingly the main focus was buy, buy, buy. Things do not bring joy and often leave a person empty. It is truly having peace and contentment in Jesus that matters in the long run. 

PRAYER: I am thankful for how you provide for my needs. I am grateful for gifts for, friends and family. I know with you I am never in want. You provide just what I need. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be A Wise Man...Or Woman. Seek Christ!

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14

Well it is finally here. Christmas. The long awaited day when many are so frazzled they just take a deep breath and say "thank goodness".  We know the familiar story of the Christ child's birth in a manger in Bethlehem and the wise men who came bearing gifts for Him. This was the most important child born,ever. Today is His birthday and a day to remember just what this day signifies.

In the hustle of this day many forget what it is all about. It is not just for a big family reunion although that is nice. It is not about Santa Claus for sure. It is not about ice skating or Christmas movies or eating too much. It is about a baby born in a manger who came to save us from our sins. The world would never be the same. 

Are you prepared to meet Jesus and is He important to you or just a historical figure? Many who say they know Him do not 'seek him diligently' and or have  a passion for the things of the Lord. Why not use this Christmas to reexamine your heart and make sure you are 'all in' for  the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

PRAYER: Many say this is their favorite time of year while for others this time brings pain and sorrow. Help me today stop and really think what this day is all about. In Jesus' name. Amen. Oh by the way....Happy Birthday Jesus!