True Friends

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.  Proverbs 27:17

What is a true friend? One who loves and accepts you warts and all, yet is not afraid to be honest with you. One you can laugh with and one you can cry with.  One who you can tell a secret to and not be afraid it will turn into town gossip. 

In my life I am blessed to call many people true friends. Friends build each other up and share each other's joys and sorrows. They are there for you when you need moral support. They will love you unconditionally. They like to be with you. They are kind and not back stabbers. They will stand up for you when others criticize you. They think of others before themselves. 

Are you a good true friend? Have you picked up the phone recently and set up a time for coffee to reconnect with someone? There is a saying "If you want to be a friend you need to show yourself friendly." Is there someone who could use you for a true friend in their life? 

PRAYER: There are so many people around who don't have a true friend. I thank you for giving me courage at times to make the first move. Thank you for the gift and blessing of friendship, especially friendship in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Make Me A Blessing

Devotion date was 22 Feb 16 and somehow missed. My apologies. 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.Psalm 119:105

Instead of waking up each day and worrying about what problems you might encounter, why not instead say "Lord light my path today and use me in someone's life" and then see what happens. Purpose in your heart that day to not get upset if you get cut off in traffic, if someone steals a parking space you have been waiting on, if a person in the express line at grocery has more than 20 items. You get the picture, right? 

Each and every day we face choices. Choosing the right thing can be mind boggling unless you have stopped before you get into your day and prayed for God to give you wisdom as only He can. Don't expect God to help if you have not given Him some time each day. He yearns for you to 'sit at his feet' for just a few moments and part and get to know Him through His word, the Bible. 

If you have time for the morning news, the paper, and Facebook, surely you have some time to give to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Seek Him each day then seek to bless those around you. 

PRAYER: I choose to do what pleases you Lord. I know in order to do this I need to make a point of changing what I do in the morning and spend time with you. Help me put other worldly distractions away until I have my time with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:
http://youtu.be/2lSgVgKtHyA

God's Bucket List

NOTE: Somehow this got missed This is devotion from Feb 21. 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

The older a person is the more he or she might start thinking about their 'bucket list' or those things they hope to do before the Lord calls them home to Heaven. I have accomplished a few on mine such as tandem skydiving, riding in an airboat in Everglades, hiking to the Hollywood sign, hot air balloon ride, going to the Rose Parade and I still have several to go. 

Have you ever thought about a 'bucket list for God'? I am not the original person to think of this idea. I heard it somewhere and thought it was very cool. A 'bucket list' is more of a self centered thing whereas a 'bucket list for God' would be things you want to do for the Kingdom. Each person would have to search their own hearts for what those things would be and once again not doing them to be noticed by others as if to say "Look at me. Aren't I great" but to do them out of your love for living for Jesus.

When you are having a quiet time with the Lord pray and ask God to show you ways you could impact the world for Christ not to bring you glory but so you can point others to Him. 

PRAYER: Each and every day is a gift from you. The money we have is actually yours. My time should be used for you too Lord. Help bring to mind those ways I can make a difference in the lives of others for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Riches Make Wings

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 23:5

Here in the United States where I live most every person would be considered wealthy by the standards of Third World Nations. Basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter are met. We have fresh clean running water in most cities. Food is in abundance and often wasted. Flip a switch and the lights come on. We are warm in our homes or cool if need be. Indeed God has blessed this country.

In the political arena, there are some politicians who try to make people jealous of others saying their wealth needs to be spread around. This thinking is called socialism and borderlines on communism as well. People sacrifice and work hard to earn their livings and just because a person is rich does not make them the enemy. But whether or not we have tons of money or not, it is only temporary so don't get so used to it. Learn to live within your means in case disaster comes so you will not have to declare bankruptcy. Just as this verse states,riches can 'fly away' before you realize what has happened. 

Matthew 6:21 tells us "where our treasure is there is our heart also." Do you value money, possessions, and stuff more than God? Stop and consider this question. If all you owned suddenly disappeared would you still be content. Just remember to not place your hope in riches but in Christ who gives you abundantly more. 

PRAYER: Help me to remember Lord to be generous to those around me who may have a legitimate need I can meet. Help me not get too comfortable with my possessions or bank account because it may not be there some day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What Is Old?

Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:4-5

When I was 23 I used to think old was maybe 45. Then I got to be 30 and thought maybe it was 55. Fast forward to this baby boomer being, gulp, 62, and now old is a relative thing but a Senior Rate definitely should not be offered until you are 85,right?

Each of us needs to embrace the aging process as it is part of life. It is easier enjoyed when health is maintained, but never the less,  part of God's plan in this life. Many sadly do not get a chance to grow old so never bemoan it. Each stage of life brings new joys and new challenges. The good news is God is always there to guide you of you call upon Him.

Isaiah 57:1 says "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil." Now I would not go up to someone who has lost a dear family member and say this but it is a word of God in the scripture that does make lots of sense. Just know dear friend that your life matters no matter how old or young you are so enjoy it!

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. I thank you for the joys and yes even heartaches in my life because you have a plan and a purpose. Help me learn to enjoy all the days of my life you have given me here on this Earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Set Your Mind

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

What does it mean to 'set your mind' on something? Perhaps to be solidified in the fact that you will not allow something else to distract you. You have a goal or purpose you want to accomplish and you just make up your mind you will complete it.

How easy it is to let the winds of change in society to bring us down. The world tries to change the meaning of the Bible to make immoral behavior okay. You as a believer have to be guided by the truth you know to be true. You don't allow outside influences to make you waiver. You set your mind to do what you know to be right regardless of what society does. Setting your mind on 'things above' definitely can keep you encouraged. 

Proverbs 4:25 is also a very helpful verse in 'setting your mind' to do something in it says "Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you." It is like a runner in a race makes up his or her mind they will finish the course in front of them or 'set their mind' to do this regardless. Whatever you are facing and you feel overwhelmed or discouraged know that God is there to see you through. Keep looking to the cross. 

PRAYER: Lord at times I get discouraged and feel like the task ahead of me is too big or too overwhelming. Maybe I feel inadequate but I know that with your strength and by keeping my mind focused on scripture I will be okay. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Running Your Race To Win!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

Recently I ran in my first race in 12 years, a 5k on hilly terrain on a below 32 degree, yet sunny day. Surprisingly I continued to press on and not quit despite the occasional small hill. Along my route, which I thought would never end,  I met others happily in the middle or back of the pack and they were of all ages. We cheered each other on as we chugged along. I was chanting my Army running songs to give me motivation. 

Life is a race of sorts. The finish line is the gates of Heaven. We press on through thick and thin, good and bad, failures, defeats, joys and sorrows. Sometimes you get to a point you think you just can't complete life's race. When thoughts of despair and defeat enter your head they are not from God. His goal is to us to press on regardless. 

Whatever you are dealing with my friend try to stay positive. A job loss, a death in the family, bankruptcy, not getting a promotion, loss of a baby or child, alcoholism, drug addiction, addictions in general. Keep looking to Jesus and He will get you through. That key word is 'through'  meaning not forever. Press on. 

PRAYER: The joy of the Lord is my strength. I know there is always a rainbow tomorrow and light at the end of a seemingly dark tunnel. I choose to look up and not down. In Jesus' name. Amen.