Be Calm In Everything?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

When things are going great there is often no urgency to go to the Lord in prayer but oh when things go haywire, off one trots to the prayer room. The prayer room should always be a first place in good or bad times.

So the verses for today speak of not being anxious in anything. Does that mean bad medical diagnosis? House deal falls through? Loss of your job? Death in the family? Water pipes burst and flood your home? Prodigal children? The recent terrible floods in Baton Rouge? Yes it does mean everything. Just how do you do that when your world is turned upside down? Practice now in the little things so if you ever have a big thing you would have 'exercised' those faith muscles so to speak. 

Whatever you are facing right now trust God to see you through. 

PRAYER: I confess I like it when there are no major hurdles in my life but yet I know use all things to the good in our lives. Problems are not the end but often the beginning. Help me learn to stay at peace through trials and turmoil. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Self Esteem Or God Esteem

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

As I sat  at a military PX a few weeks back having a book signing, I felt like the Wal Mart greeter. Smiling and saying hi at the table right in front of the entrance to the main store. Many people feel funny making eye contact perhaps due to the fact they are not interested in what you are selling and maybe feel if they look your way it is too late. Anyway this was a good day to practice whether I was having self esteem or God esteem. Let me explain.

The reason I wrote my book was not to become rich and famous. I wrote it because God placed a call on my life through my daily devotions and I wanted to expand the ministry into an affordable small book. This journey means getting out there where I can get in for signings and be at peace whether I sell one,twenty, fifty, or none.  Often when I got my eyes off of why I was there,a Christian sister quickly got me back on track for which I am thankful.

You need to not worry about self so much and know you are working for the Lord and are there because of the mission He gave you. Your mission might not be selling Christian books but ministering to those little children at home, or working in an office, or helping others get well at a hospital. Whatever, know that God has a distinct purpose and you are not there by accident.  Shine your light!

 PRAYER: Thank you for where you have placed me in life. Help me know my journey is not about me but about you and sharing God's love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Storage Full

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 

There is a rather comical commercial on TV about people who are getting ready to take that extra special picture on their mobile device only to have message pop up 'Storage Full. Can Not Take Photos' and if it has happened to you you feel like screaming. Back in the 'olden days' we had film in our camera and knew when we were out. Anyway it is a frustration needless to say. 

God's storage is never full. You can pray and pray and pray some more and he always has free space to record all your prayers and cries of your heart. Don't stop crying out to Him. The verse above mentions Him storing our tears in a bottle. I often joked and said mine were no doubt in a water tank. The point is God is there. No disconnects, signal loss, network down messages will ever happen. 

Are you trusting God for something in your life? Don't become discouraged and above all don't skip your quiet time alone with Him. It is easy to make excuses of why you have no time but God sure has time for you. 

PRAYER: I am thankful you are with me at all times. You hear my prayers. I know things are happening even when I don't see them physically. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mosquitos

In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

As I sit on my back porch looking out at the countryside and cattle in our field in the early evening, I am often met by pesky mosquitoes who, if I don't wear insect repellant, can insure my time in the outdoors is short lived. I hear them buzz then swoosh, they move in for a bite. Smack, no you don't little bug. 

Sin and Satan can be like annoying insects that swarm and won't leave you alone. The problem is sin doesn't always warn us with buzzing sounds or a first bite. It can sneak up on you. Often disguised as something harmless. But alas sin is not harmless. Depending on what it is, you may experience lifelong repercussions. Forgiveness is available so don't beat yourself up too bad. Just remember when you know what is right or wrong don't choose the wrong way. 

Jesus is the right way and His ways are perfect. No one promises a life free of struggles, but by standing with God and staying daily in the word you have a good shield against sin. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to stand strong against the tide of sin in this world often made to look good or okay and some even legalized by the government.  Use me Lord to share the truth with those in my circle of influence. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Maintenance Needed

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11

I was out pulling weeds in my strawberry patch recently when a truck pulled up that said 'Asphalt Maintenance' on the doors. Indeed our driveway has numerous cracks that need attention soon before they get worse. 

Your spiritual life needs maintained on a daily basis too. If you let something go that needs repairs eventually it needs an overhaul. We can let our bodies go physically by not eating right and exercising then when the decision is made to get in shape it takes lots of time. Better to take care of matters when they are not so drastic. 

By getting into God's word, the Bible, daily you make Satan angry because you have put on your armor for the day. You strengthen your inner man by filling up your tank daily with God's word so if a breakdown does occur you are prepared and know better how to address it. Now go read Psalm 37 and have a good day. 

PRAYER: I know what I need to do to stay strong spiritually and that is to soak up God's word daily. Help me discipline myself to read your book more than Facebook. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Let My People Go

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Why is it so many nations have dictators, tyrants and kings that are bent on control of the people? Human nature can easily get selfish, egocentric, and power hungry. For the man or woman following Christ they are led by the light and love but many are not followers of Christ and may unknowingly be doing Satan's work to dominate, deceive, lie, trick, kill, and manipulate people. When someone tries to control every aspect of a person's existence they are trying to domineer and take away our choices. 

God is not like that. God is love. God is peace. God wants us to go and be creative and earn money and thrive. He does not want us dependent upon others. God wants us to be kind to our fellow man. He wants us to see a need and meet it. He wants us to pray for our enemies. He wants us to be in prayer for our nation and its' leaders even ones that seem that prayer will never work on. 

When a nation follows God's laws all is well but when they get to thinking they know more than God look out. Do not be fearful of what is going on around us for God indeed is in control. But He wants us to wake up and protect the liberty we have been blessed with and to stay in prayer for our nation. Now go get in your prayer closet for our land and for its' healing and restoration. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord your beautiful. Your face is all I seek. I am ashamed when I have taken freedom for granted. Help me to do my part to help our great land remain free. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just Get Over It

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:39

How many arguments could be alleviated if people would just drop stuff and forget about it. While waiting at an airport recently watching passengers arriving, most were joyful and hugging, but one particular meet up, what appeared to be a mother and son, looked less than cordial. I was sad for whatever caused their cold reunion. It made me think about why people need to let anger go.

Even if someone gives you the cold shoulder doesn't mean you have to reciprocate. We as believers need to be kind, forgiving, and able to be the one to show reconciliation if necessary. Don't drag something out or try to force a person to be kind but take it to the Lord the great healer of all things to include relationships.

So the next time you are confronted by a friend or worse, a family member who is treating you unkindly just be kind to them regardless. Let Jesus do the rest.

PRAYER: Lord I pray if and when I am ever confronted by someone who wants to be ugly to me that you will help me stand strong and not be ugly back. In Jesus' name. Amen.