Pick Up A Shovel, Dig A Hole

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”Deuteronomy 31:8

My title were words spoken by actor Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee in the 2011 Hollywood movie 'We Bought A Zoo' and I thought it would make a fantastic title. In this scene Damon's character was frustrated with his teenage son played by actor Colin Ford, who was moping around about not liking where they lived and blaming his dad for hating him. Mee's wife had passed away. 

Often times when things do get you down you do sort of need to get hopping and do something to get out of your slump. Move on in other words. Moping never solved anything. Believe me I know. 

Whatever it is you are going through know God has not abandoned you and loves you. Sometimes it is necessary to force yourself to get out, get up, and get going. Once you do eventually you feel better. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for seeing me through the good times and the not so good times. I know you love me and I love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Getting Beyond Hurt Feelings

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

All of you reading this have probably been there when it comes to being misunderstood or having your feelings hurt. I know I have in both cases.

When you have been hurt, sometimes as much as you want to vent to someone or the person who hurt you probably unknowingly, sometimes it is best to zip your lip and take it to God.If you verbalize hurt you can destroy a relationship or wound someone else.

Believe me it is hard to not be angry, bitter, jealous, and truly hurt but it is best to get on your knees and talk to God. Ask Him to help you love and forgive the one or ones who hurt you
.

PRAYER: I feel angry and hurt Lord but I know I need to have love in my heart for people even when I feel this way. I know many broken relationships can result from when I don't forgive and forget. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Turning Your Back On God

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

Do you know anyone close to you who has turned their back on God? By this I mean they were once was 'on fire' for the Lord but now due to whatever influences have entered their lives, are behaving differently and believing lies? If it is your adult child it is very hard to understand. We know evil is out there and Satan loves to snatch the word out of a person's heart.

Don't be fooled because bad company corrupts morals it says in 1 Corinthians 15:33. All you can do is continue to stay in the word and turn off sources of confusion such as the nightly news. Continue praying fervently for yourself and for others in your life. Don't be fooled because the enemy is real and he is waging war to try to get people off the path that leads to Christ.

Stand firm, pray, read the word daily and run from evil. Don't nag those in your life as only the Holy Spirit can bring change.

PRAYER: Lord help me never believe the lies of the enemy. Help me be gentle to those who are being lead astray and help me speak the truth in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Persevere

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

What does it mean to persevere? First it means to keep going for your goal regardless of what others say. In the 2016 Hollywood movie based on a true story, 'Eddie the Eagle' , the story of Michael 'Eddie' Edwards the British Ski jumper who was told he could amount to nothing but kept on for his dream to achieve greatness becoming an Olympic ski jumper, against all odds,  then participating in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Yes he persevered!

You have probably heard of other stories of those who were told they would not amount to anything but went on to achieve great success. This is what it takes in a believers life, to keep 'pressing' on for the prize of our Heavenly kingdom. Don't quit. Focus ahead. Don't listen to nay sayers.

What is it you are hoping to achieve? With the right attitude and keeping your eyes on the prize you can do whatever you set your mind to. Don't be afraid to go for a seemingly impossible dream. A positive attitude goes a long way.

PRAYER: Each day brings with it new challenges. I choose to focus on the positive in order to achieve the things in life I want to do. Guide me and direct me Lord to not quit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunrise, Sunset, Again and Again

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

On a recent morning as I drove to the gym to workout, the sun coming up over the horizon was a glorious sight to behold. How could people say there is no God? I just said thank you to God for His creation and placing me in it. 

Each day you wake up probably to the same routine and if you allow yourself to, you could fall into a rut just thinking "Is this all there is" and the answer of course is no. Depression, a sour attitude, griping, complaining, and not being appreciative and  thankful are not fruits of the Spirit. 

Perhaps you are in some sort of struggle right now with health,finances, family, or work and sometimes you just want to throw the towel in so to speak. Press on. God is in all this. He does not create chaos and problems but uses them. Continue to pray and praise Him through your storms of life. Don't let the enemy cause you to fall into a pit of despair. Hang on to Jesus!

PRAYER: Thank you so much for each and every day problems and all. Help me to stand firm and strong knowing this too shall pass. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be A Somebody!

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

Do you ever find yourself wishing for fame, notoriety, fortune, and worth in this world? This comes because of the way our society puts folks on a pedestal  who seem to have it all. The penthouse, the foreign trips, the starring role, an Ivy League degree, the fancy car, magazine cover recognition , a special job title. My question is what good is all this if the person who has it is not following Jesus? Not saying that folks in those categories don't but it could be easy to become puffed up. 

This life is so very temporary. Seems so many forget that and live for the hear and now. Comparison is a real killer of joy. For one thing God does not want you to be discontent but to be joyful just where you are. If you are blessed by fame and fortune give God the glory. 

Basically we who call ourselves believers are not to fall into the trap of coveting or desiring what someone else has. A friend gave me a sign once that simply said "Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken." What a wise saying and way to live. 

PRAYER: Help me be happy just where I am in life and not be jealous of others or desirous of what they have. Help me to press on to achieve the goals and dreams in my life you have set in my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

32 Days Of Thanks Till Christmas

            Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love          endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Today in America families gather round to celebrate Thanksgiving. This marks the time also where many are simply counting down the shopping days until Christmas. I say why not make this Thanksgiving a day for thanks  for the next 32 days. A friend gave me this devotion idea. What a novel way to celebrate this season of Christ's birth with being thankful.

So today while you are dining and undoubtedly eating way too much, stop for a moment and think about what you are thankful for. A warm home, running water, clothes, family, friends, good health. Try to maybe write down something each day until Christmas. Maybe you will want to continue even longer.

Three years ago I started a blessing jar and get a new one each year and on a slip of paper at end of day write down one good thing that happened that day. This keeps you focused on good stuff. It is easy to be negative so why not try being grateful not just on Thanksgiving but every single day of the year.

PRAYER: Thanks for the blessings in my life which are many. Christmas is just around the corner but I choose to stay focused not only on this special time but also on the many areas I have to give thanks for. In Jesus' name. Amen.