Wickedness Alive And Well

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Psalm 1:1

Have you ever known anyone who used to love the Lord so very much then something happened and they wandered away with seemingly no desire for the Lord anymore? When a person starts to allow sinful behavior and thoughts into their life it becomes harder and harder to want to follow Christ. The word of God becomes a turn off to them.

Satan tries so hard to get people off the path God has planned for them. He sticks his claws in them and drags them away. He manipulates their mind to think their desires, thoughts, and actions are okay. He twists things to make them seem okay.  What a person is participating in he or she normally will justify.It is sad to see a brother or sister in the Lord who has gotten off the path.

If you know a person like this continue to lift them to the Lord in prayer. Don't allow yourself to become this way by staying in the word of God. Do it daily. If it is important to walk with the Lord then add this to your daily calendar so it is not left out. Tell Satan he has no authority over your loved ones who he is deceiving. Remember this world is not our home and neither are its' ways. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that you love me and have a perfect plan for my life When times came that I got off the path you drew me back and I thank you. I resist the enemy and he has to flea. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Pondering In Paradise

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

On a recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii I sat on my balcony late at night and just pondered the word of God. I reflected on the verse above and what it truly meant.It does not take a visit to an island to reflect and ponder but it was good for that purpose in my case.

The popular culture often is unfriendly to the people of God. The world has it's way and God has a totally different way. Many things that the Bible says are sinful are made right in the eyes of the world we live in. Just because everyone does something does not make it right.

We are called to be set apart for Christ not like some weirdo but to be different is that if someone asks you the reason of hope that you have you can boldly answer them such as what is said in 1 Peter 3:15. Never cave in to culture. If you have family members or friends who have lost their way, pray for them, don't nag them. Never act holier than thou as that is a real turn off. Keep shining your light in a dark world. Let Christ be glorified. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be a light in the world around me. Help me have strength not to be like this world but to be set apart for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Remote Hotspot Failure

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Don't you just get annoyed when you have your computer out at a public place or hotel and an error message pops up on the screen?  You sort of have to deal with it and go with the flow. Getting annoyed does nothing to solve the problem. 

Good news awaits you. You will never get a disconnect or error message with our Heavenly Father. He is open 24/7 and ready to hear your prayers. You can chat with Him similar to a friend because no special speech patterns are needed to enter His presence. He hears you and listens in every language on the face of the Earth. 

What is on your heart today? Take time out each and every day to have a chat with the Almighty. He makes time for you so make time for Him. 

PRAYER: I am ever so thankful I don't get a disconnect or busy signal when I reach out to talk to you in prayer Lord. I thank you for caring and hearing me. Nothing is to big to take to you in prayer. And I know all things are possible with God. In Jesus' name. Amen.




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Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

As I sat in the  Phoenix airport recently  waiting on my flight, the normally overly sunny skies should be shining through the large glass windows. Today it is another story. The 'valley of the sun' as it is called,  is overcast with gray skies. Not to fear, the sun indeed will shine again in this desert community.

In life sometimes you may feel as if there is a huge gray cloud over your head. Maybe everything you do goes wrong. It may be one of those days or worse, one of those weeks. Similarly to the weather eventually changing, so will your situation.

Life has good moments and bad moments and we rejoice in one but learn from the others. Don't let bad moments and gray skies define you. Refuse to allow the enemy to get you in a defeated slump. Hang on as indeed the sun will rise!!

PRAYER: Thank you for the good and bad in life as it is through both that I grow stronger. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Atheism....Why?

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

On a trip to Boise I saw a car that had a bumper sticker that said "My God can beat up your god." This broke my heart to see someone misled and unbelieving possibly feeling like Heaven was some sort of joke. I pray for individuals who feel this way. 

Even those who 'believe' often may think Sunday is enough or just believing might be adequate. Those feeling this way are missing out on an abundance of blessings by simply naming the name of Jesus only and ending the relationship there. To act ashamed of your beliefs does not make God smile.

Just how serious are you about getting closer to Jesus and God?  If you have friends or family who fit the category of occasional believers continue to pray for them. To get to know Jesus it is necessary to dive into His instruction manual the Bible. Carry a small one with you to work or in your purse, backpack, or briefcase. Then get it out during times when you are just sitting. Fill your mind with God's word. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I love your word. Many times I could open it up and read but I waste my time doing secular things which do nothing for my spirit. Help me order my day to make sure you are in it daily and perhaps set an example for someone around how may be observing me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

FOMO

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

There are all sorts of phobias. One I heard of recently was called FOMO or 'Fear of Missing Out'. This is a new problem in these 24/7 connected days of Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, texting and Twitter. Why do you have to know what everyone is doing? Relax. Enjoy your day. Life will indeed go on and the world will still keep spinning. 

Do you ever have a 'Fear of Missing Out' what God has for you, never mind your friends Facebook status and updates?  Think of the time you might spend on social media daily and balance that with time spent getting closer to the Lord. Is some tweaking in order for changing things up a bit in that area? 

Maybe you are getting on Facebook to read Christian things like my devotion and others which is terrific. But when done why not put the computer away and get out the paper Bible and start reading the chapter in Psalm that corresponds to what date it is. Today is the 26th so Psalm 26. There you have it. Now go have a blessed day!

PRAYER: Give me a pure and Holy passion to run hard after you Lord. If I catch myself becoming complacent about spending time with you renew my hunger for your word. IN Jesus' name. Amen.

The 'People' Version

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

As I was getting coffee recently the television at the coffee shop was on one of the entertainment channels that lets you know all about the celebrities and what is going on in their lives. Why do we care so much about that? I have been guilty of it but why does it matter? It does not.

Wouldn't it be nice if mankind gave as much time to finding out about the life and ministry of Jesus as they do about famous people? Made me think that perhaps a 'People' version of the scriptures should be printed. Perhaps if it looked like this popular magazine more folks would be intrigued and want to know more. Inquiring minds want to know, so the saying goes.

Have you checked Jesus's status in the Holy Bible today? The word is filled with wisdom and knowledge to help you on your everyday journey. Give it a try. He is the most famous celebrity ever. Get to know Him today.

PRAYER: Lord help me balance the hours you give me each day to not waste time on too many things that don't matter for eternity. Help me to balance entertaining myself with serving you and others. In Jesus' name. Amen.