More Than Outside Appearances

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."1 Samuel 16:7

I passed a parking lot recently and saw a couple looking at a previously owned vehicles that were parked there. Even though prices may have looked enticing you don't get the 'big picture' until you look under the hood and take it for a test drive. There is more to a new car than outside appearances. 

The same goes for mankind. Our outward looks may be nice but how is the inside man, the heart. It takes more to be a lovely or handsome person than just grooming. You should be more concerned with the inside than the outside. 

You probably have heard the saying "You can't judge a book by its' cover" although as an author I know the cover is important in order to get people's attention. But it is what is inside that counts? How is your inner man? Does it need some maintenance? 

PRAYER: I don't want to be so overly concerned about my outward appearance. Help me as I seek to be more like you by reading the Bible and praying. I choose to seek a life pleasing to Christ and glow for you so others may ask me for the reason of hope in me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Easy Does It

         Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Ephesians  4:5

Each of you reading this is probably passionate about something. In our passions many times we can cross the path of those who disagree with our opinion. It is essential we do not allow opinions to get in the way of kindness, witnessing, and friendship. 

Proverbs 18:2 tells us "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions."  In our present 'politically charged' environment, at least in the US, it is more important to pray instead of proving  your point. This could be the same with others causes you may be passionate about.

I don't know about you, but I feel all of us need to be in prayer everyday for this nation and for a spirit of love, understanding, and kindness. Also pray for the eyes of understanding be open to many who may be ensnared and deceived. Everything we say should be based on God's Holy Word to back us up. 

PRAYER: Lord I do not want to babble on and get into meaningless arguments. Help me be an example when I am around others. Forgive me if I have ever acted like a fool. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dethrone Self

I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 1 Corinthians 15:31

Me, me, me, me! No one likes to be around people who are puffed up and arrogant and always talking about their achievements and themselves. To be a believer takes humility and dying to self daily. No one is perfect and can slip up. I have done it but I try not to.  It is a process of learning to put others before yourself.

It is easy to get into your own thing and not think of others. I can think of a few friends who seems like they are always 'Johnny on the spot' when it comes to sincere caring and prayer. The kind who always have time. This is something all of us need to work on as many things in our busy world drag us away and distract us from more important things.

Do not guilt yourself and beat up on yourself but ponder if this is something you need to work on. Each person has to come to the decision on their own. Also don't compare yourself to others as each of us is gifted in many areas. Just remember as it says in Romans 12:3 to not think more highly of yourself than you ought to. 

PRAYER: I need to die to self daily Lord and I need help with time management so I don't waste time on just me but have time to share your love with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Impossible? No Way!

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah  55:8-9

8 

What is seemingly impossible IS possible with God! After all He is God. Useless worry, fretting, manipulating outcomes, and all the man made things you may be good at doing are meaningless compared to God's big picture. 

Have you been praying seemingly non stop day in and day out for someone or something? A prodigal child,  healthy pregnancy, new job, change of attitude for you or someone else? Whatever it is do not give up on God. Don't blame Him when you think He caused something. Keep praising.

God works best when the outcome seems impossible to others. Keep believing. Don't stop praying. Don't turn your back on the Almighty. Don't listen to nay sayers but pray for them. Humble yourself before Him and keep on.

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are mighty over all creation and your ways are better than my ways. Help me learn to trust you and not cave into worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Armor Of God And Rest

Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

I was convicted one day recently to pray the Armor of God over our new President. I just had a strong feeling God needed to protect him. At the same time a devotional book that was put out and given to the new president had the same scripture for the day. A God thing? I don't know. But in the same context of praying for the armor of God I was listening to the daily 24/7 prayer call and they were discussing God's perfect rest and how we believers needed to be in it and not all stressed out. 

So my theme today a few days after this occurred is resting in Jesus. After you have trusted Him with your concerns then let go and enjoy His perfect rest and don't keep fretting over stuff you supposedly have given to the Lord. Resting is pretty important yet how many of you reading are unable to really rest and may feel guilty slowing down?  When it comes to God's rest He wants you to trust Him with your concerns. 

Today whatever you are doing stop and make sure you are protected by God's armor which is the word of God by reading it and soaking it in. Next completely give your situation over to God then REST.

PRAYER: Many times I have prayed but then start freaking out and concerned. I know you are working all things for your good so help me learn to chill and be still. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Room At The Inn

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4

My heart aches at times for those lost hurting confused souls who Satan has trapped and deceived. You may know of some right in your own family. To them God is some far off concept and their activities or lifestyle are counter to scriptures. So they have their own gods and the real God is in the backseat somewhere or gone entirely.

Even those of us who love God have to do more than just say we love Him. Do you really LOVE Him? To love is to want the best, to spend time, to get to know and this is a priority.

Search your heart and ask if you really are allowing room for God in your heart or is there a no vacancy sign.

PRAYER: Father God you know the hearts of man and your heart breaks when those who once loved you wandered away. Draw back those who have been trapped by the lies of Satan. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Staying In Spiritual Good Health

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

There is much to be said about staying healthy physically and it is crucial to remaining alive and well. You eat the right things, exercise, get rest, see your doctor for a annual physical and  you should be okay. But what about your spiritual fitness level. How is it doing? 

Necessary disciplines are needed to maintain spiritual fitness as well. Reading and studying  the Bible is one way. Memorizing scriptures is a very helpful tool as well. Feeding your mind with Christian praise and worship music. Trying to keep your thoughts on 'things above' so as not to get sucked into the deception and lies in the world. 

Are you a spiritually fit person or do you need further training? Perhaps you were once spiritually fit but got sucked into the world's ways and thinking or maybe you have a family member that was deceived and got off track. Keep praying. In the meantime keep yourself in your 'gym' daily in order to stay strong. 

PRAYER: I need to stay strong and get stronger yet Lord and do more in my spiritual growth. Help me not listen to voices that would trick me or pull me away. In Jesus' name. Amen.