No More Tears

For  to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; Philippians 1:21-23

Today I write this devotion with a heavy heart at the recent death of a special lady and friend. She is now out of pain and in her Heavenly home. When someone dies and knows Christ it is sad but it is more of a celebration Home going. For those left behind to grieve though there remains a sadness and a deep hole that will take a while to heal. 

Death will come to everyone and at different ages. This particular friend lost her son in a tragic accident when he was only 18. The pain is real. The hurt is there. The things you don't want to say to a grieving person seem somehow to still pop out of your mouth things like "oh she is in a better place" and stuff like that. Best to be silent and just listen. Be there for comfort and above all don't be afraid to talk about good memories of the deceased. They did exist so don't bury their memory too. 

God has a plan for each of us on this earth. Why are there those who suffer with debilitating diseases and why is not everyone healed? I do not know how to answer that. I just know if you can still shine through your hurt and pain you can be a good example for others who may need comfort. Don't turn your back on God. Run to Him as He does care. After all He gave His only son Jesus in a terrible death on the cross. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me to say the right things to those who are suffering the loss of a friend or family member. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click on link for a song of comfort:

https://youtu.be/LJTQPZuvAKo

IN MEMORY OF DYANNE MCCLOSKEY

Some Indeed Did Give All

 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

In America we have it so very good. And for that we don't have elected officials to thanks but those brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought and died in battles, wars, and conflicts to help secure the freedoms we enjoy. I always have a hard time wondering why merchants on this sacred holiday have mattress sales, furniture sales,and car sales. Seems disrespectful to the deceased in a way. 

Memorial Day now is celebrated on the last Monday of May while it used to be 30 May. As a teenager in the marching band at my high school this used to be a special solemn day where we would march to the local cemetery to honor those who gave their lives for this country. It is important for parents to not get so busy and complacent that they forget to instill the sense of patriotism in today's children. It is not a day to just go swimming and start summer. It is much more.

Our country has to be vigilant to maintain and protect this freedom. Evil and tyranny is out there and even within our own country trying to dominate and control. Socialism and communism is not what these men and women who died had in mind. Freedom goes hand in hand with the love of Jesus too. Communism exists in a godless society. When you see a living war veteran usually displayed on their head with the cap that says Vietnam, WWII etc, be sure to shake their hand. Maybe buy their lunch. Enjoy your Memorial Day and what it means.

PRAYER: Lord I know there are many parts of the world in bondage to dictators. I know Satan would love that to happen to the US and has minions working for him to try to do it. Help us be vigilant in staying free and one nation under God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of freedom:

https://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E

Historical NOTE:http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/recon/jb_recon_memorial_1.html

Live Out The Gospel

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

1. 
   

Boy was I ashamed of myself. I had been writing and had been a tad upset at someone annoying me while I was in the process of writing. So I get up a few minutes later to leave and see a young man wearing a tee shirt that had today's title. I sat back down and pondered what that shirt meant for a while. Was I living out the gospel when I secretly had this disgruntled attitude about someone? And a Christian devotion writer at that! Wake up call.

How about you? Do you claim to know Jesus and live for Him yet don't live out the gospel in places you frequent such as work, home, the coffee shop, restaurants, movie theater to name but a few. Being nice and kind should be part of a believers life. Was Jesus' mean? Did he say "I don't have time for your nonsense now" or "look at this junky house"! No indeed Jesus is perfect and we are to try to emulate Him as best we can.

All types of personalities exist. You are never to act like you are better than someone . Above all even when you don't feel like it try to smile and be kind. Keep smiling even when someone cuts you off on the highway. You will stay more peaceful as a result. Give it a try. Yes and you too can indeed 'live out the gospel'!

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I have not acted out my love for you. Forgive my impatience with others at times. Give me the strength to adapt in less than ideal situations. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Patience With Rude People

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. Ephesians 4:31

Okay here is your test for today. You may know how to act and have manners but increasingly in this technological society even we slightly older people at times don't have proper manners. Parents, train your children there is a time and a place for cell phone usage and those little devices can be down right rude. As I found a cute little coffee shop to settle into to write one afternoon a man in the corner proceeded to make four phone calls each time speaking very loudly. It was very difficult to concentrate but yet here I am "Mrs Devotion Writer" trying to display patience, love, and understanding even when people should know to take their calls outside. 

Whatever situation you find yourself in that tests your patience that is exactly what you are to do is to get that 'test' and pass it. To do this you need to stay clam, cool, and collected and realize no one is perfect, not  even you. To turn around and scowl would be downright ugly and unChristlike. I remember once my cell phone rang in church. I normally never carry it in church but that particular day it was not only in my purse but turned on! And it rang very loud during the sermon of all times. It was an accident but I sure got scowled at. 

My friend,  there are many situations in life that will test us. Believers are supposed to be different and if we get all angry and grumpy then what good is that? It snuffs your spiritual light right out. 

PRAYER: There are all kinds of people in the world and even in my own country many personalities exists. Help me be kind, understanding, and loving to everyone you put in my path because I may be the only person who loves Jesus they ever come in contact with. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Camouflaged?

1. 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
   
   Do you ever try to hide the fact you love Jesus? Sort of want to blend in? You disguise yourself like the world so no one knows? What is there to be afraid of? Say you want to pray in a restaurant  but what will people think? The verse for today sort of suggests it should not matter. Are you like a hunter who wants to blend in with woods so you have a better chance at getting that prized deer?
   
   You are not to be a secret service Christian sort of hiding in the shadows but you need to let that light shine. Not in a bragging self righteous way like you are better than people but so that your faith means something to you. I mean if you chime right along with those in the break room at work laughing at dirty jokes what difference is there. Maybe you gossip about others. How about speeding down the highway all the time with  that 'I Love Jesus' sticker on your car?
   
   None of us is perfect. You have probably heard the phrase "Christians aren't perfect just forgiven" but don't do things on purpose if you know you are wrong. Be a light in a dark place and be able to help when needed.
   
   PRAYER: Oh Lord I know sometimes when I am alone I may not be as bold for you as when in a 'Holy huddle'.  Help me never be ashamed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

What is troubling you? Things in life happen and at times it is hard to not be overwhelmed to the point you don't think you can function anymore. Satan is the master of keeping people down in the dumps, troubled, despairing, in anguish, and fearful. You have to decide you are not going to go there. No matter what is going on around you choose to look up.

Be the kind of person that can walk with a spring in your step just because you know how much Jesus loves you. Beat Satan at his game. When he attempts to get you rattled by throwing all sorts of things your way stand strong. Bad medical diagnosis? Sick child? Aging parents? Horrible job? Betrayal by a friend? Whatever it is don't allow things to rob you of your joy in Jesus.

Life here on Earth is so temporary although at times you may feel it is forever. Live as if each day is the day Jesus may call you home. Talk to him as you would a friend. Cry out to him. Try to lay your burdens down and let Him carry them. Tall order but He can set you free.

PRAYER: At times Father I feel like I just can't go on. I know the enemy loves this and I don't want to let him be happy over my pain. Give me the strength to press on no matter what is going on around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Encore:Love Means Just That

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.  Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11

Today's  politically charged environment  has many people being ugly and saying mean and hateful things instead of doing the opposite, praying. Of course some of those having outbursts or causing riots may not know Jesus as their savior but any who do should know better. It is the enemy's territory for certain.

How about fighting against sin and evil and not the person elected to lead our country? Deceiving spirits are out there and some masked as legitimate news organizations. You have to be on your guard and discerning.  Many prayer organizations have 24 hour prayer going on for this nation. It is exciting to know how God is working! Some walking in darkness hate this as dark hates light. 

God's way is to love and turn the other cheek and pray for those being evil and cruel. Some may be your Facebook friends or even family. They may be lost souls who have no idea of the truth or they are being led by seducing spirits. Be nice and go pray. 

PRAYER: Since the beginning of time there have been hateful people who don't like goodness. I pray Lord misguided deceived people. I pray for those being led astray  that you would transform their hearts and minds and lead the lost to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.