Mischief, Evil, Or Love?

            Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies. Psalm 141:4

To celebrate or to not celebrate Halloween is a big deal in the Christian community. Many churches offer alternative celebrations known as 'Trunk or Treat' or 'Harvest Parties'. This time of year Hollywood inundates us with horror films and many Christians go feed their minds on them not giving it a second thought. There are even freestanding Halloween stores. Don't forget haunted houses.  Scaring people seems to be big business. 

           But what do you as a Christian do? Do you go along with the crowd and think it is innocent? Some use it as an opportunity to reach out. Those who like fortune telling    and ghostly spirits like this day. It traditionally is celebrated as a day of evil. Some laugh at this notion thinking it is purely innocent. Ponder and pray about it especially if you are raising little children.

There is evil and there is good. At this time of year it is a touchy subject with many in the faith community. I myself was born on Halloween so it is my birthday party. True it is fun to dress up and be someone else but when we start dressing children as devils, ghouls, zombies, and witches is that the right thing to teach them how to grow in Christ? Our children were in a Christian pre school once who gave the children plastic skull rings on this day. Well I have given you something to think about. 

            PRAYER: May God grant each reader peace in what he or she chooses to do on this day. I choose to not celebrate or glorify evil. I pray Lord for children to be   protected on this day of mischief. In Jesus' name. Amen.

History of Halloween in case you are interested. http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

Helping Others....Are You?

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed;  Luke 4:18(NKJV)

Each of you reading this today has a circle of people in your life whether it is family, volunteer position you are in, your gym, small children at home, co workers, customers in coffee shop you are in daily, and neighbors and you may have some work to do to help some of these people and encourage them on a daily basis. It could be a comment you see posted on social media and are able to reach out and help. 

God uses each of us to spread love. Are you doing your part daily to do something for others? Maybe you could simply pay for the person behind you at the fast food restaurant you frequent. Perhaps send an unexpected card or gift. Call a friend you have not spoken to in a while. You get the idea. Don't just think of yourself because the world has needs and each of you can help. 

Your assignment today is to be purposeful in reaching out to spread God's love in a hurting world. I guarantee the side effect will be you will feel joy. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know there are many who are hurting and I know I can help. Direct my steps and put on my heart where and who you want me to serve. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Are You Chilly?

Because of the increase of wickedness the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

Fall is finally upon us, I think, here in the South. Cooler temperatures, pretty leaves, crisp air. It by far is my favorite season of the year.  The chilly air brings out beautiful garments hidden away in the closets for months. The chilliness of the air is not what I am referring to by my title. But are you feeling spiritually cold? Hopefully not since you are reading this devotional in attempts to get closer to God.

Many think we are in the end times. Wickedness has increased. Knowledge has increased due to computer technology but sometimes not knowledge for the good. When the populace gains more knowledge they assume there is no need for God. Control is desired. Such as in Communist North Korea where a dictator rules everything. The people there are in bondage. Many in the United States are in bondage to wrong thinking and unless they stay in the word of God Satan can captivate and deceive them.

If you know people in your circle of influence who have seemingly become cold spiritually continue to lift them up in prayer. God hears your heart. His story is not finished with the lost yet. Don't be dreading a takeover by evil forces but instead be rejoicing in all the revival fires being stirred up in not only this country but in the world. Turn off your nightly news and pray.

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are way bigger than any lies and deceit the enemy spreads. I pray for people who are in a spiritual stupor or sorts that you would awaken them to the truth and to the tricks of the enemy and help them to run to you with arms wide open. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ministry Does NOT Replace God In Your Life

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

If you are a prayer group leader, preacher, Bible study leader, choir director, or any type of ministry leader it can be tempting to think the preparation time for your ministry is your quiet time. I know it is tempting and I have struggled with it but your quiet time with the Lord should be for you to grow not to plan whatever ministry you are doing. Bible teacher Joyce Meyer even discussed this on her show one day. Even watching a minister on TV should not substitute for your time alone with God.

Each person has to decide how they are going to prioritize their day as to not let God be an after thought or no thought at all. It is so easy to think, "well I go to church on Sunday or listen to Christian radio" but you need to do more. Not in a legalistic sort of way but as a desire of your heart. I admit to the challenge of making this happen. First try leaving the television OFF in the morning. When you turn on a morning show you squeeze out God for sure and your mind becomes programmed with what you are hearing.

Start today and decide what it truly important. Do you really need to program your mind each day with the morning news? Is that going to lift your spirit? Probably not. If you work full time you need to be creative in this as well as if you are a stay home mom with little ones. Maybe include them. Get Up, get going, and get with God.

PRAYER: Thank you for each day you give me Lord. Forgive me when I let other things become more important than you. I am working to get my schedule in line so you truly come first. In Jesus name. Amen.

Fix Yourself First

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Luke 6:41

It is so easy to pass judgment on others. I hate when I catch myself doing it. We are not to stand in judgment over anyone. God did not assign us that duty. 

You look at someone and expect you know their 'story' yet you do not. You may look down upon someone who has body piercing or tattoos. Maybe you judge a person's lifestyle choices. Maybe it is how they dress or wear their makeup. It is not our job to 'fix' or stand in judgement of anyone. If you struggle with doing this ask God to deliver you from it. Would you want people doing it to you? 

Stop and say a pray and ask God to help you love the unlovely and not utter or think any bad thoughts about anyone. The more you do it the easier it will become. 

PRAYER: I have no right to judge my fellow man. When I point a finger another finger is pointing back at me. I will resist this urge to be ugly and do this as it sure is not a good example for someone who loves the Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Blank Slate

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

When a baby is born it is like a blank slate or for those of you born beyond 1985, a blank dry erase board. Nothing is written on it yet and the story is yet to be told. Many are the hopes and dreams of new parents and the responsibility is great. Oh the joy a newborn brings into the family.

It is the parents responsibility to teach this child and hopefully raise he or she for the Lord. There is no greater job than being a parent. Of all the jobs I had, even though challenging, it was my favorite and most rewarding raising our two sons. In Deuteronomy 11:18-19 it says "

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead. 

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

The world will throw all sorts of propaganda and false teaching at the child as he or she grows and matures and it is the parents job to counteract false teaching and be aware of it.  A parents  job is immense and even later in life if the child turns his back on what you taught them all hope is not lost. God is working. Continue persevering in prayer. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord, children are a blessing. Help me adjust to the different stages of being a parent to include releasing grown children so as not to cause problems. I thank you for the gift of new life and pray for a great beginning for all babies. In Jesus' name. Amen.

This devotion is in honor and dedicated to my soon  to be future grandchild expected around 2 Nov 2017. 

Oh Come On!

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

When the populace loses its' senses and does things absurd and extreme the comment "oh come on!" is usually what is uttered by onlookers.  Doing something so politically correct it is foolishness is what warrants this comment. Such as the  banning of the classic film 'Gone With The Wind' by a Memphis theater a couple months ago when the country was in the midst of their second 'civil war' of sorts.

Your mind has to be controlled by the spirit so you don't fulfill the lusts and desires of the flesh. Ask yourself how Jesus would respond or react to something and you usually have the answer right there. Spiritual warfare is in full swing but you can not and should not,  be frightened by rumors of uprising but instead stay on your knees and pray. Love is the ultimate answer.

There is a battle of good versus evil, God versus the devil. Your mind must be saturated with truth, not NPR, CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC and all the rest. The truth and peace and love are found in the Holy Bible. Fear is perpetuated by the news media mainly for ratings and not everything is unbiased, most is not. So your choice is to stay peaceful or to stay angry and agitated. Should be a simple choice.

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those in our world who are trying non stop to stir up hatred and cause dissension and riots. Lord come into their hearts with truth and calm their spirits. Do not allow Satan to infiltrate and confuse. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:

https://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI