Start Looking Up

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrew 12:2

Oh my goodness just look around you in every day life and see people all over gazing down at their mobile devices. You become a slave to your device when it is necessary to have it with you constantly. I am so thankful there were no cell phones when our sons were born. I see so many young mothers scolding or ignoring their children while they pay attention to the device and not their child. It is quite sad in my opinion. Heads constantly facing down in epidemic proportions. 

So how to tame this monster which people seem to not be able to live without? I remember in the Army we used to sing a Jody Call that said “What’s the use in looking down, ain’t no discharge on the ground. Sound off one two, sound off three four “ and so on. Keep you head held high. Pay attention to others. Look up as if you are looking up to the heavens. When you look down all the time it can strain your neck as well. 

Segway into the theme of keeping your eyes on Jesus and looking up to Him. He is your source of joy, peace , goodness, mercy, love and it is because of Him we exist. When you are with others put that phone away. When you drive, throw it in the backseat so you are not tempted. And when you do get it out use it for quiet time as many good resources are online. But do it not at the expense of people and relationships. 

PRAYER: Lord you have given mankind many creative abilities one of which was creation of cellular devices and the internet. Help me Lord to use my time wisely and to put people ahead of my need to know everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blocked, Shunned, Unfriended

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

I hate these three words. Losing a friend or even a family member to an unforgiving spirit hurts like a knife being stuck in your heart. Why is it so hard to move on, forgive, let go, and forget? I have been there, done that so to speak on the receiving end and it is emotionally painful. 

Have you ever given thought to how many people are truly lonely and hurting everywhere? Nursing homes come to mind, then prisons, then the person eating alone at a restaurant on a holiday. Even a smile to someone as you go about your day may mean the world. So many frowning faces out there aren’t there? 

Don’t let you catch yourself refusing to forgive. Unforgiveness leads to a bitter spirit and does not benefit anyone. If you know of a person who refuses to let go pray for them. Hard hearts are not good. Think of what you can do to mend a broken heart and don’t let yourself be the one who has fractured someone’s.

PRAYER: Many people in the world are lonely or alone. Many people have broken hearts and the others have wounded spirits from their past that may cause them to hurt others. Bring revival in the hearts of those I may know who fit into any of these categories. And help me Lord reach out to someone who appears to be hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Delighted

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. – Psalm 119:35

I feel so sad for people who try to make it through life without Jesus or maybe just with a marginal existence as a believer. By this I mean they have no true desire to get in the word and to some they find it boring. 

I truly do find DELIGHT in the pages of scripture and hope you do too. In them are found the answers or solutions to most of life problems or at least how to handle them. Striking out as a Lone Ranger Christian is never a really good idea. We need each other to build one another up. Prisoners of war during Vietnam who were believers had the word of God ‘hidden’ in their heart to call on in times of distress and turmoil. 

If you don’t really desire the Word first ask yourself why? Maybe you grew up where the church you attended did not emphasize bringing your Bible. The Bible is like a ‘toolbox’ of sorts helping us work out the bumps of everyday life. If it were not so effective why is it so many countries ban it? If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life maybe it is time to do that now. I know once I became ‘born again’ I thirsted for the word. Do you thirst for God’s word? If not ask God to place a hunger for the Bible in your heart. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and love your word. There are those I know who don’t even read it and are in danger of being trapped by the world’s lies. I pray for those people. Continue to make me hunger and thirst for your words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

More Than A Kim By Ya Moment

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Different people have different experiences with how they relate to The Almighty. Some feel a seriousness and formal way is best. Many just do it cause they were taught to go to church but sadly that is where it ends. Then there are those who go and feel they are on God’s Team but really lack any real passion for the things of the Lord. Others are mad at God because he didn’t stop the death of someone close. There are many scenarios.

I must say from personal experience that once you fall in love with Jesus truly you will know it. It is called being born again. Loving Jesus is more than a feel good moment around a camp fire but it is a desire to serve Him and love others. It is a journey of ups and downs. It does not mean your life will be perfect but you will have the blessed hope of eternal life in Heaven.

Where do you stand today? Do you desire Jesus more than anything else? Listen to the song I have attached to this devotion and let the Holy Spirit fill your soul. Have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven I love you but there have been times I have thought I really only needed you on Sunday. Forgive me. I pray for friends and family who may be fence sitters and have no real desire to grow. Touch their hearts and let them have a passion for you, In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:

https://youtu.be/K-0EgzOWkvc

First Fifteen

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

I got the idea for this devotion from a sermon I heard at our church a while back and it is so vitally important if you want to really put God first and stop just giving it lip service. Many things vie for your time as soon as the alarm clock goes off but it is what you decide to do that matters.

First fifteen consists of five minutes Bible reading, five minutes in worship, and five minutes in prayer. The plan sounds very doable even if you are rushed. You could start reading in the book of Psalms to start out. Worship consists of good music that make you want to praise God an lifts your spirit. Finally take time to pray. Really pour your heart out to God.

Most reading this devotion already probably have a grasp of how important it is to spend time with God and may live with others who do not or have extended family who are complacent.  Keep believing and lifting them up as well. Your job is not to drag them to the cross but to have The Holy Spirit to give them that desire. Now go take fifteen!

PRAYER: Lord you are good and gracious and patient with me even when I rush out the door and totally give you zero time. I want my focus to be on you and start my day praising you. Help me get rid of strongholds that may be keeping me from this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Spa

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Rejuvenation sounds good. A back or neck massage. Cool glass of iced tea. Most  everyone would probably not reject the idea of being pampered.

Maybe there needs to be a Bible spa to get people interested in God's word. Some of you may live with people who never open the Bible or have quiet time. Maybe you don't. The idea of a spa day with God's word seems comical perhaps but the point I am making is what needs to be done to draw people to this daily discipline?

A persons heart has to be changed. No amount of prodding will effect true desire and change. Satan uses everything he can to keep you from spending time with the Lord daily.

Purpose in your heart to make every day a Spa day with Jesus. Not out of obligation but because you want to. Pray for others you may know who seem disinterested beyond that dutiful hour in Sunday then trust God with the results.

PRAYER: Lord your word speaks to me daily. I treasure it and if there was cause to evacuate in a storm would run get my Bible. Forgive me if I ever just ignored you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Blood Of Jesus Friday

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Black Friday is upon us here in America. The one crazy crowded shopping day after Thanksgiving where bargains are galore and people are everywhere. I tend to avoid this day and opt for Cyber Monday in the comfort of my home on the following Monday.

Wouldn’t it be great if people got as excited about the real meaning of this Holy Holiday as they do the buying frenzy? Many credit cards are maxed out. If you are caught up in this worldly activity have you ever wanted to escape? It certainly may be a tradition for some but is it a peaceful God honoring one? Do you feel good after buying all day long? Don’t forget to donate to Salvation Army Red buckets when you see one.

So should we have a national ‘Blood of Jesus Friday’ and completely shut down stores and spend time renewing our mind with the king of Kings praising Him for who He is? Don’t forget to teach your children and grandchildren to love Jesus with all their hearts. On Black Friday why not give to others if you are out that day. Share Jesus!

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I love you. I don’t want to get caught up in the worldly frenzy around the celebration of your birth.Help me purposeful in reaching out to others but continue last December. In Jesus’ name. Amen.