Letting Go And Moving On

 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Here we are in the final day of 2017. 2017! That alone blows my mind. On this day many start to think of how they can do things differently in the new year. I suggest making a list of things that hinder you and drag you down to ‘let go’ of. Here are a few of my suggestions. You can add to this.

Let go of misspoken words.

Let go of unforgiveness.

Let go of the past.

Let go of your right to get back

Let go of hurt feelings.

Let go of anger.

Let go of wrong thinking.

Let go of need to get the last word.

Let go of the desire to be loved.

Let go of need to always be right.

Let go of wanting people to like you. 

Let go of hate.

Let go of being opinionated.

Let go of worry.
Let go of jealousy.

Let go of comparison.

Let go of expectations. 

You have to come to grips in your own way of things that really aren’t good for you in your life and purpose with God’s help to start anew and what a better time than tomorrow when the clock strikes midnight. Decide to be a new person then get busy and do it!

PRAYER: I love new beginnings and I love the feeling being set free from a bondage that has captured me. I choose to follow you in 2018 and run hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Push Pause

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Whew. 2017 is just about behind you. Where did the time go? Seems like the older one becomes the faster the clock seems to move. Obviously that is not the case but it feels that way. I hope you had a terrific 2017 and look forward to good things in 2018.

Occasionally it may be necessary to push the pause button on life and regroup for various reasons either medical issues, too much busyness, or a traumatic life event. Whatever the reason there are times it is necessary to sit back and just be still. Trying to not overreact or be fearful of things swirling around you. You want to rejoice but you may be scared. This is the time to really get close to God. Let Him hear your heart. 

Pause for a moment and sit and be still. Pray. Sing songs of praise. Try to be thankful even when you may not be. Take time to tell Jesus how much you love Him. Whatever the future holds you know who holds the future. 

PRAYER: Many are hurting and don’t feel gleeful at this time of year and help me be sensitive to that. I pray for friends or family who may have need to be still before you. I pray for your healing touch in those who are enduring sickness. I pray for your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

New Year Ahead!

See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

New Years Day 2018 is right around the corner. Have you given any thought to changes you want to make or goals you want to accomplish in the new year?

Lose weight, get in shape, take a class, read a book a month, be better at studying your Bible? I am sure you have some ideas. The turning of the calendar is a super time for initiating changes in your life. It is whether you make these goals by the end of the year that matters. 

So what do you have in mind for 2018? Give it some thought. You could even add things like skydive, scuba dive, visit people in nursing homes. Pray and ask God what he would have for you then press on. 

PRAYER: Lord help me as I seek to get closer to you in 2018 and not make excuses. Use me to touch another's life as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love Unconditionally

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

Today my husband and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and I dedicate this devotion to him.  It is hard to believe those years have passed and we have been through good and bad and ups and downs. Whether married or not I am writing to ask you to ponder what the meaning of love and marriage is.

In a Christian wedding, the vows are repeated "for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part." When young couples utter these words they are in the throes of deep romance and really don't know yet the trials that will come their way to challenge them to keep those vows they made before God and in the presence of witnesses in most cases. Each person has to do their part with the help of God to be true to their vows. If you are reading this and are divorced I am not standing in judgment of you but simply saying it is important to keep your promises marriage or otherwise. Perhaps someone else broke their vows to you. Try to keep yours. 

Are you able to forgive, not get the last word, not go to bed angry? Can you be best friends? Can you forsake all others and put your spouse and his or her needs first? Marriage is a two way street.

Your assignment for today is to read not only 1 Corinthians 13, known as The Love Chapter,  but to practice living it daily. Turn the other cheek and remember to pray for your husband or wife daily even if they don't do the same for you. Don't compare them to others. Admit when you are wrong. Don't try to get your own way. Don't be rude. And don't forget to say your sorry. Unlike the popular 70's movie 'Love Story' which  said "love means to never having to say you're sorry"  love DOES mean to say you are sorry. And mean it.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my spouse. I pray that you will help me love them unconditionally. I pray we can put you first in our marriage. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note to unmarried: if you are reading this and wanting to be married pray that the person you marry will love God more than they love you. If you don't have a passion for the Lord why not ask him to put a burning desire for Him in your heart today.

Striving?

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22

Are you one of those people who maybe pray but then just keep fretting or not allowing God to work? You don’t see change so you try to manipulate circumstances? First of all, you are not God. Let God be God and you rest up ok? 

Stop striving and be at peace. Leave your burden at the foot of the cross and trust that God has a plan and He has your back. Don’t allow yourself to slip into doubt.

It takes lots of mental energy to strive and the enemy loves it that you can not rest and trust God. Whatever it is pray about it and let God have it. He has a plan so trust Him. 

PRAYER: Often times I wear myself out trying to orchestrate things or figure things out when in fact I need to cast my cares on you and wait patiently. I choose resting in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stinking Thinking

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Bible teacher Joyce Meyer coined the phrase ‘stinking thinking’ which is when we allow our minds to wander or imagine things that are not even real and before you know it you are caught up in all sorts of fabricated stuff. This then leads to fretting, worry, and saying stuff you could regret later.

The mind is a valuable asset but it takes discipline to keep it pure. The enemy loves to try to get your thoughts on wrong stuff. Don’t allow him to take any ground in your life. 

Think on good things. Don’t sit conjuring up stuff in your mind or thinking wrong thoughts things or concentrating on ‘what if’s’ cause before you know it your mind is mush. Get it under the control of the Holy Spirit. If this is a weak area ask God to help you. 

PRAYER: I hate stinking thinking and I know it is from the pit of hell. I choose to start disciplining my mind with filling it with good thoughts and right thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Simply Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

It's here. After days and weeks of hearing non stop advertisements and walking through crowded malls the day of The birthday celebration of Christ has arrived. It is time to remember the real meaning of this day. 

A manger, a star, a baby who was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Not Santa Claus and reindeer but a time of celebrating the birth of our Savior. A time we give gifts but sometimes don't even know why. A time many think of snow but this is a time of reflecting on the meaning of the True story of Christmas. 

Does Jesus go beyond December 25th in your life and that of your family? Today just remember this day is Simply Christmas. 

PRAYER: Lord I am ever grateful for your birth. I pray for those who don't know you and those who ignore you. May hearts be light on this day and filled with the anticipation of your return. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link for special song: 

https://youtu.be/brmRUlKbF7g