I Just Thought They Were A Bunch Of Numbers

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” King James Version (KJV)Isaiah 55:11

I was having a rather awkward conversation with a new neighbor recently when my ADHD self blurted out “do you know what the letters on my tag means?” It was so random, but out ,the words fell. She says “no I just thought it was random” and so after saying what they went she went on her way.

3 JHN 4 is 3 John 4 which says “I wish above all things that my children would walk in truth” which had been a favorite of mine since seeing it on a vehicle in Birmingham, Alabama on Mother’s Day of all times back in about 2009.

They may seem like randomly placed numbers and letters but they have meaning. They mean nothing to some people but others who know scripture they pop right out. There is so much truth and promises in the word of God. It is not just a historical book to put in your bookcase. It should be read daily and loved. There is so much power in that book to ward off attacks from the enemy. I pray that my brief encounter with this new neighbor didn’t end our conversation. And I pray others who see my tag will ask about it. Go now and have a blessed day and how about reading a few Psalms and Proverbs while you’re at it.

PRAYER: Your word is truth dear Lord. Let me be a good representative of you to those who are just churched or unchurched. Use me today to help someone even with kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sun and Water

 

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12, ESV

As spring is in full bloom I was pondering the blooming bushes and flowers popping up as the sun shone brightly. It made me think of how you need ‘the Son who is called the Light of the world’ and living water which is Jesus in order to have a fulfilled life. Sun and water are needed for plants and Son and living water needed for all humans. 

Easter is right around the corner and many people ‘find religion’ for this special day because deep down they know fellowship with others  and worshipping God is important. The pretty little girls dresses come out and toddler boys in suits and ties. Then there are the rabbits and the chicks. Satan has tried to hijack this solemn occasion probably the most important event besides Jesus’ birth. 

Easter is way more than egg hunts, candy, baby chicks, and rabbits. Not sure where all that originated from but why not just celebrate what it is,The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Don’t just check off two days to attend worship but make it a regular part of who you are. Find a church home that you feel comfortable in and not just a ‘religious’ one. Go seek out The Son! 

PRAYER: Lord I rejoice in you every day. I know many people don’t know you and many say they do but think church is silly. Father I pray for those whose love for you has grown cold. Touch them and help them find you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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No Middle Ground

 No Middle Ground 

“So,  because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."Revelation 3:16 

Are you becoming conformed to this world or are you walking in step with the Lord daily? You can say things like you don’t need to read your Bible to be a Christian and while that may be somewhat true why wouldn’t you want to strengthen your mind against the attacks from the enemy. Seemingly you would have an insatiable thirst and hunger for God’s word. 

Becoming complacent about your faith is a dangerous place to be. Hanging around the wrong people can easily get you slipping into wrong thinking and behavior and swallowed up by the world. 

You were given life and put on this Earth for a distinct purpose no matter how you got here. Don’t fall for the enemies lies that a little sleeping around here, a little pornography there, justifying sins such as abortion. If you have fallen into the trap of confirming to this world get outta there fast. Some may not even realize as they are numb.If you don’t hunger for Christ and the fellowship of other believers you are only hurting yourself but if you have children you likewise are hurting them. Time to run into the arms of a savior. Not religion but a  true relationship where you want to spend time with Christ. 

PRAYER:Father I want to help people return to the Lord or get out of the dangers of this world without acting self righteous. I know we have all sinned. Help anyone I know who has stumbled into a pit to find their way out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a wonderful song of worship: https://youtu.be/jABSW-UuT1o

Have You Visited Your Prayer Closet?

 

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Recently I read that the average person spends 9 hours on social media during a one week vacation and consequently misses out on many moments of their leisure time. This little device comes in handy yes but it is a huge relationship robber with people and God. 

In the movie ‘War Room’ there was a literal closet made into a prayer room. Your ‘closet’ may be a favorite chair, your back patio or a simple place you can go and be uninterrupted. Don’t be misled by the enemy but this time is vital. 

Is it important to you to have uninterrupted time with God talking to him? Do you prioritize it or let other things squeeze it out? Recently someone said to me “I don’t have to go to church and read my Bible to go to Heaven. God knows I love Him and I gave my life to Him.” If you don’t make time for God by finding a place to worship weekly it will be very easy to let the culture and world shape you. What is the priority in your life?

PRAYER: Lord help me to always put you first and to never make excuses for why I don’t pray or attend a worship service somewhere. Help those searching for you Lord to be led to a dynamic alive church fellowship where Jesus is Lord!

In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sandpaper

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.James 1:3

Do you ever use sandpaper for anything? Those people in construction use it to smooth edges of wood and to give the wood a good finish prepping it for stain or paint. 

When it comes to sand paper there are different grades of it depending on the job to be done. In your life have you ever felt like you were roughed up by sandpaper and are hurting or bleeding? 

God can use many things to get your attention and just because you go through a preparation period does not mean He does not love you or has forgotten about you. This sanding prepares you for your work ahead He is preparing. Think of yourself as a piece of fine furniture in the Master’s workshop. You are going to like the finished product. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord when I go through rough times to know you are there beside me and you care for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Worry Friend

 

"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes."  Ps. 112:7-8 NIV

Why is it some folks just can’t let go of fear and worry? Mostly it is because you have to make your mind get out of the worry department which honors Satan and into the trust and peace department which glorifies God. 

You can’t be much of a witness when you are constantly fretting over the future especially now with wars, gender confusion, high gas prices, leaders who want their way, and so forth. You need to of course pray and lift up leaders too for them to be saved, but more importantly train your mind to stay fixed on things above. Believe me it is not easy when constantly being bombarded by news which is always negative. 

I challenge you to enrich your mind with a heaping helping of God’s word each and every day. Read Psalm 91 for starters. Then read Psalm 23. Relax and stop saying things like “Oh it’s just part of my personality” because it does not have to be. Lean in to God and truly cast your cares on Him. 

PRAYERS: Lord I thank you for being there for me at all times. It is not your desire I fret needlessly over things I have no control over but instead to believe things will work out for the good. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Expectations And Comparing Can Be Your Downfall

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1-2

One of the areas in my own life I have to continually work on is the area of comparing myself to others or expectations I may put on other people that don’t happen. Through these areas the mind has to be in control as your thought life must be tamed to win the battle. 

Comparison breeds jealousy, envy, pain, anger, hurt feelings, misunderstandings and can also cause bitterness. It is for sure not a fruit of the spirit and needs to be yanked up by its’ roots and destroyed before it destroys you and others you are inflicting it upon. 

Do you want to have peace? First stay off social media as it is breeding ground for false hopes and comparison. Next keep your mind on your own business. You don’t know what people are thinking or feeling so don’t sit and think you do. It is very destructive. Try to be happy and joyful and pray for the ones you compare yourself too or those whose minds you think you can read. Wasted energy to be indulging in this. Instead focus on how you can become better not bitter. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for helping me see my faults when it comes to these two areas. It causes much pain for no reason except to make the devil happy as he steals your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.