Do You Love Money?

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). 

Money and wealth seem to be the catalyst for many fights and even wars.In cowboy days it was the lust for gold and riches as pioneers forged Westward. I hear of family squabbles over what is left in a will after the death of a family member. It is disheartening. 

Scripture says that money itself is not evil or bad but it is the love of money. Pursuing it at all costs. How many times do you hear of lottery winners who end up with a miserable life.

Perhaps if mankind could just be content with what they have and not jealous of others things would go much better. Do a word study on money in scripture. It is very interesting. 

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for the way you provide for me. Gaining millions isn’t going to help unless when I have it I help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.,

Examine Your Own Life

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy."James 4:11-12

To the non believer Christian’s are seen as hateful or judgmental pointing the finger at others but not themselves. Each person is a sinner saved by grace.

Take a look at your own life and see what areas are in need of repairs and tweaking. It is easy to chuck stones at others.

Let God be the one to fix and the Holy Spirit the one to convict. Things go much better.

PRAYER: Use me in a positive way. Help me not be stumbling block but a way to help people who feel lost. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note:Recommend book New Days, Old Demons by Mark Driscoll

It's Gradual

 

Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.James 1:14-16

I love watching GRIT TV with all the westerns and maybe it is because I now live in what used to be known as the Wild West. One thing I was thinking about was I wondered when ladies and girls stopped wearing the long skirts and high necked blouses. A gradual slipping into new fashion trends and also a slip in morals along with it.

Everything is gradual. The story of a frog put in a pot of water gradually increasing the heat until he is cooked and not smart enough to escape. Is that how you and I are in this world today? It takes courage to say no to something you know is wrong, immoral, or evil especially when the rest of the crowd is being blinded and mesmerized. 

When the Bible says one thing yet society and even some churches, embraces a total opposing view and even to the point of putting it into law as normal. Christian’s have to study and know the truth and be gentle in correcting others. Go in peace and stay alert.  

PRAYER: I continue to pray daily for the people in our world to wake up and recognize that it is Satan try to redesign and redefine morals. Help me Lord to stay awake. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

So Hard To Not Want To Fix Things

 

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

What are you waiting on today? Different stages of life bring different waiting rooms. 

The waiting room of the return of a prodigal child. The waiting room of a positive medical report. The waiting room of a long overdue apology. The waiting room of acceptance. 

Whatever it is continue to press in and try to not take things in your own hands. Keep praying. Pretty simple but not easy. Don’t let Satan trap you into playing god. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord I just need extra help to keep my mouth shut and be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ho, Ho, Ho, Really?

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:15 ESV Bible Gateway

 

This time of year it seems forced merriment is upon us. Don’t get me wrong, that  is great and many people feel happier during this season. 

This is a time where everyone seemingly wants  to be kind as there are many opportunities to give. How do you feel in your heart? Rushed, pressured, sad, lonely, or are you bubbling over with the joy of the season anxious for the next gathering? 

Take time to be still. The reason for the season is of course Jesus so don’t shove him to the back burner. Make sure your children, grandchildren and your neighbors know what this season is really about. 

PRAYER: Father I don’t want to be forced into the cultures way of celebrating Christmas. Use me in the places I go to shine for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Persecution Coming?

 

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”2 Timothy 3:12

Do you try to not rock the boat so to speak and blend in with the culture and world around you or do you speak up against evil in society? Anymore it is becoming common place for culture to accept all lifestyles as okay and Christians called mean and hateful for speaking against them. God has guidelines for sexual behavior and many have crossed the line even knowing they are wrong.

If you are truly following the Lord you will indeed be persecuted. Stand strong. Don’t back down. Be thoroughly equipped by having a great knowledge of scripture. Don’t just say you are a Christ follower but study His training manual The Bible.

Pray for those you know who have slipped and fallen into the sin pit of this culture. Pray for schools and churches to both stay strong and teach truth. Pray for those trying to ruin our Biblically founded society. Good news is God still reigns.

PRAYER: Father I put my trust in you. I know Satan is behind all the evil tripping people up in our culture and deceiving them. I ask for blinders to come off those I know and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Up We Go!

“The LORD upholds all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14

Pastor Steven Furtick recently had a sermon talking about the word ‘up’ and all of its different uses and meanings. I chose to use it to build a mini devotion. Hope you don’t mind Pastor Steven. 

Rise up, get up, sit up. Is up a positive word? When you can be in God’s presence you can be way up over your problems.  You lift your prayers and praises  up to God. 

Negative ‘ups’ are out there too. Shut up, give up are two of them. Just ponder that word ‘up’. Keep thinking about looking up to Heaven. Rest in God. Trust Him as you wait on your breakthrough. God is stronger and bigger and can lift you up above those trying to take you down. 

PRAYER: Father help me keep my mind focused up to you and not let the devil make me feel like my prayers are hopeless. In Jesus’ name. Amen.