Are You Disciplined?

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.Proverbs 13:24

When you were a child hopefully your parents administered discipline that got your attention and let you know who was in charge. There have to be boundaries and the child has to know who is boss. Not by ‘beating’ but a good swat on fanny or a little pinch lets them know you mean business. Time out rooms aren’t sending a strong discipline  message and I would guess they don’t work well. 

If this doesn’t happen in childhood and the children act like brats and get their way, look out parents. Our society has made the concept of parental discipline almost a fear of being arrested or a child taken from the home. You the parents are in charge and children need to know it. Not by yelling but by firm godly discipline. 

Raising children is not for the weak. The statement “this is gonna hurt you more than me” is  true but sometimes a pat on the rear is just what is needed. Teach with discipline and this discipline goes throughout life even in spiritual discipline or getting out the door in time for work. Discipline is essential to life. Discipline is made to protect you. 

PRAYER: Lord God give parents courage to be the authority figure the children need to guide them in their life. Help parents not negotiate with children but lovingly discipline them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hurting? Go To God.

Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident. Psalm 27:3

I just completed 21 Days of prayer and fasting and wouldn’t you know it the day it ended which was last Saturday, spiritual warfare came on fast and furious which is to be expected when you participate in an event such as that. I won’t go into details but just know the enemy does not like it when you are trying to wholeheartedly pray and attacks will come.  

So what do you do? You press on. You don’t wallow in defeat. If it was a personal attack you let it go and not add fuel to the fire. You pray for the person or persons who tried to get you to feel sad. 

Keep praying and know Satan hates any kind of prayer. He has come against me before getting me to even stop praying in Moms in Prayer and I know it is him cause he hates prayer, period. Run your race to win and tell the devil to sit down and shut up! 

PRAYER: I am glad I can pray anytime I want to. I pray for those people in my life who need a touch of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Messed Up People Need Jesus

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Everyone has been messed up at one time or another and the only way to get set free and delivered is to ask Jesus into your heart.

What is it you are going through or dealing with right now in your life? Perhaps you are caught up in a web of sin due to the culture patting you on the back like you are some sort of hero. 

Deep down your conscience, and the Holy Spirit convicts of sin. Be still and listen for God’s still small voice. Let your heart be broken by what breaks Jesus’ heart. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. When I stray I am immediately aware of it. Bring conviction to hearts of those walking in step with modern culture but not with God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Crossed The Line?

 

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 ASV Bible gateway 

I am not referring to a race where you break the tape and win but have you crossed the line into sin and know it but don’t know what to do? Satan is crafty and cunning and will do anything he can to get you to deny Christ. 

There are so many lost souls on Earth. On You Tube I saw where a roving reporter of sorts was walking around asking shoppers in a busy city if their name was written in the Lamb’s book of life. Most were dumbfounded and many replied they were atheists. Only a few said yes they were going to Heaven. 

Why is it people joke or are embarrassed when asked that question? Maybe they don’t even know what it means. Have you asked Jesus into your heart to be Lord of your life my friend? I look around where I am now in downtown Boise at a coffee shop and wonder how many know Jesus and pray silently. Be a light and share God’s love.

PRAYER: Father help those who are unsure of their name being in Lamb’s book of life to repent and turn from wicked ways and pray for Jesus to infiltrate their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Show Grace When You Don’t Feel Like It

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

When your old self feels like getting mean, blunt, bossy, or giving your opinion it is time for a dose of the best medicine ever, Grace. (Gods’ riches at Christ Expense). Don’t be like the rest of the world but show unmerited favor. 

A person back stabbed you be kind anyway. You were lied to, be kind. The mark of a believer is to be like Jesus, yes the cliche WWJD or what would Jesus do? What would he do?

Grace doesn’t act like a smarty pants but is kind even when human nature doesn’t want to be. Take the high road and love on the unlovable. 

PRAYER: Today is the day you have made and no matter what is thrown at me help me be calm and still and show your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Do You Hope For In 2024

 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31

Well the month of resolutions and changing things is almost behind you. What resolutions did you make and how many have you kept so far? 

When the yearly calendar changes is always a good time to reset your mind so to speak. Try to take stock of what needs to change in the coming year. It is a good transition time. 

Maybe you have been one who started the year doing 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting which helps really direct your heart to what you need to be praying for and hoping for a miracle. There are only 5 days left in January but it is not too late to determine and purpose you want things different. Time to maybe get right with God and throw off weights that have kept you from running closely with the Lord. Now is the time. Do it today. 

PRAYER: Father I am thankful to live in a country of freedom sometimes so much that it is easy to be so free on Sundays we forget about worship. I pray you help me stay focused on ‘looking up’ and also pray for anyone discouraged or turning their back on God. Praying for a year of miracles. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Need Spiritual Healing?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Probably every creature on planet Earth needs a touch from the Holy Spirit,  some spiritual healing mind you. For instance, the other day my mind was bogged down with concern over some areas of my life and I could not fight the feelings off. That is exactly what they were, feelings. 

Spiritual warfare is in full force each and every day in a believers life trying to get them angry, addicted, depressed instead of joyful,  doubting, being in wrong relationships,  embarrassed with God or being too serious about their walk with Him, and you add your issues to this list. Trying to be a people pleaser rather than a God pleaser is a dead end trap. 

God wants to set you free. You have to believe that! It won’t happen by just wishing but you need your mind daily hourly transformed and you do this by a steady diet of scripture, praise music, thinking good things.  2024 had many making resolutions and a good one is to have a mind set free by the Spirit. You can do it! 

PRAYER: Bless the Lord oh my soul. I will not forget your benefits and blessings to me. Forgive me for paying any attention to the lies of Satan. Set people free who are caught in his trap. In Jesus’ name. Amen.