You’re Not Really suffering Or Maybe You Are

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18

Christians and believers today in the Western world  don’t face the same form of suffering and torture of their predecessors in other lands or even believers in other lands today. 

Never take for granted what you have here in the free world. Choices. You can say things, do things, go places without much consequence. Problems seem to come from within social groups or even family.

So when you are have emotional pain or grief yes you are suffering and it feels there is no end. Mostly time will help. If you have been hurt within the church that is another story all by itself. Lean into God and talk to Him. Try to be still. God cares and loves you. 

PRAYER: Father many hurt and it is hard to tell. Use me to reach out to someone who feels shattered inside. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

That Still Small Voice

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18 NIV Bible Gateway

If you have ever experienced conviction from the Holy Spirit that has been a life changer for you it is referred to as That Still Small Voice. God trying to get your attention through the clamor of this world which Satan controls.

There is right and there is wrong. There is good and there is evil. The world will try to mold you into a different version of what God wants you to be but it is who you listen to that counts.

Do you know deep down you are headed in the wrong direction and it seems the bait this world offers often pulls you right in? You have to be strong in the Lord. Don’t ignore Holy Spirit nudging you. Cry out to God He will help you.

PRAYER: Father often the lures of this world get pretty strong. The bright lights, the promises of fame, the lies of Satan disguising himself as an angel of light. Help me be able to discern your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Come Ye Thankful People Come

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."Colossians 3:15

I am not expecting many will read my Thanksgiving devotions due to the busyness of this holiday but here goes. This title is a verse from an old hymn often sung for the Thanksgiving season.

Are you thankful? Stop for a moment and name your blessings. Too many people take things for granted. Don’t be one of them but really think of the ways God has blessed you this past year.

The original Thanksgiving was when the settlers known as Pilgrims gave thanks for their harvest and getting them to the New Land. This was 1621. Things were tough before all the modern conveniences of today. If you wanted heat you chopped wood. If you wanted clothes you made them. If you wanted food on table you hunted. You get the idea. So today don’t take what you have for granted whether material or physical. You are blessed.

PRAYER: Today I say thanks for friends, family, lessons learned, and all sorts of gifts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for the song I mentioned in title.

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Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (Hymn Charts with Lyrics, Contemporary)

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But Wait, I'm Not God

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

Read this verse out loud. Ponder what it means. Are you having issues with anyone in your life right now that have separated you and kept you from connecting? 

It hurts when there is a disconnect from a friend, neighbor, co worker, or family member. It takes two to tango is an old phrase simply meaning the problem is with both involved. True one may have been more hurtful but something has to give. Especially with family. 

Are you ready to reconcile but the other person has an ‘iron fence’ up so to speak? Sometimes a misunderstanding that got way out of hand is what caused it but guess what and who is behind it? Demonic forces of darkness trying to bring division and loss in your life. Be patient. Pray for an open door. Pray for a heart of understanding and love. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord have the mind of Christ and whatever I do bring glory to you. For those in the past who have been unkind I release to you now and pray for Holy Spirit conviction. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help My Attitude

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV Bible Gateway 

Do you find it is easier  to be negative and critical than to show joy, understanding, and love? Sometimes you might get into a rut because you have let the ‘things of this world’ get to you. 

Stand up, take control of your emotions. Start writing down things to be grateful for and stop whining. Critical spirits don’t win friends over. 

Joy is a fruit of the spirit but being angry and critical is not. Choose your words carefully. Speak to people as if Jesus was with you because He is. 

PRAYER: Take my hand Lord and guide me to a place of love, joy, peace, grace, and truth. Help me practice daily dwelling there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hear Me Now-Just Stop It!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32

It is not in human nature to forgive but as a believer if you know you have done wrong or hurt someone verbally you need to humble yourself and go to the person and ask forgiveness. You don’t do it conditionally but unconditionally like Jesus would. 

Who are you refusing to forgive? Did you know your fight is not against flesh and blood the Bible says in Ephesians 6:10 but it is against rulers and principalities yes the devil. There really is a devil! 

Has your prideful spirit kept you from telling someone you hurt that you are sorry, no I didn’t give conditions for that but simply say “Forgive me I was wrong I did not mean to hurt you”? If this devotion is speaking to your heart humble yourself and make things right. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus often pride gets in the way of doing the right thing. Help anyone who is struggling to be able to lean on you and not their own understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Vigilant

 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” 

1Peter 5:8

What does it mean to be vigilant? Well I would suggest it means to be constantly on guard because Satan lives for tripping up believers. As this verse says he is like a roaring lion looking to devour someone. 

Have you opened the door to Satan in your life by your thoughts, words, or actions? Have you put God on the back burner? 

There is a real Satan. There is good and evil. Temptation is real. If you have strayed from the path of righteousness and fallen prey to the enemy you can come back and God wants you to. Where are you at today? Is it time to cry out to God for a rescue? 

PRAYER: Lord temptation to do wrong is all around me. Help me look straight ahead to the cross. I pray for those who know they need to turn around their lives but are caught in web of Satan to be loosed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.