So Be Thankful And Not Critical

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.1 Chronicles 16:34

I guess the old saying “if you don’t have anything good to say then say nothing at all”. Thanksgiving was just celebrated so let’s you and I both try to remain on the upbeat side. It is easy to form an opinion of something or someone and if you have that issue in your life ask God to help you. 

It is very easy to be judgmental and challenging to learn to be kind even in your thinking. If a thought forms or a judgment use discipline to keep it from coming out of your mouth. 

Here’s an idea if a judgment forms in your thinking start to pray over it. The more you pray the less critical you are likely to be. 

PRAYER: Lord help my thoughts and words bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Therefore Go!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20

What are you waiting on? You may not be able to become a missionary overseas but what is keeping you from ‘going’ into your little corner of the world as an ambassador for Him?

In 1 Peter 3:15 it says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” so let’s say you are confronted are you ready? 

I don’t consider myself a street evangelist but everyone has a way they can be on a mission for Christ. Have you discovered yours? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the freedom I enjoy to be able to talk about Jesus without being arrested or killed. I pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction to others to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Be Lukewarm

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

Do you want the fire of the Holy Spirit to touch your family and for a definite soul change to occur? First of all is that fire in you or have you become complacent?

Daily you need to be crying out to God and wanting to go deeper with Him and grow in Christ. Are you doing that? The enemy loves to distract you with social media and things that don’t matter. Resist the devil it says is James 4:7. 

Trust God in good times and in not so good because He is the great engineer working behind the scenes to grow people in Christ. Don’t fret, be still. Let God be God. Stay on fire. 

PRAYER: Father Yes I want to be on fire and I want to run hard after you. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a powerful song of worship:

https://youtu.be/N2xzoPDI9eA

Is Jesus Enough?

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."Hebrews 10:14

What is the reason you go to church? Is it for the people there or the worship. Really truly reflect on that. Jesus should always be enough. 

Church is a building where people worship God but the church is also you if you are a representative of Him. Do you try to be His representative daily by things you say and do? 

We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving and that is the day reflections are to be made on what God has done for you and really truly for this great land. Guard your heart friend and know that Jesus and Jesus alone should be all you ever need. This isn’t saying don’t worship in a church building but saying the reason for that worship is as unto Him. 

PRAYER: I want to say thanks for being able to enjoy this day and be able to be free to worship God. Help anyone struggling to believe find a way to Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Giving Thanks Every Day

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"Psalm 107:1

Established by the pilgrims in 1622 but not a national holiday until 1863 by President Lincoln. 1941 was when Congress declared it a legal holiday. Some public school calendars call it Autumn break not referring to the religious roots by which it was established. 

Each year in America we commemorate this day by gathering with friends or family. But this day was set aside originally as a ‘religious’ celebration honoring God for bringing them safely to the new land. 

At Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is where Pilgrims in their ship the Mayflower landed in 1620. The first year was rough and many died but their new Native American friend Squanto taught them how to survive on their new land. A feast was celebrated with their new friends in 1622 to thank God for their lives and their new land. Are you thankful for this day and what it means?? 

PRAYER: Lord I pray people today are able to reflect on what this day really means. Bring peace to hearts that need your touch. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and watch history of Thanksgiving by Drive Thru History:

https://youtu.be/mT_d9dOXi0U

Are You Trusting God?

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."Romans 12:12

Praying, waiting, but getting agitated over no answers or change?Sound familiar?Part of God’s perfect plan is learning how to wait and not try to jump in and act like you are in control. When He sees you being able to wait then some changes may happen over things you are praying for. 

You may have heard the old hymns ‘Trust and obey’ and ‘I surrender all’ but when they are sung do you believe what you are singing? Do you truly believe as He wants you to. 

Whatever is going on in your life now my friend keep letting God hear from you. Don’t quit believing. Keep looking up as Jesus has this. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for what you are doing behind the scenes so to speak. Help anyone waiting be able to have an extra measure of patience. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh Where Can It Be

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:6-7

I get lots of devotion ideas from my own little world such as not being able to locate devotions that I had written after searching to no avail so getting ready to come up with a couple new ones somehow hoping the file fairy will have those reappear somehow. So here goes. 

What in your life has you frustrated right now? This time of year it can get so busy that you may just want to run away and hide. Some of you may thrive on the overloaded schedules but I don’t.  

This is supposed to be the season of reflecting on our blessings so have you done that? Stop, breathe, ponder and gather your thoughts. Try to not let culture dictate your holiday and enjoy it regardless of if everything is picture perfect. Give God the glory and reflect on the story of how this land became a Christian nation. 

PRAYER: I need you every day Father to learn to trust you for all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.