Amazing time during the morning devotion. Look at the photo and see if you can find what only God could do.
Only God…
Category Archives: Devotional
#21DaysofPrayer
Thank you Church of the Highlands for providing an opportunity for corporate worship and prayer every year in January and August.
Whether you are starting out in a new year or a new semester, these prayer services are a great way to slow down and focus on your relationship with God.
Church of the Highlands 21DaysofPrayer page
We must wear Faith, Love, and Hope of salvation.
There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. When people say, “Everything is quiet and safe,” then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape.
But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober. It is at night when people sleep; it is at night when they get drunk. But we belong to the day, and we should be sober.
We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing. We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.
We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people. Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.
This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; do not despise inspired messages.
Put all things to the test: keep what is good and avoid every kind of evil.
May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful.
Pray also for us, friends. Greet all the believers with the kiss of peace. I urge you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 GNB)
Sometimes no commentary or explanation is needed. The Bible really is a straight forward letter of instructions for today. #ForeverTrue #ForeverApplicable
Stripping Strife from our Life
Gen 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Stripping Strife from our Life.
Let there be no strife between us for we are brethren. Abram and Lot are living in the land south of Egypt and between Bethel and Hai. Both of them together have too much for that area to support. Those responsible for the herds of cattle are fussing and fighting over the water, places to graze the cattle and numerous other issues. At this point, Abram makes a decision and gives Lot an opportunity.
“If you go to the Left I’ll go to the right, if you go to the right I’ll go to the left.” Lot looks out at the land and chooses the plain of Jordan for in his eyes the land was well watered everywhere. Basically he chose the best and left the rest. Before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah it was a lovely place. Later in the story we see God tell Abram of his plan for him and gives him some directions and promises. All the land is for him and his seed forever plus his seed will be as numerous as the dust of the earth. Abram made the right decision to remove strife at all costs.
Jesus said in Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Making peace and removing strife is very important. Many businesses, churches, communities, homes, the news, and the list goes on of places that are plagued with strife. It isn’t seen as the destructive force it is. We all know or have seen how a person under the influence of strife and an instigator of negativity can tarnish the workplace, church, home or a nation as we have seen of late. Abram and Jesus both knew the importance of peace and to remove strife.
We may not be able to change the world, but how about our area of influence. I have a friend that is an author and she is a genuine gift. The only thing I’ve ever heard said about her is “You know she is the nicest person I know. She hasn’t let her success go to her head and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say a bad word about anyone and she absolutely loves the Lord.” Yep…she’s known as a child of God. She works very hard at keeping the peace and she’s been very successful and blessed. To know her she is a peaceful person and has a soft presence. It’s really odd…you would never know the success she has had or the trials she has faced. She is just a normal every day kind of godly person living life at its best with God in the center and peace at her side. You know those people that have been through so much and survived by the grace of God that they just can’t help but be happy? They are choosing a life of gratitude instead of having an attitude.
Let’s Pray: Dear God, help us to be mindful of our words and actions. Let us be peacemakers among our friends and family. Where there is strife, give us direction on how to bring peace. Help us be a light in our area of influence and give us wisdom on how to strip strife from our life. In Jesus name, Amen (so be it.)
Daily Scripture Reading: Genesis 12- 14, Matthew 5: 1-26
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Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalphotos.net
an2g@2015
Dealing with Temptation
Reading through the Bible in a Year Devotion 2015. They say it’s progress and not perfection and you can’t improve if you don’t start. I’m starting and I hope you’ll join me on this journey in 2015. I’m sharing my daily inspiration throughout the year and I hope to inspire others. It’s just me hanging with Jesus so I have no idea what topic or subject matter will come up over the year.
Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
After Noah and his family have left the ark and are working the land, they have a vineyard. Noah celebrates a little too much with his new wine and is passed out in his tent. His son Ham the father of Canaan for some reason decides to go his father’s tent and see what the old drunk man is up to. Well he finds his father who in a drunken stupor has left himself uncovered. Apparently, Ham looks on the old man with disgust and maybe a little pride wells up inside him to see the one who has maybe scolded him for drinking too much is passed out from his own overindulgence. He wants to tell of his discovery. Maybe he wants to make himself look better or just to embarrass his old man. Who knows?
When he tells his brothers, I think he is a little surprised. The juicy gossip that was to make him look good has backfired and his brothers do not join in with his delight of seeing their father’s error. They do the honorable thing and find a blanket. They walk in backwards to not see their father and drop the blanket over him covering him.
Jesus goes through a round of temptation also in Matthew 4. He has fasted for 40 days and nights and is a hungry man. It seems the tempter comes when we are at a certain point in our life just to kick us when we’re down. Or to rub whatever challenge we are going through in our face. Similar to Ham he waits for the right moment to find joy in another’s failure. He taunts Jesus about his hunger. Oh poor baby are you hungry? Well here, IF you are the Son of God turn these stones into bread and eat. Jesus answers him with the written Word of God.
Jesus shows us right here how to deal with temptation. However you are tempted; use the written word to fight back. If it’s an overindulgence of food use the word. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4 KJV) Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. ( Deu 8:3b KJV)
If you’re tempted to gossip or as Zig Ziglar has said “Some people find fault like there’s a reward for it.” Fight back with Phillipians 4:8. If it’s not of good report then don’t report it. Ham, his family, and generations were made servants to the honorable brothers due to his actions. Dealing with this can be tough. In a society that gets great entertainment out of gossip and belittling those around them, it’s easy to forget and fail.
If that’s happened to you pray about it. Confess it and take God’s forgiveness and do a 180. If you need to make amends then go ask for that person’s forgiveness and move on doing the right thing regardless of their actions.
Even though Ham was at a different time and a different covenant, his actions took away his blessing. His position of authority was removed and he was to serve after his Brothers who were promoted due to their actions. In today’s terms, Noah said Happy, Happy, Happy is the Lord God of Shem and Japheth shall prosper. Now that’s a compliment and a good goal. Having someone come up and say. “The rightness in you and your actions must make God Happy.”
We also need to remember to be cautious around people. Like Noah, people make mistakes and we have a choice to cover them or share their mistakes. God help us all to do the right thing.
Let’s pray. Dear God, bring to our remembrance your word when we are faced with temptation. Help us keep it in our mind and use it to fight off undesirable situations. Let us focus on true, honest, lovely and things of good report. Help us to share one another’s successes and not their failures. Where relationships have been damaged show us how to make peace. Keep a guard over our mouths and help us to do what’s right in your eyes. Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day: Genesis 9-11 and Matthew 4.
an2g (c) 2015
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Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Happy Anniversary to my best friend/spouse!
Well tomorrow will mark 21 years of spending my life with my best friend. The nice thing about roller coaster rides is they keep you young and full of life. There are ups and downs plus the times that take your breath away. A few of you have asked so here Is my top ten list for hitting that 20 year and more mark.
- Leave your spouse alone. What drew you to your spouse was their uniqueness. If you try to change them, then what you were attracted to in the first place gets lost in the shuffle.
- So you’re right… Does it matter? Which is more important peace or putting one over on your spouse? Proving you’re right may win the skirmish but the battle you’re losing is lifelong happiness and friendship with your spouse. Forgiveness after a skirmish is a good thing.
- Take a nap. We all get tired and when you feel Mr. or Mrs. Cranky pants coming on just tick a lock and go take a nap.
- Take your solutions to your spouse and problems to God. Sometimes there are just things you can’t talk about. Doesn’t mean you have a bad marriage it’s just wiser to take some things to God. It’s much more fun to see a situation change after you’ve prayed about it rather than put pressure on your spouse. Pray for solutions… listen… then do what God says. You might be surprised at the results from just hearing from God on a situation without talking to your spouse.
- Find out what makes your spouse feel accepted, affirmed, and appreciated. It’s different for every person. Sometimes finding out is half of the fun as it changes over time. My favorite thing to receive is something spontaneous that required a little thought and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Same thing with hubby he likes it when I’ve been paying attention and surprise him with something he’s talked about for this or that.
- Alone time… The one thing that gamers have over the rest of us is the ability to have fun alone. Give your spouse some alone time to play games, go shopping, hunting and fishing, hiking, running, biking etc. Find something that you can do alone that makes you happy, reduces stress and let your spouse do the same. Just because you think it’s a waste of time doesn’t mean you’re right. (refer to #2 above)
- Date Night. Go out or stay in but have fun just the two of you. Sports games on the Wii can be fun and economical. Or bring home pizza and watch silly movies that make you laugh. MST3K movies can be funny especially the older ones. My favorite scene was when 2 Guys in Greek costumes rounded a corner and tapped their spears on the Ground. I think it was Crow who said “Pizza! Pizza!” We laughed so hard.
- Say “no” to others. With everyone pulling everyone in different directions sometimes you just have to say “no” so the two of you can rest, relax, and refresh.
- Be united: Don’t let your kids or other family members divide you as a couple. Make a decision as a couple and stick with it. Trying to be a best friend to your kids at your spouse’s expense probably isn’t the wisest decision as kids grow up and move away but your spouse is still there and may not be too happy with you. (refer to #3 above)
- Probably the biggest and most important thing is to spend “God Time” together. Praying, reading the Bible, Devotions. Whatever you two can do to grow in God together. Along with that thought is remember who you committed to on your marriage day. You committed to God and your spouse. Having faith in God to help when you don’t know what to do is critical. It is much better to turn to God and unload than to unload on your spouse. People say dumb and mean things when they are mad. Refuse to allow yourself hurtful words that can scar a person for life just for a moment of selfish pleasure. It doesn’t mean you are weak or a pushover if you walk away to pray. It just means you are turning over your situation to a higher authority who really does know all the answers for your situation.
© sgan2g2014cwp
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What does your life shout from the Rooftops?
What does your life shout from the rooftops?
I was worshiping along with the song Rooftops by Jesus Culture during my worship time this morning. During the lyrics, “So I shout out your name. From the rooftops I proclaim that I am yours. I am yours!”
That’s when I was impressed with a question. What does your life shout out from the rooftops?
Wow. What a penetrating question. Would my life shout out the name of Jesus? Does my outward appearance proclaim that I am a child of God?
Do my actions hinder or help people have a better relationship/view of God?
I’ve often heard Dr. Jesse Duplantis say “The only Jesus some people will see is the Jesus in you and the Jesus in me.” What do people see in us? Do they hear us laughing at someone that experienced a bad thing? Do they see us purposely do things to hurt or embarrass others? For example: “I told her oops I didn’t mean to spill that water all over her but it was so funny to see her reaction.” Or maybe you were mad at someone and you confide in a “friend” that the vase of flowers you accidentally knocked of that desk and broke really wasn’t an accident but you purposely knocked it off just to hurt the person at that desk. What exactly do you think the listener will think of you? Is that action shouting out “I’m a child of God”? And the unsaved who overhear your conversation with “friends”, do you think your actions will affect their view of God? What about the people who saw you knock off the vase and then turn around and smile/giggle at your deed. Do you think that “I’m yours Lord Jesus!” was just shouted from the rooftops?
I’ve often thought about baby Christians who start out full force with a love for God and serving Him. They get around those “older” in the Lord and possibly join a very immature church in spite of its age. What they see and what they hear probably turns their stomach and since they are babies they do not know from the Word who God is.
They view God based on his kids’ actions.
They don’t know that many people who call themselves Christians are no more like Christ than a person sitting in a garage is like a car. So they like other hundreds of people quit church and for all practical purposes quit on God too. Remember, they don’t know who God is and they don’t know the word. All they know is what they see and hear is making them sick and doesn’t seem right. I know that’s hard to hear but the lost and the babes in Christ are seeing a very sick and wicked Church community. Why don’t we wake up and see the truth too? The Church as a whole needs a desperate awakening to stop hurting and start helping.
Let’s play “What if?” What if just before we enter heaven we were made to look at a list of all the babes in Christ that decided to turn their back on God and quit serving Him because of something we have said or done? Wouldn’t that be horrible? Can you imagine the pain that would cause knowing that you were the reason why someone quit serving God? Selah!
Each person we encounter in life was designed with a purpose from God in the womb.
What would have happened if John G Lake would have paid any attention to his mentor for years told him that he would never be anything without him? Horrible words from an elder who was respected and trusted. Can you imagine how devastating that would be? Fortunately John G Lake went on to surpass that critic and people are receiving God’s healing though new generations of his ministry today. As for the critic, well he went down in history as a man who once knew God and performed many miracles then through pride and listening to ungodly voices went insane. The lesson here is just because somebody is “older” in the Lord doesn’t mean they know what God has in store for you.
Fortunately, today we can drop to our knees thanking God for his forgiveness. We can also pray that messengers be sent across the path of those we have hindered or prevented from serving God to encourage them and restore in them hope. We can also change our ways and stop being ungodly to those around us.
We are to lift up, encourage, and show the love of Christ.
There is a big difference in telling others how Godly we are and what our life shouts from the rooftops. How about we become the type of person that others can view (especially the ones closest to us) and say “you know…when I think about such and such their life just screams that they are a child of God and they really show the Love of God to their family and everyone around them.”
Thanks to all the ministries that are trying to help people find God, restoring the saved and bringing the unsaved into a right relationship with Him. Keep up the good work.
And for those of you that have been hindered and abused by immature Christians, Joyce Meyers has often said that “hurting people hurt people”. Even the people who try the hardest to live a godly life still make mistakes. Don’t let unforgiveness imprison and stop you from fulfilling what God has planned for you. You are called with a purpose to fulfill. Who knows who you will become. Be like the John G Lakes of history and ignore those who try to hurt you and go on to become the man or woman God has designed you to be. Just today I saw a tweet from Riley Stephenson that said.
“Obstacles can temporarily detour you, but only you can make you stop.”
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Does your schedule resemble a game of pinball more than an hourly schedule?
Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
During my morning devotion time. This scripture made me have an “aha” moment. I often wonder if God doesn’t go “Yes!!! She got it! and has that kind of feeling that a parent of a Basketball player who just made a 3 point basket gets.
It’s true…. life has been wild lately for me and it always amazes that during the that quiet time in the morning how much peace comes from just reading the word, worshiping and fellowshipping with God brings. This is the busiest time of the year for me and my schedule is more like a game of pinball than an hourly schedule. If it wasn’t for my PODA (Parade of Daily Activities) sheet. I don’t know that I would get anything done.
But this morning was different. Today’s daily Proverb sparked something in me. I had great peace and things that would normally make me grit my teeth, made me laugh. Starting your day off fellowshipping with God really does make a difference.
So whenever your day starts depending on your work schedule, start it off with God. You will not believe the difference it makes.
(c) An2G2014
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A Place called There.
A place called there. I’ve been listening to a series from Andrew Wommack ministries called the Lessons from Elijah. If you have wondered why things are not working out the way you think, this is the series for you. If you think you are not qualified to do what God has put on your heart, then it’s definitely for you.
Elijah had a word from God. Even though the professional world thought he was weird and unqualified, he was bold and delivered it anyway. Do you ever feel. “If I do that people will think I’m weird.” Actually, depending on the circumstance people will think you are weird if you don’t do what God desires from you. Take participating in Worship for example. Generally if there is a worship leader/team, they will demonstrate freedom in worship. So typically it’s more than ok to sing, raise hands, etc. If a person refuses to worship because they are concerned about how they look.. Well here’s the kicker… not participating looks more weird than participating plus more people will notice you.
Anyway, God wants you to have the freedom to just be. Be faithful, be creative, be free, be prosperous, be in health, and be happy.
Your place called “There” is where your “life”,your Zoe life, is. Where you prosper, grow, have joy and peace. If you feel like a dried up forgotten flower sitting on a back porch, your not living the Zoe life.
Get alone with God and find out what was the last thing he told you to do. Then, as some clever marketing people made the idea famous, get on with it. No matter how you feel, no matter how tired you are or unmotivated. “Just do it!” Do what God has called you to do and move on to Your place called “There.”
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What sets U apart?
We r 2 b n the world but not of the world. What sets u apart? What makes u peculiar?
It’s not your clothes, your Jesus pins nor ur lack of makeup that sets u apart.
Different denominations have different standards they live by just like Families have different rules and standards.
What u do 2 belong 2 a community doesn’t set u apart from the world.
Being at peace when the rest of the world is n fear of “What’s 2 come?” That sets u apart.
Trusting God and relaxing n his rest while everyone else is scurrying around trying to figure out what they r going 2 do. That sets u apart.
Believing n people when everyone else says u should give up on them. That sets u apart.
Loving one another as God loves us when the rest of your friends (Church friends included) tell you “They don’t go to our church why do you hang around them?” “They don’t believe the same doctrine as we do u better not fellowship with them or they’ll mess u up. Good Heavens Jesus is coming back for the Body of Christ not one building with a particular Name on the placard.
Maybe u need 2 get messed up a little. Maybe u need 2 look out the window of ur church and c who else is out there. Believe me there r a lot of hurting and scared people. And these people r hurting and scaring even more people. Wouldn’t it b nice if someone could show them God’s peace and rest? Wouldn’t it b nice if that person was u?
Show God’s Love, peace, acceptance and rest 2 someone this week. Let them know they are special in God’s Eyes. It may b a small thing 2 u. But it could b a miracle 2 the person that u r talking 2.
One time I did something that I thought was small and insignificant but God asked me to so I did it. Just plopped down a $5 bill when a lady ran a bit short and couldn’t pay for her groceries. No big deal right?
Lady yelled at me crying in the parking lot. Said she was just crying out to God that morning (not prayer…she was angry because she didn’t believe he was real or that Christians were real) because she didn’t believe there were anymore people that cared left. She felt like that $5 bill was God reaching down to her from Heaven and that He did hear her.
She was a pile of bones and flesh sobbing at this “experience”. God provided an appointment and I accepted the opportunity to show someone that God is still alive and does care very deeply.
Sometimes all u have 2 do is get outside your house and the 4 walls of your church. B different and b set apart. Not n an odd showy kind of way. It’s not your garments, your hair, your make-up or lack there of. It’s not pants, nor dresses or even Coveralls. It’s not hate words painted on signs or T-Shirts.
It’s not about u or what u do. It’s about what Jesus Did 4 u.
Share what Jesus has done with someone.
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