Devot. Inauguration Day

 HI Folks,

I hope you have had a great start to your week!!  Well, tomorrow is the big day, and I think it will forever change history.

Proverbs 14:33, 34 says, "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.  

Righteousness (right living) exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."  

We will see if the next few years folks across America choose to follow God's wisdom and right living or foolishness and sin...  We shall see.... 

I have below an email that was just sent to me, calling on those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior to offer a prayer for tomorrow.  The details are below, but it made me think...I could have a part in America being a nation that honors God just by my prayers  for the next 4 years ahead and making that decision personally...Wow! 

Below are some devotionals that are just perfect for Inauguration Day!    I want you to read every line, every word in the devots very carefully.   There is a message I wish you to "get," as the devots. contain some great Biblical truth and knowledge in them, which is vital in our lives right now.  I also have a sermon link entitled "God Bless America" that is hard hitting truth, but would encourage you to listen in snippets through the week and hear to the end. 

The hard hitting, honest to God truth is not popular today,  2 Peter 4:1-4 warned this would happen in the world someday.

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (meaning 'teaching' and specifically referring to God's Word), but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, (ears that wish to hear what they want) they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables (falsehoods)."

But what do we have an alternative if not the Truth-of God's Word or truth in general?  Lies.   The Bible says that Satan is "the father", the originator, of all lies (John 8:44), and that Jesus-He Himself and what He says through His Word, the Bible is Truth (2 Samuel 7:28, Psalm 119:160, Matthew 22:16, John 14:6).  Which would you rather?????    To be in darkness or walking in the light?   Now God allows us to choose darkness verses light, but He also holds us responsible for what He gives us.   I'm afraid many will not answer that question or turn towards the light until it is too late in their personal lives and in our nation.  But the best way also to turn darkness into light is grabbing a spiritual flashlight and shining it on the situation!  ( "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psalm 119:105)

I pray that you and yours have a safe and blessed week!  God bless!

(Prayer for our Nation, sermon link, devots.  below)

Dear Friends, Have you noticed that 2021 has started just as 2020 ended? Are you straining to understand the implications of all this turmoil in the first few weeks of the new year? My heart has been heavy as I have watched the unrest in Washington, D.C., and other parts of the country — as well as the ensuing rhetoric and silenced voices. It is all deeply troubling. We're already a divided nation, and these significant new challenges add to the real hurts you and I feel. The coronavirus pandemic continues to leave us isolated, stressed, and vulnerable. Marriages and homes are contending with relational and financial strains. Families are juggling constant changes with school, work, and daily life. Churches and pastors are encountering pressures they've never faced before. We need healing. We need peace. We need the presence of our Father in heaven. As I looked to Scripture for perspective, I was reminded of God's faithfulness time and again, even when His people were disobedient. One of my favorite accounts is from a leader who also sought wisdom — King Solomon. As the temple was completed and about to be consecrated, he entreated the LORD to make provisions for His people knowing that they were sinners. God answered with four conditions for a right relationship with Him. "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV) Did you catch all four? Humbling ourselves, praying for forgiveness, seeking His holy presence, and repenting of our wrongdoing. This is what you and I must do. That is why I am calling on leaders at Focus on the Family to join me in a time of prayer for our nation, for those in authority over us, for marriages, for parents and families, for those who would stand and advocate for life, for those who preach the Gospel. I want you and your family to join me, too. Tomorrow is Inauguration Day, and I want us to come together at 10 a.m. ET across the country to pray and humbly seek God's face. Will you join us for this very important moment for our nation? Follow this link to the Focus on the Family YouTube channel to pray with us LIVE or watch and pray as you are able: FocusOnTheFamily.com/NationalPrayer In the coming days, I will share more about what I see God doing across our land and how we can join Him in that work. These are trying times, but our LORD is sovereign and good. He keeps His promises, and His love never fails. Because of that, because He first loved us, we can love our neighbors around us. I'll see you tomorrow! Yours in Christ, Jim Daly President Focus on the Family

Sermon:

"God Bless America": 

https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/215865032. (Move cursor to 24:25 point for sermon)

(Devots used by permission.  Taken from  https://www.icr.org/)

Commander to the People:

https://www.icr.org/article/commander-people

Righteousness in Authority:

https://www.icr.org/article/righteous-authority

The President's Heart:

https://www.icr.org/article/18782

Devot. A Word for the Year

Hi Folks,

I hope you had a good weekend!! Below I have a short devot., a quiz, a sermon link and a short song.  I found this devotional last week and thought it was another timely devot. for the start of this year!

I have heard of folks who pray, ask the Lord to give them 'a word' for the year. Just one word that will help them to grow more abundantly in their walk with Him, an area they need to work on in their personal life or, Scriptures they can find in the Bible that reflect that word. It may be 'peace', 'kindness', 'patience', 'selflessness'...etc.... 

The devot. better explains that finding 'a word for the year' will help a Believer live with more intentionality in the year ahead.

Below that is a quiz to help find your 'word' for the year. There is nothing magical or random about the quiz. I took it and the questions asked made me think of who I wish to be for the Lord this year, what I wish to accomplish in my life.

The word I came up with at the end of the quiz was "transform" and it was how I had been praying to the Lord 2 weeks ago! I asked God to remake me into who He wished me to be, chisel off the rough edges, so that I could be used in a greater way for Him and to bless others. Now I will be reading my Bible and looking for verses with that in mind-finding verses that show me what the Lord and I need work on in my life and how to do it:). 

I encourage you to read the devot. above and then take the quiz! It will really make you think and I believe will help you to see "This is who I wish the Lord would help me to become this year. This is who He wishes me to become and made me to be!!  I'm not going to be stagnant in my relationship with Him in 2021!"

The sermon link is practical and follows along the same lines. It was a big blessing and timely for me to listen to.  I was thinking last night of how the biggest way we can grow in our walk with God is to read His Word, and hear it spoken.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Hebrews 10:17)

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:7

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105-God's Word gives us light as we walk through life)

God's Word is our 'roadmap for life.' We will not know how He wishes us to live our lives for Him, what purpose He has for us down here without it. We may think we are ok in life, know where we are going and what we are about, but without reading /hearing what God says on the matter, we are really in the dark. Just as a plant needs water, air and sunlight to grow, we need God's Word and a walk with Him to grow. I have heard it said that "God did not save us, lick our back, throw us up against a wall hoping we would stick." :) He wishes to be a part of our everyday life. 

Lastly, the song below ties into everything-it is an encouragement to "Thrive!" To, "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. " (2 Peter 3:18.)
It was an encouraging reminder for me, pray it blesses you as well.

I pray you have a very blessed weekend!

Devots. used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)
How Finding a Word for the Year Helps You Live Intentionally:
https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-a-word-for-your-year?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20201220HowChoosingAWordForYourYearHelpsYouLiveIntentionallyArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Word for the Year Quiz: How It Works.
(Love their explanation about what 'finding a word for the year' means.)
https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210103PostHolidayFatigueArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List#/home

Sermon:  The Value of Faith:
https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/215837268
(Scroll to the 19 minute mark for the start of the sermon. I will listen to sermons in snippets while catching up on emails late at night, over lunch break or friends have done so while driving to and from work or washing dishes, so there is a way to stick it in:)

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M

Devot. A Chance to "Restart"

Hi Folks,

I hope you had a very blessed Christmas and New Year!!  I am excited about the devots. below and the ones I have for next week, Lord willing. 

I was thinking last night of the verse in Lamentations that says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lam. 3:22-23)

In spite of our faults, failings, and how we hurt the Lord's heart each day through our sin- knowingly and unknowingly- He extends His mercy towards us because He has a great compassion for sinful man. His mercies are new at the start of each day, and because of that, His faithfulness to us is immense. 

"At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God's love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness." (https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-true-meaning-of-mercy-72461#:~:text=At%20its%20core%2C%20mercy%20is,qualities%20beyond%20love%20and%20forgiveness.)

This mercy, forgiveness is not just new each day, but I feel that God gives us a chance to "restart", "refresh" at the turn of the calendar each year. 

I was thinking last week before and after New Years that I do not want to stay spiritually stagnant this year. I want to grow-spiritually and in character. I want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God and in the lives of others. I prayed last week and asked the Lord to clear my heart and life of the things, mindsets, attitudes, habits, that weigh me down and keep me apart from Him and replace that junk with good things. I want a chance to 'restart' and grow from here on out. 

2 Peter 3:18 says, " But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "

Will you join me in the journey as well? God has big plans for you this year, He wants to make you useful for His purposes, find joy and blessings in the journey as well if you will but seek Him. 

The devots. below and next week are a great way to get started. I will also include some sermon links in the weeks to come that are simple, practical and would be another excellent way to learn, "How do I restart in 2021 and make the most of this year in every area of my life-for my good and God's glory"?

I pray that the devots. below are a huge blessing to your weekend and the Lord uses the one (s) you pick to teach you of His ways. 

"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear (greatly reverence) thy name." (Psalm 86:11)

(Devots. used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Receiving What God Has for You in the New Year:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/receiving-what-god-has-for-you-in-2017?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20201227ReceivingWhatGodHasForYouInTheNewYearArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List


Sometimes You Just Need to Start Over:
https://www.dayspring.com/articles/sometimes-you-just-need-to-start-over?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20201227ReceivingWhatGodHasForYouInTheNewYearArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List


Focusing Your Thoughts on Truth: (One way to make the most of this year is digging into God's Word and finding out what He says about you, your life, and the plans He has for you.)
https://www.dayspring.com/articles/focusing-your-thoughts-on-truth?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20201227ReceivingWhatGodHasForYouInTheNewYearArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

~~ "Faith tells me no matter what lies ahead of me, God is already there." ~ ~ (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

Devot. New Year

Hello Folks,

Happy New Year to you and your families!

I hope you had a very blessed and special Christmas in spite of its difference compared to last year.

I was thinking tonight as I watched some countdowns to 2021 that most folks are happy to see this year end and I can understand that.  This year has not been easy, it's been very tough for so many and my heart and prayers go out to our Frontline workers, those who have had Covid, lost a loved one due to it or are in financial distress.  My heart hurts for them. 

But for those of us who have made it through with less heartache, I am trying to not dwell on the turmoil that our world has endured, or even the hardships my own family has had to face, and instead my family and I have been reflecting and counting on our blessings, thanking God for taking care of us and thanking those who have stood by us. 

I think of how faithful God has been to provide for our financial needs, our daily needs, even allowing us to keep our jobs.  He has gotten us over some very high mountains, helped us ford some deep rivers and given us His grace and strength to make it to the other side with Him holding our hands.

I think of God's patience with me, the ways He has stretched me, helped me to grow and spiritually mature, how He has used me in the lives of others in spite of myself.  I'm thankful for how He has "chipped away" at me. 

I am honored to know some amazing Frontline workers and had the privilege to uplift them in prayer and encourage them through sending verses from the Word of God. 

I have heard stories and seen first hand souls who have come to a personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and I believe that these unusual times have led to their hearts being open to the seeing their need of the Saviour. 

I have seen heartache, and yet seen God at work and provide in powerful ways.  

My point....As we enter the New Year, reflect back on the ways God has taken care of you and yours, helped you through difficulties, lift up a heartfelt prayer of thanks to the Lord for His graciousness to you and pray for those who are in need and ask God how He can use you this New Year to reflect Him and to even meet needs in the life of someone this year.   

My mom recently said to me that, "All our trials, tribulations and distress are our avenues for God's glory."  He can work in powerful ways, bring beauty from the ashes in spite of how painful or messy things are. 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

The devots. below reflect where my heart and thoughts are right now and what I wish for each one of us.  Each one is short, but gives a great deal of food for thought.  I pray that the Lord uses whichever one you pick (or all 3:) to prepare your heart and life for the New Year.   God bless you and your families!

(Devots used by permission and taken from https://www.icr.org/)

Remembering God Our Help:

https://www.icr.org/article/remembering-god-our-help

The Land of Forgetfulness: 

https://www.icr.org/article/land-forgetfulness

The World to Come:

https://www.icr.org/article/21561