Rewired for the Journey

Well, dear ones we are half way through the year and I continue writing this devotional book. I hope it has a been a blessing to you so far. I also hope we do not do anything just halfway for Jesus or His church here on earth. Satan will always whisper in your ear that what you are doing is enough. But Jesus taught us to go the second mile and give our cloak also.  Matthew 5:40-42 New Living Translation (NLT) 40  If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.   41  If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.   42  Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Prayer: O'Lord, may we listen to your voice and give our all to You, in Jesus name, amen.

God loved us before we were born and has made a way for us to be adopted as children of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Now we can call God, Father. We are now God's official family. Romans 8:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 15  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  16  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with  Him,  that we may also be glorified together. Prayer: O'Heavenly Father, our faith in Jesus has completed our adoption, thank You, amen

Sometimes it is hard to let go of a worry or concern. We hang on thinking how we will fix it or solve the problem. There are times we just can't help ourselves from worrying. But we must let go and let God help us and share in the burden. Part of maturing in the faith is trusting Jesus will help us with our woes. Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation (NLT) 28  Then Jesus said,  “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.   29  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   30  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Prayer: O'Lord, please take my worries, stress, the anxiety of heart, and may I trust in You, in Jesus holy name we pray, amen.

I have got myself into trouble with opening my mouth more than anything else I have done on this earth. But life goes smoother when you learn to control your tongue. Silence shows an awful lot of wisdom in any culture. Get close to Jesus and He will guide you when it is time to speak and when it is time to be quiet.  Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2  Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God  is  in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. Prayer: O'Lord, guide my mouth and tongue by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

I always wondered how can God be tired and rested on the seventh day of creation. I thought if this is true then He needs to sleep to which means at night he may not be looking over me or maybe He had a night shift of angels. But God rested does not mean He was tired in the way we humans get tired and require sleep. This only means God stopped creating for a time not that He was actually tired and was ready for a Serta Sleeper Mattress. Good to know! I can sleep better tonight knowing God is watching over me and you. Genesis 2:2 New King James Version (NKJV) 2  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for guarding over us in the night watch, amen.

I sometimes feel an overwhelming urge to praise and worship Jesus. I thank Him for all my blessings like food, clothing, shelter, clean water, a job, a warm clean bed to sleep in, freedom to worship openly, having a Holy Bible to read, music, coffee, children I am proud of, and many more that I cannot write it all down. When I get it with a bout of depression it helps me to remember my blessings and that Jesus Christ loves me flaws and all. Come as you are to the feet of Jesus. Psalm 150:6 New King James Version (NKJV) Let everything that has breath praise the  Lord . Praise the   Lord !   Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for all blessings, praise Your holy name, Amen.

Sometimes I worry about repeating myself and yet I realize that we humans are so easily forgetful and need reminders all the time. I find that I never get tired of telling people that God loves them and wants to share life with them. There is accountability for both God and us for a relationship to flourish. Let us hold up our end of the bargain. Philippians 3:1 New Living Translation (NLT) Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Prayer: O'Lord, I hope to be in a right relationship with You and to try my hardest to live in such a way as to please you, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

I really dislike hate and violence. I really detest confrontation. I see the world that is so full of hate, war, and violence in religion and politics that is keeping everyone running on high anxiety that is clouding our better judgment. I would love to see what kind of change would come if every single person on this planet were to start praying for their enemy as Jesus asked us to do? Muslims praying for Christians to be their friend and Christians praying for Muslims to be their friend. I would like to hope it would make a powerful heart changing condition in our world.  Matthew 5:44 New King James Version (NKJV) 44  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you Matthew 26:52 New King James Version (NKJV) 52  But Jesus said to him,  “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish  by the sword. Prayer: O'Lord, we pray for our enemies t

There will be times you will not feel the Lord's presence and so one must have deep spiritual roots to carry you through those spiritually dry times. Your faith can grow deep spiritual roots by much prayer and in reading and study of the Holy Bible. Psalm 1:2-3 New Living Translation (NLT) 2  But they delight in the law of the  Lord ,      meditating on it day and night. 3  They are like trees planted along the riverbank,      bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither,      and they prosper in all they do. Prayer: O'Lord, help me grow deep roots of spiritual strength, amen.

In today's world, many people do not want to believe in demons. Even some Christians want to believe when the Holy Bible talks about demon-possessed people it is talking about mental illness. How wrong can they be and this is just another way to say that Jesus and His Holy Word is a liar. Demons are real otherwise we would have been told it was mental illness. Do not be deceived but believe the true and everlasting words and works of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we can and have overcome the dark side.   Matthew 8:16 New Living Translation (NLT) 16  That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. Revelation 12:11 New Living Translation (NLT) 11  And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb      and by their testimony. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for overcoming evil with Your power and healing those who have been afflicted by dark forces, in Jesus name, a

It is a comfort to know that God knows what is in our heart when we are trying to pray and can't quite get out what we want to say to God. Sometimes the greatest pray is one with no words. Isaiah 65:24 New King James Version (NKJV) 24  “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for understanding our prayers even when we do not understand them ourselves, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

I have always enjoyed superheroes in comic books, TV, and the movies. I even today think about if I could have a super power what it would be. Sometimes being Flash or Superman seems intriguing and then other times I think of being Iceman or Thor. As fun as it is to dream of being a superhero and dream of what super power I would like to have I realize that there is really only one superhero with one very special super power that has been to this earth for real; Jesus Christ was and is that superhero and His superpower is love. Romans 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Prayer: O'Lord God, help us to have the superpower of love to share with everyone as You have shown us, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

Earthly fathers can be a real blessing to their children. The Holy Bible has a lot to say on how a man should conduct himself as a father. He has a powerful influence on his children and hopefully, he will make the right choices and decisions and show a good and wholesome example for his children to follow. May all fathers encourage their children to walk in the faith of Jesus Christ. Acts 16:31 New King James Version (NKJV) 31  So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Prayer: O'Lord, bless all the fathers in the world and guide them and strengthen them in Jesus, amen.

Nancy Sinatra sang in the sixties a song that said, "these boots were made for walk'in and that's just what I 'll do!" It is funny because Forest Gump said, "you can learn a lot about people from their shoes." I catch myself sometimes looking at people's shoes and try to think what are the shoes telling me about that person. I wonder if people look at my shoes if they see a man of faith? Ephesians 6:15 New Living Translation (NLT) For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Prayer: O'Lord, help us to walk in Your ways, in Jesus name, amen.

In this day and age, people say so many hateful things to each other and use such filthy language in everyday talk... how sad. Let us remember that humanity needs healing words of kindness and encouragement. Let your kind words spread like a wildfire.  Ephesians 4:29-32 New King James Version (NKJV) 29  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  31  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  32  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Prayer: O'Lord our God, let us speak words of healing by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, amen.

I remember back in the day when you would pull your truck or car into the filling station that you would run over a rubber hose and it would ring a bell (ding ding) inside the station to let the attendant know someone has come onto the lot. A fella would come out to the vehicle and ask, "filler-up?" While pumping the gas he would clean your front and back windshields and then check the oil for you. If a tire needed some air he would put air in your tire. This was called full service and I miss it. I wonder if we give full service in our church services nowadays or is it more self-serve in churches. I believe full service helped society see being of service to others is a good and wholesome activity and a full filling one. I encourage you to ask Jesus to fill you up with the Holy Spirit so you can be a full-service Christian, "filler-up!"  Acts 13:52 New King James Version (NKJV) 52  And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Prayer: O

Trying to get someone to see that salvation is in Jesus Christ is sometimes like pulling teeth. But you must realize that all you can do is simply share what Jesus did for you and me. It is the Holy Spirit's job to put conviction in their heart and help them go from blindness to sight. So be bold and willing to share your testimony and then be willing to trust the Holy Spirit to water the seed you planted.  Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation (NLT) 18  Jesus came and told his disciples,  “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.   19  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.   20  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Prayer: O'Lord, may we have the courage to share Your story with others, in Jesus name, amen.

Throughout the Holy Bible are stories of redemption. People offering each other forgiveness so they may be redeemed. Jesus coming to redeem humanity and the earth itself. We were redeemed from the Law and are now redeemed in grace. May we extend redeeming forgiveness to others.  Galatians 4:5 New Living Translation (NLT) 5  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for Your redeeming love, amen.

We have got to stop rushing God! We have got to stop rushing Bible study time. We have got to stop rushing our prayers. We have got to stop rushing our worship time in church. We have got to give time to God. We have got to give time to prayer and study of God's Holy Bible. We have to go deep and put in the time and prepare or we will not be able to withstand the world, Satan, and temptations of evil if we do not gird up our loins and put on the full armor of God. We have got to stop rushing our Christian faith! 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.  2  For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  3  For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. Prayer: O'Lord, may we not rush time with you but enjoy our time toget

In the Holy Bible, it talks about people who are in the presence of God go away with the glow of glory over them to the point they have to cover their face. People I have met in life who are excited about living for Jesus and have matured in the Lord have a glow about them. But sadly for the vast majority of people in the world, the only glow on their faces is from a smartphone, laptop, or television and that to me is living in the dark. Exodus 34:29-35 New King James Version (NKJV) 29  Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony  were  in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.  30  So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.  31  Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them.  32  Aft

You do not have to be a clown to witness to a circus! The church had the idea that if they dressed like the world, talked like the world, acted like the world and ran a church service like a disco lounge with a live band they would convert the world to Jesus. What actually happened was the world converted the church. We were to be the salt of the earth and beckon on a hill, instead, we are just a bottle of mixed spices and you cannot even taste the salt in the bottle and instead of a beckon upon a hill we are nothing more than a three-way light bulb. Christians and the Christian church were to be in the world but not of the world but we are failing in a spectacular fashion. We are as exciting to the world as a soda pop with no fizz left in it and it is lukewarm! Now is the time we stop being ashamed of being set apart from the world and get back to being what Jesus asked us to be and do what Jesus asked us to do... share the gospel with others, dress with respect to God and ourselves,

The Benedictine Monks have one way of studying the scriptures and it is called "lectio divina" that involves reading a scripture verse and then meditating on it. Next, they will pray about the verse and afterward contemplate its meaning to their life. The reasoning of this method of study is not to study as a theologian would but try and encounter the holy verse as God speaking directly to them. Give it a try yourself today. Joshua 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV) 8  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Prayer: O'Lord, may our hearts burn to be in Your Holy Word, in Jesus name, amen.

When I think of prayer I think of Daniel of the Old Testament. He was very faithful in his prayer life to God. Daniel received a calm and clear head with inner strength from the Lord. Many a time I have looked to Daniel as a fine example of a prayerful man of God. Who encourages you to have a prayerful life? Daniel 6:10 New King James Version (NKJV) 10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Prayer: O'Lord, help us grow stronger in out prayer life, in Jesus name, amen.

 If you know only one thing about a friend of yours then you are missing out on truly knowing that person and then how can they be a friend if you know only one thing about them? "God is a God of love," the new mantra of the 21st century we hear from Christians and the secular world. No longer are the other characteristics of God talked about like His anger against disobedience or that He will someday judge the world. No longer talked about God disciplining His children to help them be better. Because if you recognized these other traits of God then people would have to deal with their sin! Nobody wants to go there anymore. They want to stick their head in the sand and pretend that sin is not real or that you can do anything you want it is all ok because there is no Hell or Satan (that is all Medieval stuff) all roads lead to Heaven. Is God love, yes, that is one of the many beautiful attributes of God but not the only one! Do not make God into what you think He should be b

Many times I tried to do things all by myself and many a time I really needed help. One thing I learned is you simply cannot be self-sufficient when it comes to being a Christian. We need to pray for God's help. We need to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need to learn about God and life from the Holy Bible. We need the fellowship of other Christians to encourage and uplift us. Let us become more open to help so we do not compromise our spiritual growth trying to do it all alone. Lamentations 3:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV) 22  Through  the  Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23  They are  new every morning; Great  is  Your faithfulness. Prayer: O'Lord, may we be brave in asking for help, amen.

When you have guests over for dinner do you serve them crumbs and leftovers? I would hope you would not do such a thing. But when it comes to serving the church or serving the Lord Jesus do we give Him just our crumbs and leftovers? Are we not taught in the Holy Bible to give the best of the first fruits of our labor? Let us try and give our best and not the crumbs of change in our pocket (that is not the first fruits of our labor)  and not just out leftover time to the Lord and His church. Mark 14:3 New King James Version (NKJV) 3  And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured  it  on His head. Prayer: O'Lord, may we have the heart to give our best to You, amen.  

The psychology doctors are into the support animal therapy that is now a big thing almost like a fad that everyone thinks they need one. Some people actually benefit from this and a lot use it as an excuse to have their pet go with them everywhere. I wonder have humans always been as soft and frail in the mind since the beginning of time? Truly I say that the best emotional support is faith in Jesus Christ and He goes with you everywhere. John 10:11 New King James Version (NKJV) 11  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Prayer: O' Lord, please help those who need emotional healing, in Jesus name amen.