Hope for 2020

As we approach the closing hours of 2019, I am sharing my prayer for the coming New Year of 2020:

“Lord, I confess any sins of disobedience, pride, and willfulness and ask that You continue to transform my heart, mind, and life by the power of Your Holy Spirit and Your living Word. Only then, can I know Your good and perfect will for my life (Romans 12:2). 

Thank you for Your abundant and unmerited love and faithfulness throughout 2019 and all the previous years. I am grateful for Your sovereign, providential hand upon my life and my family, for You have been and continue to be our Sustainer, Protector, Counselor, and Provider in every circumstance.

The year 2020 will bring good things, but with the good will come challenges, uncertainties, deceptions, and false narratives that will further convince multitudes to conform to this world-system and its morals. Help me pursue Your truth that I may know truth and not be swayed by the masses, popular opinion, or my own limited understanding and knowledge. You alone are my hope and the Hope of this world. You make crooked paths straight and sure. 

Father, I ask that You lead, guide, and protect my family. May we each seek You and become vessels of honor that embody Your truth, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Give us the gift of faith, endurance, courage, perseverance, and strength to trust and obey You in every situation, so that we each finish our course that You set before us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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Hidden Idols

The Book of I Kings reveals the downfall and demise of kings, because they worshiped idols, refused to worship the one true God, and sought godless counsel. Many combined the worship of both God and idols. They were unrepentant, covetous, disobedient, rebellious, and lusted after power.

We have been warned “that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power"  (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Sadly, the biblical description accurately defines today’s America that has fallen into the same rebellious, unrepentant, covetous apostasy as did the ancient kings. Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. We cannot serve both God and this world (Matthew 6:24 NIV).

Americans have fallen into the trap of crass materialism, which is promoted through advertising, movies, television, videos, books, and other forms of media. This ungodly counsil promises that if we buy into their propaganda, we will look and feel better, be more successful, smarter, and wiser, and live longer healthier, happier lives, very much like the promises the enemy made in the Garden of Eden—and we know how that ended. This daily, minute-by-minute capitalistic infusion of a worldview has created a self-indulgent, idol worshiping culture, trained to worship all things that satisfy and gratify the flesh.

Today’s idols are not limited to Ashtoreth poles, shrines, totems, or other manmade deities. Instead, they are stealthily hidden in all things that draw our focus away from God and cause us to look to ourselves, people, and the world to meet our wants and expectations for pleasure, entertainment, success, health, and happiness.

According to a Nielson report, United States adults watch a minimum of five hours and four minutes of television per day,which is 35.5 hours per week. Now, smartphones are outpacing even the most advanced televisions, because phones are with us 24/7.

Smartphone technology allows us to access television programs, movies, the weather, GPS, games, newsfeeds, the Internet, social media, and so much more. Although moderation is the key to T.V. viewing and cellphone use, too many people cannot divorce themselves from their televisions and phones long enough to have a meaningful conversation with others, and teens are the largest group of cellphone abusers.

The Radiological Society of North America looked at the brains of teens who use smartphones and had Internet addiction. They discovered differences in the chemistry of the reward circuits of the brain. Interestingly, the brain chemistry changed and looked like non-addicted controls in those teens who received cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

One out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. And cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. How does one know if cell phone use has become an addiction? When that person would rather be on their cell phone then have a conversation with another person and when texting while driving and walking is more important than personal safety and the safety of others.

According to Nielsen, Pew Research Center, comScore, SmartInsights, and other organizations, the average person spends over four hours a day on their device, although many young people far exceed that. Scientists are also linking cellphone use to insomnia, irritability, depression, bullying, and suicide.

We need to take inventory of how much time we spend watching T.V. or scanning Facebook or any of the other 65 plus social networking sites? Do these activities lend any real lasting value to our lives? Yes, television can be a form of relaxation after a long day and there are valid reasons to post certain things on social media, but at what point do we draw the line?

So, if people spend an average of five hours a day watching television and four hours on their cell phones, that is nine hours for personal leisure. Then there are those obligations to family, church, work, maintaining a home, outside activities, hobbies, and sports. So, when do we fit God into our schedules? Could it be that we should consider spending less time perusing Facebook or watching television, so that we can make time for God?

Jesus said not to worry about what we eat, drink, or wear. For the pagans run after all these things. But our heavenly Father knows what we need. Therefore, we are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:30-34).

At age 27, I returned to college to finish my degree. I was a divorced mother working full time and attending college full time. Sometimes, I felt overwhelmed in trying to be a good mother, provider, and student. I would always pray for my day, but one day the Lord challenged me to read His Word before I started studying. This became a habit that truly became a blessing. When I gave time to God, He multiplied time back to me. He even guided me in what was important to study for a test; I made the Dean’s List each year.

We have 24 hours in a day as a gift from God. How are we going to use that gift? We all have daily obligations, but we also have a responsibility to give back to God a portion of our time to fellowship with Him, to pray, and to study His Word.

America’s motto is “In God We Trust.” But in reality, in what and whom do we really trust and believe? To whom or what do we seek for help and answers? In whom or what do we give the most attention? In whom or what do we depend upon for our rest, peace, and joy?

God is preparing His Church for His coming. Satan is preparing the world to receive the Antichrist. If people are so focused on what they see, they will be misled and believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2). That is why God calls us to put away idols and seek Him while He may be found.

We are sojourners passing though this world. God never intended it to be our permanent home. Nor did He intend that we seek the pleasures of this world to satisfy our souls that long for love, peace, happiness, and joy. Those things can only be found in God.

PRAYER: FATHER, You know the thoughts that You think toward me—thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). I thank you for Your gracious mercy and unending faithfulness to me. I repent for not keeping You as my first priority. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me, that I may eagerly seek You first and desire Your will and purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving should be more than a once-a-year observance. Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart in which we daily express our love, appreciation, and devotion to God, regardless of what is happening in our lives. His Word instructs the believer to give thanks in every circumstance, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5:18). That expression of thanks affirms to our wonderful Creator, that no matter the situation we trust in His goodness and faithfulness to protect, provide, and guide us through any challenge or difficulty that life may bring.

As many of you know, ten years ago, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer. The doctors gave us the devastating prognosis of two to three months to live. At first, our response was, “Why God?” But we quickly realized that we needed to draw nearer to God and “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [our] requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

We did not thank God for the cancer, because He is not the author of sickness and disease. However, there are times when God allows adversity to achieve a greater purpose in our lives, and in our case, our faith and trust in Him has grown exponentially.

Unfortunately, all of us were birthed into a fallen, sin-ridden world where Satan has his domain and is the author of sickness, disease, destruction, and death. Of course, we cannot lend all the blame to Satan, because some of the things that happen to us are brought about through careless living and destructive lifestyles.

We know that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [His] ways higher than [our] ways and [His] thoughts than [our] thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). We also know that the thoughts that He thinks towards us, are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Armed with those truths, we were able to move forward with faith, knowing that God has a plan for us.

Despite the fact that my husband is not yet cancer-free, we give thanks each day for another day, because each day is a precious gift not to be wasted. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so we embrace each day as an opportunity to draw closer to God, learn from Him, and express our gratitude for the many blessings that He provides.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank you for your never-ending goodness and love. Help me, each day, to have a heart of gratitude. Give me the faith to hold onto the promise that I am never alone, because You are with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). May I always trust You to guide my steps as we walk together through the valleys and over the mountaintops. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Testimony of Forgiveness

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone, or possibly you are currently struggling with forgiveness? If so, count yourselves among multitudes who have that war waging within their souls. As long as there is breath in us, there will be opportunities to be offended.

One of the most powerful testimonies of forgiveness is found in the Old Testament story of Joseph. His brothers’ jealousy and hatred for the seventeen-year-old, caused them to plot his murder. Instead, their brother, Reuben, convinced them to sell Joseph to a caravan of Midianites passing through the country. The Midianites then sold him to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials and the captain of the guard (Genesis 37:36). 

Joseph, from his youngest years, had a steadfast faith in God and recognized that His providential hand was upon him. His faith and unreserved trust in God would give Joseph strength for what was to come.

Joseph served Potiphar for three years and then spent approximately ten years in prison for a crime of which he was falsely accused. Eventually, after a series of events, he was released to interpret Pharaoh’s disturbing dreams. He told Pharaoh that there would be seven years of prosperity and seven years of famine and that in those years of prosperity, surplus grain needed to be stored to carry the nation through the coming famine. Joseph found favor in Pharaoh’s eyes and was made vizier, the second most powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh.

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt from Canaan. Not recognizing Joseph, they stood before him to ask if they might purchase grain. After a series of events, Joseph eventually revealed his identity to his brothers, who then became terrified. They feared for their lives, because of their sin against Joseph, who was now the second most powerful man in Egypt. Their fate was clearly in his hands. However, the unexpected happened. 

Joseph extended immense kindness, mercy, grace, and unconditional forgiveness to his brothers and said, “'Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19-21). 

Joseph had every reason to be bitter and unforgiving, yet he consistently trusted God throughout his life. He recognized that all that happened to him was for a greater purpose; therefore, because of that trust, he was able to show an amazing level of forgiveness towards his brothers. 

We must never forget that what the enemy intends for evil, God has the power to use it to accomplish His will and to bless us. For “we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Forgiveness brings healing and blessings to the one who forgives. Unforgiveness closes the channels to God, who provides wisdom, guidance, revelation, healing, and restoration. When we comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, how can we not forgive? Jesus, in unimaginable pain and agony, looked to heaven from the cross and said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV). 

True forgiveness comes when we understand that forgiveness, like love, is not a feeling; it is a choice that we make through the power of Christ’s shed blood. Neither is forgiveness an option. “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father [God] will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15 NLT). Thus, unforgiveness is an act of disobedience that stops God’s blessings.

Granted, there are times when the crime, action, or behavior is so heinous that we cannot justify forgiving that person. In my case, I struggled to forgive my ex-husband for things that had happened in our marriage, however, forgiveness is a process.

In the beginning of my journey to forgive, I felt like a hypocrite, because I did not “feel” like praying for my ex-husband. Regardless, I chose to obey Jesus’ command, “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, that you may be [children] of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV). So, each day, for almost a year, I prayed for him, until one day, I realized that compassion, mercy, and forgiveness had replaced pain, bitterness, and unforgiveness. 

Forgiveness does not condone the actions of that person. Rather, it sets the injured party free from the bondage of hate, which destroys us emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Unforgiveness literally has the power to make us sick, even to the point of death. Unforgiveness can drive us to make rash decisions that yield permanent, negative consequences. Unforgiveness breeds seeds of hatred that choke out love for oneself and for others. That is why our hearts must be kept with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). 

God has called us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as God has forgiven us through His Son (Ephesians 4:31-32). For we are to be “imitators of God,” loving as Christ loved us and gave His life for us (Ephesians 5:1-2).

If you have struggled with forgiving someone—maybe even God—be encouraged in knowing that forgiveness will set you free from the bondage of pain, resentment, and hate that can become a soul-eating cancer. True forgiveness can only come when we pray for the offender.

A cautionary warning: Verbally repeating the mantra, “I forgive…” will never free you, because it is not coming from the heart. Only praying daily for the offender can open your heart, so that God can do a work in those areas of pain and brokenness. Once you step into an attitude of prayer, the day will come when you too will be able to give your testimony of forgiveness and freedom.                                                                                                                                               

PRAYER: FATHER, Your Word reminds me that forgiveness is not an option but a command. I choose to forgive (name the person(s) and ask that You forgive me. Heal my soul and restore the broken areas of my life. Show me how to pray each day for (name(s) that I may be set free from painful memories that have kept me in bondage. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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LIFE'S STORMS

Last Thursday, rain poured, creating a damp, and dreary day. Although, the previous day had been sunny with pleasant temperatures, I knew that it would eventually change, because weather is a never-ending, repeating cycle of good and bad weather.  

It is amazing how weather can change so drastically from pleasant to miserable within a matter of hours. As I was reflecting on the great disparity in weather, it occurred to me that life, like the weather, also takes a sudden turn. One day, life is good, and all is well. Then without warning, something happens to turn our world upside down. This cycle of tranquility and then turmoil continually repeats throughout our lifetime.

The Bible reminds us that though we make our plans, we do not know what tomorrow will bring. For what is our life but a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:13-14).  

We all experience ups and downs and disappointments. For some the “downs” are more pronounced and profound than what they may be for another person. Often when we are experiencing those difficulties, it is easy to become discouraged and question if God is with us. We might even question if we are being punished or possibly forsaken by God. 

Realistically, life will always have both good days and very challenging days. Just as rain is needed for nourishing and sustaining new life, God allows difficulties to draw us nearer to Him, so that we may grow spiritually, thus enabling us to remove things that hinder our walk with Him. Therefore, when we find ourselves in a “storm,” we should ask God what He wants us to learn in that particular event. 

 James 1:3 tells us that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. What is steadfastness? It means to be firm, determined, resolute, relentless, implacable, single-minded; unchanging, unwavering, unhesitating, unfaltering, unswerving, unyielding, unflinching, and uncompromising.

 The intensity and duration of “storms” are determined by our capacity to remain steadfast and resolute in our faith and trust in God—not in the circumstances. For James 1:4 teaches us to let steadfastness have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Thus, storms are for the purpose of growing, developing, and maturing our faith.

 Storms have a way of bringing us to our knees before God. Therefore, we might ask ourselves if we are prepared for life’s storms? Have we been daily seeking God in prayer and studying His Word? Only when we know Him intimately through prayer and His Word, can we trust and believe Him when we are dealing with adversity. If not, we will be swayed by what we see, hear, and experience.

We must also ask, “Has my perspective of God become skewed by a world view that doubts God’s Word and His promises?” God will allow us to become uncomfortable, for the purpose of re-examining ourselves and what we really believe. 

Shockingly, 57 percent of Christians believe that there are several paths to heaven. If that were true, then Christ’s sacrifice for mankind was pointless. Jesus said, “I am the Way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). 

Nature’s storms bring renewal and life to the earth, and life’s difficulties can renew the soul and spirit and reveal God’s life-changing truths. If you are a follower of Christ, most likely you have also experienced setbacks, disappointments, heartache, etc. Possibly, you are in the middle of a “storm,” and you are asking, “Why God?” I assure you, that I have traversed through many personal trials and experienced God’s refining process, and with each trial, my faith has grown stronger.

The refining process is an opportunity to learn and grow in the knowledge of God. That time of training and purifying can be painful and seemingly interminable. But when we submit to His refining, He will produce within us a steely faith and resolve that we had not previously experienced. For that reason, He encourages us not to fear, nor be dismayed, for He is with us to strengthen, help, and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

What do we do when stormy weather comes? Most likely we seek shelter. God wants to be a shelter for us in our “storm.” He promises, “Surely (without fail), I will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. I will cover you with My feathers; under My wings you will find refuge. My faithfulness is a shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4). 

Unexpected and unwanted troubles will happen; however, “do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1Peter 4:12). Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 

We can rest, with all assurance, that God rejoices with us in the good days and walks with us and comforts and guides us in and through the difficult times. For it is in those stormy seasons of our lives, that He draws us even closer to Him, so that we may become anchored in His steadfast and ever-present love.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you that You love me so much that You allow “storms” to draw me closer to You. Help me to be resolute in my prayer life and in reading Your Word so that my faith and trust in You may grow. Reveal those things that require change in my life. May my faith in You be steadfastly anchored in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WATCH AND PRAY

The Lord has made me aware of the extreme importance in keeping watch (being alert and on guard) and praying every day. So, why is this necessary? We discover the answer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus said, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (John and James) along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

It is difficult to imagine the depth of sorrow that Christ felt that evening in Gethsemane. He knew what lay ahead for both He and His disciples; therefore, He wanted them to be watchful and in prayer.

“Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed. “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. This statement echoes throughout the Church today. “Church, can you not keep watch and pray?”

Where was the compassion, love, and self-sacrifice that Peter, John, and James should have shown the Lord? Was it asking too much of them to pray one hour? Is an hour each day with the Lord too much to ask of us?

Then Jesus warned Peter, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Peter would painfully and tearfully realize later that night, that because he had not spent time in prayer with the Lord, fear would drive him to deny Christ three times.

We are susceptible to all kinds of temptation unless we are daily watching and praying, for the enemy is constantly prowling the earth, looking for those whom he may destroy. His plan is to keep God’s Church and His people spiritually asleep, because a sleeping, impotent Church and its people—empower Satan.

[Jesus] went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.”

How many times have we tried to read God’s Word when suddenly and inexplicably our eyelids became heavy and quickly yielded to sleep. The enemy of our soul will do whatever he can to prevent us from reading God’s Word and praying.

So, [Jesus] left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinner (Matthew 26:36-45).

Jesus had known that His enemies would soon arrive; therefore, He cautioned His disciples to remain alert and prayerful. He cautions Christians to be alert and prayerful, for we know not what challenges each day will bring.

Satan has lulled the Church to sleep since the Second Great Awakening. Too many churches have become social clubs where people look to be entertained and feel better about themselves. There is no sense of urgency to pray and seek God, even though the world is in turmoil, babies are daily murdered, liberties are threatened, and every kind of evil is pervasive and abounding.

The Church was sleeping when prayer was removed from classrooms and abortion was legalized. The fear of offending has caused many pastors to compromise the Gospel and replace it with a watered-down version to placate their congregations. Jesus certainly did not worry about offending. In fact, He angered many, who would plot to kill Him.

We live in very dangerous times as the earth groans under the weight of sin. We never know from one day to the next what may happen. “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour” (I John 2:18 ESV).

In other words, we are living in the last days and time is short. That is why Jesus implores us to “always be on the watch and pray that [we] may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that [we] may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

There are many who are lost and bound for hell, but the Church is not preaching the full, uncompromised Gospel to bring the lost to repentance. Christians are ignoring opportunities to pray with others and even share the relationship they have with the Lord. And then there are those who are apathetic and indifferent to the lost.

How different the world would be, if God’s people would be diligent and faithful each day to watch and pray for their families, their government, their leaders, schools, their workplace, co-workers, pastors, and churches.

God promised that when we call on Him and pray to Him, He will listen to us, when we seek Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:12-13). The question remains: “Are we seeking God with all our heart, and are we watching and praying as we await His return?

PRAYER: FATHER, I ask forgiveness for not watching and praying as I should. Place within my heart an urgent desire to daily pray for this nation, our leaders, my family, friends, my church and pastor, co-workers, and the lost. Help me to be diligent in reading and studying Your Word, for it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). In Jesus’ name, amen.