Fast and Furious

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

We just watched Fast and Furious 8. We didn't see it in theatres so I didn't know what to expect. It was fast and furious alright. Without giving away the plot, one woman thinks she can control everything, to 'play God' as it were. I'm now watching Jurassic World (again). I love the franchise. Again it's one person trying to control nature... play God. We see this same plot over and over again in movies, and unfortunately in life.

People, us puny humans, think we can control everything. There's much we can because we have free will, but God is the maker of all, our creator, the true alpha and omega. It's time to give him all praise and honor..he is worthy to be praised.

Be Healed

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

I got nothing. I mean do we really do this, with honesty and full faith? I bet not. In fact I can guarantee you we dont. Why not? Because we are afraid people will judge us or dislike us or be angry with us if we confess our sins to them. We think then they won't pray for us, especially of we've hurt someone. And we do have to face consequences.

But those who love us will forgive us, and they'll pray earnestly for us. Then we can be healed from the foothold that sin has taken in our lives. Healing isn't always physical. It's spiritual as well.

So let those who love you pray over you. Don't be embarrassed. Let your story be told so others may learn.

Trust and Obey

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NIV

Weddings can be a big deal. They are a big deal. Even small, intimate ceremonies can get contentious. Everyone comes out of the woodwork with opinions. This is not to say that's a bad thing, but for the bride and groom...it is after all their affair...it can be a bit overwhelming. Add in the pricetag of even a courthouse ceremony with backyard BBQ, and you've got yourself a little bit of stress. This is no way to start a life together,  nor is it something you want to burden your relatives with. Add in daily life and it's no wonder we can get so easily stressed.

Lately God has provided me with numerous reminders to not worry and take everything to him in prayer. From my daily verse, to postings by friends on social mefia, to the sign at the church. Good vibes only...as a song says. If I were to lean on my own understanding of all the things on my life I probably would mess it up somewhere along the way. God sends us people, verses, sayings, postings, etc to speak to us. We need to listen and obey.

So I'm obeying. I'm praying over my daughter's upcoming wedding, not just to bless their marriage, but to seek God's help in the decisions to be made prior to. I know he cares and I know he listens when we ask.

Do Good and Share

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 NIV

I am in tears. God still answers prayers. My proof? I thought I had my devotional for this verse already thought out. A friend messaged me a story about listening to and obeying God. I almost didn't watch the video prior to writing this, but I clicked over to watch. It's a beautiful story about a man obeying God's call to buy milk and give it to a complete stranger for reasons unknown at the time. At the end of the video it asks you to share it with others. Now I'm not usually the one to share it. I read it and like it and move on. So I clicked over to write my devotional, and low and behold I'm reminded of God's word for today: do good and share with others!

God is listening! He's working in us even if we don't want to acknowledge it all the time. He just wants our obedience. There are so many things that cause us daily strife and worry. God knows! And he's ready to help if we but listen.

I'm ready. If I wasn't before, I'm ready now. I may not even like what he's going to ask me to do, but I must be obedient. I only ask he gives me the strength I need.

Hear my prayer. Answer my plea. Amen.

Eatin, Workin or Sleepin

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28 NIV

I think it would be wise for most of us to put this into literal use, like today, right now. It reminds me of a scene in Pure Country, starring George Strait. He's eating breakfast with a family, and the old man just sits silently, eating his food. George's character keeps trying to engage him in conversation but he says nothing. Then, when the rest of the group leaves the old man says, "that's what's wrong with this whole country. People yappin about this or that when they oughta be eatin,  workin,  or sleepin."

In a world where everything you say is on display, splashed across newsfeeds, social media sites and blogs, it's important to keep in mind that your audience is the world. What you say reflects you as a person. As a Christian, what you say reflects God. If what people see and hear turns them off, how can you show them God's love?

So maybe we should practice that old adage: if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. There is enough negative energy to power a hundred death stars; we don't need to add to the noise.

So the next time you feel something coming on, get back to eatin, workin or sleepin.

In Time of Sorrow

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. Psalm 22:14 NIV

This isn't the daily verse that came up for today. With the news coming out of Las Vegas, I searched for a verse that described how I was feeling and how I thought others must be feeling.

Love one another. Lift each other up. Leave nothing left unsaid or undone. There may not always be tomorrow.

I love you all.

#prayforvegas

Heart and Mind

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV

I love the simplicity of this verse. God doesn't require fancy offerings or lavish ceremonies for us to be saved and be one of his forever. But we humans have a way of mucking things up.

We can say we are saved and believe that Jesus is Lord all day long. People might actually believe us. We can fool lots of people with what we say. We can say we know what our job is, know how we need to help people, or know what someone needs. But the truth may be far from it. What we know may be tested and then we are found out. We need to ask what people need, ask questions about what we need to do, so that when we are tested, we can do what must be done.

When our time here is done we sure don't want to be found not to have believed in our heart that Jesus is the risen son of God. Don't be like those that worship with their mouth but their heart is far from God. We must do what is right and honest and true.

So asking Jesus to be your savior is easy. And he will give you the strength to face whatever co.es next. Just make sure your head and heart are on board.