Day 1

Delivered From Your Own Destruction

He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Psalm 107: 20

There were times in my past when I displayed some self-destructive behavior and I believe that God delivered me from this. The word of God is so full of power that our minds can't even comprehend or grasp the full impact. Remember in John chapter 1 where it says that: In the beginning was he Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1: 1-3. Then it says in verse 14, same chapter, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,."Jesus is the Word!" Well Jesus is the healer and the deliverer! He is the one that heals us and delivers us from our destruction. Sometimes we aren't self-destructive

Sometimes maybe we aren't self-destructive but Satan is the one who comes to destroy. He tries to destroy our faith too. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10: 10. I like to think of God as the constructor, or the engineer. Read or listen to the Word for healing today.

Day 2

A Crushed Spirit

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34: 18

Is your spirit crushed today? Or has it ever been? We know what crush means but to read the definition helps us to realize how bad it is. According to dictionary.reference.com crush means to press or squeeze with a force that destroys or deforms. Imagine when a person's spirit is crushed that it has been pressed or squeezed so hard that it is destroyed. The bible says that the "LORD SAVES THE CRUSHED SPIRIT". Praise God! If you feel like your heart is broken and your spirit is crushed, there is hope for you today because the Lord is near to you. Perhaps you don't have any faith left but still somehow came across reading this today. Or maybe you don't even want anything to do with God and the bible anymore. If so, there is still hope for you. If you feel like you can't even pray anymore then ask others to pray for you. Call a prayer line or type one on a prayer request site online. Read a few bible verses a day or listen to a sermon. Please don't give up because the Lord is near to you. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you. James 4: 8. This is a promise from God.

Day 3

Speaking Joy During Sorrow

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6: 10

Have you ever had a moment of clarity? Of course we all have. I love when this happens. The first time it happened to me and I was really aware of it was when I was about sixteen years old. I had to sit and write down all of my thoughts down of all of the truths that suddenly came clear to me. It seems that the moments mostly come when you are coming out of the deep valley of sorrow. Why can't we just have them every day? Why do they come mostly after sorrow? I don't know the answers. Sorrow seems so familiar to some that they don't want to even get out of it. It is comfortable and familiar. How can a person get out of it and have some clarity or moments of truth? ALL things work together for the good for those who love the Lord" Romans 8: 28 Joy out of sorrow: One way to get joy out of sorrow is not to speak of it out loud but only to speak of joy. Like an actor or actress just act like you are joyous or joyful. It is not to act in a hypocritical way but rather to see how it works, like an experiment. Our speech is very powerful and eventually it can rule our thoughts. This can work the other way too. If you constantly speak negative things it seems as though negativity will follow you.

Day 4

He Has Considered Our Trouble

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou has considered my trouble; thou has known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31: 7

Growing as a person and growing in the Lord. Are they one in the same? I don't think so, because people who are not believers seem to learn and grow from life and just from living. When God shows us stuff and teaches us lessons it is much more interesting. Sometimes we are not even aware of how much we have grown or of the wisdom we have obtained. It might only come out when we are to help someone else with their problems. I love God and am learning to trust almost every decision He has in store for me. Yes, I said almost. Honestly, these things take time. I know myself and I know God is still showing me ways to trust him totally. God has considered our troubles and has known how our soul is in the middle of adversity. The meaning of adversity is: adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress. You have heard people say in "Where is God in a time like this?” Well, He is there and He knows our troubles. We need to believe the word and put our trust in Him.

Day 5

Trusting & Doubting

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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.” Proverbs 3: 5-7

Because of things that have happened in my past I sometimes have a hard time trusting. In people mostly, but probably God too. Do you trust God with your whole life? Obviously God’s will is the best way. How can we trust in God with all of our life and heart and not worry about it. Most times I think I do, but every now and then these thoughts of worry arise. I know it is silly but yet common. Fear not for I am with thee, is one verse that comes to mind right away, deep down does doubt lurk around waiting to jump out on any of my whims? Probably, that is why we should be prepared. Sort of like when you are going camping and you make a list of everything you should bring. When doubt arises you should have powerful scriptures ready and truths to declare like: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me, and greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. There are so many powerful verses that we could memorize or just write on a card. We can pull it out anytime and read them aloud. (I think aloud is better) Satan and his demons hate the Word of God. It is like a repellant. Doubt and worry come from the enemy. The devil doesn't want to see successful and victorious Christians. Remember that Jesus quoted the scriptures to Satan himself. This is the ultimate weapon so don't be afraid to use it.

Day 6

Dry Faith and Fishing

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isaiah 44: 3

I don't consider myself a really spiritual person, religious or a theologian. I do feel as a child of God learning, falling and learning again. I love to write simple and short little truths that I learn or that I am reminded of. I hope it helps and encourages some people. I really hunger and thirst to learn more most times. Although, sometimes I feel that my faith is dry, these times cause me to seek out more truth. Sometimes I just let it go and be dry but I know God is still with me. Not long after God will bring someone around whom I know I should share the gospel with. A couple of weeks ago we were fishing down by the river which is only three minutes from our place. We had met some young man down there about a month ago or so. We both agreed that he was probably homeless. He said that he lived with his uncle but that his uncle was strange and a drunk. We had run in to him a few times or had seen him walking with his backpack. My husband and both agreed that the next time we see him we will invite him over for supper. So this one evening sure enough when we went down by the river and he had ended up showing up. Immediately, I asked if he could come for supper. He said yeah and offered to go buy beer or something to bring. I said. "No that's ok just come", and that I had supper already in the oven slow cooking. We said that we wanted to fish for about another hour and then we would go. I had a roast cooking and only need about half-hour to prepare the rest. I can't remember how it came up but before I knew it I had told him that we were Christians. I think he had said that he came from a Catholic background. Most times, I find that people who come from a Catholic background think that we are religious. Like I said earlier, I don't consider myself religious, simply cause religion seems to be rules and rituals. I can sit and listen to how someone gambled their money away or how they were addicted to crystal meth and not judge them. It feels natural to me, like we are talking about shopping for groceries or something. I told him that we have a personal relationship with Jesus and that we don't particular like labels in religion. And then the funniest thing came out of my mouth, I said that we are sort of like "hippy Christians". LOL, I then realized how silly this sounded but for some reason the look on his face seemed to understand so I left it at that. We aren't really hippies, I guess I was trying to come across as a non-judgmental or peaceful sort of person, I am not sure. Regardless, of my strange way of witnessing to this guy we had a nice supper together and told him that we would meet him down there again. He didn't come out and say he was homeless so we just left it at that. He seemed like a smart enough person and I believe he said that he was twenty-five years old. My husband and I both can tell that he was struggling with some of life's issues like so many other people. Anyway, we don't know him that well so we will find out more. If you can pray for him that would be a help. We didn't catch any fish that evening unless the person is the fish. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4: 19

Day 7

An Intelligent Heart Acquires Knowledge

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Proverbs 18: 15 (KJV)

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18: 15 (ESV)

Are you hungry for knowledge? If you are then you should seek it. I always want to learn more stuff. We tend to learn more about things that interest us, we seem to remember it more. I like to learn about human behavior or the (sin nature), and of course my interest is in the truths and promises of the bible. I also like to learn about health and healing. I have many interests and sometimes when I go to sleep my mind is racing. The bible says to pray for wisdom and God will give it liberally. Of course we always need more. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1: 5.

Maybe there is something particular that you need discernment and wisdom about. Pray about that one thing and wait for God to show you. Maybe it is about a particular situation or person, maybe you are wondering why it is the way it is. Pray about it. God will give you wisdom liberally. Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches, God gave him both. Of course if you are wise with life in general, you will be wise with your finances, right? Wisdom is only one promise, there are many to seek and claim. Take hold of the promises of God today and you will be truly blessed.

Day 8

The Sun Going Down

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4: 26

The bible says that you can be angry but you can't sin and that you should not to go to bed angry. I have done this so many times. I go to bed angry and sometimes I wake up angry. I end up sinning in the way that I say mean things, mostly because I have been hurt in some way. How can we overcome this type of behavior? I think that when we get angry we should try not to re-act immediately, but rather pray. Instead of counting to ten, just pray. Pray that God will help you be calm and deal with your anger. God made us with these emotions so it is just a matter of dealing with them. This has helped me immensely. I honestly think that many health problems are caused from anger. Holding anger in is bad for your general health. There are people that have been holding grudges for years. Hanging on to this type of bitterness can eat away at you and your body. My theory is that stomach issues or digestive disorders can result because of it. Pray for one another concerning anger issues. Anger can cause people to make hasty and bad decisions which in turn have negative and long consequences.

Day 9

Don't Break the Faith

Guard yourself in your spirit, and don’t break faith. Malachi 2: 15

Keep up the good faith. How do we do this? Reading the bible and praying together. Remember the verse that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God? There are many versions of an audio bible online or cds that you can purchase. Just having these on in the background is a great idea. I believe it seeps into your subconscious mind and your heart. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. It is so easy to go on without hearing the Word then slip into the world and to think worldly thoughts. Watching television shows do not help. I sometimes catch myself siding with characters who are obviously not wanting to serve the Lord. Television is sneaky this way and it plays on your emotions. The writers try to make you see things their way. Let us try to see things God's way. So in guarding your spirit, try to guard your eyes as well. Pray for protection against evil.

Day 10

Learn To Do Right

Learn to do right the words written in Isaiah 1: 17 ," Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!" 1 John 3: 16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." The bible says stop doing wrong and do right. Although the verse in Isaiah is talking about doing right and to help the widows and the fatherless, I think it also applies to many other things. Stop doing wrong and do right. I have said this to myself often. How do we stop doing wrong? Well, I think the answer is simple but yet it can take a little while to learn. Just don't start doing wrong. Obviously, it is much easier if you never start a bad habit. Many addicts start off saying, “I can stop anytime". For example, if you think that watching porn a few times is O.K. , well it is not. These images enter your mind and take a long time to get rid of. Many couples might want to spice up their marriage with pornography and think that it is fine. Or sometimes it is just one person in the marriage who does this. Eventually this type of behavior can bring much other heartache to the marriage. It is foolish to think that it doesn't happen to Christian couples. Pray about your marriage if you are bored. My husband and I were arguing because we didn't seem to have much in common. I did this; I started praying that God would help us have more things in common. Slowly and surely we started developing some new interests. I was an outdoors type of person and my husband was more of an indoor person. He liked shopping and I didn't. Now we both love fishing, camping and I do shop with him, but only at outdoor type of stores. We are much happier. This could work with some family members as well. Pray about God giving you some common interests.

Day 11

God is in Always in Control

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1: 11-12

Have you ever seen a car go out of control? This is a scary thing to see. I have seen people lives go out of control too and this is also hard to watch. At one time it seemed as though my life was out of control. I know now that God was still with me and was working out details. We need to trust in Christ always. Even when life seems impossible and you throw your hands in the air and give up. I remember when I was feeling so depressed before that I literally didn't care if the roof caved in. I thought what else could go wrong. I just didn't care anymore because I felt like I couldn't cope anymore. Through my weakness I just kept praying, even though at the time it seemed like I didn't have much faith. There was nothing else to do... but pray. I hope I have encouraged you today and that you will remember that God is always in control. These are the lyrics from the song God is in Control by Twila Paris.

This is no time for fear

This is the time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here carried away by the motion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together, God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control, we will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him,

We know Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know Oh, God is in control,

Oh God is in control

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now ?

Why start to worry now?

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me watching over you,

Watching over me Watching over everything

Watching over you, watching over me

Every little sparrow, every little thing

Oh, every little thing, oh God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken There is no power above or beside Him, we know Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control Oh God is in control Oh God is in control

Day 12

Learn To Be Content

"In all things, I have learned to be content." Philippians 4: 12

That same statement can be applied to marriage or any other relationship. If you know you’re going to try to stay married or close to a family member or friend, no matter what then we need to learn to be content. Notice the verse says "learned". Obviously this doesn't happen overnight. I remember in the past there were times that I felt like I hated my spouse. I know this isn't very God like but I am just being honest. Sometimes I am brutally honest. God help me. Even though I felt this way at times, I still wanted to be with him. I 'm sure I was having some personal struggles at the time. Although, some of the reasons seemed as though it was just him and the way he was. We were not getting along at that time. We were not putting God first for this period of time either. I would probably have to say we were even somewhat backslidden in our faith and our marriage was in trouble. I felt somewhat content before and then it got all complicated. Things get complicated when you take your eyes off of the Lord. Sin begins to grow in our hearts and sometimes very slowly. It creeps on you. My simple analogy is like a bag of apples that contains one rotten apple, after awhile they all go rotten. Think of this analogy about our thoughts. I had to pray and pray that I would be content. I had to re-learn how to be content.

Content: To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please. To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite. Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness. Acquiescence without examination. That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.

Read Philippians chapter 4 today.

Day 13

Woe Is Me

Why does God allow me to suffer? Woe is me! "I don't understand why I am going through this all?” Have you ever felt this way? I have felt this way a few times. Sometimes God is trying to teach us something. Sometimes it is to exercise our faith. And sometimes it can be trials and tribulations all of which make us stronger in the end. When you are in the midst of it, none of this sounds encouraging. You just want it to end and to end now. What can you do to get through it all? Well there are a number of things most of which are easy to do and that have some great benefits.

1. Write a letter to God of all your fears, worries and stresses. 2. Listen to the Word of God, (even if you are not in the mood) or read it. (Faith cometh by hearing) 3. Call or email Christian organizations for prayer requests. 4. Call any Christian friends and ask them to pray and tell them that it is “urgent". 5. Wait on the Lord. (Just waiting on God shows faith.)

What not to do: 1. Start self-medicating with alcohol or whatever. Instead let God medicate you with the Holy Spirit to give you grace. 2. Get mad at God and try to drown Him out of your life. 3. Try to do everything on your own and in your own power. 4. Let bitterness grow in your heart. Some of you might think, how could a believer in Christ ever think of doing any of those things? Well, life happens and people fail. We are human and imperfect. God is always waiting to forgive us and give us new hope. Reach for hope today!

Day 14

Are You Feeling Weak Today?

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities , that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake : for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

Are you feeling weak today? That's O.K. because through weakness God gives us strength. The above verse also states that Paul took pleasure in troubles. That seems hard, right? To actually take pleasure in trouble; Mind you, he was being persecuted for Christ's sake. What about when we are going through troublesome times and maybe part of it is because of our own dumb mistakes? The bible says that our strength is made perfect in weakness. Most of the testing and trials that we endure are making an area in our life perfect. Have you ever looked back on something and said to yourself, “I can't believe I used to struggle with that"? I have done this many times and I remember praying about it.  Now I must thank the Lord that He was faithful in answering that prayer. Seriously, at that time I told myself and others that this is the way I was made and that I will never be able to change. I had only said this because I had tried in my own power to change only to fail numerous times. I had actually even become worse. People often try to find excuses for their actions when they don't have any self-control. But praise God that He is able to change us and ever so gently. Most times we won't even notice until later and say, "Hey, I have been delivered", Praise God, Thank you Jesus. Seek deliverance today.

Day 15

Encourage Someone Today

"Let us encourage one another —and all the more as you see the day approaching" Hebrews 10: 25

We all need encouragement especially in this day and age. Stress and sin is abounding and we as believers need to be encouraged. When we go home from a day of work we don't need to be bombarded with questions or talk about bills etc.  It is better to have words of encouragement. This sets the tone for the rest of the evening. We need to respect each other and of how they want to unwind. When some people get home they like to take a few minutes or maybe an hour to unwind and not think too much. Some people want to go on the computer or read for a bit. Sometimes people don't have this option they have to run their kids to this and that, or immediately start to cook supper.  Let us encourage each other and let’s try to help each other out. Maybe there is something that we can do to help and make things easier for each other. Even a tiny helpful gesture seems to go a long way. We can pray about being encouraging to each other and how to encourage each other. Even just listening to your spouse’s or loved ones frustrations of the day can be encouraging . Most importantly, we need to encourage each other in our walk with Christ. We need to say let's pray about that. This will instill hope and increase our faith as well.

Day 16

Love Is Not Self-Seeking

"Love is not self seeking, it’s not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong." 1 Corinthians 13: 5

Have you ever had an argument with your spouse, a friend or a family member and brought up a series of wrong things that they did or said in the past? I think most of us have done this at one time or another.  I remember asking this older Christian couple that I know if they had ever argued and the wife's answer was "no, never".  I'm sorry, but I can't imagine. It is all very nice and everything but it seems so unbelievable that a couple could be so agreeable with one another. My next question should have been, "Do you even live together"? We are all different and we all have different buttons to push. I noticed in my own marriage (which has had its problems) that when we harbor resentment we tend to push these buttons on purpose. Maybe sometimes it is subconsciously but most times it is on purpose. So how do we become less self-seeking and not easily angered?  It is a simple answer that requires some hard work and commitment. First and foremost, I think studying the Word of God together and a healthy prayer life. Both of which are an on- going process for my marriage and my personal life.  A good start is to pray that God will help you with your individual anger issues. It is also important to remember to try not to blame others. Peace!

Day 17

Need to Hear From God?

Seek the LORD ... Search out the Lord ... look for His presence continually ... Seek diligently his face at all times ... Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee ... Strip off your old self ... Ps. 105: 4 ,Is. 26: 3 , Eph. 4: 22

Have you ever felt like you just really needed to hear from God?  Maybe you've opened your bible and put your finger on the page in hopes that God will speak to you in the most inspiring verse.  Sometimes it is like that and it is amazing, and you’re like "wow!” I really needed to read that. Other times it doesn't speak to you, maybe it’s just a list of genealogy. (.... and he begat so and so ..... etc). I think God wants us to seek him more, to search him out. For myself, I need to seek him or I might start feeling down and my thoughts might become negative. I am an emotional person and sometimes it can be a downfall. God is ever so steady and is always there. He doesn't get down and His words are always there and He is ready to help us. The answer is to keep searching until you find the comfort you need.

Day 18

Test the Spirits

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4: 1

We must be careful of false doctrine especially when we are trying to get our spirits renewed. There are so many false teachers out there and unfortunately many of them are just in it for the money; money is their god. The bible tells us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. We can test the spirits by praying that Holy Spirit will show us the truth and by getting deep into the word. Study the word and pray so that you won't be deceived. If a ministry has all the right music and all the right Christian sayings but something is just off then it is probably not of God. Maybe they don't have the fruits of the spirit. Are they glorifying God? Or themselves? The bible warns us not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits. Worship God today with all your heart, have fellowship with people who want to do the same.

Day 19

Bored?

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2: 22

Honestly speaking our spirits can get bored.  It is just a human condition. I often hear from teens that the bible is boring. I then tell them a few things that are in the bible and they can't really believe it. Here are some headlines that might show up on a tabloid if they had them in that time. -copied from funtrivia.com - (Something different to think about today). The bible is exciting!

“Young Boy With Slingshot Kills Giant”

“I Wrestled an Angel All Night Long and Lived to Tell About it”

'' Donkey Talks to Man!' Man Reports, “My donkey saved my life ''

“Bethany Man Walks Out of Grave After Being Dead for Four Days: Witnesses say 'Jesus of Nazareth' called the man out of the tomb ''

“Father and Sons Build Boat in Desert” “Neighbors Scoff as Man Predicts Water Will Fall from the Sky and Cover the Earth. ''

“Preacher Swallowed by Great Fish, and Lives in the Fish's Stomach for Three Days ''

“Hebrew Man Freed From Egyptian Prison After Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream!”Former Prisoner Predicts Famine Will Strike In Seven Years”.

'' Peter Breaks Up Funeral by Bringing a Joppa Woman Back to Life”

'' Man Kills One Thousand Philistines Using a Donkey's Jawbone ''

“National Leader has Affair with Neighbor then has her Husband Killed ''

“An Angel Cleansed my Lips with a Hot Coal' 'Prophet Also Claims To Have Seen Several Six-Winged, Two-faced Creatures. ''

“Three Hebrew Men Thrown into Hot Furnace but Walk Out Unharmed. A Fourth Man Was Seen in Furnace but his Whereabouts are Unknown.' Which of these was NOT in the fiery furnace? 'Runaway Slave Returns Home Claiming to be His Master's Brother' Who is this slave?”

“Tragedy in Uz! Wealthy Businessman Loses Livestock, Servants, and Children, All in One Day”

'' Ninety Year Old Woman Gives Birth to Son! One Hundred Year Old Father Says, 'God Told Me I Would Have this Child'

Day 20

We Can Be Sure

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. John 5: 13

We can be sure of our salvation and know for sure that we have eternal life. How do we know this? Simply, because the word of God says so, and by faith we believe it. I remember when I was a new believer and I would doubt if I was saved. Maybe because I thought there was something more to do. It is hard to accept a gift without thinking that you should somehow repay the person who has given it to you. We just need to accept it and appreciate it. We should thank God everyday for our wonderful gift of salvation. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16: 34. We don't need to doubt our salvation today for we can be sure. Doubt is from the enemy and he obviously wants us to doubt our great gift from God. One of the many reasons that Satan wants us to doubt is that he doesn't want us to have a victorious prayer life.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1: 6-7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4: 7

Getting rid of doubt is key to your walk in Christ.

Day 21

Go to Church and Live Longer

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

Go to church and live longer. The scientific evidence states that attending religious services sharply cuts the risk of death.  A study published by researchers at Yeshiva University and its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, strongly suggests that regular attendance at religious services reduces the risk of death by approximately 20 percent.

"Interestingly, the protection against mortality provided by religion cannot be entirely explained by expected factors that include enhanced social support of friends or family, lifestyle choices and reduced smoking and alcohol consumption," said Dr. Schnall, who was lead author of the study. "There is something here that we don’t quite understand. It is always possible that some unknown or unmeasured factors confounded these results," he added.

Weekly religious attendance nearly is as effective as statins and exercise in extending life improvements in life expectancy of those who attend religious services on a weekly basis to be comparable to those who participate in regular physical exercise and to those who take statin-type medications.

Go to church and breathe easier-religious activity may protect and maintain pulmonary health in the elderly.

Religious attendance linked to lower mortality in elderly- The current findings build on a series of earlier studies at Duke and elsewhere showing that religious people have lower blood pressure, less depression and anxiety, stronger immune systems and cost the health care system less than people who are less religiously involved.

Research shows that religion plays a major role in health; longevity- For the first time, that extra lifespan has been quantified. While there are differences between genders and races, in general those who go to church once or more each week can look forward to about seven more years than those who never attended.

-Article from Business of Life 2008

I thought this article was very interesting that I wanted to share it. Although personally, I don't think that the church has to be a building necessarily with beautifully stained glassed windows, but rather just a gathering of believers. I used to have little prayer and bible study meetings in our home Sunday nights and gather with other new believers. We were so blessed with it.  Some of the comers never attended church regularly, so it was good.

Day 22

Weeping & Laughing

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3: 4

I want to share 2 random things that have to do with a time to weep and a time to laugh.

The first is a poem that I wrote a while back it is called:

Let, Cleanse, Fill

Let your heart feel the pain

Let your mind take the blame

Cleanse your mind of all known fear

Cleanse your body in front of the mirror

Cleanse your soul while you are here

Fill your heart with only love

Fill your mind with heaven above

Fill your body with only enough

Fill your soul with the meaning of the dove

Secondly, I want to share a couple of church bulletins that I came across. I thought they were funny and cute.

"There are some questions that can't be answered by Google"

"Wal-Mart is not the only saving place"

"Try Jesus" If you don't like him the devil will take you back.

Day 23

Meditate

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the lawThe ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. We are supposed to meditate day and night on the word.

We are supposed to meditate day and night on the word. Not with Yoga, or any other new age meditation will cut it. I especially like verse 3, Have you ever seen a tree that was planted by the river. The roots are deeply rooted so that nothing can take it down.

Day 24

The Wings of Eagles

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run , and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40: 30-31

Sometimes when we are waiting for answered prayer we can become weary. The bible says that if we wait upon God He will renew our strength. I believe he will renew our faith as well. In a world with instantaneous products and all the latest technology, we seem to expect answers instantly too. We as a society are not used of waiting for anything. I want to encourage you today that God promises to renew your strength. Not only does he promise renewal but also energy. When life wears you out and you feel faint and stressed out just think on these things.

Finally, brethren , whatsoever things are true , whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure , whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4: 8

Day 25

No More Tears

"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ... neither shall there be any more pain"

From the book of book of Revelation- "21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 21: 2 And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 21: 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 21: 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 21: 5 and he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 21: 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely 21: 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 21: 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Won't it be wonderful when there won't be any more tears to shed, no more pain to feel?, and we will be drinking from the fountain of the water of life. This means to never be thirsty again but always being spiritually refreshed.

How to become an overcomer:

1) Admit you are a sinner and accept Christ as your Savior

2) Fall in love with him

3) Let JESUS be our vision everyday

The multitude declared, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19: 38). When the Pharisees told Jesus to quiet the crowd, He said that if the people were silenced, even the stones would cry out Luke 19: 40

Day 26

Praise

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance Psalms 89: 15

Praise and worship is a part of most believers’ lives. It lifts the spirit and cleanses the soul like a river.  Praise means "to commend, to applaud or magnify." For the believer, praise to God is an expression of worship, lifting-up and glorifying the Lord. It is an expression of humbling ourselves and centering our attention upon the Lord with heart-felt expressions of love, adoration and thanksgiving. Praise brings our spirit into fellowship with God. "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance" (Psalms 89: 15). If you're ever feeling down, listen to some uplifting praise music today. This will help immensely.

Day 27

Enemies

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25: 21-22

"Therefore "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head" Romans 12: 20

When you read the above scriptures, heaping burning coals on someone's head doesn't sound like a loving act, but if you read the following it will make much more sense. In the Bible lands almost everything was carried on the head – water jars, baskets of fruit, vegetables, fish or any other article. Those carrying the burden rarely touch it with the hands, and they walk through crowded streets and lanes with perfect ease. In many homes the only fire they have is kept in a brazier, which they use for simple cooking as well as for warmth. They plan to always keep it burning. If it should go out, some member of the family will take the brazier to a neighbor’s house to borrow fire. Then she will lift the brazier to her head and start for home. If her neighbor is a generous woman, she will heap the brazier full of coals. To feed an enemy and give him drink was like heaping the empty brazier with live coals – which meant food, warmth and almost life itself to the person or home needing it, and was the symbol of finest generosity. – B.M. Bowen, Strange Scriptures that Perplex the Western Mind -This part was taken from http:// dailygoodies.wordpress.com

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25: 21-22 I really like the part of the scripture that says the Lord will reward you. Who doesn't want rewards? (Although that shouldn't be the reason we do it). But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Luke 6: 35

If you have ever been ripped off or maybe felt that you had been. Try not to keep bitterness in your heart about this. Money has destroyed many relationships. Try to forgive and you will be rewarded greatly. Of course this is not always easy to do, but these scriptures might help us keep it in mind for another time. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. Luke 6: 32

If you want to stand out and shine for a Christian witness I think this is one of the most effective ways to do it-loving people that don't love you. As the above scripture says non-believers love those that love them, it is easy to do that. The hard part is trying to love people that hate you or pretend to like you. There are certain people that I have to pray about just tolerating. I know this doesn't sound nice but it's a start. One particular person that I was praying this about I actually ended up caring about and I think they really like me now. Remember to pray about everything. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4: 6

Dear God, I pray that you could help us love our enemies. Give us the love we need to shine through onto them. Thank you, In Jesus’ name Amen.

Day 28

Tempted to Lose Faith

I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Psalm 116:1

When my prayers get answered I am surprised. At least sometimes I am. Actually to be totally honest I occasionally forget that I was praying for that particular situation. Then it dawns on me and I begin to thank the Lord. He loves us and He hears our prayers.

Supplication: 1. To ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying. 2. To make a humble entreaty to; beseech.

With this particular situation I was praying for probably about year off and on, but in the last few months I was thinking of giving up on the whole idea. Probably about a month before giving up it happened. Thank God. I was so wrapped up in focusing on some other problems that were most likely caused because of this one that I didn’t really notice right away that it was answered prayer. God works in mysterious ways. Thank God for His mercy. You know that verse that says that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Well I think that He won’t give you more than your faith can handle.

There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Maybe the giving up on faith or letting our faith deteriorate is the temptation.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you could help us keep the faith. I pray that you can give us strength to carry on while we are praying to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Day 29

Old Habits Die Hard

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3: 5

Recently I had a whole day that I failed in trusting in God. I prayed about something that I was worried about and thought that I had left it with the Lord. But in reality what I did was just put it on a shelf sort of speak, the shelf was called, (grab it later to worry some more). It was convenient and very accessible. I chose to get it and then obsess about it, pretty much all day. It ended when I spoke to the person that I was so worried about. It sounds crazy, but like an addict I went back to what I was addicted to - worry, worry, and worry. I then asked God to forgive me and to help me with this again. Obviously, it is hard to put all of our trust in the Lord. Why? Because we are human and we are so used of taking matters into our own hands. Usually this will get us worse than when we started. Try to give it all to God and put your entire or full trust and faith in him. For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1: 37

Day 30

Entertaining Angels

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13: 2

Do you ever think when you see a homeless person and think that they might be an angel? Or have you heard of someone showing up to save someone's life just at the right time then they are gone? I am sort of fascinated with angels from the bible. But I would like to clarify that I personally don't think angels are women or babies with wings. All the angels mentioned in the bible were men. Even when Abraham and Sarah were visited by angels they didn't know it, they ate with them. Interesting, right? I think they could look just like normal men, and maybe in the background, perhaps even ignored by society. The word "angel," from the Greek angelos, means "messenger." A little update on the homeless person I mentioned in an earlier devotion or day.

A little update on the homeless person I mentioned in an earlier devotion or day. We saw him again and he was sleeping down by the river. I guess we woke him up. He said he was getting a place to move into very soon. We will give him a few things to get started. He has a part-time job and has admitted to us that he is an alcoholic and a chronic gambler. I asked him if he would like me to pray for him, specifically for deliverance and he agreed. Although, I don't think he is an angel, you just never know who you might run into.

"Keep up the Faith!"

The End

More by C.L. Griffin:

Dealing With Depression Daily Devotions (Kindle & Paperback Versions Available)

Devotions for the Anxious

Walking by Faith Devotions

A Pocket Full of Poems

Practical Daily Devotions (Kindle & Paperback Versions Available)

The Believer's Journey Collection of Poetry

Spiritual Food Daily Devotions

Simple Grace Poems

Keep up the Faith Daily Devotions

Devotions for Couples Daily Devotions

Freedom for Christians with Addictions Daily Devotions

The Sun Will Rise Daily Devotions

Everyone that Thirsteth Daily Devotions

Spirit Renewal Daily Devotions

Walking by Faith Daily Devotions

In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare Daily Devotions (Kindle & Paperback Versions Available)

Conquering Fear Daily Devotions (Kindle & Paperback Versions Available)

Table of Contents

Day 1 Delivered From Your Own Destruction

Day 2 A Crushed Spirit

Day 3 Speaking Joy During Sorrow

Day 4 He Has Considered Our Trouble

Day 5 Trusting & Doubting

Day 6 Dry Faith and Fishing

Day 7 An Intelligent Heart Acquires Knowledge

Day 8 The Sun Going Down

Day 9 Don't Break the Faith

Day 10 Learn To Do Right

Day 11 God is in Always in Control

Day 12 Learn To Be Content

Day 13 Woe Is Me

Day 14 Are You Feeling Weak Today?

Day 15 Encourage Someone Today

Day 16 Love Is Not Self-Seeking

Day 17 Need to Hear From God?

Day 18 Test the Spirits

Day 19 Bored?

Day 20 We Can Be Sure

Day 21 Go to Church and Live Longer

Day 22 Weeping & Laughing

Day 23 Meditate

Day 24 The Wings of Eagles

Day 25 No More Tears

Day 26 Praise

Day 27 Enemies

Day 28 Tempted to Lose Faith

Day 29 Old Habits Die Hard

Day 30 Entertaining Angels

More by C.L. Griffin: