Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with negative thoughts; negative thoughts about a bad experience, or someone who mistreated you, or a problem you have?

I believe that often times these thoughts are being placed in our heads by the enemy, trying to get our day started with a sour and defeated attitude.

I have a technique that I use to overcome these negative influences.

When I wake up with these negative thoughts, before I get out of bed, I try first to remember the words Jesus used in Matthew 16:23, when Peter comments about Jesus upcoming suffering and death. Jesus said, “get behind me satan.” Or the words Jesus used when tempted in the wilderness, He tells the devil “away with you satan”. This shows we recognize the deception and in Jesus’ name we are sending it away.

Second, In my mind I recite the common doxology,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Alternatively, I remember David’s words in Psalm 118:24 “this is the day that The Lord Has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Finally I say a quick prayer, thank God for a new day, and ask for his guidance.

If you experience this negative ambush in the morning, give these techniques a try.

Dear Lord, protect us from the undermining influence of the devil, and help us live our lives as positive, cheerful, advocates for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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With my parents, brothers, their families, and my family, we have a “cast” of 19, from toddler to grandparent. Last night 15 of the 19 were able to get together for a dinner and celebration of my brother’s and my dad’s birthdays. We missed rest of the family, very much. It is difficult to describe the amazing joy and comfort it is to have a close Christian family. For us, there is nothing in this world more valuable than each other.

This is no surprise to God, who inspired Solomon to write in Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.”

What a great blessing it is for us to have this Christian family; I pray that everyone could have the same. Happy Birthday Jeff, and Dad!

Dear Lord, you designed the beauty of the loving family inspired and supported by your love. Help us all cherish, enjoy and build up the families that you have given us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Have you ever had a conversation with the parent of a toddler who was playing on the park playscape? The parent’s eyes are always darting back toward the toddler, ready to run and protect the child from a fall, from some other danger, or from getting out of sight.

In ways, this is what is described in Psalm 33:18 which says, “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

God is watching and is aware of our situations; our successes and struggles, our hopes and our fears. We are not alone, He is always there and ready when we call.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the assurance of your presence. Help us use this confidence to be bold Christians sharing your love and good news. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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How often we get trapped in feeling sorry for ourselves, sour mood and attitude, mad at God or other people because we don’t have what we want. The antidote for this is written in 1 John 2:8, “and as we obey this commandment, to love one another, the darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in.”

By turning our attention away from ourselves and toward others, we are living the way Jesus did. Verse 6 says, ” Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did.”

Dear Lord, Help us overcome our focus only on ourselves, and focus on sharing your love with others. We will then realize the peace and joy this provides. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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You may have read or heard the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It is often misunderstood as to say give thanks “for” all circumstances, which has a significantly different meaning.

We all experience things we wish would not have happened, accidents, tragedies, illnesses, etc. and although sometimes God gives us these things to help us grow, it would be a strange to be thankful for something terrible that happens to us.

We can, however, be thankful “in all circumstances.” so when good things or bad things are happening, we live with a thankful heart; Thankful for being saved through Jesus and given eternal life, and thankful that God is there with us through all our circumstances.

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us in all that we face, giving us the strength to handle anything we encounter. Help us show that strength in our lives to bring glory to you and show others the joy of being Christian. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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