Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!



I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful Friday eve. I'm doing well, enjoying the warmer weather. I'm grateful that it's almost the end of November, and we've yet to experience any majorly cold weather. Today it was in the mid 60's, which is awesome. I pray our winter is just as mild. It was a very busy day at work, so I guess people are trying to get us much done as possible, before they get a few days off next week. It's great because the day went by faster, but not so great, because my job can be mentally stressful. It takes more energy to solve a technical issue, when dealing with someone who is less than "technically savvy", over the phone. Needless to say it could be a headache, however, my job is very cool and laid back, my co-workers are like family, and we have a small close-knit group, it's very refreshing. I had a wonderful time at the dedication concert at Gonzaga; those are some talented young men. It made me wanted to pick up my instrument again. I need to acquire more classical music, it’s very soothing. Have a wonderful evening, and be blessed family!



Today’s scriptures are about being aware of “fake people”. This may not be a term that a lot of you are used to, but where I come from, we call people who try to be something they aren’t fake. God teaches us how to recognize those people by their fruit. If you’re anything like me, you like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I’m a very optimistic person, and I believe in forgiveness and second chances, because where would I be if God hadn’t done the same for me. However, people are who they are, and we should take them in that way. People do change, but to protect yourself from being hurt, or lead astray, you must be very careful about the ones you allow to get close to you. Have you ever heard the saying, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck”? We often perceive the “ducks” in our life as turkeys, because that’s what we want them to be. The harsh reality is, if you know someone who’s a professional manipulator, liar, and thief, then that’s who they are, and you must be leery of that person, because you’ll most likely become their victim. The Holy Spirit will always warn us about people who are filled with evil, and you’ll know them by the feeling you get when they’re around. This is different from passing judgment on someone, but it’s more observing them, and taking heed to that gut feeling. Jesus said: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves”. (Matthew 10:16) How do we balance the two? We must listen to our Holy Spirit. We must also put on the armor of God. Wisdom and meekness are only acquired when sought. It’s written: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) The enemy will use who and what he could to tempt us, so we must pay attention to details and signs. When we meet new people, we’ll get either an affirmation or reservation about them. We call them “vibes”, and I’ve gotten really good vibes from people, and some really bad ones. There are many factors which determine when and how we’ll heed the Holy Spirit’s warnings, and the biggest is the flesh. Humans are obsessed with vanity. It’s a known fact that good looking people are more likely to be forgiven, or pardoned, for their wrong doing. We must be able to look past the outer appearance, and charm of a person, and really allow our Spirit to lead. As we grow in our Faith walk, our decrement becomes stronger, and we’ll immediately know most of the bad people that cross are path. At times we’ll work on the world’s views, or fall into the “hero” complex, and allow these people into our lives. Its okay to show compassion, sympathy and empathy, and it’s necessary to pray for those who touch the soft spots of our heart, but it’s more important to step back and allow God to work. Because you’re a child of God, He won’t allow just anyone into your life to do you harm. However you could, it’s always your choice to make. Watch for the warning signs, and be strong enough to tell yourself “I am not God, and I cannot change this person”. In most cases, that’s a very difficult thing to do, but it’s always necessary. I challenge you to dig deep and clean house. Is there a person in your life that’s draining your energy? Do you feel a dark presence when they’re around? When you think of them do you sigh? If this is true about anyone in your life, then you need to separate yourself and pray for them. God is the only one you have to please. It’s so hard to stay on the straight and narrow path, and some people in our life make it even harder. Recognize them for who they are, and make the right decision for you. Jesus is the only permanent, necessary fixture in your life. If you don’t know Him, get to know Him today. If you need someone to pray with, please let me know. My favorite verse today is: Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. (1 John 3:7)



ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455155&dtype=Scripture

http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197

http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5569835



I love you!