The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.”3 Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. 4 And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” 6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. 2 Kings 6:1-7

The bible is full of documented miracles performed by prophets, such as Elisha, the Disciples, and of course Jesus Christ. Each one required a test of faith to see it through. Many who witnessed these miracles were awed, which in turn changed their heart to trust God in all circumstances. Do you believe miracles happen today? Do you believe they can happen in your life?

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20

Faith is the main ingredient for miracles to happen in your life. It’s having the belief that God will hear your prayer and will respond in the appropriate way. But, you say you’ve prayed before and He never came through with your request. Several questions to ponder: 1. Did you have faith in God with your request or was it a shot in the dark hoping He’d respond? 2. Was it answered in another way?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

God has a plan for every person on the planet. It’s up to us to discover His plan and follow it closely. Sometimes that plan doesn’t align with our wishes, and He uses difficulty to reshape our thinking, so we’ll get on board with the direction He has for our life.

You need a miracle. God has the power to fulfill that miracle. Put your faith and trust in Him and accept the response He gives. His way is best, always has been and always will be! God bless!

 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ”

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

In retirement, I volunteer for our church’s Benevolence program, which we help people struggling to pay their bills. Financial burdens can often put a strain on a couple's marriage. Sadly I see this far too often in the calls for help. 

As Christians, we need to always maintain a sense of awareness for people and couples who battle temptations and marital strife. When noticed, it's best to offer prayer, even spiritual advice to help them work through whatever challenges they face. People need encouragement and direction in times of difficulty. Your willingness to step forward to provide help, advice, and prayer might be the very glue that sustains them. 

Many remain silent, not knowing what to say. I encourage you to put aside your fears, God will give you the words to say in the moment of helping your fellow brother and sister  in Christ. 

Look around. Who needs your prayers, council, and practical wisdom to carry them through the difficulty? Open your heart to those in need. 

 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If you spend anytime watching the news, you know this world is full of hate. Protest/riots have taken over communities, destroying businesses, political hatred influenced recent elections, changing the way our government will function, and let’s not forget the wars currently going on, generating a hatred of death to Americans and Israel. As our world continues to turn upside down, how can you find love in the mix of emotional turmoil that plagues the hearts and minds of people around globe?

It all starts with you. Embracing today’s verses on the definition of love can change the way you look at people, countries, and beliefs that don’t align with your views. Loving others takes personal sacrifice, to set aside your desire to respond harshly, look the other way, or boil up in anger. Those things are not productive, and God doesn’t expect His children to respond in such a manner.

If you are feeling a little guilty about your lack of love, you are right there with me. I’ve been victim to the drama the news generates, stirring up in me feelings that don’t align with God’s expectations to love my fellow neighbor. It’s a process that can take a long time to develop, but with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, that transformation can occur. When you faithfully get on board with loving others, the world around you changes just a little bit, and hopefully your influence will change the outlook of others.

Dear God, help me to love those I don’t understand, give me the patience I need to dig deep in my soul to love them. You are in complete control of this world, I’m just a temporary vessel passing through this moment in time. Help me to reflect the love of God to the unlovable. Amen!

 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10

There is a general statistic that says 20% of the workforce does 80% of the work. In other words, not many people are doing their very best, leaving the work load to a very few productive people. I can tell you by experience, this is true. It’s very difficult being in the 20% category when you see others not performing at the level you are, putting that burden of extra work on yourself. Fortunately, I learned early in my career that I’m working for the Lord, and not man.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23.

Today’s verses give encouragement for us to do well in our work, especially when it comes to serving God. He blesses each of us with talents and abilities to perform certain tasks and when we don’t give our all, we fail ourselves and God. He expects us to do our part as His children, either in the workforce, serving Him, responsibilities in the home, and as a family member. There are not shortcuts to doing God’s work.

Another aspect of Ecclesiastes 9:10 is in our obedience to God. It’s said that partial obedience is disobedience. We often pick and chose certain areas of our life where we remain faithful and other areas where we feel sin isn’t as important in the eyes of God. Those who live this way will find themselves living a lie on the day of judgment, when we face God. OUCH! Does this hit a nerve?

God loves you and sent His Son to take care of your sin debt. Don’t take advantage of your status with God to let sin slip in, justifying it by how well you live in other areas of your life. People depend on you to live up to the standard as a father/mother, son/daughter, husband/wife, and a child of God. Give all you’ve got in whatever role you serve, so one day you will hear God say, “well done my good and faithful servant”! God bless!

 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12

 While at my church yesterday cleaning up after our Judgment Journey production, one of my fellow church members drove up. He was telling me his work plans for tomorrow. The task wasn’t going to be easy, but it had to be done. I thanked him for his volunteer service and he replied, I do get paid, it won’t be in this lifetime but when I cross over into Heaven. A great reminder for me, that every little thing I do, at no charge, will be rewarded upon the return of Jesus Christ.

God has gifted each of His followers with specific talents and abilities. If you claim to be a Christian, are you using them to serve God? It’s easy to say we are a child of God, attend church, maybe even Wednesday night service, but what happens beyond your attendance matters in the kingdom of God. You don’t have to quit your job to serve God, but you should be willing to step up and help when you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you.

Time is valuable and goes by quickly. You have priorities at work, home, and your family. God understands that, but when you are wiling to step out in faith to make time for serving Him, He in turn rewards you with little blessings now, leaving the big rewards when He returns for all of us.

 How can you use your talents to serve God this week?

 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8

 Waking up this morning to see the election results has had me in a state of shock and concern for our country. Many of the policies implemented by the Trump administration has aligned with my beliefs. And now my concern with the changes in House of Representatives and Geogia governor, things look bleak. I believe we are in for 2 years of a dead-locked government and dissolvement of many policies that has helped turn America around for the better.

 Putting my frustration and fears aside, today’s verse came up as an encouragement that regardless of defeat, we have a God who rules the world. That is where we can put our trust, regardless of who manages our local, state, and federal governments. For Christians, we need to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom, to guide these leaders in the right direction.

 Don’t feel defeated! Be inspired to pray more than you ever have. God has a plan for America and through your prayers, He will light our path moving forward for the next 2 years. God bless!

 

 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me, and he who loves ME will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 1421

 Personal relationships are a two-way street. When both parties love each other, there is a bond that is inseparable, and faithfulness abounds in their actions, words, and thoughts. When one strays though, that bond is broken, and peace, protection, and joy slowly diminish. I’ve been there and it’s not enjoyable.

 Jesus made it very clear in today’s verse how to tell if you truly love Him. By following His commandments! You might be thinking that is pretty rigid or even impossible, but God has standards for His faithful and true followers. We are to be the light of Christ. A child of God living in darkness does not display the true character of Christ and deceives those outside the faith. Sadly, some have turned away from following Christ because of a Christian’s poor example that they’ve witnessed. God help us!

 Thankfully God’s His Holy Spirit helps us stay in the center of His will and walk in obedience. Yes, there will be times when we stray and fall into sin, but the blood of Christ cleanses us upon confession. Do you love Jesus Christ? What areas of your life need His spiritual healing to bring you back into God’s graces? He’s provided you everything you need to love Him. Ask God to help you live a closer, more intimate walk with the Savior today. Your faithfulness to Him shows you love Him unconditionally, just as He loves you in the same manner. God bless!