Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

 Over the past year my wife and I have been fortunate to help one of our kids by watching our granddaughter while both parents’ work. While here, we have a children’s television program on, which she loves and has learned so much in just one year. One of the most precious parts of this program is the love they express in each episode. We’ve noticed that our granddaughter has grown to embrace us with a hug, pat on the shoulder, confirming her love for us. What a beautiful trait for a child, to express love to others.

 Today’s proverb gives great advice to make time to train your child into a better person, and from that early learning they will carry it with them into adulthood. Studies of childhood development reveal that from birth to age 5, 85% of that child’s brain has developed and has shaped them for their future actions, feelings, how they feel about themselves, and the way they look at the world around them. Basically, they are like a dry sponge and the environment in which they live is like water, as they soak it up, it develops their brain network for life. Is your environment pure, or toxic?

 While we are on the subject of childhood brain development, lets talk about kids in their adolescent years. An alarming statistic for Gen Z age group (kids born between 1997 – 2012) states 74% of boys and 64% of girls say pornography is a problem for them. Somewhere along the way, either through seeing porn online, in the home, or at school, this dirty seed has been implanted in their mind and it will affect their view of the opposite sex, how they view relationships and even make them question their own sexuality. We are seeing today so many accounts of teachers having sexual relationships with their students. I believe pornography is one of the biggest problems for adults who were exposed to it in their younger years.

 Parents. We must do our part to protect our children from the toxic things of the world. It all starts in the home. It all starts with you. You can never shelter your child enough, you can never be too investigative in your child’s business, and never feel bad for being called “old fashioned”. We must do our part to bring our children up in a safe environment, otherwise the demoralization of society will destroy our children, along with their future families and the next generation. God help us! Let Proverbs 22:6 be the focal point of everything you do while raising your children. God bless!

 There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:11-12

You read or hear about it in the news, church going people, or Christians, get caught up in immoral behavior; financial scandals, sexual abuse, adultery, just to name a few. For those who don’t attend church they question is being a “Christian” is really worth it; why go to church, and entertain becoming a Christian if all they do is live like the devil?

Today’s verse comes from a parable that Jesus told regarding the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32. A man had two sons and they had everything they needed for life, a home, a job, and a father who loved them dearly and took care of their every needs. One day the younger son wanted his inheritance. Reluctantly, the father gave his son the money he asked for and the son left home and spent it all on wild living.

Why would a son leave everything good in his life for something that drained him financially? Why would a Christian leave everything he has to pursue something that would drain him spiritually?

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

I believe Jesus was trying to tell us that when you take your eyes off Him, you see the lure of the world and its momentary pleasures. No doubt, there are people who sit in church every Sunday, claiming to be Christians, who live under the blanket of God’s forgiveness, yet the lust of their eyes and their heart is still connected to the ways of the world. Not making excuses, but the Devil targets God’s children so they will carry the burden of guilt and make church going people look fake, leaving those who don’t have any part of church to ignore any thought of being a part of the Christian life.

If that is you, let me encourage you to stop listening to the bad news of the Christian life and share the good news of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the parable, the son is broke, and comes back to the father’s house, where he is greeted by his father with open arms. He admitted his wrongdoing and the father forgave him, welcoming him back into the family. Jesus Christ came to show us how to live, but also gave His life as payment for the sins of mankind. His love for mankind yields a forgiveness like no other. In return a child of God has the future expectation of Heaven.

No one is perfect, especially Christians. But when one of God’s children returns to Him spiritually broken, God restores them into His wonderful family. And He wants you to be a part of His family as well. Won’t you give God a moment of your time to really check out some of the most genuine people you’ll meet inside the walls of your local church. You’ll be blessed!

 

 Isaiah 6:2-3 NKJV

[2] Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. [3] And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”

When you see someone dressed nicely, it's complimentary to tell them you are impressed by their appearance. I often tell my wife how nice she looks when all dressed up, even at times when she's without makeup and in her pajamas. It's because of my love for her, no matter what she's wearing, she's beautiful to me. 

In Heaven there are seraphims (or Angels), who are constantly praising God and recognizing His holiness. As humans it might be difficult to understand how worshipping God 24/7 can happen, but I believe once in the presence of God, we all will recognize His beauty, His holiness, and His love for each of us. 

Until that time, I think we all need to feed our minds with scriptures that reflect His character so we can be prepared to worship Him, alongside the Angels who reside by His side throughout eternity. As you come to know Him more, give Him the praise and recognition He rightly deserves. God is good, all the time! What more reason do you need to give Him praise? 

 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4

 Just imagine for a moment that you were chosen to receive a lifetime of money where you’d never have to work or ever be in need of anything. What would you do with all that money? For the average person, it would be spent on big purchases, maybe a new home, a new vehicle, and an assortment of toys that will occupy your newly found “free time”. This actually happens to people who win the lottery, and they go wild on spending. Statistics say that 33% of those winners will declare bankruptcy within 3-5 years. It boils down to how you chose to live. If you live for the moment, you’ll find yourself in that 33%, but if you chose to spend wisely and invest, you’ll be secure for a lifetime.

 If you are a child of God, you too are blessed with something even greater than an abundance of money; your eternal future in Heaven. But, you have a choice of how you live here on earth as it will be revealed on the day of judgment. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 says: each one’s work will become clear for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which has been built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved yet so as through the fire.

 Take time today, maybe even this week to evaluate your life. Are you investing in your eternal future, or pleasures of the world? If you are truly a child of God, your spiritual compass will always align with the will of God as you live for His purpose in bringing you into this world. Saved is saved, but how you use that blessing will result in eternal rewards or nothing but a smoke covered soul. Invest your security in eternal rewards.

 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

 When life goes sideways, who do you call upon for help? Maybe a friend, co-worker, family member, or maybe a professional counselor. Any one of these might be a great resource for help, but how quickly do they respond when help is needed? We all live busy lives and the response time can be hours, day’s, maybe even weeks. Let me share with you someone who is always available at a moment’s notice.

 Psalm 46:1 clearly states that God is our refuge and strength. Those two things are usually critical in times of need. But the last part of this verse tells just how available God is, “a very PRESENT help in trouble”. He’s always present, always available to give you strength when you are weak, shelter in times of complete chaos, and provides wisdom when your situation has more questions than answers. I can tell you after 60 years of life He’s always been there to guide me through some of life’s most difficult moments, and He can do the same for you when you seek Him out in your time of need.

 When trouble comes your way, don’t delay your call upon the Lord to help you. His response is immediate and always the right answer for your situation. Trust me (and trust God), He will see you through every situation you when give Him the reigns. God bless!

 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord and holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. Leviticus 20:26

 When I began my career with the US government, I had to swear an oath to the United States constitution. At that point I knew things were serious and my loyalty to the government was paramount if I was to succeed in my chosen path. All throughout my career I was loyal to the government. Every day was full of tasks to be accomplished and I can say that I tried to do my best with each responsibility assigned to me. Today I am enjoying the fruits of my commitment to the government.

 As Christians, we are supposed to be holy to God in our actions, thoughts, and words that proceed from our mouth. Why? Because we are to represent God to those outside the faith. If you are familiar with scriptures in the bible, you know that His ways are counter to the ways of the world. Living a holy life takes dedication and effort to keep yourself unspotted from the world. Living a holy life, as hard as it might be, is a continual sacrifice to God, giving Him your best, by living a life surrendered to His will. The blessings that come with a committed life to God are tremendous and will help you sustain your faith each and every day.

 Are you a child of God? If so, take inventory of your life. Do your actions, thoughts, and words resemble holiness? If so, continue on and grow in your faith and commitment. If you struggle to live a holy life, draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help you change your ways, even cutting out things, people, and places that yield anything but holiness in your life. It’s a two way street, and expecting God’s blessings will only come when you make a true choice to live a holy life. God bless!

 Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 

“The Real McCoy” was a statement used to describe someone authentic, true to their word, and someone you could trust. This common expression has been used in many business dealings throughout history. 

Today's verse encourages Christians to walk worthy of the light of Christ. By doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ to those outside the faith. Are you the real McCoy? Can people see Christ in your life by how you act, and the words that proceed from your mouth? 

Many people claim to know Christ and put on their best to resemble a child of God, yet inside their soul is a darkness that has never truly been exposed to the eternal light. If you could see through the imitations, you'd see a lost soul headed for a Hell meant for deceivers of the spirit. 

Come to your Savior with a repentant heart, surrender your ways for the Lord's will. He will fill you with an eternal light that won't dim, even in the darkest moments of life. You will be the “real McCoy” for others to see their way to Christ.