Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 When was the last time someone tried to scare you? Maybe they stood around the corner and screamed when you came near, or maybe you were alone in a room and someone suddenly appeared scaring the day lights out of you. It’s strange how I can forget so much about my life, but those times when I was scared are vivid in my mind.

 Today’s verse was written by the apostle Peter and he warned church members to be on guard for Satan’s attacks against them. Just the words in this verse can raise hairs when you think about having an enemy who seeks to rob you of joy, in hopes of diminishing your relationship with Jesus Christ. One of his greatest tactics towards God’s children is to tempt them to sin. He knows how guilt can impact people by making them feel unworthy of God’s acceptance. It’s a battle I face daily and I’m sure if you are true to yourself, you are always experiencing the arrows of temptation, and guilt.

 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

 As a child of God, you don’t need to be afraid of the Devil. He’s already been defeated. Jesus Christ came as a sin offering for you and me and anyone who accepts Him into their life. Repentance of sin was taken care of and Satan cannot take that gift away from you. God’s love for you is something difficult to fathom from the human perspective, but it’s real and alive through Jesus Christ.

 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will hep you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiha 41:10

 Where there is no visions, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18

 Throughout history, man has had visions for the future, to achieve what others might have thought impossible. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of freedom for the black race, John F Kennedy had a vision of landing a man on the moon, and the early settlers of the American west had a dream of wealth and prosperity in the newly occupied lands. These visions came with a price for many, persecution, isolation, even death, but they forged on to achieve great success.

 As a child of God, do you have a spiritual vision for your life? There are many today whose view of spiritual vision is to attend a church on a regular basis, say a few prayers, and wait to see how God blesses them. Notice the pattern of this behavior is strictly about “self” only. There is nothing challenging in their life to motivate them beyond sitting through another long sermon.

 A spiritual vision is a deeper connection to God, allowing His Holy Spirit to provide you wisdom to recognize your purpose in being here. It’s embracing His plan to use you for His glory, His purpose, and to achieve great things with His help. The churches of today have so many programs and areas to plug into that can actually distract us from seeing the vision of God’s calling for your life. I do this, I do that, I work hard at this…all for the church…but not for God.

 I’m just a guilty of missing the mark when it comes to spiritual vision. Maybe you are too. Let’s spend time this week asking God to reveal His vision for our lives, so we can experience God’s miracles doing the impossible. Your vision might not include others, and that’s ok. God is with you and will bring your vision to reality when you put your faith and trust in Him. In the end, your vision will greatly benefit the kingdom of God either in your circle of influence or across the globe! Nothing is impossible for God as He reveals your vision. Catch the vision this week!

 

 I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord  are on the righteous, And His ears are  open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord  is against those who do evil.”

Years ago one of the major cell phone company had an advertisement stating they could be heard just about anywhere, as the actor repeated: “can you hear me now”. With all the advancement in cellular technology, there are still areas of the country that have no signal to communicate.

Do you ever feel like God can't hear your prayers? You pray about something with all your might, even asking God, “can you hear me now”, yet the prayer seems to go unanswered. Today's verse sheds light on your question about the connection you have with God. God is present everywhere, seeing everything and everybody. He always hears your prayers, but sometimes your requests might not align with His perfect will for your life. 

I John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

The painful truth is, no response is a response. Let me explain. If your child were to ask you for something that you knew would harm them, you wouldn't get it for them….correct? The same is true with your Heavenly Father. Your prayers might be sincere and logical, but unanswered prayers should tell you that what you are praying for isn't going to always be delivered, or will come at the perfect moment. 

On a personal note, I've had prayers go unanswered because it wasn't the best thing for me, looking back now I see why God withheld my request. And times when he delivered at the right time, any earlier would have been wrong for my life. And sometimes when we aren't living right with God, our prayers are put on hold until a prayer of repentance opens back up the line of communication. 

In closing, God hears you always. Ask Him to reveal His perfect will for your life and follow in obedience as you stay connected to Him, no matter where you are on this planet. God bless. 

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 Today marks 10 years of blog writing since I started on July 10, 2016. During that time, I’ve written 2,130 blogs, as led by the Holy Spirit, that has been read in well over 20 countries across the world. God has been so good and faithful to provide me thoughts to share through this platform. I’m so thankful you are one of the 76,000 people who’ve read them!

 During my career I sent a draft letter to my boss for his review. His comeback was….”have you taken a course in writing?”. I guess the message was, I need to do better with my writing. Today, I still need help, but God has been my helpmate, giving me thoughts to type out to share in hopes that it might help others come closer to God and strengthen their journey of faith. I know many of the blogs have given me encouragement and wisdom, as I go back and re-read them to digest exactly what God was telling me. One interesting note, some of my best blogs came during a time when I was struggling in life with obedience, faith, and lowliness. Those valleys of life can be good times for learning, healing, and most of all encouragement.

 God created you with a purpose. Have you discovered your purpose? You might not be good at what you do, but that doesn’t bother God one bit. If He believes in you, then you should have faith in Him, knowing that He will provide all that’s necessary to get the job done. All God needs is a willing person to accept and jump in to do the Lord’s work.

 Let’s get started today! This world needs more workers for the Lord. He’s got a plan mapped out for your life to spread the gospel through words, actions, and prayer. Do your part and find God’s blessings in the busywork He’s prepared for you! God bless!

 

 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:26

 My wife and I watched a documentary about a politician who was running for office, when a reporter exposed his adulterous behavior, and in turn he lost the election. This man hunted down and murdered the reporter. From the time he was arrested, going through his trial, and even today, claims his innocence. The evidence didn’t lie and it was so overwhelming no lawyer would take his case to court.

 As a child of God, do you look upon yourself as innocent under the blood of Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ (God’s Son) came to earth to fulfill His Father’s purpose, to forgive mankind of their sins through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. The great divide between a holy God and us was bridged by this historical act of love. By the grace of God, we are considered innocent if Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life.

 Hebrews 10:26 gives us a grave warning though, that willful sinning puts the guilty verdict back on us. The freedom of God’s grace and forgiveness shouldn’t be considered a free pass to live in sin. It should motivate us to do everything in our power, with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, to avoid sin, even run from it.

 Once saved, Satan does his bidding by putting lustful, greedy, and jealous thoughts in our mind to lead us back into a sinful lifestyle we were freed from, by Jesus Christ. We must not allow ourselves to entertain these thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Like a spark in the woods, it becomes a roaring fire that can’t be contained.

 If we confess out sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

 Maybe you’ve been living in purposeful sin and it’s taken root in your life. You want to change your ways, but not sure if it’s too late. 1 John 1:9 tells us that God is faithful to forgive when we completely turn from our sins and reconnect with Him through obedience and love for Jesus Christ. Seek His forgiveness today so you can be declared innocent in the eyes of God!  

 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

 After years of working outside as a Park Ranger, I have to visit the dermatologist once a year to get some new spots on my skin cut off to prevent skin cancer from developing. Over the years I’ve developed these spots and slowly, the doctor removes them so they can be tested for cancer. Thankfully I’ve been cancer free!

 Today’s scripture talks about a cancer that must be removed from our life, it’s called “sin”. Sin is any behavior, thought, motive, or character that is outside the moral standards and expectations of God. As humans, we are born into sin and even after accepting Christ, we still struggle with the flesh. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to take any action necessary to remove it from our life, otherwise it will grow deeper into our life, affecting our relationship with God and fellow believers in Christ.

 Hebrews 4:12 specifically tells us how to remove it, by reading God’s word and applying it to our life. Reading scripture sheds light on those things that God hates in our life, and the Holy Spirit prompts us to make changes to rid that cancerous sin. Some people chose to ignore the gospel because they know what it says and don’t want to admit their sin or don’t want to change. They’ve taken a liking to the pleasures of the world. Sadly, they will continue to move towards self-destruction, both physically and spiritually.

 Hebrews 4:13 tells us that nothing is hidden from God. Nothing. You might be hiding some sin from others, but God sees what’s behind closed doors, inside the privacy of your mind, and you will have to give an account for those purposeful sins one day. Trust me, that won’t be an enjoyable experience.

 Friend, if you are true to God, and yourself, walk the Christian life. Continually read God’s word to allow it to convict the sinful things in your life so you can keep a pure heart, mind, and soul ready for when Jesus calls you home! God bless!  

 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”  Revelation 21:12

 There are several places in our town where the police like to sit and monitor driver’s speed. On occasion I’ll see blue lights flashing and another driver gets a ticket. For me, I try to obey the speed limit, so I don’t have to constantly look out for police so I can keep my attention focused on driving. Good driving rewards me with cost savings and a discount on my vehicle insurance.

 Some people, who claim to be “Christians”, perform in the same manner by acting “spiritual” while in church and around other believers, but when alone or outside of their brotherhood, they act worldly. If they see another Christian, they’ll either hide or stop that behavior for the moment until they are out of sight. It’s easy to get caught up in this type behavior, especially when no one is around to hold them accountable.

 Today’s scripture tells us that one day the Lord will return and when He does, it’s His plan to reward His faithful followers. Just think about all the rewards and blessings half-hearted Christian will miss on the day of His return.  I’m reminded of Matthew 7:23, “And I declare to them, I never knew you, depart from Me; you who practice lawlessness!” Sadly, there are many people today who claim to be a Christian, living a lie, and when they face the Lord, they will find a closed door to Heaven.

 If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15

 Loving the Lord is the key to living a genuine Christian life. You can’t do it by your own efforts. God gives each child of God His Holy Spirit to help them live by faith and obedience to God’s moral standards. You have the opportunity to seek His help, so you can focus on living rightly and not be on the lookout for other’s who believe you to be a true Christian. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul so living the life He’s called you will come naturally. God bless!