“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!

 

 “[8] Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ”

Colossians 2:8 NKJV

In two days Americans will vote for the candidates of choice. Currently there is a concern that the opposing party of the President will take over both chambers of government, leaving the country deadlocked for 2 years. 

You listen to their views, what they want to accomplish, and how their plan will make life better for you. How do you know which belief to accept as truth? 

Today's verse, written well over 2,000 years ago, is just as applicable today as it was back then. Many falsehoods abound out of the mouths of those who think their way is best. Many who hate our president are embracing opposing philosophies and policies that quite frankly will turn God's blessings over this country to His judgement. And when that happens, chaos and destruction abound. Just as we saw in the former administration. 

The ONLY best plan is the one that aligns with God's word in the Bible. It has been the centerpiece of people and nations who've been on the receiving end of His blessings and prosperity. Those nations who've turned away from biblical beliefs have suffered greatly, even been annihilated. Just look what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Scripture below:

“[6] and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; ”

II Peter 2:6 NKJV

You want to live in a free country, abounding in prosperity and God's blessings? Then choose the best way that God will bless and honor. The future of this nation lies in your hands. 

 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

 I just love this time of year with the Fall weather, leaves turning beautiful colors, and so many festivals to embrace the season. The changing of the leaves is one event that draws so many people to the mountains to witness God’s beauty. As much as we appreciate their beauty, there is one element of those trees that we don’t see that play an important role in their beautification.

 The roots of a tree provide life sustaining water and nourishment. Without them, the tree would slowly die. Growing deeper each year, they tap into the abundant source of minerals and water, while maintaining the strength of the tree as it grows upward.

 As God’s children, we should be like tree roots, grounded in God’s word daily to provide us wisdom for how to live in this earthly life. I’ve witnessed some beautiful godly souls in my lifetime, people who are 100 percent committed to Christ and they all stay rooted in God. Nothing deters their spiritual growth; they know where to receive the nourishment to sustain faith.

 If you were a tree, how strong are your roots? Are you growing deeper in your faith as your spiritual life changes colors with the seasons? Start your day in God’s word, pray often, and trust God in every corner of your life and you too will be a beautiful soul in your corner of this world. God bless!

 

 1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." 2 Aaron said to them, "Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." 3 Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, "This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt." Exodus 32:1-4

 In today’s scripture we read that Moses was on the mountain receiving the 10 Commandments from God. His delay in coming back down stirred the hearts of God’s people (the Israelites) to focus on another god, a gold calf. You’ve got to wonder what they were thinking. They gave up worship towards the God of the Universe for a golden calf that had no life, no power, no eternal value. Why did they give up on God?

 The bigger question, why do we give up on God? Life has its moments and sometimes when things don’t go our way, God gets blamed and we exchange our relationship with God for something that has no eternal value. I recall reading an article recently about Billy Crystal who stopped trusting God because of the tragedies in his life. I just wonder what he will put his trust in now? That’s a tragedy in itself.

 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor [a]serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, Exodus 20:3-5

 Wrapping this up, you might be waiting on God to come through with something requested; don’t lose hope or your trust in Him. He is always working behind the scenes to fulfil His purpose in your life. Satan will try to draw your attention away from God’s offerings, so you will turn to the small gods of earth. Trust me, those things have NO eternal value. Time is on God’s side, and your patience is the necessary ingredient to fulfil His plan for your life.

 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3

 ave you ever read a verse in the bible several different times and each time it has a deeper meaning? That’s what happened to me this morning. I was doing some scripture reading and my eyes came across this verse (again), immediately taking me back to moments when I was desperate for help, and I called on God. As I’ve aged, I have a long list of stories where God has been faithful to see me through some challenging times.

 Trust is a powerful word. When you put your trust in something or someone, you are surrendering part of yourself, leaving you vulnerable to the outcome. In the world, it can be risky to trust. Sometimes it works well, and other times leaves you broken hearted, broken financially, or simply overwhelmed. But when you trust in God, things come together according to God’s big plan. The outcome might not align with your wishes, but they have benefits far beyond what you can see in front of you.

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 Maybe you are headed into the unknown with a new job, a new relationship, a change in your marital status, health crisis, or whatever you feel is bigger than your resources. Put your trust in God alone. Let Him know your fears, your doubts, your uneasiness about the situation before you. At some point, when He knows you are spiritually ready to receive His help, He will light a pathway through what troubles you, so you can walk in confidence knowing God has a unshakable plan that will eventually yield His blessing in your life. Trust me, I’m 60 years of proof, God will never let you down when you turn to Him for help! God bless!  

 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

 There are times in life when things don’t always go as planned, which yield a whole bunch of powerful emotions like anger, stress, and pressure to overcome. And unfortunately, it’s during those times that a heap of other issues suddenly develop that weigh you down emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And the troubling part of this equation, you can’t just walk away from life, you must face it.

 If you’ve ever been to car races, the driver is constantly revving his engine. He does this to prepare the engine for the enduring race by building pressure in all systems, warming the engine to maximum performance, and the sound gives the driver a motivational boost to get in the race. The same thing happens when we see trouble on the horizon. Our minds begin to develop plans how to overcome, our blood pressure rises, and our emotions become like a hot engine…ready to take off. You probably know what happens next.

 I’m almost certain when Paul penned today’s verses he knew that those church members would face severe consequences for their faith and pressures from outside forces trying to stop or discourage their worship. He didn’t need a group of emotional Christians going nuts, he needed them to reflect the true nature and character of Christ. Life’s pressures can most certainly generate words and actions that don’t reflect the message of today’s verses. But, a gentle spirit, with patience, and humility, can turn a stressful moment into a calming environment that God can use to help you and bring Him glory.

 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger Proverbs 15:1.

 Whatever you are facing right now, turn it over to God, so you can deal with it in a calming manner to protect your Christian witness! God bless!

 13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

 Have you ever noticed that the things that provide safety are narrow or thin? A rock climber relies on his thin rope to support him if he falls, a sidewalk provides safety for people walking next to a roadway, bridges keep us from drowning while crossing a stream or river. Stepping off of those pathways or safety nets could result in personal injury, even death.

 In today’s verse, Jeus gives us insight into who will receive eternal life in Heaven, and those who are headed for destruction (Hell). It’s a narrow road that protects one from the dangers of this world. God’s word is the guide that keeps your life centered on His protective pathway. Any step off that path, and you quickly become caught in the mire of sin (like quicksand).

 If you call yourself a Christian, then your forward focus should be on that narrow pathway. Sadly, many have good intentions, but something or someone distracts them and detours from the narrow path seem pleasurable for the moment. Sooner or later those good times yield regret and momentary separation from God’s blessings. Trust me, there is NOTHING outside that pathway that should be explored or tested.

 God has provided you the pathway to Heaven. Walk in it daily by reading the bible, praying for wisdom, and listening to God’s quiet voice of reason. When you do, your steps will be guarded and you’ll never lose your footing on the pathway He’s provided for your life. God bless!