That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10



I recently attended a funeral of a man I knew and worked with at one point in time. Sadly, he had health issues that left him without sight, ability to talk and walk in the last few months of his life. He lived an active, healthy life and centered his careers around public service, worshipped God and active in the community. He made a name for himself by how he lived his life.  



As I sat through the service, I thought to myself what a shame his life had to end with suffering. One thing I realized, we can’t control the beginning of our life and how we came about and the conditions we were brought up in, nor can we control our ending as death has many ways of taking life.



But one thing we can control is the life we live as an adult. Today’s verse is a good reminder that our life, as a child of God, belongs to Him. We are here to serve Him through the gifts and talents He has given us. Pleasing Him should be our number 1 goal in life, for His purpose of our existence is to bring honor and glory to His name. Gaining wisdom by reading from the bible will help shape your life and give you direction so you can be pleasing to the Lord. Your obedience to God will result in a mountain of blessings and a straight path to Heaven.



You can’t control your beginning and ending, but you can manage what happens in between. Give God your life of service and see what He can do for you. Your passion and service to the Lord will be remembered by those who love you and know you well! Dedicate today to the Lord! God bless!  

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. Psalm 138:7



This morning during my quiet time the Lord spoke these words to me….Trust in Me daily. I have a plan for your life to grow you through the circumstances and challenges you face on a daily basis. As you go through each encounter, I season your life with blessings and strengthen your faith muscles.



Your life is the result of the good things and bad things you’ve been through. Take pride in the fact that you are a child of God, knowing that I will always be by your side to protect you, to guide you and encourage you. There is nothing we can’t do together. Trust me each day as you journey through this life.



I hope and trust these words are an encouragement to you as you continue your spiritual journey with God. Trust Him every day no matter what you face. He has a plan for everything He allows to come your way! God bless!

Suddenly, they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote. Danielle 5:5



In today’s verse we read that God wrote a message to the King Belshazzar in the form of a human hand, writing on the wall. Can you imagine if this could happen in your life? God giving you a clear message about something in your life? That would be awesome wouldn’t it? Well, the truth be known, God has written a message just for you, found in the bible.



God’s word is applicable for any circumstance or situation you face in life. Sometimes you have to search for the answer, but I promise its there. When you seek out God’s wisdom, He makes the message clear through a certain verse or a story in the bible.



If you are searching for an answer or guidance, ask God to reveal it through His word. Keep searching, keep praying and most of all continue to live in obedience. Sometimes our vision is hindered by the purposeful sin in our life. Come clean so your view and hearing is clear! God has a writing specific to your needs! God bless!

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24



Everyone who belongs to Christ has died with Christ on the cross. They’ve tacked their sins on that cross and walked away from the destruction sin and darkness brings. A Christian knows what sin is and heeds the Holy Spirit’s promoting when He convicts us as we near danger or when we’ve crossed the threshold of disobedience.



Victory over temptation and sin has to start within the heart. Unless you condition the heart to follow after the ways of God, your battle with sin will be much stronger. You must decide that God’s ways are greater and better than that of the world. For as a child of God you’ve overcome the world. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4



If you are like the average person, there is a sin that you struggle with on a frequent basis. Begin today by releasing it to God and trust that what you give up to follow in obedience is the greater gain because God blesses those who follow in obedience. Your sins are forgiven through Christ blood, the victory has been won, so turn away from the battle and find blessings in your righteous walk with the Lord. God bless!

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise. Ephesians 5:15



The other day I entered a bathroom and saw a bright yellow sign that read “Floor Wet, Use Caution”. If I hadn’t had seen that sign, I wouldn’t have been aware the floor was wet and without watching my step I could have fallen.



For the child of God, its important to always be aware of God’s warnings He provides as you navigate life. There might be places you go or people with whom you associate that could bring you down in your spiritual life. Been there, done that myself, even with all of His warnings. And the hard part is getting back up on your feet when you’ve fallen spiritually.



One way God shows signs of caution is through the wisdom He gives you by reading His word daily and through His Holy Spirit speaking to you. One question you might ask yourself….”God, is this your voice?” To answer that question, you must line what He says with what’s in the bible. If what you hear is backed up in the bible, then I can assure you its most likely His voice telling you to use caution and heed His advice as you work your way through a situation or involve yourself with someone.



Look for God’s warning signs to safely guide you through life. He provides all you need when you trust in His wisdom and guidance! God bless!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4



For the average person, happiness is what they pursue. When things are perfect and running smoothly, we have a sense of peace and happiness. Today’s verse takes it to a new level for the child of God; “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”



When I think over the past few trials I’ve experienced, joy and happiness were far from my emotions at that moment. More like anger and frustration. So how do we get to the point where we can find calm in the middle of a storm? Joy in a moment that wants to take us to a dark place of doom and gloom?



I believe the answer is to keep your plate (or heart) full of Jesus Christ. Just like walking through a church potluck, you fill your plate with all the good food and by the end of the line there is no room for the bad stuff….(well unhealthy like desert.)



You’ve got to stay in the word, keep praying and seek after God daily. When you do, you strengthen your faith and trust in Him, you see His hand working in your life and every circumstance that comes along. With that confidence, you can trust and know that God will carry you through the next trial while you still maintain joy in your heart. The best things develop in us during those storms of life. Keep  your heart full of peace, joy and patience when you leave no room for the bad emotions. God bless!

But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. 1 Corinthians 7:17



Have you ever been in a tool store? There are thousands of tools for every job. It seems each year new tools are developed to make things easier for the person using them. My favorite tool is the multi-tool Leatherman. It has just about everything you need right there in the palm of your hand.



As a child of God, you are no different. The truth is, God created you with your specific talents and abilities. He has a plan for your life and wants to reveal His purpose for your existence. But you have to know what that is, and that is by seeking out His wisdom and will for your life. Through prayer and living life in obedience, God will show you each day how He can use you.



You might feel short on talents, don’t let that discourage you. Focus on your strengths. Some tools are only made for one purpose. They may sit in the tool box all year, but once needed, they do the job perfectly. Do your job perfectly for the Lord, no matter what it is. I promise you; God will bless and reward you for living within His will and purpose for your life! God bless!

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7



Over the past several weeks I have been provided the opportunity to help others in need financially. They have crossed my path with a noticeable need and my heart stirred inside to share just a portion of what God has blessed me with. Its not that I went looking to help others, I truly believe God puts these people in my path to see if I would return a portion of what He has blessed me with. Besides, its all His money anyhow. He just allows me to manage it.



Thought for today, how open are you to share what you have to help someone in need? Let’s take it even deeper, do you see the need of others and act out of the kindness of your heart? If you do, I can assure you the Holy Spirit has cultivated your heart to be the cheerful giver He calls each of His children to be.



There’s a $20 bill in your wallet that can go much farther in the hands of someone in need than what you can do with it. Don’t keep it tucked away, share your blessings with others and find the returns rewarding…..even if its simply a smile one the recipients face. God will bless you! Be a cheerful giver today!

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28



Last night I had the opportunity to watch my grandson for a few hours while his parents went out for dinner. What fun we had dancing to music, rolling around on the floor and shooting some basketball. My favorite was just sitting on the sofa, with him by my side, watching tv. One thing I always had to do was watch over him and stop him when he was about to do something dangerous that could either injure himself, me, or damage something in the home. LOL< as you can imagine it was quite tiring…but so much fun!



Today’s verse is an excellent reminder that we, as children of God, must watch out for one another. We live in a world where spiritual danger exists at every corner and an enemy doing all he can to make us stumble and fall. Sometimes we get so caught up enjoying life that we don’t see the danger in certain behaviors. Left unchecked, one can find themselves in a lot of trouble and can bring about a spiritual train wreck to their life.



If you love the Lord, love your fellow brother and sister in Christ. Love them enough to speak up and help steer them in the right direction when you see them heading for the cliff of spiritual doom! God’s given each of us His Holy Spirit, who whispers other’s names and brings awareness to their need for spiritual guidance and direction. Listen and respond when called upon. You never know, your actions might keep him/her from a lifetime of unnecessary pain and suffering! Watch out for the flock! God bless!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

 

Over the past two days Amazon.com has run a lot of great specials on many items they sell. I have kept my eye on a specific watch and have put it in my shopping cart, completed all the shipping information, but have been hesitant to hit the “submit order” button. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have that watch, but my conscience tells me its not necessary and would not be a good purchase. I eventually emptied my cart and moved on. Looking back today, I know that was the right decision.

 

Oftentimes we see something or someone we like and we want to pursue them. We believe we need it in our life, it will satisfy us, make us happy and we won’t regret our pursuits. Sometimes though God says “no”. This person or thing is not necessary or good for you. He knows best and it’s wise to listen to His voice of reason. He might not reveal why its necessary to withhold hitting the “submit order” button, but in time He will reveal His reasoning for saying no.

 

Maybe you are facing a decision to pursue something, a big purchase, a small one, financial investment or a lifetime investment with a special person. Take it to God first and ask for His wisdom to be revealed. If He says “no”, take His advice seriously and trust that He knows best. It may not be obvious in the here and now, but it will be revealed at the appropriate time! God bless!

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22



I was watched a movie last night about a young lady was trying to get home for Christmas during the middle of a snow storm. During the movie she caught a ride with a guy, but lied to her fiancé about who was brining her home so he wouldn’t worry. As the movie progressed, she had to tell another lie to cover her first one.



The truth of the matter is a lie is deception, no matter its purpose or intention. In today’s society it seems a “white lie” is ok. People can justify it by saying it protects a person from knowing the painful truth or it delivers people from getting caught in something they were doing wrong. Either way, its wrong and one lie will have to lead to another. Eventually the truth will come out. But the most important thing to remember is God knows and sees everything. He hates a liar and will withhold blessings from those who live a life of deception.



I heard a saying once…”if you tell the truth, you won’t have to remember anything”. I challenge you to always speak the truth, no matter what it might cost you. A lie will cost you shame and embarrassment and find God displeased with you. Be truthful always! God bless!

…a thorn in the flesh was given to me, as messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. I plead with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9



Its funny how the smallest things can cause such a stir. A splinter that’s been hurting us, we pull it out, and find this little thing caused so much pain. A few hurtful words from a friend that resulted in sleepless nights and a heavy heart. An approaching task (Monday morning) becomes your big ugly monster. Can you relate?



Life gives us no shortage of trouble and heart ache. And even though the thing that pains you is small, it has a huge impact on your mind, body and soul. God often uses those small annoyances, (because they are all small to God), to bring you closer to Him. He knows He can handle your day to day pains, but He allows them to cross your path for a reason and purpose. Your weakness is the trigger for God’s strength to step in and help you move past the hurt, the wounds and fears. Trust that God has today covered under His care. Anything you can’t handle, know He can! Have a blessed and victorious day!

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6



The other day I picked up a bottle of Diet Coke and on the front label it read “No Sugar and No Carbohydrates”. I’m sure this was put there to capture the eye of those who seek to remove sugar and carbs from their diet for health reasons. But if you turn the bottle around and look at the other ingredients, it paints a different picture and you realize the ingredients aren’t the most healthy thing to consume.



As a Christian, Satan often throws us a curve ball by labeling something or someone, eye catching, it appeals to us and we believe it will be good for us. I encourage you to take time to really think through your attraction until you get a good view from the backside of that pretty label. There are things hidden that can toxify your soul or put you in a bad position financially, relationally, spiritually even through wrong employment.



The next time something catches your eye, take it to God first for wisdom and wait for either His approval or rejection so you won’t fill your life with something God never intended you to partake. God bless!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1



Yesterday I pulled up to a drive thru window at McDonalds and today’s verse was posted on a hand written sign, taped to the window for all to view. First, I was amazed that someone in this day and time had the confidence to post a religious sign (I was so proud of that person), at the same time this verse sunk deep into my soul and I knew it was a message from God, just for me.



Its so easy to get caught up in “things of this world” these days. Marketing of products, money, the lustful temptations to want more of this world. All of these things (and more) can pollute the mind of a child of God, leaving him/her to live outside the will and complete obedience of God. Think about yesterday, would you be willing to offer up everything you did, said and thought to the Lord? If you are like me, you can recall times that need to be erased or words taken back.



As a child of God, your purpose is to represent Jesus Christ’s life, behaviors, thoughts, compassion for others….its a long list and can be found by reading the bible. Your life is a living sacrifice for the Lord. Do you honor Him in all you do?



Start your day off by praying for God to align your thoughts, words, actions and heart with His. Every act of obedience is your reasonable service and worship to the King. Give Him your day and all that you desire. Watch Him transform your day into a continual worship service and receive His blessings along the way! God bless!  

And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Sprit on the house of Israel, says the Lord God. Ezekiel 39:29



Years ago we had a small fire at our house. A plumber installed a new outside faucet and sweated the faucet to the existing copper pipe. This involved a flame that heated a metal rod and it melted at the joint, sealing it together. Well, the flame shot behind the brick wall and caught the wallboard on fire. It smoldered as it burned, creating a lot of smoke. That smoke rose up the wall and exited the house through the roof. It was quite a sight seeing my house venting smoke, knowing there was a fire I called 911.



I can’t tell you how thankful I was for the firemen who arrived quickly and were able to extinguish the fire, halting any further damage. If it wasn’t for those firemen who stand by every day, waiting to respond to emergencies, we all would be in a world of hurt if left to us to stop the crises.



As Christians, we need to know God is always there, ready and able to help us in a time of need. We may go through a period of time when we don’t feel His presence nor see Him in action, but I can assure you, just like those firemen at the firehouse, He is always there, waiting to respond and will reveal Himself in your time of need at just the right moment. Patience and trusting the Lord are the two most important things you can do when going through a trial.



Whatever you are going through, stay the course and keep trusting that God will reveal Himself when its necessary. He won’t let you down, but you need to do you part by trusting Him and continuing to walk within His will at the moment. God will reveal Himself to you friend, trust Him today! God bless!

You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

…For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. Exodus 20:5



I was recently at a BBQ restaurant and looked over their menu. They had a good selection of food, but it was grouped together as “meals” with a meat and specific sides. At the bottom of the menu read the words…”No Substitutions.” The waitress explained that the meals are grouped together so they can be prepared quickly and brought to the dinner table without delay.  



Today’s verses (taken from the 10 Commandments) clearly show that God wants to be first place in every Christian’s life. He gave us the perfect gift, grace and forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. You could say God doesn’t offer any substitutions. What He offers doesn’t compare to anything this world has to offer, yet oftentimes we allow ourselves to get distracted with the world’s menu and we want something or someone more than we do God. I can personally tell you it PAINS God when we chose something other than Him.



What’s life like when God is second place in your life? He oftentimes stops speaking, like a parent who is upset with their child. He withholds blessings and allows you to personally try to survive on your own with what you’ve chosen over Him. I can tell you also that anything other than God is temporary and you will feel at a loss and empty when you rely on it or a person for your happiness.



When you put God #1 in your life, He will serve you blessings through things, experiences and other people to enrich your life. No substitutions friend, always stick with God’s menu and He will continually feed you the best in life! God bless!

And He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgement, because for every matter there is a time and judgement. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6(a)



A while back I was traveling home and my phone’s GPS was telling me to take a route I was not familiar with and appeared I was not going in the direction I needed to get on my next long stretch of interstate. Finally, after a series of turns off the main roadway and onto secondary streets, I stopped and advanced out the map so I could see where it was taking me. To my surprise, I was just a few blocks from getting on that next interstate. Had I kept going the way I thought was right, I would have encountered a lot of traffic, delays and possibly put myself in a dangerous situation.



One thing I’ve learned over the years as a Christian, trust the bible and the Holy Spirit who helps me navigate through life. God’s word plants seeds of wisdom for decision making and His Spirit works through “gut instincts”, telling you to be cautious, do not go down a certain path…etc. Trusting in those two key elements are critical if you are to navigate life unscathed from the world’s traffic jams and distractions from the main path God has laid out for you!



As you journey through the remainder of this year, what tool are you using to make right decisions? Trust in God’s word and listen for His Spirit to guide you. He’s been working since the creation of man and God knows the best route to get you to your destination with out any delays! Trust Him today, even when you don’t understand the instructions. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 



Freedom has always been the one word to describe our great nation, the United States of America. Men and women have fought and died to defend your freedoms. Today, July 4^th, 2019, we celebrate this nation that gives freedom to all its citizens.  



There is another freedom and it cost only 1 life. The life of Jesus Christ. He stepped off His throne in Heaven and came to earth in the form of a human. He instructed us how to live, gave us insight into the love of God for His creation and at the end sacrificed His life for payment of mankind’s sins. We have so much to be thankful as children of God.



One way you can celebrate your freedom is to walk away from those things that bring bondage to your life. Those sinful pleasures and things that constrict the flow of God’s blessings into your life. Why live that way anymore? Enjoy your freedoms by living out your faith and remaining true to God. By doing so you pay honor for the ONE who gave you the keys to Heaven’s gates! God bless!

And He said to him, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” Matthew 22:37



In 1988 the company Nike created a slogan, “Just Do It” to help increase sales of their line of shoes. It worked, sales were up by 43%. The idea behind the theme was for the person to go for it, give it all you’ve got, Just Do It.



For the Christian, I believe today’s verse should be our slogan for life. When you love God with all your heart, soul and mind, you are saying that what God desires for you is best. Seeking out His will is important as it will sustain you through life, help you make right choices and prioritize things and people in your life to bring glory to God and rain down blessings on yourself.



The question to ask yourself, and I’m asking along with you….how much do I love God? Do I love Him enough that I put Him first in my life, or do I put Him in a convenient place where I can refer to His approval when I need it?



Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” When we put God before everything, we make decisions based on His will and approval and shun those things that aren’t within His standards. By doing so we  experience a more balanced life, our faith will grow stronger and  have the confidence to make decisions more easily when we rely on His wisdom to guide us through the daily grind of life. Love God with everything you’ve got friend and you’ll never go wrong in life! God bless!

So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God whom you serve continually. He will deliver you.” Daniel 6:16



This morning I woke with the thought of persecuted Christians on my mind. From the Christian in the United States whose faith is the joke in the office to the Christian in a foreign county faced with the decision to deny Christ and live or die while professing his faith. Clearly the enemy, Satan, is out to destroy the testimony of Jesus Christ.  



No matter what, we as Christians need to stay true to God. If you have the freedom to pray and worship God, you are blessed and should extend every ounce of your strength in praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ, here locally and abroad. The message of Jesus Christ is plain and simple and Satan will do anything in his power to eliminate or make it difficult to share the gospel. But, as the king said to Daniel, “your God will deliver you.”



We serve a God who has already won the battle. Nothing you do in this life is more important than living out your faith, utilizing your freedoms to share His word with the lost (and there are plenty of those around you) and praying for those who need prayer for strength, encouragement and to stand boldly for the Lord no matter what those who are persecuted face. In the end, God will deliver all of His children into a place we call home, Heaven. Share, pray and live out your faith today! God bless!