But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

 

A few weeks ago, I purchased a really nice table saw for my woodworking shop. I splurged and bought an expensive one that is solid and will perform many functions, which should last for years. When it arrived, two people had to load it in my shop. When I opened the box and looked inside, I saw it had many, many parts, so I closed it and decided to wait until an opportune time to put the pieces together. Procrastination got the best of me, as I read through the instructions and continued to put off its construction. Finally, I found a window of time and carefully put all the pieces together. It took 4 hours, but was worth it.

 

As Christians, we read through the bible and gain nuggets of wisdom and guidance for our lives. Yet, so often what we read seems too much to live up to, so we close the bible and wait to read another chapter that will be more pleasing to the eyes. We simply put off or push back from what we know God would have us to do. Have you ever experienced this in your life?

 

Just like that instruction manual for the table saw, the bible lays out specific plans for your life! Its words build a Christ like character in you, which works towards accomplishing God’s plan to reach the world with His love and forgiveness. Unless you take action upon what you read, your purpose in life will never be accomplished.  

 

Like today’s verse says, be doers of God’s word and not just a reader. God has many awesome things in store for your life and it requires your time and priority to follow in close obedience. Don’t procrastinate His blessings any longer, be a doer of His word and you’ll find great things in your life and the lives of those you touch through following His word!   

 

 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

Finding peace in this world can be difficult. Just in the past few days I’ve read of multiple shootings in a popular vacation spot, destruction of a business and let’s not forget the horrific war going on in Europe. Trouble is everywhere and Jesus Himself even said we’d have trouble as Christians.

 

So how do you have the peace of God in your heart? For me, I have to mentally escape from this world and pray to God. The moment I start my prayer, I feel this calming effect come over me. I feel this way because I know the God of this universe holds everything in His hands and His Holy Spirit lives inside me as a child of God. No matter what, He reminds me of His presence in my life. As a child of God, He goes with you. He is bigger than any problem you encounter and can resolve it through prayer and belief in Him.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

 

Another thing you can do is turn off the world. Social media, TV, radio, even your neighbor, can stir your heart and emotions. Block out some time to spend in the bible and read it closely, soaking up its promises and message of hope. This world is NOT your home. Your brief life here is but a vapor in time compared to eternity. Look to Jesus for His love to sustain you in this loveless world. He is your only hope and firm foundation for life. Nothing and no one can bring you closer to God than your personal relationship through Jesus Christ.

 

Connect to God through prayer, bible study and quiet time away from the craziness of this world and I promise you, you will find more peace in your heart. God bless

 

 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Mark 6:8-9

 

Imagine going on a business trip with no money, no change of clothes, no food, just the clothes on your back and shoes on your feet. That’s exactly what Jesus instructed his 12 disciples when He sent them out to preach repentance to the communities they visited. Jesus had already planned to take care of them through the hospitality of the homes they visited and people they encountered. This was a test of their faith and trust in Him.

 

As a child of God, you must consider living out your life with the same trust and confidence of His disciples. Although you and I have not had the opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus, we are encouraged by the gospel that recorded His faithfulness and the words Jesus spoke.

 

“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

 

If you are a child of God, you have a purpose in life, to serve Him using your special God given talents. He has imparted special gifts to each believer, so as individuals, we all come together for one purpose, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. You can do that through word of mouth, by acts of kindness, through financial support of a special ministry. There is an endless list of opportunities to serve Him. He shall supply all your needs so you can accomplish the Great Commission! Seek your talent today and trust that God will give you all you need for His special ministry He has assigned to you. God bless!

 

 Fight the good fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12a

 

Going back to the topic of the Ukraine people, they are all fighting for their country. Men and women of all ages are standing their ground to defend their country so they can continue to enjoy the freedoms once held. These brave men and women should be in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers as they are sacrificing their lives for a worthy cause.

 

Timothy reminds Christians to fight the good fight of faith. The bible is very clear that anyone associated with Jesus Christ will face some form of persecution or trial in their life (John 16:33). The world, as a whole, rejects the holiness of God, because its ruler is satan. Satan has blinded the mind of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because of their blindness, they can’t grasp the gospel, they can’t connect to God’s holiness, so they chase after falsehood and things counter to the word of God.

 

As a child of God, you must continue your pursuit to live out your faith, regardless of the criticism, persecution and even potential death for the cause of Christ. Many around the world are suffering greatly for their belief, because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. Don’t let them die in vain. Your world of freedom is God’s blessing and you (and myself) should use it for God’s glory to share the good news of Christ.

 

The lost are dying by the thousands, totally blind and without faith in the Savior. You can be that light that leads them out of darkness. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. It’s what you are called to do as a child of the living God! Blessings!

 

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

 

As a child of God, you are not of the world, but you live in the world. As a representative of Christ, the world is watching you. Everything you say and do is looked upon by those outside the faith. That is why it’s so important to live out your faith, regardless of the circumstances in your life.

 

Maybe it’s a difficult boss who makes it challenging to go to work every day, or a spouse who makes it difficult to stay in the marriage, a rebellious child who challenges your patience or maybe you are simply not in a good place and always looking for something better. The list is definitely endless, but God wants you to be content in your current situation so you can show the world the characteristics of Christ: love, joy, peace, kindness, long-suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22).

 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11

 

Your life might not be perfect, and honestly things might be quite difficult, even painful. Put all your energy into pleasing the Lord where you are, and not seek after the praise of this world. No one has more interest in you, than God Himself. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for your soul.

 

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Live your life for the One who gave His life for you! God bless!  

 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. Proverbs 27:12

 

Imagine if you will a blind man walking on top of a mountain and using his cane to check the ground before he takes each step. That cane ensures the next step is there and is safe to move forward. Now consider him nearing the edge of a cliff, as he uses his cane, he doesn’t feel anything ahead, yet he continues to take the next step, which leads to a horrific fall to his death. You have to question why he took it, knowing his cane told him it’s not safe to move forward.

 

As Christians, we must always be on guard for the dangers of sin. Sadly, some continue to walk right into a sinful behavior and not think it will have an impact on their life. The truth is, sin has consequences and 100% of the time those sins come with negative responses; maybe not immediately, but they will eventually catch up to you.

 

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself. When you don’t feel a firm foundation of where you are in life, it’s time to take a step back to evaluate where you are headed. Always keep a watchful eye out for every endeavor you start and make sure it aligns with God’s will and purpose for your life. Sin is NEVER part of God’s plan, so avoid anything that is prohibited in God’s word.

 

Today is a new day to start afresh and purposeful walk with the Lord. Make each step count and avoid the pitfalls of satan’s ways of deception. God knows the path He has for you, so follow His still quiet voice in confidence. God bless!

 

 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

 

What consumes your mind all day? Is it the worries of life, maybe you focus on a special relationship or your mind is always trying to plan out your day between work, family and personal time. There is a endless list of things to think about, but only one thing truly matters, your heart. Where you heart is, that’s where your true focus will be. Everything in your life has a priority and what matters most to you will always be at the top of that list.

 

Today’s verse is a reminder of the fact that what we value the most is where we invest our time and resources. I encourage you to take some time today and evaluate what matters most to you and see if your relationship with God has any influence over your heart’s desires.

 

Everything in your life, the good and bad, has been sifted through the hands of God. His plan for you is to grow you into His image. Only by keeping your heart “Christ focused”, will you be able to make Him a priority in all of life’s responsibilities and treasures.  Leaning on His Holy Spirit to guide you through each day will help you maintain that Heaven bound focus and not get caught up in the earthly treasures that can be taken away without reason.

 

“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20

 

Invest in Jesus Christ. He gave His all so you can have the freedom of life eternal. Your treasures on earth have little value in Heaven, so make your investments worthy of Him who gave your life purpose as a light into the darkness! God bless!

 

 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

 

“What would Jesus do” became a popular phrase back in the 1990s, promoted by a youth group leader, to encourage teens to consider what Jesus would have them do with their life. WWJD spread like fire across the country to motivate Christians, young and old, to ask what would Jesus do in their specific circumstance and follow His lead. This movement caused people to strengthen their faith in Jesus.

 

Since then, this saying hasn’t died, it just isn’t considered much in today’s society. Many people, including Christians, have adopted their own way of living, and oftentimes counter to God’s word. I look around and have to believe that God isn’t happy with the way things are going. Pursing a life pleasing to the Lord isn’t on everyone’s radar and it shows by the today’s standards.

 

I want to encourage you (and myself) to seek after the Lord and what pleases Him. Every decision you make, ever move you take, every word spoken, even the thoughts that grind in your mind should be aligned with standards set forth in His word. The ONLY way to get there is by reading your bible and have a daily bible study. There are a variety of informational sources, but many are full of mis-information and can lead you down the wrong way of thinking. God’s word never changes, so you can rely on its credibility to provide you a solid foundation in which to live.

 

It's time we start asking what pleases God. Begin with your faith in Him and allow His Holy Spirit to lead you throughout each day in prayer, bible study and the prompting of His Spirit. He’s speaking to you today, listen carefully and follow in obedience and God’s blessings will be the visible fruit of your faith in Him.

 

 The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your hole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in your is darkness, how great is the darkness. Matthew 6:22-23

 

Have you ever met someone who was full of energy, had a positive outlook and made the room brighten upon their entrance? I know many people like this and it’s a joy to be around them. Knowing their history, they’ve gone through some difficult challenges in life, yet they came out with joy on the other side. You’ve got to ask, how do they maintain that joy and positive vibe?

 

I believe today’s verses answer that question. Your eyes are the doorway to your heart. What you allow your eyes to see and read impacts the heart. Simply put, if you read and see positive things, your heart will be positive. If you allow your eyes to read negative things, then your heart will be bent towards the negative.

 

What’s negative? Social media can be one thing. I’ve had friends go through periods of severe depression and the first thing their counselor advised them was to stay off social media. Although there is some positive and encouraging information on the web, there is equally bad and many sites are programmed to allure you down paths you never planned. Pornography is another negative as it provides a false view of love and tears apart God’s whole purpose for the marriage relationship. The news can be alarming, especially these days, and their whole purpose is to generate emotions that keep you glued to the media outlets (I struggle here). It’s good to be in the know, but keep those emotions and thoughts in check.

 

What’s positive? God’s word is the first to come to mind. The words of Jesus Christ as encouraging and provide life sustaining wisdom. There are great self-help books that provide tips on doing life God’s way. One book I read years ago helped prepare me when I went back to college, “The Power of Positive Mental Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peal. An awesome book that I recommend to anyone seeking to change their mindset.   

 

Yes, it’s a long blog, but the point is, feeding the heart positive will result in a positive view and the light of Christ will radiate outward when your heart is healthy. Protect those eyes from the dark things in life and you’ll see a brighter more positive you. God bless!

For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. Mark 4:22

 

Everyone has skeletons in the closet; things that have happened in your life that you don’t want anyone to know about. Maybe it was an affair, something you stole or even a serious crime committed and to this day no one knows about it. Well, there is One who knows and that is God.

 

Today’s passage clearly reminds us that nothing goes unnoticed by God. At the conclusion of your life, you will stand before God to answer for the things you’ve done, standing accountable for everything, even those hidden things that no one knows about. So often we forget about the final standing of judgement and continue to live life, sometimes hiding things from those who love us.

 

If you really consider the secretive things in your life, they probably have done nothing good for you and oftentimes you probably question why you even did those things. The best approach to clean out the closet is to ask for God’s forgiveness and seek His help in restoring relationships and bring justice to your injustice. It might be painful, but necessary if you are to live a life free from past mistakes. Guilt can do more emotional damage than the act itself.

 

Everything in your life has been under the watchful eye of your Maker. Don’t keep it hidden any longer. Confess, restore and find freedom in your decision to bring light to the darkest areas of your life! God bless! 

 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight. Colossians 1:21-22

 

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I’ve got to say that is very true. When I look at my wife, I see a beautiful person with a heart of gold, always ready and willing to give of herself to help me and others. She loves hard and doesn’t hold a grudge. Even when she believes she is poorly dressed, I still see her beauty.

 

Today’s verse is a great reminder of how God views His children. As fleshly humans, we sin and the truth is, God can’t look upon sin. “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on those who deal treacherously.” Habakkuk 1:13 But through the perfect love of God, sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth and become a living sacrifice, He paid our sin debt in full. As a child of God, you are washed clean by the blood of Christ. Therefore opening up a beautiful and personal relationship with God.

 

You might feel a heavy burden by the sins of your past and even the present. If you are a child of God, you are forgiven. This gift of forgiveness should prompt you to honor God through obedient living. You are a new creation in Christ, live like it and don’t become bound by the sinful behaviors of the past.

 

Washed by the blood of Christ. God loves you as His child, beautiful in every way. Take comfort in knowing your Savior calls you friend (John 15:15). God bless

 Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish; Why should you die before your time? For he who fears God will escape them all. Ecclesiastes 7:17-18b

 

The average person in this world wants to live a good life by doing the right things and have peace with his fellow man. Unfortunately we live in a society that is open ended to all kinds of beliefs that can lead you down a path not intended for the child of God. Without conviction and wisdom, even the most devout Christian can be lead astray through temptation and the evilness that lies dormant in everyone.

 

“For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20

 

So how do you overcome the lure of wickedness and keep yourself from making foolish decisions? Staying in a constant state of prayer and reading God’s word will help sustain you in the toughest of days when everything wrong seems right and your faith is put to the test. And, you must make a decision beforehand that no matter what, you will not cave to the temptations you face. You know your weaknesses, and so does satan. He will attack your weakest links of your life in hopes of breaking your determination to stay faithful to God. The battle for your obedience is the only thing satan can use to fight against God.

 

“Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city.” Eccl. 7:19

 

Godly wisdom is the only way you will win the battle inside your mind. Turn to God whenever faced with a potential detour off God’s path. The lure to take that exit will be so tempting, but it’s nothing but a lie. Stay the course, as God intended for your life and you’ll obtain blessings for your obedience as you journey down the path of righteousness! God bless!

 

 Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10

 

If you think about it, developing your relationship with God is similar to learning how to drive a car. In the beginning you study all there is about driving safely, learning the laws of the road and checking your vehicle’s equipment to ensure its road worthy. Over time you’ll have an occasional accident which provides a learning opportunity so you don’t make the same mistake. From those mistakes, you develop good driving skills and because of your safe driving, you benefit from lower insurance payments and a good driving record.

 

Upon acceptance of Jesus Christ into your life, you should desire to immerse yourself in God’s word to understand your new found relationship and learn from Jesus’ example of how to live a life pleasing to Him. Along the way you’ll make mistakes and fall short of His will, but those are opportunities to learn from your weakness and strategize how to avoid falling into the same trap of temptation. Through the years, you’ll find your behavior, thoughts and words align more and more like Jesus, this is the process of sanctification.  “Set apart” from the ways of the world is the end result of those who’ve grown wise in their spiritual development.

 

The benefit of growing your relationship with the Lord? God’s blessings. When you are on track with God’s will for your life, you position yourself for His perfect plan that gives you the best understanding of life and your purpose here. God’s blessings are His rewards for your obedience and encouragement to continue in your pursuit after Him. Today’s verse is so true: Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. God bless!

 

 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

 

I remember the first time I saw a police officer changing someone’s flat tire. I thought to myself, that isn’t his job, he has more important things to do, like catching criminals, slowing down speeders and breaking up fights. But, as a public servant, he is serving his community by helping them, one problem at a time.

 

Have you ever thought about the help of God in relation to your problems? Maybe you’ve felt like He has too much going on to help you in your daily battles. Friend, I can assure you, He has the time and capability to help you with every problem and challenge you face on a daily basis. Today’s verse encourages the child of God to place all of your burdens on Him, so He can help you through every difficulty, to keep you moving through life.

 

I can personally attest to His care and concern. Time after time, I have lifted my burdens to Him, only to have His strong hand take hold of the challenge and carry it to completion. Yes, the burden is still my responsibility, but He carry’s its weight so I can navigate through it with dependence upon Him. The key to having His help is believing He is really there, helping you with every request.

 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

 

Whatever problem you face today, lift it up in prayer, in faith, to the Lord and He will help you, because He cares for you. God bless!

 

 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

 

When you buy a new outfit, you can expect someone to give you a compliment on how nice it looks on you. Your choice in clothing attire speaks to the kind of person you are in life. If you have a low opinion of yourself, you most likely will dress down, but if you have respect for yourself, you’ll put on something decent and it shows.

 

Today’s verse speaks of putting on love. When you fill your heart with love for self and love of others, it radiates outward. People should feel your love through your words, actions and compassion you show them. Love is a verb, and put into action it can change the world around you, for the better.

 

And above all things, have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

 

What about those people who are unlovable? Maybe it’s someone whose done you wrong, or that mean neighbor who always seems angry and hateful or maybe it’s someone living under the same roof as you. God often places hateful people in your life to strengthen your ability to love. By doing so, you overlook the offenses and see them as God’s creation, who are in need of grace and mercy. Jesus displayed this perfectly while dying on the cross He said: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

 

As you get dressed this morning, think about putting on love and let your love for others shine brightly. People will remember you by how you treated them. “Let all you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

 

 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:2

 

There will come a day when everyone will face God and answer for the way they’ve lived on planet earth. For those who have not accepted Jesus Christ into their life, they will be condemned to Hell. But for those who’ve received the Spirit of God, they will still answer to God, but will be saved from eternal condemnation, and welcomed to Heaven.

 

If you are a Christian, you are blessed to have the Holy Spirit of God living inside you. Because of this blessing, you should honor God in every aspect of your life. Nothing goes unnoticed by Him for He is in you. Your every thought is help captive by Him, so He knows your true intentions.

 

As the second part of today’s scripture says: whose spirit there is no deceit. Don’t give satan a foothold in your life. Live a life of freedom from sin’s bondage, exercising the true and honoring ways of the Lord. God will bless you for your obedience and commitment to Him. It is difficult at times to live the Christian way, as this world is full of deceit and wicked ways.

 

Although you are in the world, you are not of the world. John 17:16

 

You are living in the world, but you don’t have to be a part of it. Separate yourself from the things of this world that will have negative influence over your life and follow God in obedience. Obedience brings blessings, and you are truly blessed as a child of God. Rejoice today in your freedom to live in Christ. God bless!

 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

 

With a drop in the stock market, I decided to move some money into a financial account and buy stock at this lower price with anticipation of it going back up…..hopefully soon. Every now and then I check the market to see how its going and constantly tell myself, we’ll see improvement soon. Although I’m not obsessed with the market, it certainly has my attention right now.

 

We all invest in something. Weather it’s a financial account, hobby, job, family or decorating your home. Over time you appreciate your successes and want to invest more. People know you by who or what you invest yourself in.

 

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

 

When you invest in the Lord, you please Him, and He in return blesses you. Sometimes He multiplies your investment in Him and does so much with your faithfulness. There are many, many ways to invest in Him, through acts of service for the church, helping others, financially supporting missions or just living a life after the character of Jesus by showing love to those around you. The list is endless, but nothing you do for the Lord goes unnoticed by Him and He is more than capable of taking what little resources you have and providing an abundance of blessings back your way. You can never outgive or outdo the Lord.  

 

What’s something you can do today to further the kingdom of God? Take that step of faith and invest yourself in Him and He will make it go further and bless you along the way! God bless!

 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18

 

Yesterday I checked into my hotel room while on a business trip. Upon entry, I noticed a brown paper bag on the counter with a note “from Lori”. My sweet and thoughtful wife had ordered a few baked goods and had them delivered to my room. What a wonderful surprise! I am so blessed to have a wife who shows her love through little acts of kindness. To say my heart is full is an understatement.

 

Today’s verse is Paul’s thankfulness for the generosity from believers in Philippi. Their support and giving to him brought much satisfaction to Paul and God’s blessings were showered upon those who generously gave. It’s the little things we do for others that make a difference. It shows how much you care for that person and lets them know you are thinking about them. It might cost you something, but the return on your sacrifice is much greater and more fulfilling.

 

Whose on your mind today? Bless them with something special. Doesn’t have to be much, just a simple act of kindness shows you care and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness! Share your love today with someone special! God bless!

 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

 

It’s funny, but when it rains, our plans change. Maybe an outside project was scheduled or some form or recreation, but a few drops and plans are redirected to the inside. Yet, our bodies are made up mostly of water, we drink it, bath in it, and it has great influence over us.

 

Taking this a step further, how’s your faith in God when the storms of life approach? Maybe it’s a challenging project at work, a conflict with someone, a financial burden or health crises. When faced with any of these things, does your faith waiver? Do you crumble under the pressure or stress of the momentary storm? Sadly, many lose sight of God’s ability to sustain them in the middle of a crises. They turn to things that might provide a momentary distraction, yet the storm cloud of adversity still hovers.

 

I can tell you, God is truly faithful to His children. I have faced many storms in my life and sought after God’s wisdom and help. Every single time He has come through on my behalf to help me navigate through the crises and come out on the other side with stronger faith and a great story to share of my trust in Him. He will do the same for you when you trust Him to help you face it head on!

 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

 

God wants your total, undivided attention. He sees the difficulties ahead and is always preparing you ahead of the storm so you’ll be ready to walk through it. Diligently seek after Him, keep your faith strong in the Lord and He will help you on the rainiest days of life! God bless!

 

 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Luke 21:13

 

My thoughts keep going back to the people of Ukraine. The one thing that really stands out is their bravery to fight for their country. Despite the odds against them, they have vowed to fight til the end. When the pressure is on, how do you respond?

 

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” I can testify after living 50 plus years of life, troubles will surround you at times, testing your faith and patience. God uses these troubles to provide an opportunity to share your faith. The inner peace you have with Him, brings a calm in the middle of life’s storms. The painful loss of loved ones, brings a spirit of joy knowing they are with the Lord. The sense of security that comes with few of the world’s possessions. All of your emotions, words and actions show the outside world that the Holy Spirit of God lives inside of you and your confidence in Him is enough to carry you through another day.

 

To be totally transparent, I’m still a work in progress myself, and maybe you can say the same for yourself. Don’t beat yourself up, feeling defeated by your shortcomings. And certainly don’t compare your life with other Christians. We are all a work in progress and some have had more time, more of life’s tribulations that have shaped them into a closer reflection of Jesus. You’ll get there as long as you continue to seek after the Lord in your life.

 

Everything we go through in life is an occasion for our personal testimony. Ask God to help you grow and develop the character of Christ in you. Each day provides an opportunity for growth. God bless!

 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

 

As politicians get ready for another round of campaigning, you’ll hear them say in their TV and radio advertisements: “I approve this message”. Years ago there were groups advertising for politicians and gave the wrong message. After this fallout, politicians made sure they had their statement of approval on any public advertisement. It was assurance the message came from them.

 

As a child of God, the world is watching everything you do and say. In essence, YOU are a representative of Jesus Christ. Today’s verse is a great reminder that we must speak and act in accordance to God’s standards. Any action or words spoken outside His character give the wrong message and can leave people questioning the truth. Sadly, many people have decided not to follow Christ because of a Christian’s misguided message.  Don’t be the one away from Christ.

 

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

 

Be the light of Christ in this dark world. Your life should stand out against the grain of worldly beliefs and standards. Never compromise your faith, even when you are the minority. Jesus had every opportunity to step away from the crucifixion process, yet He was committed to the will of God every painful step, just so you could be forgiven and have an intimate relationship with Him. 

Live your faith, be prepared to give an answer to your faith and ask for grace and forgiveness to those you’ve sent mixed messages to. No one is perfect, but with God’s help you can be the example He asks of His followers. God bless!

 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

 

With the war in Ukraine continuing, many, including myself, are watching the news to get an update on what’s happening on the ground in that country. What’s fascinating is Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to hold press conferences and conference calls from the heart of his country. He has provided a wealth of information to the outside world and has instilled confidence in the Ukraine citizens who continue to remain and fight the enemy. Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and their leadership.

 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

 

As Christians, we too are in a war against the evil forces of darkness with satan and his demons doing everything they can to destroy the works of the Lord. What better way to show the unity of brothers and sisters of Christ than unite on Sunday at church. There, we receive the word of God, fellowship with others, hear about the news of the church family, offer prayers in support of others and sing hymns to the Lord through praise and worship.

 

When you stay home on Sunday, you lose touch with what’s happening in the family of God, you miss out on giving God praise through your act of worship and most of all, you miss God’s blessings when you put a priority on other things (including rest) vs. coming together once a week to show God your commitment to Him. Find a way to come to church today and be blessed for it! God bless!  

 

 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34

 

Living in the south, you can tell if a person is southern born by how they speak.  When I moved to Georgia in 1992, everyone noticed my speech and questioned where I was from. Even today, after 30 years living in the south, they can still tell I’m from up north.

 

There is actually a lot you can tell of a person by what they say. Today’s passage gives a clear message, that what’s in the heart, comes out through a person’s mouth. An evil person cannot speak good things. Nor a good person speak evil things.

 

Do you listen to what comes out of your mouth? It’s a good indicator of your heart’s health. Words that are joyful, praising God, full of grace and love indicate a heart that is in tune with God. Words that tear down others, hateful speech, words that shouldn’t be spoke by a child of God indicate the heart needs more work.

 

The best source for heart health is in the word of God. Reading scripture transforms the mind and shapes the way you think and act. Staying in daily communication with the Lord through prayer and seeking His wisdom will help you stay in tune with Him through the Holy Spirit, living inside of you. Finally, surrounding yourself with Godly people will keep you accountable to your heart diet, so you’ll grow in a positive environment.

 

Pulse check your heart today and ask God to help you remove the unhealthy attitudes, thoughts, behaviors and words that are unbecoming to the Lord so you can find joy in your heart, maintain a positive outlook, share the love of Christ with others and provide grace and mercy to those around you. Start today and don’t stop feeding your heart with the good things of God. Blessings friend!  

 

 Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

 

If you have had the privilege of raising a child, you know there is joy in your heart from the love you have for them. Every day is something new for them as they develop and grow into adulthood. You treasure each moment and their life brings much joy to your heart.

 

Your creator, God himself, loves you. Nothing was a mistake when He formed you in your mother’s womb. And because He created you, He too has that same kind of love as a parent has for their child. And the truth be known, He took His love a step further by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to make payment for all your wrongdoings (sin) so you could have a completely devoted relationship with Him.

 

The love that Jesus Christ showed on the cross towards you should bring much joy into your heart. The closeness with God, that is before you, is the strength you need to make it through another day of life. There should be a steady rhythm of joy streaming from  your heart, knowing you have Heaven to look forward to one day. Even on the worst days, that joy should never diminish from you heart.

 

Your strength comes from the joy of the Lord and His love for you. Tap into that joy and find each day fulfilling. God bless!

 

 

 For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14

 

There is an old saying I’ve heard many times growing up: “If you are going to do something, do it well.” Whatever you do, if you do it well, you won’t have to repeat it to make it right, you’ll have pride in what you’ve done with no regrets and most of all it speaks to your character. Getting a job done right shows you care and are invested in the task at hand.

 

Today’s verse is a great reminder that everything we do will be judged by God. If you are like me, you can pinpoint times in your life when you weren’t living right and your works were not within the will of God. Every decision that you make, every action that you take, even your thoughts will be judged.

 

Doing the right things shouldn’t be difficult. If you are truly in love with your Savior, your heart’s desire should be to please Him.  If you find your choice to do the right things in life are difficult, maybe you need to spend more time with the Lord in active prayer and read His word.

 

When you do right, He opens the door to His blessings and makes right choices work to your advantage. Even if making right choices don’t work in your favor with others, do the right thing anyhow. All that truly matters is what the Lord thinks. Trust me, doing the right thing in life will be more rewarding than the temporary pleasure of doing something outside His will. Fill your life with purposeful obedience and God will reward you on the day of judgement. God bless!

 Contributing to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

 

One thing we’ve seen come out of the conflict in Ukraine is unity of their citizens. Together, they have fought against the forces of the Russian army and have won many battles due to their determination to fight for their country. On the backside of the battle line, is hospitality of neighboring countries who have welcomed the Ukraine people and provided food, shelter and compassion. The ugliness of war has brought much good to a country willing to fight for their freedom.

 

Yesterday’s blog talked about the battles we face as Christians, sometimes on a daily basis. Conflict at work, home, family or financial struggles, all of these can leave one completely deflated and feeling hopeless. As fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we must take care of our Christian family members who are in need. Reaching out in love, giving of our time, prayer, even financial help, is what God expects of us. We were never meant to go at life alone. We must come together in unification as we struggle to live in this foreign land.

 

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

Heaven is home for the Christian. Until we get there, lets come together to serve each other through encouragement, love, prayer and providing resources to help sustain one another. Who can you show hospitality to in your church? Reach out today! God bless!

 

 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoice to the extent that you partake in Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is to our country’s west and it’s not far from home. Americans are feeling the impacts of this war at the gas pump and anxiety questioning if this will lead to a world war.

 

NO doubt, you are most likely dealing with things that battle against you. Here in the past few years, it seems our world is on shaky ground with the uncertainties and disruptions to a normal way of living. It’s easy to question where is God in all this. I can assure you He is still on the throne, watching over all of us, working through His children to reach the lost.

 

Today’s passage, written several thousand years ago, still remains true today, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. This world needs to see more of Jeus Christ, lived out through His followers. The choice is yours to live for Him, even through difficult times, even times that test your faith. We must endure the hardships of life for the Lord.

 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

 

Be like Paul, no matter what battles you face, stay in the fight and keep on serving the Lord. Your reward will be heard, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” God bless!