Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

 Pretend with me for a moment that you will receive $100 every day to live. Every day you must spend that $100 or whatever is left in your account will be deducted from the $100 you’ll receive on the following day. Worrying about tomorrow’s expenses by hording today’s money won’t help you with the next day’s allotment. In essence, you are short changing yourself.

 Jesus Christ reminds us in today’s verse not to worry about tomorrow. When you put your faith and trust in God, He provides for your every need on a daily basis (Matthew 6:33). Just like the analogy above, worrying about the concerns of tomorrow spreads God’s daily blessings thin, taking away from God’s resources for today. Using God’s blessings, make today the best it can be and trust God knows what’s needed for tomorrow.

 ….For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:32

 Speaking of tomorrow, God knows what’s needed for all your tomorrows. Worrying simply takes away from God’s plan He has for you today. You might be thinking, yeah, that sounds good and all, but my situation is dire and I’m literally at rock bottom. Friend, God is right there at rock bottom with you and is ready to lift you out of the miry clay pit and ready to bless you, but He won’t bring you up any further than one rung of the ladder per day, so take His hand and have the confidence that God has your tomorrows covered. Trust Him with today and you’ll see how trustworthy He truly is. Take a moment and read Jesus discussion on worry in Matthew 6:25-34. God bless!

 

 “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:7

 Have you ever had a lengthy conversation with someone and afterwards you realized they really didn’t say anything of importance? When I was growing up, we called them “motor mouths”. They just babbled and went on and on with no substance in their conversation.

 As a child of God, praying to God is a privilege and what you pray should have substance. I relate prayer to a vehicle. Once you become a child of God, just like a new car with many features, you aren’t quite sure how praying works, but over time you come to know God better through your prayers as they become more personal. After a while, those prayers can turn to mundane talk, repeating the same thing over and over again, just like a motor mouth and quite frankly, they become useless chatter to God. Let’s look at ways to enhance your prayer life so they have more substance and purpose.

 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 7:6

 There is something special about secluding yourself from the world, and others, as you kneel in an enclosed room, and opening your heart to God. Humbling yourself before Him shows that you honor Him, respect Him and seek after His wisdom and will for your life. Prayer request should have purpose, showing God you truly have a desire for Him to answer your request. Hold nothing back in your prayer time, let your emotions drive your prayer time such as weeping, laughing, and praising God. Your prayers are intimate conversations, just as if you were talking to your closest friend.

 If you truly want to see your prayer life improve, make quality time for it, put forth your best and recognize when you pray, you are on Holy ground and give God the respect and honor He deserves. You’ll quickly find your prayers more enriching and God’s call to answer those requests will come at just the right time. What areas of your prayer life need a tune up today?

 

 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

 Have you ever found yourself asking someone if they loved you OR if they still love you? You might be in a relationship and done something wrong, and you question whether this person still loves you. Maybe you are in prison and committed a horrible crime and wonder if anyone loves you. Love is something we all want to experience, but the truth is love can be fragile in this fallen world. People’s feelings are often redirected upon some unforgettable act and that feeling of love fades. How can one find a love that never ceases?

 Today’s verse is a great reminder that God first loved you and gave His Son to die in your place for the sins you’ve committed (and will commit), opening up a relationship of grace and mercy that sustains love for all eternity. It’s there for the taking and all you have to do is accept God’s love, through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf. Once a child of God, NOTHING you do will ever change His love for you, NOTHING! Yea, you might royally mess up and feel the world hates you, but not God.  He sees your heart and His love continues to embrace you 24/7.

 You might be reading this right now and feel the pain of a love loss. Fill that void with God’s love. His ability to love you goes even further than a parent’s love for their child. Sometimes you have to start fresh, begin filling your heart with God’s love and let that be your security in this fallen world. God bless!

 

 2 Corinthians 9:7-8. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8]And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States has provided over $70 billion in aid to Ukraine. That's a lot of hard earned money, paid for by the US taxpayers. Many, including myself, question how this money is being spent outside the watchful eye of the US government. Paying taxes is hard, especially with today's inflation, but it's a requirement if you are an American citizen. Thus, you have to simply trust it's for our country's good. 

A more challenging task in tight financial times is tithing to the church AND giving to the needy. That person on a street corner with a sign saying he needs help, might just be a legitimate need and your generosity would go a long way in helping them just get through another day. But, your mind questions the genuineness of their request; should you give or not? 

Today's verses shed light on the matter. God loves a cheerful giver. Sometimes it's best to give without question, because God looks at the giver and blesses His obedience. That money or any kind of donation might not be used rightly, but that's between God and them. When you give without reservation, you fulfill God's command to share His blessings with others. One dollar or one million, makes no difference to God, it's the meaning behind the giving. 

Be on the lookout this week for opportunities to share the love of God through your generosity. God will bless you when you give cheerfully. 

 Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

All throughout my community new homes and apartment buildings are being constructed. With new factories and population growth, we are expecting an influx of people. With that said, quality materials are a must when constructing places for people to reside. Many older homes are still standing today because builders chose to use quality materials and not cut corners. 

Today's verse is a great reminder that the things and people you take time to invest in will have lasting effects. Good moral standards are quality building blocks for your children, whose lives will pass on those quality traits to their children. Thinking of my grandmother who made time for me at the kitchen table, talking about spiritual things, have gone with me throughout my life and hopefully benefitted my kids for generations to come. 

Take time to survey your life. Are you providing others quality standards and fair treatment? Your legacy will live on, either good or bad. Why not make it good for the benefit of others and bring honor to God. One day you and I will give an account of what we did for the Lord in this life. Make quality a number one priority. 

 Proverbs 1:8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching;

Yesterday we visited Lori's mother in the nursing home. Her hearing is very poor and she can't hear Lori, so I usually lead our conversations. I love hearing stories of days gone by and how they lived prior to my birth. Her mom was full of great stories and I soaked up every word. 

Our conversation reminded me of talks I had with my grandmother. Since she has passed, those stories are simply vague memories in my mind now; oh how I wish I could go back and relive those wonderful talks with her. The wisdom I gained truly shaped my life and many things I learned from her I use them to guide my decisions, sometimes daily. 

If you are fortunate to have one, maybe two previous generations of family still living, make time to hear their stories, learn from their life. They are no different than you. They were young once and survived many of life's challenges and can provide you wisdom, saving you the heartache of making wrong choices. Once they are gone, so are the precious stories of those who made a way for your life. Who can you make time for this week? I sincerely promise you won't regret time spent listening. God bless. 

 Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

 With all the chaos in the United States, you have to wonder does God still bless America? The moral decay of society and political corruption under the protection of God’s hand I believe is slowly eroding. Just like the pollution is eroding earth’s protective layer in the atmosphere, we are seeing negative impacts as a result of this country’s ways.

 What can stop the erosion and bring back God’s blessings on this great nation? The first step you can take is making God a priority in your life. Including God in every aspect of your life and making decisions that would please Him is a start. God always blesses obedience, and your moral actions, although counter to today’s standards, set the example for your children, family members and neighbors. You don’t need to toot your horn on your way to church, but make a point to attend regularly. Pray for this country, its leadership, and yourself that God will lead you down the path of His perfect will. Nothing pleases God more than hearing from you.

 The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked HE will destroy. Psalm 145:20

 Your actions, your prayers, and keeping your spiritual life in check is critical to seeing a change across this great land. Sharing God’s word with others is God’s purpose for your life and unless you are willing to share your beliefs with those in the dark, how will anyone know about God and His willingness to bless a nation that calls upon Him daily?

 

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

 God has been working in me regarding my attitude towards a certain group of people. After years of discouraging behavior and treatment towards me, I hardened my heart for them and it’s caused me to be negative in the back of my mind, although I’ve always tried to smile and show kindness. This morning, at 3:45 AM, God woke me to remind me that if I am to be his disciple I must have love for one another, just as He’s shown me. But there is one important element needed to fulfill God’s commandment to love.

 But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.  2 Corinthians 8:7

 GRACE! Grace is the foundation of love, and without it you’ll never be able to have compassion on those you despise. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of grace and mercy. Even while dying on the cross He begged His Father in Heaven to forgive those who put Him there. You might be thinking to yourself: But you don’t know the pain they’ve cause me. Time and time again I’ve suffered through their treatment towards me and today I have built up these walls that protect my heart. 

Friend, those “walls of protection” are really what is holding in the grace and love of God He’s called you to show others. Those walls are meant to protect you, but they also hold you prisoner to your fears of being hurt again.

 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

 Some people will always have it out for you and treat you poorly. Why continue to be in torment over their treatment towards you? As a child of God, you have 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). The world needs to see the love of Jesus Christ, so they can experience the freedom He’s given you. Don’t let their evilness hinder your ability to love them back. Through God’s Holy Spirit, He will empower you to find grace for the vilest people in your life. Ask God to forgive your attitude towards them and to have the strength to let down those walls so you can show them what the love of Christ looks like, living through you! Who needs your grace and love today?

 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

My wife and I were discussing the negative impacts of today's economy. Everything from food, gas, even utilities has risen 30-40 percent higher since our current president took office. Because of the higher cost, we have to reduce our spending and be wise with our money because as you know, money doesn't grow in trees. In all of this tightening there is one dangerous trap that Satan wants you to fall for, hoarding God's blessings.

As a child of God, He expects you to love your neighbor and in doing so you share God's blessings with those in need. Unfortunately we see it quite often in difficult times, people give less and businesses suffer as money becomes tighter and resources lacking. 

1 John 3:22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

Everything you own God provided. And when you willingly share your blessings with others, God will take care of you and usually multiplies blessings back to you so you can continue to give out of love for others. Don't let this economy shape your giving. If people are going to see Jesus, they will see Him through your generous heart and faith in God that He shall supply for all your needs. 

 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

 Have you answered the question, “are you going to Heaven when you die”?  Over the years I’ve witnessed to people and their responses are different when I ask them why they believe they are going to Heaven. Here are a few: I try to live a good life, I go to church on a regular basis, I never have done anyone wrong, and I believe God loves me so I’m going to Heaven. All of these answers sound good, but the factor that stands out in their responses is ”self”. These people truly believe they are going to Heaven by the way they live their life and what they believe. But is their answer correct?

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 Ephesians 2:8-9 answers the question regarding one’s ability to work their way into Heaven. It’s NOT their works, but faith. Faith in whom? Self, the preacher, the church? No, faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son (the gift), given to you as a sacrifice for your sins. God is holy, pure, righteous and without sin. He is so pure, He can’t even look upon you in your sinful nature. God gave us His Son to die on a Roman cross and brought back to life after 3 days, defeating sin’s “death” (eternal separation from God). No matter how well you live right in this life, nothing you do can earn you a place in Heaven, only through faith and belief in Jesus Christ.

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6

 As a human, you have the opportunity to come clean from your sinful life by believing what Jesus Christ did on your behalf, having faith in Him to live out your days honoring God and sharing the good news of the newfound freedom to know your place is in Heaven when you die. Having faith in the works of Jesus Christ, is all you’ll need for confidence in knowing your departure from earth will be in the presence of God!

 1 John 5:3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

If you've ever prayed to God, asking Him to answer a prayer request, you probably know it might take time for Him to respond. God provides His help at just the right time, but there lies a test in the period of waiting. 

What if His response was based on your obedience during the time of testing? 

All throughout the Bible God answered His people's prayers, but it took a time of testing before He delivered. Weeks, months, even years passed. God's answer to your request are blessings. God doesn't simply hand them out without knowing you will be responsible with His provisions.  Obedience always brings blessings. 

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

What's on your prayer list? Are you living within His will for your life? Are you walking in obedience to what you know is right? If not, use this time of waiting to clean up areas of your life, restore that relationship with God, so the time of testing will prove you faithful to Him. 

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

Every day on my morning walk I come across kids walking to the school bus stop. I always make a point to say hello and wish them a good day. Some respond in a friendly manner while others don't say a word or acknowledge my greeting. Granted it's early morning and what kid is happy about going to school. But in reality there is probably a deeper issue in regards to their home life and what they are being fed emotionally, spiritually, and even physically by their parents or caretakers. 

Today's verse reminds us that how we treat our children and what they experience goes with them throughout their lifetime. I spoke with an adult man the other day and he shared with me that while growing up he was treated very poorly, even abused, and battles with those demons today as a father. He wants to do better and has started going to church and learning more about God's love and forgiveness. I truly hope he will be able to overcome his past with God's help, but it's gonna take a lot of work on his part. 

If you have children growing up under your care, be careful what you teach them and how you treat them, because you are setting a benchmark for their adult life. Maybe you are a victim of a bad childhood; ask God to help transform your mind and heart so you can change the course of your children's future for the good. God bless. 

 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grow, brings forth death. James 1:14-15

 Sin, it is any thought or behavior that is opposite of holiness. As humans we are all born into sin (separation from God’s holiness) Romans 3:23. Until you accept God’s forgiveness of sin, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for mankind’s sin, you have no atonement for your sins. But what about God’s children, what causes those who are covered by the blood of Christ to still fall for sin’s enticement?

 Today’s passage clearly states what brings about enticement to sin, DESIRE. Think for a moment about a past sin you’ve committed. It mostly likely started with a little thought. Let’s face it, sin brings pleasure, whether it’s the thrill of stealing, sexual arousal, gossip (the list is endless).  But when that one thought continues to circulate in your mind, it grows into a desire and once that desire is fed by your thoughts, justification follows and the next thing you know, you are planning how to fulfil that sinful desire. Does this sound familiar?

 “The Devil made me do it”. Flip Wilson.

 Famous comedian Flip Wilson used this expression a lot to justify his wrong behavior. Although the Devil can temp you with a thought, the responsibility to manage that enticement is up to you. The truth of the matter is a desire stirs your emotions and hormones play a role in that good feeling.  

 Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

 We all need help to avoid sinful behavior. Thankfully God gave us His Holy Spirit to empower us to stop the sinful thoughts and refocus on living a righteous life. Whatever you battle with, even on a daily basis, ask God to give you the strength and will power to redirect your thoughts to God and seek His help when the desire surfaces. You can’t do it alone; you must seek God’s help. When you do, God will bless you more than if you were to experience the pleasure of whatever sin enticed you to commit. God bless!

 

 

 

 Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

Have you ever been at a loss for words in your prayer life? Maybe you've committed a sin that negatively impacted others, found yourself deep in a crises with no where to turn or maybe just feeling down about things happening in your life. I think we've all been there and find it hard to pray for ourselves.  

Today's verse is a great reminder that as a child of God the Holy Spirit lives inside you. He experiences everything you go through in life and quietly prays for you in the background. He knows what to pray for because He represents God, and God sees the big picture from His vantage point. 

What can you do in times of loss, confusion, helplessness, guilt, and frustration? Trust God, lean into Him with your faith, and read His word. You don't have to say a thing, His Spirit is doing all the talking on your behalf. Trust Him with everything you encounter in life, He's right there with you, going through it all because He cares and loves you. God bless. 

 Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

[24]knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

For years verse 23 was on display in my office. Every time I struggled in my job either dealing with employee issues, work challenges, and sometimes pure exhaustion, I would look at this verse and remind myself that I'm working for the Lord. Yes, my bosses were men, but the reality is God permittedthem to be there.

So often we discredit the people and circumstances in our work place and at home, yet God is the author of our life as His children. Those things and people might make life challenging, but the yield of our labor is closeness with Jesus Christ. That is exactly where He wants you and me to be. 

There is no joke about the term "labor of love". It's hard sometimes to appreciate what God gives us, but with the struggles, come blessings when you do it all for Him. Give God the glory in every area of your life and see the struggles have purpose as you live out your days serving the ultimate boss.