Jesus’ mother said to the servants, “whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:5

 Welcome to the last day of 2024. As you reflect back over the year, can you say you kept your previous New Years resolutions? Like most people, within a few months, you’ve failed at trying to fulfil those resolutions and found yourself set back in your old ways of doing things. Sound familiar?

 In 1988 the Nike Company came out with a marketing campaign slogan that said “Just Do It”. The purpose was to motivate people to buy Nike brand products and get out there to live healthy lives. It worked and sales increased that year by 40%. Today, Nike is one of the top retailers of athletic wear in the United States and abroad.  

 Today’s passage comes from the story where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding ceremony. His mother told the servants to do what He says, John 2:1-12. Falling in line with this story, have you considered asking God what He wants you to improve upon in 2025? Let’s face it, God is the author of your life and has a specific plan to grow you into a more mature and developed child of God. His expectations of you are to focus on His plan so you’ll be encouraged to “just do it”.  By trying to set goals for yourself, outside His will, most likely will lead to personal failure or shortfalls, leaving you to question why even try.

 Spend some time in prayer today and this week asking God what He wants to improve upon in your life and use His goals to motivate you to remain obedient to His perfect plan for YOU! JUST DO IT! Happy New Year friends!

 

 

 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25

 Yesterday I watched a program, “My 600-pound life”, where a person weighted 600 plus pounds and was seeing a weight loss doctor to help her get off the excess. The doctor told her within 30 days he wanted to see her drop over 100 pounds. At her next appointment she weighed in and missed her mark by 80 pounds. The doctor was firm with her, telling her that she needed to lose it quickly before it ended her life. At the end of the program, she finally did lose the weight and was able to have surgery to help curb her intake of food.

 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

 Today’s verse came to mind as I thought about that program. God wants us to have a wonderful life here on earth, but we must be careful not to weigh ourselves down with worldly things, pleasures, and such that can easily distract us from the true purpose of our life, serving God. It’s ok to have things, but when they become our obsession, our focus shifts from God and onto things that have ZERO eternal value.

 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:27

 Your life is but a brief moment in time. Ask God what needs to be removed from your life so you can better serve Him. Your reward for losing those earthly things will yield eternal blessings both now and forever. God bless

 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God ma be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 This Christmas I purchased a back massager for my wife. When she opened the package, we both noticed there was no instruction manual, so we winged it by figuring out how it charged and worked properly. Unfortunately, we had issues with the device, and I had to exchange it for a new one. Thankfully the new one came with instructions and we got it working right out of the box.

 As Christians, we have available to us the bible as a tool to figure out how God wants us to live. As crazy as it sounds, many Christians never refer to God’s word and attempt to go through life using their own wisdom and life’s experiences. This method of living the Christian life can often lead to misguided steps, and cause you a lot of heartache and trouble.  

 As Christians, WE ARE responsible for our actions, our words, even our thoughts. Living in a world that is opposite of God’s ways can make it almost impossible to decipher God’s truth without reading His word. God gave us His instruction manual for life and the ONLY way you’ll truly be able to reflect His character is by studying it daily.

 As we approach the new year, I encourage you to carve out no less than 30 minutes each day to read His word; pick up a good devotional to help you with your studies, and ask God to open your mind you can absorb its wisdom and live out the instructions He’s provided you for each day. God bless!  

 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

 Here we are, the eve of Christmas. Many of you will be finishing up your preparations to celebrate this special holiday with friends and family. If you have children, you will probably talk about Santa Claus coming to bring them toys. The excitement of children is an inspiring emotion to experience, one that I greatly miss now that my kids are grown.

 Through the business of the holiday and storytelling, have you considered sharing the real meaning behind Christmas? In the bible, Luke 2:1-20 gives the best account of Christ birth and the lives He impacted at the announcement of His birth. God came to planet earth in the form of a human man out of love for His creation. Sin is what separates us from His holiness and only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, are you able to have a personal relationship with the God of this universe.

 Don’t let this special moment pass by without sharing the story of the birth of Christ. It’s an amazing story and still fascinates me even today. Santa might come down the chimney to bring gifts, but Jesus came down, as a gift to all mankind, to enter our hearts. Nothing compares to this wonderful story of God’s love for you and your family. Share it today with everyone! God bless!

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

 We live in a society today where families are split, due to divorce. Children oftentimes connect more often with their mother than their father. They don’t love their father any less, its just a natural thing for a child to find wisdom, comfort, and understanding from their mother, as God has given them these gifts as mothers. This can be hard for fathers, and oftentimes find ourselves either over-compensating our love by showering them with excessive gifts OR shun the child, to the point of hardly acknowledging them. Both can have devastating effects on the child, especially as they grow and mature into young adults.

 Prior to becoming adults, children are just that, children. They oftentimes make decisions based on emotion over fact. The one parent who receives less attention from that child, should not make them show less of their love and support (financially, emotionally, and physically). The child will remember that abandonment and it will carry with them into their adult years.  

 Today’s verse is a great reminder that we should have unconditional love for our children no matter the circumstances. Right now your child may have cut you off from all communication, this is the perfect time to let your love remain a constant. Trust me, trust me, trust me, when I tell you that consistent love will be the one rock they hold onto in their years of emotional ups and downs of your broken family. Give your child the love they so desperately need without any expectations of receiving it back. You’ll find blessings of your fervent love later in life. God bless!

 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

 Since the invention of food delivery services, like Grubhub and Instacart, many people enjoy eating at home; with the simple click of a few buttons, an order is placed and within a short amount of time the food or products selected are at the front door. Another service is worshipping God by watching a church service through online streaming from the comfort of home.

 Recent statistics report that 27% of Americans watch church services from home, either by TV or online, and 1/3 actually attend services in person. Of those who watch virtually, only 25% of them actively participate by praying, singing and engaging in the message, while 75% of the virtual participants feel a disconnect. 65% of those who attend a church service in person feel connected with others and all aspects of the service.

 The truth behind these comfort services is they lack certain qualities that can only be obtained by being there in person. Warm food, the décor, and enjoying fellowship with other restaurant goers makes dining in a memorable experience. The same goes for attending church in person, the close fellowship with others, the welcome feeling you get when you are there, and most importantly the presence of God.

 Today’s verse tells us where two or three are gathered, God is in the midst of them. It takes effort to attend corporate worship (waking early, getting dressed, kids ready…ect), but the benefits of being there are greater than sitting at home, disconnected from other believers and quite possibly God’s presence.

 One of the most impactful events in history is the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow is the Sunday before Christmas and would be a perfect time for you to reconnect with God by attending church service in person. I can assure you, when you come to church, prepared to worship God, He will instill in you a connection to Himself that you won’t’ get sitting at home in your pajamas. Make time for God this Sunday and every Sunday, God will bless you with a genuine worship to keep the fire alive in your heart and soul! God bless!

 Remember Lot’s wife. Luke 17:32

 In the bible, Genesis 19, recounts the story of God’s destruction of two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sinful lifestyle. Two angels visited the city and were welcomed into Lot’s home for the night. The next day, the angels warned Lot and his family that God would destroy the city and for them to flee the area and not look back. As they ran for their lives, Lot’s wife took one look back and became a pillar of salt.

 Why did she look back? She probably still had an interest in the city and she felt a loss by leaving. God spared no one in those two cities, destroying them both, along with Lot’s wife who looked back on what she knew and probably enjoyed.

 Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

 As a child of God, do you find yourself day dreaming about the sins of your past? Let’s face it, sin is a temporary pleasure that most likely leaves a significant remembrance of what you enjoyed. Although it’s wrong in the eyes of God, you somehow still have thoughts or feelings about what occurred. The danger in this line of thinking is it regenerates those same feelings and Satan can use them to reignite the desire to follow through with your past sins.

 As a child of God, He has forgiven you of your past sins and no longer remembers them, neither should you. Your mind should be focused on what God has instore for your life, letting the things of the past disappear in your mind and yearn for God’s wisdom and blessings moving forward.

 Then next time you begin to think about your sinful past, remember Lot’s wife, to be reminded how important God views your thoughts and keep looking forward so you won’t be caught up in your past sins.  

 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

 In many jobs, employees are given a performance appraisal; a report on how well they did their job during the year. During the appraisal meeting, the boss will advise the employee of areas he needs to work on and also note his accomplishments during the rating period. As a federal employee, I had these each year and always looked forward to receiving my evaluation, knowing that I gave my best effort throughout the year.

 As human beings, we too will have an appraisal upon our death, with God being the judge. Have you considered this important evaluation? The decision to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, into your life will determine the outcome of that judgment. Without Jesus, you are doomed to Hell forever. With Jesus Christ, you will still be judged, but Heaven will be your eternal home. A replay of your life will be shown before you and God. How you live your life today will determine the rewards for your faithfulness.

 Maybe you haven’t given God your very best, in the decisions you make, how you live your life, the thoughts you have, the words that come from your mouth, your personality (it prideful or humble?), and most importantly how well have you surrendered your life to God’s call to obedience. All of these factors will be in place on that day you stand face to face with the almighty God. Let today’s blog be a reminder of your life appraisal and start doing the right things that will bring glory and honor to God by how you live your life, so on that day God will welcome you with “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:10

 When a child is born, the couple is quick to share the news to all their friends and family, the important people in their lives. When Jesus was born, an angel announced His birth to a group of shepherds living in the fields. The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, announced to some of the lowliest people on the planet. Why them?

 …the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. Luke 2:15

 If you think about it, their job was to watch over the sheep and protect them from predators. When they experienced the angel’s announcement, they left the animals to go see the baby Jesus. They made time to come to Jesus. They didn’t have a “to do” list, they had 1 thing to do, but seeing this miracle baby became more important to them.

 Secondly, shepherds were lowly people. Who’d want that stinky job anyway? But that is who Jesus came to minister to; the humble, the weak, the sick; people who need hope.

 Thirdly, it doesn’t make sense to announce the birth of the One who will save mankind from their sins to this lowly group of shepherds. “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:17-19 When things don’t make sense, they become more notable, special, and this occasion was held in the heart of Mary.

 We all have busy lives, especially this time of year with the celebrations of Christmas. But the primary message from this blog is: 1. Do you have time to come to Jesus? He should be your main priority during this holiday. 2. Have you humbled yourself to be able to receive what Christ offers, an eternal relationship with God? 3. Sometimes things don’t make sense in life, that’s where faith and belief in what Jesus promises us…”I will never leave, nor forsake you”. Somehow, in the crazy moments of life, Jesus pulls it all together and makes for a special memory to cherish for a lifetime.  This is the time to put aside all other things and make Jesus your priority so you can fully experience the joy of the birth of Christ. God bless!

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

As we wait for our next grandchild to be born, our love for Palmer Kate grows more and more with each passing week. That's the beauty of a baby, our love for him/her, the whole reason to have a child. 

With the month of December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He did not come into this world because we loved Him, but because He loved us. God's desire to commune with us is hindered by the sin that lives in us. Because He is holy and righteous, He can't even look upon us as sinful people. 

But God. He sent His Son to earth as a sacrificial lamb, to take our sins to the cross, die, and came back to life 3 days later, defeating death. By believing in the virgin birth of Christ, asking Him to come into your heart, seeking forgiveness, and committing your life to Him, you can have a personal relationship with God. The blessings of that relationship are eternally secure. 

As you celebrate the birth of Christ this month, remember why He came and make room in your heart for His unconditional love to fill you with joy, peace, and love, so you can share the gift of Jesus Christ with those close to you. 

 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

A few weeks ago Lori and I helped her daughter and husband paint their baby room. We had 1 gallon of paint, but after working for an hour, realized we'd need more to complete the job. It was Gibson brand paint and it didn't stick well, which required 3 coats. Lori ran to the hardware store for more. After 4 hours of fun, lol, we completed the room. Although we were tired, we worked until it was finished; even putting together the baby crib and organized furniture. 

So, what does that have to do with today's scripture? You see, God has blessed each of us with gifts to serve Him and fully expects us to engage in kingdom work. He supplies us with everything we need to do the work He's called us to do, we just have to remain dedicated to the task. 

What are your gifts and what can you do? Serve Him through charity work, provide financial assistance to reliable groups who help spread the gospel in word and deed, or maybe it's simply talking to people in your community about God's saving grace. 

The harvest is great, and workers are few. Don't neglect your duty to serve the Savior who died for you. He will supply all your needs! How can you serve Him this week? 

 And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.: Luke 15:21

 Jesus told the story of the Lost Son, who wanted his freedom to indulge in worldly pleasures and asked for his inheritance, which his father obliged. The son went and spent all his money on wild living, brought shame to his family’s name, and eventually found himself out of money and no where to live. He finally came to his senses and returned home, seeking forgiveness from his father. As the story goes, his father not only forgave him, but celebrated his son’s return. Luke 15:11-32

 Maybe you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, you wanted freedom to enjoy worldly pleasures, knowing it was against God’s will. Eventually, like the son, you came to your senses to realize it was nothing but a temporary pleasure that has left you high and dry. You ask yourself; will God really forgive me? From the lips of Jesus Christ, this story of the lost son is proof of God’s willingness to forgive you. His love goes much further than your short term back-sliding. Heaven rejoices when one of God’s children returns, in repentance of sins, and rejoins his spiritual family. I can assure you, there aren’t many people today who have the amount of grace and mercy your Heavenly Father has for you.

 Don’t let your past, or current situation, discourage you from rejoining the family of God. His forgiveness is free to anyone who comes back to the fold. Seek after His forgiveness and experience the love and restoration that your Father in Heaven wishes to grant you! God bless

 If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 58:13-14

 It’s Saturday and Sundays coming, will you attend worship at some church tomorrow? There are many today who find comfort in staying home on Sunday to catch up on things that need to be done around the house, take part in some outdoor activity, or simply digest before Monday’s workday.

 Whoever you are and whatever you do, the truth is YOU are God’s creation. God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you. According to today’s scripture, by setting aside your personal agenda and making time to worship God on Sunday, you provide yourself many many blessings that don’t even come close to the advantage of taking the day off from church attendance.

 But, let me just say, it’s not about simply attending church. It’s about truly worshipping God, giving Him praise and thanks for the many blessings He’s bestowed on your life. The most important blessing is the payment of your sins, made by Jesus Christ (God’s Son), so you can have true fellowship with the God of this Universe, your true creator.

 You might have a number of reasons to stay home on Sunday, but just remember you’ll miss out on communing with fellow believers, learning more about your creator, and receiving spiritual nourishment to get you through the week ahead. Why not dedicate this Sunday to the Lord.   

 And behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. Revelation 22:12

 Children are made to believe that if they are good all year, Santa Claus will bring them presents as a reward for their behavior. Making Santa’s list of “good boys and girls” is a strong bargaining tool for parents who want their kids to behave. I recall one year my sister and I found a few lumps of coal in our stockings. My parents said that each lump of coal represented a gift we would have received if we were good; but that year we fought and gave our parents fits. Well, I can assure you that next year we both were on top of our game! 😊

 It's funny how today’s verse mimics the same thoughts of being good for Santa. But the gifts we’ll receive as children of God, far outweigh any earthly gift Santa could provide. Jesus reminds us that He will reward His children for the good we’ve done in our lifetime. From the generosity of giving to a charity, to providing a hot meal for a homeless person, to doing volunteer work at your church, and many other opportunities to serve, all of these will be recognized on the day of judgment before almighty God. Let me remind you, that doing the works don’t get you into Heaven, it’s a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, asking for God’s forgiveness, and committing your life to Him daily. As children of God, we should be prompted to do good.

 The beautiful thing about God is He blesses us on earth for the good things we do, so you’ll be rewarded twice for having a servant’s heart and showing God’s love to those in your circle of influence. Santa may only come once a year, but God’s gifts and blessings continue throughout the year and into all eternity! What good can you do today to bring honor and praise to your Heavenly Father? God bless!

 “He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me”. Luke 10:16

 During my 30 plus year career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, I would receive negative comments about my agency. The Corps was involved in many missions locally and abroad, but were often misunderstood by their policies and management practices. After a while of receiving negative comments, I felt defeated and wondered if I was really a good “fit” for this job. One day, a fellow co-worker reminded me that their negative comments were not directed at me personally, but towards the agency, and that I should not take their negative comments to heart. After receiving that pep talk, I had a better view of myself and was able to remain positive during some of the most challenging times of my employment.

 Today’s verse reminds God’s children that when you share the gospel to others and are rejected, they aren’t rejecting you, but God and what Jesus Christ did to save the world from eternal damnation Satan does his best work trying to convince you to remain quiet when around those who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ, instilling a fear of rejection. I will have to admit, this has been the case for me, and I’m sure if you are reading this blog, you too have fallen to the lie of personal rejection.

 The Jesus said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Luke 10:2

 If you are a child of God, Jesus wants you to share the good news of what He’s done to save mankind from their sin and eternal punishment. Don’t be afraid to share this news with others, as they will either receive it and respond or reject it. One encouraging point to be made, I once heard a statistic that every child of God heard the message of salvation 7 times before making a decision for Christ. When you share the gospel, you are planting a seed of faith. It might take hold or it might die, but it’s one more opportunity for them to hear the gospel and respond in faith. Go tell the world what Jesus has done in your life! God bless!

 

 But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

 Years ago, we had a small fire in our home. A plumber installed a new outside faucet by sweating it on the copper pipe. During the process, he used torch to melt the binding compound, which in turn caught the wallboard on fire behind the brick wall. As a result, the wallboard basically smoldered, which produced a lot of smoke and worked its way up the wall and out through the shingles. I called 911 to report the fire, and it seemed to take forever for the fire department to arrive. During that wait, I was overwhelmed by the sight of all that smoke and thought our home would be destroyed by the time the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, it burned just a small area and the impact was manageable.

 When faced with a crisis, your first reaction is probably to pray to God for help. Knowing God’s ability, you expect Him to respond immediately and resolve the issue. But so often that doesn’t happen and you question why God took so long to respond. I’d like to share a thought God laid on my heart yesterday about why He takes so long to respond to your cries for help.

 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4

 During the time of waiting for help, your eyes become aware of the dire situation. As it grows in intensity, your mind takes you places of defeat and negative thoughts that there is no way out of this problem. At the point of complete desperation, that’s when God steps in and provides the help needed. He wants to grow your faith and belief in Him, which results in the glory of God being revealed, just as recorded in the miracle of raising Lazarus back to life (John 11). Can you imagine how much Lazarus’s family’s faith grew when they witnessed his resurrection by the miracle of Jesus?

 Your situation is no different. When seeking God’s help, learn to wait upon the Lord and witness His mighty power work through your situation. When your faith is strong enough to believe in God’s abilities, you’ll be witness to His glory and power of help, healing, and restoration. Trust and be patient with God in every situation, and your strength will be renewed! God bless!  

 

 

 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

 In my 30 plus years as a park ranger, I have met hundreds of law enforcement officers and got to know many of them on a friendship level. No where is it written in policy, but many officers use their position to drive faster than the posted speed limit, knowing that if they get pulled over, they can show their law enforcement badge, and will be let go without receiving a ticket. Granted, they have more experience driving, especially at faster speeds, but that still doesn’t erase the fact that many vehicle accidents occur due to speeding.

 As a child of God, do you find yourself in a position to sin freely due to your salvation experience and forgiveness of sins? There is a danger in this thinking, and you should consider the impact of your “freedom to sin” mentality.

 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16

 The hallmark of a true Christian is obedience to God. Jesus Christ did not go through His painful suffering for you to find pleasure in living a sinful lifestyle. There is NO gray areas with God, you are either on fire for the Lord or cold; lukewarm and I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:16). No child of God is perfect and will on occasion sin, but when you willingly sin, it says something about your Christian status.

 21 Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 23 And I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21 & 23

 If there is one set of scriptures in the bible that should serve as a “wake up” call to people who think they are saved, it’s these verses. As noted in the above paragraph, God makes clear who His followers are…obedient people who strive to follow the commands of God. Why? Because they preserve the spirit within you and help you in your spiritual growth to live more like Jesus Christ (which is God’s ultimate expectation for His true followers).

 If you love Me, keep my commands. John 14:21

 I encourage you to make time to truly evaluate how you live your life, and seek after God’s wisdom to those areas where you’ve let sin run freely. You don’t’ have permission to sin, but are saved by the grace of God, through Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross. Be on fire for the Lord, for there is no other way to be saved from God’s wrath than through the faith, love, and obedience of Jesus. God bless!

 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 As we approach the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, many will find themselves without family members or close friends who’ve passed on from this life. The dreadful reminder of their absence is always felt during these special times; times meant for celebration, joy, and the start of a new year. If you are one of those who’ve experienced great loss, how can you possibly find joy amongst the sadness?

 I truly believe that those who’ve passed, would want us to live a full life, just as they did while here among us. Today’s verse is a great reminder that each day of life is a true blessing from God and no matter how many reasons you can find to be sad, there is one reason to rejoice: your continuation of life, knowing the God of this universe has given you the opportunity to make new memories, yet still carry on the legacy of your loved ones who’ve passed.

 God loves you and He knows the painful loss you are experiencing. In some special way, God fills those voids with His love and gives you the strength to carry on when your entire being wants to hibernate from life.  Ask God to help you find joy during these special occasions He’s allowing you to experience with those who are still living, and still carry on the memory of your loved ones, with the renewed hope and knowledge that one day you’ll be reunited with them for all eternity. God bless!

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

 As I read today’s verses, I gleaned something new. This scripture identifies the fruits of the Holy Spirit, not our fruits. For years I’ve struggled to meet these qualities on my own efforts, with many failures and carried a sense of heavy guilt for not meeting these expectations. The fleshly side of me makes it almost impossible to possess all of these qualities. But there’s a second part of this scripture.

 No one is able to live out these qualities by their own efforts. It’s when we totally surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and allow His ways to take over our life, that the Spirit transforms our life into the image of Jesus Christ. As we live a life of obedience and surrender, these qualities begin to surface more easily and frequently. In the process, our life begins to truly reflect Christ outward, which others see, and long to possess these qualities themselves.

 Of these characteristics, which ones do you lack? Draw close to God through prayer, scripture reading, and making Godly choices, and see those hard-to-reach qualities begin to take hold of your life. God’s ultimate goal for His children is to reflect the image of Christ to those living in darkness. Only through your desire to possess these spiritual qualities and obedient life will transformation of your soul, and the souls around you, begin to change your corner of this world into one that is holy and pure and likeness of Jesus Christ. God bless!

 

 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. John 14:16

 Politicians, government officials, and even the wealthy, are usually surrounded by security guards. Their primary duty is to protect them from harm and guide them throughout the day. Those who work in the security industry know that at any moment their life might be at risk protecting the one they are paid to watch over.

 As children of God, we too have a security detail, the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is promised, by God, to everyone who receives Jesus Christ into their life. He provides wisdom and guidance for the Christian who weaves their way through each day. Although the Holy Spirit might not stop a bullet, or prevent an accident, (although He can do those things), He stands by the side of each of Jesus followers. I can say without hesitancy, the Holy Spirit has been active in my life by showing me God’s will and protecting me from things and people who’ve been tools in the hand of Satan, trying to weaken my faith and closeness with God.

 You might not be known by many, have very little money, and feel safer out of people’s view, but you are never alone to navigate life’s challenging moments. God’s Holy Spirit is right there with you to prevent complete catastrophe from happening. Look to God for His wisdom and voice of reason, through the activities of His Spirit residing in you, a follower and believer in Jesus Christ. Your protection detail will remain with you for all eternity. God bless!  

 

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Growing up in the 60s and 70s, my parents utilized spanking as a form of punishment. Lol, I can recall 3 times dad spanked me, and because of it, I never committed the wrongful act that got me in trouble. Yeah, it hurt, but it was effective, and today I'm a better person for their willingness to administer discipline when needed. 

Today's scripture reminds us of God's love in that He too administers specific forms of punishment, meant to make us a better person. It may come in the form of a loss: loss of financial stability, loss of a friendship, even loss of a family. Of course there are other means He uses, but when we lose something it gets our attention. 

Maybe you've strayed from your faith and find life chaotic and things/people have slowly been whittled away from your world. God loves you and doesn't want to see you hurt and suffer, but He knows the impacts that worldly living can have on your soul. Maybe it's time to repent and come back to the Father of the universe, your Heavenly Father, so you can walk securely on the narrow path of righteousness and blessing. 

 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

 Have you ever paused to look at your surroundings and acknowledge the blessings God has poured into your life? You have a roof over your head, a closet full of clothes (and many pairs of cowboy boots like me), your fridge and pantry is complete with all the food needed to fill your stomach for days, maybe even weeks, you have access to money, and I bet there is some mode of transportation within a few feet of where you are right now.

 As living humans, we work to have enough of these things to sustain us for life. Some even go beyond the necessities and acquire other things that bring pleasure, like boats, motorcycles, swimming pools, and any other thing that brings pleasure to the soul. But in reality, all of these things are temporary and can be taken from us in one single event. The truth is, nothing lasts forever, and what you have gained over your lifetime will remain when you pass.

 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9

 Today’s verses are a great reminder that we can take nothing with us when we die. Godliness with contentment is great gain (verse 6). How content are you in life? If you ask some of the richest people in this world, I’m sure they will tell you it’s nice to have money and stuff, but there isn’t any added joy, only more to look after. Those who seek after much find themselves buried in things that have less value over time.

 It's ok to have stuff, money, and some of the extras. Just know that what you seek after influences how you interact with others. Find contentment in God and acknowledge His rich blessings He has bestowed upon your life. Share your wealth with others…maybe not money, but when you have contentment in Christ, others will want to know your source of peace, and joy. Share it and live out your faith in God. Your reward will be rich in Heaven! God bless!

 Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 

As humans, we put up these imaginary walls to protect our life from harm, harm from peoples ill intentions, harm from the dangers around us, and harm of evil that can influence our behavior more than we can understand. What you allow to enter your life, by lowering or removing those walls, can be either beneficial or devastating. 

Today's verse is Jesus' words, telling us He wants you to have a relationship with Him. Everything He brings into your life is good and beneficial for growth, both physical and spiritual. 

But what happens when you allow sin to enter into your life? The truth is, you open the door for Satan to speak lies and convince you those sinful pleasures are ok, and he often attaches other sinful behaviors to encourage evil, which results in guilt and shame. This open door to sin can be devastating to the child of God, and has ruined many lives. 

Who are you going to open the door to in your life, Jesus or Satan? Choose wisely because each can have eternal impacts. Choose Jesus Christ and find your life full of His love, blessings, and most of all eternal life in Heaven. God bless. 

 II Chronicles 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

Well, the election is finally over and the majority of Americans made their voices heard, they want a change from how this country has been run over the past 4 years. Trump claims God spared him from the two assassination attempts, so he can get America back on track. 

The truth is, many of the Democratic’s party have far left values, which go against God's standards and principles He set forth for His creation. The process of Trump's win has me thinking, this is God's last opportunity to reset American values. 

I know there are many who oppose Trump and worry their freedoms will be taken away: their right to make decisions about their body, the right to be who they feel they are inside, and the right to live in peace with those who oppose their choices. I can assure you, your freedoms will never be hindered by Trump, or any president as long as the government holds them accountable to the Constitution. 

God's people refused to follow His commands and lived a lifestyle that countered God's moral compass, as outlined in the Bible. Because of their stubbornness, He allowed them to be defeated and live in exile for 60 years. If you look at the world map and each country's leaders' messages to the world, we are their prime target to defeat us. Unless we change as One Nation Under God, He will remove that hand of protection and allow us to live in exile, just as He did with His own people. 

You might not like Trump and disagree with His thoughts on how to run America, but He is here for 4 years to reset the moral compass we've allowed to be offset from God's truth. Pray for Trump, that He is the president for all people and works to reset America so we can continue to enjoy the freedoms our founding Fathers died for to provide us. 

 Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

When I first moved to Georgia from Illinois for my job, I wanted to “fit in” to this new culture of southern slang, slower pace, and enjoy a different selection of food. As much as I tried, my northern accent was a dead giveaway to the true southerner. After 30 plus years in the South, I've finally been able to hide my Northern roots, but every now and then someone will ask where I'm from. 

As a child of God, you can easily desire to “fit in” with the world's ways: the language, the beliefs, and all the pleasures that you can find. By adapting to the world's standards, how will people truly see Christ in you? 

Today's verse reminds us we are in a race to life's finish line and it's best to keep unweighted from the ways (sinly lifestyle) of the world. I think it's interesting that the author of Hebrews compares the Christian life to running a race. I believe the intent was not to move slow enough, or walk through it, so you wouldn't have time to let the world's ways influence how you live. 

God never intended for His children to find rest or comfort in the world, but to be set apart and reliant on Him to sustain us through this earthly journey. Friend, if you are truly devoted to Jesus Christ, let go of the things that can easily strangle your ability to keep running through this life to gain a Heavenly reward worth running towards. God bless. 

 In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing. 1 Timothy 2:9

 The general definition of “raising the bar” is: to set a high standard, to raise expectations, to set higher goals. Throughout history, women have made their mark in this world, entering the workplace, leading teams of people, starting companies, and fighting for equality in every aspect of life. It’s reported that as of January 10, 2023, 49 women have served or currently serve as state governors in the United States. You can’t say ladies you haven’t worked hard to make your place in this world by raising the bar.

 There’s something else being raised up that is associated with women, it’s their apparel. Years ago, ripped jeans became a fashion, and every year it seems those rips get bigger and bigger. A while back I noticed a young lady wearing jeans with the entire thigh area exposed; and I’m willing to bet she paid over $100 for them! Beyond denim, skirts are raising higher (getting shorter) to the point where a lady can’t sit down without exposing what’s underneath. Ladies, are you truly satisfied with how the Fashion Industry wants you to be represented in this world?

 Today’s passage in 1 Timothy provides some basic guidelines for how a woman should represent herself. Yea, it might sound old fashion, but the truth is there are many ladies I see today who dress in moderation and still look very nice, representing herself in a confident, yet respectful manner.

 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28

 Let’s be completely transparent ladies, men have this God given drive that desires the opposite sex (YOU), and when you dress in a manner that reveals more of what’s underneath, you provide the temptation for man to look. This is the Fashion Industry’s goal, to get you more “looks”. And the way things are going, there won’t be much left to cover.

This blog probably won’t change what the Fashion Industry produces, but you can make a choice to raise the bar by dressing in a holy manner, and not with holes in the fabric. You are God’s most beautiful creation, make the choice to honor God through your appearance in this world. God bless! 

 Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

If there is one holiday that generates wonderful thoughts of family traditions, it's Christmas. As we near this special day, many of you, myself included, recall those memorable times your family gathered together, year after year. As adults, those traditions often change as family members have passed, family dynamics change, and your location has probably made it impossible to go back to those welcoming homes for the traditional Christmas. 

Although traditions change, there is one that has never changed, nor will it, that is God's love for you. God loved you enough to take care of the one thing that separated you from Him, your sin, by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to make payment for your sins. Once you believe and accept Christ, your life will be forever enveloped in His love for generations to come. 

Family members and the Christmas traditions come and go, but the love of God and personal relationship with Him is enough to replace the missing pieces of family traditions long ago. God bless. 

 Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 How confident are you with regards to your state of financial stability, health, employment, and possessions? When your bank account has plenty of cushion, job secure, health is good, and there’s many possessions to keep you satisfied, you are content, maybe even happy. But one bad thing could happen and those things you’ve put your trust in might simply be your downfall.

 Today’s passage (Jeremiah 17:7-8) encourages us to trust in the Lord to meet our essential needs. He is the God of this universe and has all the resources you need to provide you a life of satisfaction, even joy. Even in the hard times, His provisions come through at just the right time to give you strength to carry on another day. Can you find something in this world that does that for you?

 Cursed is the man who trust in man and makes flesh his strength. Jeremiah 17:5

 Pretty soon your health will fail, bank account will shrink, and all those “things” you possess will break down and be discarded. But, your faith in God will never leave you empty, but will fill your soul to overflowing, even in times of desperation, like sickness, unemployment, and financial struggles. God never intended for His creation (that’s YOU) to go at life alone. Why not put your faith and trust in Him, so you can live on the promises of God to provide you everything you need in this life and life eternal. God bless!

 

 

 Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.

When someone offends you, how long does it take to forgive them? I'm sure the degree of pain you felt determines the length of time to find forgiveness. Sadly many today have gone years without acknowledging forgiveness, thus keeping them in a frozen state of bitterness. 

Today's verse is a great reminder that when we sin against God and ask forgiveness, He does so immediately. He even takes it a step further by not remembering your wrong doing. You won't find that quality of forgiveness in any human being. 

The freedom that God's children experience, feeling guilt free is refreshing, especially in this day and time when people’s skin is so thin, one word or one wrong look will bring division and hurt. If you are tired of trying to live your life without offending others, focus on your relationship with the One who has already made a path of forgiveness through faith in Christ. Your days will be filled with an unspeakable joy. God bless. 

 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

 God’s blessings are always welcome, and quite often they occur without notice. Let’s face it, when things are good in life, we almost expect good to come our way, and those blessings God showers down sometimes become routine. This is until something tragic happens.

 Hurricane Helene came and left destruction along her path. Many lives were lost, and some still missing. Social media has provided us a front row seat to the actual devastation and loss people experienced. But through the horrific tragedy, many Americans have come to the rescue, providing much needed food, water, clothing, and embracement of love. I follow several people I know who’ve experienced loss, and they have stated on many occasions how they’ve been blessed by the little things people have done and shared.

 I encourage you to always be thankful for the good times God allows in your life and appreciate the blessings He bestows. But, don’t let those become routine and unnoticed. God often allows a change in course so we’ll recognized our dependence upon Him during the worst events of life. No matter what happens, God has your back and will always find ways to bring light to the darkest moments of life. God bless!

 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

 Have you ever looked through a dirty mirror? Everything in it becomes distorted and many of your features are blurred by the dirty film covering the mirror. Time has a way of dirtying the surface of the mirror, and unless you clean it, the image you see won’t be the perfect reflection of you.

 Here’s a question to ponder: If your life was a mirror, how would Jesus see His reflection? Would He see a perfect image of Himself, OR would there be imperfections and blurriness? Sin has a way of dirtying our life and severely distorts the image of Jesus, which we are to reflect outward. As children of God, we have the blood of Christ who washed us clean. It’s when we live in purposeful sin that we distort that image and others get a not so perfect view of Jesus Christ.

 What others see in you matters, by how you live, talk, think, even communicate on social media. We need to always do our best to reflect the pure image of Jesus Christ, otherwise, no one will see how wonderful He is, living in and through your life. Maybe it’s time to clean up your life, so the reflection Jesus sees is accurate, and welcoming to those who live in your corner of this big world. God bless!

 In Him, we have redemption though His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7

 When you have a spat (argument) with someone, there is usually a period of disconnect, where neither speaks to one another, sometimes even avoidance plays into the mix. Only through time, grace, and forgiveness, is the relationship restored. Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself.

 As humans, we are created in the image of God. He loves us and wants to have a personal relationship with all of His creation. Because He is holy and righteous, our sin separates us from having a relationship with God. Today’s verse is a great reminder that Jesus Christ took care of the separation between us and God on the cross. Jesus bridged that gap between us and God, through His sacrifice on the cross, making payment for our sins.

 Maybe you’ve never experienced the blessings of having a personal relationship with your true creator. You don’t have to “try your best” to gain His approval, just believe in what Jesus Christ did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins, ask for His forgiveness, and commit your life to Him every day. The only thing holding you back from receiving an eternal relationship with God is yourself. Why not ask Him to come into your heart today and know that you will enjoy the blessing of a friendship that will never end, no matter what happens in your life, when you welcome Him into your heart. God bless!

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.  Philippians 4:8

 Have you ever thought about what you think throughout the day? I know that sounds like a corny question, but there is something to be said for what goes on in your mind. Theres an old say, “what you think, you become”. If you don’t believe me, go to any bookstore, and you’ll find all kinds of inspiring books on how to become successful by what you put into your mind.

 Although today’s verse was written well over 2,000 years ago, Paul encouraged believers to think about the positives: truth, noble, just, pure, lovely, good news, and praise. By filling your mind with the spiritual positive traits, you won’t ‘have any room in your mind to entertain the filth of this world, and there is a lot of that for everyone. I find the internet is a good source of information, but left without going into it with a purpose, you can find yourself meandering into some dark and negative places, filling your mind with temptation, lust, greed, and anything else that can influence how you live.

 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 There’s plenty to think about in today’s world. Make it a priority to think upon the good things God has for His children, and you’ll have no problem living out your faith every day! God bless!

 The idols of nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.  Psalm 135:15-18

 We live in a world where everything is available to us via the internet. From Amazon, to Instacart, to Carvana and everything in between, you can have it all, delivered to your location. Everything you shop for online is stored in your computer and somehow shows up on your Facebook news feed and internet pages you view. This entices you to consider buying things you probably don’t need (when my wife reads this, she will say this blog was for me). But with the click of a few buttons, it’s one and done, on its way to you.

 Online browsing and shopping can become an idol. As a result, finances are tighter, bills might not get paid on time (or paid at all), enslaving you to that common phrase we call “debt”. God never intended for you to be a slave to money and businesses seeking to fulfil your wants with their temporary products (whew, I’m even feeling guilty now).

 Years ago, I became debt free (for the most part), and it has allowed me to tithe on a regular basis and occasionally give to a special charity or friend/family member in need. Yea, money is still tight, but there is a little room to give and God has blessed me in return by remaining obedient and keeping myself from owing everything I make to someone else.

 If the Amazon delivery guy shows up more on your Ring door bell than family members living in your home, you might have an issue with spending. Seek out God’s help to control spending, stop looking online at things you don’t need and find ways to share your blessings with others. God will reward your obedience with the provisions you really need in life. God bless!

 Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do”.  Luke 23.34

 Do you ever wonder if God runs out of forgiveness for your sins? As humans, we are creatures of habit and the same temptations seems to follow us daily. Trying to stop the process of sin can be very difficult, especially today, as we live in an environment where temptation to pursue worldly living is more accepted than living in righteousness. Satan does a great job at whispering lies that God’s forgiveness runs out, especially when we commit the same sins.

 In my personal opinion, one of the most powerful messages Jesus delivered while on planet earth was His last words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. Jesus came here to live a life that we should model our lives after, but the most important thing He did was make payment for our sins on a cross. God loves His creation (you and me) and He wants to have a relationship with everyone, but sin is what separates us from Him. That’s why Jesus came here, to provide a bridge between us and a holy and righteous God.

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

 God’s forgiveness, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, does not give you permission to continue in sin. He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us in our battle with the sins that seem to show up unexpectedly. But, when we mess up, He is willing to forgive you and restore that relationship when you acknowledge your wrong doings, and ask for His forgiveness.  

 he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

 As Jesus hung on the cross, waiting to die, He had a conversation with one of the others who was being crucified with him. He assured this man would be with Him in Paradise because of His faith in who Jesus was. Up until that moment in time, that criminal had no chance of eternal life in Heaven, but Jesus was willing to forgive him at the final moments of his life. He will always be ready to forgive you as well. God bless!

 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. Romans 13:13

 Our Sunday School lesson (or life groups as we call them now) was focused on “What would Jesus do”. This famous saying originated back in the late 1800s to encourage people to think and act like Jesus. Modern culture often defines how people dress, act, speak, and what determines “success”. If you look back to the 1940s-1960s and compare how things are today, we have drifted backwards from high levels of respect for self, others, and general courtesy to our fellow man.

 Today’s passage hits some of the rough behaviors, many of you might not partake, but it accounts for what some were doing back during the time the bible was written. As a child of God, you are to reflect the behaviors of your Savior, Jesus Christ. You have the Holy Spirit living inside you, and that Spirit equips you to reflect His love, grace, mercy, and wisdom. Are you applying His resources in your every day life? If not, you are not giving God your best, and blessings will be withheld until you turn back to the way Jesus lived; a selfless, caring, loving, and righteous person.

 You don’t have to be considered old fashioned by living the way God wants for your life. You are a human being, created in His image, with specific gifts and talents to be the light of Christ in this dark world. How can you live today like Jesus?

 Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

With another deadly hurricane on the horizon, many in its path are praying for God's hand of protection. We, who are safe and in the comfort of our homes, should be joining them in prayer. The question to ponder, will God truly intervene? 

With every disaster you hear stories of incidents where a rooftop saved one's life, a brief opening in the debris led someone to higher ground, a passerby who ran into a burning home and saved a disabled person who was unable to escape. Media likes to focus on the worst, and it's good to know the level of devastation, but the real story is in the small miracles that God works at the prompting of someone's prayer. 

Will God turn this hurricane away, probably not, but He will answer the call for help when faithful prayers of protection reach His ears. Take time today, and throughout the rest of this week, to pray for those in harm's way that God will help those who call out to Him. God bless.