But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15

 One thing I always look at when considering a purchase is the customer reviews. They are usually unbiased and give the truth about the product or service, either good or bad. The more positive reviews get my attention. And just about 90% of the time they are dead on accurate.

 So here is a thought, if Salvation was sold on Amazon, what review would you give it? I know it sounds corny, but the truth is, as Christians, we should be ready to share the review of our Salvation experience with others to provide them positive information, convincing them that they too need Jesus Christ in their life. Like the old saying goes, “word of mouth is the best advertisement”, and that is clearly what Jesus Christ told His disciples (and US) over 2,000 years ago to go into the world and share the message of God’s saving grace.

 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21

 Word of mouth is the best advertisement. But what sparks someone’s interest to ask those questions about your faith? The answer, the way you live your life as a child of God. In times of adversity, when you display confidence in the moment, people notice and ask, “what’s the reason for your confidence in dire times?”. How you respond to people and how you make them feel loved is another way to display your faith, that prompts others to question what you’ve got. By living a Christlike life in this dark world, you are sure to be noticed and by faith lead others to Christ.

 Child of God! Your family, friends, and neighbors need Jesus Christ in their life. You can promote Salvation by how you live and word of mouth. When you do, you are obeying God’s command to reach the world for Christ. Go tell them what you know!  

 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

 Last year my wife and I visited the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. If you’ve never been, it’s an enormous and beautiful mansion that has 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 45 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces and is 175,000 square feet in size, equal to 4 acres. To stand up against it, makes you look very small, and you feel overwhelmed by its size. But, once inside, you see each room and understand their purpose, making it much easier to digest the enormity of the largest home in America.

 When faced with a crisis, you probably come to God for help. But in the desperate cries for help, you might feel your problems are insignificant to His Majesty and discredit what He can do to help you. Sadly, many don’t understand the compassion God has for His children and how involved He wants to be in their lives, including yours! From an outside view of God, you might have difficulty relating to His personal relationship He longs to have with you.

 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

 Notice in Proverbs 18:10, it says the righteous run “INTO” it and are safe. It doesn’t say run to it, it says run INTO it. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly into the throne of grace, so we can receive His mercy and help in time of need. Coming to the Lord is one thing, but truly entering into His being will elevate your prayers to His ear, giving you a better understanding of His will for you during this time of crisis. Don’t let the enormity of God hold you back from having a heart felt conversation about what concerns you. He’s right there with you and longs to connect with you, providing you wisdom, mercy, and safety as you walk in accordance to His perfect will. God bless!  

 Do no forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

 A few days ago, I was running errands in town and passed by an area frequented by homeless people. Several times I passed by, I noticed this man sitting up against a building with his baggage. You could clearly tell he was homeless as he had a long beard and looked very scruffy. Each time I drove by, it seemed like he was looking right at me. After my final errand, I felt compelled to buy him a bag of Dairy Queen food, which I did and stopped by to give it to him.

 When I pulled up, I said, “I have something for you”. Without hesitation, he looked up and said “You have something for me?” with a very surprised look on his face. He said he couldn’t get up, so I brought it to him and he was forever grateful. What really impacted me was his statement saying “you have something for me?”.  From his expression, I could tell that he probably hasn’t been given anything in a long while. My heart broke for this man. I also provided him a bible tract and was on my way. Later that day I went by the area again and he was gone, no where to be found.

 Today’s verse is a good reminder to always have an eye for those in need and when prompted (most likely by the Holy Spirit), act upon that nudging, either by providing food, money, or simply just having a conversation with them. Like this man who hasn’t been shown much love, they too will probably soak up your generosity, and who knows, you might be entertaining an angel. God bless!

 

 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

 As I get older, I add to my list people who I’ve not had a positive experience with in life. This list seems to get longer as time goes on. Although we might have had a rough moment in time, I try to put those things behind me to live in peace with them. A very few of them make this difficult, extremely difficult, but according to God’s word, this is what I’m supposed to do. As a matter of fact, Jesus instructed His disciples to always be ready to offer forgiveness to everyone, with no limits. And one of the most challenging things is to love those who’ve harmed me in the past. That’s a very tall order, but one God provides me through His Holy Spirit.

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

 If you are like most human beings, you have a few enemies. As strange and difficult as it sounds, return to them good. When you seek to revenge someone by evil means (evil looks, gossip, vengeful actions, even hateful thoughts towards them), you create a toxic environment for yourself and your heart hardens. And not just hardens towards them, you become a bitter person to those around you. If this is you, you are living in sin.

 Maybe it’s time to come clean and confess your sinful thoughts and actions, and ask God to forgive you and help you have a heart like Jesus Christ. Jesus was the perfect example of forgiveness and love as He hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. Cleanse the bitter spirit within and come clean with the help of The Holy Spirit. Leave the revenge up to God, He will repay (Romans 12:19). You’ll have more peace in your life when you find forgiveness and love in your heart. God bless!

 

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

 There is an old saying, “What you see is what you get”. According to the US Dictionary, this statement affirms that things are exactly as they appear with no surprises or complexities. It’s a statement of transparency, and many people use it to indicate that they have no hidden agenda, everything is exactly as you see it in that person.

 Sadly, many people live the Christian life by this saying. When bad things happen or when life becomes stagnant, they believe God no longer loves them or is interested in their life. The hard times come and from that person’s perspective, it’s doom and gloom. Eventually their faith weakens and distance separates them from the living God.

 Today’s verse is a great reminder that things aren’t always as they seem. A seasoned child of God knows that faith endures even in the hard times of life. Faith is strengthened not by what they see (or don’t see), but by what they know to be true, God’s presence is always with them (Deuteronomy 31:6). God never stops working in the life of His children. He uses the trials and tribulations of life to strengthen us and grow our faith.

 Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14

 Maybe your life doesn’t seem to be going anywhere or you are in the middle of a turbulent storm, seeking God’s help to find calmer waters. Don’t lose hope! Your faith is your lifeboat and will carry you through this time. Seek out God’s wisdom and ask for Him to direct your path. You might not hear or see anything, and that’s ok, just keep living life, committed to Him and He will strengthen you, and lead you through the unknown seasons of life. God bless!

 

 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing 2 Corinthians 2:15

 Last night we attended the visitation of my wife’s best friend’s step-father. As we entered the chapel, you could smell all of the fresh flowers people had sent in memory of this man. The entire back wall was lined with stands of flowers and the sweet smell was representative of this man’s impact he had on so many lives who were in attendance last night. And let me just say, the place was packed, the line continued outside and around the building, as people came to pay their respects and comfort the family. What an impact this man had on his community!

 I was reminded of today’s passage as I thought about those sweet-smelling flowers. As children of God, we too should have the same impact on others by living out our lives for people to see Christ in us. From the moment others see you, they should be reminded of who you stand for, and it will show by how you live your life, the words you say, and how you make others feel through acts of kindness and compassion. We are to touch the world with the love of Christ, generating fruits of the Holy Spirit, as listed below.

 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

 Let your life radiate the fruits of the Spirit as you live out each day, so you too can offer a sweet fragrance to others and to God. Rest in Peace Mr. Tim!

 

 

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

 As a child of God, when you recognize the authority God has over your life, you can be assured He will meet your every need. Oftentimes we believe there are things, people, and experiences we should have in our life, and oftentimes those are withheld because they interfere with God’s perfect plan. As frustrating as it might feel not to have these things, people, and experiences, your trust in God should be paramount to the wants and desires you have for your life.

 What is God’s plan for your life? It’s really quite simple and God makes it available to you through prayer and seeking His wisdom. Sadly, our expectations are like blinders to God’s plan, and we miss the directional signals He sends to route us down the narrow path He’s planned for each one of us, including you!

 Removing those blinders (expectations) can happen by developing a spirit of praise. When you praise God for all the things He’s done in your life, you see less of YOUR desires and more of His perfect blessings. God never promised you to be rich. His riches are eternal and when you trust Him for your needs in life, you can be assured they will outlast the best warranty anything this world has to offer. Nothing can stand up against God’s provisions and last into eternity. Trust God for your every need and be content in His provisions, life will be fulfilling all the way through eternity. God bless!

 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4

 Waiting. Not many people have the desire to wait. Waiting in line at the checkout counter, waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting for those plants to produce fruit, waiting on your spouse to get ready to leave the house. We all have moments where waiting is required. How do you handle waiting?

 Today’s passage calls waiting, “patience”. That powerful word can have a lot of meaning, especially when it relates to other people. I recall hearing “my patience is running thin” many times growing up and was a good motivator for me to get moving or else something painful might occur on my backside, if you know what I mean. James was pretty clear, stating that patience is a work of progress. As you get older, your patience tends to run thin and the result is oftentimes disastrous. My wife can attest to my lack of patience. I truly believe that God provides opportunities to test our patience so we can see if we are progressing or regressing.

 I share this blog because yesterday we got out of church a little early and I had it in my mind to eat at a certain restaurant that quickly fills up. Well, my wife had to make a few social visits before leaving and by the time we hit the car door to leave, we were well past time to dine anywhere without a large crowd and wait times ready to test my patience. Unbeknown to me, we had to make a quick run home first, making us even later. Well, I have to say, I kept my cool and didn’t lose my temper or patience as we moved around town trying to find a place to dine that wasn’t over crowded. We found one and thankfully the place was not full, food came fast, and I was feeling good about that test.

 A long-winded blog to test your patience, just kidding. But truthfully, we all can use some more patience. The next time you find yourself positioned to wait, ask God to help you keep your attitude in check as the test of patience is being administered. After all, everything will fall into its perfect place in time, and thankfully, time is on your side! Wait patiently, so you are complete, lacking nothing. God bless!

 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:22-23

 I have a neighbor who lives on one side of me. We see each other outside several times a week and waive, say “hello” and on occasion speak for a minute when we pass each other at the grocery store or while walking in the neighborhood. Although we have always had positive conversations for 5 years, to this day I do not know his name and he does not know my name.

 Let’s compare the relationship I have with my neighbor to your relationship with God. You might be doing things that you consider pleasing to Him: giving money to the needy, helping people in need, being kind, forgiving, not swearing or living a wild life, maybe you even attend a church service somewhere. All these things are good and you might be considered a “good” person within your community. The real question is, does God know your name? Is your name written in the “Book of Life”?

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

 Your good deeds are good, but they won’t get you into Heaven. Your name MUST be written in the book of life (Revelation 20:15), as one whose received God’s forgiveness through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who made payment for YOUR sins on the cross. You will never do enough good things to make payment for the sin that separates you from the holiness of God.

 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

 God wants to know you by name, so call out to Him today, asking for His forgiveness of sins by accepting Jesus Christ into your life and living for Him daily. Once you received Jesus Christ, you receive His Holy Spirit which resides in you, and your name is written in the Book of Life. And what about good works….the hallmark of a true child of God is one who does good works to please God and to know Him on a deeper level. Does God know your name?

 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1

 In my mother in law’s final days, many of her family members gathered around her to say their final goodbyes and talk amongst each other, sharing stories of her life. As I sat there and listened to the 10 plus family members (three generations), it dawned on me that without the birth of this lady, none of these people would be here, including my wife. When you think about it, it’s amazing the powerful impact one person can have on the lives of so many. She truly died a blessed mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

 This short passage from Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus Christ 700 years before His birth. From Adam and Eve to the birth of Christ, each generation of family has relevance to our Savior’s birth. Today, we as humans can have peace knowing that Jesus Christ’s life has significance in the purpose and meaning of our lives. Without Him, no one would have the hope for eternal security in Heaven.

 If you are a child of God, you are part of that lineage, that must be shared with your family and people within the realm of your influence. You are a significant part of God’s family, so consider the impact you can have on others by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Without you sharing your story, all hope will be lost for the next generation in your family’s lineage to be members of God’s family.

 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:14

 It makes sense for a recovering alcoholic to avoid places that serve alcohol, a recovering drug addict to avoid certain people and places known for the use and sale of drugs, and those on a diet to avoid restaurants that serve food buffet style. The human mind is a powerful tool, and without willpower, it will be defeated by the things that tempt it to go back to the way and life they’ve always known.

 As said in the above paragraph, everyone has a weakness. That weakness is a tool used oftentimes by Satan to keep oneself imprisoned by it’s lure to indulge in the very thing that weakens or tries to destroy a person’s character and witness. You hear in the news about grown men indulging in pornography and eyeing young girls to fulfill fantasies playing out in their minds. Sadly, I know of one older man who fell prey to this temptation and now sits in jail because he crossed the line of morality, and his reputation and future don’t look good.

 What’s your weakness? Today’s passage provides a clear and simple answer how to overcome, MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, TO FULFILL ITS LUSTS.  It’s easier said than done, I’m well aware. No matter what you call it, it’s an addiction that you can never seem to get enough of, even though you know its toxic to your mind, soul, and relationship with God and others. Only through God’s help, can you overcome the temptations that entice you to make poor choices. 1 Corinthians 10:13 basically says, that no temptation, common to man, can overtake you and with every temptation God makes a way out.

 Maybe you need to avoid that gas station where you normally buy cigarettes and beer, stay off the internet to avoid going to sites you know are not good, maybe spend more time reading God’s word and praying for His help. Friend, these addictions will harm you if you don’t take the necessary steps to avoid it’s lure, and with God’s help, you can truly overcome them, every single day! God bless!

 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you like down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 11:19

 Growing up on a farm in Illinois, one of the most frequent topics included the weather. Weather was the determining factor in what work needed to be done and impact to the crop’s success or failure to grow and produce corn and beans. Every time I talk to my dad, you can guarantee weather will come up in our conversation, and still today (although I’m not on a farm) I am always keeping up with the weather wherever I go.

 Today’s verse in Deuteronomy provides another important topic that should be seasoned in everyone’s conversations, the Lord God and what Jesus Christ did for mankind. For the child of God, talking about His goodness with our children, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else we come in contact with, should always be a part of the conversation. By doing so it does two things, it lets people know what’s important in your life and it always provides an opportunity to witness to others.  

 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6

 If your conversations don’t include God, they are simply useless babbling in His eyes. Make sure your conversations are full of God’s grace, love, and wisdom as you talk about the most important topic for everyone’s life. When you do, you’ll find your conversations have more substance and meaning as you touch the world with His message of salvation. God bless!

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 1 Corinthians 5:10

 Like many homeowners, I have a Ring doorbell which records video of people and vehicles passing by my house. When I pull up the Ring app, I can review video of each recording. During the day, it might be full of recordings or intermittent recordings over the span of time. It’s a cool feature, and the best part is, it lets me know when the Amazon delivery guy has dropped off one of my packages. 😊

 As a child of God, your life is being recorded. On the day of your death, you will stand before God and those good and bad things done will be replayed. OUCH! Like the Ring doorbell, will your recordings be full of good things or will they be intermittent, with some bad stuff intermingled? If you are like me, it’s painful to look back over my past and think about the not so good things done, and quite frankly wish I could delete them. But, they are stored for my review and God’s judgment. Thankfully my sins are forgiven, but that doesn’t exclude me from being accountable for the things done, good and bad.

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

 Although you might not be able to erase the past, you have a future ahead of you that can be full of good things, pleasing to God. You can’t do it on your own, you need God’s help, and through His Holy Spirit, you can make choices in your future that will bring honor and glory to God. Start today by asking Him to help you make right choices, and live the life that pleases Him through Godly obedience. He will do just that, so you can hear Him say at your Heavenly greeting, “well done my good and faithful servant”.

 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

 Yesterday we held the funeral service for my wife’s mother, Mary Faye Lashley. During the service, the preacher said that Faye is now walking by sight, as she is in the presence of Jesus Christ in Heaven. What an awesome thought that our loved one is standing within eye sight of our Savior. She lived 92 years of life on this planet, walking by faith in Jesus Christ, believing that one day she would meet Him, face to face.

 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17

 92 years might seem like a long time to live by faith, but in comparison to eternity, it’s just a second. Living by faith, not by sight, takes a lot of work and dedication. Reading God’s word on a daily basis, developing a consistent prayer life, and seeking Godly wisdom as you face the daily challenges of life, will keep your focus on Jesus Christ and not on the things of this world. Satan will do all he can to discourage you from maintaining that faith and trust in Jesus, but remember, Satan is a liar and has no future, unlike those who chose to live by faith in Jesus Christ.

 Your life may be filled with challenges and struggles that weigh you down and sometimes make you question your faith in Jesus. Don’t let those momentary afflictions discourage you from losing faith in Jesus. One day you too will be rewarded with the sight of Jesus Christ, and that day will be here sooner than you think. Until then, walk by faith! God bless!

 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Psalm 63:6

 Sleep, it’s necessary for a healthy life. Some can sleep for hours, maybe even days if permitted, and others find themselves wrestling for just a few hours of peaceful sleep. I fall in between those two categories. Oftentimes I’ll wake once, possibly twice, during the night, and pretty much fall back asleep with no problem, unless I have something on my mind.

 When I do wake, one thing that always helps me get back into sleep mode is pray. That period of time in which I allot for sleep is great, there is no one pressuring me to do something, no one talking to me, and no real time demands are placed on me during those 2-8 hours I call bed-time. While laying on my back, I fold my hands together and simply pray about whatever comes to mind. That simple act brings a comforting peace over my body and it gives God an opportunity to speak when everyone else is quiet. Another thing prayer does in the middle of sleep time is takes my focus off those things that worry me and puts them on the worry resolver, God! He knows my worries, and when I acknowledge them to Him, it reaffirms my faith in His ability to help me.

 The next time sleep is interrupted, take a few minutes to pray to God. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, just a few simple sentences of your concerns, and your praise to God for all He does and will do in your life. Rest well friend!

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8

 How well do you drive at night? For some people, like my wife, it’s difficult to see the roadway, especially when cars approach. I recall one dark night, there was no light from the moon, the pavement was wet from a recent rain and the roadway and its surroundings were pitch black. My headlights were absorbed into the wet pavement, making it very difficult to see any further than 20 feet ahead. Thankfully, the roadway had reflective paint on the side which helped me stay centered and I arrived safely at my intended destination.  

 As a child of God, you have to realize this world is not your home. The world and its ways, standards, and morals are like that dark road, and can quickly steer even the most devout Christian off course. That is why it is critical to stay grounded in God’s word on a daily basis, pray continually, and avoid those easily accessible detours (sin) that entices you to partake of it’s temporary pleasures. Putting your trust in God will help you navigate even the darkest times of your life and lead you down the path of righteousness.

 Do you struggle in this life? Maybe the sinful pleasures of lust, greed, deception, immoral relationships and more have caused you to veer off God’s path. God promises to forgive those who come to Him seeking His grace and mercy and He will restore you back to the pathway through this dark world. Let God guide you with His light, His eye of wisdom, so you’ll pass safely through this life as you journey towards Heaven! God bless!

 

 

 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing. You can make me clean.” Matthew 8:2

 Do you have faith in Jesus Christ that He can perform miracles in your life? This leper came to Jesus, knowing of His healing power, and said if you are willing, You can make me clean. He didn’t say…can you make me clean or is it possible for you to make me clean. That leper didn’t question Him, he knew Jesus could heal him and went to Him by faith. As you read the next verse, you see Jesus healed him.

 How many times have you asked God for help in the form of a question? God, can you help me? God can you heal me? God can you work a miracle in a situation I’m facing? Asking God through a question shows a lack of faith and actually disappoints God when you question His abilities.

 But let him ask in faith, without doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

 It’s ok to ask for God’s will to be revealed as you navigate through life. But, when you seek His help, make your request with the authority given to you as a child of God: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.

 God loves you and wants to provide you all the necessities of life. When you put your faith and trust in His ability to meet those needs, you are assured of His response by providing you His very best.

 Jesus said, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

 

 

 Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. You will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us of our debts. As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:8-13

 In life, sometimes you’ll hit a brick wall when trying to decide how to pray for a certain situation. Currently my mother-in-law, who is 92, has COPD, dementia, legally blind, can’t hear very well and is suffering in the ICU with the flu and pneumonia. Over the past few months, she has had COVID (for the third time) and Shingles, yet came through each illness. Due to her COPD she has to be on oxygen 24/7 and is confined to a wheel chair. You could say her quality of life is just short of zero, leaving us the question, how do we pray for her? We know she is a Christian and Heaven will be her home. We know she is ready to go, yet God still keeps her here with us for a while longer.

 As I was praying this morning about this situation and asking God why she has to suffer in this manner, God put today’s passage in Matthew in my mind. If you aren’t familiar with it, it is called The Lord’s Prayer. Jesus prayed these words as an example for His disciples. You could say it pretty much covers everything His children need on a daily basis and leaves the concerns and issues of life up to Him to work out. WE just have to remain obedient and trust God’s plan and purpose. Although my wife’s mother isn’t doing any work for the Lord laying there suffering, God just might be working in the lives who surround her to help them come closer to Him. WE don’t know, but God does, and that is where we need to put our faith and trust in, even in these uncertain times.

 Maybe life has thrown you a curve ball and you’ve got no real understanding of what God is doing and how to pray. Pray the Lord’s prayer and trust Him for the details which you don’t’ see. In the end, His plan will be worked out perfectly and your faith and trust in Him will hold things in tact until that time comes. Trust Him in the moment of question and doubt. God bless

 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:28

 I believe a person’s ability to love someone comes through the environment they were brought up in. Some homes are full of love, love between mom and dad, and love of family members and their children. Then there are homes in which love is replaced with “duty” and is conditional by how each person acts towards each other. And finally, there are homes with no love at all, it’s simply a dead environment, leaving that poor child to express his/her feelings and emotions through negative behaviors. Which household can you identify with?

 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her; Ephesians 5:25

 Even if you grew up in a loving household, you might have difficulty learning to love someone. Ephesians 5: 25 and 28 give great examples of how to love your spouse, and can be applied to others with whom you deeply care for. Loving your wife as your own body. Just for a moment think about how you take care of you. You look out for your own interest, you make choices that benefit you, you try to take care of your body and protect yourself from harm. This same mindset can be applied to the love you have for your spouse. You take care of them, you encourage them, you oftentimes put them first in your decision making so they’ll approve.  

 One of the key elements in loving someone was so well displayed by Jesus Christ, SACRAFICE! This is where you think of your spouse first, you oftentimes have to surrender your plans, your enjoyment, and the things or people that are the thorn in the flesh of your marriage. You don’t sacrifice out of duty; you do this out of love. Because when you love as Jesus Christ, you love yourself. Think about areas in your family where the elements of love need to be implemented and begin to see those relationships strengthened. God will bless you for loving others, just as He loves you!

 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  John 3:16

 Continuing with the topic of love this month, it’s interesting how Jesus Christ came into this world to save mankind from their sins. At just the right moment, place, and couple, The Holy Spirit placed the seed of Christ in Mary’s womb, before she was married to Joseph. Back in those days it was shameful to have a child outside of marriage, and I’m sure Mary, being a virgin, worried that no one would believe her story of the immaculate conception. Yet, God’s timing was perfect, even though it was not in the immediate plans of Mary and Joseph.

 Love has a unique way of weaving a couple’s future. Not everything that comes out of love is expected or planned, things just happen. But through the bond of love, anyone can survive the changes life brings. Sadly, many couples who are in love, find themselves drifting apart due to unforeseen circumstances. Joseph was ready to end his relationship with Mary to keep her from being disgraced in the public’s eye. After an angel appeared in a dream to Joseph, telling him this was God’s doings, Joseph submitted to God’s will and continued the relationship. I’m sure he was crushed up until the moment of the angel’s news. Love held them together.

 Maybe you are in the middle of a relational crises and ending it seems the most logical course moving forward. Reconsider your love for that one you vowed to live “until death separate you”. Love is not only an emotion, it is action, it is sacrifice, it is something meant to last, even in the most difficult of life’s storms. Ask God to impart His wisdom in your situation and be comfortable with allowing Him to work a miracle in your unplanned chapter. God’s will can be fulfilled in your marriage bond if you keep love alive. God bless!

 

 ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‬ ‭Love suffers long (patient) and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 

The wife finds herself picking up her husband’s clothes from the bathroom floor, puts the cap back on the toothpaste tube, and rehangs the towel on the rack so it will dry properly. She ponders the thought of fussing at him, but remembers he’s working two jobs and doing his part to provide for their family. Patience kicks in and she says nothing but gives God the praise for providing a husband who does his part to provide. 

I know that story sounds like a perfect love, and maybe it happens in your marriage every day, but the patience you once had now has turned to frustration and even resentment towards your spouse. 

One of the most basic elements of love is patience. Patience is like God's grace, it always covers the transgressions of the ones we love. Yea, we can still get frustrated and angry, but it's important not to allow those emotions put out the flame of love you have for your spouse or anyone you truly care about. 

Only God knows the miles of patience my sweet wife has for me, and I see it daily in our lives. I can honestly say it binds our love and shields her, and myself, from Satan’s lies that try to break down the foundation of our marriage. 

If you are like most spouses, you need some patience. Ask God to let patience permeate into the love you have for your spouse so the love bond will remain strong and able to weather those rainy days we all have in our relationships with one another. 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

 Welcome to the month of February. During this month, we celebrate Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) and give honor to the people we love so dearly. The majority of those people are ones who live in the same house as us, or close by; for some, it’s a long-distance love, that somehow holds together as miles separate two hearts. The question I ask you today, what about your love for God?

 If you are like so many, you consider God to be far off, away and out of sight, just like a long-distance love. This kind of thinking can make it difficult to love Him in the way God intended, with all your heart, soul, and mind. Do you have trouble finding that special connection with God that seems too far to love as you do those within your eye sight?

 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

 1 John 4:7 tells us that love is of God, He created that very powerful emotion, which is fulfilled through one’s words, actions, and sacrifice. And sacrifice is exactly what God did with His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 4:10). He paid for your sin debt so you can live eternally with Him and those who have received Him as their Lord and Savior. He loved you first, so you could love Him in return. And by His Holy Spirit, living inside you, you have full access to His continual, and unconditional love.

 When you love someone, you are reflecting His love outward. It’s visible and something you can cherish every day of your life because He gave you the ability to love. God isn’t that far off to say it’s hard to love Him. He is the very nature of love and when you fulfill His purpose to love others, you are loving Him in the process. God bless!