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!