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 anything praiseworthy, mediate on these things. Philippians 4:8

 One thing I learned pretty quick while riding a motorcycle, where your eyes go, you go. One day I was riding down a road and entered a curve and looked to my right to see a house for sale that caught my attention. When I turned to look back at the road, I found myself headed for the ditch. Fortunately, I was riding near the center line, so I had a few feet to go before exiting the road and was able to correct my trajectory. Lesson learned, keep looking where I intend to go on a bike!

 In today’s world there are many distractions out there can alter your character or much worse harm your relationship with God. Example, I enjoy watching the news and keeping up with what’s happening in the US and around the world. The downside of that is some news frustrates me to the point I become angry, act out of character, and form unrealistic opinions about people. This mix of emotions and thoughts toxify my day and leave me with an attitude that doesn’t represent Christ who lives in me. Get my point?

 To counter this behavior, I oftentimes recall today’s verse and try to refocus my thoughts on spiritual things, God’s blessings, and actually pray for those people who frustrate the hound out of me (that’s a Yankee expression). Those prayers steadily dampen the fire inside my brain and I’m able to calm down and see things for what they really are.

 If you ride a bike or motorcycle, keep your eyes focused on where you plan to go! If you want to maintain a stable relationship with God and keep your character in check, avoid those things that will stir negative emotions and fill your mind with the good things of God. Trust me, your daily journey will be less emotionally draining and you’ll finish the day without regrets. What Godly things can you ponder on today?

  Our community is painfully digesting the sad news of another shooting in our town, which 7 people were shot and one young man died. Sadly, this is just one of many such events our community has experienced and people are asking city officials to help stop this madness. Social media has provided an outlet for people to comment and make suggestions, but the truth is, this battle against evil can only be fought one way, with God’s help.

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord, and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

 Today’s verses come from the story of King Jehoshaphat who was told of several great armies that were on their way to destroy his people. Many kings would have encouraged their army to get ready for battle, but not this king. He called all the people together to pray and seek God’s guidance as the enemy drew near. As the story goes, God told them the battle was not theirs, but God’s and He would take care of the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:15).  The next day they went down to the area where the battle was to take place and witnessed dead bodies spread out over the battlefield. God miraculously destroyed their enemy and not a single person under Jehoshaphat’s command had to do anything. God answered their prayers.

 Maybe our community needs to come together and pray for God’s intervention, so people can live in this town without fear of being shot. We need God’s help, and if we are faithful to pray, God will bless our community, just as He did, well over 2,000 years ago, for the people of Judah.  

 For God created us for incorruption, and made us into the image of His own eternity. Wisdom of Solomon 2:23

 If you’ve ever worked with tools, you know that some tools can be used for other purposes. As an example, the end of a screwdriver can be used to pry something apart, its handle can be used to hammer something, and it can be used as a stake in the ground to hold something up. But with the unintended use of a screwdriver, or any tool, it can also damage something or hurt you in the process.

 God gives each of us free will to chose how we want to live our life. We can live in strict obedience to God’s ways or pursue our own way of living. Either way, God loves us. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26) and wants to have a personal relationship with all of His creation. But, He never forces that relationship, He leaves the decision up to us how we want to live.

 Today’s verse above comes from the Wisdom of Solomon, historical text that was never included in the original bible. But it’s words certainly speak the truth about God’s intended purpose for each one of us. He desires for us to live a life without the corruption of the world’s ways and model after His Son, Jesus Christ. No, you’ll never achieve complete perfection of holiness (not even the Pope), but you should strive to live for Jesus Christ each and every day, surrendering pursuits of a sinful lifestyle that distances you from your Heavenly Father. The benefit of living a life pleasing to the Lord will only bring God’s blessings upon your life and shield you from the negative effects of sin.

 Seek God’s will for your life, so you’ll live it the way He intended. God will take your life to a new level, through the equipping of His Holy Spirit. What’s your purpose in life?

 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

 It’s Friday, June 6, 2025 and also National Donut Day. I have plans to visit a donut shop soon and celebrate with indulgence of a fresh donut. If you know me, donuts are my favorite food. As a kid growing up in the mid-west, we had several bakeries in our small town that made fresh donuts daily and any chance I had to get one, you could bet I was there.

 In 1992 I moved from Illinois to Georgia. At that time, I was not able to find a donut shop that produced a fresh donut like ones made up north. Yeah, Krispy Kreme and Dunkin donut stores were around, but their quality just didn’t satisfy my appetite for what I was used to eating. Since then, several other donut stores have opened and I’ve found a few shops that come close, but nothing compares to the fresh, family-owned bakeries from my hometown.

 Today’s verse encourages us to enter into a relationship with God. Sadly, there are many people in this great USA who’ve never had the opportunity to see what an eternal relationship with our Creator can do for them. Those people are walking blindly through life without knowing the reason for existence and try to find happiness in things that don’t completely fill their heart. Yeah, there are momentary pleasures that might satisfy for the moment, maybe even for years, but compared to eternity, nothing can come close.

 Maybe you’ve never experienced the One and Only God of this universe. It’s actually quite simple: it’s believing that His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth over 2000 years ago and died on a cross and rose back to life 3 days later, as payment for the sins of mankind, including your sins, it’s confessing your sins and asking Jesus Christ to come into your life to save your soul and commit to living His way each and every day. Following that decision, you’ll still experience the ups and downs of life, but the consistent joy and satisfaction, knowing you are saved, and having God’s Holy Spirit to guide you daily, will yield much peace, joy, comfort, wisdom, and healing like nothing on earth. Why not give God a try today, taste and see that the Lord is good and will forever be in your heart! God bless!

 

 

 

 Revelation 8:13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

The Bible predicts how earth will end and the impact on humans living at that time. The wrath of God will rain down on earth because of mankind's wickedness and disobedience to His word. If you look around, you can tell the hour of Jesus Christ return to take His followers out of here before chaos erupts is closer than ever. 

You still have time to repent of sins, believe in Jesus Christ, that He paid for your sins by dying on a cross and came back to life 3 days later. Receive His forgiveness and commit your life to Him today. Don't delay, the trumpets could sound anytime.

 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15

 Think back to a time when you made a significant purchase; maybe it was a car, a house, a boat, a pool, a special tool or cookware. That something was meaningful to you. How do you feel about it now? Does it still work, have you sold it, or maybe it’s somewhere collecting dust. Take it a step further and walk around your home and see all the stuff you possess, does it have the same importance as the day you bought it?

 We live in a world that encourages you to buy stuff, and some of it might be useful, but over time it has probably become a financial burden with monthly payments and maintenance cost. You thought it might make life better, but in actuality it’s just one more thing you own (or making payments on) that has lost its luster.

 Today’s verse comes from the mouth of Jesus Christ. He knows you want a things that make you happy, but He also knows the limits of its benefit, and most of it runs out of excitement over a brief time. Nothing you own makes you who you are!

 Your life was created, by God, with a special purpose, and He wants you to discover it by searching out His will for your life and pursue it with the same passion you put forth in buying stuff. The worldly stuff only provides temporary pleasure, but a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, will bring lasting joy, in this present life and beyond.

 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in heaven that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:33-34

 You don’t have to sell everything you’ve got. Gods provided you the resources to buy those things. But don’t let your purchases define who you are. You are a child of the living God and He wants to enrich your life with the blessings and joy only He can provide. Focus your heart on God and seek after His will for your life. You’ll soon see your priorities change and become more Christ focused. Your desires will become pleasing to Him and He will bless you for your faithfulness as you store up treasures in Heaven! God bless!

 

 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Studies reveal that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions each day. That's a lot, and some come easy, others take some thought, but every decision has an impact, whether it's immediate or long term.

Today's verse encourages us to “test all things”. That doesn't mean we should proceed with a decision to see how it works out. That only leads to frustration, unwanted commitments, and shame if things don't work out as expected. Sadly, that's how many people go through life, with decisions that have no fore-thought.

Time spent praying and seeking God's will for every decision is the best way to navigate the 35,000 decisions you'll face today and beyond. Some won't take much thought, others will require you to “wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31) for an answer. By putting those big decisions on hold till you have God's guidance will ensure a more meaningful and purpose driven life. Make your next decision with God's help today.

 Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

If you are like most people, you wash up before attending a special event, such as a church service, wedding, birthday party,....you get the point. We want to look our best for the event and out of respect for the people who are being honored.

Today's verse encourages us to clean up our lives for God. Although we are riddled with sin, the blood of Christ washes us of the condemnation we so rightly deserve. But that doesn't exclude us from doing our part. In a world full of worldly pleasures, it can be difficult to separate yourself from them, but God provides His Holy Spirit to give you the strength and encouragement to say “NO” to sin, so you can honor God's Son, by your faithfulness and commitment to Him.

Does your life truly represent the character of Christ? Ask Him to help you stay unspotted from the world (James 1:27) so your life can shine brightly the light of Christ into this dark world.

 Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Many years ago my mother gifted me this beautiful cowboy fountain. It stands about 2 - 3 feet tall and water cascades over 3 levels, making a peaceful sound. On the back is a small door that when open allows you to add water. When I first used it, I'd keep the door open, and over time, debris would enter the fountain and clog the pump, preventing water from flowing. I'd have to take it apart, clean it, and refill the fountain. Now I keep the door closed and have no more issues. 

Today's verse talks about peace, and looking at the world today, there's very little peace. Just like that little door to the fountain, we open ourselves to unnecessary things of the world, and other people's drama, that clogs up our mind, disrupting the perfect flow of peace we long for daily. We want to be involved in other people's lives, but that often comes with a price, loss of peace and harmony with God. 

Romans 8:6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: 

How can you live in peace without having to isolate yourself from everyone? Only by closing your mind off to the world's logic and focusing on God's words of wisdom, will you find peace, even in the most chaotic situations. 

Yes, my marriage isn't working and by the law I can divorce my spouse, but God's word encourages you to pray for your spouse and remain regardless (Ephesians 5:27)

How can I forgive this person who has wrecked my life, but God says if you don't forgive, neither will God forgive you (Matthew 6:14-15). 

The Bible is full of Godly wisdom, that if followed, yields a deeper peace than anything the world can offer you. But you must enrich your mind, heart, and soul with its words, so you'll be equipped to deal with things that come your way. Read your Bible and become familiar with passages that specifically address issues you face, and follow its advice. You will soon see peace freely flowing through your soul, untouched by the drama and stress of the world. 

 As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Psalm 55:16

 Yesterday I was listening to the news about the tornados that have been wreaking havoc across the middle part of the US. One man stated that he and his wife had sheltered in their home when the tornado hit, it picked them both up and he prayed, “Jesus, please save our lives”. He stated that once he prayed, the tornado dropped both of them to the ground and they were not injured. What a miraculous story!

 Today’s verse assures us that when we cry out to God, He responds in the way He sees best. In the case of this story, He responded immediately, which is always nice, but sometimes it doesn’t always occur that quickly. God has a plan and purpose for every storm we face in life, whether it’s an actual weather-related storm or life event. His plan for each occasion will either grow our faith or touch the life of someone else. This man’s story touched my life by giving me the confidence of God’s reply to those who call upon Him…and I’m sure others feel the same.

 Whenever you call out to God, have the assurance His response will come at the appropriate time and have the most impact on your life and the lives of those around you. He’s got a plan for your next crises and ready for you to enter it with faith and trust in Him! God bless!

 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25

 My favorite bottled water is Callaway Blue. It’s bottled spring water, in the next town over from us and sold locally. I’ve tried a variety of bottled water, but nothing compares to this brand. I’ll admit, it cost more than other brands, so sometimes I refill the bottle with regular tap water. The bottle is blue, so you can’t tell the difference between Callaway Blue Spring water and tap water unless you drink it.

 There are many people today who claim to be Christians; they look like Christians, act like them while in public, even speak like them, yet deep inside their heart is a counterfeit soul that deceives everyone. Today’s verse says that we, as Christians, are not to lie about our belief and faith. We are to be genuine and live out the truth of God’s character in our words and actions. True, we are all humans and fail miserably, but you know your heart and if it’s not in tune with God’s Holy Spirit, you are living a lie and God will judge you for being a deceiver.

 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

 Ask yourself, “am I living for God”, “do I live out my faith behind closed doors”? If you can’t answer yes to these questions, maybe it’s time to fill your soul with the truth, the gospel truth and God’s Holy Spirit. What you fill your mind with affects your heart. Reading your bible fills you with God's truth. Your heart is what God sees and if it’s not genuinely true, your “good deeds” will not be recognized on the day of judgment. Live out your faith in truth, so the world can see the true character of Jesus Christ. God bless!  

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

 It’s been 4 days since I’ve written a blog. God usually drops a thought or verse in my mind and I let His Spirit guide me as I write. After 4 days of silence, I begin to question if He’s really there, or maybe I’ve done something wrong. Maybe you’ve felt that way as well, God’s silence is difficult for His children, who are constantly relying on Him for wisdom, encouragement, and love, especially in this world that is out of sync with His ways.

 After years of having a relationship with God, I can assure you, He is still within the heart of those who’ve accepted Him as their personal Savior. Sometimes He remains silent to see how we live, given the wisdom He’s already provided us. A good example of this is, as parents we help our kids learn to walk, and once they get on their feet, we allow them to go wherever their feet take them. But, when they start heading for something dangerous, we intervene, better yet, when they are about to fall, we try to catch them. I believe this is what God is doing in our lives when He remains silent. So, what should we do when God remains silent in our life?

 Today’s verse encourages us to keep the faith and seek after Him, even when we don’t hear Him speak. As a child begins to walk, they usually head towards their parent, because they know that’s his/her safety net and within the grasp of the parent’s arms are lots of love. When we sustain faith in the moments, days, even weeks of silence, God wants us to continue reading His word, praying, and living the way He has purposed for our lives. Yes, we need God daily, and He is right there with us, but sometimes we need that time of quiet to strengthen our faith and show God how much we utilize the resources He’s given us. When you encounter moments of silence, don’t fret! Just keep doing what you know to do and He’ll join you on the other side of your steps of faith. God bless!

 Ephesians 5:13 NLT

[13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 

I just read about the arrest of another middle aged High school teacher who had a sexual relationship with a student. What was even more sick, the 25 year old school secretary orchestrated the relationship, and she was arrested as well. What is going on in our schools? 

Today's verse might be over 2,000 years old, but its words are still true today, your sins will eventually be discovered. It doesn't matter what you believe to be right, God's laws and the laws of this country draw the line between good and evil behavior. 

If you are currently breaking one of God's laws, STOP! The eternal consequences of your decision to continue in deliberate sin will have an eternal impact on your soul. The devil would have you believe it's ok, but it's not, and quite frankly if you have any morals, you know in your heart what you are doing is wrong. Ask God to help you break the addiction, and the pressure to continue in wrong behavior so you can be spared judgement today and into eternity. Your sins will be exposed. 

 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

 One of our daughters recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She is so precious, and as a grandfather I can relish my time with her, then give her back to mom and dad to take care of all her necessities. It makes me think back to my experience raising 4 kids along with the hard work and challenges that we went through. Now they get to experience the joys and challenges of raising a child. If you’ve ever had that experience, you know it comes with a lot of joys as well as difficult times. I certainly wouldn’t want to do it all over again.

 Today’s verse from Psalms encourages the child of God to commit every day to the Lord, and He will help you through the challenges of raising a child or whatever difficult task you face. I know there were many days when I’d find myself in deep prayer, asking, sometimes screaming, GOD HELP ME! And every time He intervened to provide wisdom, encouragement, and sometimes administer a form of discipline to me when I wasn’t being the best parent. That’s the wonderful thing about committing each day to the Lord, He sees beyond your struggle and provides what’s necessary to bring it to pass so you can face the next challenge with confidence that God’s hand is wrapped around your life and family.

 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way. Psalm 37:7

 It’s easy to compare your life with those around you. When you do this, you get a feeling that everyone else’s life is full of joy, complete, and without struggles. Their kids always behave in public, their house is always neat, their car is always clean (and it’s a nice ride)…the list of comparisons is endless. But the truth be told, behind those walls of perfection, they have the same challenges and struggles that you do. Psalm 37:7 encourages you not to rush ahead by trying to keep up with your neighbors by spending foolish amounts of money on things that will only bring more stress to your family unit. Have I hit a nerve yet? I could go on, but this blog is already too long, so I’ll wrap it up.

 Whatever struggles you are facing, commit every day to the Lord, so He can help you navigate through the challenging times, and by waiting patiently for His guidance, you’ll stay in step with Him. God will bless you when you let Him take the wheel of your life. God bless!

 But as for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20

 When bad things happen, how do you respond? Today’s passage comes from the story of Joseph. His brothers were jealous of him, so they sold him into slavery and told his father that he died by wild animals. Throughout Joseph’s experience, he remained faithful to God with every step of misfortune. Eventually Joseph became a leader in Egypt and was recognized for his faithfulness to God.

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 May I recommend a response that gives hope to a hopeless situation by responding with two words: “BUT GOD”.  Joseph’s life was out of his control when he was sold into slavery, and imprisoned from being falsely accused of something he didn’t do, yet He trusted God with each situation and it turned out for his benefit and God’s plan was fulfilled.

 When faced with life’s difficult moments, I encourage you to say, BUT GOD, and trust that what you experience is part of God’s plan to grow your faith and trust in Him, and bring blessings into your life that you otherwise couldn’t have dreamed up. Don’t despair when trouble comes, say, “God, I’m going to remain faithful to you and trust that what you are allowing to occur will be for my benefit”. Trust me, God will bless you for remaining faithful to His purpose and for your good! God bless!

 Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Yesterday I heard someone say on the radio, “don't forget to call your mother on Sunday”. Tears developed in my eyes because my mother is no longer here to take my call. She's been gone 5 years now and I still wish I could pick up the phone and share something with her, but that's not humanly possible. Maybe you have lost your mother and you wonder how you can celebrate Mother's Day without her. 

May I suggest you let today's verse give you something to focus on instead of your loss. There are many mothers around you, of all ages and varying situations that could use some encouragement to continue in their responsibilities as a mother. Let's be honest, a mother's duty is no easy task. From the moment of a child's conception til mother draws her last breath, her children are always her primary concern. The weight of her responsibility can be emotionally draining and the love and concern you show others will encourage them to sustain motherhood. 

Everyone's life is different. Just within my circle I have 3 beautiful daughters who are mothers, a devoted wife, a one of a kind sister, and a stepmother who has been an anchor for our family in the wake of losing mom. They all need encouragement, and I'm sure you can find someone or multiple mothers who need just a word of love and encouragement this Sunday. Your mother would be happy to know you are sharing the love she gave you with other moms. God bless. 

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 During my early years of life, I recall my mother was very active in our church’s mission program. At one point she served as the committee chairman and ensured our church stayed on tract with biblical support of missionaries in the field. Just a year before her passing, she connected me with one of the missionary couples she supported over years, who retired from overseas and settled in my state of Georgia. I was fortunate to meet with them on several occasions as they enjoyed camping at one of the campgrounds my work managed.

 After mom had passed, this couple was going through their financial records and found a record of donations my mom had made over those years of giving. To my amazement, the sum was in the thousands. As the missionary couple told me, she was faithful in supporting their mission field. It truly blessed my heart to know her loyalty to God’s kingdom work made a difference in the lives of those who were served by this sweet couple.

 As a child of God, He has equipped you with talents and resources to advance Kingdom work, it’s up to you to put those talents to work and utilize your resources to the fullest. There may be times when you wonder if your talents and resources are truly effective; just know that God sees your heart and will bless you for your obedience to do what He’s called you for “good works, which God prepared beforehand”.

 If anyone serves Me, let him follow ME; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26

   I’m sure my mother didn’t know where every penny was spent in the mission field, but she left that up to God to handle, while she remained faithful to give. Although those resources were utilized thousands of miles away, I’m sure her heart was with them every day, serving God, as a faithful steward of God’s resources. May you follow my mother’s example to serve in obedience and without question, for God will honor your commitment in advancing the Kingdom of God across this globe! God bless!

 James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 

You read it in the news, a young, healthy person suddenly dies, right in the prime of life. Maybe you know someone this has happened to. In those moments, you question your own life; am I living right, am I truly happy, what will I do tomorrow. The list of thoughts is endless, but they always tend to lean towards the future. 

Today's verse reminds us we aren't here for a long period of time, and life is but a vapor that vanishes at the most unexpected time. 

It's ok to think about tomorrow, but don't miss life in the moment. You never know, this might be your last day in this life and never fulfill tomorrow's dreams. 

As a child of God, knowing the purpose for your existence, will help guide your daily activities and rituals. You might be called to help others, do it today, your testimony might be just what your coworker needed to hear to chose Jesus Christ, your ability to plan a random picnic might be what your family needs to reunite them from life's busy schedules.

There are so many things that require your attention, but your memory won't be house cleaning, mowing yards, or doing mundane things, it's living life today, using the gifts and talents God has given you to make this day complete. 

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

 If you’ve ever had any exposure to the gospel, you are probably familiar with today’s verse. Jesus Christ came to earth from Heaven and showed us how the impossible was done through Him, by faith and belief. He even suggested to His disciples that a mountain could be moved with a mustard seed faith (Matthew 17:20). As a child of God, you might accept Jesus’s words, but there’s probably one thing you think is impossible to do, and that is forgive someone whose hurt you.

 The pain and long-term effects of someone’s evil intentions can be lasting days, weeks, years, maybe even a lifetime. Some examples might be your spouse cheated on you, someone stole from you, you’ve been a victim of physical assault or rape, you’ve been sexually abused as a child, you’ve suffered emotional abuse from someone close to you…the list is endless, and the pain is real. Deep down you have thoughts and feelings of revenge, but something inside you has held back from reacting. If you are a Christian, may I suggest that is the Holy Spirit harnessing your response? Why?

 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is Mine to avenge, I will repay”, says the Lord Romans 12:19

 When you take action against your enemy or offender, you interfere with God’s plan for judgement. Your judgment/response is temporary, but God’s is eternal. The appropriate thing for you to do is forgive them, so you can move on with your life. Releasing your pain into the hands of God, allows Him to work in your life to forgive them, even if they have no remorse; the pain they inflicted you will be dealt one day by the God of this universe, and you’ll be sheltered under the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

 The internal healing that forgiveness can bring is far beyond anything your offender can do to make good on what he/she has done to you. Let God have that person to deal with, you heal yourself and find peace in the process. God bless!

 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 

Last year I had some blood pressure issues that landed me in the hospital for 3 days. Friends and family mentioned that they would be praying for me. Grateful for their concern, but deep down I wondered who was really praying on my behalf. When we see someone in need, most respond with: “praying for you”. It's an easy response and makes them feel good as it does the one saying it. But, do you really pray?

I truly believe we throw out the prayer response far too often without meaning it. I know I'm guilty of it at times, maybe you are too. But who are we letting down, that person or God? God doesn't need our prayers to heal someone because he's going to do what His heart moves Him to do. But when you fail to follow through with your intentions to pray, you let God know it's not important and you allow the business of life to fill the the air with unbacked commitments. Imagine if God never remained faithful to help you? You would quickly lose faith in Him. 

Be a person of your word. If you promise to pray on someone’s behalf, stick with it. Pray silently right then so time won't erase what was promised. 

We all need prayer and God is looking to you to remain faithful to your commitments. By doing so, your prayer might just be the one to move God's heart to bring healing to the hurting. 

 Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

Today's verse comes from the story of Paul and Silas l, who were doing the work of the Lord and offended a group of people. They were beaten with rods and chained up in a prison cell. Even in their pain and bondage, they praised God. What happened next was amazing. 

Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 

Praising God, even during the most horrible situations brings a change: internally, it changes your outlook on the situation at hand, and it opens the door for God to make external changes to your circumstances. Sometimes His response is immediate, other times He meters out His response, over a period of time, so you'll see the situation from the lowest depths, to better recognize His full authority over your situation and witness His miracle to release those chains that have kept you bound for so long. 

What chains are holding you back from living life to its fullest? Pornography, alcohol and drugs, stealing, depression, pride, jealousy, strong holds….the list is endless. When you are ready to get serious about releasing yourself from these toxic things, start by praising God. You might not be able to acknowledge one thing to praise Him for, just thank Him for the breath in your lungs and a heartbeat that keeps you alive so He can do a great work in your life. Give Him praise today. 

 Exodus 33:14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest”.

Everywhere you look, you see evidence of God's creations; the birds, the sky, sun and moon, trees and flowers, even you! But have you ever noticed God's actual presence in your life?

It's a rare occasion in our town to hit 3 green traffic lights, or find a clear path to turn left without any cars approaching, and makes you wonder how that happens? Or maybe plans come together better than expected or an unanticipated check arrives in the mail that matches a bill that still needed to be paid. One might think it's luck or a coincidence, but I truly believe it's the work of the Lord God blessing you and letting you know He is right there with you! 

Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 

If you are like me, these blessings are always noticed and followed up with a “thank you God for being with me”. If you remain aware of those blessings and thank God for them, He rewards you with more instances of His intervention in your life, and yes, He will give you the assurance that He's always with you, even in the most simplest of times. Give Him your praise today! 

 Matthew 14:28-29

[28] And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” [29] So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

As a child of God, your faith is like a lifeboat, meant to keep you afloat in this life, even when you encounter a horrible life event, meant to drown your hopes and dreams. I believe many of us know and trust God for everything we need and face in life, but there's a little sliver of doubt that stays kindled in the back of your mind when your earthly understanding hinders your faith. Just like Peter, he knew if Jesus told him to get out of the boat and walk on water, he could do it. But, once the waves overcame his trust to walk on water, he sank. Thankfully Jesus was there to pull him to safety. 

Maybe you are like Peter, you have a close relationship with Jesus and have faith and trust in Him, but you lack the confidence to step out of the boat when you fear the unknown or your faith minimizes the trust of what He's calling you to do. Friend, don't miss the opportunity for God to show you what a mustard seed of faith can do when you confidently step out of your comfort zone and allow the power of God to work in and through you to accomplish His perfect will. You can do it with His help. Trust Him today, and everyday, as you step out in faith to do the work of the Lord. 

 1 Kings 17:15-16

[15] So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. [16] There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.

In 1 Kings 17:8-16 we read the story of God instructing Elijah to go into a new city and there he’d find a widow who would provide food for his needs. Sure enough she was there gathering sticks to build a fire to bake bread for herself and her son. The sad part of this story was she only had enough flour and oil for one small loaf of bread, after that they'd starve to death. When Elijah asked her to give him a loaf of bread first she must have thought this would be the end of her, but because Elijah was a man of God, she did as instructed. 

As we read on, to her amazement there were more than enough ingredients to make bread for Elijah and herself and son. Because of her obedience, God continued to provide oil and flour to sustain them for days on end.

I've had similar experiences in my life where my resources were low, almost gone, yet God was faithful to provide for my needs, oftentimes doubling those resources. God can and will do the same for you when you put your faith and trust in Him to supply all your needs. 

I Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

 Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Here in the South, we are wrapping up the Spring blooming season, where pollen fills the sky and covers every square inch of ground, building, vehicle, and person. This year has seen an overwhelming amount of pollen, breaking a 20 year record. One of the challenges during this time of year is keeping your vehicle clean. You can wash your car today and tomorrow it will be covered in yellow pollen and need another washing. 

I'm willing to bet today's verse was written in the Springtime. Its author knew his heart needed a daily cleaning from the worldly covering of sin, lust, pride, greed, unrighteous behavior, and whatever else was staining the heart that day. As Christians living in today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the pollen of sin that can choke out the breath of God's Holy Spirit, leaving that child of God vulnerable to spiritual sickness. That's why it's so important to ask God to cleanse the heart of sin, almost hourly, so the Holy Spirit has room to fulfill God's purpose for your life. 

I highly recommend you commit today's verse to memory and let it be repeated in a prayer to God as often necessary to keep you unspotted from the world. 

I Peter 2:11-12 NKJV

[11] Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, [12] having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 

 Galatians 6:2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 

Saturday night, my wife and I attended a gospel singing concert. Midway through the program I noticed the minister walk down to the altar to pray. Almost immediately a group of people surrounded him. As he and the others finished, he was about to walk back to his pew when he noticed his wife was still kneeling in prayer, so he turned around and knelt by her side. 

Today's verse challenges us to pray for one another. Spouses definitely need to cover each other in prayer as it helps keep the bond of marriage intact. So many forces of evil scheme to hurt and destroy relationships blessed by God. If you could truly see into the spiritual world, you'd understand why prayer is important to protect and ward off the temptations, frustrations, and sometimes resentful attitudes that could easily cause division among the husband and wife. 

If you are married, pray for each other. If you are single, pray for your future partner, that God would protect them from harmful things that could scar their heart, bringing unnecessary baggage into your future marriage. We all need to pray for one another. It's a privilege and honor to cover others with your prayers. 

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.” “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

 The two weekends leading up to Easter our church held an Easter production entitled “He’s Alive”. Three thousand people attended the 4-night production. On one of those nights, a 7-year-old child and his grandfather were in attendance. During the scene where Jesus was mocked and beaten, the young boy told his grandfather that someone needed to help Jesus. The boy was so visibly shaken that he left his seat and was ready to go on stage to defend Jesus, but the grandfather was able to hold him back and the play continued without interruption.

 When I heard this story, today’s verses came to mind. What a deep fondness this boy had for Jesus Christ. Although it was an act in the production, it was real to this young boy and he was ready to do all he could to save Jesus Christ from pain and suffering.

 Jesus Christ came to earth because of the same kind of love and devotion this boy showed that night. Jesus wanted to bridge the gap between us and God and only through His persecution and payment of mankind’s sins through death on a cross, He took our place of punishment so we could live a life of freedom and declared guilt-free.

 Do you have this kind of love for Jesus Christ? Do you acknowledge what pain, suffering, to the point of death that He experienced, just to save you? In Jesus’ own’s words: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not received the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Just like this 7-year-old boy; grow and develop your faith, appreciation, and love for Jesus Christ who saved you for eternity. God bless!

 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40:11

 During various times of one’s life, that person will have caretakers who watch over them, care for their needs, and love them. From birth until a child is on his own, parents, and other family members, take care of them. In adult years, that person might need medical attention, thus a doctor or nurses take care of them. If they live a long time, they might require visits from a home health nurse or live in a nursing home, there staff take care of their every need, just as they were cared for as a baby. But who watches over them during those in-between times?

 I ran across todays’ verse while doing some devotional studies and thought what a beautiful verse and the perfect example of how God takes care of us every minute of our lives, providing parents, caregivers, and even during the times when we don’t think we need help, He’s always there watching over us. Take a moment and re-read Isaiah 40:11. Can you think of times when you’ve seen God’s hand provide care for you? Maybe it was a special doctor who was able to find a cure for your ailment, or you avoided a car crash by some miracle, or maybe a special person became a mentor in your life that shaped you into the person you are today.

 I recall a time when I had taken a break from college and was working minimum wage jobs, with no direction for my life. My best friend and roommate gave me a serious talk about how I needed to get my life in order by going back to college and pursuing something more meaningful. From that moment I took his advice and chose the career path that provided me a very comfortable life and now I’m enjoying the benefits of retirement. I truly believe God put my friend in my life to guide me into God’s plan for my future.

 All I can say is, God you are so good, loving, and always watching out for me. God is available to do the same for you if you are willing to let Him have control of your life, your future and eternal destiny. Give God the wheel of your life and I promise you, He’ll carry you through it with a nurturing love like no one else can provide.

 Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

No one likes to be sick, and it usually occurs when your body's immunity is low due to a lot of stress, lack of sleep, and overworked. One of the best things you can do during times of sickness is rest. Adequate rest does so much good for the human body, especially if you want to stay healthy. 

The author of today's scripture found it good for him to be afflicted as it allowed for growth in spiritual wisdom. Affliction causes us to slow down and gives time to evaluate what has happened and what went wrong spiritually. If this verse applies to you, you know that during the process of affliction, you've reached for your Bible to read it for help or encouragement, you've prayed more often, and possibly sought spiritual counseling. Through it all, you grew closer to God, gained spiritual wisdom, and hopefully was able to hear the voice of God speak directly to your heart. I can honestly say I've experienced these moments of spiritual renewal during times of great affliction, and it's helped me refine my day to day choices. 

The next time you find yourself afflicted, whether it's physical or spiritual in nature, seek out God's guidance, He might have allowed this affliction to slow you down so you can hear Him more clearly. You'll be glad you did. God bless. 

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

Happy Easter everyone. Today we celebrate our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, who died a horrible death on a Roman cross, to make payment for the sins of mankind. He became the sacrificial lamb. No longer do we have to sacrifice an animal for our sins, Jesus took the place of that requirement. Why?

There's one word in today's verse that explains the why, “fervent”. That word is defined as displaying a passionate intensity. That's the kind of love God has for you and me. He took on your sins in the form of human flesh, Jesus Christ, because of His passionate love for us. 

As humans, He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us, but that can only happen by surrendering yourself to Him, asking Jesus to come into your heart and forgive your sins. Once saved, you need to express the kind of love God has for you to others. Through this intense love, you can reshape the world around you. 

Who can you share the love of God with today? 

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

How wise would it be for a recovering alcoholic to sit at a bar, a person with a gambling addiction to walk through a casino, or a shopaholic visit a mall? If they are truly in the process of breaking their addictions, they must not put themselves in the very place that tempts them. The battle against sin’s temptation is strong; like a mouse desiring that piece of cheese on the mouse trap, it's dangerous to one's soul, and left unfiltered it will take root in your life to the point it becomes a part of you. 

So how can you break the cycle? Today's verse encourages you to not make provision for the temptation. Trust me, when you release your weaknesses over to God, He will help you, but that also requires you to do your part. How? Stop setting yourself up for disaster. That may involve removing people from your life, turning off the internet during your weakest moments, avoiding certain places that tempt you, paying for your gas at the pump…not inside where you'd be tempted to buy a pack of cigarettes, liquor, or lottery tickets. 

I John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

You might be a child of God, but that doesn't mean you are sheltered from sin in this world. Evil is all around you: on television, internet, magazine ads, music; Satan has a chest full of tools he uses to tempt you into sin. Don't entertain any of them. Destroy them if necessary, for it's better to be without than to be enslaved to your old way of life. 

 John 19:38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 

Today we celebrate Good Friday, the day when Jesus Christ, God's Son, was crucified on a Roman cross and died. For the average person, thoughts of someone's death doesn't sound good, much less worth celebrating; but for the Christian, it is their entire existence, their hope, and their assurance of an eternal relationship with God. 

Jesus came to save mankind from their sins by dying, then raised back to life 3 days later, defeating death. Jesus made payment for the sins of mankind. Are your sins covered by the blood of Jesus? If so, your life should exemplify that of Christ. 

Sadly, many who claim to be Christians hide their faith from others in fear of ridicule, rejection, even persecution for some. Today's verse gives an example of one of Jesus' disciples who lived in secret for fear of his reputation and life. But, inspired by God, he came out from hiding and approached Pilate with the request of Jesus' dead body. I'm sure he was fearful to the core, but it was His moment to let the entire world know who he respected and loved. His actions played a crucial role in the burial of Jesus and proof of His resurrection.

Easter might not mean much to some people, other than a family get together and egg hunting for the kids, but you know the real reason and you have the opportunity to show your world who you love and respect. If you've been hiding your faith, now is the time to come out in boldness to proclaim the truth of this Easter holiday. Without your testimony, many will continue on a path towards Hell. Share your faith this Easter! God bless. 

 Jesus said to them, “He who is without sin among you let him throw a stone at her first.” John 8:7

 Social media has become a source of news for many people. When you read about someone’s arrest, everyone is quick to judge and offer punishments for the offender, sometimes even death. Many of those who comment don’t even know the person, much less the entire situation, but are quick to judge and it becomes a feeding frenzy on that person. That person’s character is marked forever by people’s opinions and their family suffers from the negative comments.

 In today’s passage, a woman was caught in the act of adultery and brought before Jesus to get His opinion on what should be done to her. Jewish law required that person be stoned to death, yet Jesus had a different view of the situation. Anyone who was without sin should be the first to cast a stone. Well, the ONLY ONE in the room qualified was Jesus Christ Himself. One by one, the accusers walked out of the room, leaving only Jesus and this woman.

 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, HE said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11

 I ask you; how does God expect us to respond?

 Jesus didn’t condemn her, but forgave her and said for her not to sin any longer. Although we are not in a position to grant forgiveness, we are in a position to pray for that person, and those involved in the situation.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.   James 5:16. When you pray, you leave the judging to God and ask for His help to heal that person of their sins so they will sin no more in that manner. Who do you know today that needs your prayers?

 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6

 Growing up on a farm there was a lot of mud to walk through, and snow in the winter months. When I would accompany my dad, I always made sure he walked before me and I used his footprints to step in, keeping me from getting stuck in the mud or covering my feet with deep snow. It was not an easy task as he was much taller than myself and his stride was long. But, over time I grew up and was able to keep in step with him.

 As a child of God, you could relate my story to today’s verse. As a Christian, are you walking in the same manner as Jesus Christ? Stop reading for 30 seconds and truly evaluate how you are living.

 If you are like me, there are probably areas that you still struggle to keep in step with Jesus Christ. Let’s face it, He was perfect, and we as humans are imperfect. God knew mankind was incapable of being perfect, that’s why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the example and to make payment for our sins. Growing in Christ is maturing your faith and trust in Him, as He leads you through the many challenges of life. As you mature, your stride becomes longer and you find yourself a little closer to Jesus Christ every day.

 How can you mature? Reading God’s word daily to understand His heart, praying for God’s protection and wisdom, and most importantly walking in obedience. Obedience is not what saves you, but it will keep you close enough to Him for you to learn His ways even better and the blessings follow as you remain faithful to walk as He walked.

 Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Sin is the most dangerous thing a child of God can entangle himself with; it's toxic to the soul, it grieves the Holy Spirit living inside, and it's a tool the Devil uses to bring harm to the relationship between you and God. Why then do we struggle with sin?

Today's verse sheds light on this very question. PRIDE! Pride is something we all possess at varying degrees. Pride equates to the confidence we think we possess to overcome evil, yet we open the door to sin, thinking we have it under control. This my friend is where pride comes before destruction. 

Let me give you an example. Let's say you build a house, you use quality lumber but cheaply made nails. Your confidence in the lumber gives you assurance it will support the weight of the house. Over time though, those cheaply made nails fail and the entire structure collapses. This is the same with pride, you might think you can handle it, but scripture says differently. 

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

The only way to overcome pride is surrendering all of yourself to the Holy Spirit. No amount of human strength can outwit the power of satanic powers, only by allowing God's Spirit to be the ruler of your life. 

Whatever sin(s) you battle can be overcome, not by your pride, confidence, or personal strength, but by letting God take control. Admit your weaknesses and remove the stumbling block of pride so He can work in your life. 

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

 II Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 

A while back, I had to use my phone's GPS to get me to a destination I've never been. I selected the location and hit start. As I journeyed to my destination I had a sense of confidence, trusting this technology, but as I got closer, things didn't appear as they should. Upon arrival I realized I was at the wrong location and discovered I selected the wrong business. If only I had studied the route first, I would have known the correct path to my intended destination. 

Today's verse might come to a surprise to you, that Satan could be an imitation of God's light, but remember, he once was a highly valued angel in heaven who became obsessed with power. So yes, he can resemble a light. This is why it's so important to study God's word to ensure you are headed towards your intended destination, Heaven. Satan is a deceiver and will make you believe how you are living your life is God pleasing, even blessed by Him, but the truth is you could be following a light that ends in complete darkness. 

Maybe you are at the crossroads of a divorce, a new relationship, a business deal, a new purchase, maybe even choosing a new church to attend. Check the book, the truth of God's word, found in the Bible. It will never steer you down a path towards destruction, but God's blessings and will not only benefit you, but bring honor to God. 

The Christian life isn't that complicated, especially when you rely on the trusted roadmap of God's word. Pray about your decisions and ask God to reveal the truth and His light so you'll always be on the narrow path, the only path, to Heaven. God bless. 

 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying: “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

 I’ve mentioned this in other blogs, but it’s worth sharing again, God always gives you the best directions as you navigate life. Just like a phone’s GPS, God guides you down varying roads to get you to His intended purpose for your life. His plan may not always be your favorite route, but you can be assured it will get you there, on time, and without being diverted or held up by other situations. Sometimes opportunities come up that seem appealing and you are tempted to pursue them, but God closes those doors when He knows they won’t do you in favors in the long run.

 How do I know this, let me share a story with you. Many years ago, I had just got married and working weekends put a damper on our family plans to do fun things. I began looking into different jobs that were Monday thru Friday with good hours. After interviewing for several jobs, I was told I was either over qualified or they selected someone else. At some point I realized that too many doors were being closed for a purpose and I changed my attitude about my current employment and things got better for me at work. I became more successful at my tasks; my performance appraisals were excellent and I realized God had His hand in the situation.

 Today, I am 2 years into my retirement at age 59 and reaping the benefits of sticking with my job, as it has provided me a pension and a savings account to meet my needs. Even though I was looking for better opportunities, God was keeping me on track with closed doors.

 Friend, if you are a child of God, then you must trust God for His guidance and direction. You might encounter closed doors, be thankful for them, as they are part of God’s plan to provide a future of blessing and enjoyment, more than anything you could ever imagine. God loves you and will always give you His best when you put your faith and trust in His guidance! God bless!

 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

 If you follow the stock market, you know it has been up and down basically on a daily basis. For investors, especially those with their retirement savings locked up in stocks, it can be an emotional rollercoaster, leaving one to stir up anger, fear, and simply just loose it.

 Today’s verses give some great advice on how to handle the challenges and difficulties in life: slow down! As seen in many videos and broadcasted in the news, people are losing their cool and causing harm to others and themselves. Road rage has become the norm, resulting in injury, even death. As humans, we are always watchful for ourselves, but sometimes our pride can get us into a lot of trouble without much effort, by the words we say, thoughts we entertain, and most of all our actions.

 There are plenty of things to get upset about in this life. I can assure you I speak from experience (and this blog is probably meant more for me than you). We just need to slow down in life, trust that God has enough grace and mercy for our fellow man, and let God dish out the judgement and revenge instead of us. When we do this, we create an atmosphere of peace instead of anger, frustration, and sometimes even hate. Letting go of the things that are out of our control and letting God deal with them is a plus for you and the other guy who cut you off at the intersection, said fighting words, or simply just annoyed you for no good reason.

 Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, and see how your frustrations turn into opportunities to show who is the Lord of your life! God bless!

 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

 Think about it, without nails a building would not stand, without seeds nothing would grow, and without you there would be a void of your influence on others. Everything in this world needs something else to work.

 Today’s scripture reminds God’s children that we are His workers, we are God’s field, and we are God’s building. Everything about us and our lives exist to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Whether you know it or not, God uses every person’s talent to make His plan to reach the lost work, that even includes people who are disabled, sick, and even unto death. Nothing happens in the life of a Christian without it being a part of God’s perfect plan.

 As children of God, we need to always make ourselves available for His operations. Surrendering your life to Christ is more than having faith in Jesus Christ, it’s complete surrender of your plans, pursuits, and passions for His. You might think that is unfair, but the truth be told, God blesses His children when they relinquish these things for something better. We are not put here to sever self, we are here to serve others through the plans and purpose God has for each one of us, including you.

 Maybe you don’t feel as if your life is worthy of His kingdom work, or you don’t believe you have any talents for Him to put into play. You’d be wrong to think in that manner, and actually you are limiting what God can do through your weaknesses by believing you don’t have anything to offer. All He wants is a surrendered soul, and He’ll take over from there. Are you ready to be used by God in a mighty way? Surrender yourself today and see what God can do in and through your life. God bless!