James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

Anxiety, panic, anger, confusion…all of these emotions can be generated when trouble comes your way. I recall vividly a time when I faced something much bigger than my confidence and it consumed me to the point I was physically sick. And from my view, nothing was within reach to overcome one of the greatest challenges of my career. 

But God. 

You get to a point when the only thing you can do is pray to God, which I did, continually, until the moment I faced the challenge. God came through on my behalf and in the process my faith became stronger and a closeness to God like I've never experienced before. 

It may seem ridiculous to find joy in the trying times of life, but let me assure you, God will fight for you when you earnestly seek Him for help. Whatever you are going thru right now, trust God with your cry for help, and He will bring you through it and experience a joy like no other. 

 Ephesians 2:8-9

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

Forgiveness, it can be one of the most difficult things to do for others, especially when the hurt runs deep. Oh, the offender can apologize, maybe even correct the wrong they did towards you, but sometimes that's just not enough to find it in your heart to forgive. How can you get to the point of offering forgiveness when everything inside you wants to seek revenge, cut them out of your life, block them on social media, and so forth? 

We just witnessed Charlie Kirk's wife state that she forgave the man who took her husband's life. I can't imagine how painful that decision had to be for her, but as a child of God, she knew she had to forgive. Nothing the shooter could do will right his wrong, it was up to Mrs Kirk to take a brave step forward to forgive. 

Today's verse sheds light on God's forgiveness of our sins. Nothing we can do on our own can gain His approval. He willingly forgives those who come to Him in faith by accepting Jesus Christ. Many try to right their wrongs, even live a near perfect life, but none of that truly matters, it's God's love and grace that is powerful enough to call you redeemed. 

It's wise to live in obedience, but just know your efforts to make things right will only exhaust your soul. Live with the peace and assurance in knowing all your wrongs have been righted by Jesus Christ. 

 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under e those who rose up against me. Psalms 18:39

 For many working people, Sundays can be a dread, thinking about the start of a new workweek on Monday. The battles expected, whether it’s your computer, people, or situations beyond your control; these things can consume your mind and zap any enjoyment you’ve experienced at the start of the weekend. Are you one of those people who dread Monday on Sunday? If so, read on….

 The bible is full of stories about people who faced battles, greater than anything they’ve experienced, and each time, they turned to God for help and He helped them become victorious over their enemies.  David was no different. He faced a giant in battle, he battled with a jealous king who tried to hunt him down, and even battled against his own flesh and blood. But with each battle, God protected him and armed him for the battle’s he faced.

 God has not changed his offer to help those who seek after Him. Simply praying something like this “Dear God, I am facing this battle of _________________ and it’s causing me anxiety and dread today. Please equip me for the battle ahead and prepare a smooth path forward as I look to you for strength, wisdom, and courage to face what’s coming on Monday. Thank you for always watching over me!” When you give it to God with faith, He calms your heart, mind, and soul, which gives you more time to experience the blessings of Sunday, and not stay in turmoil.

 Thus says the Lord to you: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15

 What battle are you facing tomorrow that’s on your mind today? Give it to God, by faith, and watch Him fight the battle on your behalf. God bless!

 

 Psalms 18:28 For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

There was a time in my life when I had several options, with regards to my college degree and an opportunity to take part in a 2 year Coop, which would delay my graduation date, but provide me real life experience in the workforce. I felt totally in the dark, not knowing which path to choose. After much prayer, God responded with open and closed doors. I chose the Coop and it led me to a career that gave me a future, and now I'm enjoying the benefits of retirement.

You might be in the dark about a decision that's facing you. Let God light your path through prayer and faith in how He responds. Sometimes the path may seem overwhelming or difficult, but with a little faith, you can follow in confidence knowing His plan is best for your life's journey. 

 Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

When Jesus shared with His disciples that He would be crucified, Peter tried to hush Jesus because he didn't want or believe it would happen to this man he followed faithfully for 3 years. I'm sure Peter’s heart was pure, but He couldn't see beyond God's plan for Jesus and saving all of mankind from their sins. Jesus could plainly see Satan was whispering in Peter's ear to deny what was about to happen. 

God has a special plan for your life and Satan knows it. He will do everything in his limited power to disrupt, even thwart that plan, so you too will doubt God's future for your life. He often attacks Christians by doubting their salvation. Like, how could God forgive all the crazy stuff you've done in your life. If you believe that lie, Satan has already been working on you. 

So how do you fight back against an evil force that targets your faith? By telling Satan to hush, binding him in the name of Jesus Christ. Friend, there is power in the name of Jesus. Demons flee when the name of Jesus is spoken, because they already know what their future holds! Misery loves company, so why not target as many people, including you. 

You might have to say it daily, even minute by minute, but when you say, “Satan, I bind you in the name of Jesus Christ” you push him away at that moment, giving you room to listen to God's voice. Trust me, it works. Even as I type this blog, I can feel the darkness trying to overcome me, but with Jesus Christ, I have nothing to worry over, His name is above all names. Call out to Him today. 

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

 Yesterday we lost another vocal Christian who stood up for what he believed. Taking to the college campuses to speak the truth of God’s word, Charlie Kirk was shot dead in the middle of an assembly. His final words before being killed: Jesus loves you and shared the love of Christ with the thousands in attendance.

 Today’s scripture sums up his life. He was not afraid to share the biblical truth. Although he never attended college, he saw the direction our youth were going, being misled by the woke agenda being taught in classrooms, on college campuses and everywhere on social media; the feeding grounds of our next generation. Although many people debated him, he still stood for the truth, and I’m certain opened the eyes of thousands of young adults who Satan had blinded using teachers, professors, and important people in the lives they admired.

 If you are a child of God, you should carry on the work that Charlie and so many others continue to do for the sake of Jesus Christ. We’ve hidden behind church walls long enough, it’s time for the good news of Jesus Christ is shared within our families, communities, across this nation, and around the world. You might not be able to travel to another country, but you can help financially and prayerfully support missions through your local church. Jesus said it well in Matthew 9:37 “the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few”.

 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

 Charlie Kirk, enjoy your reward in Heaven, you’ve earned it!

 

 I John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Since the beginning of time, people find ways to blame others for their sins or wrong doing. Eve blamed the devil for tempting her to eat the forbidden fruit, Adam blamed Eve, comedian Flip Wilson blamed the devil for his misdeeds. Yesterday's news reported a man stabbed his wife to death because he couldn't take her anymore. It's easy to blame others, but the truth is, each one of us makes a conscious decision to sin. 

Today's verse has some eye opening wisdom, as it says anyone born of God (a Christian) cannot sin. That sounds like a tall order, but God doesn't take sin lightly. He didn't send His Son Jesus Christ to the cross for sins payment just so you can pick and choose your pleasures that are opposite of His moral standards. We can't blame others or our situations for choosing to sin, we bear that responsibility. 

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

As God's children, we must take obedience seriously. Obedience is a choice and when you remove the ease of temptation, living rightly for God becomes easier. Why put yourself in a situation that you know will tempt you? Guard your steps, protect your mind, and seek after Godly wisdom in His word and your life will simply align with Jesus Christ. Sinful living will have no place in your heart, mind, and soul. 

 Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.

One of the most familiar stories in the Bible tells about Jonah, who was instructed by God to warn the people of Nineveh to turn from their wickedness, but he chose to disobey and run from God. While on a ship traveling in the opposite direction, a horrific storm came up on the vessel and the shipmates determined it was Jonah who brought on the storm. Jonah instructed the men to throw him overboard. The storm stopped and as we see in today's verse, a giant fish swallowed him. 3 days later the fish vomited him up on the shores of Nineveh. Talk about God getting your attention! 

I want to point out something missed in this story, when Jonah was thrown overboard, God saved Jonah by that fish. Left at sea, he would have eventually drowned. Maybe you are like Jonah, you avoid God's call to: attend church, go on a mission trip, volunteer at a community activity, or better yet, accept Jesus Christ into your life. Something tragic has happened in your life and you blame God and want no part of His call to action. If that's you, God will continue to press and encourage you to change your trajectory and come to Him in obedience. He will use anything to get your attention, in the meantime keep you safe (like Jonah) from harm til you realize your running away isn't worth the trials and tribulations meant to turn around. 

God has a special purpose for your life, especially if you feel His calling to serve in some way. Trust me, it's better to obey than disobey by making excuses for why you don't want to do His bidding. Choose to obey today and God will bless your faithfulness. 

 Colossians 1:9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 

There are several families I've been praying for who've experienced tragic events, either with themselves or one of their family members. Following up with them, it appears God is working miracles and healing has begun. 

You might have people in your life who are undergoing similar events and wonder what you should pray for. Today's verse gives the best answer to that question. Praying for Godly wisdom, understanding about their circumstances, and to see the path God has for them as they go through this trial. 

Maybe you are the one needing prayer! this verse will help focus your prayers to God for direct results. Sometimes we just need to be very specific with our prayers to God, so we can actually see His specific response to our situation. Trust me, I've prayed for specific things and God literally did exactly as I requested. He might not always respond in that manner, but He will always give you His very best. Pray for wisdom, understanding, and vision to see His will and purpose for this thing you are going through. God bless. 

 Psalms 23:5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

One of the greatest fears for soldiers fighting in battle is running out of ammunition. Sadly, it has happened more times than you'd expect, requiring them to either retreat or fight hand to hand combat. 

Today's verse reminds God's children that He will prepare a feast before your enemies. Our battle isn't fought with bullets, but with the power of God. No human power or wisdom can overcome the power of Satan, only by engaging God in your battles will you stand tall and not have to retreat in fear. 

Maybe your enemy is an addiction, a rude neighbor, an evil coworker, even a medical condition that has overwhelmed you…there are countless battles you’ll face in life, but God. He is capable of supplying all you need to come out victorious. Release it into His hands by prayer and faith in Him, you'll be amazed at the outcome. 

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

 There is nothing more painful, shameful, and regretful than suffering the consequences of wrong doing. Maybe you were caught up in a lie, arrested for shoplifting, committed an awful act against another person, and the list is long of other offenses. The reality is each sin comes with a penalty and it can impact you for a day, a lifetime or anywhere in-between. If you have any conscience, you accept your wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. The end result is hopefully you’ll regroup and find a way to get back on the right path for your life.

 The author of today’s verse acknowledges the benefit of learning from his mistakes and seeks to gain wisdom to help him do better in life. As a child, you were probably (hopefully) disciplined when you did wrong, and as a result, you discovered that doing right was less painful (on your rear end) than the pleasure you sought while sinning. Hopefully your heart hasn’t hardened to learning and a desire to do better. There are jail houses full of hard hearts who never learn from their mistakes and keep on repeating sin and wrongdoing that comes with longer periods of discipline.

 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; teach me Your statues. Psalm 119:67-68

 Take advice from today’s scripture, learn from your mistakes and desire to do God’s will by remaining obedient to His standard of living, and the law of the land, so you won’t have to bear the consequences of your wrongdoing.