No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one, otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. Luke 5:36

 Years ago I replaced some rotten boards on a set of stairs to make it safe. After my work, I looked at my work and was disappointed I didn’t replace the old boards (although they were in decent shape) with new ones to match. It worked, but looked funny, and eventually those old boards would rot and need to be replaced sooner than the new boards I just put down.

 As we head into the new year, 2026, many of you will develop of list of new year’s resolutions to make improvements to your life. That’s a great idea, but they won’t come to fruition if you keep the same things in your life you want to either get away from or improve upon. Like trying to quit smoking won’t help if you keep a lighter in your pocket, lose weight but still visit the “all you can eat buffet”, stop gossiping but still connect with those who fuel that fire. There has to be an inward change in order to change your outward actions.

 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. Luke 5:37

 Maybe your desire is to come closer to God. I’m right there with you! In order to become more holy, you must accept the fact that all of your sins are hated by God and all efforts should be put forth to avoid them at all costs. Sacrificing your desires for Gods is paramount in your willingness to grow in holiness. Saying no to sin and do what is pleasing to Him will develop into a routine habit over time, and you’ll find yourself living more for the glory of God than for yourself. Blessings come in abundance when you live for God. And don’t you want to be blessed by God? I sure do. Let’s make a concerted effort to live for Him daily in this new year so others can see Christ in you. Happy New Year!

 When I was a youngster growing up on our farm, I'd always make a point to follow in my dad's footprints when walking through mud or snow. His big footprints made a safe passage for me as I traversed conditions less than favorable for my little feet. If I ever stepped outside those prints, I'd either slip and fall or get bogged down in the thick mud. 

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

1 John 2:6 tells us as God's children, we should stay in step with Jesus Christ. The Bible provides a perfect record of His ways, thoughts, and priorities, which should be the hallmark of your and my life. Granted, the steps of Jesus are much holier than ours could ever be, but that doesn't excuse us from not putting our best step forward in our everyday lives. 

When we try to live life by our own standards, we often find ourselves in a muddy mess. God allows us "free will” to choose how we walk, but those who choose a different path miss out on God's blessings, tarnish their witness, and can lead others astray in their walk…especially those who are closely watching. 

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

Which path will you follow? Follow in the footsteps already laid out for you by Jesus Christ. He is the only way to your Heavenly Father. 

 Merry Christmas everyone. On the eve of Christmas, what thoughts come to mind on this special holiday? Who do your children believe in as they go to bed tonight, Santa Clause or Jesus Christ?

 One thing that amazes me is the amount of effort we go to make our children believe in a fictitious character, Santa Clause, on the one very important day in history where God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save mankind from their sins. From advertisements, to pictures with Santa, even leaving cookies and milk for him. I know it’s fun to entertain this magical thought, but what are we teaching our kids (and adults) about Christmas?

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

 John 3:16 gives us the most important message of Christmas, that whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have everlasting life. That’s the eternal gift that doesn’t break down, never discarded, and seals those who’ve accepted Christ a mansion in Heaven. That is the message that we must tell our children, otherwise this next generation will no longer have the hope of eternal security with the God of this universe.

 But Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 19:14

 I encourage you amongst all the fun and excitement of Christmas, make sure your children know who they should truly believe in. God loves them, and you as adults. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone, but the only way to Him is to believe in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a beautiful story that should be shared to everyone on this eve of Christmas! God bless!

 

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

 Christmas is the most celebrated holiday throughout the year. Gifts of all shapes, sizes, and costs will be given out of love or out of duty. Data reports that almost 20% of gifts are returned to retailers, due to wrong sizes, defects, or duplication of gifts. That equates to several billion dollars. Children’s toys are the most susceptible to being discarded shortly after Christmas because they have no interest or broke it while playing with it. What a waste!

 Today’s scripture tells us there is only One gift that counts, all year long. The gift of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came down from Heaven to do 2 things: 1. Show us the love of God and how to live a life pleasing to Him. 2. To bridge the gap between mankind and a holy God.

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

 As you gather with family and friends to exchange gifts, keep the birth of Jesus Christ in your hearts and let it be known the best gift came from God. Nothing is better than the gift of God’s love this Christmas season and you sharing your faith is the gift that keeps on giving, never to be returned, damaged, or discarded. Jesus is the reason for the season! God bless!

 

 I John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

If your family is like most, you have a Christmas tree decorated with many presents laying all around it. That picture of Christmas should ignite a spirit of thanks to God for His blessings of financial resources. 

Today's verse encourages us to share the blessings God has given us with others. There is so much need here in the US and around the world. Giving, especially when the resources appear small, are doubled when given out of a heart full of love towards others. And the beautiful thing in giving is God blesses the giver. 

I encourage you to consider giving something, either financially or physically, to a worthwhile cause. When you do, you share the love of Christ with those in need. 

A very responsible group to donate towards is the Samaritan’s Purse, who provide a variety of food, supplies, and spiritual support all around the globe. Here is the website where you can select where your financial donation can go towards. God bless. 

Samaritanspurse.org/catalog25

 For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicket shall fall by calamity. Proverbs 24:16

 April 13, 1970, the Apollo 13 spacecraft had experienced a major malfunction, putting the lives of 3 astronauts in jeopardy. Most everyone in the NASA control center felt like they were doomed, but Flight Director Gene Kranz famously quoted, “failure is not an option”. From that moment on the team of engineers came together to bring a damaged space ship safely back to earth.

 Life can be compared to this incident, where we try to live right, doing the right things, keeping ourselves out of trouble, and staying true to the one’s we love. But oftentimes we have moments when we feel like a failure. Maybe it’s a sin we struggle with, an attitude that is anything but positive, or the smallest of things get under our skin resulting in outburst of anger and toxic words fill the air. There are countless number of things that seem to wreck our lives, our character, and impact the lives of ones we love.

 Let me encourage you to say, failure is not an option. In today’s verse, Proverbs 24:16, it defines success and failure. Success is falling down and getting back up. It’s persevering under the weight of guilt and shame, to make things right and work towards improvement.  Failure on the other hand is letting our sin, and our wrongful actions take us down to the point where we don’t get back up. It’s giving up on yourself and others.

I John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 Thankfully God never intended for you to stay down. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to make payment for your mistakes, so you can rise back up after every fall. God gives us His Holy Spirit to help change the pattern of lives to progressively reflect the character of Jesus Christ. It’s a process that can take years and years, but eventually it will be perfected upon entry into the presence of God’s Heavenly home. A welcoming of ‘well done my good and faithful servant”. Failure is not an option for you, keep getting back up!  

For there will come a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

 In my bedroom is a NOAA weather radio. It provides 24/7 weather information, forecasts, and sounds an alert when severe weather is imminent. It’s a useful tool to keep me prepared for any kind of weather, as long as I listen to it on a daily basis. If not, I’ll only have a brief time to respond when an alert goes out, leaving me possibly in a bad situation.

Following the attacks of 9/11, church attendance increased between 6-24%, and surveys revealed that 90% of Americans started praying. That day caught everyone off guard, even though the signs were right in front of our government’s intelligence officers, law enforcement, and our nation’s leaders. But, they chose to not listen and believe the signs, questioned whether something of that scale could really happen, and to everyone’s surprise, it did.

 We are living at a time when the majority of people are filtering their way through all the information provided through social media, the news, mediums, and radical groups. Many of these resources are nothing more than data centers of misinformation willing to receive anyone willing to listen and join their cause. Maybe you are one of those people who’ve adopted certain beliefs from these outlets and they’ve turned your thoughts away from God’s word because they sounded good or aligned with your feelings or desires of the heart.

 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

 Jeremiah 17:9 warns us not to trust the heart. So, who or what can you trust for living rightly in this life? God’s word! It’s full of wisdom, encouragement, and direction for how to live a life pleasing to God. Isn’t that what really matters as God’s creation? He doesn’t want you to be deceived by false teaching and beliefs, but to know the truth is to set your life free from eternal damnation. Instead of turning to the internet, groups, news, and so forth, turn to the bible and be warned about today and what will come in the future. When the trumpet sounds will you be ready?

 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 2 Timothy 4:17

 Loneliness is very prevalent in today’s world. It’s a void that can drive people to do things normally out of character. The Apostle Paul experienced this same feeling when everyone of his supporters failed to stand by his side when he faced the Roman tribunal. Yet, he was strengthened by the Lord.

 Sometimes God strips away everyone, and sometimes everything, so our only focus will be on Him. Many might say they don’t’ rely on the Lord, but the truth is, down deep within our soul, we long for our Heavenly creator to come to our aid and He is more than capable and willing to fill your void if you allow His presence to touch your heart.

 As a child of God, there have been countless times in my life when I’ve been alone, yet God never failed to fill that void and kept me satisfied with my situation at that moment. LOL, there were times when I questioned why I wasn’t feeling lonely, but God truly filled me and I’m so thankful He did, as He aligned me with a precious wife and family that has further defined my purpose in this life.

 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. Revelations 3:20

 God is ready to do the same for your life. But you have to truly open the door to your heart and allow Him to come in and take the lonely moments and fill them with His loving presence. It’s a powerful experience and sometimes unreal, but it is real and He is knocking at this very moment. Welcome Him into your empty heart today! God bless!

 Have you ever had a question come to mind that made you do some deep thinking? This morning the biblical story of Lott’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt came to mind. The question that I sought answer to was: why a pillar of salt?

 The story of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction is quite interesting, recorded in Genesis 19:1-29. These two poplar cities had become vile and its residents committed all kinds of sinful acts and God had a plan to destroy both cities. Just before doing that, He sent two angels to Lott’s house to warn them of the pending doom and instructed them to run from the city and not look back. As Lott and his family hurried away, his wife looked back and God turned her into a pillar of salt.

 You are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13

 As God’s children, we are to be salt of the earth. That means season our life with spiritual aspects and fruits and using them to make a positive eternal impact to our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and people we converse with in the check out line. By doing so, we extend the love of Christ to others in hopes they will see the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

 If the salt loses its flavor; how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13

 Here's the connection to Lott’s wife turned into a pillar of salt: Salt is beneficial, but when it’s not used for its intended purpose, it is wasted. Lott’s wife had God’s blessings of being rescued from destruction, but she chose to disobey and thus her body was and is now a wasted resource, just dissolving into the ground.  

 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

 As a child of God, are you “looking back” at your former lifestyle? Are lusts of the flesh, prideful living, and the old sin nature, still present in your life? Don’t’ waste the goodness of God’s blessing in your life. Turn forward to look at the new life you have in Christ and live consistently for Him. Otherwise, your saltiness will be wasted, never to be useful again. Be the salt of the earth! God bless!

 James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

While in high school I had a conflict with one of my closest friends. For a period of time we didn't speak to each other and our friendship was in shambles. It was so evident that you could feel the tension and it disrupted the continuity of our youth group at church. During a gospel concert we both felt the need to confess our trespasses towards each other, and from that point the healing began. 

This is the third and final step in the forgiveness process, confronting one another to talk it out, confess the wrongdoings so the healing process can begin. That might just be the hardest part of forgiveness, but necessary to bridge the divide, otherwise there will always be an accepted valley between the two of you.  

Are you ready to end the tension, the bitterness, anger, and avoidance? 1. Forgive them. 2. Pray for them (with a loving heart) 3. Heal the brokenness by talking it out. I guarantee you this process works and will keep you free from the negative effects of unforgiveness.  

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

 My daughter is raising her two young children, a boy and girl, who enjoy playing hard. Stains on their clothing from outside dirt, magic markers, food, and who know what else, has made her a master at stain removal. I recall one time my granddaughter made a big messy stain on one of her expensive outfits, weeks later we saw her with it on and the stain was completely removed.

 Yesterday’s blog talked about the importance of forgiving others who offend or hurt us. Today I want to talk briefly about the next step, forgetting the wrongs done to us. Today’s verse comes from the very lips of God, who says He is the one who blots out our transgressions (sins) for His own sake, and He will not remember them any longer. Can you say that about yourself when you’ve offered forgiveness and tried to forget what that person did to you?

 I absolutely love the part of verse that says “for My own sake”. I can’t imagine how much God would have to remember if He always kept in mind our sins. But, He doesn’t when we ask for forgiveness. God doesn’t want to remember our sins; He is holy and just and wants to forgive and forget what wrongs we’ve done.

 As a child of God, He expects you to fall in line with His character, to forgive and forget. That might be a tall order to forget, but with God’s help, He can give you the necessary resources to blot out the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, FOR YOUR OWN SAKE. God doesn’t expect us to carry around the remembrance of other’s wrongs in our hearts. He wants, and needs us to be merciful to forgive and forget.

 When you pray today, ask God to help you forget the past sins of others, so you can look at them through the loving eyes of God.   

 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44

 Prayer is a powerful tool, especially for those who are children of God. We know that God hears our prayers and engages us when we seek Him for wisdom, help, encouragement, protection, and pray for others who are suffering. But, have you considered praying for your enemies; those people who you despise because of how they treat you, what they’ve done to you in the past, their beliefs (political and spiritual), and how they act in general.

 If you are like me, a few names come to mind quickly, along with a rise in blood pressure or anxiety. It’s strange how they can have such a negative effect on your life and cause so much stir in your heart that your character changes when you see them or they surface in your thoughts. 

 Today’s verse gives a different perspective on how to handle our enemies. Pray for them, bless them, even love them. I know those are hard to accept given the mistreatment you’ve probably experiences, but the truth is the power of prayer can change your circumstances, specifically your heart and attitude towards them. They too are God’s creation, and you are no better than they are. God loves them just as much as He loves you.

 Baby steps. It will be almost impossible to completely love them right away, that’s where prayer comes in. Praying something like this…”Lord, you know ______ and I don’t get along. They’ve hurt me and I have these negative feelings towards them. I know I need to forgive, I need your help to overcome my anger and bitterness and show them the love, grace, and mercy you show them, including me, and let my light shine bright so they might see You living in me.” When you turn over your enemies to the Lord, He works in both your life and theirs, to bring about a mutual understanding. You might not see it from your blurred vision, but God is working behind the scenes to reconnect the two of you in a way that will eventually bring peace and healing. Trust me, it works! Pray for them, love them, and keep blessing them. God will use those things to bring resolution to your situation! God bless!  

 Luke 2:25-32  25] And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, [28] he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: [29] “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; [30] For my eyes have seen Your salvation [31] Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, [32] A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Modern technology lets parents know the sex of the baby while still in the womb, even recognizing human traits. But the one thing all this medical equipment doesn't do is forecast the baby’s purpose in life. Lori and I are blessed with four grandchildren and one on the way. We both look at them and wonder what they will become as adults. 

In today's scripture, Simeon was just and devout. The Holy Spirit informed him he would not die till he saw God's Son. On day 8 of Jesus' life, his parents brought him before the Temple to be circumcised. It was there Simeon knew this wasn't just any baby, He was the One who would bring salvation to the people. Every day of Jesus’ life was purposeful, as recorded in the Bible, and meant to give you and me guidance on how to live in this world. 

Do you know your purpose, why were you created? You might have figured out your career, family, and resources, but there's a deeper purpose for you being here. God's ultimate goal for each of us is to model our lives after Jesus Christ. That's all that truly matters in this brief life. Make it a point to study God's word and let it transform your mind, behavior, and generate love, as you live out your purpose to reflect Jesus’ character to others in your corner of this world.

 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

 Well, we finally made it to the month of December, a time that is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I love all the things that accompany this special holiday such as gift giving, the decorations, the music, and family get togethers. It’s a special time of year!

 Sadly, this holiday can also be a burden for many families and individuals. Gift giving is expensive and can burden an already strapped budget, some family members have struggles getting along with one another, the holiday busyness can cause undue stress, and for many there will be a great void of family members who’ve passed on from this life.

 Jesus Christ knows all about the busyness of life, financial burdens, relationship struggles, even loss. Today’s verse comes from His very lips: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Sometimes its necessary just to simply step back and fall into the arms of Jesus Christ through prayer and find comfort, rest, and peace amongst this sometimes stressful and chaotic holiday period.

 I can tell you; I’ve had to do this very thing and it’s amazing how things that I worried over and felt burdened by slowly dissolved and a peace like no other infiltrated my heart to the point I could actually enjoy the Christmas season. Jesus does that very thing when you seek Him for help and relief.

 If you are like the average person, your calendar is full, bank account struggling, and the stress of buying for everyone is overwhelming your soul. Come to Jesus Christ, HE is the reason for this season and will help you refocus on Him and not the worries of the holiday! God bless!   

 You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22

In the news, Russia has started testing their nuclear weapons, China continues to build its military and vessel fleet, and other countries are trying to develop nuclear weapons. All of these actions are signs of strength and intimidation against their enemies in hopes they won’t attack. But the truth is, if we enter into a nuclear war, no one will win, everyone will be wiped off the face of the planet.

 You might be fighting a battle that doesn’t require nuclear weapons or a large army. Trouble with a fellow co-worker, neighbor, family member, or situation that appears to be beyond your control are issues that weigh you down and defeat you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. God doesn’t want HIs children to be or feel defeated, because we are not defeated, but already victorious.

 As the Israelites moved toward their “promised land”, they faced large people and strong armies who were ready to defend the land they occupied. But God had different plans and that was for His people to have a land flowing with milk and honey, a prosperous land that was suitable for living and thriving. God took care of their battles and they occupied that land promised to them.  

 And the Lord, He is he One who goes before you, He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

 The Lord promises to be with you through this life and help you in times of trouble. Your enemy might appear big, even have weapons of intimidation, but they are nothing compared to the resources available to God to use on your behalf when you call out to Him for help. Let God fight your battles today and every day! God bless!