“I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah”

Psalms 32:5 

Two words bring comfort to someone on trial for a crime, NOT GUILTY. Their slate is clean and the weight of conviction is lifted, freeing that person from punishment. 

As a child of God, your sins are covered by the blood of Christ. Jesus took on the sins of mankind so we could have a personal relationship with our Creator. But, there's one thing that can put a damper on that relationship, unconfessed sin. 

“When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah”

Psalms 32:3-4

Sometimes we get caught up in an activity which we know is wrong, but our earthly reasoning justifies the pleasure it brings vs. God's judgement. Over time this unconfessed sin becomes the likeness of a thorn under the skin, and infection sets in, causing pain and grief. It no longer brings pleasure, and we finally yield to the Lord’s discipline. 

Your earthly life was never meant to live under the weight of guilt, caused by ungodly pleasures. Confess your sins daily to God, so you can experience joy and the proclamation, NOT GUILTY! 

 “As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, To go as he came; And he shall take nothing from his labor Which he may carry away in his hand.”. Ecclesiastes 5:15 

Anytime I've driven by former places I've lived, I see the things I focussed on neglected. The shrubs in the front are unkept, the house has mold growing on the sides, and the grass is not manicured. All of these things I spent long, laborless hours perfecting are no longer visible. 

Today's verse sums up the majority of our lives. We work hard to provide for our families, and accumulate things, money, and expensive experiences to feel good about ourselves. A sense of achievement you could say. But, 5, or 10 years from now all of those things you worked hard to provide will simply be sold, broken, or forgotten. How sad it is that we spend a lifetime achieving temporary pleasures that amount to nothing when we are gone. 

““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  ”. Matthew 6:19-20 

Doing things that invest in  eternity have benefits now and long after you pass. Spending quality time with family, caring for those in need, and most importantly sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the lost, have eternal value that never dissolve over time. God's word provides an endless number of opportunities to invest in your eternal future. You just have to decide where you'll spend your time and resources. 

Dear God, thank you for your generous provisions. May I use them to bring you glory as I walk through this life and into eternity. 

 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

 Have you ever given much thought to your past? Maybe it’s your childhood, where sweet memories bring you much happiness, or maybe it was a special relationship that you treasured and now is no longer. In our reflection, we oftentimes desire to go back to the “good old days”, to relive those precious moments that seem to stay within our memory. But if you are true to yourself, you probably recognize you’ve come a long ways since then and life is different, and those moments your cherishes probably won’t fit into your life at this moment.

 That’s exactly what Jesus was telling a person who wanted to follow him, but he felt it necessary to take care of other business first. In the eyes of God, nothing is more important than serving Him, worshiping Him, and giving Him your complete and undivided attention. What’s the benefit in that you ask?

 I can tell you after 50 some years of living faith in Christ, nothing and no one compares to the goodness that God provides. He provides you with wisdom to make wise choices, He blesses you when you walk in obedience, and He has so much newness in store for your life, that when you long for things in your past, you miss out on God’s very best. You can even thwart His plans to use you for kingdom work.

 But Lot’s wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26

 You might be familiar with the story of Lot and God’s destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God instructed Lot, his wife, and family to escape and not look back. She looked back and paid the ultimate price for her disobedience. Don’t be like her, focus on the future and trust in God’s provisions. They might not always be the same as what you’ve experienced earlier in life, but eventually they will bring you to a better place, with God’s ultimate blessings in this life and into eternity. Your future in Christ is worth staying forward focused! God bless!

 

 

 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ”

James 4:7 NKJV

Last night I had the pleasure of watching my 19 month old granddaughter. She is persistent in her wants. She wanted to do something that I knew would hurt her, so I picked her up and redirected her to something else. Within a few seconds she was headed for the same dangerous activity. Finally, after 5 times of redirection, she focussed on something else, more safe. 

Temptations come at our weakest moments and the devil tries to fuel the fire by convincing us it's ok to pursue our desires. But, as a child of God, we know the dangers of fulfilling sin. What's difficult is Satan never seems to let up with the temptations, the excuses why you should partake of his temporary satisfactions. Sound familiar?

Today's verse gives us encouragement to remain faithful to God by remaining obedient by not fulfilling the pursuit of sin. It takes much prayer, discipline, and determination to ward off Satan, but over time he will eventually give up and redirect his evil work somewhere else. 

Persistence is the key to preserving your spiritual life from the sins that so easily tarnish your relationship with God. Stay the course, stay prayed up, and stay focused on pleasing the Lord. The rewards of obedience far outweigh the temporary pleasures Satan has to offer. God bless. 

 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by to bear His cross. Mark 15:21 

“Take one for the team” is a common phrase that means someone to willingly accept an unpleasant task, hardship, or personal sacrifice so that the rest of your group, friends, or colleagues can benefit or avoid discomfort. To be in that position takes courage, strength, and complete surrender.  

 In today’s verse, we read about a certain man named Simon, who helped Jesus by carrying His cross to the place of crucifixion. Jesus was beaten so badly that He could barely stand, much less carry a heavy piece of wood in which He’d die upon. Simon took one for the team of believers that day by carrying that cross, so you and I could experience God’s forgiveness through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”. Mark 16:16

 As a child of God, you should take part in the words of Jesus Christ by sharing the message of salvation to the people around you. It shouldn’t be a painful message to share, yet we are oftentimes are afraid to discuss Jesus with those who are opposed to believe in Him, or want anything to do with religion. But, unless you speak up, how will they know the truth of God’s willingness to forgive sin and have a personal relationship with His creation?

 This blog is not only to encourage you, but myself included, to share the message of Jesus Christ. By doing so, we take part with other believers in spreading the gospel to those outside the faith. Are you wiling to take one for the team of Christ?  

 

 

 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

 Contentment has been defined as a state of peaceful satisfaction and freedom from worry or restlessness. Feeling content doesn’t shift when the circumstances around you change, especially for the worse. You are able to maintain a sense of inner satisfaction. Can you say you are content in this life?

 The world would want you to believe you are missing out on certain activities, possessions, and relationships. Advertisements, social media, and music try to drawl you into a lustful desire for more. It’s a constant cycle of madness, and one you never fully attain everything you heart desires. God never intended for His creation to experience this emptiness with an overwhelming desire for more.

 Where did it start? Well, Adam and Eve found the forbidden fruit something to be desired, and they partook, bringing in the first occurrence of sin. Searching your heart, what forbidden fruit do you desire? As we saw with God’s first creation, they suffered the loss of the perfect garden, full of everything they needed for life. Mankind continues to suffer from their sin as we toil long and hard in this life.

 Today’s verses gives us insight to godly wisdom and His provision. Following God in obedience is paramount to having an inner sense of contentment and peace that only HE can provide. Food, shelter, clothing, are the essentials and He longs for us to appreciate those things, so your search for more will not stretch far into the toxic offerings of the world. Have you achieved this sense of contentment?

 If you are truly honest with yourself, you are probably still searching for things outside God’s provisions. God gives you what He knows you can properly manage. Ask Him to give you a desire for His provisions and be thankful for what He gives you. Honor God with your resources and reign in those ungodly desires, so you can walk in obedience to His will for your life. God will richly bless you in ways that the world can’t.

 Dear God, thank you for your provisions in my life. Help me to live a life pleasing to you and to welcome your blessings with the assurance my wants always fall within your perfect will. Amen.

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 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 In my carport is a wooden swing. It’s my favorite place to sit to think, reflect, pray, and watch the wildlife in my backyard. No matter what the weather conditions outside, I’m protected from the elements. It’s so relaxing and wish I had discovered the comforts it has brought me earlier in life.

 Looking back over my life, I can tell you life has had its very difficult moments. Moments that left me wondering why am I in this mess, asking God how to get out of this mess, and what was the purpose of this mess. All good questions, and as much as I wanted answers, God had a plan through each and every trial I faced. He might not have provided me with answers, but I learned to trust Him through the trial, all the way to the outcome. Today, I stand weathered by life’s storms, but still here, testifying to God’s goodness and faithfulness.

 Today’s verses provide us a guide to life, where to put our trust. Not in man, because he/she will let us down at times, but to trust God. The path He choses to lead us down might not be clearly understood, sometimes painful (yes painful), and difficult, but the outcome fulfills His purpose, and His plan to grow us into mature Children of God.  

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

 You might be going through a difficult life storm; sit under the canopy of God’s protective hands, and put your trust in Him to see you through.  

 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:4

 Can you say life is joyful? There’s a difference between happiness and being joyful. Happiness is something temporary, like tasting something sweet, having a great moment, or seeing something beautiful. Being joyful, on the other hand, doesn’t change due to the circumstances around you. It’s stable, consistent, and comes from deep within your soul, no matter what is happening on the outside.

 For the child of God, joy should come naturally. According to Psalm 92:4, God has taken care of the bridge that separates you from His Holiness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection to life after 3 days. Knowing you are secure in His forgiveness and love should prompt a deep appreciation for His goodness towards you, filling you with joy unspeakable. Sounds good, but does that characterize your life?

 Unfortunately, we oftentimes get bogged down with the issues of life, that turn our focus away from God’s bidding and we find ourselves seeking happiness in the moment and not the true joy God intended for you and me! How can we get to the point where our soul is full of joy and not moved by the negative things of the world?

 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they m ay have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 The choice is yours who you’ll allow into your life. The thief OR Jesus Christ? Stay prayed up, keep yourself unspotted from the world, and fill your heart with God’s word. These actions will keep you rooted in joy and not the temporary moments that change like the weather. Joy is something we all need to experience as it prepares us for the next chapter of eternity with our Savior.

 This morning, I was reading one of my daily devotionals and it talked about the importance of having patience with others. Ephesians 4:2 was referenced, “be patient, bearing with one another in love”. At the end of the devotional, it asked to identify two people who I have little or no patience for. To be honest, my list went well beyond two people. Then I had to ask myself, why am I so impatient with these certain people? I’m a people person and will speak to just about any breathing individual. After some reflection, I actually learned something about myself, and I understand now why certain people test my patience. 60 years it has taken to learn something new about myself, and I realize I need to work on a certain aspect of my life so I can better reflect the love of Christ to everyone…even those whom I have not given my complete attention.

 As humans, we are God’s creation. We come with special talents, abilities, and sometimes personal flaws, that go unnoticed in our everyday life. Some struggle to understand their character makeup and it truly impacts the way we interact with others. How can you truly know the real you? What I mean is, how can you peel back the layers of your personality to understand why you do the things you do, how you respond to others, and the talents God has given you.

 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

 Hebrews 4:12 literally cuts to the point. God’s word brings light to who you are as a human, a child of God, and what you can do in your life to bring Him glory. Who better to inquire about YOU than your Creator! Jesus said it well in Matthew 10:30 “But the very hairs on you head are all numbered”. If God knows how many hairs you have (or don’t have), He can also enlighten you on why you exist. He has a plan and purpose for your life, and unless you let His word guide you along the route to sanctification, you are simply traveling through life in the dark. Reach your fullest potential by tapping into God’s instruction manual for this life and into eternity.

 For the Lord will not cast off forever, though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. Lamentations 3:31-32

 When bad things happen in your life, who do you blame? God oftentimes gets blamed for things like the loss of a loved one, a marriage breakup, an accident, job loss, and so many other difficult and painful events that are out of your control. Seriously, who else is to blame for things you can’t control? Well…lets dig in and see what’s really behind the scenes of those things you want to put the blame on God.

 If you are a child of God, you have accepted the fact that God is in control over everything. There is nothing in your life that He lets befall you without His approval. Sometimes those unwelcomed moments are the result of our sinful actions and God uses them as a tool to bring us to deep repentance. People in this category sometimes experience long term repercussions, like jail, a lifetime disease, even isolation. Whatever it takes to yield their waywardness to the obedience of God.

 Another situation beyond your control happens at times when you are doing everything right, then WHAM, you experience loss, pain, suffering, even being wrongly accused. In those moments you seriously ask God WHY ME? It might be difficult in the moment of grief, but you must then put your anger, frustrations, and sadness away and accept you are in God’s spotlight and trust that He knows what He’s doing. I think about the shooting of Charlie Kirk. What a tragedy, but look at how his ministry has taken off…..it’s tripled in size and has impacted thousands of people. There are countless stories just like Charlies that has brought so much good from the ashes of horrific events.

 The one thing you need to realize is God loves you more than you can ever comprehend. No matter how much you want to blame God, you must look to Him for the hope of tomorrow, and realize that His plan is to bring something more meaningful into your life through the tragedies you’ve experienced. Re-read today’s verse and let it sustain your faith in the One who has your best interest at heart. God bless

 September 11, 2001, I was 1/3 the way through my career as a Park Ranger working for the Federal government. That morning was normal at work, myself and another ranger went out to the parks to collect use fees. As we pulled into one of the campgrounds, the Park Attendant asked us if we had heard the news about the planes flying into the Twin Towers in New York. At that time we had no idea what happened, so we parked our vehicle and went inside the gatehouse to catch the news.

 Complete shock is the only word I can use to describe what I saw.  All these years I thought we were securely protected from something so tragic. Fear gripped me as I wondered what else would happen. We left there and continued our work, when my boss called on the radio for us to come back to the office immediately. Since we were federal employees, they wanted to insure everyone was safe and check our facilities for security purposes.

 About 1030 am I called my grandmother to ask if she had heard the news. She hadn’t, so I informed her to turn on the TV. When she did, all I heard her say was, “Oh my God”, and she hung up the phone with not another word said. She lived in a time when Pearl Harbor was attacked and her husband had to enter into the World War II. I’m sure it brought back horrible memories of that day for her.

 The rest of the day was a blur. All I remember was how stressed, angered, and afraid I was throughout the day. Our kids were young, but they could tell something bad had happened and could read it on our faces. The next day was  Wednesday so we attended church services that night and prayed for our country and the victims of that day.

 From that day forward, everything changed at work. Security was tight, we implemented measures to protect our resources and for a long while we planned for the worst. Thankfully nothing else bad happened, but we were definitely on edge and concerned for our safety.

 On this 25^th anniversary of 9/11, I want to thank the brave men and women who protect our nation, and I pray for the victim’s families who still hurt from their loss. Most of all, I thank God for our President, who loves this country and has shown strength across the globe.

 May today’s generation (who never experienced this event) not lose sight of the enemies who attacked us and elect leaders who love this country and will do everything in their power to defend the United States of America! God bless!  

 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

 Before the turn of the century, toothpaste tubes were made of a pliable metal, often aluminum, which allowed the user to roll up the end of the toothpaste, forcing the last of the toothpaste to come out the small hole, leaving an empty tube and no waste. Today’s toothpaste tubes are made of a form of plastic that doesn’t roll up and you have to work at getting the last ounce of toothpaste out. Many people discard that tube with probably a few more ounces of toothpaste left in the tube, that could be used several more times. But we’ve become lazy and want to discard it when we have had enough of its supply. I’m guilty!

 You are probably thinking, what does a toothpaste tube have to do with today’s blog and scripture. Let me share a thought God placed on my mind yesterday.

 As a child of God, you probably have a bible in your possession and take it with you to church on Sundays, maybe even read in on occasion during the week. You read just enough of it to get a spiritual high and shelve it till your next prompting to read it again. Today’s scripture tells us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. How we use it will determine the outcome of our spiritual growth. Sporadic use of God’s word limits your growth to what you think you need or gratification of your wants and needs. In reality, you are discarding something very useful for everyday life.

 Don’t treat your bible like that tube of toothpaste….only getting what you think you need. Squeeze out every ounce of God’s word in every area of your life so you’ll be equipped to make decisions that are pleasing to God, which yield blessings upon your life and your family. Grab your bible today, hold it and know that it’s truly the inspired word of God and will give you everything you need as you journey on your pathway to Heaven! God bless!

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

 This morning, I read in one of my devotionals about a married couple who participated in a walking event. At one point they sat down to rest, when another couple joined them. Through their conversation both couples shared a horrific event where they lost a young child, and were able to explain how they got through the loss by what God did to strengthen their faith. For two strangers to get that deep into conversation, they had to be transparent, peeling back the layers of their life, to share one of the darkest moments they’ve ever experienced.

 In today’s world, people frequently “build walls” around themselves. They feel this protects them from emotional damage, and getting involved with others, when all they want to do is live their life. This behavior isolates self from the outside world and misses opportunities to share insight into the wonderful and not so wonderful things experienced.

 If you know me, I am one who loves to meet people and peel back their layers of information to know them better. I find it challenging for me to see how deep into their life I can explore in my attempts to connect through life’s experiences. And what I’ve found is some pretty amazing people and their stories have encouraged me in my personal and spiritual life.

 Wrapping this blog up with today’s verses. If you are a child of God, He’s given you something special, the gift of eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and a love that comes with NO conditions. Those unique characteristics should be shared with those in your circle of influence. Lighting up your world with the Gospel message of salvation brings hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, and the removal of guilty burdens often found deep within their soul. Don’t hide your faith, don’t put your light under a bowl, let it shine brightly through your daily interactions with others. You’ll be amazed at how your interactions turn positive, no matter what environment you find yourself. Let your light shine for the glory of God!

 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

During my time in college, I briefly dated this girl from the state of Ohio. We had met on campus and became good friends. On occasion we’d travel to Ohio to visit her parents. Her father was a preacher with the Apostolic church. The Apostolic believers live a simple life without much worldly influence and have a strong desire to be obedient with the bible’s guidance.   I recall her father was very peaceful and holy in every aspect of his character. You could tell he was a man of God and certainly had a positive influence on my life at the time.

 Every now and then I reflect on this verse and wonder, do people see Christ in me? Do they consider me a man of God? I might not stand behind a pulpit and preach God’s word, but my everyday life should, hopefully, influence people in a positive manner, just as my friend’s father did for me. I know my human frailties, and they are many, and God is working in my life to shape me into the character of Jesus Christ. It’s a lifetime process and every day He removes part of the world and replaces it with a spirit of holiness. I still have a long way to go to perfection.

 How about you? Are you a child of God? Do people within your influence recognize Christ in your life? Do you even desire to be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ? If you’ve truly chosen Christ, then your life should be a reflection of His life to the outside world. God calls all of us to be missionaries to the lost, whether its locally or across the globe. Without peace with our fellow man and holiness, how will the lost find their way to the light of Christ? Let your light bring others to Christ! God bless!

 I Peter 1:24-25 NKJV

[24] because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, [25] But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Don't you just love it when you are using an app on your phone and after a few minutes the phone times out, shutting off access to your app? A few weeks ago I discovered the Bible app on my phone never closes or times out my phone; it stays open and available until I decide to close it. 

Today's verse reminds us how fragile life can be, especially the things we rely on daily. But there is one thing that withstands the test of time, God's word. It never fails to provide wisdom for all of life's circumstances, struggles, even victories. But it's only useful if you use it daily. 

Studies have suggested that 87 percent of American homes have at least one bible in their possession. I just wonder of that percentage how many are collecting dust and never read.

We are so blessed in this country to have the freedom to possess a Bible, as other countries like North Korea or China would throw you in jail for even reading a Bible. 

A good indicator of Bible usage is the worn edges, the marked up pages with notes and highlights. If your Bible still looks new after several years, you are missing out on a wealth of information and wisdom.

Trust me, your time spent reading God's word will change your heart for the better. Everything else around you will wither and fade away, but the words on the pages will never shut you out of God's abundant love, grace, mercy, and give you hope for each day. Pick it up today! 

 I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

I was horrible at math, as a matter of fact I was able to navigate through college without taking one single math class. If I did, I'd probably still be trying to pass that class. But one thing I know, to work out a calculation, you need to insert numbers into the formula, otherwise you'll still have nothing to the right of the equal sign.   

Well Dave, what does math have to do with sin you ask? Sin is like a mathematical formula, it requires the temptation, the contemplation, and the actual act itself. When all three are calculated, it will equal sin. So what am I saying? 

If you read today's verse you'll understand several things. No sin is uncommon to man; man has been sinning forever and your same sins are played out by millions of other people (so don't think you are the only one battling it). Secondly, God gives you enough freedom (or free will) to choose to do it or not do it. Third, He always provides a way to escape from it. At some point in the 3 part equation there's an exit door to stop computing sin. 

Here's where the rubber meets the road…..in order for sin to complete itself, you have to insert yourself in the equation. At any moment you can stop opening that bottle of liquor, close your computer when tempted to look at unclean images, cut a phone call short when the juicy gossip starts, say no to a conversation with the opposite sex you know won't be good for your marriage, or exchange your shopping trip you can't afford with a Saturday of house cleaning. God gives you opportunities to not sin, you just have to make the decision to not do it. Simple, not hardly, but with God's help you can overcome anything that you believe has you held captive to Satans bindings.

I John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 

 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

 My wife is really good about choosing what she eats. She watches her calorie intake and has said on numerous occasions…”I’m not going to waste my calories on something I don’t truly enjoy”. Me on the other hand, doesn’t always stick to a rigid diet and oftentimes I take in more daily calories than I can burn over the course of a week. And, my weight is a good indicator that I’m not doing a good job restricting my diet to the healthy things. More on that later!

 This morning God put a thought into my mind, “what’s the substance of my prayers”. Do I spend more time asking for forgiveness than praising God? That thought hit me hard this morning, as it should, making me think about my relationship with the Father. My actions, my thoughts, and the words that proceed out of my mouth are under constant attacks from the dark forces of evil. God knows I need help on the battle field, so I can spend more time giving praise than asking for His forgiveness.

 You might be thinking, Geez Dave, what’s your problem? Romans 3:10 says: “There is none righteous, no, not one” and Isaiah 64:6 says: “And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags”. No matter how well we try to live the Christian life, we always fall short in our daily lives, including me. And, as  you grow in your faith, you begin to see your shortcomings more and more. God help us, God help me!

 God always welcomes your prayers, no matter their content. If seeking forgiveness is important, then pray for it. At the same time, commit yourself to living on a strict spiritual diet of words, actions, and thoughts (just like my wife’s dietary plan), so you don’t waste your life on fruitless things that require more time praying for healing and forgiveness. When you do, your prayers will be full of positive content, brining God all the glory and praise He rightly deserves! God bless!  

 Psalms 46:10 NKJV

[10] Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Have you ever been in a place where there was no sound? No sirens, no birds singing, no sound of the wind, no air-conditioning running, no one speaking? If you are like me, it's hard to remember a time of total silence. Even as I sit here early this morning outside there is a bug making his sound as loud as a Harley Davidson motorcycle. 

Our ears operate 24/7. That's a good thing and sometimes a bad thing, depending on where you are. As a child of God, God wants you to hear Him speak to you through His Holy Spirit. The challenge is filtering out everything that is competing with Him to be heard. His voice doesn't come in the form of sound, but through the spirit, speaking wisdom, warning, encouragement, and love. How can you hear Him?

You have to be intentional about blocking out the world's sounds to hear Him. That might mean closing the apps on your phone, even silencing it, getting in a place without distractions (your closet is good…if there is room), anywhere you can block out other distractions. Difficult yes, but not impossible. 

I love today's verse. Anytime I read it, I'm reminded to slow down, take in His beautiful creation, and make time to listen to Him. God has a lot to say to all of us, we just have to posture ourselves to hear His sweet voice. What is God trying to say to you today? 

 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:6 

As a kid growing up on our family farm, I always enjoyed accompanying my dad when he went out to do chores, whether it was feed the hogs, cows, or just take care of anything that needed mending. As I grew, I accepted more responsibility and actually helped him with the task at hand. It was my desire to please him in my work, knowing that he was right there beside me to encourage, instruct, and correct. 

If you are a child of God, YOU accepted Jesus Christ into your life. You chose to receive Him. Let me repeat that, YOU CHOSE TO RECEIVE HIM! I think over time we forget that our Heavenly Father is always with us through His Holy Spirit. Whether we chose not to think about His presence or simply forget He’s there, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the lure of sin. We focus on the pleasure sin brings and forget that God is always present to encourage, instruct, and correct you when headed towards something outside His will.

 Maybe you are a new Christian or have been one for years. Never let a day go by that you forget your Heavenly Father is with you and it should be your deepest desire to please Him in your choices, words, and actions. He’s your perfect “accountability partner”, and if you are truly focused on Him, you’ll be able to hear His soft voice of reason, prompting you to make the right choices, say the right things and act in a holy manner.  God bless!

 Heavenly Father, help me keep my focus on you by speaking to my heart. I give this day to you as you reveal your will to me in everything that I do, speak, and think. May you be blessed and glorified today.

  The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16:3

 Yesterday we went up north of Atlanta to celebrate my oldest son’s birthday. He chose an Italian restaurant for lunch. The first thing he ordered was an appetizer for all of us. The waitress said that it takes a long time to make and might come after we get our food. She wasn’t kidding, as it took a while before the appetizer was served. But, once it arrived on our table, we devoured it and our hunger was temporarily satisfied.

 Today’s passage comes from the story of the Israelite’s exodus from Egyptian slavery. 45 days had passed journeying through the desert and the people complained they had run out of food. We read in verse 4 that God said He’d rain down bread from Heaven for His people to eat. I always wondered why He waited so long to provide bread. I’m sure the Israelite people were worried, seeing their food supply dwindling in the wilderness.

 Like me, you might question why God waits to answer our prayers at the last moment when He could have provided prior to feelings of desperation. I believe several reasons.

1.    1. We won’t be able to truly see the powerful hand of God working unless we are empty, hungry, and in desperation. At that moment, we are willing to accept anything He provides, and most of the time He provides more than we ever thought possible.

2.    2. He won’t provide when we already have what we need because the impact of His provision will be lessened and might make us believe we can provide for ourselves. God wants us to depend on Him and not the world’s offerings. What we generate will eventually run out, but His provision will be like a well of water, providing refreshing nourishment for eternity. John 4:11-15.

 God knows your needs before you even ask Matthew 6:7-8. He provides at just the right moment. So, as you pray, asking for His help, know that it will come at just the right moment, when you are ready to receive it, and it will be enough (sometimes more) to sustain you in this life and beyond.

 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 

I have several drawers full of stuff that has value to me and personal items that belonged to family members who’ve passed. Why do I keep these items around? Because they mean something to me and every time I get them out, wonderful memories of my past come to mind. But, the reality is once I pass, those items will have no meaning to my kids and will most likely be discarded. One day I’ll have to help them by going through those things and discard them, saving them the trouble in the future. 

As a child of God, you have something even more valuable than earthly things and possessions. Today’s verses come from Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes. As you read them, you’ll find that each one has eternal value. Poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven, mourners will be eternally comforted, pure in heart will see God, peacemakers will be called “sons of God”, the persecuted will inherit the kingdom of heaven and there you’ll receive rewards that will last forever! The sufferings you endure in this life will pale in comparison to the wonderful blessing that await you when you enter into Heaven. 

Jesus said you will have tribulation while here on earth. Don’t allow the troubles of this life distract you from the eternal rewards that await you for enduring in faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Look at the troubles of your life having “eternal value”, because they will yield something much greater than the good days you experience this side of Heaven. 

Thank you Father for those trials and troubles I face, as I continue to look to you for comfort and strength, knowing that they have eternal value and one day I will be rewarded for sustaining my walk with You!

 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

 It’s in the news on a daily basis, people in high positions are brought down by poor choices, sometimes illegal actions that put them in jail. A recent news article about a traveling preacher who committed sex crimes against children generated a lot of comments on social media. The majority of them focused on religious leaders who seem to frequently commit these horrible offenses, giving non-Christians an excuse to not darken the door of a church building. Many commented the following: who wants to be a part of that if that’s what Christianity is like.

 You might be thinking to yourself, well, I’m not like that and consider yourself a genuine child of God. That’s good, but there’s a danger in having a self-proclaimed evaluation of yourself. Pride can be rooted in those thoughts, making you believe your actions, whether good or bad, are justifiable because you are a “good Christian”. God’s not looking for good Christians. Jesus Christ even said it himself in Mark 10:18: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God”. So what is God looking for in His children?

 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micha 6:8

 God wants to do a work in your life, but it requires an attitude of humbleness, not focusing on your strengths, but relying on God’s Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose in you. Spiritual achievements only happen because of the work God is doing. Taking credit for God’s work is a no-no and He considers it pride. Giving God the glory He deserves and living a humble life only happens when you take your eyes of yourself and stay focused on God. When you do, the fruits of your labor will be recognized by God and rewarded in Heaven. Any blessing you receive in this life is simply an indicator that God is living in you and through you for His glory.

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

 One of the volunteer activities I participate in is our church’s benevolence committee. Benevolence is a word that describes helping someone in need, whether its financial, physical, or spiritual. Our main focus is to help those who are struggling financially. The process starts when the person in need contacts our church seeking help. They are then passed off to us to hear their situation and make a determination how we can assist them. Sometimes we are able to help, and other times we are not able to meet their needs. It’s a rewarding thing to help people, but at the same time it’s sad to see how much people struggle just to survive day to day.

 I love today’s verse, “Come to Me”! As a child of God, we are given the privilege to come to God for help, no matter what our need, He is always willing to hear us. His love for us goes beyond our immediate need and continues through this life and into eternity. Sadly, many people do not feel their needs are worthy of bringing them to God’s attention and they try to survive on their own. This leads to discouragement and oftentimes people blame God for their situation, when they haven’t even asked for His help.

 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:30

 Allowing God to help you doesn’t come with any conditions, it’s freely given out of love. Sometimes His response might not always be exactly what we think we need, but it has purpose and benefits that far outweigh anything we might deem important. Trusting God with fulfilling our needs is something He longs for each of His children, that includes you! You might be in a financial jam, spiritually numb, or dealing with a physical ailment that has you struggling to find joy.

 God says, “Come to Me”, where you’ll find rest, ease of your burdens and hope that restores your confidence in the One who loves you without conditions. What burden is weighing on your heart today that you can bring it to Him?

 Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

[26] “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 

Yesterday I had an unfortunate experience where a young man decided to ride his four-wheeler recklessly through my front yard, nearly striking my house and me as I was cutting grass. Although you'd think this one incident wouldn't bother me much, it's actually just one of many sour experiences I've had living in this once peaceful, quiet neighborhood. So, this incident shook me to the core. 

Today's verse was enacted yesterday as I had to stay up until my anger diminished and I was able to chill. It was midnight before my head hit the pillow, but I'll tell you I slept soundly and woke this morning with a new perspective. It certainly generated much prayer, and an attitude of forgiveness for the thoughts I had in the heat of the moment. 

Attitudes and anger can be a deadly mix, as we've seen this played out in the news, time and time again. People getting killed over a dispute, road rage, and yes a tyrant of rants on social media. We must not allow ourselves to get caught up with the worldly chaos by responding out of godly character. Guilty as charged. 

Today is a reset. Today is a day of forgiveness. Today is a day of hope for humanity and not let the few bad apples spoil the view of the majority. 

Thank you God for your grace, mercy, patience, and love for this weary soul trying to live amongst your creation. 

 Humble yourselves in sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

 Prior to GPS, people relied on a map to get them to their destination. Sometimes it also required a stop at a service station to ask for specific directions. For many people, especially men, that was a humbling experience to ask for help. The proud and confident driver would often try to figure out directions on the fly, finding themselves even further lost and time wasted. On the other hand, the humble driver who sought assistance would get there without delay.

 Today’s verse in James suggest that if we come to the Lord with a humble heart, He will do everything in His power to sustain us so we can fulfill His purpose for our life. Proverbs 16:5 makes it clear that God can’t stand a prideful heart, it’s an abomination to Him. Pride gets in the way of our relationship with God. It’s like that prideful driver, who thinks he knows best and is unwilling to seek help. The same is true for the child of God, we think we know what’s best for us, even demanding God give us our wants, yet God has something better planned. And sometimes that better plan doesn’t always come in a neat package.

 If you want God’s best for your life, you must be prepared to humble yourself to the degree that nothing else in your life matters as much as God’s perfect will. He has a plan for your life and if you humbly accept it, you’ll have His undivided attention and resources to ensure your journey towards His end game will result in spiritual success.  What part of your life needs to humbly submit to His will?

 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Hin who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shale not only the earth, but also heaven. Hebrews 12:25-26

 If you’ve followed the news over the past few months, you know there have been powerful earthquakes that have shook the foundations of many cities, brining down homes and businesses, turning them into ruble. From the images I’ve seen it looks like a war zone. The loss of people’s possessions, even lives, has made it difficult to watch. But the reality is our lives, and the things in them, are so fragile to the power of mother nature and catastrophic events.   

 If you were in a building that shook, knowing it would collapse, what is the one thing you’d take with you that wouldn’t get destroyed (besides your family)? Maybe it would be a photo album, a special gift someone gave you, or a particular thing that has brought you so much joy. We all have things in our lives that matter most to us and would be heartbroken if they were destroyed.

 Today’s verse should motivate us to take inventory of what truly matters in our lives, that would be our relationship with the creator of our world, including you and me. If you’ve spent anytime understanding God, you know that He is always faithful to be there for you, 24/7. Nothing is more important than your relationship with Him. Unfortunately, we allow things of this world, and people, get in the way of a perfect union with Him. God oftentimes takes a “back seat” to our priorities. After a while we can’t distinguish His voice of wisdom amongst the busyness and prized possessions in our lives. We miss the mark.

 If this is you, I encourage you to make God your prized possession. He’s unshakable, and will never faulter, no matter what catastrophe is happening in your life. You can put your complete faith and trust in Him, always!

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

 Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3.

 Over the course of my life, I’ve heard successful business men/women and athletes thank God for what He did in their lives. Many of them have made a huge impact on Americans and it would be easy to take credit for their achievements, but they acknowledge God’s hand in their success. As I reflect over my life, I can tell you it was God working through friends, family, and circumstances that has brought me to this wonderful place I’m in retirement after a successful career. I give God all the credit and glory!

 Whether you are a Christian or not, you must understand that it was God who created you. He permitted your existence and has a plan for your life. Some chose not to believe a higher power had anything to do with personal success, and one day they will find themselves standing before a Holy God, convicted of prideful living. I don’t want to be around when that happens.

 As we see worldly events unfold, they are perfectly aligning with prophecies that are documented in the bible’s book of Revelations. These events occur prior to the great Rapture of Christians, the Tribulation, and the second coming of Christ. No one knows the date and time, but you can be assured that time is coming. Are you ready?

 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

 God created you to be you. As 1 Peter 2:9 says, you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Receive Jesus Christ into your life, asking forgiveness of your sins, and do everything for His glory. He deserves it…and one day you’ll hear the words of God say….Well done my good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:21

 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10

 One summer I came home from college and was hanging out with one of my friends. He asked me if I truly believed there was a God. I had accepted Christ at age 12, yet hadn’t really been questioned about my belief in God. I came home and asked mom, and her reply was to search out for God’s existence, and He will reveal Himself. Following that conversation, I also met with my youth pastor and even a counselor, in search of God’s existence. All of them said, God will reveal Himself to you.

 A few months later, I attended a youth event at our church. We had been running around outside the church playing games. At the conclusion, our newly married youth pastor realized he had lost his wedding ring. Immediately we all started searching the church grounds for his ring. I said out loud the following, “God if you are real, let me find that ring”.

 I went around to the back of the church parking lot; a large area covered in newly poured white gravel. It was getting dark and I had difficulty seeing. At one point, something physically stopped my body from moving and I heard a voice inside my head say, “David, I give you the power to see in the dark”. I looked ahead and saw something in the rocks. I had a flash light in my hand and I heard the voice say “turn on the light”. In the middle of that light’s circle was his wedding ring!

 Still today when I share this story, I get emotional. I had a personal encounter with God. Since then, I’ve never questioned His existence and it actually increased my faith and belief that God is with us continually. He is always looking out for us, even at times when we stray off the path of righteousness, He is there, encouraging us to step back into His light.

 Maybe you question God’s existence. I encourage you to search out the truth. Read your bible (God’s word), ask God to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to know He’s with you and will reveal Himself at just the right moment.

 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are  done in the meekness of wisdom. 

Have you ever heard someone say “they are wise beyond their years”? I have only known a few people who fall into this category. And the reality is they have embraced the word of God, and from all appearances live it out in their daily lives. Whether by word of mouth or by their actions, they've encouraged me to walk inside the narrow path of righteousness. 

Godly wisdom makes no sense in a worldly mind, and it can't be achieved by one's own doing. It's a partnership between you and God, through His Holy Spirit living inside you. It's a sacrificial life, completely surrendered to God, willing to follow in strict obedience, regardless of how others around you act, and believe. Very few people in this world mature to a level of wisdom beyond their age. 

James 3:17 NKJV

[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 

The Christian life is a process of maturing in Godly wisdom. It won't happen without reading God's word daily and accepting it as the truth of God. As you age spiritually, you become more Christ-like, and others take notice and hopefully they too will be encouraged by the One you live for.