For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge 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. And there is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

 After years of working outside as a Park Ranger, I have to visit the dermatologist once a year to get some new spots on my skin cut off to prevent skin cancer from developing. Over the years I’ve developed these spots and slowly, the doctor removes them so they can be tested for cancer. Thankfully I’ve been cancer free!

 Today’s scripture talks about a cancer that must be removed from our life, it’s called “sin”. Sin is any behavior, thought, motive, or character that is outside the moral standards and expectations of God. As humans, we are born into sin and even after accepting Christ, we still struggle with the flesh. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to take any action necessary to remove it from our life, otherwise it will grow deeper into our life, affecting our relationship with God and fellow believers in Christ.

 Hebrews 4:12 specifically tells us how to remove it, by reading God’s word and applying it to our life. Reading scripture sheds light on those things that God hates in our life, and the Holy Spirit prompts us to make changes to rid that cancerous sin. Some people chose to ignore the gospel because they know what it says and don’t want to admit their sin or don’t want to change. They’ve taken a liking to the pleasures of the world. Sadly, they will continue to move towards self-destruction, both physically and spiritually.

 Hebrews 4:13 tells us that nothing is hidden from God. Nothing. You might be hiding some sin from others, but God sees what’s behind closed doors, inside the privacy of your mind, and you will have to give an account for those purposeful sins one day. Trust me, that won’t be an enjoyable experience.

 Friend, if you are true to God, and yourself, walk the Christian life. Continually read God’s word to allow it to convict the sinful things in your life so you can keep a pure heart, mind, and soul ready for when Jesus calls you home! God bless!  

 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”  Revelation 21:12

 There are several places in our town where the police like to sit and monitor driver’s speed. On occasion I’ll see blue lights flashing and another driver gets a ticket. For me, I try to obey the speed limit, so I don’t have to constantly look out for police so I can keep my attention focused on driving. Good driving rewards me with cost savings and a discount on my vehicle insurance.

 Some people, who claim to be “Christians”, perform in the same manner by acting “spiritual” while in church and around other believers, but when alone or outside of their brotherhood, they act worldly. If they see another Christian, they’ll either hide or stop that behavior for the moment until they are out of sight. It’s easy to get caught up in this type behavior, especially when no one is around to hold them accountable.

 Today’s scripture tells us that one day the Lord will return and when He does, it’s His plan to reward His faithful followers. Just think about all the rewards and blessings half-hearted Christian will miss on the day of His return.  I’m reminded of Matthew 7:23, “And I declare to them, I never knew you, depart from Me; you who practice lawlessness!” Sadly, there are many people today who claim to be a Christian, living a lie, and when they face the Lord, they will find a closed door to Heaven.

 If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15

 Loving the Lord is the key to living a genuine Christian life. You can’t do it by your own efforts. God gives each child of God His Holy Spirit to help them live by faith and obedience to God’s moral standards. You have the opportunity to seek His help, so you can focus on living rightly and not be on the lookout for other’s who believe you to be a true Christian. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul so living the life He’s called you will come naturally. God bless!

 Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other. So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

 

When someone approaches you and says, “I have some good news and some bad news”, which do you prefer to hear first? I’ll take the bad news first in hopes that the good news crosses out the negative of the bad. If you really think about it, most news we receive has both the good and bad.

 

In today’s blog I’d like for you to consider taking a different view of the “bad news”, so it softens its blow on your heart, mind, and soul. Today’s verse lets us know that anything that comes our way is sifted through the hands of God. There isn’t anything, good or bad, that comes your way that He doesn’t know about and allows. And taking it one step further, HE has a plan how to make you a better person through even the bad news.

 

As a child of God, you have to realize, this world is NOT your home. Everything you experience in this life prepares you for the next life, eternal life. For me personally, I’ve seen God’s hand work in and through some of my darkest days to help me gain trust in Him to deliver me from the adversity I faced. Wisdom, patience, love, a new direction, and a stronger commitment to Him, are just a few things gained from those tough days. I’m sure you’ve experienced the same and now see how it benefitted you in your time of adversity.

 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

Paul had a “thorn in the flesh”, which bothered him greatly as he ministered to thousands of people. God saw fit to allow it to remain, so Paul could rely on God’s strength, and not by his own strength. Maybe you have a thorn in your flesh of sorts. Surrender your will to Him, asking for His will to be done, so you can refine your life to better reflect His. All that really matters in this life, is your next life and how you learn and grow spiritually.

 

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

 My wife and I, along with some family, have been at Orange Beach for a few days. I'm reminded of why so many people love coming here, and for many reasons. The relaxing sound of waves, restoration of the soul, discovery of something special along the shoreline, the gorgeous creation of every day's sunrises and sunsets or just a place to get away and rest. 

Tomorrow we will be leaving this place of paradise and getting back to the daily grind at home. It would be nice to take a piece of this vacation with us, but it will have to come in the form of memories and photographs. 

John 4:13-14 NKJV

[13] Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Today's verse comes from the story of the woman at the well. There, Jesus met a woman who had many relationships, trying to find love, yet she leaves one for another, and was currently living with a man who was not her husband. Jesus offered her something more, something lasting, that is eternal life. A secure and wonderful relationship with the Creator of the universe, and with a purpose for her existence. 

Still today, Jesus offers this same friendship invitation to you. Maybe you've been searching for something more, something fulfilling, something you can treasure in your heart, or simply some inner peace in this chaotic world. Come to Jesus Christ today. He offers all of that and more. I can tell you His offerings are like standing on the most beautiful beach times 1,000. 

Hebrews 13:5 Let  your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Nothing this world offers can match His peace, His love, and His acceptance. And best of all, He will never leave you with just a memory. Call out to Him today. God bless. 

 For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back? Isaiah 14:27

 When I was in my late teens and early 20s I had no clue what I would do for a career. From the time of my high school graduation in 1984 to my college graduation in 1991, I attended 3 different colleges, changed my major many times, experienced some life changing events, and held many jobs. During those years, God was working in my life to fulfill His plan for my future career. Many times, I’ve looked back and could see how God closed doors to keep me moving in the right direction. There were days I fought His plan, but in the end, it provided a fruitful career and now a blessed retirement.

 Maybe you are still trying to figure out God’s plan for your life, even as a grown adult. You’ve got various options to choose, but uncertain which direction to follow. Seek God’s wisdom through prayer, continually, and ask several friends or family to devote daily prayer on your behalf. I’m almost 100% certain that the prayers of my family (especially my grandmother) motivated God to not give up on me, even when my intentions were to go in the opposite direction.

 Let today’s verse in Isaiah 14:27 be an encouragement to you, knowing that no matter how much you struggle with God’s plan, He will see you through it. As I said above, He often uses closed doors to keep you on track. Sometimes you’d think those doors were meant to be opened because of your skills, knowledge, and abilities. But God’s motivation is to use you for something greater, which in the end will yield blessings you could never had dreamed up for your life. Trust God’s plan for your life, it comes with His promise of something better!

 For My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor are you ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than your earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

 Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV

[9] In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there, doing their part to raise up the next generation. It's a huge task and success sometimes seems fleeting. But, no matter your failures, your status as a “father” never changes. And the truth is, no matter how you fill this role, your children will still love you. 

There is another Father we often forget about in this special day, our God the Father. From the moment He created man, His role has never changed. Unconditional love radiates from His Spirit onto all of us, and that love never ceases or changes, regardless of our actions. What a perfect example He gives us as earthly fathers. 

Today, I encourage you to take a few minutes to thank the God of all creation for His love, wisdom, and perfect example of the Father He desires for us men to be. God bless. 

 “Never be afraid to site awhile and think”. Lorraine Hansberry, American playwright (1930-1965).

 The quote above was posted in my Farmer’s Almanac. My first thought when I read it was, “where in my busy day do I have time to just sit and think”. In today’s world, we are bombarded with information overload. Between social media, countless emails, texts, radio, videos, television, and let’s not forget our phone (which can access all of these things), the minutes of our days are filled, leaving very little time to process what we’ve exposed ourselves to. Statistics state that 60-70% of the world’s population uses social media, 5-10% exhibit clinical symptoms of social media addiction, while 40-45% of teens say social media negatively affects their sleep, productivity, and mental health. I think you could also say the 40-45%, or more, is the same for adults too. I know a person who was dealing with depression and the first thing the doctor told them was to get off social media.

 If you don’t think Satan has his hands in all this technology, you are being blinded by the justification of advancement in technology, with AI (artificial intelligence) coming our way. LOL, think about it for a minute. We are being pushed into a society where computer intelligence will run our lives. Maybe we should say ruin our lives, because we won’t have to do any thinking. Yeah, I know I sound like “negative Nancy”, but the truth is we are letting technology think for ourselves, leaving us vulnerable to worldly views, which are opposite of God’s morals and standards.

 So, what are we to think about? Philippians 4:8-9 offers a wonderful suggestion. Click the scripture for its content. These are great virtues to ponder and with some thought, you will find positives in your life to counter the negative thoughts and emotions you’ve probably experienced from what you’ve been exposed to through the sources in the first paragraph. Spending time thinking about the good things life has to offer will give you a better outlook on life and in the process you’ll soon discover a pushback from a lot of the negative data and you’ll find entertainment in your thoughts.

 Let me share one more thought with you since you are in the thinking mode…. 2 Corinthians 10:5b says: bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. If pattern your thoughts after Christ and how He would think, then your life will be more in line with the obedience life He is ready to bless. Spend some time today in thought, spiritual thought, and devote more thinking time each day to the Lord.

 As I watch all five of my grandchildren grow up, I see special traits in them, passed down from their parents. The facial expressions, how they walk and talk…you can tell whose mom and dad in their lives.

 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

 There’s another resemblance we all have as humans. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created us in His image, both male and female. We possess a brain for Godly wisdom, arms and legs to do His work, eyes to see His beautiful creation, and body parts made to create new life (“be fruitful and multiply” Genesis 1:28). And because of God’s love for us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to show us His character traits and to make payment for our sins, so we could receive His grace and mercy. Are living the kind of life that resembles God’s character?

 God gives us “free will” to chose how we want to live. We either live for Him or ourselves. Living for Him can be difficult in this secular world, with morales and values that are nowhere near the perfection God intended for His creation. We live in a fallen world, and sadly there are so many people living for themselves, confused about their sexuality, choosing the toxic things of this world to fill a void, and making poor choices that haunt them for the rest of their earthly lives Galatians 5:19-21.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is now law. Galatians 5:22-23.

 God has brought you into this world, not to be a part of it, but to be a part of Him in how you live your life. Maybe there are areas of your life that need to be changed, so you can better fit His mold of the traits listed in Galatians 5:22-23. With the help of God’s Holy Spirit, you can live for Him, live like Him, and be a godly influence to those in your circle of influence.  God bless!

 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

 Over the past year my wife and I have been fortunate to help one of our kids by watching our granddaughter while both parents’ work. While here, we have a children’s television program on, which she loves and has learned so much in just one year. One of the most precious parts of this program is the love they express in each episode. We’ve noticed that our granddaughter has grown to embrace us with a hug, pat on the shoulder, confirming her love for us. What a beautiful trait for a child, to express love to others.

 Today’s proverb gives great advice to make time to train your child into a better person, and from that early learning they will carry it with them into adulthood. Studies of childhood development reveal that from birth to age 5, 85% of that child’s brain has developed and has shaped them for their future actions, feelings, how they feel about themselves, and the way they look at the world around them. Basically, they are like a dry sponge and the environment in which they live is like water, as they soak it up, it develops their brain network for life. Is your environment pure, or toxic?

 While we are on the subject of childhood brain development, lets talk about kids in their adolescent years. An alarming statistic for Gen Z age group (kids born between 1997 – 2012) states 74% of boys and 64% of girls say pornography is a problem for them. Somewhere along the way, either through seeing porn online, in the home, or at school, this dirty seed has been implanted in their mind and it will affect their view of the opposite sex, how they view relationships and even make them question their own sexuality. We are seeing today so many accounts of teachers having sexual relationships with their students. I believe pornography is one of the biggest problems for adults who were exposed to it in their younger years.

 Parents. We must do our part to protect our children from the toxic things of the world. It all starts in the home. It all starts with you. You can never shelter your child enough, you can never be too investigative in your child’s business, and never feel bad for being called “old fashioned”. We must do our part to bring our children up in a safe environment, otherwise the demoralization of society will destroy our children, along with their future families and the next generation. God help us! Let Proverbs 22:6 be the focal point of everything you do while raising your children. God bless!

 There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:11-12

You read or hear about it in the news, church going people, or Christians, get caught up in immoral behavior; financial scandals, sexual abuse, adultery, just to name a few. For those who don’t attend church they question is being a “Christian” is really worth it; why go to church, and entertain becoming a Christian if all they do is live like the devil?

Today’s verse comes from a parable that Jesus told regarding the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32. A man had two sons and they had everything they needed for life, a home, a job, and a father who loved them dearly and took care of their every needs. One day the younger son wanted his inheritance. Reluctantly, the father gave his son the money he asked for and the son left home and spent it all on wild living.

Why would a son leave everything good in his life for something that drained him financially? Why would a Christian leave everything he has to pursue something that would drain him spiritually?

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

I believe Jesus was trying to tell us that when you take your eyes off Him, you see the lure of the world and its momentary pleasures. No doubt, there are people who sit in church every Sunday, claiming to be Christians, who live under the blanket of God’s forgiveness, yet the lust of their eyes and their heart is still connected to the ways of the world. Not making excuses, but the Devil targets God’s children so they will carry the burden of guilt and make church going people look fake, leaving those who don’t have any part of church to ignore any thought of being a part of the Christian life.

If that is you, let me encourage you to stop listening to the bad news of the Christian life and share the good news of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the parable, the son is broke, and comes back to the father’s house, where he is greeted by his father with open arms. He admitted his wrongdoing and the father forgave him, welcoming him back into the family. Jesus Christ came to show us how to live, but also gave His life as payment for the sins of mankind. His love for mankind yields a forgiveness like no other. In return a child of God has the future expectation of Heaven.

No one is perfect, especially Christians. But when one of God’s children returns to Him spiritually broken, God restores them into His wonderful family. And He wants you to be a part of His family as well. Won’t you give God a moment of your time to really check out some of the most genuine people you’ll meet inside the walls of your local church. You’ll be blessed!

 

 Isaiah 6:2-3 NKJV

[2] Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. [3] And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”

When you see someone dressed nicely, it's complimentary to tell them you are impressed by their appearance. I often tell my wife how nice she looks when all dressed up, even at times when she's without makeup and in her pajamas. It's because of my love for her, no matter what she's wearing, she's beautiful to me. 

In Heaven there are seraphims (or Angels), who are constantly praising God and recognizing His holiness. As humans it might be difficult to understand how worshipping God 24/7 can happen, but I believe once in the presence of God, we all will recognize His beauty, His holiness, and His love for each of us. 

Until that time, I think we all need to feed our minds with scriptures that reflect His character so we can be prepared to worship Him, alongside the Angels who reside by His side throughout eternity. As you come to know Him more, give Him the praise and recognition He rightly deserves. God is good, all the time! What more reason do you need to give Him praise? 

 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4

 Just imagine for a moment that you were chosen to receive a lifetime of money where you’d never have to work or ever be in need of anything. What would you do with all that money? For the average person, it would be spent on big purchases, maybe a new home, a new vehicle, and an assortment of toys that will occupy your newly found “free time”. This actually happens to people who win the lottery, and they go wild on spending. Statistics say that 33% of those winners will declare bankruptcy within 3-5 years. It boils down to how you chose to live. If you live for the moment, you’ll find yourself in that 33%, but if you chose to spend wisely and invest, you’ll be secure for a lifetime.

 If you are a child of God, you too are blessed with something even greater than an abundance of money; your eternal future in Heaven. But, you have a choice of how you live here on earth as it will be revealed on the day of judgment. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 says: each one’s work will become clear for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which has been built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved yet so as through the fire.

 Take time today, maybe even this week to evaluate your life. Are you investing in your eternal future, or pleasures of the world? If you are truly a child of God, your spiritual compass will always align with the will of God as you live for His purpose in bringing you into this world. Saved is saved, but how you use that blessing will result in eternal rewards or nothing but a smoke covered soul. Invest your security in eternal rewards.

 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

 When life goes sideways, who do you call upon for help? Maybe a friend, co-worker, family member, or maybe a professional counselor. Any one of these might be a great resource for help, but how quickly do they respond when help is needed? We all live busy lives and the response time can be hours, day’s, maybe even weeks. Let me share with you someone who is always available at a moment’s notice.

 Psalm 46:1 clearly states that God is our refuge and strength. Those two things are usually critical in times of need. But the last part of this verse tells just how available God is, “a very PRESENT help in trouble”. He’s always present, always available to give you strength when you are weak, shelter in times of complete chaos, and provides wisdom when your situation has more questions than answers. I can tell you after 60 years of life He’s always been there to guide me through some of life’s most difficult moments, and He can do the same for you when you seek Him out in your time of need.

 When trouble comes your way, don’t delay your call upon the Lord to help you. His response is immediate and always the right answer for your situation. Trust me (and trust God), He will see you through every situation you when give Him the reigns. God bless!

 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord and holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. Leviticus 20:26

 When I began my career with the US government, I had to swear an oath to the United States constitution. At that point I knew things were serious and my loyalty to the government was paramount if I was to succeed in my chosen path. All throughout my career I was loyal to the government. Every day was full of tasks to be accomplished and I can say that I tried to do my best with each responsibility assigned to me. Today I am enjoying the fruits of my commitment to the government.

 As Christians, we are supposed to be holy to God in our actions, thoughts, and words that proceed from our mouth. Why? Because we are to represent God to those outside the faith. If you are familiar with scriptures in the bible, you know that His ways are counter to the ways of the world. Living a holy life takes dedication and effort to keep yourself unspotted from the world. Living a holy life, as hard as it might be, is a continual sacrifice to God, giving Him your best, by living a life surrendered to His will. The blessings that come with a committed life to God are tremendous and will help you sustain your faith each and every day.

 Are you a child of God? If so, take inventory of your life. Do your actions, thoughts, and words resemble holiness? If so, continue on and grow in your faith and commitment. If you struggle to live a holy life, draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help you change your ways, even cutting out things, people, and places that yield anything but holiness in your life. It’s a two way street, and expecting God’s blessings will only come when you make a true choice to live a holy life. God bless!

 Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 

“The Real McCoy” was a statement used to describe someone authentic, true to their word, and someone you could trust. This common expression has been used in many business dealings throughout history. 

Today's verse encourages Christians to walk worthy of the light of Christ. By doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ to those outside the faith. Are you the real McCoy? Can people see Christ in your life by how you act, and the words that proceed from your mouth? 

Many people claim to know Christ and put on their best to resemble a child of God, yet inside their soul is a darkness that has never truly been exposed to the eternal light. If you could see through the imitations, you'd see a lost soul headed for a Hell meant for deceivers of the spirit. 

Come to your Savior with a repentant heart, surrender your ways for the Lord's will. He will fill you with an eternal light that won't dim, even in the darkest moments of life. You will be the “real McCoy” for others to see their way to Christ. 

 Colossians 3:23-24 [23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 

While ordering breakfast at McDonald's this morning the cashier appeared agitated and I asked how her day was going. That opened the door for her to share her frustration with her coworkers not doing their fair share and how the manager isn't on top of her game. I told her all she could do was her best and not worry about how her fellow coworkers acted. 

I can't tell you how many times I had to fall back on today's verses during my career. There were times when I felt like no one else was invested in “the job”, putting more work on me. It got bad at one point until I adopted the attitude that I'm working for the Lord, no matter who is beside me or ruled over my position. It really helped me keep my head up and maintain a positive attitude. 

Maybe you are currently experiencing the same frustrations or will one day. Let today's verses remind you that your job is a blessing by God and you should do your very best when others fall short. Your outlook will be positive and possibly land you a better job or position in the workplace. God bless. 

 I Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV

[16] Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? [17] If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

I recall, in my younger years, living on a farm, Mom would fuss at Dad for tracking in dirt from his work boots, bring in a watering hose (a long hard black hose covered in dirt) to thaw out, and a few times we'd have a newly born baby calf in the laundry room to warm up. Yeah, messes were made, but that's life living on a farm. 

As children of God, we have to always keep today's scripture in mind and filter out those things, people, even places we go that will bring the dirtiness of the world into our lives. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit, therefore you should always keep it as pure and holy as possible. Satan tries to convince you that bringing the world into your spiritual temple is acceptable, reasonable, and worth it. The equation he uses will always benefit YOU, but not God. 

Let that thought sink in for a few minutes. Is there anything in your life that is pleasing to you, but not God? 

If you've identified some things, people, or places unacceptable to God, make every effort to remove them before they become a permanent stain on your soul. God will bless your obedience for putting Him first and keeping His home pure and undefiled. 

Matthew 24:42  Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.  

 Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. Ephesians 15

 When I was employed as a park ranger, I’d visit area schools and talk to students about career opportunities. One suggestion I’d always offer is to find out what you enjoy doing, then find a career that aligns with what pleases you the most. I’d ask kids what they wanted to do and why. I got various responses. One student said he wanted to be a doctor because they made a lot of money. I prodded him further by asking if he enjoyed school and he said not really. Boy, is he in for a big surprise. The average person achieving doctor status will require 10 additional years of education and training. Hopefully he will find this out and chose a different path.

 I share this story to ask, if you claim to be a Christian, why did you choose to do so? Was it because you didn’t want to go to Hell? That makes sense, but if that’s your only reason, then you truly have missed the mark of why accepting Jesus Christ is so important. It’s not as much about being “saved” as it is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s face it, if you truly want to live like a Christian, you know it is difficult in this world to hold true to God’s standards. The effort it takes to stay engaged in your everyday spiritual life can be a struggle.

 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

 But, when you bond with Christ (as the verse above says), your personal relationship with Him will make life more simple, easy to follow, because you will want to please God, not just do the right things to “maintain” your Christian status. James 4:8 says when you draw near to God, He draws near to you. Why would you want to live any other way?

 God chose you before the creation of the world. You accepted His invitation to enter into a relationship with your redeemer, Jesus Christ. Pursue that relationship, just as you would with your children or spouse, and you’ll find a rewarding and blessed bond with the One who calls you His own! God bless!

 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

 Studies suggest that 68% of all humans will experience “guilt” at some point in their life Almost 11% live with daily guilt, most likely from past mistakes that haunt them throughout their lifetime. Those burdened with guilt could be men and women locked up in prison, spiritual leaders who’ve acted immorally, or maybe this speaks to you. Guilt comes with a heavy weight, almost like an anchor, and it reduces the quality of one’s life, especially when it relates to your spiritual life.

 As a child of God, you need to be reminded of today’s verse. Jesus Christ became a sacrifice for YOUR sins, so you could stand before God, holy and righteous. You might be thinking that your wrongful actions (sins) have negatively impacted so many lives and believe it to be impossible for God to even consider forgiving you. Let me remind you about King David’s immoral actions. David saw Bathsheba and lusted after her, had an adulterous affair with her, she became pregnant, and David had her husband put on the front lines of battle to be killed. After David came to his senses, he repented. Although his life had serious repercussions from his sinfulness, God called him a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).

 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

 Friend, if you believe in what Jesus Christ did on the cross to make payment for your sins and have asked Him to come into your heart to forgive you and make His home in your life, then you are considered “GUILT FREE” in the eyes of God. Let go of that heavy burden of guilt that has been holding you back from becoming a free child of God. God loves you and wants to forgive and forget your past. Live today for Him knowing you are free indeed

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

 Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. Hosea 6:1

 My wife and I watch one of our granddaughters several times each week. She is now 14 months and wants to explore every power cord, open every cabinet door, pull on the blinds, and attempt to climb on anything her little body can reach. As she attempts to do these dangerous things, it’s necessary for us to stop her actions by saying “no”, swat her hand, or remove her from the activity that we know will only bring her harm. When we do, she whines and fusses, until something else grabs her attention. It’s a busy (and exhausting) day keeping up with her energy level.

 This morning, I opened my bible and this verse in Hosea came to light. As a child of God, we are sealed with His promise of eternal salvation, but most of all His presence in our lives. Just as parents (and grandparents) are concerned about our children’s safety, so is God. He sees us heading toward danger, and His Holy Spirit attempts to summon us back to the narrow path. But just like children, we often are more focused on what’s behind that closed door, that invitation to take part in something dangerously pleasureful, even venture into a relationship that isn’t right for our wellbeing. At that point, God has done His part, and He releases us to be on our own until we experience the pain of disobedience.

 God is always watching and ready to take us back, and that’s the beautiful thing about His abundant love and unwarranted grace. This doesn’t mean we need to freely chose the world than retreat back to God. But on those days when life’s choices aren’t aligned with His will, we can always count on God’s loving hand of discipline to bring us back to a safe place.

 Maybe you’ve been living on the edge of the world, yet still acknowledge a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Friend, it’s time to find your way back to the narrow path of life. Nothing this world has to offer can yield God’s blessings, only regret and shame. Come back to the One who can heal your worldly scars, give you hope in your hopeless situation, and most of all give you the love you so desire to experience this side of the grave.  

 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

 After raising my children and now being blessed with grandchildren, I often ask, “do they really know how much I love them”? From the moment they entered into my life, love consumed them. No matter what they have done or do, my love for them never fails and never will. That’s the blessing of being a parent and grandparent.

 There’s someone else who loves, even loves more than myself and that is God. His love is accounted for all throughout the bible. Just as a parent loves his newborn baby out of the womb, so has God loved you and me before the creation of the world. It’s mindboggling to think about, but the fact that no matter how we act or what we say, His love never lessens.

 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

 If you have difficulty finding love or feeling loved, just know the author of your existence loves you unconditionally and wants to wrap you in His unchanging world; a world that always keeps loving, a world that is so full of love your human mind can’t comprehend it.

 If you love God, tell Him today how much you love Him for what He’s done in your life. God bless!

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

Ever heard the expression, “their loss is my gain”? Maybe you applied this statement to the end of a relationship, or maybe a resignation from a position, or you found something to treasure that was once held by someone else. It makes you feel good to be on the “gaining” side of the equation. 

But what if you are on the losing side? How do you respond? A typical response might include sadness, anger, even revenge. Although those are valid emotions, what good are they if you can't move beyond the moment? Sadly many people keep these emotions alive well after the initial loss. This will impact future relationships, instill a lack of self worth, and can hinder you from an open door to something even better in life. 

If you are a child of God, today's verse must be embraced for every event you encounter. Understanding that God has allowed the loss to move you into a position of greater gain. From this perspective, you can see the hand of God working in your life and trust Him to provide, even in times of your greatest loss. 

I thank God for the losses in my life, because I've seen what God has done to fill the void, heal the hurt, and sustain my faith in Him, especially when I don't understand the reason. Friend, God can do the same for you if you learn to trust that no matter what happens, God will bring about something better in your life to exchange your loss for something wonderful. God bless. 

 That you may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:2b

 If you’ve been a parent for any amount of time, you know that raising a child can be stressful. From birth until they become grown adults, everything they do or say influences your emotions. Peace can be fleeting, especially when they are infants and teenagers. Over time you begin to “pick your battles” to help maintain peace in your life and the household. You realize that the things you used to argue with them over is insignificant in the big scheme of things. If you’ve raised a child into adulthood, congratulations!

 As children of God, it can be difficult to find peace in the world. If you watch the news, you realize there is anything but peace all around you. The truth is living a godly and reverent life can be difficult when your peace is disrupted by circumstances beyond your control. One thing I’ve learned in life as a Christian, you have to work at finding pockets of peace in your daily routine. That might include not having that conversation with a person you know will raise your blood pressure, saying no to a lunch invitation where you know gossip will abound, ordering out instead of cooking so you can have more time to yourself, making peace with your enemies (even if you have to eat crow)…and the list can go on forever.

 It’s ok to take care of yourself! Finding moments of peace so you can maintain a spirit of godliness and reverence is acceptable. Jesus is the prime example; He oftentimes withdrew from the crowds to pray and seek His Father’s will so He could maintain the character traits He wants us to follow.   As you look at the rest of today and this week, don’t sweat it! Find ways to sustain peace by making choices to help you maintain the life of a child of God.

 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

 In our bathroom, next to our shower, is a woven floor mat. It perfectly matches our shower curtain and towels.  Over time, the seams have loosened and it’s slowly unraveling. I’m sure we paid good money for it and will be a shame when it has to be thrown out and replaced.

 As I looked at that mat, Psalm 139:5 came to mind. As a child of God, you are sealed for the day of redemption. What a blessed assurance of your salvation. But with this comes the responsibility to stay engaged in your relationship with Jesus Christ. By doing so, you stay tight with the Lord and your life is folded into His perfect will and protection. When you don’t stay close to the Lord, your life tends to unravel, oftentimes rather quickly.

 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you doubled-minded. James 4:8

 If your life seems chaotic and everything in it seems to be unraveling, it’s a good time to evaluate your closeness to God. I specifically recall a time in my life when things were unraveling at a rapid pace, which eventually caught my attention and helped me refocus on God! Notice in the verse above, YOU are to draw near to God, not Him draw near to you. Why? Because He gives you “free will” to chose how you want to live. Will you live for God or live for yourself? If you answer for yourself, you will encounter much unwanted turmoil, regret, and your heart will eventually grow cold. Who wants to live in chaos? Not me!

 Stay tight with God! The things and people in your life will stay connected without the unraveling of living a lose life. God wants you to stay connected with Him! The choice is yours. Follow Him closely, as He hems you in, behind and before! God bless!

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

 As I get older, I find myself reading obituaries of people, some I know and some I don’t, and read about their life and what mattered most. One guy’s obit said he enjoyed fishing, drinking beer and hanging out with his friends, another said she enjoyed growing a flower garden and knitting. Sadly, in those two obits, God was not mentioned at all. Their life was full of the world, yet they had no investment in their eternal security with God. How sad and depressing for those of us who know how important a relationship with Jesus Christ is in the timeline of eternity.

 Today’s verses offer a recommendation for what should matter most in your life. Don’t get me wrong, fishing, sharing time with friends, knitting, or any moral pursuit is ok, just as long as it doesn’t rule your life. Jesus Christ should come first in every life endeavor, from the relationships you develop, your financial management, your devotion to service. Applying biblical wisdom to your choices and pleasures keeps you from pouring your soul into something (or someone) that can rob you of eternal security in heaven.

 Let God touch every aspect of your life to keep you from drowning in the world’s ways, so you can keep Jesus Christ in perfect view at all times and help you live a life dedicated to the One who gave His all to save you! God bless!   

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

Many years ago I stood in the middle of my house and prayed for God's help as I watched my marriage unravel. It was probably one of the most painful moments of my life mixed with a feeling of helplessness. I questioned God and He remained silent. All I could do was continue in my faith that He had a handle on my situation. 

Today I can say that God brought me through it to a better place. Yeah, I didn't like the motions I had to go through, but I kept my focus on God and He took care of the rest. 

If you are a child of God, He has a plan for your life, even when those unplanned events occur. He sees you before your birth until the conclusion of your life (and beyond), and knows the pathway necessary to get you through some of life’s most difficult and painful moments. Your response should be to continue in your faith, trusting God to handle the situation before you. You might not have a clue how to proceed , that's where your faith helps you carry on. 

When faced with a crisis or any unforeseen situation, let today's verse be the hope you cling to, as you look to God for guidance, strength, and a lesson in trust building. God will never lead you down a path of destruction. Good things come to those who put their faith and trust in the Lord. 

 Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

I don't know about you, but the Epstein case and people who associated with him have shocked me, making me question the integrity of the most powerful men and women on the planet. All the big names of people who've built things and financial institutions we use daily are guilty. You've got to ask yourself, why associate with the powerful and rich. 

Today's verse actually encourages us to associate with the humble, the less wealthy, because they are the ones who've not allowed the worldly ways to influence their day to day lives. And because they aren't full of themselves, they have room in their heart for Godly wisdom, to gain a special kind of interest that has eternal rewards that far exceed any financial gain in a bank. 

Don't get caught up in the glamour of the rich, and the movers and shakers of this world, they have bigger issues to deal with than you could ever imagine. Associate with genuine brothers and sisters in Christ, who put God first, are humble in their ways, so you can glean some spiritual wisdom to help you invest in Heavenly rewards. God bless. 

 Ephesians 4:26-27 [26] Be ye angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, [27] neither give place to the devil.

Anger, it's an emotion we all experience from time to time. Our spouse does something we don't like, a reckless driver almost causes you to have an accident, a boss who says something that is infuriating, your child disobeys, and the list goes on and on. Can you relate? 

Today's verse doesn't say we can't be angry, but it does tell us not to sin in our anger. Sounds contradictory, but the truth is, anger can be a true indicator of your spiritual condition. If something or someone angers you and you carry it beyond the moment, you might struggle with a spirit of forgiveness. If your anger causes you to have an opinion about a person's race or beliefs, then you might struggle to love others as yourself. A true indicator of the heart is what proceeds from your mouth when angry. OUCH! 

Not sure about you, but I recognize areas of my life that need the Holy Spirits help to transform my mind and heart to deal with my response to anger. If you are true to yourself, you probably recognize your need for God's help as well. 

It's easy these days to get angry. But don't let it spoil the christ like character you exhibit to the outside world, and certainly don't carry it into the next day. Lord, help me to forgive quickly, love others as you do, and most of all turn angry moments into opportunities to show grace, mercy, and love to the people you've placed in my life. 

 Likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Romans 6:11-12

 My wife and I just got back from a 4-day vacation in Kentucky. We visited three venues: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, The Ark Encounter, and the Creation Museum. The Shaker Village was at one time home to over 500 members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly called “Shakers”, who lived as a group of sisters and brothers in Christ. They were very specific about how they lived, worshipped, and worked. Everything from the room we stayed in, the buildings, windows, chairs, tables and so forth, was themed after their structured lives. For us, it was foreign, but certainly helped us understand how their way of life was central to the heart of the God they worshipped.

 As children of God, we should have the same attitude about how our life should be lived. Every aspect of our life should be themed after Christ words of wisdom and how He lived His life. Unfortunately, we oftentimes have rooms in our heart that don’t resemble the Christian lifestyle, hiding within its corners are sinful attitudes, actions, and thoughts, that take away the influence our life has on others, especially those outside the faith. We might not think about the influence we have on others, but the truth is our life as Christians should be like a bright light that exposes the darkness of sin. The light’s exposure should convict others, making them want to desire to live in a similar fashion as Jesus.

 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

 Take time today to question your life, do all areas of your life carry the same theme of Christ, or are there any areas that don’t resemble the light of Christ? If so, ask God to help transform your heart, mind, and soul, to be partakers of the truth so your life can positively influence those in your corner of this big world.

For he went on teaching his disciples and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after he is dead, he shall rise the third day. Mark 9:31

Back in the day when someone said they were going to do something, they did it. Deals, loans, and any other agreements were sealed with their word and a handshake. It's always comforting to know when you can trust someone's word. 

As Jesus laid in the tomb, his disciples were worried, fearful, and uncertain of the future. The man that they faithfully followed for 3 years, died and was placed inside a tomb. They forgot or didn't believe in the statement Jesus made in the scripture above. Throughout those 3 years of following Jesus, he always did what he said he was going to do, but yet his disciples lacked faith. 

 Can you imagine if they believed Jesus and we're waiting in eager expectation for his new life? But yet that's not the case, and it wasn't until Mary came and told the disciples she saw Jesus, alive and well, on day three, just as he had told them. 

We too struggle to believe God's word, that he is always with us and will help us in times of crisis, in times of sadness, in times of worry and fear. If only we had the eager expectation of what he's going to do during our time of need, it would change our whole outlook on whatever issues we face.

The next time you feel alone, defeated, fearful, or anything that you bring before the Lord, have an eager expectation of what he's going to do in your situation and trust in God's word. By doing so, you strengthen your faith and belief in every word that is in the gospel. And by doing this, you'll have confidence the next time you bring your concerns to the Lord, know that he will always respond with his best, wrapped in his love for you. Happy Easter. 

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

 Have you ever had an issue develop that made you want to tackle it right then? Maybe that issue was a financial burden, a health crisis, or a troubled relationship. Sleepless nights, anxiety, and reckless behaviors were the result of things undone. Sound familiar?  

 Let me share something I’ve learned after many years of living life. Time usually resolves things, and, if you let the issue work itself out, it might turn out better than expected. Yes, some things do need an immediate response like a payment before foreclosure tomorrow, or a court date that you must be present. But for those issues that can truly “wait”, you’ll find that today’s verse will be applicable to your situation.

 You see, God doesn’t work on your schedule. He sees beyond the mountain before you and knows how to get you either over it or around it, using time as a tool to grow your faith and trust in Him. He loves it when you surrender your concerns to Him, because it shows Him that you trust His plan for your life and your devotion to the Lord.

 As I thought about today’s blog, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 came to mind where Paul had an issue, a “thorn in the flesh”, and he pleaded with God to remove it. God responded with “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”. Paul learned to trust God with his thorn in the flesh, and actually used it to strengthen his trust in the Lord. Like the apostle Paul, you must be willing to yield it to God for His handling and trust His timeline to respond. Getting into a hurry will only draw you into the chaos, missing God’s best for your situation.

 Let God’s time table help resolve your issues, and soon you’ll develop a pattern of patience and confidence in the One who has a plan to give you good things as you navigate life’s circumstances. Blessings!

 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

 In the late 1960s, on a few southern beaches of California, gathered a group of young people who turned from the worldly culture at that time to a culture of spiritual awakening and finding Jesus Christ. By 1971 it was reported that over 3,000 groups of “Jesus freaks” scattered all across America. Contemporary Christian music was birthed during this powerful movement and still today massive congregations gather to hear the word of God so they too can become friends of Jesus!

 In today’s verse, Jesus called His disciples “friends”, as they followed Him throughout His 3-year ministry before His death on a Roman cross. Friends because they followed Him and had the insight to God’s wisdom through Jesus’ teaching. Can you imagine the impact that Jesus had on their lives, face to face with the Savior of mankind?

 Well, thankfully after 3 days in the tomb, Jesus was raised back to life! As we near Easter Sunday, take time to consider your relationship with Jesus Christ. Are you a faithful friend of Jesus? Or, are you friendly to Jesus, but haven’t surrendered your heart to Him? There’s a big difference, and only those who’ve truly repented of their sin, asked for His forgiveness, and committed their life to Him will be called a friend of Jesus by God the Father.

 Although Jesus is not physically present, you have all the resources available to understand who Jesus is, His wisdom, and insight to your everyday life. Following Him through His word and committing your life to Him is one of the easiest things to do, for He made the path to a relationship with Him simply by praying one prayer. If you are ready for that commitment, say the prayer below, so you too can become a friend of Jesus Christ. God bless!

 Dear God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus paid for my sins on a cross, died and rose back to life 3 days later. I ask Jesus to come into my heart, forgive my sins as I commit my life to Him. I want to be a friend of Jesus and have that special relationship with Him. Amen!

 Brethren, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

 You see a prayer request on social media, or hear someone say they need prayer; what’s your response? If you are like most, you’ll quickly comment, “praying for you”. Truthfully, some will pray, others with good intentions will offer prayer but soon forget their commitment to pray.

 Prayer is a powerful tool, especially in the thoughts and hearts of God’s children. Over the course of my life I’ve heard and witnessed people diagnosed with a terminal illness who were miraculously healed, stories of God’s protection when missionaries faced an enemy at gunpoint who quickly turned away freeing them from torture or death, and many other stories that leave you amazed at the powerful acts of God because many faithful prayers were lifted up on other’s behalf.

 Who do you pray for? I’m sure you can put together a list of people who are within your circle of influence that could use prayer for encouragement, healing, and most of all experience the presence of God in their lives. Prayer is not complicated, it’s simply talking to God, just like you would a friend. And trust me, God wants to hear from you, so lift up others in prayer today, and add a word of gratitude for God’s blessings in your life. You’ll be amazed at the outcome of your faithful commitment to pray!

 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

 Last week I had to change our granddaughter’s diaper. We use our bedroom (and bed) as a changing area. Once done, I set her down on the floor and proceeded to walk out of the room with the expectation of her following me. Once in the other room, I discovered she was not behind me and found her crawling through the bathroom and into the closet, in complete darkness.  I thought to myself, that girl hasn’t learned to fear the darkness yet.

 Today’s scripture, quoted by Jesus Christ, says that anyone who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but follow His light. The question we all need to ask ourselves, “are we afraid of the darkness?”. As Christians, we should be fearful of darkness, because that is where the Devil resides, and nothing good is found in the dark things of this world.

 Sadly, the news has been full of stories of people who’ve chosen darkness over the Light of Christ. The result yields prison, ruined marriages ending in divorce, addictions that take away every possession, including their souls, and worst of them all, suicide. This is not the kind of life Jesus Christ provides for all of mankind.

 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 gives each of us “free will” to chose who we’ll follow through this life. If  you claim to be a child of God, your duty, your calling, and your desires should be focused on following the light of Christ in strict obedience. My prayer is you’ll always be fearful of darkness, so you’ll remain in the light of your Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless!