My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

As a supervisor one of the most challenging times is when you are short staffed. Either you have a job vacancy or someone is out for a few days. Being short staffed results additional work on your part and stress can quickly develop. A heavy workload can drive you into a tailspin and loose sight of the "bigger picture because you are caught up in someone else's responsibilities. ‎

As Christians it's easy to get caught up in our troubles and worries....we try to handle them ourselves. Eventually we get worn down, lose focus and become less effective in our service to the Lord. We run around like we are "short staffed". We forget, we have help...the creator of Heaven and Earth with us...He is always there ready, ready to respond when we call on Him. By surrendering our worries, struggles and daily battles to Him, we will never feel alone. ‎

Maybe you are facing some big task or some challenging situation that overwhelms your capabilities.  Help is just a prayer away...call on Him and He will supply all your needs! And remember...when you call on Him, believe and trust Him. He may respond to your call for help in a different way than you planned, but His ways are always the best. Like I said...trust Him and He will be the best help you will ever need. Have a blessed day!

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3

Recall a time when you expected over night company. For a few days at least you probably spent time cleaning the house, changing the bedding and planned specific meals suitable for your special guest. It's some work to prepare for company, but the satisfaction in supplying a comfortable and restful place after their long journey makes it worth it. 

How true it is with our journey through life as a child of God. In this passage Jesus is telling His disciples that He will prepare a place in Heaven for each of them...and one day will receive them into paradise. Even God prepares for our arrival. This special place will bring joy to us and blessings to God for our pure worship to Him. 

If you are reading this blog, then clearly you haven't arrived at your final destination. As you continue your daily journey you will encounter hazards, obstructions and sometimes breakdowns of faith...but keep the course. Recall this verse knowing God has a special place of comfort, peace and joy just waiting for you. It's worth every struggle you face as you journey through this life. 

Stay on course and don't lose sight of your home in Heaven. Your compass, the Holy Spirit, will guide you there....keep the faith and trust in Him. God bless friends.

Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. John 12:27‎

Purposeful living, it's the reason for our existence. Jesus knew His purpose, His reason for living...He was the sacrificial lamb who would die for mankind's sins. His soul was troubled, and for good reason. Without His death on the cross we would not have the relationship with God we can experience today. ‎

God calls His children to follow His will for their life. He has a plan for each of His followers, a purpose for living. Sometimes that purpose for living can lead one into a painful and even deadly situation. Only God knows the reason He allows some to suffer in this life. The painful death of a cancer victim, a horrific car wreck that takes the life of a young child or a person stricken with a disease that takes away their ability to walk. In the painful and most crushing of all circumstances, God's purpose for that moment will result in unseen blessings (just like Christ death on the cross)...but it still has a purpose...we have to trust in God that He is in control and lean on Him for strength and understanding. 

Maybe you or a loved one is in the middle of something so painful that nothing good can be found in this moment. If you trust and believe in God, know that He has a purpose for this moment. It might not result in a direct blessing for you...but He will use it for His glory and carry you through the situation. God is faithful, He is trustworthy...trust Him in this moment. God bless you! ‎

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8

‎

The saying "you get what you pay for" is true in most circumstances. When looking to purchase something, there is usually a range of prices for the same item...except the higher priced one hopefully will be a better made product. Depending on the amount of money you are willing to pay for that item will determine how long that product will last. 

For the Christian, it's not necessarily what we put into our relationship with God, but what what we are willing to give up in order to allow more of God's presence in our life. In today's world we have so many commitments and things that consume our time, energy and emotional stability. By cutting loose some of these items we allow more free time for studying God's word, prayer, time and financial resources to help those in need. 

Maybe your life is running 100 mph every day fulfilling this obligation, that commitment, over spending your income to buy things and pleasure for you or your family or wrapped up in an unhealthy relationship. All of these things put a strain on you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Someone under this much pressure can't be effective for Godly service and walk more intimatly with the one who has more value than anything this world has to offerr. 

Today, I want you to evaluate your life. What one thing, person or habit is hindering your relationship with God. If you truly love God and want a deeper relationship with Him, surrender up that one thing you identified and ask God to help you replace that void with His presence and His wisdom so you can reap eternal blessings. Trust me friend, there's value in surrendering up the world for a closer walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have a blessed day friends. Walk closer with Him today. ‎

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

‎

Have you ever experienced a time in life when it seemed like everything was falling apart, your friends were distant and you were ready to just throw in the towel and give up? I think the majority of us have felt this way at one point in our life. 

As Christians, we have an enemy who is always on the attack. Satan's game plan is to discourage you and diminish the hope you have in Jesus Christ. He can use people or circumstances to attempt to squelch the joy in your heart. In the middle of your crisis or downfall you may question God's presenece...but I can assure you He is there...ready for you to surrender this moment of despiration to Him.

When we surrender, we are not giving up, but we say to God...I can't do this Lord...I need your help, your strength and your encouragement to get me through. He will step in and lift you from this brief moment of darkness and shine His light of love and Holy presence around you....the darkness will have no where to go but flee! 

We have an eternal home in Heaven with no pain, hurt and discouragement waiting for us...until that time we will encounter these moments of pain and suffering...but God is faithful and He will be there when we call on His name. If you are in that valley today, call on Him now. Pray on your knees and completly surrender your weaknesses and situatuation to Him. As you release it to Him, the Son will rise over the horizon and lift you up. Call on Him today. God bless.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

Yesterday I went to the "Cotton Picking Fair". This fair offers a variety of handmade crafts, food and activities for children. Thousands of people converge on this little town for the weekend. Historically, people who live along the major highways to this town, set up "yard sales" hoping to lure festival goers to stop and shop with them. As I drove down the road, I had to stop frequently for those who decided at the last minute to stop along the way. 

Isn't this true in our journey towards Heaven?  Satan, puts up these distractions...he offers yard sale pleasures, trying to divert us from the good stuff God offers us in life. Maybe it's an inappropriate relationship, gambling addiction, alcohol, drugs, spending unwisely....its an endless list of "special deals" Satan has for sale....just waiting for you to stop and take a gander at his flawed offerings. 

Friends...keep your focus on the route to glory. Nothing Satan has to offer will last. God hand crafted a special plan for your life with plentiful blessings along the way. When you look off to the side at Satan's yard sale deals...you miss opportunities God has for you just up ahead. Keep focussed, remain alert and never turn your head away from God. 

If you are currently walking around in Satan's sale of goods...RUN away from it now. Some deals might have a hold of you...pray to God to give you the strength to cut the persistent things or people that pursue you. God is greater than any deal Satan has to offer. He can and will help you if you completly surrender your life to Him. 

A hand crafted home in Heaven awaits you....keep on the righteous road and He will bless you. Have an awesome Sunday friends.

 

Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind". Matthew 22:37

 "First love", defined as a person, thing, place or activity of which is one is fondest. We all enjoy many things and people in our lives; but,  what is at the top of your list has your complete devotion and attention. As it moves, so do you. Everything about that "first love" moves you to act, say and think things that support the #1 thing or person in your life. ‎

So what's number #1 on your list? Maybe it's your spouse or best friend, the beach or mountain retreat,  or a car, boat or motorcycle. The list of possibilities is endless. We live in a society rich in pleasures. As we read in Matthew 22:37, our "first love" should be for the Lord our God. Putting Him first in our life should be a priority. 

As humans though, we often struggle with putting God first above everything...especially with regards to our relationships. How can we place God and his biblical principles "first" over my spouse or loved one? 

To put God first, we must do a spiritual "check up". How is your walk with the Lord? Do you set aside time to communicate with Him in prayer and bible reading? If not, it will be almost impossible for Him to be number 1 in your life. Prayer and reading God's word is open communication with Him. Just imagine not communicating with your spouse expecpt on Sundays and possibly one time during the week. You have to involve God in your daily life. 

I love this passage..."delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desire of your heart". Psalm 37:4. If we place God first in our life and obediently follow His biblical principles, He will bless you in ways you never though possible. Involving God in our daily life is like sprinkling salt on our food. Every bite has the seasoned taste of salt. 

‎Is He involved in every aspect of your life...in your words, thoughts and actions? Put Him first and everything else in life will have more meaning, purpose and rich in blessings. Give have a blessed Saturday friend! ‎