Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

 

When you encounter problems in life, how do you respond? Most of us go into crisis management mode and try to solve the issue quickly so we can move past the pain of the experience. But when we hurry through the problem, something is usually missed or we do or say something out of haste and come to regret it later.

 

I can tell you after experiencing God in my life over the years, the best thing I’ve done when trouble comes my way is stop and pray over the issue. When I do, I allow God to take it from me and respond in His all knowing way with great wisdom and allow Him to guide me through it, one step at a time. I’ve NEVER regrated turning it over to Him. And because of that, I can sleep a little better knowing God has my back on this issue and will help me the next day as more comes my way.

 

I encourage you to let God take the lead in your crisis management. He wants to help and is ready and willing to put His resources to work to resolve the issue weighing heavily on your mind. Seal the deal with a word of thanksgiving and trust, as God wants to know your have confidence in His abilities.  God bless!

 

 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

 

Yesterday I saw a commercial where a young lady opened up to say that in today’s world there is no such thing as normal and you can find your “normal” through the help of her website. I will admit, today’s world seems to be in a state of chaos and somewhere truth has been diluted down with personal views and opinions. Where there is one person’s view, there is another whose views are just the extreme opposite. I fear the direction we are headed will result in a society without conviction, regulation, law and order. And if you look at what’s happening in todays world we might be there now.  

 

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Isaiah 5:20

 

God is truth and in Him there is no darkness or evilness. He created you in His image and purpose to be conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).Your job is to live within God’s standards, written in the bible, and follow in obedience. His ways are not to burden you or cause you trouble, but to provide safety and guidance as you navigate through this world. But the key ingredient is your acceptance of His word and trust Him to help you.

 

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

 

If you are confused about your life, don’t just accept what you hear or read on social media, find truth in God’s word and open your heart to His wisdom. He will never lead you astray. If your feelings, emotions, and opinions counter the wisdom of God, ask Him to help you find the truth and soften your heart to accept the truth. Find your true normal today in God’s word!

 

 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. John 14:2

 

A few days ago my wife and I engaged in a conversation with another couple about their experience in buying a new house. The excitement of a new home, yet the dread of “the move” left the husband questioning if it was worth the effort. The wife was excited because it was a change and the newness of this new home was the motivation she needed to encourage her husband to sign the papers. They made the purchase, made the move and they are both happy with their decision.

 

As a child of God, you have a new home waiting for you in Heaven. The excitement of being in a place (Revelation 21:4) where there is no more sadness, tears or sin is very welcoming, and even hard to imagine, but it’s a real place and you’ll be there. But the dread of getting there might leave you feeling fearful with the thought of death. Quite understandable, but the truth is this death is the beginning of a new life (John 11:25). Death is a momentary thing that opens the door to your new mansion in Heaven. Fearing death should be the furthest thing from your mind.

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

 

We all have an expiration date on planet earth. No one knows the day and time, so it’s a good idea to prepare for this new home God has prepared for you. Make your life right with God by accepting Jesus Christ into your life, asking for His forgiveness of sins and living for Him every day. Share your faith with friends and loved ones so you know they’ll be your neighbors in Heaven. Finally, trust the Lord with your life’s journey. He takes care of you on earth and has blessed you with the necessary resources to get you through this life. His will for your life is to prepare you for eternity, so don’t discredit what you experience here and now. Your life is in the development stage, your journey home may be long, but it’s secure in Him. God bless!

 

 Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1

 

I just read about the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 75 years in power. The news article broke down each family member of the Royal family and their failings and bad choices they’ve made over the years. The article certainly opened the door to personal judgement of this family.

 

It’s easy to judge people these days, because everyone has their own set of standards how “life should be”. And people use this standard to judge and criticize others, whose lives are opposite. To be transparent, I struggle with this issue as well and looking back it’s very toxic to the soul.  

 

For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:2

 

Jesus was pretty clear when He stated the verse above. The same measure I use to judge, will be used on me. Guilty as charged! No doubt, we all fall short of God’s standards, and when we judge the faults of others, we show no grace and mercy. As a child of God, your sins, your failings your poor choices are washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the blood that covers our trespasses.

 

Andy why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eyes, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

 

The best advice is to “stay in your lane”.  We all have and have had troubles in our past. No one is perfect, and I can attest to that myself. We should be busy taking care of our personal life and not worry and judge the lives of others. If someone is having issues, best thing you can do is lift them up in prayer and let God take care of their issues….besides, He intimately knows their situation. God bless!

 

 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

 

I recently read that a local school was going to make their students wear uniforms this next school year. I’m sure that won’t go over well with some people, but at least everyone will be dressed the same and look respectful. I myself wear a uniform for my work and to me, they stand out amongst others. They tell the story of who I work for and the purpose of my employment.

 

As a Christian, you should wear Jesus Christ every day in your actions and words. The daily interactions you have with others should leave no doubt that you are a child of God.  Unfortunately, many Christians go through life without any indication they are a believer in Jesus and go so far as to model the behavior of those outside the faith, just simply to “fit in”.

 

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17

 

The truth is, the worldly ways will one day pass away, you as well. But the one thing that will never end is your faith in Jesus Christ. Why not invest your focus, your desires and your love in Him. Those worldly pleasures might seem enticing, but truth is they will leave you wanting more to the point that your total focus will be turned in the opposite direction of Jesus, leaving you vulnerable to satan’s lies and deceit.  

 

Reality check! Does your life reflect the character of your Savior? You have an eternal light inside of you that will never go out, why not open your life to the will of God and let that light change the lives of those around you. God bless!

 

 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:1-3

 

In this fast paced, technologically advanced society, it can be difficult to keep a calm, steady, humble spirit. The stresses people work under are oftentimes extreme which puts one in an emotional state, quick to temper and looking out for number 1. If this is you, it’s time to reset your spirit.

 

Today’s passage provides the foundation for every child of God in the way they should live on a day-to-day basis. A common phrase I recall growing up was “live by the book”. The standards set forth in God’s word are there not to hinder your life, but to help you maintain that Christ like attitude, temperament and dealings with people. Its purpose is to yield a fruitful Christian and to keep them steady in their faith. Jesus Christ lived it, experienced the same pressures and temptations you face and He never wavered in His pursuit of a reverent life.

 

I encourage you to write down today’s scripture or simply screen shot it and keep it handy to refer to throughout the day. Whenever you have a decision to make, reference the scripture and heed it’s advice so you’ll make the right choice, that brings honor to God. Have a blessed day!

 

 Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy, now you have received God’s mercy. 1 Peter 2:10

 

Do you consider yourself a child of God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If so, you are a child of God and your name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life. Your status gives you the identity of God’s people and the mercy shown to you is great. Jesus saved you from an eternal judgement to Hell. For that, you should be thankful and honor Him by living this life you have been called to live.

 

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Peter 1:15

 

Your identity as a child of God goes much further than your status. God calls you to live a life of holiness, living to please Him in everything you do. Every action, thought and word spoken should bring honor to Him. How do you get to that point of living a holy life?

 

Just know that on your own, it’s impossible to please the Lord. Your fleshly body is bent towards sin and the only way to break it, is to transform your mind (Romans 12:2). Devoting yourself in prayer and bible reading will help transform your mind into the mindset of God. A willing heart is needed to change your ways that reflect the character of Jesus and the continual quest to live an obedient life will produce the fruits of the spirit.

 

Your life, as a child of God, is a gift and should be honored by living a fruitful life in Christ. Start each day with the goal of living a life that reflects the nature of Jesus so the world can see your light of hope. God bless!