“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7

 One of the most painful emotions is the ending of a relationship. Whether it’s between two friends or a romantic relationship, breaking up is hard and the emotions that follow can last for days, weeks, even a lifetime for some. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve had to end several relationships because I knew they would not produce a good outcome down the road or God was telling me to dissolve the relationship for the benefit of my spiritual health. After time passed, I clearly saw those difficult decisions were in the best interest of myself and the person on the receiving end of the break up.

 Today’s verse thankfully wasn’t a breakup between Jesus and His disciples, but He had to leave them so the Holy Spirit could become a part of their lives and those who’ve made the decision to accept Jesus Christ into their life. The same power of God resides in the Holy Spirit, and the benefit of His presence in the life of the Disciples was just as great, if not better, than Jesus Christ actually being with them. I’m sure it was hard for the disciples to grasp this concept initially, but overtime they witnessed the power of God working in their life through the Holy Spirit.

 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

 God laid it upon my heart to share this blog about relationship break ups to state that even though they are painful, nothing happens without a purpose and plan for your life. People come and go in our lives, but there is One true friend, Jesus Christ, who will always be by your side. He laid down His life for you. As a child of God, you have His Holy Spirit living inside you to comfort you when lonely, make you feel loved when you feel abandoned, and provide you hope when your world seems to be crumbling around you. Lean on Jesus Christ for comfort during the difficult time of a break up and realize that He has your best interest at heart. Let them go, so God can fill the painful void with His love to you for all eternity. God bless!

 

 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3  

The word “thrive” means to grow, develop, or be successful, according to the Cambridge dictionary. Many businesses in the health industry incorporate “thrive” in their mission statement, as they help people succeed in life. By following strict healthy living guidelines, people are assured to succeed in life.

 Since the beginning of time, God’s goal for His creation has been for us to thrive in life, by living a life obedient to God’s commands. Although they may seem out of touch in today’s moral standards, they still continue to provide faithful followers a strong foundation for living a fruitful life.

 Sadly, many people have turned away from their faith because God’s limitations appear extreme and choke out the “fun of life”. But that fun only lasts a short while, then comes the consequences of free living: sexually transmitted diseases, addictions, legal troubles, broken relationships and so many other painful things.  Many who’ve fallen for this smoke-screen of fun live with regrets, sometimes the rest of their life. Maybe you fall into this category. Well, I’ve got good news!

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30

 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Repentance is a wonderful thing and when you surrender yourself to God, He takes your brokenness and heals it from the heart outward. Yea, your troubles may still follow you from free living, but the confidence you have knowing you are forgiven, brings peace and comfort as you live out the remainder of your days in obedience to God.

 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know; that though I was blind, now I see”. John 9:25

 When Jesus Christ entered the world, biblical scholars didn’t know how to receive Him. He came to fulfill the prophecies in the Old Testament and the Pharisees (who lived by the Jewish religious laws) tried to discredit Jesus and His healing power.

 Today’s verse comes from the story about Jesus healing a blind man, on the Sabath. Man, did that shake up those Pharisees and their religious laws and man-made policies. They accused Jesus of being a sinner for healing on the Sabath. They doubted the healing of this man’s sight, so much so they questioned him over and over (John 9:13-34), and even brought in the man’s parents to confirm he was actually blind from birth. All the facts revealed he had been healed by Jesus Christ. Well, the Pharisees wouldn’t have it and they cast this man out.

 Moving through time to today. Many to this day still don’t see the evidence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Even though the evidence is real and the truth before them, they are blinded to the truth. Maybe you are in that group of people and have doubts about God’s existence. I challenge you to take time to read the bible. As you read, keep an open mind to the realities of God’s love for mankind and what Jesus Christ did for you and all of mankind by making intercession for our sins. If you still doubt, just look around you at the beauty of this world and the intricacies of your body. God created you in His image (Genesis 1:26)

 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

 Belief in God doesn’t come from what you see, but by faith in what you don’t’ see. My prayer is God will open your eyes to the truth of His existence and His calling to save your soul. God bless!

 

 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, they go down into the inmost body. Proverbs 18:8

 Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good story, especially if it’s about someone’s life. Gossip is rampant these days, as it’s spread in social media, publications, and from person to person. And like most things shared, the story spreads further and further from the actual truth. Are you guilty of gossip?

 What does gossip do to you? For one, it fills your mind and heart with a negative image of the person you are gossiping about. Every time you see that person, this “story” will always be associated with them in your mind, making it difficult to have a fair and balanced view of them. Judgment can also develop through gossip as you compare their life to yours. Jesus said that by the standard you judge, will be the same to judge your life (Matthew 7:2). And finally, gossip can ruin someone’s reputation, making it impossible for them to recover from their errors in your mind. They might have redeemed themselves with God, forgiven, and living a new life in Christ…all the while you are spreading bad news and harming their new witness.

 Jesus said, “But I say to you, that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

 Jesus made it very clear that gossip and idle talk will only bring judgment upon yourself, and who needs that. The best way to avoid gossip, is to shield yourself from those “talebearers” who want to feed you toxic trifles. You don’t need that in your life, so avoid it at all cost. And if caught in the middle of a gossip conversation, simply excuse yourself to show your obedience to Jesus Christ. You’ve got enough to worry about living rightly, don’t bother yourself with the stories of other people’s lives. God bless!  

 

 Jesus said, “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John 14:4

 As I look back over my life, I see many times (too many times), when I knew the right thing to do and didn’t, but acted like I didn’t know as a way to justify my wrongdoing. Have you ever done this for yourself? If you peel back the logic in what we humans do, we oftentimes try to justify our sinful behavior by playing dumb.

 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. But the Lord weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2

 The truth is playing dumb doesn’t work with God, He sees every intention behind every action men and women take; He weighs the heart. Your life is more transparent to God than even to yourself. It’s hard to imagine God knows us better than we know ourselves, but it’s true. That’s why it’s so important to walk in the Spirit daily, by reading God’s word and making a commitment to remain obedient to His calling. Prayer is essential to maintaining that connection with God; without it you are prone to hear the lies of Satan and find yourself justifying His temptations vs. living an obedient life, which results in more of God’s blessings.

 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting. Romans 1:28

 Lets face it, you know the truth and if you don’t, it’s in the bible for you to read and heed. Playing dumb will only harden your heart as you justify more wrong behavior and eventually God will turn you over to your own desires, to the point where you literally self-destruct spiritually.  Stop the madness and seek God’s forgiveness and turn from the sinful things you know are wrong and live in obedience to Christ. On the day of judgment, everything will be presented and nothing you can say will justify your wrongdoing when you knew the truth.

 

 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

 Have you ever done something so bad that left you feeling ashamed and heavy with guilt? I think we all have at one time or another “gone astray” and the consequences of poor choices eventually caught up with your hidden transgression. It can be quite humbling, no doubt, but once you return to the fold, you remind yourself not to take that forbidden path any longer.

 Today’s passage is twofold. We as humans are bent towards sin and backslide, go astray, even commit purposeful sins that endanger relationships with those we truly love. But there is one relationship that never changes its status, the one you have with Jesus Christ. The second part of today’s scripture reminds us that Jesus Christ took upon Himself all of your sins. He took the blame for YOU, so you can stand within the presence of God almighty, clean and forgiven.

 Your earthly relationships might be suffering due to wrong choices, but rest assured, Jesus Christ loved you enough to take your penalty of sin upon Himself so you can maintain that constant relationship with Him. Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today and thank Him for the confidence you have in your unbroken relationship with Him today, and forever more! God bless!

 

 After that, He (Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:5

 Over my lifetime and career, I’ve worked at countless number of public events. The planning and coordination is very time consuming, but necessary if the event is to be a success. During those events, I’ve witnessed leaders taking care of the most mundane tasks, just to fill in the cap. Their willingness to take on the “behind the scenes” work, speaks volumes to their commitment to serve.

 Within hours of Jesus Christ’s death, at the Passover meal, Jesus performed the most mundane task, reserved for the lowliest slave, by washing the disciples’ feet. This humble act showed His disciples (and us today reading this story) that nothing should be excluded from His children/followers by serving with a humble spirit, even the most mundane tasks. Wither you are a minister, manager, or just the everyday Christian, your service to the Lord should never faulter. There are many tasks that need be completed to accomplish the mission of the church and outreach. Are you willing to humbly serve?

 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12

 This list of virtues should be the hallmark of your life. Humility was clearly displayed by our Savior and we should follow suit, as we live out our lives in service to the Lord. God bless!