‭Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house.

From the beginning of time with Adam and Eve, til this very moment, we as Children of God live amongst the rebellious. People refuse to accept the truth of God or sadly are unaware of their doomed state. Jesus said it clearly, the way to eternal destruction is wide and many go in that direction, the way of truth is narrow and few find it. 

I believe Jesus is sitting on the edge of His heavenly seat, ready to call His faithful home. Until the trumpet sounds, we must tell others about the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the way to the Father in Heaven. 

My wife and I attended a festival this past weekend, with thousands of people in attendance. The whole time I wondered how many of these souls are heaven bound. It brought tears to my eyes knowing many good and loving people won't go. We need to tell them the truth. The harvest is ripe. Will you tell them the way? 

 ‭Matthew 8:18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 

As Jesus' popularity grew, crowds began to follow Him, to witness the miracles performed and receive words of wisdom. I can't imagine how large those crowds became, but we know in several cases, thousands of people surrounded Him. 

Preceding today's verse, Jesus performed a number of miracles, which probably was the reason for the large gathering. What did Jesus do? He departed for the other side of the lake. I don't blame Him. I get around too many people and I'm ready to find a way to exit. I don't think He left bc the crowds overwhelmed Him, but He knew others needed Him on the other side of that lake and He needed a moment of reprieve. 

Maybe you are in a similar situation. You get things accomplished and many people lean on you for help. It can be personally draining, both emotionally and physically. Sometimes it's ok to find an exit so you can refresh yourself. Believe me, I've been there, and a little break never hurts….and the needines of others will be there waiting when you clock back into reality. 

Like Jesus, take some time for you. If you're drained, people won't have your best. Your reputation will precede you, and once back, you can continue to do great things with the talents and abilities God has given you. . 

 ‭James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

In your life, the direction you will go, will be based on the decisions you make. Some will be easy and with very little impact beyond that moment, other decisions will go with you throughout your lifetime. It's those big and impactful decisions that keep you up at night, wondering what to do, which way is right, will this succeed or be a failure, will this help or hurt me? How can you ensure each decision is right? 

Pray!!! It might sound cliche, but praying for God's wisdom and patiently waiting for His answer will help you make some of the most impactful decisions that will shape your life in: relationships, career, finances, and many other choices. 

 ‭Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

The hardest part of this process is the wait. Waiting on God is like standing in a long line, waiting to be served your favorite food. Yeah, there are other food trucks with shorter lines, but you know this one is the best (and it's evident by all the people standing ahead of you). Your stomach says settle for something less, you don't have time or patience to wait….there are a million excuses to make a quick decision, and if you do, each bite of that food you settled for won't be pleasing. 

What decision are you facing, knowing it's a big one? Friend, make time to earnestly pray to God, and don't stop (or make a move) until you have His answer. That waiting time just might be Him working behind the scenes to provide you the best dish of blessings you've ever received. God bless. 

 ‭Romans 14:10 For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 

If you watch much news, you know that powerful men are currently facing the courts, judging their actions, and public opinion varies by political party. No one is above the law, even a former President or the President’s son. 

There's another court everyone will face one day, standing before God to give account for how we lived. Are you guilty? The Bible says we are all guilty of sin and deserve Hell. No one is above God's judgment, and regardless of what you think, you'll never do enough good to gain entrance to Heaven. 

Fortunately, Jesus Christ, God's Son, lived a perfect sinless life on planet earth and sacrificed His life so you can be found not guilty. All you have to do is accept God's free gift of Salvation by acknowledging sin, believe that Jesus made payment for your sins, and live each day for Him. It's not a complicated thing, God made it was easy for us. Surrender your will to Him and find yourself postured for the day you meet the ultimate Judge. 

  ‭I John 2:24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

Over the past week I worked at our church’s summer camp for kids. It reminded me of the years I attended church camp: learning about God, in depth study, praise and worship, and most importantly it's where I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. 

Today's verse recalled the excitement of my newly formed relationship with Jesus Christ. At the beginning I had a great desire to study God's word and understand this new bond I had with the creator of the universe. Over time that enthusiasm waned and I studied less. The effects of that period in time stunted my spiritual growth and it showed iny behavior, thoughts, and indulgence in worldly pursuits. 

The good news is I eventually realized my errors and restored my relationship with Jesus. Ever since then I've grown spiritually through Bible study, prayer time, and having less desires for the things of the world. 

Maybe you have lost that first love for Christ and your enthusiasm to learn and grow has waned. Jesus is always there, ready to reignite the passion and enthusiasm for a strongly bonded relationship. Seek Him out today and find that joy, peace, and understanding you once had. You'll be glad you came back to the Savior. 

 ‭Matthew 23:26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

It's Sunday morning and for most of us we will be attending church services. Some will enter the house of God in nice dress clothes, and others a bit more casual. A few will take part in the service either in the choir, offering collection, greeting, maybe even deliver the sermon. Those who serve have the appearance that they are in good standing with God out of their loyalty to serve. Does that really make them a better child of God? 

From the lips of Jesus Christ, a cup isn't clean unless the inside has been washed. It's a matter of the heart and that's exactly what Jesus used as an example for the Pharisees who thought they were religious by their outward appearance, rules and regulations followed, and their position in the church. Their hearts were not where they should have been; focused on a relationship with Jesus Christ. I truly believe that's why Jesus chose the nobodys of the day to be His disciples. 

Going to church and being a part of the church service won't save your soul from Hell. It's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Until you get that message seed planted in your heart, all your labor will be in vain. Is your heart ready to worship God? Come thoroughly clean by loving God, repenting of sin, and living in Godly obedience.

  ‭I John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

One difficult lesson I've learned in life, people are different in their thinking, actions, and words. I'm a pretty easy going person, but I have to admit there are certain people who annoy the mess out of me, making me wish they would simply go away. Unfortunately that isn't the answer and the truth is these people are God's creation, so I should love them no less than the people I enjoy being around. 

Today's passage provides hope and a brighter future. When we all come before the presence of God, we will be like Him. All the annoying traits that pain us in this earthly body will be replaced with the loving character of God. It might be difficult to see negative Nancy turn positive or that noisy and obnoxious man transform into a humble spirit, but it will happen through the power of God. Even you and I, and our annoying ways, will be transformed into perfection. I don't know about you, but that day can't come soon enough. 

Someone getting under your skin? Pray for them, and yourself, that you can develop the love, grace, and mercy of God in this life, so you'll be more easily transformed into the image and character of our loving and gracious God.