Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.  Philippians 4:8

 Have you ever thought about what you think throughout the day? I know that sounds like a corny question, but there is something to be said for what goes on in your mind. Theres an old say, “what you think, you become”. If you don’t believe me, go to any bookstore, and you’ll find all kinds of inspiring books on how to become successful by what you put into your mind.

 Although today’s verse was written well over 2,000 years ago, Paul encouraged believers to think about the positives: truth, noble, just, pure, lovely, good news, and praise. By filling your mind with the spiritual positive traits, you won’t ‘have any room in your mind to entertain the filth of this world, and there is a lot of that for everyone. I find the internet is a good source of information, but left without going into it with a purpose, you can find yourself meandering into some dark and negative places, filling your mind with temptation, lust, greed, and anything else that can influence how you live.

 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 There’s plenty to think about in today’s world. Make it a priority to think upon the good things God has for His children, and you’ll have no problem living out your faith every day! God bless!

 The idols of nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.  Psalm 135:15-18

 We live in a world where everything is available to us via the internet. From Amazon, to Instacart, to Carvana and everything in between, you can have it all, delivered to your location. Everything you shop for online is stored in your computer and somehow shows up on your Facebook news feed and internet pages you view. This entices you to consider buying things you probably don’t need (when my wife reads this, she will say this blog was for me). But with the click of a few buttons, it’s one and done, on its way to you.

 Online browsing and shopping can become an idol. As a result, finances are tighter, bills might not get paid on time (or paid at all), enslaving you to that common phrase we call “debt”. God never intended for you to be a slave to money and businesses seeking to fulfil your wants with their temporary products (whew, I’m even feeling guilty now).

 Years ago, I became debt free (for the most part), and it has allowed me to tithe on a regular basis and occasionally give to a special charity or friend/family member in need. Yea, money is still tight, but there is a little room to give and God has blessed me in return by remaining obedient and keeping myself from owing everything I make to someone else.

 If the Amazon delivery guy shows up more on your Ring door bell than family members living in your home, you might have an issue with spending. Seek out God’s help to control spending, stop looking online at things you don’t need and find ways to share your blessings with others. God will reward your obedience with the provisions you really need in life. God bless!

 Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do”.  Luke 23.34

 Do you ever wonder if God runs out of forgiveness for your sins? As humans, we are creatures of habit and the same temptations seems to follow us daily. Trying to stop the process of sin can be very difficult, especially today, as we live in an environment where temptation to pursue worldly living is more accepted than living in righteousness. Satan does a great job at whispering lies that God’s forgiveness runs out, especially when we commit the same sins.

 In my personal opinion, one of the most powerful messages Jesus delivered while on planet earth was His last words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. Jesus came here to live a life that we should model our lives after, but the most important thing He did was make payment for our sins on a cross. God loves His creation (you and me) and He wants to have a relationship with everyone, but sin is what separates us from Him. That’s why Jesus came here, to provide a bridge between us and a holy and righteous God.

 If we confess out sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

 God’s forgiveness, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, does not give you permission to continue in sin. He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us in our battle with the sins that seem to show up unexpectedly. But, when we mess up, He is willing to forgive you and restore that relationship when you acknowledge your wrong doings, and ask for His forgiveness.  

 he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

 As Jesus hung on the cross, waiting to die, He had a conversation with one of the others who was being crucified with him. He assured this man would be with Him in Paradise because of His faith in who Jesus was. Up until that moment in time, that criminal had no chance of eternal life in Heaven, but Jesus was willing to forgive him at the final moments of his life. He will always be ready to forgive you as well. God bless!

 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. Romans 13:13

 Our Sunday School lesson (or life groups as we call them now) was focused on “What would Jesus do”. This famous saying originated back in the late 1800s to encourage people to think and act like Jesus. Modern culture often defines how people dress, act, speak, and what determines “success”. If you look back to the 1940s-1960s and compare how things are today, we have drifted backwards from high levels of respect for self, others, and general courtesy to our fellow man.

 Today’s passage hits some of the rough behaviors, many of you might not partake, but it accounts for what some were doing back during the time the bible was written. As a child of God, you are to reflect the behaviors of your Savior, Jesus Christ. You have the Holy Spirit living inside you, and that Spirit equips you to reflect His love, grace, mercy, and wisdom. Are you applying His resources in your every day life? If not, you are not giving God your best, and blessings will be withheld until you turn back to the way Jesus lived; a selfless, caring, loving, and righteous person.

 You don’t have to be considered old fashioned by living the way God wants for your life. You are a human being, created in His image, with specific gifts and talents to be the light of Christ in this dark world. How can you live today like Jesus?

 Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

With another deadly hurricane on the horizon, many in its path are praying for God's hand of protection. We, who are safe and in the comfort of our homes, should be joining them in prayer. The question to ponder, will God truly intervene? 

With every disaster you hear stories of incidents where a rooftop saved one's life, a brief opening in the debris led someone to higher ground, a passerby who ran into a burning home and saved a disabled person who was unable to escape. Media likes to focus on the worst, and it's good to know the level of devastation, but the real story is in the small miracles that God works at the prompting of someone's prayer. 

Will God turn this hurricane away, probably not, but He will answer the call for help when faithful prayers of protection reach His ears. Take time today, and throughout the rest of this week, to pray for those in harm's way that God will help those who call out to Him. God bless. 

 II Thessalonians 3:14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 

Over my lifetime I've witnessed people I know, even friends, make poor choices that have resulted in broken marriages, loss of jobs, even brought through the court system and jailed. I've wanted to offer some encouragement to change their ways, and at times I've done that, but other times sat in silence. It pained me to see the brokenness from the fallout of their wrongdoing. 

Today's passage encourages us to be observant of others' misguided ways and put some distance between them and us to show our disapproval and bring them shame. If the opportunity presents itself, it's good to “speak up” and encourage them to turn from the doom they are headed towards. Praying for them is essential, because God is most likely working in their life, outside your view, to bring conviction and hopefully repentance. 

II Thessalonians 3:15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 

God put people in our lives as friends, mentors, and spiritual guides, to help us navigate life. Although your acquaintance might be offending you by their actions, don't make them an enemy, but use this time to show them grace and mercy, through tough love and leave the rest up to God. 

 Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 

One of the dangers of serving in the church is to get caught up in pleasing those in leadership. Finding gratification from the preacher or other leaders will result in failed expectations. They are men (or women) who God appointed to lead, but they are also human, and they are not capable of seeing your heart’s desire to serve. 

I sometimes find myself guilty of seeking the acknowledgement from my church leaders, whereas my focus should be on God. They might not see the literal blood, sweat, and tears, I've put into the work of the church, but God sees and keeps record of my loyalty and will reward me in ways that far outweigh any human recognition. 

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 

Maybe you are seeking some approval from leaders in your church. Just remember, that will never fill your cup like the blessings of God. Stay prayed up and seek after God's approval and you'll have the motivation to give Him your best.