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 anything praiseworthy, mediate on these things. Philippians 4:8

 One thing I learned pretty quick while riding a motorcycle, where your eyes go, you go. One day I was riding down a road and entered a curve and looked to my right to see a house for sale that caught my attention. When I turned to look back at the road, I found myself headed for the ditch. Fortunately, I was riding near the center line, so I had a few feet to go before exiting the road and was able to correct my trajectory. Lesson learned, keep looking where I intend to go on a bike!

 In today’s world there are many distractions out there can alter your character or much worse harm your relationship with God. Example, I enjoy watching the news and keeping up with what’s happening in the US and around the world. The downside of that is some news frustrates me to the point I become angry, act out of character, and form unrealistic opinions about people. This mix of emotions and thoughts toxify my day and leave me with an attitude that doesn’t represent Christ who lives in me. Get my point?

 To counter this behavior, I oftentimes recall today’s verse and try to refocus my thoughts on spiritual things, God’s blessings, and actually pray for those people who frustrate the hound out of me (that’s a Yankee expression). Those prayers steadily dampen the fire inside my brain and I’m able to calm down and see things for what they really are.

 If you ride a bike or motorcycle, keep your eyes focused on where you plan to go! If you want to maintain a stable relationship with God and keep your character in check, avoid those things that will stir negative emotions and fill your mind with the good things of God. Trust me, your daily journey will be less emotionally draining and you’ll finish the day without regrets. What Godly things can you ponder on today?

  Our community is painfully digesting the sad news of another shooting in our town, which 7 people were shot and one young man died. Sadly, this is just one of many such events our community has experienced and people are asking city officials to help stop this madness. Social media has provided an outlet for people to comment and make suggestions, but the truth is, this battle against evil can only be fought one way, with God’s help.

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord, and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

 Today’s verses come from the story of King Jehoshaphat who was told of several great armies that were on their way to destroy his people. Many kings would have encouraged their army to get ready for battle, but not this king. He called all the people together to pray and seek God’s guidance as the enemy drew near. As the story goes, God told them the battle was not theirs, but God’s and He would take care of the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:15).  The next day they went down to the area where the battle was to take place and witnessed dead bodies spread out over the battlefield. God miraculously destroyed their enemy and not a single person under Jehoshaphat’s command had to do anything. God answered their prayers.

 Maybe our community needs to come together and pray for God’s intervention, so people can live in this town without fear of being shot. We need God’s help, and if we are faithful to pray, God will bless our community, just as He did, well over 2,000 years ago, for the people of Judah.  

 For God created us for incorruption, and made us into the image of His own eternity. Wisdom of Solomon 2:23

 If you’ve ever worked with tools, you know that some tools can be used for other purposes. As an example, the end of a screwdriver can be used to pry something apart, its handle can be used to hammer something, and it can be used as a stake in the ground to hold something up. But with the unintended use of a screwdriver, or any tool, it can also damage something or hurt you in the process.

 God gives each of us free will to chose how we want to live our life. We can live in strict obedience to God’s ways or pursue our own way of living. Either way, God loves us. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26) and wants to have a personal relationship with all of His creation. But, He never forces that relationship, He leaves the decision up to us how we want to live.

 Today’s verse above comes from the Wisdom of Solomon, historical text that was never included in the original bible. But it’s words certainly speak the truth about God’s intended purpose for each one of us. He desires for us to live a life without the corruption of the world’s ways and model after His Son, Jesus Christ. No, you’ll never achieve complete perfection of holiness (not even the Pope), but you should strive to live for Jesus Christ each and every day, surrendering pursuits of a sinful lifestyle that distances you from your Heavenly Father. The benefit of living a life pleasing to the Lord will only bring God’s blessings upon your life and shield you from the negative effects of sin.

 Seek God’s will for your life, so you’ll live it the way He intended. God will take your life to a new level, through the equipping of His Holy Spirit. What’s your purpose in life?

 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

 It’s Friday, June 6, 2025 and also National Donut Day. I have plans to visit a donut shop soon and celebrate with indulgence of a fresh donut. If you know me, donuts are my favorite food. As a kid growing up in the mid-west, we had several bakeries in our small town that made fresh donuts daily and any chance I had to get one, you could bet I was there.

 In 1992 I moved from Illinois to Georgia. At that time, I was not able to find a donut shop that produced a fresh donut like ones made up north. Yeah, Krispy Kreme and Dunkin donut stores were around, but their quality just didn’t satisfy my appetite for what I was used to eating. Since then, several other donut stores have opened and I’ve found a few shops that come close, but nothing compares to the fresh, family-owned bakeries from my hometown.

 Today’s verse encourages us to enter into a relationship with God. Sadly, there are many people in this great USA who’ve never had the opportunity to see what an eternal relationship with our Creator can do for them. Those people are walking blindly through life without knowing the reason for existence and try to find happiness in things that don’t completely fill their heart. Yeah, there are momentary pleasures that might satisfy for the moment, maybe even for years, but compared to eternity, nothing can come close.

 Maybe you’ve never experienced the One and Only God of this universe. It’s actually quite simple: it’s believing that His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth over 2000 years ago and died on a cross and rose back to life 3 days later, as payment for the sins of mankind, including your sins, it’s confessing your sins and asking Jesus Christ to come into your life to save your soul and commit to living His way each and every day. Following that decision, you’ll still experience the ups and downs of life, but the consistent joy and satisfaction, knowing you are saved, and having God’s Holy Spirit to guide you daily, will yield much peace, joy, comfort, wisdom, and healing like nothing on earth. Why not give God a try today, taste and see that the Lord is good and will forever be in your heart! God bless!

 

 

 

 Revelation 8:13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

The Bible predicts how earth will end and the impact on humans living at that time. The wrath of God will rain down on earth because of mankind's wickedness and disobedience to His word. If you look around, you can tell the hour of Jesus Christ return to take His followers out of here before chaos erupts is closer than ever. 

You still have time to repent of sins, believe in Jesus Christ, that He paid for your sins by dying on a cross and came back to life 3 days later. Receive His forgiveness and commit your life to Him today. Don't delay, the trumpets could sound anytime.

 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15

 Think back to a time when you made a significant purchase; maybe it was a car, a house, a boat, a pool, a special tool or cookware. That something was meaningful to you. How do you feel about it now? Does it still work, have you sold it, or maybe it’s somewhere collecting dust. Take it a step further and walk around your home and see all the stuff you possess, does it have the same importance as the day you bought it?

 We live in a world that encourages you to buy stuff, and some of it might be useful, but over time it has probably become a financial burden with monthly payments and maintenance cost. You thought it might make life better, but in actuality it’s just one more thing you own (or making payments on) that has lost its luster.

 Today’s verse comes from the mouth of Jesus Christ. He knows you want a things that make you happy, but He also knows the limits of its benefit, and most of it runs out of excitement over a brief time. Nothing you own makes you who you are!

 Your life was created, by God, with a special purpose, and He wants you to discover it by searching out His will for your life and pursue it with the same passion you put forth in buying stuff. The worldly stuff only provides temporary pleasure, but a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, will bring lasting joy, in this present life and beyond.

 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in heaven that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:33-34

 You don’t have to sell everything you’ve got. Gods provided you the resources to buy those things. But don’t let your purchases define who you are. You are a child of the living God and He wants to enrich your life with the blessings and joy only He can provide. Focus your heart on God and seek after His will for your life. You’ll soon see your priorities change and become more Christ focused. Your desires will become pleasing to Him and He will bless you for your faithfulness as you store up treasures in Heaven! God bless!

 

 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Studies reveal that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions each day. That's a lot, and some come easy, others take some thought, but every decision has an impact, whether it's immediate or long term.

Today's verse encourages us to “test all things”. That doesn't mean we should proceed with a decision to see how it works out. That only leads to frustration, unwanted commitments, and shame if things don't work out as expected. Sadly, that's how many people go through life, with decisions that have no fore-thought.

Time spent praying and seeking God's will for every decision is the best way to navigate the 35,000 decisions you'll face today and beyond. Some won't take much thought, others will require you to “wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31) for an answer. By putting those big decisions on hold till you have God's guidance will ensure a more meaningful and purpose driven life. Make your next decision with God's help today.