Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight in abundance. Isaiah 55:2

Have you ever went to buy something and you found a similar item cheaper. So you paid for the less expensive one, only to have it break or not work as good as the name brand? I think we all have at one time or another. Back to the store you go to purchase the quality item...the end result: you wasted time and money. 

The same is true in our daily walk with the Lord. He provides for us Godly wisdom, yet we want to follow our own path, our own way of thinking...which is opposite of the Lords. We push forward with our actions only to come up empty handed or experience loss and suffering. Once you realize your error....you look to the Lord for help and realize how far you have gone off the safe pathway He has provided. It's a long, very long hike back to His graces and safety...but necessary for your own good and restoration of relationship with God. 

As I sit here and write, I recall several times I have marched on my own path, far removed from His safe pathway. I suffered loss, pain and some permanent emotional scars that are still felt today. Maybe you too have a prideful heart and don't want to listen to God's instructions. My friend, listen to His wisdom, trust His wisdom and obey His direction for your life. You will spare yourself a lot of uneccesary pain and suffering. 

Are you walking in the opposite direction God has called you? Stop! Realize your ways are not God's will. You trusted Him to be your Lord and Savior, trust that He has only good intentions for you. Trust Him enough to turn around NOW and walk towards His pathway of safety before you suffer from your second hand wisdom and thinking. He knows best, trust Him today! Safe travels my friend.

    A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. Psalm 97:3

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Here in Georgia and parts of the Carolinas wildfires have spread across vast woodlands. The drought has made everything so dry...even one spark can start a raging fire. Although wildfires may seem bad, they are actually good. You see, under all those leaves and pine straw are tiny seeds deep in the ground. As the ground cover is consumed by fire, sun hits the ground, causing those seeds to grow luscious plants which is good food for wildlife. When you go back in the Spring, you'll see a forest floor full of green plants and flowers. It's a beautiful sight. 

As Christians we too may have a wildfire come into our life. From out of no where one spark sets off an uncontrollable blaze. Painful as it might be, certain aspects of your life may be consumed and completely removed. In desperation, you call out to God for help...yet the fire continues to consume what you've held close to your heart. As the fire eventually goes out and the smoke settles all you see is an open space...charred and life in dissarray. 

Your loss doesn't happen in vain. As a new season of life approaches and the tears have washed away the ashes, you notice new life begin to grow in the voided space. New people, a new job or new experiences begin to take hold and hope for tomorrow turns sadness to satisfaction and joy. The fires don't destroy us, they make us better and bring beauty into our life in a way only God can orchestrate. 

God has a plan and purpose for every wildfire we experience. Don't let the flames and smoke make you lose hope. God has a better plan for your life. Yes, the fire will be hot and can be horribly difficult to experience, but the outcome will bring newness and more beauty to your sweet life as a child of God. Keep your faith strong and trust in God for new growth appears in the days ahead. He loves you and has the best plans for you!

 God bless friend.

Our Father in Heaven.  Matthew 6:9

This week I'd like to break down the Lords Prayer (Matthew 6:9 - 13). 

As a child, it was always comforting to know where my parents were as I went through life. I know I could always depend on them to hear my call for help or give me a word of encouragement or wisdom when needed. Even though the majority of my life has been a significant distance away from home, I always know they are there...loving me, praying for me and ready to respond to any need I may encounter. So blessed!!

As Christians, we know our Father is in Heaven! Although there seems to be a significant distance between Him and us, we can be assured He is always there, ready to meet our needs, provide wisdom, encouragement and shower us with His great love. He has given each believer His Spirit, which resides in each of us. Always awake, always available 24/7. 

Sadly, so many Christians go through life alone and rarely seek out the spirit living inside of them. Life has its challenges and crises and turmoil comes quickly and without end it seems. The weight of our worries and troubles tires our weak, fleshly bodies to the point of giving up. My friend, let go of the weights that burden you; call upon the Lord (He hears your cries for help) and let Him lighten your load, encourage you through the trial, give you sound wisdom as you navigate life and most of all..love on you when you are feeling unloved. He is your eternal Father. Harness the resources He provides. 

You may think God is "out there" somewhere far off, but truthfully He is inside your heart...ready to respond. Commune with Him through prayer and bible study....you'll find that His care for you extends further than any earthly parent could give. Commune with Him today. God bless.  

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

1 Timothy 6:12

If you've ever had the privilege of raising a child, you know one of the highlights is seeing them learn to walk. The child desires to get up and stand on his own two feet, but needs our help in the beginning. Holding their little hands in ours we help them rise, stand and take those first steps. Once they get it figured out, we let go so they can walk on their own and develop confidence. 

As a child of God, we too hold God's hand at various times in our eternal walk with Him. When the going gets rough, His big hand is right there ready for us to embrace as we take a few wobbly steps in new territory. Once we get moving in the right direction, God sometimes let's go of our hand so we can develop confidence. Not necessarily confidence in ourselves, but confidence in God, knowing this is His will for our life. 

At times we may ask...where are you God;  Why did you let go; And we may feel all alone out there as we take each step. But friend, I can assure you He is there....encouraging you and watching over you. Not one step is taken without His foreknowldge and loving protection. No matter the circumstances and how lonely you may feel, keep moving and sustain your faith and trust in God. 

Has God called you in a specific direction and the steps ahead look uncertain? Keep moving, fight the good fight of faith. God has every step covered and knows the outcome of your journey. Walk in confidence today knowing the creator of life has planned each step you take to fulfill a specific purpose to glorify Him and bless your life. Step forward in faith today friend! God bless!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

If you've ever had a crises in your life and you lean into God and allow His presence to comfort you and sustain you, then you know this is the best place to be. Walking closely with the Lord every day is the best place to be. As we walk together, He sustains us, feeds us wisdom and helps us move over the speed bumps of life. So why do we worry about future events or things outside of our control?  

When we worry about the future, we actually run to the issue and run away from God. When we worry, we are saying "this future event is more important than walking with you here and now Lord". It grieves Him deeply when we run away and chase after something He already has planned for down the road.

Is there some future event in your life that has you running away from God...worrying you sick? Walk back to God and embrace his hand as He leads you daily...giving you what's necessary for today's battles and preparing you for tomorrow's journey. He already has plans on how to deal with your future. Today's journey equips you for tomorrow's trials. Stay close to God always and you will never lose hope for the future. God bless.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Let's face it, we all deal with issues of being judgmental and because we form opinions about certain people of race, nationality or people "across the tracks" from where we live, we tend to have less compassion and love for them. Left unchecked, your attitudes can turn to hate. The minute you see these people, your shield comes up and you turn away from them. I see it more and more....guilty as charged! 

One day God laid a thought on my mind....every person is a "creation of God". He created them. And not only that...He allowed their existence. You might be saying..."how can God have allowed _______ to exist and for what purpose?". Well...He did and only God knows the reason why. 

As Children of God we need to see people through the eyes of God! He loves everyone no matter if they love Him or hate Him. His love spans further than anyone human can fathom. His love was so clearly expressed by His Son Jesus Christ who willingly walked to the cross to pay the sin debt for you and me. Even in our wickedness and sinful life, He said...I love you enough to die for you! ‎

Folks, we might not agree with some people's ways, beliefs or actions. We are not to judge, but to love everyone like Christ. Does your life reflect the love of Jesus to everyone? Pray that God will help you see people as creations of God and fill your heart with love.  By showing love and compassion to others, we reflect the love of Christ to the lost. Love others today and see the Lords blessings rain down upon your life! Have a loving and blessed day! ‎

Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from you." John 17:7

In Jesus final prayer to God before His death, He prayed for His disciples. This one verse says it all....everything given to Jesus came from God. Jesus, who is God's Son, came to earth to share the love and wisdom of God and make a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus sacrifice on the cross for our sins. 

God gave us Jesus. Jesus gives us His Holy Spirit. Living inside of you is the power, wisdom and love of God. He gives us everything we need to live the Christian life. Are you using it to the fullest potential? 

He cares for and loves us. He has given us everything we need to live our life for Him. All we need to do is learn to harness those resources through the Holy Spirit. How to harness that power: surrender self, trust God in everything, remain obedient to His word and stay in a constant state of prayer. 

God gives you everything needed for life because He loves you. Thank Him today and live out your faith knowing it's backed by God's promise to never leave you nor forsake you. 

Have a confident day in the Lord! ‎