But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8



I recall as a child in elementary school I was working on an art project and failing miserably at it. My teacher saw I was struggling and came to my rescue. She was able to take my mess and turn it into something that turned out beautiful. I’ll never forget that story, for her compassion saved the day!



This morning I was reading a devotion about God’s love for us when we mess up. The thought came to mind…God shows us His love through His grace. God’s grace is what put Jesus Christ on planet earth, so we could be forgiven and receive His love through His sacrifice on the cross. He meets us right where we are… even when we mess it up. But, by His grace we can have the confidence in knowing that He’ll take us “as is” and love us no matter what.



Maybe you feel like your life is one big mistake and wonder how God could possibly love you. Trust me friend, He loves you through His unending grace and compassion. As a child of God, you are His and HE will take care of you and help you make something beautiful from your life, even when you mess up! Rejoice in the Lord knowing His love is shown by His grace and forgiveness and has plans to prosper you and help you through life! God bless!

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8



Yesterday at work was a stressful day. I had a few deadlines placed on me, a meeting that didn’t go as planned and to top it off I had to go and speak to someone who was in violation of one of our campground rules. By the time I got to the campground I was worn out mentally and emotionally and stressed. The park attendant told me the fella was quite a character and I figured he’d challenge me when I went to address his issue. On the way to the site, I prayed and simply asked God to go ahead of me and help me. I wasn’t in the mood to take on another challenge that day.



When I arrived at the site, to my surprise, the man was actually in the process of correcting his violation. I got out and confirmed he was the violator. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and we had a great conversation, and thankfully he agreed to be in compliance with our rules. For me it was a break from the day’s pressures and of course a prayer of thanks to God for going ahead of me and fixing the problem before I got there.



God can do the same for you friend. God doesn’t care how big or small your problem, He can fix anything in His way. Sometimes His way might not always produce the outcome we expected, but I can assure you its for your own good. Most of the time there will be a lesson learned or a blessing in the mix of His doing. Seek out the positive results when you release your problem into His hands and you will clearly see how He works in your every situation. God bless!

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7



Yesterday’s blog was geared towards the ladies and how their presence in the lives of others is like an anchor. You know you can count on them to be there and even speaking wisdom when its needed. For the guys, today’s verse has a few nuggets of wisdom and instructions that men should follow closely.



First, dwell with them with understanding. Let’s face it, God created men and women with different thought processes, feelings and emotions. Women always take a look at things much differently than us guys. Its important to respect their view point, even when you don’t understand their reasoning. God has given them a soft approach to most things in life, and sometimes its important to embrace the soft and emotional side of understanding, for it leads to Godly characteristics like compassion, love and peace.



Honoring your wife as to the weaker vessel. Don’t take this that women are weak. They aren’t. But when you think of someone weak, you want to the help them, you are always prepared to give them a lending hand and make way for them. God wants you to make the path smooth for the woman in your life. When you do, they give you respect and honor and your days spent with them will be more positive and encouraging.



No one wants their prayers hindered. When you don’t live in the manner God has called you to live as a Godly man and husband, your prayer life will be out of whack. God intentionally allows chaos to bring your back to your senses. Trust me, its better to show respect and honor to what God has given you than to put aside the very one who will be there when everyone has left your side. Honor and respect your wife like a cherished coin and you’ll never find yourself out of alignment with God’s perfect will!

…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4



This morning I was reading a devotion from a woman who interpreted this verse as a woman who should be meek. That meekness should be that of a boring Christian, one who doesn’t rock the boat or speak out loud. She shared that a mentor told her she was a child of God, created with special gifts and abilities and that she should be strong in her faith and through God’s strength be the woman God created her to be, not a quiet person, sitting off to the side.



That made me think for a minute of my grandmother. She was a devout Christian lady and always shared her faith and words of Godly wisdom gained through years of bible study and living life dependent upon God. She lived 2 days short of her 100^th birthday. As I think about her, I think of her as an anchor for me and my family. We all looked up to her for wisdom and guidance. Even when we didn’t want to hear it, it spilled out from her heart in love. And she was always right.



For the women out there reading this, I challenge you to be that anchor for the people who depend upon you. God has given you the gift to multi-task and do for others while you tend to your own needs. He gave you a gentle heart to care for those in need and show a love like no other. He gave you a mind to grow in wisdom and give advice, even when its not wanted, but needs to be heard. Be that anchor, for many people in your life depend upon you. Your strength is the anchor for many. Trust in God to grow your faith so you can be that Godly anchor. God bless!  

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7–8.



Just a few days ago we encountered a strong storm with winds up to 60 mph. As you can guess, we had trees blown down all over the place. As I rode around yesterday, I looked at those trees and could see their root system. The tree roots of the fallen trees were small, all contained in one area and not deep at all. The rain loosened the soil and the wind blew them over with ease. Even some large trees were not rooted enough to withstand the wind and fell.



As Christians, you can expect to encountered many life storms. Storms brought about by Satan’s chaos, our own doing or storms permitted by God to test and strengthen our faith. Sometimes those storms can seem unbearable and will make you feel like you are about to be blown over. Staying rooted in God’s word, prayed up and continually fed through church attendance and worship is the ONLY way you will stay strong enough to weather the storms of life.



God promises to be with us through every storm we face in life. I can tell you personally He has kept me grounded when I felt like my strength had given out a long time ago. It’s because I put my faith and trust in Him to see me through another day. You can experience the same confidence by getting rooted deep into God’s foundation. You might not encounter fewer storms, but you will be strong enough to weather them and find blessings after they pass! Have a blessed day.  

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26



Yesterday I was having lunch with Lori, my son Payton and his girlfriend. We were talking about a situation where someone had made some extra money, but it had to go for a specific, unexpected and unwanted expense. Thankfully she had the extra cash, but unfortunately it couldn’t have been spent elsewhere…like on something fun. In the middle of our conversation, my son made this statement….”Life will adjust for you.” Makes sense.



Almost immediately today’s verse came to mind. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit who resides in our life. When we become heavy burdened and don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf, making intercession for us. What a privilege it is to have this gift from God. I can tell you there have been times in my life when my spiritual energy level has dropped to almost nothing, yet God kept me going through the power of the Spirit’s prayers on my behalf. I look back now and see how He worked things out for my own good. He will do the same for you if you simply put your faith and trust in Him.



What ever you go through in life as a child of God, have the confidence in knowing God will adjust for you! He will help you when you need it. Thank Him today for his Spirit who resides with you and ask God to continue His blessings of taking care of your needs, even before you see the need itself. God has you covered friend. Walk in confidence today with Him! God bless!

Thus Noah did: according to all that God commanded him, so he did. Genesis 6:22



Found in the book of Genesis, chapters 6 – 8, you can read about Noah and his instructions to build a huge boat (ark) that would hold himself, his family and two of each living creature, while God allowed a great flood to destroy what He created, on earth, over a period of 40 days and 40 nights. Noah was around 480 years old when he started this project and it took him approximately 120 years to build the ark, making him 600 years old at the completion of the project.



As I read this information, I’m was shocked at the length of time it took for God’s plan to come to fruition. And Noah, at age 480 years, took on this plan of Gods. I know it was to save his life, but at some point I’d be like…go a head and take me God! LOL. But, Noah was faithful and obedient to God and His plan to save them, the livestock and begin a new life.



This story reminds me of the word “patience.” Just think how patient Noah had to be to go ahead with God’s plan. Maybe a year or two, but 120 years? Yet, Noah loved God and God found grace in the eyes of Noah (Gen 6:8). He knew Noah would complete the project, and he did. Right on time!



God has a plan for your life. He wants you to do something great for Him and what He asks of you most likely will take time, much time. Have you discovered it? Has God found you a faithful servant? When you give God your time and trust in His plan, He blesses you along the way! And when its time to put it into action, God caries it through to fruition with your help. But you must stay loyal and remain patient with God’s timing!



Whatever God has planned for you, take it on with courage and in faith, knowing God can do something amazing with your abilities as you wait patiently for the ripe harvest! Time is in your hands, use it for Him today! God bless!