‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:11. The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

Over my lifetime I've had to borrow tools, money, even a vehicle for a short while. During my time of possession, I made sure I took good care of that which I borrowed and respected the lender by making payments on time and returned what I borrowed in good or better condition than when I borrowed it. It's what you do as a responsible person. 

Today's scripture reminds us, that everything in this world God created, and He has simply let you borrow it during your short lifetime. Everything from your home/property, children, friends/family/neighbors, church, even planet earth. As His child, He expects you to make good use of everything by having respect for your planet, raising your children in the proper way, taking care of your possessions and honor the One who lent these blessings to you. Are you doing just that? 

Maybe it's time to wash that car, fix that broken light switch, freshen up your marriage and spend some meaningful time with your children. We can all improve what's on loan to us by God. Start today by thanking God for His blessings, and ask His help to bring awareness of those things and people who need your attention. God will bless you for respecting what He's lent you during your lifetime. Blessings.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‭-‬7‬

[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Anxiety, it's felt by everyone and can eventually cause health issues and basically paralyze you in a state of fear. I dealt with it a lot in the workplace and it was no fun. 

One thing I started to do was pray everyday by walking around the building, first thing, and gave all my troubles to God. Did my troubles disappear? No, they still remained, But God helped me work through them with His wisdom and some miraculous workings on my behalf. 

Whatever brings you anxiety, give it to God and let Him guide you through it. Troubles will never go away on their own, but with God, all things are possible to ease your anxiety so you can keep your light shining in this dark world. He can help, let Him help you today.  And be sure to always cover your request with praise. God bless. 

 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day”. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:30-31&34

 Have you ever been hungry? Not like your stomach is growling and you think you want something to eat. I’m talking about hunger, your body is weak and you know if you don’t get food in you soon, you’ll pass out. That’s just how hungry Esau was when he came in from hunting. He was starved and that warm pot of stew enticed Esau to give up his birthright. Now that’s hunger!

 Our bodies hunger for a lot of things, like love, sex, wealth, status, comfort, healing….the list is endless. People are willing to go to great lengths to satisfy that deep hunger and sadly willing to give up everything to achieve it. That is exactly how Satan works in your life. He is like a hunter in tree stand, watching and waiting for you to desire something enticing and heats up the desire to the point that you actually justify sacrificing everything. What suffers from this type of hunger satisfaction? Broken marriages, health issues, finances, reputations, and you are looked upon as an outcast. Is this really what you want for yourself?

 As you go through this day, this week, this year, your lifetime, I plead with you to use caution as you make choices in life that can have eternal impacts. Satan wants to wreck your life and he has achieved much success during people’s lowest times of life (and sometimes highest moments). Stay focused on God’s goodness and what He offers. Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll may satisfy you in the moment, but God’s blessings last throughout eternity. Weighing the consequences of life’s choices between here and now to the future has no comparison. Sacrifice the momentary pleasures for the benefit of your health, prosperity, and status as a child of God. God will reward you in this lifetime and the one that never ends. God bless!     

 

 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when his gory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

 Have you ever encountered a time in your life when it seemed everything was unraveling and you had no clue what was happening? There were several occasions where I experienced this very feeling, and it was humbling, scary, and made me cry out to God, “where are you?”. And the times that this unraveling occurred, I thought I was doing things right, living by the standards of God. Can you relate?

 As a child of God, you have a target on your back and Satan has the weapons formed against you. Satan does his best to try to wreck the lives of God’s children. But, God has a plan greater than your distress and He can take the lose threads and pattern something even greater. It takes a lot of faith to trust God when everything inside you wants to question God’s faithfulness. But, looking back, I can assure you that nothing loosened is without His purpose and plan to turn a new chapter in your life.

 Whatever you are going through right now friend, may in fact be ordered by God. Although you had nothing to do with the unthreading of your pattern of life you’ve grown used to, God wants to change that pattern to grow a stronger you, a more trusting you and walk in stricter obedience and faith as He rethreads that part of your life that appears amiss. In the end, His glory will be revealed and your faith will be strengthened in the One who weaves the beautiful patterns of your life with His perfect will. God bless!

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

 Have you heard any of these statements said of someone: “they have a peace about them, they are always positive, I’ve never heard a foul word come out of their mouth, they are the humblest person, they bring light into the room”. Over my lifetime I’ve heard these and many other positive statements said about people. I’ve been blessed to know so many people with quality character traits that I desire in my life. Where do these come from and how can you (and I) develop them?

 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who calls us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3

 Today’s verse sheds light on the source of those and many other positive qualities, by the fruit of the Spirit. God’s Holy Spirit is gifted to each of His followers. By engaging daily with His Spirit, through continual prayer, scripture reading, and walking in obedience, a transformation occurs within your mind and the Spirit’s qualities grow inside your heart. Over time, your character begins to take on the same traits as Jesus Christ. This is exactly how God wants His children to grow in the Spirit, so others can see your good works (and qualities) and yearn for what you’ve got.

 As a child of God, He is always working in your life to bring about a better you. If you don’t recognize character growth, maybe you need to spend mor time talking to God, read scripture, and be more disciplined in Godly obedience. He will bless you when you remain committed to growth and develop these positive traits. God bless!  

 

 

 ‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2:19‬ Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

As a child of God, you have two requirements: 1. Have faith in Jesus Christ and ask forgiveness of your sins. 2. Live your life according to God's will and biblical standards. Are you doing both? 

#1 is fairly simple, faith in Jesus Christ, that He made payment for your sins and asking His forgiveness. Many claim to be a Christian, yet they model their life according to their own set of standards, blatantly disregarding certain standards God records in the Bible. Some people truly believe good behavior covers their shortcomings. This is false thinking and on the day of judgment will find themselves in the category of “I never knew you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness”. 

Eternity in Hell is an awful price to pay for not living in obedience. God sees everything from your thoughts, words, actions, and intentions. There is nothing hidden from your life that won't be exposed on your day standing in the presence of God. Start today by completely surrendering your life to Christ, seek His forgiveness, and walk closely with Him every day. Your obedience will have a Heavenly welcome, “well done, my good and faithful servant. God bless. 

 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14

 Have you ever experienced something so tragic that you just wanted to be left alone? Sometimes getting away from everyone and everything is good, because it allows you the opportunity to reflect, heal, and recover from whatever bad news you received. The only danger in isolation for too long of a time gives Satan an opportunity to speak lies into your mind, paralyzing you from continuing to live on.

 In today’s passage, Jesus just learned of John the Baptist’s beheading and wanted to be alone. After a short period of isolation, He looked up to see a multitude of people who needed His help, His healing, His wisdom, and most of all His loving compassion. And with that motivation, He stepped back into the crowds and began healing them. I’m sure that His compassionate work eased His mind from the loss of His dearest friend who baptized Him in the Jordan River.

 Maybe you are experiencing much grief at the loss of a loved one or the recipient of bad news and simply want to put life on hold while you digest the moment. It’s ok to do so, but don’t let that keep you from living life. Other people within the realm of your influence need you. Your light may be dim right now, but getting back into the game of life will recharge your spirit and keep you on track for God’s will and plan for your life. Don’t let your moment of sadness define the remainder of your life; there is much to live for and Jesus will help you get through this difficult time. God bless!