II Corinthians 4:10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 

Today you see many people wearing crosses around their neck, on rings, bracelets, even displayed as decor in the home. The question to be answered, is it for show or do they serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice of Jesus. 

As Christians, we are to reflect the image of Jesus Christ in our daily life. The words we speak, the actions we take, even our thoughts should be held captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Surrendering your will to His plan for your life is the only way you will be able to emulate Christ’ character. That means dying to self. Sadly there are many Christians who put a limit on their surrender and miss out on God's blessings, but most of all will never fully attain spiritual fruits God expects to develop in His children. 

The benefits of pursuing Christ vs limiting your dying to certain self pleasures, far outweigh any temporary satisfaction you'll get in the world. You are not of this world, but chosen for greatness in Christ. Dying to self will always manifest Christ in and through you. What are you willing to surrender for the glory of the Lord? 

 II Timothy 4:3-4 [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; [4] and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 

Over the past few years I've seen families leave our church to find a church more suitable to their liking. Either offended by someone, the message preached, or whatever their excuse, they have left a void in the work of the church’s mission to reach the lost. 

One thing I love about my church is the various missions anyone can get involved in. I will admit, there is much work to be done to reach others for Christ and show the love of Christ to others. It's an active and busy church, and for some, it can make people retreat to a congregation who is more comfortable with limited involvement in God's work. 

We have a huge ministry coming in October called Judgment Journey, which takes attendees through the biblical account of the “end times” and judgment of unbelievers. It's powerful and takes a lot of volunteers to make it work effectively. I ask for your prayers, that this special ministry will bring awareness of Christ's love to the lost and volunteers will put forth the labor required to make it come together in a special way. 

If you are one of those who left us, there is no shame in returning to help as we are all one big family in Jesus Christ. God bless. 

 James 2:4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Every day I see more and more homeless people, walking down the sidewalks of our town or standing at intersections holding signs, asking for help. There's no doubt our economy makes it difficult to pay the bills and afford a safe home. As I see them, my heart wants to know their story of how they got to this place in their life. 

Today's verse calls out the blessed who are quick to judge the poor and homeless. It's easy to see the faults of others while ignoring similar behaviors in ourselves that could easily change our status with a home to homeless. God blesses certain people with resources that can help a person in the moment, and for some, make a lifetime difference. 

Jesus was actually homeless in His adult life as He ministered to people from town to town. He changed lives by the power He possessed to perform life changing miracles. He never complained either, but made it clear, His interest was not in earthly things, but the eternal. If you know Jesus, you are the result of His ministry to give hope to the hopelessly lost. 

God has blessed you and wants you to follow His lead in blessing others through the life changing works of giving and sharing the news of His saving grace. What can you do this week to change the status of the eternal homeless to eternally secure in Jesus and His Heavenly mansion He's prepared for us? 

 I Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 

In your walk with the Lord, do you ever feel as if you take one step forward, and two steps back? The challenges you face trying to live a life pleasing to God is often met with attacks from Satan, meant to bring discouragement and doubt into your mind. In that state, you feel paralyzed in your relationship with God. 

Today's verse is applicable for every child of God. When trouble comes our way, we shouldn't be surprised. The devil wants to make you less effective for God. But, the best thing to remember is nothing comes your way that hasn't been sifted through the hands of God. Although God did not bring trouble into your life, He can use it as a tool to strengthen your faith and relationship with Him. After 50 plus years of life, I've learned that progressing in my relationship with God requires some challenges, but I know God means them for my good and I can trust Him with every step forward, even the ones that take me back a few steps.

Whatever you are facing, just know it's got God's stamp of approval and He will equip you for the struggle to yield a better and stronger faith in the all mighty God we serve. 

 Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

Have you ever started reading a book and got frustrated by its story line and put it down, never to read it again? I'm guilty of this, as many books sit on my bookshelf, half read, and probably need to go to Goodwill. 

We sometimes feel the same when life doesn't seem to go in the direction we had hoped for; we are ready to close out that chapter and move on. Maybe it's a financial investment that didn't pan out, a relationship that struggled to thrive, or maybe those you depended on were taken away either by their death or they moved away. Life has its ups and downs, but when the downers come, we are quick to surrender. 

Just like a book we put down, there's still a story to be told, and the same is true with your losses, hurts, disappointments, and unmet needs. Today's verse is a good reminder that God works in all matters of our lives, even the chapters that we want to close. 

Here's the main thought of this blog: God is not done working out His plan for your life. Although the current chapter may seem boring or unwelcomed, God will work through it to make a better you. Trust me, I've lived enough years to know that even the bad times turn out for my good when I trusted God with my life. And you too can have that assurance. Your story is not over, hang in there with faith and trust God to write the perfect ending. 

 II Peter 3:18  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

On occasion I'll take a few minutes and reflect over my life, thinking about my past, and evaluate where I am in the moment. I do this to ensure I'm growing in wisdom, learning more about my relationship with Jesus, and most importantly not repeating old behaviors that were foolish in my younger years. Well, I still have a long ways to go, but I'm steadily moving in the right direction. 

In today's verse, Simon Peter encouraged his reading audience to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Why? By gaining a better understanding of His grace and wisdom, they could grow in their faith and not become stagnant in their relationship with Him. 

I encourage you to take some time this week to evaluate where you've been and where you currently are in your faith. You will most likely see areas where you've grown in spiritual wisdom which has helped you make better decisions in life, and you'll find other areas that need some additional help to unroot those persistent sins that hold you back from your fullest potential. 

The best text book to learn from is God's word, the Bible. Yes, books are good, but they are one man's opinion and some can mislead you. God's word is straight from His very lips, it doesn't get any simpler. Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ so you'll be better equipped to make decisions that will bring glory and honor to your Heavenly Father. 

 I Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

There are people close to me who have or are currently going through a very difficult and painful time. Either from choices they've made or unexpected tragedies, they are feeling the painful effects. With each occurrence, I'm sure they've asked “why me?”. 

Today's verse tells us that we shouldn't be caught off guard by these turbulent moments. Jesus said in John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Oh, don't we long for peace and quietness in this busy, stressful, and noisy world? When we try to find those sweet attributes in the pleasures of this world we become frustrated and disappointed. But, when we put our faith and trust in God, He will turn a nightmare into something beautiful. Although He doesn't wish any tribulation to befall upon us, He oftentimes uses them to grow us, by strengthening our faith in Him. Trust me when I say, there is nothing more satisfying than to see His handiwork turn the ashes of life into positive growth; emotional, spiritual, and at times physical. 

Maybe you are going through one of the darkest moments of your life. Put you faith in the only Light (God) that will give you security and strength to face each day with confidence knowing, at the end of this trial, you will be a better and stronger person. God bless.