Abba Father..

"Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever do something and think, wow my mom or dad did it that way? Or have you ever seen a father and son that: look alike, act alike, talk alike? Many of us have.

That's because, for the majority of us, the major influence when we were growing up was our parents. We became like them.

Now the same goes true for being a child of God. We should emulate who He is. His love, compassion, grace and mercy. The world should be able to see who our Father truly is, through us!!

Are you a reflection of your Heavenly Father?

Be Blessed!

Good medicine...

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever been around that crabby person? They just sap your energy. But that person that always makes you laugh, the one that's always in a good mood, those people are good medicine to be around.

What gives you a cheerful heart? If we think about it, it's usually the small things that God has blessed us with. A hug from your family, a sleeping baby, a dog chasing their tail, a red bird landing in the fence or the squirrels chasing one another.

These are the things that God has designed and if we allow them they will bring us joy.

Let God fill you with joy from the everyday things.

Be Blessed!

Praise the Lord

"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭150:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What if you have your spouse or your kids a great gift; and they never said Thank you or even acknowledged you? What if this happened multiple times? Would you be heartbroken, sad? Would you stop giving gifts?

Now think about our Heavenly Father. He gives us gifts all the time. Our health, our family, our material possessions, our salvation by sacrificing His Son. Have you thanked Him for those? Do you praise Him and thank Him daily?

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord! Let's make our Lord smile tonight and give Him some praise!!

Be Blessed!

Good gifts...

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If your a dad, you know how rewarding it is to see your children happy when you give them a gift. Especially when it is random. Their eyes light up and they are so very thankful.

I remember when my dad gave me a special gift. He had left it on my bed for me to find when I got home. As a matter of fact, I still have it and cherish it to this day. Some 30+ years later.

Now how much more does your Heavenly Father want to bless you? He loves to see you smile and be happy. What are you asking your Heavenly Father for today? Not necessarily material possessions but what is He blessing you with?

He loves you and wants to see you smile!

Be Blessed!

Here's a Bible passage I'd like to share with you...

"On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'"
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This passage is from the story of the Good Samaritan. He took care of an injuries man, but when he left, he told the innkeeper, here is more money take care of him and when I get back I will check on him again.

The Good Samaritan not only took care of his needs, but wanted to be involved in the injured man's life. He wanted to make sure he was taken care of.

We can give money to people and help them out but the giving of our time and our support show that we care so much more.

Is their someone that doesn't need your monetary help, but might need your time, attention and caring in their life?

Be Blessed!

Adapt to your surroundings...

"Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Craig Groeschel said"It's almost impossible to live the right life, when your in the wrong place!"

Powerful words! We are influenced by our surroundings and the people we hang around with. If you want to live a godly life, hang out with godly people, listen to the right music, watch clean shows, read His word.

You WILL adapt to your surroundings, what are you surrounding yourself with?

Be Blessed!

Through the Holy Spirit...

"Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that has given us a perfect relationship with God. What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God's glory! But that's not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!"
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1-5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Faith...hope...joy...love

All of this through the Holy Spirt that lives within us. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with these things?

Be Blessed!

Here's a Bible passage I'd like to share with you...

"A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!"
‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We see all the negative things in this world. All the hate, anger, destruction. All those things that destroy our spirit.

Those are the things of the enemy. He wants to tear us apart and make us live in turmoil. He wants to destroy our faith.

But God wants to give you an abundant life. One filled with happiness, joy and peace. Not guaranteed to be a bed of roses but definitely a life of fulfillment.

Which life do you desire? Let God lead you to a life of fullness.

Be Blessed!

Heroes of the faith...

""The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! '"
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

From generation to generation men have encouraged one another in their faith and have passed along this faith to their family and friends. These men are not famous and not household names, but their love for Jesus is undeniable.

These are everyday heroes of the faith - men of who the Lord will say: "well done my good and faithful servant."

Are you that man?

Be Blessed!

Gods comfort...

"All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When your in a painful place, trial or tribulation; there is nothing more comforting than someone who has been through a similar thing in the past. Their words can uplift you and help your spirit. To hear their testimony that God was faithful to see them through.

Gods comfort is so much better when you share it. A testament of comfort and peace can be such a blessing to others.

What has God brought you through that might be a comfort to others?

Be Blessed!

He suffered everything...

"This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:21-22 MSG‬‬

How many times in your life have you said: "man, nobody knows what I am going through."? You think that you are the only person that has been persecuted, hated, fallen on financial trouble, had a broken marriage, lost a job.

Well Christ suffered all that and more. He was beaten, laughed at, spat upon and eventually hung in a cross. He suffered all so that you might live.

So when your going through hard times, think back to how our Savior suffered. He suffered for you. He died for you. When your down, look to Him. He will lift you up.

Be Blessed!



Sent from my iPhone

How you get there...

"Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Did you ever have big plans? Maybe for a trip, your career or your future? If your a detail person, any deviation in your plans can really upset you. But end the end, you still accomplished your goal, although getting there may not have been what you envisioned.

Life with God can be like that. We may have a vision for our future and how to get there but His plans may be different, but trust me they are much better.

My life didn't always go as expected, but my trials and tribulations, my experiences have made me into the man I am today. Now sometimes God gently guided me along His path, other times He had to pull me kicking and screaming. But in the end, I could not vision my future without God as my guide.

Are you allowing Him to guide how you get there? Trust me, it's worth it.

Be Blessed...

May the Lord bless you...

"'May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.'"
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6:24-26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This prayer is one that can send you comfort in trying times, unnerving and conflicting times.

There are moments when a good word, prayed over someone can make all the difference in the world. Just to know that your God is smiling down upon you can fill you with joy and peace.

Do you this prayer today? How about someone that you know? May the Lord give you his peace.

Be Blessed!

You belong to him..

"And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Those who belong to Christ have a great helper, the Holy Spirit. The spirit allows us to free ourselves from sin. We have the ability to resist sin when it is presented before us.

Daily, we are tempted, daily we are placed in situations that could cause us to sin. But the Holy Spirit will help us to resist, if we allow Him too. He is our helper sent by God.

So when your facing temptations, turn to him. He will guide you through.

Be Blessed!

Teach me how to live...

"Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When an army knows that an enemy is coming, they can be prepared. They train and train, they learn proper techniques and tactics. They are prepared for the attack. They must know their enemy.

Our life is the same way. We have an enemy that comes to "steal, kill and destroy." We must be prepared. Your lord will show you how to be prepared against attacks from the enemy. His word provides the techniques and tactics to defeat them.

Are you learning to protect yourself? Are you leaning into Gods word when the enemy attacks? We will prevail with God on our side.

Be Blessed!

Hey God...

Hey God,

Almost 36 hours ago, my best friend came to see you. My Isaac was hurting so bad and I just couldn't let him hurt like that anymore. So Mom and I made the decision to let him come and be with you. We did not make this decision lightly, but we did not want to be selfish either. He was very tired, more and more confused and just not himself anymore. It broke out hearts to see him this way. 

But God, I want to thank you for 13 years with the best pup a man could ever ask for. He was more than a pup, he was my loyal companion, my movie watcher, my truck rider, my tool shopper, my best buddy. He brought more joy to me than you can ever imagine. 

To see him decline over the last several weeks broke my heart. As much as we tried to give him a healthy life, age just took over. IV fluids were no longer helping, even though we cherished those 15 minutes twice a day. We tried to fill them with love and hugs, silly songs and tons of kisses. Sister even joined us from time to time to check on her big brother, she loved him so much.

So God, let me tell you, my heart breaks, but I know he is healed. I know he is no longer nauseated, no longer tired, no longer hurting. I know he is running and playing, watching over a grand baby and saying "Hi, I'm Isaac!" to just about everyone in heaven.

But God, could you please do a few things for me? Could you please:

    - Kiss him between the eyeballs, he acts like he doesn't like it, but he really does.

    - Take him for truck rides, its his favorite thing. And don't bother rolling the windows up, he knows how to roll them down.

    - Tuck him in at night, he loves his blanket and tends to get chilly.

    - Rub his paws and say prayers each night, he looks forward to this, and so did I.

    - Let him lick your face and sit in your chair with you. He loves being close to his family. 

    - Watch a movie with him, he really likes war movies on the couch.

    - Naps are mandatory, I know your busy, but a nap with your best buddy is the best.

God I could go on and on, and I know I am being a protective Dad, but I miss him so much.  Could you please tell him that I am sorry that I couldn't fix him, that I couldn't make him fell better. Could you please tell him I am sorry if I let him stay with me too long. Could you please tell him that Dad loves him, that I miss him, that truck rides will never be the same.

God, could you please tell him that my life is forever changed because of all the things he taught me. Could you please tell him that I will never be the same without him.

My heart hurts God, I miss him so much. Please tell him that Dad loves him.

Isaac, 

I love you...

Dad

God’s perfect plan...

"So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

"Every detail of our lives"; read that and then read it again. God cares about every detail and they will all come together for His perfect plan. So weather your going through a difficult time or your in the mountain top, God cares about the details and He is weaving them together to fulfill a higher purpose.

Now as I struggle with a lose in my life this week. I know my God cares, I know He has a plan and a purpose. I know that I have been blessed and that He has more in store for me.

Are you trusting in His plan? Are you allowing Him to use those details in your life for a greater good? Trust God's perfect plan.

Be Blessed!

Peace...

""I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Can I be honest today? My day has been horrible. Someone very precious to me is gone. I know that he is no longer hurting or sick but my heart still breaks.

Only my God can send me the peace I need now. Only He, can heal my broken heart. As I struggle to write this, I must trust in Him as tears stream down my face. I know it will get better and I know my God is always there.

Peace will come because of Him. Do you have that peace? I hope and pray that you do, Be Blessed!

Isaac

Isaac Christian: Sept 7th, 2006 - June 10th, 2020

Today, I had to let my best buddy go. Today, I had to stop being selfish and do what was best for Isaac. 

The anglicized name "Isaac" is a transliteration of the Hebrew term Yiṣḥāq (יִצְחָק) which literally means "He laughs/will laugh." Named "Isaac" because Abraham and Sarah laughed when God told them they would have a child. That child would become a patriarch of a nation. 

Our Isaac, named after the son of Abraham and Sarah, has been a patriarch of our family. He has brought us more joy and laughs over the last 13 + years than you could ever imagine. He has been by our side through the good times and the bad. His love has never waivered. 

Isaac has been a loyal son since 2006, when a sweet little pup cuts his eyes back at his new Mom. She knew right then, that he was the one. 

He has helped us raise our kids and grandkids. Ever the guardian of a sleeping grand baby; he loved his family. He has guarded our home for years, only to say, "Hey Dad, there's a stranger at the door! Let's go say Hi!"

He loved checking the mail, watching movies on the couch, riding in the truck and going to Home Depot. And he was offended if you walked by him without saying "Hi" when he was shopping for tools with Dad. 

We took one last ride in the truck and one last walk down the tool isle. He went to sleep, with Mom and Dad by his side, rubbing his paws, just the way he loved.

We know when we reach the other side, he will be watching over someone's grand baby and waiting to show us the big Home Depot in the sky.

Rest easy Ole Man, your job here is done. We love you more than you will ever know. 

Love: Mom, Dad and Izzy 

Hate...

"But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
‭‭I John‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Hate...their sure is a lot of it these days. Hate stems from the heart in darkness. Hate is evil and evil hides in the darkness.

Hate will blind us. We must use the light, God's word and His teachings, to send the darkness and evil running.

God tells us to love, treat others as you want to be treated. Is God in your heart? Does the light shine forth in your life? The light will drive out the hate, it will drive out the darkness, it will drive out the evil.

Be the light! Be Blessed!

Love...

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The "love" chapter in 1 Corinthians can teach us so much. We can do mighty and great things on this earth, but if we don't do them out of love, then does it really matter.

I have more respect for the family that donates their time and money to help others out of love, than I do for the rich that donate millions for the tax benefits. Both are doing good, but which one does it out of love?

I can buy my wife gifts and take her nice places and not pay her a moments attention but I guarantee she would rather have a home cooked meal and some couch time with a man that truly loves her.

Are you doing things out of obligations, because your supposed to? Or are you doing them because you love your neighbor, your spouse, your family and truly want to bless them?

Love is a matter of the heart.

Be Blessed!

The company you keep...

"Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character." Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don't know God at all."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:33-34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Statistically, you will become like, act like, pray like, sin like, work like and believe like, the closest 5-10 people that you hang out with on a regular basis.

Don't you remember your parents telling you to chose your friends wisely? So the question is, who are you hanging out with? Do you surround yourself with Godly people, hard workers, faithful spouses, Christians? Or do you hang out with the lazy, ungodly people who cheat on their spouse and regularly get into trouble?

I want to surround myself with those who uplift me and help me to be successful in life and eternity. How about you, who is the company you keep?

Be Blessed!!

Guard your heart...

"So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The mind and the mouth can do many things. They can uplift and they can tear down. But they are guided by what's in a mans heart.

What's in your heart will spew out into who you are, how you act and how you treat others. What's in your heart, ultimately controls you.

Is your heart filled with love and compassion for others, or is it filled with hate and detest? How you act and what you say will show what your heart holds.

Fill your heart with the things of God and they will flow out into every part of your life!!

Be Blessed!!

Wisdom...

"Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wisdom is defined as: the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment. Solomon tells us in Proverbs to seek wisdom.

So when a situation arises in you life, rely upon your experiences, the knowledge you have gained in God's word and His counsel, through prayer to make a good judgment call.

Prayer and God's word will never lead you astray. No matter what you face, seek the wisdom of God.

Be Blessed!

Wisdom and knowledge...

"Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?""
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Solomon, son of David, had great counsel around him and he had the opportunity to ask God for anything. He chose to ask God for wisdom and knowledge so that He could lead God's great nation.

A great leader needs wisdom and knowledge to lead well. Whether it's a leader of a country, state, church, workplace or the leader of a family; we all need knowledge and wisdom to lead well.

My prayer is that whatever leadership role you are in, that God will grant you wisdom and knowledge to lead those under you well. To guide them down a godly and honorable path.

What is your prayer for those who lead you?

Be Blessed!

Loyalty and kindness...

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Loyalty and kindness can go a long way. A kind word to someone having a bad day can change their whole outlook. A loyal friend is someone you depend upon and who will be there for you through the good and bad.

Our world today needs a lot more loyalty and kindness. What kind of change could we make if we were all just kind to one another. If we were loyal to our spouse, our family, our friends, our employer, what a change we could make.

Have you said a kind word today? Have you called to check on that friend? Let's all try and do one kind and loyal thing today.

Be Blessed!