Be prepared...

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As with anything that you want to do well, you must be prepared. A professor must prepare for a lecture. An athlete must train for a marathon. To succeed we must prepare.

As Christians, we must also prepare for what the future might hold. Either defending our faith, or having to witness to the lost soul who has questions. Maybe it is as simple as being prepared to lead your family in a Godly fashion.

No matter the reason, God tells us to be prepared. Study his word daily, spend time with Him, so you are ready and you can Be Blessed!

Let Him fight your battles....

"But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.""
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When your in the midst of a battle and fighting for your life, it is difficult to 'do nothing'. We want to fight back, to run, to do something to defend ourselves; we fear for our lives.

But God says to 'stand still' and stand back. As the saying goes: "God's got this!" If you will step back, and turn it over to God, He will rescue you!

Put your faith in Him, let Him fight your battles and Be Blessed!

Truly love...

"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pretending to love that coworker or that bad neighbor is difficult. Sometimes it's just easier to put on a fake smile and move on.

But God has called us to really love one another. Do good to one another, genuinely care about one another. Although difficult, it is what God expects from us.

Who do you need to truly love today so that you can Be Blessed!?

God’s love...

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38-39 NIV

Most days these verses are hard to comprehend. Most days my; depression, anger, fears, worries, relationships and my sins, all make me feel separated from God's love. Most days He feels a million miles away.

But we must remember that He reminds us that NOTHING can separate us from His love. He loves us unconditionally.

Do you struggle to feel His love? Read His word and know that He loves you so you can Be Blessed!!

Lead by example...

""O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.""
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭27:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The need for leadership in the family, the church, the communities is still true to this day. God is looking for leaders to guide His flock.

Most importantly the family needs a leader. Someone who will guide and direct their path. Someone who will set a Godly example. I struggle to be that man, sometimes I lead and other times I fail.

Our desire is should be to lead those under us with a Godly example. Lead others so you can Be Blessed!

Every knee...

"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, that day is coming. And it doesn't matter what you believe or who you worship; EVERYONE, weather Christian, non-Christian, muslim, monk or atheist; we will ALL bow and worship the one true and living God!

Are you prepared, is your heart right? Even though we all must now, He will not know us all. Only His children will be allowed to live with Him forever.

Are you a child of God? The time is coming, be prepared so you can Be Blessed!

Give Him the glory...

""Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A lot of us do good things, but we boast about it so we can receive recognition. I have been guilty of that, help someone out and then make a social media post.

It is human nature to want to be recognized. But God wants us to be humble. Do it in silence and let Him receive the glory.

God will give you your rewards when you give him the glory, then you will Be Blessed!

Everything out of love...

""Are you really showing true love by only loving those who love you back? Even those who don't know God will do that. Are you really showing compassion when you do good deeds only to those who do good deeds to you? Even those who don't know God will do that."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:32-33‬ ‭TPT‬‬

It is easy to love someone who loves you back. Or be compassionate to those who do good deeds. But what about the mean or unlovable person, what about the person who takes advantage of your good deeds?

I have struggled with that in the past. Helping others who just take advantage of you, or being kind to that jerk that you come in contact with. But that is me trying to be judge and jury.

God didn't call us to be the judge and jury. He called us to do whatever He ask. We never know what seed we are planting when we love the unlovable or help those who trying to take advantage.

Do everything you do out of love and then you will Be Blessed!

There is always a reason...

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes we go through trouble in our lives so that we can grow. So that we can rely on God to pull us through.

And when God pulls us through, we can use that experience to help others. By showing Gods love and sharing our experience we can pull others closer to God.

So remember, God always has a plan, a reason for what your going through. Is it for His glory so that you can Be Blessed!

Hot Headed!!

"Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Don't know about you, but this verse bites me in the butt sometimes. I am hot headed and have a short temper. Sometimes the smallest things can upset me make me lose my religion.

In those times, I am not honoring God. My wife reminds me to take a deep breath, and calm down. I must remember that I represent my Heavenly Father to others.

Live your life in a way that honors God so that you can Be Blessed!

Forgetting your past...

""Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Many people feel like their life was so bad in the past, that God could not use them. They think their sin was so great that it can't be overcome.

But Jesus has paid it all for your sins, and our Heavenly Father has forgotten your past. He can make all thing new, He can use you for His glory, no matter you past.

God has forgotten your past when you become His child, why don't you forgive yourself so that you can Be Blessed!

A season for everything...

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Solomon explains to us the seasons in our life. Their is a time for everything, but God's timing is perfect.

Everything that happens in our life happens for a reason during that particular season of life.

God is orchestrating your life, if you will let Him. Remember the times in your life are for a reason, so that you can Be Blessed!

The only easy day...

"Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭MSG‬‬

The motto for the elite military unit, the Navy Seals is: "The only easy day is...yesterday!" They say this meaning that their are always obstacles and challenges you will face when moving forward, and they never get easier.

As Christians we are faced with daily challenges, ones that test us worse than the last. We must stick it out, never give in, remember God is on your side and you will overcome.

The reward for enduring is life abundant with God. Keep pushing, keeping fighting so that you can Be Blessed!

Do everything for Him...

"Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Wouldn't life be so much better if we all did this in everything we do. Our relationships, our job, our hobbies. Life is so much more fulfilling when you do it for the Lord.

Imagine how much better we would succeed, love, and get along if we weren't selfish and did it all for the glory of God.

God wants you to have a wonderful life. Do everything for Him and Be Blessed!

Do what you want...

"You say, "I am allowed to do anything" —but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is beneficial."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The old saying goes: "Your free and 21, you can do what you want." That statement is true but as all adults know, it may not be good for you. I can eat all the junk I want, drink all the alcohol and smoke like a freight train. But if what benefit is it.

Sin is the same way, God gives us free will, even as saved Christians, we can do what we want. But sleeping around, staying out drunk, lying and cheating has no benefit for us. God will not bless that.

But He will bless those that follow Him, serve Him and worship Him. I have lived both ways, God's way is much better so you can Be Blessed!

Who you are shows true worship...

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.""
‭‭John‬ ‭4:23-24‬ ‭MSG‬‬

We don't just worship God on Sunday's. We worship God daily. John tells us that our worship is by who we are and the way we live.

We praise our Father by living a life that honors Him. We worship Him out of adoration and love. We worship Him for who He is.

Living a life that honors Him is true worship. Who you are shows true worship, Be Blessed!

A tough challenge...

"And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Amplified version explains Luke 9:23 very well and makes it very tough for our human selfish interest.

Stop being selfish, endure what life send your way and follow Christ example. Christ was a servant, never about himself, He endured so much more than we could imagine. And He sent an example for us to follow until the end of time.

It's tough but it's worth it to Be Blessed!

Invest in God’s kingdom...

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you invest in a retirement plan? I do, I invest a portion of my pay and historically I have made about a 12% return. But I would have never made that return had I not put something in to begin with.

God's kingdom is the same way, we must put something in to get something in return. Now, financially we are speaking of the tithe. God will return your tithe to you many times over. But your investment also includes your time, your resources, your talents.

Invest in God's kingdoms, the returns will cause you to Be Blessed!

It’s good to be chosen...

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever been chosen? Chosen for a sports team, a new job, class representative? Maybe you were adopted, you were chosen by your parents!

Being chosen means that you represent those who chose you! God chose you! He adopted you! And now we represent Him. We must show others how good and loving our God is and how he also wants to chose them. We do this by our actions and our love towards them so God will shine through us.

It's good to be chosen but make sure you represent so that you can Be Blessed!

Be a servant....

"You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest one, then live as one called to serve others. The path to promotion and prominence comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:43-45‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God called us to lead in a different way. He called us to serve others. If you have every had the opportunity to work under a great leader, that person sacrifices, they serve those under themselves and they lead by example.

One of the best managers I ever worked for, did just that, he cared for his employees. He made sure that we had what we needed to succeed and he worked along side us so we could flourish. And because we were successful, so was he.

Christ called us to do that, sacrifice for others. Put their needs above your own. A servants heart goes a long way; as a Christian, a father, a husband and a leader. Being a servant always leads to a place where you can Be Blessed.

A friend you can depend on..

""Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you ever had a friend that you could just "unload" on? One who would listen, one who would be there whenever you needed them? Or your just having a bad day and you need a friend? But earthly friends can betray you.

Christ is a friend, He will go above and beyond what a friend would do. He will carry your burdens, He will refresh you, heal you, bless you. He will always be there, a never forsaking, a never betraying kind of friend.

Let Christ be a friend you can depend on and you will Be Blessed.

Everything you have...

"Jesus answered him, " 'Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.' This is the great and supreme commandment."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-38‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you ever made a commitment, one to give everything you have to a project or a team you were on? But sometimes you held something back, you missed a meeting or a practice. You really weren't committed and because of that the project failed or your team lost.

Well, God wants EVERYTHING you have! He was FULL commitment. He wants all your passion, all your energy, all your thoughts. And sometimes, we hold back a little section of our lives from God, maybe our money or our relationship. And then we wonder why we fail.

God wants everything you have so that you can Be Blessed!

Psalms 1!

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:1-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Building faith...

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Faith is like a muscle that you must make stronger. You do that by working that muscle, and feeding that muscle the proper things.

To build faith, we must feed it daily. We must consume the word of God daily. We must exercise our faith by letting God take care of the small things so we can rely on Him when the big things come.

Build you faith daily, dive into God's word so that you can Be Blessed!

Turn to God...

"Then David asked the Lord, "Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?" And the Lord told him, "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!""
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

After David's city was burned, looted and the women and children captured, David was in a mess. His men were angry with him and he had lost everything. But what did David do? He turned to the Lord!

He sought God's face and advise. And then he listened. God told him to go and recover everything that was taken. God had a plan of redemption for David. David did as God wanted and all that was taken was restored.

The point is, when we're in trouble, turn to God, don't rely on yourself, because God wants you to Be Blessed!

Stay alert!

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8-9 NLT

When we let down our guard, the devil wedges his way in! We click on that one picture and 30 mins later we are watching porn. We shave some numbers off of the business deal and soon we are embezzling money from the company. We hang out with the wrong crowd for drinks once or twice, now we're cussing like a sailor and have a drinking problem.

We must stay alert to the devils attacks. He uses the small innocent things (so we think) and then he opens up a large beak in our armor. Soon we spiral down his path of sin.

That is why it is important that we must stay in God's word, immerse ourselves in His glory and grace. We must walk hand and hand daily with God to protect ourselves and our family from the enemies attacks so that we can Be Blessed!!

Stand in the gap....

"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for [the sake of] the land, that I would not destroy it, but I found no one [not even one]."
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭22:30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The man has always been in the primary biblical leadership role in the family, community and church. When the man does not stand in the gap for his family, and does not be the man of God that is required, then his family will fall. Same for the community and church.

Men as leaders must be men of God. They must be a source godly information and counsel, they must be someone to look up to and follow.

As a man, we must be the leader and stand in the gap, we must build a godly wall around those we love so that we can Be Blessed!

Together with Him....

"My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I've taught you. Follow closely every truth that I've given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you ever tried to do something meant for two, by yourself? Move a big piece of furniture by yourself and you will end up with a pulled back.

Somethings are meant to do together, and life is one of those. God meant for us to do life with Him, to depend on Him, to follow His directions. When we start relying on ourselves, we mess things up.

We must keep God by our side and follow His instructions. Life is better, together, with Him.

Be Blessed!

Sorrow...

"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

True sorrow cause us to change and grow. Have you ever hurt someone either intentionally or unintentionally; and as a result you saw where you were wrong? I bet you never did that again.

Ever make a huge mistake at work or in a relationship? A mistake that affected your life, you grew from that and avoided it in the future. True sorrow leads us away from sin, away from mistakes, it helps us grow.

In today's world people have a hard time saying I am sorry. But learn from it, grow from it, let God show you where you were wrong. You will Be Blessed for it.

Find your strength...

"When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more.

David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30:3-4, 6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David and all of his men had lost everything! Their city destroyed, their possessions stolen and their wives and children taken captive. David, as their leader, was responsible and his men were angry with him. "But David found strength in the Lord his God!"

As leaders of our home and community, we are responsible for what happens. And yes, when bad times come, your family and others will turn on you. But we must be men of God, we must find strength in Him. As we do so, those that we lead will see that example and it will strengthen their faith as well.

As leaders, all eyes are on us, what kind of example will you be in times of trouble? Find your strength in the Lord your God and Be Blessed!

He will fight for you...

"He will say to them, 'Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!'"
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭20:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are battles in our lives where the odds seem overwhelming. Battles such as cancer, financial crisis, a failing marriage, a lost job, drug or porn addiction and too many others to name. Battles that we as humans could not win by ourselves.

But we must remember that the Lord our God is with us. He is going before us, weakening the enemy, fighting our battles. Who better to go into battle with than the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords, the conquering of death! The Lord your God is fighting for you.

Be Blessed!

The Lord will bless you...

"The LORD will make you the head (leader) and not the tail (follower); and you will be above only, and you will not be beneath, if you listen and pay attention to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today, to observe them carefully."
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Observing God's commands is essential for the spirit filled life. We must dive into His word daily and read and follow His commands. If we don't, it's like building a complex piece of machinery and never opening the instructions manual. It makes it very difficult to put it all together.

You see, your Heavenly Father wants you to succeed, He wants to bless you, so He gave you an instruction book. Make sure your reading it because the Lord wants to bless you, so Be Blessed!

Hold tight...

"So you must be sure to keep the message burning in your hearts; that is, the message of life you heard from the beginning. If you do, you will always be living in close fellowship with the Son and with the Father."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Since I was a child, I have heard the message of God. His love and His mercy, and the sacrifice of His son for me. Now, I have strayed but His message has always been with me.

As I mature, His message grows stronger with me. It molds me and shapes me into the man that I want to be. I am not perfect, but Gods love is.

Hold tight to His message and Be Blessed!

Setting an example...

"Nadab son of Jeroboam began to rule over Israel in the second year of King Asa's reign in Judah. He reigned in Israel two years. But he did what was evil in the Lord's sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit."
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭15:25-26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is said that children don't always listen to us but they will always imitate us. Have you, as a parent, every heard your own words come from your child's mouth? Seen them pick up your bad habits? If you smoke, they will likely smoke, if you cuss, they will do the same.

But in the opposite end, if they witness you in devotion and bible reading, they will do the same. If you attend church regularly, so will they.

The same goes for young believers in Christ, they will imitate their mentors or older believers. Don't let your children, or young believers, be like Nadab.

Set a Godly example for them and Be Blessed!

Out of position...

"In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem."
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We know that David was not where God called him to be during this time. David should have been leading his men in battle. Instead he stayed home and we all know what happened. He got a married woman pregnant and had her husband killed.

Are you refusing to be where God has called you to be? Has he called you to ministry, or service? Has he called you to a different job or city, but you won't listen? To be the leader in your home or community? When your out of the position that God has called you to, bad things can happen.

Listen to His voice , stay in the position He has called you too and Be Blessed!

The shield of faith...

"In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One!"
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

In every epic battle, the warrior takes a shield into battle with him. In modern times, it is the ballistic vest and the Kevlar helmet. These tools protect the warrior from mortal injury.

In spiritual battles, faith is our shield. Faith that our God will come through. When the devil attacks you in the valley, have faith, our God us bigger than the valley. Faith brings you through the tough times and let's you survive. A shield of faith is essential for your spiritual battles!

Have faith, God is in your side. Be Blessed!

A godly life...

"But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God's definition of a good man. One who pursues righteousness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. A godly life. Not once did God say: a good man has a great job, lots of cars, tons of followers or likes in social media.

A good man, leads a godly life.that is the kind of man that I strive to be. How about you. Pursue God and Be Blessed!!

A man’s purpose...

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Speaking to the men in my group, do you know the purpose that God placed men on this earth? Bottom line, he needed a leader. He needed a leader who would take care of His creations, to love them and guide them.

He needed a leader for His communities, His workplaces, and most importantly His families. He wants a man to stand in the gap for Him, to lead and protect, to guide and nurture.

Are you the man God designed, are you the man with God's purpose?

Be Blessed?

In His name...

"Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭44:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most times as a man, I think that I can conquer just about anything, by myself. Who needs instructions! I can lift this, or move that without help. I can face this battle by myself, I don't need to talk about my feelings or ask for assistance.

But what we tend to forget is that, God is on our side. He is right there, battling for us and helping us move forward. We just have to acknowledge Him and ask for His help.

Don't fight this battle called life alone, in His name you will be victorious! Be Blessed!

The calm in the storm...

"Then we cried out, "Lord, help us! Rescue us!" And he did! God stilled the storm, calmed the waves, and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:28-29 TPT

As my home state suffered Hurricane force storms last night, I reflect on this passage. As strong as those winds were on my way home last night, as high as the water was, my God was still in control.

No matter what "storm" you are goi g through in your life, remember that nothing is to big for our God. As we call upon His name, He will kept us safe, He will calm the waves and hush the winds. He is the calm in the midst of the storm.

Be Blessed!

Love your enemy...

""Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God commands us to love one another. Now it's easy to love your family, your friends, those you go to church with, but your enemies? Yes, them too, the annoying one at work, the grumpy neighbor, the guy who is a different political party, the person who cut you off. We must love them all.

More than that, we are to treat them well, expecting nothing in return. We do this not out of love for them but out of love for our Lord. Like a child who does what his parents ask him to, we do it because our Heavenly Father ask us to and because we love Him.

Love your enemy...and Be Blessed!

Integrity...

"Always do what is right and not only when others are watching, so that you may please Christ as his servants by doing his will."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Integrity can be defined as: doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

It is easy NOT to cheat on a test when the teacher is watching, or NOT watch pornography when you wife is around. Maybe you don't take office supplies home when your boss is around, but what do you do when no one is looking.

Is is easy to do the right thing when you have accountability, but what about when you don't. Do you still have integrity and honor Christ?

My hope is that you do, Be Blessed

Your gifts help the whole body...

"All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. For his "body" has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:15-16 TPT

Each of us have separate gifts that we contribute to the body of Christ. Some are preachers, some are greeters, some are the janitors that clean the church. Others may serve their community, or help the homeless.

No matter what your gift is, be sure that the body of Christ cannot function without you. God gave you a unique gift that only you can do for Him.

Your gift helps the whole body of Christ...Be Blessed!

Wherever you are...

"Paul lived two more years in Rome, in his own rented quarters, welcoming all who came to visit. He continued to proclaim to all the truths of God's kingdom realm, teaching them about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, speaking triumphantly and without any restriction."
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:30-31‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Throughout the New Testament, we hear of Paul's journeys and mission trips, preaching the gospel. But what compelled me today was these two verses: Paul preached from his home, to anyone who visited.

What does that tell me: that God can use you, whenever and wherever you are! He can use you on the mission field or from the home office. God can use you wherever you are, if you allow Him too.

From a state park campground, I hope you will: Be Blessed!

God’s wisdom...

"for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:7-8, 11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God's wisdom will guide you through any circumstance. The catch is, we have to know what His word says and we have to apply it.

Now for most Christians, we know His word, but the applying it to our lives part, that gives us trouble. You see, the human side of us takes over and we tend to think we know more than God.

So make sure you are reading and studying His word, but more importantly, make sure your applying it to your life.

Be Blessed!

Love one another...

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
‭‭John‬ ‭13:34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is a tough one in today's environment. Notice He didn't say, love only those nice to you, or those of your same color, or same political party, or those in the same church or religion. No, He said "love one another"; meaning anyone and everyone, the sinner and the saint.

Oh, how much better would our world be if we just loved each other, showed each other respect. Jesus loved EVERYONE, He died for everyone's sins, so that everyone could be saved.

What can you do to love someone today?

Be Blessed!

Good deeds...

"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some people think that you have to go on a mission trip or build Habitat for Humanity houses to be doing good deeds. But it can be as simple as buying a cup of coffee for a friend and listening to them fir a few minutes. Mowing the yard for a neighbor, or sharing the cookies you baked for desert.

It can be as simple as letting someone go in front of you in the check out line at the grocery. The point is, the simplest act of kindness can brighten someone's day and they can see God's love through your kind deed.

Show God the world through everything you do.

Be Blessed!

Words to live by...

"Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul gave the church at Corinth words to live by. They are just as important today as they were back then. In today's troubled world, we must be joyful, be mature, encourage one another and most importantly: live in harmony and peace.

The devil uses many things to drive us apart, to drive believers and unbelievers to opposite ends of the spectrum, to hate for one another. But as believers we must be better than that. We must listen, encourage, make peace. We can do these things without compromising our beliefs.

We must be "the bigger man", so that Gods love and peace will be with us and shine through us.

Be Blessed!

He restores...

"That's where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me pathways to God's pleasure and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

So often we blow through Psalms 23 because it is such a familiar passage. Be our God is the God who restores. No matter your past sin, your past failures, past relationships, your past burdens; God restores!

He can use the sinner, the failure, the relationships, the burdens; all to bring glory and righteousness to His name. No matter your past, God can use you fir His glory.

Have you given your past to God? Allow Him to restore you today! Be Blessed!

Gods got your back...

"So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us?"
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:31‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When you were a kid, did you have an older sibling or a friend that always had you back. You might have gotten into a childhood squabble where someone was picking on you, but when that sibling or friend showed up, it was over, there was no more argument. Whoever was against you, didn't want to mess with your backup!

Well, God is like that, He always has your back. When the world bows up against you or the devil attacks you, call upon the Lord. He has your back and with Him, nothing can stand against us.

Be Blessed!

Jesus grew...

"As Jesus grew, so did his wisdom and maturity. The favor of men increased upon his life, for he was loved greatly by God."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:52‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Not much is written about Jesus as a child, but we do know, like all children, that He grew. He grew not only physically but in wisdom and maturity. He did this by studying the Word, by praying to the Father and by doing those things He learned.

As we grow in our spiritual walk, we must do the same things, study the word, communicate with our Father and put what we learn into daily lives. Not only will our Heavenly Father see the difference in us, but the world will too.

Never stop growing, never stop learning, never stop praying!

Be Blessed!

Why?

"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

Do you ever wonder why? Why certain things have happened in your life, or in your childhood? At that moment, those were the worst things ever! Or maybe it was something wonderful that never happened again? Why?

My wife and I were discussing this last night and then I read Romans this morning. God has woven EVERY detail of our lives together to make us who we are today. He has a perfect plan, trust the process.

Be Blessed!

The sinful man...

"What an agonizing situation I am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome intruder of sin and death? I give all my thanks to God, for his mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! So if left to myself, the flesh is aligned with the law of sin, but now my renewed mind is fixed on and submitted to God's righteous principles."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Humans, by nature are sinful. And if we continue to live in that sin, we will inevitably live a miserable life. Trust me, I have lived the sinners way and it is not worth it.

But God provided us a way out. Because all sin requires a sacrifice to be forgiven. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He provided us a way out.

Let's live a worthy life of His sacrifice. Let Him not die in vain. Turn to God, it's a much better life.

Be Blessed!

Can you prove yourself...

"We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The old saying goes, "Don't pray for patience, God will make you wait." I see daily that we must prove ourselves as Christians, we need to show the world our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness and our love to others.

But in today's world, these are tough. It seems like we all lack kindness, understanding and love to others. We all want everyone to see "it" our way, which we think is the correct way. And patience is non existent, when everything our hearts desire is at our fingertips.

I have lacked some, if not all of these this week. I pray that I do better and that the world may see the Holy Spirit within me.

Be Blessed!

One God...

"But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What do we worship as a god (little g)? Is it our money, our family, a sports team or a hobby. Is this what you live for?

I sure hope not, these thing can't help us, can't save us, can't redeem us. There is only one God (big G)!! He created everything, He can help us, He can save us, He can redeem us!! We should live for Him and though Him, the one and only God!!

Be Blessed!

Who do you call on?

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalms 59:16 NIV

Who do you call upon in times of trouble? Is it your best friend, your spouse, your parents? Those are all great for moral support but in true times of trouble, we must call upon the Lord.

He is always there, through the ups and downs, the thick and thin, and He carries us when times get hard. Make sure you are singing His praises, make sure you are relying upon Him and Him alone.

Be Blessed!

It’s not important...

"I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes as Christians we wonder, did I make a difference? We have to remember that is not important, what is important is we did what God led us to do.

We are not all called to be preachers or evangelist that led thousands to Christ. But we are all called to do something with our talents to plant a seed, to show Gods love. Just by using your talents for Gods glory you are doing just that, planting that seed. His will have someone else water it and He and he alone will make it grow!

Remember, the world sees God through us and what we do. Plant that seed, do what God called you to do, that is what is important. He will make it grow and reap the harvest.

Be Blessed!

Encouraging one another...

"When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town."
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭16:40 NLT

How many times as Christians do we talk to someone that is going through something or have a prayer request and will tell them we will pray for them. Then we walk away and never think another thing about it because we are so busy with our own lives.

Paul and Silas had just left prison and the first thing they did was to encourage other believers. They took the time to stop and encourage them and pray for them. That is important, we must encourage one another. Life is tough and we need like minded believers to walk with us.

Take some time to encourage someone today, stop and pray for them right then and Be Blessed!

Set yourself apart...

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most days we all want to be liked, we all want to fit in. Sometimes we tend to go with the crowd, fall into peer pressure so we can fit in with the world.

But God doesn't want you to fit in, He wants you to stand apart. God has greater plan for you than this world does. He has a good and perfect will for you.

So stop thinking like the crowd, stand apart and focus on God. His rewards are much more than this world could ever offer.

Be Blessed!

Footsies to your prayers...

"Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?"
‭‭James‬ ‭2:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Praying for those in need is a noble thing. But God called us to more than that. Now I am sure that the person appreciate the prayers, but what if we went a little further. What if we cooked them a meal, mowed their yard, visited them in the hospital. What if we put "footsies to our prayers"?

Sometimes the world sees the church as 'high and mighty' but not willing to get their hands dirty. But the church is not a building, take the church out to those in need by serving them.

Trust me, you will be more rewarded by giving your gifts, talents and time to those in need than if you just said a prayer. So why not do both!?

Be Blessed!

Be kind to those less fortunate...

"Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God tells us in the Psalms that He loves His people who take care of the poor and less fortunate. When we show kindness and favor to those people, God blesses us.

It may be no more than buying a meal. Sharing a cup of coffee or helping with some home repairs they need. Using your gifts to help those in need will bring exponential returns from God.

Take some time out of your day to bless someone else and in the end, you will Be Blessed!

An offended friend...

"An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Life is hard enough, but to have to go through it without a friend is horrible. As Christians we need to support one another, especially those closest to us.

Sometimes the human side of us takes over and we make mistakes. And when we lose what we love the most, not only are their hearts broken, but so are ours.

Winning those back you have offended, takes time, love, compassion and lots of prayer. Hold close to those you love and be there for them when they need you the most.

Be Blessed!

Cheerful giver...

"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.""
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Giving doesn't always have to be monetary. God gave each of us a "talent", so that we could use it for His glory. Your talent could be singing, teaching, cooking, home repair, sitting with the elderly, good with kids; it could be anything.

But what you do with that talent is up to you. God gave you that gift so you can bless others. Be a cheerful giver with your talent, give your time to those in need in whatever way God has blessed you. I know that I personally get a great blessing when I use my gifts to bless others!

Be a cheerful giver and Be Blessed!

Persistent prayer...

""And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Being persistent is a quality that we could apply to our prayer life. Lots of times we have a situation and we say a prayer about it, a single prayer, and then we wonder why God hasn't answered us.

We must continually pray and seek God's will. Pray without ceasing, pray often, bring all your desires, and needs to your Heavenly Father.

With persistence and in accordance to His will, your prayers will be answered.

Be Blessed!

The whole armor of God...

"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When soldiers go into battle they are prepared. They were all the pieces of their armor to protect themselves. They don't leave any piece of armor out, they were completely protected.

The same is for us in today's world. God provides us with spiritual armor to protect ourselves from the enemies attacks. But we must use all those pieces of armor to be fully protected.

Make sure you are fully covered in Gods protection before heading into your daily battle. I guarantee you will be standing firm in the end.

Be Blessed!

The whisper...

"Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before GOD. GOD will pass by." A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before GOD, but GOD wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but GOD wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but GOD wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper."
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19:11-12‬ ‭MSG‬‬

In this world, so many other things grab our attention. The hurricane, the earthquake, the fire! All these things distract us from God's voice.

In today's modern world, the distractions may be, the news, riots, elections, disasters. And yes, Satan uses those things to distract us from the still small voice, the whisper.

Quiet all the noise and listen for God in the whisper.

Be Blessed!

Believe...

"But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faith in God is just like believing in yourself. Have you ever guided your children or told a close friend who was struggling, to believe in themselves. They would never succeed if they did not believed in themselves.

Faith is that belief and trust in God. Prayer is a powerful thing but it must also have faith, the belief that God will do what you ask Him to do. Don't let your faith waiver, but believe!

Be Blessed!

Pray...and Praise

"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises."
‭‭James‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are you sick? Pray. Are you in trouble, depressed? Pray. Are you in need? Pray. Are you worried? Pray. Whatever it is, God wants to hear from you. Pray.

But when life is good. Praise Him. When prayers are answered. Praise. When you get a good parking spot. Praise.

Just like you best friend, God doesn't want to just hear your grips and complaints, He wants to hear your joys and praises as well.

When life hits you, Pray...and Praise!

Be Blessed!

Not of this world...

""If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you."
‭‭John‬ ‭15:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you every feel like the world hates you? Hates what you stand for? Hates what you believe in?

For thousands of years, Christians have been persecuted in one way or the other. The world and Satan, who controls the world, hates us! Why, because he hated the Savior. Satan knows that Christ came to save us.

So just remember to keep loving the world, they hate you because they do not know your Savior, to whom you belong. And just a quick hint, I have read the back of the book, We Win!

Keep loving, keep the faith, they only hate you because they don't know the Savior, show Him to them!

Be Blessed!

That still small voice...

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I hear my wife, every time she speaks to me. Yes, I said it, I hear her, but did I listen?

God speaks to us everyday, in many many ways, and I guarantee you hear Him. But are you listening?

When I am truly listening to my wife, I stop what I am doing, put down my phone, turn and look her in the eyes and I listen.

When I am listening to God, I am focused on Him, in His word and I am quiet, not talking, but listening. He will direct your path, just listen.

Be Blessed!

Constant communication...

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To be honest, I don't have a dedicated prayer time where I sit down and pray the most Holy of Holy prayers. But I do try to have God constantly on my heart.

My car is filled with praise and worship music, I spend daily time in his word. And I talk to my Heavenly Father in multiple small conversations throughout the day. Whether it is while driving, reading or sitting on my back porch.

I may see a deer on the side of the road or hear a song I love. Those thing remind me to speak to Him and say thank you Lord. And if I am mulling over a decision, I talk about it with Him.

Talk to God and about God constantly in your daily life. It is a conversation that is worth it.

Be Blessed!

His craftsmanship...

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship."
Psalms 18:1 NLT

This week I took some days off, as a matter of fact, I took 21 days off. It is the first true vacation my wife and I have had in 10* years.

We have seen the beach, felt Gods power in the waves. We have looked at His vast ocean and been in awe. We have hike His forest, and felt His peace. Sat by a boat dock and watched the fish jump as they feed, and stared at His awesome beauty He created.

Truly nature displays His glory and craftsmanship. How have you connected with you God today?

Be Blessed!

Just ask...

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God tells us in James, if we need wisdom, just ask. Such a simple thing. God says, just ask.

There have been times when I have been worried, scared, not knowing what to do. Then my wife says: "Have you prayed about it?" Well No, such a simple thing, I forget to ask my Heavenly Father what I should do.

Don't forget the simple things, your Heavenly Father is there 24/7, all you have to do is ask!

Be Blessed!

Everything...

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Everything...that is a BIG word. Now it doesn't mean just the important stuff or the expensive stuff, it mean ALL of it!!

Commit your house, your family, your dog, your finances, your relationships, your job, your free time, your hobbies, your TV, your radio, ....your EVERYTHING!

God doesn't want just part of you, no he wants all of you. He cares about every aspect of your life, I even believe that He cares if you get a good parking spot at Walmart. Yes, God cares about you that much!!

Commit it all to Him, Trust Him and watch how He shines!!

Be Blessed!

God’s nature...

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I wake up this morning and sit at my campsite, I look out and see God's nature. His beauty, the birds are chirping, the squirrels are gathering. You can clearly see God's invisible qualities.

When you look at the heavens and earth, you have to realize that all that beauty did not happen by chance. A divine creator brought this all together in such a complex way that it leaves me in awe!

When we look at nature, we have no excuse for not knowing God!

Be Blessed!

With God...

"The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:26-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You can be a good man, never angry, go to church, love your wife and family, be kind to your neighbor, give to the poor, but bottom line, that doesn't get you into heaven.

It is impossible to be saved without God, such an eternal decision can be made with just a few words. "God, I am a sinner, I believe you came to save me, come into my heart and be my Lord."

Now, everything is possible with God!! Have you made that decision? If not PM me and let me share with you.

Be Blessed!

All that I teach...

"Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.""
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Ever heard the phrase: "sinner on Saturday night, saint on Sunday morning."

It is hard to have a witness For Christ, when that is the life you live. Living a life fully committed to Christ is the most fulfilling thing you can do. It really does release true freedom.

So the question is, are you a part time follower or are you true, all in, follower if Christ?

Be Blessed!

Give up your own way...

"Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."
‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Following Christ is not easy. The easy way out is the human way, satan makes sure of that. Choosing to follow Christ is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

You see, when we follow Christ, he promises to always be there for us, through the good and bad. What he doesn't promise is a life full of roses.

You see God never promised us this world, he promised us eternal life, with Him. Take up your cross, He will help you carry it, and follow Him. The eternal reward will be worth it!!

Be Blessed!

How big is your faith?

"Then Jesus put his hands over their eyes and said, "You will have what your faith expects!""
‭‭Matthew 9:29 TPT

How big is your faith? Christ tells us, in Matthew, that we will have what our faith expects. Such a powerful statement.

So if we have little faith, we expect little things, but if we have BIG faith, we expect BIG things.

Man, do I want God to do big things in my life. My faith needs to match that. How much are you believing for?

Be Blessed and have BIG faith!!

That kind of faith..

"Pressing in through the crowd, she came up behind Jesus and touched the tassel of his prayer shawl. Instantly her bleeding stopped and she was healed.

Jesus responded, "Beloved daughter, your faith in me has released your healing. You may go with my peace.""
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:44, 48‬ ‭TPT‬‬

In Luke we hear the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment to be healed. She didn't ask to be healed, she didn't come before the Master and beg Him...she only believed!!

Wow, what a lesson we can learn. What if we all had that kind of faith? What if we all believed that Jesus would do those kind of miracles in our lives? Our lack of faith causes us so much pain. We must believe, we must have the faith to touch the hem of His garment.

Faith like that can change your life, faith like that can change the world.

Be Blessed!

The shepherd...

"Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I'll never be lonely, for you are near."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The passion translation gives a deeper clarification to Psalms 23. Sometimes God's path takes us through those deep dark valley. He chooses to do this so we will rely upon Him.

He will conquer our fears. He will lead you through the dark times, he will comfort you with His love. He will send you strength and peace.

When you feel you can't go any more, you can't take another step, He is right there beside you, picking you up and carrying you! He loves you!

Be Blessed!

Trials...

"We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Trials, man they stink! We wish we never had to experience them. But it's not about the trial, it's about what you do with them.

Now we can be human and let the test and trials overwhelm us, maybe give in or give up. Or, we can be a child if the King and rely on Him. Our God is ever faithful, He gives us a way out, a way to overcome. But we will never know that way if we don't trust in Him.

What trials are you going through right now? Do you know the way out? I know someone who does!! Trust in Him!

Be Blessed!

Anger

"My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God's righteous purpose."
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Anger: It took me a long time and a lot of heart break to figure this out. When I was younger I was cocky and had an attitude. When I was wronged I became angry and let it show. The results were never good. And my witness as a believer suffered for it.

Anger is a legitimate feeling. But to use anger as a tool is never good and accomplishes nothing. As a matter of fact, it destroys your witness and takes away any respect you might have had from others.

Be slow to anger, take a deep breath, pray and let God show you a better solution.

Be Blessed!

Isabella Grace

Isabella Grace

October 17th, 2009 to August 24th, 2020

Today, my house is empty. Their is no one to greet me at the door, no pitter-patter of little paws, no snuggles, no fur babies. The unwavering love of a loyal friend makes these times even harder. But we loved her too much to see her in pain. 

Isabella Grace: meaning "consecrated to God", "gracious". She always walked with grace and was the princess of the house. 

Our Izzy has battled tummy issues for several months, but she declined more and more after the loss of her life long brother, two months ago. She never went to bed without knowing where he was, and since his passing she has been lost without him.

Izzy came home in 2009 to a house full of love. That little black puppy grew into our 'Pretty Girl'. She would give kisses any chance she got, and wake you up with a touch of her paw to say "Hey dad, I'm hungry."

She has gone by many names: Izzy, Bell-bell, Bella, she didn't care what you called her as long as you called her for supper. She was ever the chow -hound. 

She was shy and introverted. She stayed in the background and didn't like the attention. But whenever you turned around, she was always by your side. She loved her family unconditionally.

She had "momma bear" instincts and always protected her loved ones. Even if it meant barking at Dad while he was trying to hug her Momma.

She loved to roll in fresh cut grass, chase the squirrels and guard her yard. She cherished her toys but didn't like to share. Her favorite spot was the back of the couch, watching over her family. 

We got one last day of our favorite snacks, one last belly rub and one last kiss. Our princess is gone, but we know she is cuddled up with brother, waiting for us on the other side. Rest easy Sweet Girl, we love you to the moon and back. 

Love,

Mom and Dad

Isabella

 My precious Isabella is hurting today. 

In February/March of this year she began having chronic diarrhea. We just assumed for a while that it was because she eats everything. Her float test were negative but she had a ton of bacteria in her stool. For a while, the antibiotics helped. Then they didn't any longer.

So we began working with the concept that maybe, just maybe she had an inflammatory bowel disease, so we added some steroids and some pro-biotics. Things were OK off and on, but never really better. We considered that possibility that she had some type of GI cancer, but the only way to find out for sure was to operate, and we weren't ready to put her through that pain. And if we did, what would it resolve? It was tell us that our fears were true, and their really wasn't a treatment. So why put here through that?

She had lost from 18 lbs in February to about 15 lbs in June when she lost the love of her life, Isaac.

Isabella cared more for brother than she cared for anything, when he got tired and confused or couldn't see, she was there to guide him. She loved on him, made sure he was sleeping and made sure he knew where his food was and how to get outside. Some days it was just precious to watch how much she cared for him. 

Brother passed, and he is at peace now. But  Isabella has never recovered from his loss. She looked for him daily for days and weeks. She smelled him, but couldn't find him. And I truly believe, that she gave up. She gave up trying to find him, she gave up on life, she gave up on fighting the battle any more. 

Her diarrhea got worse and she declined. As of August, she was down to 13 lbs. She had lost over 30% of her body weight, her worst day was last Sunday. She had vomited and had diarrhea in the house, outside, in our bed, she was pitiful. 

So Monday, we went back to see Dr. Stephens, with the intention that if we didn't find something, we were going to let her go. Dr. Stephens had promising news, he found ONE hookworm in her float test, ONE! Maybe this was the answer we needed.

So we came home on de-wormer and hoped for the best. The next day we had a descent poop and I had high hopes. But it didn't get any better, she was nauseated, didn't want to eat, was tired all the time. Her stools went back to watery and loose. 

I called Dr. Stephens again, he was been so great, and talked to him. He suggested that we change antibiotics and try that. I know he is as frustrated as we are, he loves all his patients like they are his own. But Mom and I talked, she was living a miserable life. Nobody wants to have to poop all the time, nobody wants their belly to ache all the time. She was miserable. And worse yet, her favorite thing to do, eating, was just a struggle for her. She no longer liked her food, because it had medicine in it. She was tired, and weak.

So Mom and I decided to just love on her, to let her eat her good food. To love on her, to let her go. It has to be the toughest decision we have made but I believe it is the right decision. She needs peace and rest and she needs to be with brother. 

I think that I have taken Izzy's decline worse than I did Isaac. I think it is because I feel like I failed Izzy. We didn't have an answer to what was causing her problems. We knew with Isaac that we could buy time, we knew that his kidneys were failing. But I don't know what is wrong with Izzy. All I know is that she is sick and I can't fix it. My job as a nurse, as a husband and as a Dad is to fix problems for my family. To love on them and to take care of them. I have not been able to fix Izzy. I have not been able to find the problem. I have failed her. 

I also believe that it is the finality of the situation. Isaac and Izzy were synonymous. If you saw one, you saw the other. If you spoke of one, you spoke of the other. They were inseparable. Once Izzy is gone, it will be final. It will be done, my babies will only be in my memory. How do you forget someone that has been such a big part of your life. I will be lost. 

But I pray for God's peace. peace that I have made the right decision for my sweet girl. Peace for Izzy, that she won't hurt anymore, that she will get rest. Peace that she is no longer alone and she is with brother.

I love you Izzy, I hope you know that Daddy does this out of love. My Sweet Girl!!

Love, Dad

Only one way...

"Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."
‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Give up your own way...what a powerful statement. I have tried it my way, it doesn't work. So many times we have and issue or a problem, and we pray about it, but we don't follow God, we do it our own way.

Trust me, our way never works. To be a follower of Christ, we must do it His way. No exceptions! We must put our faith in Him. His way may not be the way we want to go, but in the long run, it is the better way.

Take up your cross, follow Him!!

Be Blessed!

Fear

"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. 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

Sometimes, and for me it is today, we have a fearful spirit. We forget who our father is. We forget that we can bring those fears to Him and He will love us and protest us and wipe away those fears.

But for days that we forget, we must be reminded. We must dive into His word and give our fears to Him.

We are His children's and He is our loving, protective father. Put your trust in Him.

Be Blessed!

I will be with you...

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Fear is the worry that something is happening that you have no control over.

Isaiah tells us not to worry. That when we go through deep waters, or walk through the fires, our God will be with us. We will not drown and we will not be consumed by the fire. Our God will see us through.

What are you fearing today? I have many, but I trust that my Lord will see me through.

Be Blessed!

Stay alert!!

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What a great verse for today's world. The devil lurks on ever corner, every billboard, every TV show, every secular song, every internet add and news show. Yes, we are bombarded by the things of the devil today in this overwhelming information age.

But fill yourself with things of God, be strong in your faith. Rely upon other believers, and be there for them. They are going through the same things you are. Support each other!

Stay alert! and Be Blessed!!

The way of the righteous...

"Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Continuing in Psalms 1, the sinners, those who have not given their life's to Christ, will not be able to stand with the righteous when called to heaven. They will not have Jesus defending their actions because they are not His child.

But the Lord will know the righteous man, Jesus will defend us to His father. And we will here "Well done!" But the ungodly will be cast into the lake of fire.

I am so glad that I have the Great Counselor by my side, defending me to the Father. How thankful I am for the cross and that I am a Blessed Man!!

Be Blessed!

Whatever he does, prospers...

"He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Continuing in Psalms 1, the godly man is like a tree planted by the river. His roots are deep in its godly foundation. He is feed daily with God's living water, His word. He doesn't wither up against a fight or wind, He is strong and stands his ground against the enemy. Everything that he does prospers and he brings forth good fruit.

But ungodly men are blown back and forth by the wind, they don't have good roots. They jump into whatever blows their way and they do not produce fruit in their season.

Which tree do you want to be? As for me, I want to be planted by His living water! I want to prosper.

Be Blessed!

Blessed is the man!!

"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Psalms 1 has always had a special place for me, by far my favorite chapter in the Bible! It is where my sign off, "Be Blessed!", comes from.

Blessed is the man, the man who doesn't follow his sinful friends or hang our with the wrong crowd. Blessed is the man who delights in God's word, who reads it daily!!

Yes, God blesses that man! Now I am not perfect, far from it, but my God has blessed me beyond belief!! Are you that man that David was talking about?

Be Blessed!

Don’t cave, He didn’t...

"So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won't become worn down and cave in under life's pressures."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Do you ever feel like the pressures too much? Do you feel like it would just be easier to give in? Do you ever just want to give up?

The pressure we face in today's world are immense! Social pressure, political pressure, sexual pressure, financial pressure. Sometimes it would just be easier to give in.

But what about Jesus? He faced the immense and horrible pressures of going to the cross. He could have stopped it with a word. He could have caved and saved Himself. But, He didn't, he knew the prize was so much more than Himself. He knew it meant eternally life for you and me! He saw that It was worth it.

Now whatever pressure you face, I am sure they are hard, but the prize to remain faithful to Christ is so much more. Keep the faith, follow Christ example. It will be worth it!

Be Blessed!

Depend on Him for everything...

"I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God's help. But then I realize that our true help and protection come only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭TPT‬‬

"Father, I acknowledge that everything I need today will come from you. You made the heavens and the earth; You are more than capable of handling any situation I'm dealing with, so I give it to you completely. I look to you to help me, sustain me, and give me Your peace. Remind me of your hope and power today. Thank you in advance for taking care of my needs."

Taken from: "Pray First: Prayer guide." COTH

Faith like a dog...

"It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I am an animal lover, a dog guy. Most pups want to please their masters because they believe their master cares for them and loves them. They want to make them happy. They follow his every footstep and want to be by his side day and night.

The dog has faith that their master will lead them, guide them, love and protect them and care for their needs. A dog has faith!!

We as Christians cannot please our God unless we have that same faith. 1. That He exist. 2. That He loves us and cares deeply for us. Like the dog who brings the stick back, we are seeking to make our God happy. And when we have faith and believe that He loves and cares for us we are pleasing to our Master.

Do you have the faith that your God loves you?

Be Blessed!

How big is your faith?

"By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Christians inherently believe that God created everything, the entire universe. That is one of our fundamental beliefs. We have the faith to believe and understand that one really HUGE thing.

But most Christians don't have enough faith to believe that the same God that created the universe, cares about their problems, their finances, their health, happiness and well being. I am here to tell you that the same God that created the universe, cares about you!!

We have faith in the big things, why not the little ones , why do we not trust our God to take care of our daily needs? Because we believe the enemies lies, we believe that our BIG God doesn't have time for little me.

Stop believing the lies, start putting you faith in the little things! Your God loves you deeply and cares about you greatly. Why not have enough faith in Him to give him your worries, your fears, and your anxieties.

How big is your faith?
Be Blessed!

Patient endurance...

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:35-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We may have faith to trust in the Lord, during this moment. But to we have the patient endurance needed to continue to do Gods will? Do we have the resilience to keep pushing forward when we see no progress?

Are we willing to continue in Gods timeline or do we only have faith for our timeline? Keep pushing, keep being patient, keep the faith...the promises God made you are coming... in His time!

Be Blessed!

Always...

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.""
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As a believer...
God will always be with you.
He will always love you.
He will always forgive your sins.
He will always listen to you.
He will always comfort you.
He will always provide for you.
He will always remember you.
He will always work on your behalf.
He will always lead you with love, power and wisdom.
He will always bless your obedience to him.
He will always come through for you.
He will always answer your prayers.
And when you wait in the Lord, you can know for certain that the best is yet to come...always.

Be Blessed!

Taken from: Waiting on God; by Charles F. Stanley

You keep your promises

"You keep every promise you've ever made to me! Since your love for me is constant and endless, I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you've begun in me!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138:8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

David really messed up in his life, several times. But he diligently sought God, His guidance and forgiveness. God wasn't through with David and had great plans for Him.

David led a great nation and did many great things for God. And God rewarded him by keeping His promises. David's family would eventually bring us the King of all Kings, Jesus Christ.

God's love is constant and endless, He has great plans for you. Keep seeking Him!

Be Blessed!

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

"Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:35-36‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When times get tough, when your worried, when you think their is no end in site...keep confident!! No, not in yourself, not in the world, not in your circumstances but in your God!

Keep doing what is right, keep seeking Him, keep reading His word. He has a great reward for you in the other side. A promise that He will fulfill, He loves you, He is cheering for you. Let Him lift you up and give you endurance.

Trust His plan and you will be better for it!

Be Blessed!

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

Sometimes things happened in my life that I thought: "God, why did you let that happen?" But I look back years later and see that it was Him grooming and growing me. Making me a better man and a better witness.

Sometimes the struggles in our life are for a very important reason. You can't gain strength without a little pain and a little work. Ask anyone who works out regularly, they went through some pain and lots of work to be able to do what they do now, and make it look easy.

So remember that, during those times of pain and heartache. Ask God, what are you trying to teach me? How can I grow from this? He has a perfect plan for your life, and is weaving it together, just trust and rely on Him.

Be Blessed!

Becoming intimate...

"Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you every become "intimate" with someone? I don't mean sexually, I mean to really get to know someone. Their ins and outs, likes and dislikes, so close to one another that you can finish each other's sentences.

And when it comes to making decisions, you tend to ask that person for opinions or advice. Because you know them and they know you. Well, your Heavenly Father wants that kind is relationship with you. He wants to intimately know you and you Him.

And when you have that relationship with Him, it will become second nature to rely on Him for the decisions you make and the path you will go.

Get to know your Heavenly Father today!

Be Blessed!

Gifts

"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever think about the gifts you receive daily from your Heavenly Father? I'm not talking about BIG stuff, I'm talking about the little things we take for granted.

The red bird on your back porch, the smile and laughter of your child or grandchildren, the sun, the wind, the closest parking space at Walmart. Yes, all those are gifts from your Heavenly Father. He cares about you, He cares about your whole life.

Thank your Heavenly Father today for the small things that you take for granted.

Be Blessed!

He is still working...

"For from days of old no one has heard, nor has ear perceived, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and acts in behalf of the one who [gladly] waits for Him."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭64:4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

There is a popular praise song that says "even when I don't see that your working, even when I don't feel that your working, You never stop, You never stop working!"

We must wait on His work. Whatever your going through in your life, you may not see Him, you may not feel Him but He is still working. God is still working for those who wait on Him.

So many times we want to rush things, to get it NOW or to have an answer immediately. But most of the time, it is better, in the long run if we wait in the Lord. He is still working for you, don't rush Him.

Be Blessed!

He will never fail you...

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.""
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes I wonder about the battles and struggles that I have been through in my life. I look back and see how hard they were and the human side of me says 'man, that was rough!'

But then I read in God's word. My God went before me, He was my front line, He never abandoned me but He fought my battle first. He weakened the enemy before I ever got there.

How much worse would those battles have been without God going before me? We tend to see the only battle that we are in right now, we don't look at the bigger picture, the war that is going on and our God who is going before us!

Remember when you struggle, God has already gone before you and weakened your enemy so you can win the battle!

Be Blessed!

Listen to my words...

"Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:20-22‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Are you listening to Gods word? Do you study it daily? Do you concentrate on it? Memorize it?

When you discover, truly discover Gods word. Then and only then will you really live. He has so much in store for you, so much to say, to teach you, to share with you.

Do you have just 5 minutes a day to hide His word in your heart? I hope so, it's worth it.

Be Blessed!

You are Lord...

"My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions. For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved as my mother's only child. My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. 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. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.""
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:1-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lord, give me a heart to pursue wisdom, to chase it down, to grasp it when I find it. Let me never turn away from the fear of the Lord. May I always own you as absolute Lord and recognize Your glory and power. You are Lord!

Be Blessed!

Seek wise counsel...

"Pay close attention, my child, to your father's wise words and never forget your mother's instructions. For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Everyone should have someone in their life to provide wise counsel. For most of us it was a godly mother and/or father. For some it is a mentor, maybe a preacher or teacher or another family member who helped raise them.

In today's world we are bombard with information from every direction. It is hard to decipher and know what is true and wise.

We must rely on godly, wise counsel. We must seek God and His word so we can make wise choices. Speak to your Heavenly Father, seek his face. He will lead you too success.

Be Blessed!

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

"How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We learn by being obedient. My dad taught me many things growing up. Electrical work, carpentry, plumbing, yard work, and how to work on a car. But I learned these things by watching his example and being obedient to his instructions. Now I have that wisdom and knowledge and I can fix just about anything I try my hand at.

Godly wisdom is the same way, we must be obedient to God's word, we must follow Christ example. When we are faced with problems, we must open His instruction manual, the Bible and follow its teachings.

Now I know most men don't like to follow instruction manuals, it's usually the first thing we throw out. But trust me, God's instructions will fill you with wisdom and never lead you astray.

Be Blessed!

God talk without God acts...

"Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?"
‭‭James‬ ‭2:14-17‬ ‭MSG‬‬

We can talk about the love of God and our faith all day long, but does that get us anywhere?

I am an analytical guy, so if you tell me something, I like to see the proof and the science behind it. That is what makes me believe in what your saying.

Preaching and teaching to an unbeliever is the same thing. They hear you, but they need proof. They need to see and feel the love of God. That comes through us, loving on them, serving them, caring for them and being an example of God to them.

As the old saying goes: " If your going to talk the (God) talk, you need to walk the (God) walk!"

Be Blessed!

In response to His call...

"GOD 's Message: "Heaven's my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me? What holiday spot reserve for me? I made all this! I own all this!" GOD 's Decree. "But there is something I'm looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I hope you had the opportunity to SERVE on this SERVE weekend. Now me, personally, I don't serve because it makes me feel good or because it's the "thing to do". I serve others because God gave me some skills and He has told me to help others.

I serve because my God has asked me too. Because His son, Jesus, set the example and showed us how to love through service.

I can build steps, mow yards, pull weeds and move refrigerators, but I don't do it for others. I do it, in response to God's call, so that others may see God through me.

Be Blessed!