Persistence…

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Persistence is defined as "continuance in a course of action despite difficulties or opposition." That is what Timothy is referring to in this verse. In the Christian life, we will have opposition, and troubles, but we keep pressing on. We keep our eyes on the cross and finish strong.

This last day of the year, can you look back and say you finished strong? Have you kept the faith? Are you proud of the Christian life you have led this past year?

Fight the good fight, God is for you! He wants you to finish strong and full of faith so that you will Be Blessed!

Encourage…

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So many times I see fellow Christians watch others fall into sin, and they look down upon them. That is not what we are supposed to do. We are to encourage one another, lift each other up. Even to the point of lending a hand and helping the other with whatever their need may be.

Life is hard, we all fail. But we need to join together in a loving support system that God created.

So when you see a brother or sister that is down, help pick them up! And when you fail, and you will, maybe they will be there to help you as well, then you will Be Blessed!

Prepare…

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

During my study on temptation, it always comes up that Jesus was also tempted. But He did not fall to those temptations. But being 100% man made that difficult, even though He was also 100% God.

But what did Jesus do? He prepared for those trials. He had fasted and prayed for 40 days in the wilderness before the enemy approached Him. Jesus was prepared, so when His weakest moment came He still would not fail!

Preparation is the key to success. Make sure your prayed and studied up and when you face the enemy, you will not fail! Be Blessed!

Temptation…

"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

Temptation on this earth are inevitable. But Paul tells us that God will provide an escape path for us. But here is the catch, we must do our part. We must have prepared our heart and souls for those temptations.

Have we filled our minds with the knowledge of God's word? Are we prayed up? Are we staying out of situations where temptation is likely to occur?

Have no doubt, we will be tested, but just like any test, we must prepare for it! Do the work, pass the test and you will Be Blessed!

Follow His direction…

"Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy."
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moses is telling his people to follow all the commandments and directions that the Lord has given them. If they do so then they will be given all that God has for them.

Sometimes our lives are much the same. We are wondering in the desert without direction. Lost and forgotten. But we have a book of directions, we have a Heavenly Father that wants to show us the way.

Whatever you do, every decision you make; consult Him. Read His word, talk to Him in prayer. If you do so, He will guide every step and you will Be Blessed!

Mighty warriors…

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.""
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Gideon was afraid, he had a fierce battle ahead of him. He knew he could t do it alone. The angle reassured him, letting him know the Lord was with him. He would be a mighty warrior and the battle would be his.

What fears or challenges are you facing? How does it help to know that God is with you and wants you to succeed?

So you mighty warriors, stand up, face your battles knowing that God is with you! Know the battle is yours and Be Blessed!

Tell your story…

"I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭71‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What has God done for you? Have you told someone about it? We must tell everyone about it!

You don't have to be a Nobel laureate in literature to describe what God has done for you. Share your story, tell how He saved you, tell how He used you!

Let others see the good in your life because of Him. Sing His praises and Be Blessed!

His comforts…

"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 ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many ask why they go through troubles and trials. I believe this verse answers the question eloquently! God cares for us through our trials so that we can help others.

Maybe a friend is going through something now that you suffered in the past. Reach out to them, share how God pulled you through. Be there for them just as Christ was for you. Plant the seed of Gods love and let Him reap the harvest.

God can use everything in your life for good, if you will let Him. Get out of your comfort zone and share His comforts, then you will Be Blessed!

Your love…

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.""
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We don't need to walk around proclaiming that we are Christians and acting all high and mighty. We need to show people we are Christians, like they say "actions speak louder than words!"

We should love on one another, treat each other with kindness and care. It doesn't matter if they differ from you politically or financially or socially. God did not put stipulations on His command to love one another.

So stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. Show others you are Christ disciples by your love. Then you will Be Blessed!

Fix your eyes…

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What fills your mind? The latest news scandal? What you friends are doing on social media? Politics? Finances? Or maybe the dark side of the web?

Or perhaps you have overcome all that, your mind is filled with His word. Your music sings His praises! You place all your cares in Him.

I prefer that latter, although I am human and the enemy creeps in from time to time. But fix your eyes on Him and Be Blessed!

Peace…

""I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace... Don't yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!"
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God's peace passes all understanding. The passion translation explained it more to me. Not only does He was to give us peace, but He wants it to touch us so much that it drives out fear. That His peace gives us courage to press on!!

When we are down and depressed having peace is a far stretch, but having courage, that's unthinkable. Your Heavenly Father loves you that much, He not only wants to give you what you need, but wants to empower you to accomplish so much more!!

God is for you!! He wants you to Be Blessed!

Worries…

"Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Giving up your worries and stress is a difficult task. Worry and stress is and endless feedback loop. Worry leads to stress and more stress leads to more worrying, it can make your head explode.

Breaking that cycle and giving them to God can be very hard. When you get into that loop, put on some praise music, and dive into His word. Let God do the rest, He will naturally take over and fill you with a sense of peace.

So cast your worries on Him, fill your heart with praise and let Him take over. Then you will Be Blessed!

The overcomer…

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.""
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Darkness may fall, troubles may come, but I know the overcomer! There are many trials and tribulations in this life, especially for Christians these days. But through it all God is with you, He picks you up and carry's you!

Christmas season is such a joyous time for most, but it can be a dark time for others. Those in need or those without family or loved ones. But know that God gave you all the ultimate gift, His Son!

Jesus came to save us, to lead us through the dark times, to send us peace when we are heartbroken. Put your burdens on Him and Be Blessed!

Joyful Boast…

"Shine and make your joyful boast in him, you lovers of God. Let's be happy and keep rejoicing no matter what."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I have a co-worker who is happy 24-7! It's almost annoying, but no matter how bad our night is, she finds something positive to say!

Those who have Jesus, as our Savior, should have the same attitude as my co-worker. No matter what we are going through: 1. It could always be worse and 2. We have a Savior that rules over all and makes all things right! Praise God!

So take a moment to thank God for sending His Son! Turn on a little praise music and make a joyful boast and Be Blessed!

Breakthrough…

"Then I will say to my soul, "Don't be discouraged; don't be disturbed, for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me. Then I'll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again." Yes, he is my saving grace!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭43‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When you down, depressed, sad and heartbroken; it's hard to see a good future. But remember, God's full power is at work for those who trust in Him. A break through is coming. It may not be tomorrow, next week or next year but God will overcome in His time.

Placing our trust in Him when we are down is the most difficult thing to do. But we must know that He and He alone is our saving grace!

Put you faith, hope and trust solely in the Heavenly Father, and when the breakthrough comes, praise Him and Be Blessed!

Become less…

"He must become greater; I must become less.""
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Simple or is it? We must put God first in everything we do! In a self centered world view, that's hard to imagine. Todays society is all about me! Look what I did!

But when we are at work, out to eat or just out for a run, we must place God first. Make everything about Him!

My wife and I were recently at a local pizza establishment. A family of 6 came in and sat down across from us. When their pizzas arrived, the father stopped, prayed for his family, and his meal! He took a simple pizza night and made it about God!

What can you do to make Him greater? When you do that, you will Be Blessed!

Work for the Lord…

"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

My daily prayer before work includes: "Lord, help us to remember we're working for you." Sometimes that's hard to remember. We go about our day, trying to check off the list or accomplish a task and we forget why we're here on this earth.

Remember God gave you gifts and talents. So it doesn't matter if your an accountant, a medical professional, a lawyer, an engineer or a garbage man; God put you here for a reason. So work for Him, bless others in whatever you do!

Others see Christ in the people that are quietly working for God. They recognize the difference, so be that difference and Be Blessed!

Fear…

"But in the day that I'm afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Fear…man it's got me down right now. What are you afraid of? Change, health, finances, relationships. Mine is a little of all, but the author of fear attacks when your weakest at your most vulnerable spot.

Can you lay that fear before the Lord? I'm having a hard time with it. My wife reminds me that in spiritual warfare, we must put on the full armor of God and we must give our fears to Him.

So as I try to give my fears to Him, what are yours? Can we pray together to overcome those fears? Lay your troubles at the cross and Be Blessed!

Serving others…

"The greatest among you will be the one who always serves others."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

As I read and study the life of Jesus, He was always serving others. He didn't put stock in the rich or the kings of the day, He said the greatest are those who serve others!

Giving yourself means so much more than presents or money. Giving your time, talents and skills to bless others makes God smile.

Jesus, the savior of the world, served others. He did the lowliest jobs by washing His disciples feet and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life for you.

So this holiday season, take some time to serve others and give yourself to those in need. Then you will Be Blessed!

Defend your faith…

"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Can you explain your faith to someone? Or do you change the subject? Can you defend your faith? Or do you cripple when they oppose you?

Knowledge is power, and knowing the basis of your faith is essential. Studying His word, daily communication with Him and historical knowledge of how the Bible is real helps to explain to those with questions.

But, I feel the best way to defend your faith is to share what God has done for you personally. Seeing Him work in your life is definitive proof , let them see that and you will Be Blessed!

God’s viewpoint…

"Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When we are going through something difficult, we only see it from our viewpoint. We tend to stay in our "3 foot world". But we must take a pause and look at it from God's viewpoint.

Peter only saw that His friend was going to be put to death. Peter was worrying about how that would affect himself. Jesus saw His own death from the Father's viewpoint. His death would be the saving grace for all mankind!

So remember, God has a plan, look outside yourself and trust Him. Then you will Be Blessed!

He is there…

"I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I'm trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you ever been broke, depressed? I have. Have you ever been blessed beyond belief? I have.

One thing that remained through all the ups and downs of my life was my God and my Savior! I remember at my lowest point, on my knees in a dark apartment, crying out to Him. He was there! And I remember marrying the love of my life and thanking Him for her, He was there!

God is always there, ready to pick you up, ready to celebrate or ready to just listen to His children! So no matter where your are in your journey, know that He is there and Be Blessed!

Respond gently…

"Respond gently when you are confronted and you'll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don't you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?"
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

My wife and I were discussing this very point yesterday. How our anger and our words can ruin our testimony.

I have gotten better in my old age, but I was a hot head in my younger years. And for that, there are still people from my past that think I am just a jerk. Because of my anger and my words.

Consider your words and what you have to say. You may be the only witness that's lost souls will see, your interaction with them may be crucial.

Take a deep breath, say a prayer and speak what God would want you to say, then you will Be Blessed!

The least of these…

""And the King will answer them, 'Don't you know? When you cared for one of the least of these, my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.'"
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭40‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The homeless, the orphans, the widows, maybe just the elderly neighbor or the guy that just doesn't "fit in" at work. Whoever it is, when you show them love you show love to your Heavenly Father.

And I get it, in todays world, some people are just hard to love. But God sees you and it makes Him so happy when you take that extra step and love on those people.

And trust me, they can tell the difference between the Christian that looks down on them vs those that love on them. We want more love and less condemnation. When we do that, we too will Be Blessed!

His purpose…

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When your going through tough times, it is hard to see the truth in this verse. Can God really use my suffering for good? Yes, He can.

God has a purpose and plan, He weaves together ever facet of your life for His good. What may be a devastation today will turn out to be a glorious testimony next year.

I would never be where I am without God's divine plan, what I though was heartbreaking and I would never recover from us now a redemption story. Trust in Him and Be Blessed!

Endurance…

"For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking."
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Like an athlete, the more he trains and puts his body through, the more endurance he builds up. Eventually those heavy weights are no longer a burden.

So is our faith, as a young Christian our faith is tested and tried. But if we keep our eye on God, we build endurance. What once was a big burden is no longer an issue because we have built our faith and know that God will help us endure.

So all those trials that keep knocking you down, will eventually help you stand strong, with God by your side. Know that God's got this and Be Blessed!

Overcome the world…

""I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.""
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Sometimes life stinks, especially the Christian life. We are not politically correct, we are looked down upon and even persecuted for our beliefs. Or maybe finances or relationships have you down.

Whatever it is, remember this earth is temporary. And whatever is bothering you, God has overcome it. He will get you through it, just lean on Him. He will send you peace and understanding beyond measure when you truly allow Him too.

Better days are coming as long as you walk with the Man who made the days! Trust Him and His plan and Be Blessed!

Knowledge…

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Knowledge…it is a powerful thing! It can lead to many things.

Peter tells us that the knowledge of Heavenly Father can lead to a godly life. We can be Christians and still not have a true knowledge of God. We must dive into His word, seek His face, converse with Him and become intimate with Him.

Just like a man gains knowledge about the woman he loves, so he can become closer to her; so must we gain knowledge of our Heavenly Father. Seek Him and Be Blessed!

The future…

" No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You make plans and look to the future, but it is never for certain. Plans change, futures are put on hold. What's my point?

Do the most you can today to love those around you. Serve your Heavenly Father with a passion. Make it a point to share God's love today with someone everyday.

Live today like it's your last, love those around you and Be Blessed!

Nothing can separate us…

"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

No matter what you have done, no matter how many times you have failed, you can NEVER be separated from God's love. Isn't that good news?

You see, I have failed, I have sinned, in my past and even in the present. But I trust in the fact that God loves me no matter what, and as long as I turn back to Him, He is there with open arms!

So cherish the fact that God loves you unconditionally and nothing can change that, love Him back and Be Blessed!

A full life…

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Oh poor, pitiful me…my life stinks!

Have you ever said those words? I have. Those are words that the enemy plants in your head. They are not words of your Heavenly Father. He wants us to succeed, to be fulfilled, to live life to its fullest.

I have met rich men who are miserable, they want for nothing but hate their lives. And I have met the homeless who are fill with God's love and joy and couldn't be happier.

Don't believe the enemies lies, live the life God has for you. It starts by being grateful for what He has given you. Thank Him, bless others and return you will Be Blessed!

Peace…

"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are we too busy, too hectic, too occupied, too focused on something unimportant to have true peace? Do you need to take a breath and focus on God?

Only He can send you true peace. And when you change your focus on Him, you will receive a peace you have never felt before!

Change your focus this week, stop and let your Heavenly Father fill you with a peace only He can do. Take a breath and Be Blessed!

Blessings…

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God wants to bless you, just like a father wants blessings for his children. What blessing are you missing today because you don't wait in God and His timing?

How many times do we pray briefly for something and then when we don't get an immediate answer, we do what we want? I know I have, and by doing that I missed out on what God had in store.

Wait on Him, He has more in store for you. Be patient and Be Blessed!

Others…

"Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

In such a self centered world that is all about: likes, views and 👍, we tend to forget about others. Jesus didn't come to be liked and revered, He came to serve. He came to sacrifice for others and ultimately give His life for all.

So take a moment away from the busyness of life during this holiday season and serve others. Cook a meal, volunteer at a shelter, sit with the elderly, take someone for coffee. Focus on someone besides yourself.

You will be amazed how that simple act of kindness will cause you to Be Blessed!

Bless the Lord…

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Do you ever get mad, maybe even mad at God. Something bad happened or didn't go your way? Even in the bad times, when the enemy was chasing him, David blesses the Lord, he sang God's praises!

Life happens and it sucks sometimes, but praise your Heavenly Father. You may not know why your going through a tough time, but He does and there is a purpose!

Bless the Lord at all times and you will Be Blessed!

Live in harmony…

"Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!"
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Live in harmony, that's difficult this season. What is supposed to be a happy season (thanksgiving and Christmas) usually ends up with fussing and fighting. Families argue over holiday plans, feelings get hurt and lives can be devastated.

Just take a deep breath, spend what time you can together and enjoy each other's company. Then take some time to live on others. Volunteer at a shelter, invite a neighbor over for "friends-giving", adopt an "angel tree" family"

God built us to live in relationships. We are better together, especially during the holidays. So put aside your wants and needs this year and focus on others. Trust me, you will Be Blessed!

Clean heart…

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I read this I thought, I wish it were that easy. But as I pondered on it, I realized; God already did His part when I accepted Him. I have within me, the ability to have a pure heart.

But we as humans, continue to chose to fill our hearts with the worlds sinful nature. We make the choice of what we put in our hearts and minds. We must chose better.

God has done His part, now it's our turn. Fill your hearts and minds with things that are Holy and good. Clean out the sinful nature and see how much you will Be Blessed!

Trust in God…

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

"Because you trust in Him," some people miss that part. They think that because they are Christians that they will always have joy and peace. But we have to do our part too, we have to "trust in Him".

No matter what your going through, you must trust your Heavenly Father. Knowing that God will take care of you, no matter the circumstance is what brings the joy and peace.

Whatever you facing today, trust God and bask in the joy and peace that brings. Then you will Be Blessed!

Worthy of grace…

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,"
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Because of God's grace, we have eternal salvation and only by His grace. This is a great gift we have been given, and we are called to live with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to the one who gave it.

Christians should stand out in this evil world. Others should be able to recognize us by the way we live and treat people. We shouldn't hide, but shine for the glory of God.

Do those around you know you are a Christian by your actions and words? Or do they just think your a nice guy? Stand up and stand out in this evil world, be worthy of His grace and Be Blessed!

Controlled by the Spirit…

"But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever fail? Do you ever sin? Yes, we all do. But Romans tells us that "we are not controlled by our sinful nature". Although, some days it feels like it.

As a Christian, we have a helper, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will help us, if we allow it, to shut down that sinful nature. Sometimes it's just that gut feeling that says: "don't do that!".

So don't get discouraged when you fail, repent and call on the Spirit for help! It is living inside you, wanting to guide and direct you. Take time to listen and Be Blessed!

Task or significant…

"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How do you live your days? Does it make a significant impact on God's kingdom or the ones you love? Or do you go through life as a fool?

I am very "task" oriented, I like to "get it done", sometimes no matter the cost. But is what I doing significant? Will it really matter if all my "task" get done 10 years from now?

I have to slow down, spend time with those I love. Serve God with purpose and make sure what I am doing really matters. Make the most of the opportunities and Be Blessed!

Love your wife…

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬, ‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last month I celebrated 20 years with my bride. And I was asked this week, by some younger co-workers, what is the best advise for a good marriage. I quickly told them: "keep God in the middle of your marriage!"

Husbands and men who are future husbands, I am talking to you: be intentional. Keep God in your marriage! Pray daily with her and for her, do a devotion daily with her, be her spiritual leader, and love her as much as Christ loved the church!

We must fight for our marriages and our spouse. We must stand up for for the traditional covenant of marriage in the Christian home. Failure is not an option!

Put the work in and trust me, your marriage will Be Blessed!

Heavenly treasures…

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are a "stuff" society. We have to have the latest gadget, nice car, big house that we fill with everything under the sun. Don't get me wrong, God wants you to have "stuff" but He doesn't want that to be you focus or idol.

Treasures in heaven are the family that you lead well, the children and grandchildren that are your legacy. The friends and strangers you have shared the gospel with. The lives you have touched with your servants heart!

I want my mansion in Heaven to need a storage building because I amassed so many heavenly treasures!! Focus on the things that eternally matter and Be Blessed!

Keep my commands…

""If you love me, keep my commands."
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So simple yet so profound! When you love someone, you do whatever it takes to please them. I do things for my wife to make her happy. Children do things to make their parents happy. Even a dog does things to make his master happy. Why? Because they all love the other!

So why do Christians continue to sin, sometimes blatantly? Do they not love their Heavenly Father? I feel like sin is a trap, sometimes it happens, not meaning to. Then we repeat it again and again. Then it becomes the norm and we no longer consider it a sin.

But keeping God commands and not repeating those sins is a way that we can show God we love Him. It is also a way that we can show others we love God. People are watching and they take note when Christian sin, especially again and again.

So keep His commands, show God your love and Be Blessed!

Seek Him out…

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Did you ever play hide and seek and give up looking for the other person? Then come to find out, they were right there all along, you just didn't look hard enough.

God wants us to look for Him with our whole heart. He wants us to pursue Him, not just take a quick look and then give up.

Just like any relationship, one with God requires work. Take the time to seek out your Heavenly Father and Be Blessed!

Generous…

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Be generous in your gifts, your finances, your time and your talents. God will enrich them in every way if you use them for His glory!

It amazes me how God will grow what you have and use for Him. God didn't come to be served but to serve others. He calls us to do the same, serve others with whatever you have.

Share Gods love , be generous with everything thing that God has entrusted you with and Be Blessed!

Shepherd’s voice…

"My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands."
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Do you hear God's voice in your life? Calling you, leading you like a shepherd leads His sheep.

If you are a child of God, then listen for His voice, follow His direction. If you do, then He promises to protect you from the enemy. To keep you out of harms way and to guide your path.

Look to the shepherd, follow His voice and Be Blessed!

Your value…

"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭35‬, ‭37‬ ‭NLT‬‬

"Your value does not increase or decrease based on what others might say or think about you. Your value comes from the ingredients God used to make and save you." -Wild Life: Start really living.

Know that your value and worth is in God and given to you by Him! No one else can give it or take it away! Know that victory is through Christ and Be Blessed!

God’s love…

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5 NLT

It is hard to imagine, in this world, that you don't have to please someone to be loved. We all want acceptance and love.

But God loved you "before he made the world"! You didn't have to do a thing to get His love. He loved you before you even existed!

God chose you! He gave His son, for you! He has loved you since the beginning of time!!

There is nothing you can do to make Him not love you and nothing that you can do to make Him love you more.

So take a moment to thank God for His love and Be Blessed!

Fruit…

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you every witnessed to someone or poured into them and not seen fruit from your labor? Of course you have. But Isaiah tells us that God's word ALWAYS produces fruit.

We may not see it at the time, but planting the seed is our job. Leave the rest to God. Don't be discouraged when you don't see an immediate harvest.

Trust that you are doing what God called you to do, spread His word and let Him do the rest. God will reap the harvest, in His time and you will Be Blessed!

David’s faith…

"As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Why would young David, a young shepherd boy of maybe 12-14 years old, run into battle to meet a giant, seasoned warrior? Did he not realize that the odds would be against him?

No, David knew the Lord was on his side and would fight the battle for him! Such great faith! He knew he had nothing to worry about. God used a small boy and a tiny stone to defeat a mighty enemy! Praise God!

What battle are you afraid of today? Fo you have the faith of David? Do you believe God can use you to defeat the enemy?

Trust God's plan, take Him into battle with you and Be Blessed!

God’s help…

"He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David praised God for giving him everything he needed to defeat his enemies. David knew, that without God's help, victory was impossible!

We can go through this life on our own and try to win, or we can use the help the Heavenly Father has given us to win the battle. God is always there, offering His right hand. All you have to do is ask!

The battle is long and the war is not over! Reach out and take His hand, be victorious with His help and Be Blessed!

Faith…



"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Peace requires faith. When you choose to have peace in God, you're declaring that God has the situation handled. 

When you're choosing to hold your peace, even in chaotic times, you're placing your faith in God. You're placing your, hope, confidence, assurance, trust and reliance in God. When you choose to hold your peace you're depending upon God to fight your battle and to appropriately lead your heart. 

Peace is the manifestation of a submitted heart. Submit your heart and let God give you His Peace. 

Be Blessed!

"The Lord will fight for you!": Vance K Jackson

Seek God…



"I will show my love to those who passionately love me. For they will search and search continually until they find me."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Choose to love God's Word. Trust His Word and hold your peace. God's Word is Peace. God's Word is Power. 

When you're walking by faith choose to search and seek out God's Word in every circumstance. His Word can, and will, transform your situation.

Seek God daily and Be Blessed!

"The Lord will fight for you!": Vance K. Jackson

Praise the Lord…

"The godly will rejoice in the Lord and find shelter in him. And those who do what is right will praise him."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭64‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever just take time to bask in the Lord's prescience? Put your headphones on and praise Him to the top of your lungs in the back yard.

Know that a little praise time is essential. God deserves our praise, not only for what He has done but for who He is!

So crank up some praise and worship, make the neighbors think you have lost your mind. Sing to the top of your lungs and dance like no one is watching! Praise the Lord and Be Blessed!

He knows…

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭1‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isn't it wonderful to have a God that knows you so intimately! It's also a little scary, to think that He knows what is inside your heart and all your thoughts.

We tend to think we can hide parts of our life from God. Those secrets that we don't tell anyone about. But our God knows those things and He still loves us beyond measure. He wants to help you overcome those hidden sins.

He wants to place His hand of blessing on your head. So stop trying to hide from God, it's not possible. Confess to Him, ask His forgiveness, take His help and Be Blessed!

God spoke…

"Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light."
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How many times have we read the creation story and skimmed over this detail? God spoke and all creation began!

He didn't wave a magic wand or conger up some spell. He spoke! Our God is so mighty that neutrons and electrons and the very molecules that make up our existence bow to His mere words!

Now of our God's mere words and speak the universe into being, don't you think he can solve whatever problem your holding on to?

Let God take control, read His words, they can be life altering and Be Blessed!

Giving…

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Weather you give your time, your money, your resources or your talents; God loves it when you do it with a joyful heart!

Each and every day, as I observe the world, I see others giving so much. And they do it with such great joy! The gift of giving is a precious talent that He bestows on us. We are so blessed to be able to give back to those less fortunate.

Thank God for you ability to give, in whatever way and Be Blessed!

Giving…

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Weather you give your time, your money, your resources or your talents; God loves it when you do it with a joyful heart!

Each and every day, as I observe the world, I see others giving so much. And they do it with such great joy! The gift of giving is a precious talent that He bestows on us. We are so blessed to be able to give back to those less fortunate.

Thank God for you ability to give, in whatever way and Be Blessed!

Lord, rescue me…

"Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55:1-2, 16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David's cry to God in Psalms 55 is a plea for help. He is running from His enemies. But in verse 16, he knows the Lord will rescue him.

When we cry for help, do we run or do we trust that the Lord will rescue us? It's hard to have enough faith that God will save us. But we must rest assure in our God.

Call upon His name, whatever your going through, whatever enemy is attacking you; God will rescue you. Trust in Him and Be Blessed!

Prepare the way…

"God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light."
‭‭John‬ ‭1:6-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many believes that John, himself, was the messiah. But he was just a witness. His sole purpose was to prepare the way for Christ.

And so is our purpose, to tell everyone about Christ. We can do that by: how we act, how we interact, how we serve and our actually testimony. Few are called to preach, but all are called to witness.

So be like John, prepare the way for Christ second coming. Share the gospel and Be Blessed!

Thankful…

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So many times we worry, so we take it to God in prayer. We tell Him what we need, but we forget to thank Him for what He has already done.

Spending time in Florida, after Hurricane Ian. I have seen so many grateful people. They had roof damage, but they are thankful their home was spared. They were without power, but thankful they had a generator. They suffered for days but are thankful to be alive.

So many times in this all about me society, we want more and more. And we forget to be thankful for what God has already done. Today I am thankful that God gave me the opportunity to give back and to meet these wonderful people. Be Blessed!

The Father…

"Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name,"
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:3‬ a TPT‬‬

God has given you everything you need. But you must know Him. There is power in knowing the Father, especially on a first name basis.

You see it doesn't matter who you are, you are given this power because you know Him. Build a closer relationship with Him. Talk to Him daily, praise Him for who He is and Be Blessed!

Providing…

""This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:25‬ ‭TPT‬‬a

As I sit in a shelter with a dozen volunteers ready to go help with hurricane relief, I feel God's presence. Even though the damages is great! God has provided for those in need.

People have come together. There are palates of food, water and clothing waiting to be distributed. God's love abounds!

So wherever you are, whatever situation your in, God will provide. Trust Him and Be Blessed!

Victory in the Lord!!

"The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors."
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭13:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Oh what a powerful story! Judah was being attack from the front and rear, they were boxed in, death was eminent! Did they run? Did they hide? Did they surrender? No, they called upon the Lord, and they were victorious!!

So you may be feeling surrounded today. Down on your luck, depressed, angry, maybe even defeated! Call upon the Lord and trust Him! Victory is in Him!

Rely on God and Be Blessed!

Attack of the enemy…

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8-9‬a NIV

We must always be alert for an attack of the enemy. As silly as it sounds, my wife is never allowed to walk on my right side. That is my strong side, I want to always be prepared to defend her and myself should an attack occur.

But God's word tell us the same, we must remain strong in the faith so that we can defend against the enemies attacks. In regular prayer, daily Bible study, regular church attendance and a close personal relationship with your Lord and Savior.

Always be prepared and when the attack comes, you can easily defend yourself. Stand firm in the faith and Be Blessed!

Praise Him…

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As tough as it is to do, we must praise Him through the storms! Sometimes after the storm, there is a hole left in our life that only God can fill!

Weather it is a tragedy, a loss of a loved one, a depression, an addiction, anything that troubles you. We question why we have to suffer. But remember, God is refining you, shaping you, molding you.

So when you are downcast and burdened, look up and praise the God that made you! He has better things for you so you can Be Blessed!

Weakness…

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
‭‭2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Isn't it amazing how God's power shows through when we are at our lowest points. We tend to ask the Lord, for help, when we can't take a step further on our own.

But why doesn't He shine when we are just starting to sink? I believe, it is because we, ourselves, would take the credit, because we haven't asked for help. We would say we pulled ourselves up, not God. Only at our lowest points do, we as humans, tend to give God the praise for helping us.

You see God is always there, waiting to help, he just needs you to ask and give him the glory. So don't wait till your so weak that you can't move to ask God for help. Admit your weakness early and ask Him before you fall to far. And as always, give Him the praise and Be Blessed!

Battle plan…

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.""
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As young David was preparing to slay the giant, he knew the Lord didn't fight by sword or spear. David knew His God could conquer with just a simple stone.

We must remember that through our battles, God is always fighting for us. We may not see Him battling the giant with His mighty sword but know that God can conquer our greatest enemies with just a whisper.

So when you think the battle is lost, know that we serve a mighty God. He is just waiting for the time where He can be used and glorified, so you know that He is God. Trust His battle plan and Be Blessed!

A good man…

"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The authoring Acts speaks highly of Barnabas! He was know for his integrity, his love of the Lord and his faith. He would lead many to Christ because of the man he was. That would be his legacy.

How do people describe you? Are you a man that others can look up to? Do they see Christ in you? What will be your legacy?

Stand in the gap, be a man of God. Show others what a man of integrity looks and acts like. Lead them by your example and Be Blessed!

Your will…

"He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. "Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:35-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even Jesus asked His Heavenly Father to take His pain away. But because of Jesus's pain and suffering a world would have the opportunity to be saved.

Sometimes our pain seems too much, and we feel like God isn't listening or doesn't care. But He has a plan and a purpose for everything. Sometimes we must suffer so in the future we can help others.

Trust the Father, believe His will us better than yours and Be Blessed!

Salvation…

"Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you every receive an award as a kid for reading so many books or making all As? Maybe a trophy for being on the winning team? Or maybe you were recognized in your staff meeting for your hard work on a project?

Salvation is not the same, we can't win it, and we can't earn it. It is a gift from God, freely given (blood bought) and freely received. Cause trust me, no matter how much good you could do, you could never earn what Christ did for you.

So thank God today for your gift of salvation. Offer to Him your gratitude and Be Blessed!

Burning bush…

"There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied."
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3:2-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an amazing sight that must have been!! The beauty of the burning bush. How many times do we see God beauty and chose to ignore it? Maybe a sunset, or a bunny in the yard, the fog over the mountain top or the waves crashing on the sand.

Much like the burning bush, God is in everything we see. Take a moment to enjoy his beauty, see if God is calling you and answer "Here I am!"

Listen for God's call in the beauty that surrounds you and Be Blessed!

Protector…

"O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don't let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David's cry for rescue and protection rings true even today. We face the enemy daily: at work, at home , on the streets, even in the grocery store. It seems that we can be attacked wherever we go.

But God us our protector, our rescuer, our hiding place. Cry out to Him and lean on Him. Speak His name, pray His word and the enemy will flee.

Know that whatever your going through, God is there with you, going before you and pulling up the rear guard. He is a faithful God, call on Him and Be Blessed!

Poke your eye out…

"And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did Jesus really mean for you to poke your eye out? Probably, but more than likely He meant to get rid of whatever was causing you to sin.

The shows you watch, the friends you hang out with, the books we read, the places we go to, or the social media we obsess over. If it is causing you to sin, get rid of it.

God has so much more for you than stuff that drags you down and causes you to sin. Live the life He has for you and Be Blessed!

You can’t hide…

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:7-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"You can run, but you can't hide"; especially from God. Some may think that is bad, but I think it is great news. There is no where that God can't find me.

No matter how far I fall or where I run, God is always there to pick me up. He loves me so much that He is there to meet me wherever I am.

So when your feeling far from Him, just remember to turn around, He is there with outstretched arms, waiting on you.

Be Blessed!

Blessing…

"Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing."
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When someone offends you, don't you just want to let them have it? I know I do, I have always had a short fuse and struggled with controlling my temper.

But God tells us to repay evil with a blessing. "Pour heaping coals on their head." In that time period to give someone your coals was a HUGE honor. Coals meant fire, and fire provided warmth and a way to cook and provide for your family.

So next time your insulted or offended, take a deep breath. Offer a blessing to them, take them a cup of coffee. Pray for them or better yet, with them and you will Be Blessed!

Battles…

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It seems like that from every side we are constantly attacked. It is a daily battle living the Christian walk.

But what we suffer is nothing in comparison to what Jesus suffered for us. Through our battle scars one thing remains, Jesus. He is there beside us, He goes before us, He is fighting for us and He carries us when we are too weak to stand.

So let others see your scars, let them hear of your battles and hardships; and share with them how your Jesus pulled you through. How He said you and redeemed you. Tell His story and Be Blessed!

Comfort…

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why did God bring you through that season of hardship? Why did you have to suffer that lose?I don't have that answer, but God was right there with you, comforting you and bringing you through it all.

Now you have the ability to comfort others who are going through the same thing. Now your able to show others how God helped you through it all.

Praise God for what He brought you through and pay it forward. Then you will Be Blessed!

Forgive…

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:31-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What does holding on to all the negative emotions accomplish? Does lashing out to someone else make you feel better? Does it heal the hurt? No, it only seats it deeper.

Love and compassion with sincere forgiveness help us to heal. When we finally forgive those that hurt us, then and only then can our healing start.

Treat each other with love, forgive those that hurt you and then you can Be Blessed!

Your neighbor…

"The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?""
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus responds with the story of the Good Samaritan. Your neighbor is anyone that has a need that you can help with. It may be the single mom in front of you at the grocery store, or the elderly lady down the street that you see walking her dog ever morning.

Is there some way that you could bless these people you encounter? Is God tugging at your heart in the drive through line?

Find a way to step out if your comfort zone! Bless your neighbor, whoever that my be, and Be Blessed in doing so!

Listen…

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

To be honest, I struggle with this, especially in my younger days. Sometimes we all don't want to hear someone else's option. We want to be correct and if we're not or we are called out, we get angry.

It's a real struggle in todays climate, where everyone wants everyone else to bow to their agenda. We must "listen", be respectful and think about our words when we respond. We all have value in God's eyes and we must remember that when we encounter someone who thinks differently than we do.

So take a deep breath, listen, think and respond in love. Then you will Be Blessed!

Jesus is Lord…

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How many of us are just "closet" Christians? We believe in God but we don't want people to know we believe. Maybe due to ridicule, persecution, political correctness or maybe we just don't want to have to defend our faith.

When we are at work or in public, do we shy away from religious conversations? Do we avoid people who believe differently than us?

I hope and pray that I have and will continue to declare Jesus as my Lord and Savior to anyone who wants to listen! I pray that I have enough knowledge and faith to defend my beliefs!

Stand up for your faith, declare Jesus is Lord and Be Blessed!

Self control…

"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We all lack self control to some point. But does it lead to our destruction? Overeating leads to obeisance poor health. Straying eyes lead to porn or an extramarital affair and eventually the decline of a marriage. Drinking too much leads to addiction and a self destructive life.

Lack of self control can lead to straying from God. Loss of your godly testimony. The enemy uses the lack of self control to destroy a life.

Keep you walls in well repair and lead a life where you can Be Blessed!

Persevere…

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial…"
James 1:12 NIV

"When your going through hell, keep going…" This phrase is often attributed to Winston Churchill but reflects on perseverance.

The enemy wants you to stop, to be stuck in hell, or whatever your going through. Keep pushing, keep seeking God, keep studying the word, keep praising the Father. Life is better on the other side!

God rewards those who continue to seek Him. Those who keep pressing forward. Everything God is preparing you for is worth the wait. Press on and Be Blessed!

Look at me…

"Peter and John, looking straight into the eyes of the crippled man, said, "Look at us!""
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

How many times have we avoided looking at the homeless guy at the exit, the beggar on the street, the sick, the orphaned, the widowed? We avoid looking because it makes us uncomfortable!

Peter and John not only healed the crippled man, the looked at him, they made him human. They shared God's good news and healing power with him.

Stop turning the other way, offer a healing hand of hope, offer God to them. Inside that shell of a body that your avoiding, because your uncomfortable, is a human being that God loves as much as He loves you! Don't only provide for their physical needs, but also their need for human and spiritual contact.

Lend a hand, lend your heart, share your God and Be Blessed!

Small groups…

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Community, friendship, encouragement and accountability are a few things that come to mind this week. Small group semester is starting and it is so important that we join together, as fellow believers and support one another.

It can be a Bible study, a SERVE group, an athletic or cooking group. It doesn't matter, but the Body of Christ was meant to do life together.

So find a group that peaks your interest. Make some new friends, encourage one another, do life together and Be Blessed!

Delicious fruit…

"The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves."
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes things are too good to be true. God tells you not to do something but it is so tempting and delicious looking that you do it anyway. Then, you fall!

The enemy entices us with things that catch our eye: wealth, fame, a sexy woman. We know that getting to that particular thing will cause us to sin, but we do it anyway. We listen to the enemies lies.

It cost us our marriage, our finances, our witness, maybe it cost us everything. So even though the fruit looks good, think about what it will cost you. As your Heavenly Father for guidance, and Be Blessed!

Actions ..

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

To tell someone you love them or you will be praying for them is a nice gesture. But to show them by your actions, changes everything!!!

Don't just tell someone you will be thinking about them when they are moving, grab your truck and a couple buddies and help them pack and move to their new home.

Don't just say Hi to the elderly neighbor, take them supper or mow their yard. Buy the homeless guy on the street a meal, better yet, go in the restaurant and sit down and eat with him. Talk to him and get to know him.

Actions speak louder than words, end the end you will Be Blessed!

Seeds…

"Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The parable of the seeds. As I was reading, I ask God, what more can I get from this? I have heard this since I was a child. Then my phone alerted me, it was from a friend that I had made on a serve project. He was checking on me and asking how things were going. He has the heart of a servant.

Small seeds we plant, eventually blossom and grow. The short time I spent with the Godly friend has sprouted into a relationship of love and support for one another.

What seeds are you planting? Maybe your seed touches the life of someone who doesn't know God, maybe that seed sprouts and leads to a life that serves God for generations to come! Plant good seeds and Be Blessed!

The details…

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

God cares about the details! I truly feel that has a precise plan mapped out for our lives. He wants to bless you at every turn.

From the people you meet, the job you do, to the "coincidences" that you think occur. God loves you and wants all things to work for good for you.

So next time you think God doesn't want to be bothered by this, trust me God loves the details. So keep your eyes open and watch Him work and Be Blessed!

Tomorrow…

"But you don't have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, "Our tomorrows are in the Lord's hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.""
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We don't know what tomorrow or even the next hour will bring? As an ER nurse, I can tell you I have seen many lives gone in an instant.

God wants us to live a life for him and live it to its fullest! Experience all God has to offer, serve others, and don't get near the end of life with regrets!

God has blessed us with a big, beautiful world. Experience it and Be Blessed!

Ask…

"You jealously want what others have so you begin to see yourself as better than others. You scheme with envy and harm others to selfishly obtain what you crave—that's why you quarrel and fight. And all the time you don't obtain what you want because you won't ask God for it!"
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We envy so much that others have, the FB and IG world show us the highlights reel of everyone's life. We scroll and see what others have. Either wealth, fame, material possessions or a glamorous lifestyle.

But have you asked God for what you want? I believe that our Heavenly Father cares about what parking place you get at Walmart. I think He wants to bless us abundantly and give us all our desires. But by doing so, He expects us to thank Him, to praise Him, to be good stewards of what He gives us and to always give Him the glory.

Many will say this is "prosperity" preaching. But what good father doesn't try to give their child all they want and need? Ask God, thank God, serve God with what He gives you and you will Be Blessed!

Our rescuer…

"The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sounds like a 911 call to the most qualified rescuer anyone could ask for!! God is just a prayer away! He should always be our first call, not our second thought when we are in trouble.

When trouble comes, where do you turn? To work, the doctor, your spouse? Maybe you will talk to God about it when you get a chance.

No, our first response should be to drop to our knees and call out to our Heavenly Father! Make that Heavenly 911 call, await His rescue and Be Blessed!

Jehovah Jireh…

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

He created the heavens and the earth, he owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he provides for the smallest creatures; so why do we think God can't provide for us?

Sometimes we feel as if God isn't there, as if He isn't listening or doesn't see what's going on. But know that God will provide for all your needs.

He will send you a driver, when meals need delivered. He will heal the sick when the doctors have no answers. He will restore the broken marriage when all seems lost. He will provide extra work when the bills need paid.

My God is a god who fulfills His promises. He is "Jehovah Jireh: the Lord our Provider!"

Take hold of that and Be Blessed!

Teach the children…

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them (God's ways and instructions) to your children and to their children after them."
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I remember growing up and my Dad reading from a big illustrated Bible nightly to us. We would gather before bedtime and he would share God's word with us.

He laid a foundation for me and my brother. He taught us God's ways.

Are we, as a generation, doing the same? Are we teaching our children and grandchildren God's ways? We must be diligent in the passing of God's word to future generations.

Raise up your children and grandchildren to love God. Many years down the road, you will see the results and you will Be Blessed!

My trust…

"I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.""
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Who do you say God is? Is He who you turn to in times of trouble? Do you put your complete trust in Him?

We see God in many different ways. Each of us have our own level of trust and confidence in Him. But should it really be that way?

As a Christian, there should be No Doubt that our complete trust should be in the Lord. He should be our solid rock that we rely on. Follow David's example and Be Blessed!

In Gods house…

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you remember when you were young and living with your Mom and Dad? I do, I remember going to bed and not having to worry about anything. I felt safe and secure in my father's house.

When we abide with our Heavenly Father we should feel the same way. We can rest, knowing that God will take care of all our needs. We are safe and secure in His house.

Cast your cares on the Lord, lie down and rest. God has you covered in His wings, so you can Be Blessed!

The Lord will provide…

"So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.""
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram. God is always there, right on time.

We may think what we are going through is too much to handle. We may think that it is never going to pass. But everything occurs in God's time and He will provide all your needs.

What are you going through today? How has God provided for you in the past, at just the right time? Trust His plan, meet Him on the mountain and let Him come through for you, then you will Be Blessed!

Water…

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."
‭‭Psalms 63:1 NIV

If you have ever been in a survival situation you know they rule of 3 applies. You can survive 3 hours without shelter in severe weather, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. Your biggest obstacle will been finding clean water, it is a priority to your survival.

In this Psalms, David was seeking out God like he was looking for water in the desert. He needed God to survive. Just like we need God.

We need God in our life, every day, every hour, every minute. Seek Him out like the water your body needs. When you find Him, you will Be Blessed!

All I need…

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Such a simple statement by a teenage David who would soon become king. God is my leader and I have everything I need.

Sometimes we think that we need this or that, a bigger house, nicer car, the latest gadget, a better job but really all we need is God. Everything else is insignificant. He will take care of the rest.

Let God be your shepherd and trust in Him for all your needs, then you will Be Blessed!

The Holy Spirit…

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you every get that feeling in your gut that "I should tell them about Jesus." That's usually the Holy Spirit and Yes you should tell them.

God sends us opportunities to share the gospel, almost daily. But we tend to shy away because we are afraid of the response. We don't feel we are good enough or that we have the ability. But remember we are just a vessel, the Holy Spirit is here to help.

So next time you get that feeling, take a leap of faith. Let the Holy Spirit use you and share God's good news and Be Blessed!

God is with us…

""Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The name of God, Immanuel!!

From the very miraculous conception of the Son of God, He has been with us. Even His name tells us that! The Bible gives us details that we often overlook. God intended for His Son to always be with us. So He named Him "Immanuel, God is with us!"

So no matter where you are in your walk. No matter the struggle your going through remember that He is alway with you. At work, at school, on vacation and even in that dark place that no one else knows about, He is with you!

Reach out to Jesus and Be Blessed!

All things new…

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This reminds us that with Christ, we don't have to hold on to who we were before. We don't have to be defined by our past failures and sins. The enemy can tells us all the lies he wants but they are NOT true.

Christ made you new! You are worthy! You are forgiven!

And here is the even better news, if we fail again, God's grace and mercy is enough! Don't dwell on it, ask your father for help and forgiveness. He will make you new again and again and again and again!!

Aren't you glad your Father loves you enough to make all things new so that you can Be Blessed?!

His spirit…

"But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you."
‭Romans‬ ‭8:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The enemy does not control you, he might want you to believe that but you are controlled by God Spirit!! Sin is all around us but we don't have to fall prey to it.

Fill yourself with God's Spirit! With what you read, what you watch, what music you listen to, who you hang out with. The more we allow God to fill us the easier it is to overcome the enemy.

God living within you makes life better! Let His Spirit control you and Be Blessed!

Always there…

"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:28‬ ‭

Isn't that encouraging, God never grows weak or tires! Some days I think, "Is God tired of listening to me? Weak from helping me all the time? Does He really understand why I am going through?"

Isaiah encourages us, God is always there for you. Lifting you up, carrying you. He always understands what your going through and will always be there to help! He doesn't take a break or need a vacation, 24/7/365 God is waiting, just for you!

Whatever your going through today, whatever you need, God is there. Trust in that and Be Blessed, help is but a prayer away!

Child of God…

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."
‭‭John‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Adoption is choosing to raise another child as your own and giving them all the rights as your biological children.

God chose us!! Isn't that exciting! We have all the same rights as His son Jesus! We are His children.

As His children, make sure we are honoring the Father here on earth. Show people who you truly are, a child of the King.

Be a true reflection of God. We want others to look at you and say: I know who his Father is! Then you will Be Blessed!

The devil is a liar…

"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
‭‭John‬ ‭8:44‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These are Jesus' own words: the devil is a liar! Remember that when you hear that voice in your head that tells you that your not good enough. That God can't use you, that your sin was too bad to be forgiven. That voice that tells you, you will never succeed, you will never be able to witness to people. That voice that says your a failure and God could never love you.

The enemy has told me all of those things, but he is a liar! You are a child of the King, you are good enough, Gods has a plan for you! Your sins are forgiven, you will succeed and you can share the gospel. You are not a failure because God is not done with you yet! And your Heavenly Father loves you so passionately that if you were the only person on earth, He still would have sent His son to die for just you!

Believe the truth!! Believe God's word and Be Blessed!!

Thought life…

"We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever thought about your thought life? Odd question, but our thought lead us in many ways. They can lead us down a sin path or they can lead us down the path God has planned for us.

But can we control our thoughts? Absolutely! Thoughts stem from the input that your brain receives. Like the old computer saying goes: "garbage in = garbage out".

What are you putting into your brain? What do you read, what do you watch, who do you hang out with? Teach your thoughts to obey Christ and you will Be Blessed!!

Correction…

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:31-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hard words to hear. No one likes to be criticized or be told they are wrong. But sometimes we all need correction. You can only grow if you learn from your mistakes.

As a Christian, sometimes we fail, and who better to call us out than another Christian brother or sister. We may be so deep that we can no longer see what we are doing is wrong.

So if you are lovingly corrected by another believer, don't take offense, know that they care enough to tell you. They want to see you succeed and grow. Take the instruction to heart, learn from it and Be Blessed!

Persecuted….

"What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

That's a tough pill to swallow. Being hated, excluded, mocked and cursed us not on anyone's 'to do' list. But sometimes being a Christian can lead to these things. The world doesn't understand us because they don't know the love of God.

But like a child who doesn't know better, we can't hold that against them. We must teach them and show them His love. We must continue to lead by example, always doing the right thing and loving on the daily.

Jesus spoke these words for a reason. He knew life would get tough for those that follow Him. But He also knows the blessings ahead of you will stay the course, you will Be Blessed!!

Thoughts…

"We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬b ‭TPT‬‬

Does the thoughts in your head bring you down? Do worry and doubt paralyze you? Are they filled with sin? Those thoughts are not of God, they are the enemies attacks.

You see, even your thoughts must bow to God. Trust Him and the truths in His word. Capture the thoughts that bring you down.

How is your thought life? Capture your thoughts, make sure they are of God and by God, and Be Blessed!

Your neighbor…

"The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We have all heard it but none of us like it. Love your neighbor as yourself, but who is your neighbor? The guy next door, the person you meet at the grocery store, your co-worker or boss. Yes, all of them, even the guy who sees politics different than you, or the person who pushes your buttons and infuriates you. The homeless man on the street, the nice lady at Walmart and even your "mortal enemy."

You neighbor is whoever you are interacting with at that time. God wants you to love everyone. And more importantly, to treat them better than you treat yourself.

It's a hard pill to swallow. But it's worth it in the end. You and your neighbor will Be Blessed!

Scars…

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This verse has always been foreign to me, you see my body was broken and scarred since the day I was born. You will rarely see me without a shirt because I try to hide my scars.

It took me many years and a loving wife to convince me that my scars are what makes me who I am. They give me the testimony that God has continued to heal me over and over. They give others hope that God is a healing God and we are more than conquerors in His name.

Though some days I still look at myself scarred and broken, I know my God loves me and heals me daily. I pray that you see the same in yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made in His imagine. Soak that in and Be Blessed!

Marathon of life…

"So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Sometimes we think, how could God use a guy like me? I have failed in the past, that sin was too big to forgive, these wounds run too deep. I could never overcome my faults and allow God to use me.

But life is not a sprint, it's a marathon. What happens at mile 1 does not determine what happens at mile 15 and definitely not mile 26.

God has set a path before you, He has forgiven you, with His help, you can finish the race and finish strong. Run the race God has planned for you and don't look back! At the finish line you will Be Blessed!




Sent from my iPhone

Ever pursuing knowledge…

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:5-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God calls us to grow in our faith. The Christian walk does not stop once we accept Christ, it has just begun. We must pursue Him, soak up His word and knowledge, share His gospel.

School doesn't start and end at the kindergarten doors, it has only begun. To be an effective Christian we must obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a life worthy of Him.

So pick up your Bible, read a faith based book, take a class, listen to your pastor. Ever pursuing knowledge leads to a life where you will Be Blessed!

Connected…

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."
‭‭John‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My wife is a backyard gardener, and she loves fresh cut flowers in the house. But something happens as soon as she cuts those flowers from the vine. They begin to die. She can put them in water, add preservatives but try as she may, those flowers, separated from the vine, eventually die.

Our lives are much the same way. We can be beautiful and lively, for a while, separated from God. We can put on a good show for a little while, but eventually we will die spiritually.

We must stay connected to the Father. We must communicate with Him and allow Him to feed and nourish us. If we do that, we will flower and bloom and yield fruit, season after season and year after year!

Stay connected and Be Blessed!

El Roi…

"She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me,""
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬a

"El Roi" is 'the God who sees me.'

Have you ever felt abandoned, lonely, desolate? Like no in cared about you or cares for you? Have you ever looked up and screamed, "God, where are you, why don't you see what I am going through?"

Know that God does see you, right where you are, no matter what circumstance you are in. He is there for you and will be with you. Our all knowing, all seeing God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

He sees you now and will see you through. On the other side you will Be Blessed!

God’s word…

"Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it."
‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭22:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When is the last time you read God's word? How about the last time you picked up a "physical" Bible?

Reading God's word and spending time with Him is essential for the Christian walk. To not do so is like a marriage where the husband and wife never spend time together and never talk. That relationship will eventually fail.

God's word connects us with Him. It bring us closer to Him. I pray that you pick up His word daily and spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father. If you do so, you will Be Blessed!

Humble…

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Humble: to estimate yourself of low importance; to be modest.

Sometimes we think life is all about us. We forget the Maker and Lord of our lives. We think we can do it all on our own.

But God blesses the humble, He hears their prayers. He forgives their sins. He blesses their lives.

No matter what room you walk into, walk in with humility. Put others first and most importantly: put God first! Then you will Be Blessed!

Treating others…

"The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God cares about the way we act and treat others. He cares that we are honest and just. He cares that we live on one another more than He wants sacrifices from us.

What does that tell us? How we interact with one another is very important. Show each other kindness and love, extend a little grace and mercy. Treat everyone how you want to be treated.

God sees your actions, interactions and your heart. Make Him proud and Be Blessed!

Love others…

"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Love makes all the difference. I would rather receive a small inexpensive, thoughtful gift from someone that made it with love than a new car from someone that didn't care about me.

We do what we do to SERVE other because we loved them like Jesus loved us. We don't do it for recognition or glory, we do it because we love them.

As we head out this morning into SERVE day. Don't do it because you want someone to look at you, do it because you love Jesus and love others. Then and only then will you Be Blessed!

Honest criticism…

"In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Often I fail, as a father, a husband and as a Christian. I try to surround myself with those who will be honest with me and tell me the truth. I will never grow without honest criticism.

More often than not, I am harder on myself than anyone else would be on me. But I, we, must be open to God's molding by other believers.

So find someone who can and will give you the tough answers. Call you out when your wrong, hold you accountable. Then, as you grow, you will Be Blessed!

Be still…

"Be still, and know that I am God."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬a NKJV

So many times during the hustle and bustle of every day life, we for get to stop and take a moment and enjoy God. We forget that He is in everything. That He has His hand on all that our eyes see and our ears hear.

From the deer in the backyard, to an extra 400 meals produced to feed the homeless. Daily, I have seen my God lay His hands on everything and orchestra a grand plan for good.

But unless we stop and look,Take the time to listen for the still small voice, we will miss it. Today, take a moment to "Be still and know that He is your God!" Then you will Be Blessed!

Serve…

"Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,"
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Kindness, generosity, good works, a servant's heart and more are all are what we are called to do by God. For my local church, it is SERVE week. We give our time and resources to bless others. We share with them the love of God.

What can you do this week to help someone else? How can you brighten someone's day?

Put someone else first this week and e how much you will Be Blessed!