Wednesday, May 31, 2023

A good day…

"No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping,"
‭‭Ezra‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬a NIV

My wife recently shared with me a catch phrase from her Bible study: "No matter what happens, today is a good day!" Ezra tells us the same thing, even amongst their pain, there was still sounds of joy to be heard.

No matter how bad you think your day is, there is still something to be joyful about! Think of all the blessings God has given you! All the things we take for granted that we should be thankful for!

Most especially the love of our Savior! So no matter where you are or what's going on: Today is a good day! Be Blessed!

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

I will be with you!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I opened my Bible app and this verse was waiting for me today. God's promise that we will not go through things alone. He will always be there with us!

So not matter what your going through, no matter how alone you feel, God is with you. And when the going gets rough and you feel like you can't take another step, He will carry you.

So trust Him, walk with Him and Be Blessed!

Monday, May 29, 2023

His word…

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."
‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We must know the Word of God! We must study it daily so that we have a sound base to defend our faith, refute the enemy and most importantly; share the truth with others.

Knowledge is key to growing in the Christian life. Key to growing your faith and your relationship with God.

Spend time daily in His word, you will Be Blessed!

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Rooted…

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our lives, our faith, our philosophies must be rooted in Christ! This world throws many obstacles our way, and without a strong foundation we will fail.

Christ must be the center of everything we do. And we must have the knowledge to back up our beliefs. This foundation can be built upon His word.

Are you building your foundation, are you rooted in the truth? Dive daily into His word, fuel your fire from Him and then you will Be Blessed!

Friday, May 26, 2023

The battle…

"No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we rely on ourselves we will always fail. No matter how "strong" we are or the size of the army we surround ourselves with, without God, it is a winless battle.

But the man who relies on God will always come out on top. God's strength, mercy and grace will always carry us through the battle and win the war.

So what battle are you fighting today? Are you trying to fight all alone, or are you trusting in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to see you through? Keep God on your side and Be Blessed!

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Whatever you do…

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When I am at Sam's Club, I like to grab a slice of pizza and a drink. The other day it was extremely busy, so I shared a table with an elderly, widowed man named Ronnie.

Ronnie blessed me for that 20 minutes we shared. He mentioned my cross I wear around my neck. He then told me his love for Jesus. How God had been so good to him and his worries of the world we live in today. He said "the world needs a little more Jesus."

Although widowed and alone, Ronnie took a simple shared table to show Jesus to someone. So today, whatever you do, do it in Jesus name. Be a light into this world, be a Ronnie and Be Blessed!

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

His 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

God's love for you goes beyond anything you can imagine! Greater than the love of a husband and wife, greater than the love of a parent to child. God's love teaches beyond understanding!

He will pursue you, He will search the mountain tops and the valley lows until He finds you! Nothing can separate you from His love!

Take a moment to thank Him for His love and Be Blessed!

Monday, May 22, 2023

Strength in Him…

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When your tired, down, depressed; who or what do you turn too? Is it work, caffeine, your friends or spouse? Those things are only temporary. They can only give you strength for a moment.

But God is there, to give you strength continuously! He will hold you up, He will lift up your hands and sustain you!

Find strength in Him today and Be Blessed!

Friday, May 19, 2023

Whatever you do…

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What are you doing this month, this week, even today? Is it pleasing to God? Are you doing it in His name?

It doesn't matter what your job is or what task you may be doing, do it for God's glory! Praise Him for the ability to be able to accomplish whatever it is and share His love while doing it!

Life is so much better when God is at the middle of everything you do. Give it a try and Be Blessed!

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

By name…

"But now, this is what the Lord says — …"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Everyone loves to be called by their name. It makes them feel special. Especially, if someone you just met, remembers your name the next time they see you.

As many millions of people there have been and will be on this earth, God knows them by name. More importantly, God knows YOU by name!!

Rejoice in the fact that God loves you and calls you by name. Know that you are His and you will Be Blessed!

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Words…

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

From age 16, I have been submersed in the Emergency Services world (fire, police, EMS, ER). We tend to have our own lingo: dirty jokes, dark humor, four letter words. It's how we dealt with the pain of all the tragedies we have seen.

But at some point, I had to stop speaking that way. At some point, God became more important to me. (I'm not perfect and still fail, by all means)

Our words reflect what's in our hearts. As Christian's, if our words aren't reflecting God then what are we doing? Be a light in a dark world, don't let your words dim your light or the light of others.

Trust me, others are watching and listening to see how you react and interact. Use your worlds to uplift others and God and you will Be Blessed!

Monday, May 15, 2023

Work…

""See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts."
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭31‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God chose Bezalel to craft the Ark of the Covenant. He used a man, who already had vast skills, to do the work of the Lord.

You don't have to be a pastor or a worship leader to do God work. God can use you, right where you are, with the skills He blesses you with, to be an influence for Him. So if your a carpenter, geologist, cook or salesman; God can use you!

So whatever your doing, do it for the glory of God and Be Blessed!

Saturday, May 13, 2023

How you live…

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What we focus on will led our lives, either intentionally or unintentionally. If we seek worldly thing, always striving for more, then that will be all we desire.

Unfortunately, we will never be satisfied!

But if we live for God, we will desire the spiritual. We will be natural givers, helpers and we will seek what God wants us to do in our lives. We will be fulfilled!

I have been both, in my life. I prefer a life filled with God's joy. Seek Him and Be Blessed!

Friday, May 12, 2023

Prayer…

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Rejoice, pray, and give thanks! That's an easy formula.

Rejoice and praise God for who He is, and how great His name is to be praised.

Pray for your needs and the things that concern your heart! Do this continuously throughout the day. Talk to your Heavenly Father.

Give thanks for all He has done and is going to do! He has and will bless you beyond measure.

A simple model for prayer, use it and Be Blessed!

Thursday, May 11, 2023

The stars…

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you know even a little about astronomy, you know there are ALOT of stars! And God knows them ALL by name!

Now if God knows and pays attention to that much detail, don't you think He knows you intimately? He knows when your hurting, sick, depressed, and down hearted. You should never feel alone, you have a Heavenly Father that know EVER cell in your body and everything about you.

When you need Him, call on Him. Better yet, talk to Him, before you need Him. Thank Him today that He knows you and loves you! Bask in His love and Be Blessed!

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Recognizing Jesus…

"Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher")."
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Mary did not, initially, recognize Jesus after the resurrection. She finally heard His voice and turned to face Him, then she knew!

Do you recognize Jesus when you see Him? Do you see Him in nature, the beauty and the splendor of the flowers. Maybe in the little children's laughter. How about when the wind blows? Or His touch upon your life?

Jesus is everywhere, we have to learn to recognize Him. And when we do, cry out! Thank Him for what He is doing and who He is, then you will Be Blessed!

Monday, May 8, 2023

Faith…

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Faith can help you make it through life. It helps you through sickness, hardship, depression, conflict and so much more.

Faith that God will carry you through, helps you see the end in site (that you may not be able to see at that moment). My shield of faith has gotten me through more than you could ever imagine, and now I am able to see what God had in store for me.

How strong is your shield of faith? Do you only trust God in the good times? Or do you depend on Him through the down times as well.

Strengthen your faith and you will Be Blessed!

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

The light…

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.""
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you feel like you are surrounded by darkness? It may be anxiety, fear, depression or some other hardship. But it feels like the darkness is closing in on you, and smothering you.

I've been there! But darkness runs from the light, they cannot exist together! Jesus is the light that you need to overcome whatever darkness is surrounding you. Sometimes you just need to speak His name: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!"

So call upon Jesus, surround yourself with the light and the darkness will flee! Then you will Be Blessed!

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Flee your youthful ways…

"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I wish I had learned this verse when I was younger. You drink too much, drive too fast, buy things to impress others and blow away some of the most important days of your life. As a young man, I spent too much time chasing things that didn't matter.

Now pursuing God and His purpose for my life is what drives me. It makes you much happier and gives much more fulfillment to your life.

Pursue God with pure heart and Be Blessed!

Monday, May 1, 2023

Prayer…

""Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Pray works! But prayer with other believers, opens Heaven's flood gates!! God meant for us to do life together. To come along side other believers and join hands.

So pray with your spouse, pray with your kids, pray with your small group, pray with your church. God hears the the cry's of His people, especially when they are joined together.

So take a moment to pray with others and you will Be Blessed!