"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.""
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
In today's world of social media, we see everyone's highlight reels. They post what makes themselves look good and what they want you to see. But the old saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.
God sees what is on the inside. He sees our heart, He sees our true intentions. He knows us by how we act and how we treat others. He knows us by our love for Him and our fellow mankind.
Are you just showing others your "highlight reels"? It doesn't matter how you "look", what matters is if your heart reflects God love? Make God proud of what's on the inside and Be Blessed!
At the Kitchen Table... is a simple blog about life, through its ups and downs and recently my journey to become closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as I study His word 'at the kitchen table.' Hope you enjoy my thoughts.
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Worry…
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Twice, this week, Phil 4:6 has come up in my quiet time. As we come into the busy holiday season, this verse resonates! Can we get everything done… how are the finances… what do we need… where are we going… do we have enough cornbread… and it just snowballs!
But God always honors those who bring their worries to Him! He always provides our needs. He always directs our paths and always comes through, right on time!!
So turn on a little praise music, take a deep breath. Give your worries to Him and prepare to Be Blessed!
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Twice, this week, Phil 4:6 has come up in my quiet time. As we come into the busy holiday season, this verse resonates! Can we get everything done… how are the finances… what do we need… where are we going… do we have enough cornbread… and it just snowballs!
But God always honors those who bring their worries to Him! He always provides our needs. He always directs our paths and always comes through, right on time!!
So turn on a little praise music, take a deep breath. Give your worries to Him and prepare to Be Blessed!
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Prayer…
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do you pray about your family, your finances? Maybe you just pray about big decisions, problems or things that are worrying you? Well I hope not.
We are called to pray about "every situation"! Not just the ones that you think are "God worthy". Pray about the little things, the big things, the any and all things. I once heard a fellow believer say that he even prays about his parking spot at Walmart.
God wants to hear your prayers, bring them all to Him. He will listen and He will honor your faithfulness. Then you will Be blessed!
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do you pray about your family, your finances? Maybe you just pray about big decisions, problems or things that are worrying you? Well I hope not.
We are called to pray about "every situation"! Not just the ones that you think are "God worthy". Pray about the little things, the big things, the any and all things. I once heard a fellow believer say that he even prays about his parking spot at Walmart.
God wants to hear your prayers, bring them all to Him. He will listen and He will honor your faithfulness. Then you will Be blessed!
Friday, October 25, 2024
Faithful…
""His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"
Matthew 25:21 NIV
During this proverb, Jesus is explaining that if a servant is faithful then the master will trust him with so much more. More resources, more responsibilities, more rewards.
As God has blessed me and my family, we try to be good stewards of everything He has given us. And when we are faithful, He blesses us more and more! Some days, God overwhelms me and makes me speechless.
Are you a faithful servant? Can you be trusted with the big things? Let's be good stewards of what He has given us and be faithful when he entrust us with more. God wants you to Be Blessed!
Matthew 25:21 NIV
During this proverb, Jesus is explaining that if a servant is faithful then the master will trust him with so much more. More resources, more responsibilities, more rewards.
As God has blessed me and my family, we try to be good stewards of everything He has given us. And when we are faithful, He blesses us more and more! Some days, God overwhelms me and makes me speechless.
Are you a faithful servant? Can you be trusted with the big things? Let's be good stewards of what He has given us and be faithful when he entrust us with more. God wants you to Be Blessed!
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Take care of each other…
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
Isaiah 58:7 NIV
God calls us, as believers, to take care of the poor, the sick, the hungry and yes…our own flesh and blood. We have a duty to care for those less fortunate than ourselves.
So today, I challenge you! Buy a cup of coffee or a meal for someone in need. Check in your elderly neighbors or family members. Be Jesus' hands and feet today.
One day you might be in the position to need a little help as well. I pray someone answers God's call when you are. Love on one another and Be blessed!
Isaiah 58:7 NIV
God calls us, as believers, to take care of the poor, the sick, the hungry and yes…our own flesh and blood. We have a duty to care for those less fortunate than ourselves.
So today, I challenge you! Buy a cup of coffee or a meal for someone in need. Check in your elderly neighbors or family members. Be Jesus' hands and feet today.
One day you might be in the position to need a little help as well. I pray someone answers God's call when you are. Love on one another and Be blessed!
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Be still..:
"He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;"
Psalms 46:10 a NIV
Sometimes in this fast paced world, it is difficult to be still. We have a wealth of knowledge and entertainment at our fingertips. We have constant distractions and notifications.
But we need to force ourselves to "be still". To listen for God's voice and what He is saying to us. Maybe a daily devotion time or a weekend away. But take time to listen for God's voice.
Take some time to be still and Be blessed!
Psalms 46:10 a NIV
Sometimes in this fast paced world, it is difficult to be still. We have a wealth of knowledge and entertainment at our fingertips. We have constant distractions and notifications.
But we need to force ourselves to "be still". To listen for God's voice and what He is saying to us. Maybe a daily devotion time or a weekend away. But take time to listen for God's voice.
Take some time to be still and Be blessed!
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Love…
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Broken relationships restored, failed marriages saved, a world full of sinned saved. All because of love! We can change someone's attitude even their life trajectory by showing them love, the love of Christ living in us.
We can use love to help others, to restore relationships just as Jesus used His love for us to save the world. So who will you show love to today? Maybe someone who needs a little help at the grocery store or a spouse who has gone astray?
Love trumps everything! Show a little love to someone today. I bet you both will Be Blessed!
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Broken relationships restored, failed marriages saved, a world full of sinned saved. All because of love! We can change someone's attitude even their life trajectory by showing them love, the love of Christ living in us.
We can use love to help others, to restore relationships just as Jesus used His love for us to save the world. So who will you show love to today? Maybe someone who needs a little help at the grocery store or a spouse who has gone astray?
Love trumps everything! Show a little love to someone today. I bet you both will Be Blessed!
Friday, October 18, 2024
Light…
""You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:14 NIV
Darkness is not a "substance" in itself. It is only the absents of light. Go into a pitch black room and light a small candle, and look at the difference. The light drives the darkness away.
We are called to be God's light! To shine and drive out the darkness. How can you be light today? How can you brighten your workplace, or your school this week?
Be the light and the darkness will flee! Show God's love and mercy to others so that you both can Be blessed!
Matthew 5:14 NIV
Darkness is not a "substance" in itself. It is only the absents of light. Go into a pitch black room and light a small candle, and look at the difference. The light drives the darkness away.
We are called to be God's light! To shine and drive out the darkness. How can you be light today? How can you brighten your workplace, or your school this week?
Be the light and the darkness will flee! Show God's love and mercy to others so that you both can Be blessed!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Manna…
"Moses said to them, "It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat."
Exodus 16:15 b NIV
God provided life giving manna to the Israelites in the desert. It was their daily provision. He provided for their needs.
If you will allow Him, He will also provide your daily needs. He will sustain you through the ups and downs of life. He will provide your every need.
So if you're wondering in the desert today, trust God to provide for your needs today. Eat the manna He sends you and Be blessed!
Exodus 16:15 b NIV
God provided life giving manna to the Israelites in the desert. It was their daily provision. He provided for their needs.
If you will allow Him, He will also provide your daily needs. He will sustain you through the ups and downs of life. He will provide your every need.
So if you're wondering in the desert today, trust God to provide for your needs today. Eat the manna He sends you and Be blessed!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Joy…
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:11 NIV
Joy doesn't come from an action or an outside source. It is an inner peace that comes from God and flows out into everything you do.
We have all met that person that has true inner joy. Everything they do, you can see true happiness in their soul. You can't get that kind of peace from this world.
Does the joy of the Lord fill you? Do you depend on Him for that inner peace? His joy will make you complete and you will Be blessed!
John 15:11 NIV
Joy doesn't come from an action or an outside source. It is an inner peace that comes from God and flows out into everything you do.
We have all met that person that has true inner joy. Everything they do, you can see true happiness in their soul. You can't get that kind of peace from this world.
Does the joy of the Lord fill you? Do you depend on Him for that inner peace? His joy will make you complete and you will Be blessed!
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Running…
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
The winner of the Boston Marathon didn't win by being lax in his training. No, he had a plan and a purpose, train to win! We should live our Christian lives with the same mindset.
Train our minds daily in God's word. Only take in things that are good for our spiritual body. Practice by serving and loving others. Stay hydrated with praise and worship. Set your mind on the prize ahead.
So like the marathon runner, prepare your self to win the Christian race. The prize will be worth it and you will Be Blessed!
1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
The winner of the Boston Marathon didn't win by being lax in his training. No, he had a plan and a purpose, train to win! We should live our Christian lives with the same mindset.
Train our minds daily in God's word. Only take in things that are good for our spiritual body. Practice by serving and loving others. Stay hydrated with praise and worship. Set your mind on the prize ahead.
So like the marathon runner, prepare your self to win the Christian race. The prize will be worth it and you will Be Blessed!
Friday, October 11, 2024
Pray continually…
"pray continually,"
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
If you're a parent, especially an empty nester, you're excited to hear from your children. Maybe it's a random text, a phone call or an unexpected visit, either way you're surprised and appreciative that they thought of you.
God is that way too. He likes to talk to His children. To be in communication with them. Maybe it's not some elaborate prayer but a thought or short prayer throughout the day. A simple "thank you" at lunch or after something went well at work.
Whatever it is, talk to your Heavenly Father. He wants to hear from you. Have a continuous conversation with Him throughout the day and see how much you will Be Blessed!
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
If you're a parent, especially an empty nester, you're excited to hear from your children. Maybe it's a random text, a phone call or an unexpected visit, either way you're surprised and appreciative that they thought of you.
God is that way too. He likes to talk to His children. To be in communication with them. Maybe it's not some elaborate prayer but a thought or short prayer throughout the day. A simple "thank you" at lunch or after something went well at work.
Whatever it is, talk to your Heavenly Father. He wants to hear from you. Have a continuous conversation with Him throughout the day and see how much you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Together…
"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,"
1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV
Paul sent Timothy to the church at Thessaloniki to be an encouragement for them. Sometimes we all need a little help from a friend. Someone to pray for us and lift us up.
Maybe it's a small group, or an accountability partner; perhaps a loving, praying spouse. Whoever it is, we shouldn't try to go through life alone. Find a Christian friend who will "strengthen and encourage you in your faith." Do the same for them.
Lift each other up, share life together. You will be stronger in your faith for it and you will Be blessed!
1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV
Paul sent Timothy to the church at Thessaloniki to be an encouragement for them. Sometimes we all need a little help from a friend. Someone to pray for us and lift us up.
Maybe it's a small group, or an accountability partner; perhaps a loving, praying spouse. Whoever it is, we shouldn't try to go through life alone. Find a Christian friend who will "strengthen and encourage you in your faith." Do the same for them.
Lift each other up, share life together. You will be stronger in your faith for it and you will Be blessed!
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Seek him…
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
We are all searching for something. And when that something is important to us, we search with our whole heart.
We search differently for a favorite shirt to wear than we do a lost child. Our intensity and tenacity is different depending on the importance of the object we are looking for.
How vital is your relationship with God? Are you seeking and searching for Him with your whole heart? Go all in, give His your heart, seek Him with everything you have, then you will Be blessed!
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
We are all searching for something. And when that something is important to us, we search with our whole heart.
We search differently for a favorite shirt to wear than we do a lost child. Our intensity and tenacity is different depending on the importance of the object we are looking for.
How vital is your relationship with God? Are you seeking and searching for Him with your whole heart? Go all in, give His your heart, seek Him with everything you have, then you will Be blessed!
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Trust…
"In you, Lord my God, I put my trust."
Psalms 25:1 NIV
Not just a tagline for your refrigerator verse or tattoo, Psalms 25:1 is a lifestyle. It's doesn't have stipulations or scenarios attached…it just trusting God…period.
Trust Him with your finances, your relationships, your health, your family. In every aspect, every day, in every decision, you put your trust in God.
When you're doing God's will and truly trusting Him, everything else is a cake walk. Put you trust in Him and Be Blessed!
Psalms 25:1 NIV
Not just a tagline for your refrigerator verse or tattoo, Psalms 25:1 is a lifestyle. It's doesn't have stipulations or scenarios attached…it just trusting God…period.
Trust Him with your finances, your relationships, your health, your family. In every aspect, every day, in every decision, you put your trust in God.
When you're doing God's will and truly trusting Him, everything else is a cake walk. Put you trust in Him and Be Blessed!
Friday, October 4, 2024
Impossible…
"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.""
Mark 10:27 NIV
As Jesus was telling his disciples how to be saved He also shed some light on things they could not understand. Sometimes, we feel the same as the disciples, we think something is impossible to do.
Maybe healing a broken relationship or marriage. Maybe physical or emotional healing, or a plan or purpose for your life. You think these things are impossible. But what are you leaving out of the mix…God.
All things are possible with Him if we only trust. So what impossible task, do you need to turn over to God today, so that you can Be Blessed!
Mark 10:27 NIV
As Jesus was telling his disciples how to be saved He also shed some light on things they could not understand. Sometimes, we feel the same as the disciples, we think something is impossible to do.
Maybe healing a broken relationship or marriage. Maybe physical or emotional healing, or a plan or purpose for your life. You think these things are impossible. But what are you leaving out of the mix…God.
All things are possible with Him if we only trust. So what impossible task, do you need to turn over to God today, so that you can Be Blessed!
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Commit…
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
When a marathon runner commits to their training, they don't just train once a week or eat healthy every now and then. They change their lifestyle. They eat healthy, they run every day in a consistent training manner. They go "all in"!!
When the big race comes, they are prepared to go the distance! Same goes for our Christian walk. Are you committed? Are you daily training your mind with God's word? Are you taking in the "healthy foods" to fuel your soul and spirit?
The big race is already upon us, are you ready to go the distance? Let's commit to the Lord, see the plans He has for us so we can Be Blessed!
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
When a marathon runner commits to their training, they don't just train once a week or eat healthy every now and then. They change their lifestyle. They eat healthy, they run every day in a consistent training manner. They go "all in"!!
When the big race comes, they are prepared to go the distance! Same goes for our Christian walk. Are you committed? Are you daily training your mind with God's word? Are you taking in the "healthy foods" to fuel your soul and spirit?
The big race is already upon us, are you ready to go the distance? Let's commit to the Lord, see the plans He has for us so we can Be Blessed!
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Generosity…
"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
In Jan 2024, we made a decision to take our ministry full time. Since that time, our non-profit has grown exponentially. The generosity that has been poured upon us overflows so that we can give it all back through a home cooked meal to someone in need.
It's funny how God works, He can take what you give and multiply it, when you give it back. Whether it's your time, your resources, your talents or your finances, He will bless it!!
Paul tells us, his letter to the church at Corinth, to give generously. Let God enrich it and see how you can Be Blessed!
2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
In Jan 2024, we made a decision to take our ministry full time. Since that time, our non-profit has grown exponentially. The generosity that has been poured upon us overflows so that we can give it all back through a home cooked meal to someone in need.
It's funny how God works, He can take what you give and multiply it, when you give it back. Whether it's your time, your resources, your talents or your finances, He will bless it!!
Paul tells us, his letter to the church at Corinth, to give generously. Let God enrich it and see how you can Be Blessed!
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
He carried them…
"In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old."
Isaiah 63:9b NIV
Isaiah tells of how God loved and carried the Israelites in the desert. They strayed from Him many times and wondered for 40 years because of it.
But God was always there, waiting for them to turn back and ready to carry them through the tough times.
It goes to show, no matter how many times we fail or falter, God is still there, ready to carry you when you need it.
So turn back to Him, stop wondering in the desert. Embrace His love and mercy and Be blessed!
Isaiah 63:9b NIV
Isaiah tells of how God loved and carried the Israelites in the desert. They strayed from Him many times and wondered for 40 years because of it.
But God was always there, waiting for them to turn back and ready to carry them through the tough times.
It goes to show, no matter how many times we fail or falter, God is still there, ready to carry you when you need it.
So turn back to Him, stop wondering in the desert. Embrace His love and mercy and Be blessed!
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