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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
After the storm…
Genesis 8:18, 20 NIV
Noah had just survived the storm that destroyed the earth. Before that, he suffered years of ridicule for building the ark, the people thought he was crazy. You would think Noah would be downhearted and depressed after all the suffering.
But after the storm, Noah worshiped God!! Noah praised Him and sacrificed to Him for His goodness and mercy of saving Noah and his family!!
How do we respond after suffering through a storm? Do we fuss and moan or do we worship Him? Do we thank Him for being there with us through it all and bringing us to the other side?
What we do after the storm shows where our heart was during the storm! How will you respond after the storm so that you can Be Blessed!?
Monday, May 19, 2025
Two vs one…
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
Sometimes life is hard. We don't always live on the mountain top. And when you're down in the valley, you need someone to encourage you, to pick you up, to pray for you.
We all need a Christian friend that will love us, support us and call us out when we're wrong. Do you have someone like that in your life? I am fortunate enough to have my best friend, who is also my wife, to fulfill this role in my life.
Even Jesus surrounded himself with good men. Who are you surrounding yourself with? Who are you calling on when times get tough? Find someone you can depend on and you too will Be blessed!
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Love…
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Sometimes I need to be reminded of God's love. I feel alone and afraid, like my prayers don't go past the ceiling.
But I sit down, put on some praise and worship music and push myself into His word. The verses jump out at me and the praise engulfs me. He does love me and I am never alone.
If you need to feel His love…keep praying, keep reading, keep praising, keep worshipping!!! He has never left you, His vast love covers you and you will Be blessed!
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Jesus wept
John 11:35 NIV
A simple verse of two words but reveals a great deal about our Savior. "Jesus wept" when his friend Lazarus had died and the family was mourning. He met them where they were and had empathy for their emotions.
Sometimes I think that my big God doesn't care about little me and my problems. Sometimes I need Him to cry with me and comfort me.
But the scripture goes on to say that that the family was upset and cried out to Jesus. He answered their prayers and Lazarus rose from the dead! The miracle was coming, but on God's time so that He could be glorified!
Are you waiting for the miracle? Do you some empathy from your Savior? Jesus sees you and will weep with you! Hold on….Wait for the miracle and you will Be blessed!
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Grow
1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV
"God has not called me to be successful, He has called me to be faithful." - Mother Teresa
We each have a task in God's kingdom. Maybe to plant, maybe to water? Whatever God has called you to do, do it faithfully and He will make it grow!!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
For His glory…
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
You could be a waitress, a doctor, business man or home maker; really doesn't matter, but God has put you there for a purpose….to serve Him.
You can serve your Lord just as well from the kitchen as you can the pulpit. It's all in your attitude and actions. Are you serving Him in whatever you do?
Set an example, pray over your meal in public, share a cup of coffee or meal, send a smile someone's way; but do it all for His glory.
Wake up each morning and be ready to serve Him, no matter the task ahead that day and you will Be blessed!
Monday, March 17, 2025
Kind word..
Proverbs 12:25 NIV
In this "go, go, go" world, no wonder we all have a bit of anxiety. We have constant interaction with our phones, social media, news, work. No wonder most of our society is anxious.
But, as Christians, we are called to be light to the world. That may just be saying a kind word to someone in passing. It's such a joy to see a face light up when you speak life into someone.
Give it a try, say something kind. Change someone's day and see how you both will Be blessed!
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Seek Him…
Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV
Do you truly seek God? Or do you just use Him as an ATM machine, asking for only what you want? A true relationship takes work; marriage, friendship or whatever it may be.
If your married, do you remember pursuing your future spouse? Wanting to spend every moment with them and getting to know them better.
God wants that from us! He wants us to seek after Him, to get to know Him and to fall in love and stay in love with Him. Seek God today and everyday and Be blessed!
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Awe…
Proverbs 9:10 NIV
Fear in this context is defined as a "worshipping awe." During our journey, we first look at God with reverence and respect. Because of who He is, we are blinded in "awe."
Then as we get to know Him and seek a relationship with Him, we begin to understand His love, grace and mercy. We start to understand that He loves us so much and wants to bless us.
Grow your relationship with your Heavenly Father, spend time with Him, talk to Him. Gain wisdom and understanding and Be Blessed!
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Grumbling…
Numbers 14:2-3 NIV
How many times do we grumble and fuss because we don't see God's plan? We only see what's in front of us or the situation we are in at the time.
The Israelites were NOT lost in the wilderness. God made them walk around for 40 years because of their unfaithfulness and sin. Truth be told it was only an 11 day journey from Egypt to the promise land.
So what are you grumbling about? Are you not following God's plan because you can't see past your current situation in life? Trust His plan, stop grumbling and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Do good…
Acts 9:36 NIV
Tabitha was mentioned in the New Testament for a simple reason. She always did good and helped the poor. For this she was rewarded, it goes on to tell that when she died, Peter came and prayed over her and God brought her back to life.
What an influence! She was such a servant that God needed her for a few more years!
It doesn't take much to be kind and help others. Treat them the way you would want them to treat you. Love on them the way Jesus would and she how you can Be Blessed!
Friday, February 21, 2025
Get back up…
Proverbs 24:16 NIV
Life is not easy, especially for the righteous. The enemy attacks and we fall, we feel knocked down and defeated. But we stand back up and move forward because of who our Father is!
It can be a constant battle and a struggle. But keep diving in to His word, keep praying, keep moving forward. We're not meant for this world, it is just a temporary home.
Get back up and keep the faith, then you will Be blessed!
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Simple…
Acts 16:31 NIV
I remember getting my first smart phone. It wasn't simple and took me a while to get used to it. Even now, with software updates, it can be complicated.
But Jesus made the way to eternal salvation simple! No updates needed, no complicated algorithms or apps. Simply…believe in the Lord Jesus!
Som people turn from Christianity because they think it's complicated. Or because you have to do this or that, or be at church every time the doors are open.
Fortunately, it's much easier than all that, believe in Jesus! The rest will come as you draw closer to Him. Simply believe and Be blessed!
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Ambassadors…
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV
An ambassador is a representative that has the full authority of the one they represent. We have God's full authority to spread the gospel, to make and appeal to others about Christ love and His saving grace.
We do t have to be a preacher or a Sunday school teacher. God can use us right where we are to witness to others. Sharing over a cup of coffee or in a small group, serving a meal or mowing a yard. These are all opportunities to be God's ambassadors.
So how are you representing your Heavenly Father today? Are you using every opportunity to share your faith? To share God's love and grace? Let God use you where you are and you will Be blessed!
Monday, February 17, 2025
Love…
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Love is a choice, not just a feeling. My wife chooses to love me when I have made a mistake, don't listen or just being a goofball. The same way God chooses to love us even though we continue to sin or turn from Him.
We can choose to love one another. We can choose to love that coworker or boss, who makes our life miserable. We can choose to love that family member who has gone astray or made bad decisions.
God chose to love us and sacrifice His son for us, who do you need to choose to love today? When you make love a choice, not a feeling, then you will Be Blessed!
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Do the right thing…
Matthew 7:12 NIV
I had a discussion with someone last month. She was of a different sexual orientation and said that she did not believe in God. She asked me my opinions and I told her my Christian perspective.
But at the end of the conversation, she was not angry at me, did not yell at me or cuss me. Why? Because I respected her and treated her how I would want to be treated. Although we fundamentally disagreed, we had an adult conversation and listened to each other.
In the end, she gave me a hug and said thanks for listening and left saying "I'm going to consider your thoughts."
Treat others how you want to be treated and you both will Be Blessed!
Friday, February 14, 2025
Give thanks…
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
This can be a tough pill to swallow, but Paul was telling the church at Thessaloniki to give thanks! Give thanks in the tough times, give thanks for the good and the bad, even when the weight of the world is crushing you…give thanks.
You see, whatever you're going through has a purpose. We may not know it now or ever but God knows. And we are not giving thanks because if what weee going through but because of who He is! Because He is in control and because He loves us!
So rejoice, pray and give thanks, then you will truly Be blessed!
Friday, February 7, 2025
Daily bread…
Matthew 6:11 NIV
This verse from the Lord's Prayer, reminds us to depend on God for our "daily" needs. Bread represented life and provision, sustenance.
We can't just call on God every now and then to provide those things. We must rely on Him daily, for everything. Our finances, our relationships, our health, our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
He is the creator of life. Trust Him for your daily bread and "daily" you will Be blessed!
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Reward…
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Sometimes living our God's purpose for your life can be exhausting. The enemy attacks, you get overwhelmed and feel like giving up. Obstacle after obstacle is put in your way.
But God tells us to be strong, keep moving forward. He's got your back. Your rewards are not here in earth, but in heaven.
How great it will be to hear our Father say "Well done!" Keep that in mind, keep working for the kingdom and Be blessed!
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Fix your eyes…
Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV
This verse reminds me a people walking while looking down at their cell phones, eventually they trip, walk into someone or something. It can be dangerous. They are not looking where they're going.
As we go through life, its ups and downs, sometimes we tend to lose focus and stray off track. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, keep our focus on the goal, the finish line and our Heavenly Father. He will correct your path and guide you as you run this race called life.
Although it may seem like it, we are not made for this world, we have a higher calling and an ultimate destination. Keep your eyes in Jesus and you will Be blessed!
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
God’s calling
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
"It is what God has called us to do!" That is my answer when others ask why my wife and I serve, why we feed others that we have never even met.
We each have a gift and a calling. Once you find yours, and you submit to it, there is a peace that enters your soul. You're doing what you are supposed to do!
What is your calling from God? What is the purpose that He has for you in this earth? Find that out and you will Be blessed!
Monday, February 3, 2025
Be still…
Psalms 46:10a NIV
Sometimes when the world doesn't go the way we wish or it seems like we are falling apart, we just have to be still. We must know that He is God and know matter what is going on, He is in control.
Life happens, change happens, obstacles come our way. But trusting that the God of the universe, who has been around since the beginning of time, is in control. I don't proclaim to know His reasons or His plan. But I know that He loves me and I trust His ways.
So when life feels like a whirlwind, be still and trust the one who makes the wind blow. That faith, that trust we help you to Be blessed!
Friday, January 31, 2025
Number our days…
Psalms 90:12 NIV
As I reflect on the news of tragedies and accidents recently, I am reminded that our days on earth are numbered. We must remember that and use it for God's glory.
Gain wisdom from that insight. Use those days well, honor God in every day and every minute. Serve others, love your family, be a leader, spread the gospel in word and deed.
And most importantly, know intimately your Heavenly Father. Worship and praise Him for all He had done and because of who He is!
What will you do with the days you have been given? Will you squander them or will you use them for His glory? Make the right choice and you will Be blessed!
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Kept the faith…
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
Paul tells us this from his prison cell. Looking back at his life that he led for Christ. As I read this I see that it all relies on the last three words: "kept the faith".
Having faith and trusting God in every situation will keep you fighting. It will keep you standing when the enemy attacks. Faith will let you fight the battle and win the war.
Faith will keep you moving forward. Putting one foot in front of the other finishing well. No matter the obstacles or how long the journey; faith will help you finish the race.
So during life's struggles, its ups and downs. Whatever the enemy throws at you. Keep the faith and you will Be blessed!
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Plans…
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
We each have plans for our day, our week, our summer and our lives. But do we hold on to those plans too tightly? Or do we keep them in an open hand, allowing God to change them accordingly to His purpose.
Had you asked me 4 years ago if I would ever leave the ER to take a school job and help run a ministry? Or if my wife would retire and run that ministry full time? I would have said you were nuts, no way that's happening! But God had a different purpose for our future!
Are you holding on to your plans too tight? Or are you letting God guide and direct you so you can live out His purpose for your life? If you are then you will Be blessed!
Friday, January 24, 2025
The eternal…
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
We tend to focus on the here and now. The struggles that are facing us in this moment. Sometimes they overwhelm us and consume us. But Paul tells us to focus on the "unseen", the eternal.
Life is temporary, problems and struggles will come and go. We have good times and bad times. I'm not saying to ignore those problems or issues, but change our focus on God. Change our focus to the one we will spend eternity with.
It may not make it easier in the moment, as a matter of fact, the enemy may even attack more. But you have a Heavenly Father that loves you, cares for you and has an eternal reward for you!
Focus on Him and Be blessed!
Thursday, January 9, 2025
The valley…
Psalms 23:4 NIV
For me, today, these words fall on deaf ears. Walking through the dark valley is scary. You feel alone and afraid. My faith tells me that God is there beside me, but my fear overruns me at times.
When you're in the valley, you may feel like I do, far away from God. But take a deep breath, He is there! Remember not only does He own the mountain tops but He owns the valley as well.
His light will peak over the mountains at the right time and light up the darkness with His beauty and glory. Keep hiking, eventually the valley leads to the mountain top and you will Be blessed!
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Surrender…
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before you. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to you. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan in my life. Lord, I resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God. -Amen
Monday, January 6, 2025
Impossible…
Mark 10:27 NIV
I'm reminded of one of my favorite movies, "Facing the Giants", and their focus on "all things are possible with God."
Many of us face obstacles that seem impossible. Maybe health issues, relationships, finances, depression and many more. But all we have to do is ask, God is there waiting for you to cry out.
No matter what impossible mountain you feel stands before you today, God can make it possible! He will lift you up and help you conquer that mountain so you can Be blessed!
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Everything is yours…
1 Chronicles 29:14 NIV
Giving just isn't about your tithe or finances. It can be anything: your time, resources, talents, mentorship. It is all God's anyway. He gave it ALL to you.
So when we think about giving back, we consider: can we afford it, do I have the time, or maybe later when I'm more stable. None of these things should ever be a consideration, because you're just a steward of what's already His!
So what are you doing today? Watching a football game or serving others? Buying a new "toy" or feeding the poor? It's all God's, give it back to Him and Be blessed!
Friday, January 3, 2025
Seeking something…
John 6:35 NIV
Have you ever stood at a full fridge or pantry and thought: "we have nothing to eat!" You're looking for something to satisfy your physical hunger or thirst.
Many people are that way in life. They are looking for something to satisfy their soul. They may try drugs, alcohol, sex, the latest fitness rage or hobby.
But those who truly seek Jesus will not be hungry or thirsty in their soul. They will find their purpose in life. They will live it out for the glory of the Heavenly Father.
Are you hungry or thirsty? Seek Jesus, let Him fulfill you and Be Blessed!
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Strength…
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Paul sends us this message, not from his warm house with his freezers full and bank account busting at the seams. No he sends it from jail, at one of his lowest points.
Paul reminds us that no matter what life throws at us, we can rely on God for the strength to overcome. Your Heavenly Father will see you through it.
So no matter where you are in your life; struggling or successful. Or in your health, or relationships or just life in general; God will provide the strength you need to overcome.
We were not meant for this world, it is just a temporary home. Rely on Him for the strength to persevere and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Meditates…
Psalms 1:1-2 NIV
It amazes me how God works. As I sit this morning to chose my yearly bible reading, my favorite chapter, Psalms 1 appears in that reading for today.
"Blessed is the one…who meditates in his law day and night."
Are you starting the New Year off right? Are you meditating on God's word? Make it a priority, at least 15 minutes a day in 2025! Read His word, meditate on it!
If you do, 2025 will Be Blessed!