Rev. Denise Glavan Heath
Ephesians 4:29 reads, “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.” What is unwholesome talk, it is words that are harmful, corruptive, hurtful, demeaning, rude or unedifying. These words can be vulgar language, gossip, slander, hateful words, lies, and mocking. When you use hateful or hurtful words, when you slander someone or gossip, when vulgar or profane language is spoken, or when lying or being deceptive these words hurt, demean and tear down those whom you are talking to and or about. So why do we use unwholesome talk? Is it to build ourselves up, to make us feel better? Do we enjoy trashing others? Why do we use unwholesome talk? What I have found is that the closer our walk with God is the less we need to use unwholesome talk, because the closer we get to God the better we feel about ourselves and others. God loves us. God does not use unwholesome talk when communicating with us. God builds us up, brings grace, comfort and peace to us. And don’t you think we should do likewise? It is something for us to remember. For if we cannot say anything nice, why say anything at all. God Bless. Amen.
It is not what Christian’s don’t do; it is what they do. My question is what are you doing, that maybe you should not be doing? See, if you look at your life you pretty much do everything and anything you want. You really haven’t given up much have you as a Christian? Sometimes we forget this—sometimes we feel as if we are limited by believing in God. Today, think about what God has called you to be and to do—then strive to do those things. Romans 12:2 reads, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and true.” As a believer in God, remember people are always watching you. Do you represent God in a positive way? Or are you conformed to this world? It is something to remember. God Bless. Amen.
What have you accomplished in life? What have you accomplished on a physical level, on a mental and emotional level, on a spiritual level, in your work-life area. Are these different areas in your life, based on secularism or rooted on your faith in God. I believe, these different areas in your life coincide with God. For our life is rooted in God and everything we do deals with our faith and our understanding of how God works in and through us. For God is the creator of all things and if this is true all things are in God. The question is, will we give God the credit or do we take the credit for our accomplishments ourselves? Maybe what we do, what we say, how we live our life and what we accomplish is through our own efforts. But as believers in God, we realize that God gives us the strength, courage, and perseverance to accomplish all things in our life, thus we say to God be the glory. For what overcomes the world, our faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 reads, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Our life is rooted in God, and our journey of faith involves overcoming challenges, remaining faithful to God, and ultimately, finishing life’s journey with integrity and acknowledging that with God I have and can accomplish all things in my life. Thus we say to God be the Glory. God Bless. Amen.
A virtue is a positive character trait. Virtues are often seen in a person who has a good and fulfilling life. These qualities are revealed in the person’s personal or related to moral behavior, and they are also seen within the person’s relationships. Some common virtues include honesty, compassion, courage, justice, kindness, patience, consideration, gratitude, helpfulness, and perseverance. Some of these qualities are found in the Fruit of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) The fruit of the Spirit are important because they are considered evidence of a genuine relationship with God, showing a person’s transformation by the Holy Spirit. They are seen as a reflection of God’s nature and a way to live a life that brings hope and life to others. These qualities are pretty similar to virtues, but the difference is the Fruit of the Spirit demonstrates that a person is living in accordance to God’s will, rather than to their OWN sinful nature. As believers in God, the journey of getting out of our SELF and putting God and others first is the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in one’s life. And isn’t that what we are to strive for. Developing a better relationship with God. Thus, the Fruit of the Spirit appear in our lives. God Bless. Amen.
How do you treat others? Do you treat them with kindness, loving actions, are you nice, do you cherish them? Or do you snap at them when you are frustrated? Or are you the type of person who is mean and angry, taking your frustrations out on others? Matthew 7:12 says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you? The Golden Rule is not about if you are mean to me, I will be mean to you. That is a negative way of thinking and is very unhealthy. The true meaning of the Golden Rule is about treating others the way YOU want to be treated, not how others treat you. The Golden Rule is essential because it acts as a summary of the Law and the Prophets and is a core principle for Christian ethics, emphasizing love, empathy, and action toward others. Jesus taught it to promote selfless behavior and challenge self-centeredness, urging others to put themselves in another’s position to understand how to treat them. It is a guideline for daily life in all relationships. Here is a thought, “People will forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel.” And when you think about life this way you understand how important the Golden Rule is. God Bless. Amen.
Our mind is a powerful thing. It controls our thoughts and how we view things whether it is our mind, our emotions, our self-understanding, or our spiritual well-being. Proverbs 23:7 reads, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” As a man thinks, so is he. As a woman thinks, so is she. As a child thinks, so is he or she. This one statement means that one’s thoughts shape one’s reality. It highlights the connection between our thoughts and our character. So, if we see life as good and wonderful, that is how our life will be. If we are afraid and fearful of life, that is how our life will be. If we are negative and only see the bad, that is how our life will be. If we view life as a victim, then we will live our life as a victim. We are what we think. There is a saying, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right.” Deuteronomy 30:19 reads, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Today, I hope you choose good over evil, happiness over sadness, positive over negative, optimism over cynicism. But the choice is yours—what will you choose? For as a person thinks, so you are. God Bless. Amen.
Who are you? Describe yourself. Take a moment, think about it. Who are you? Your answer should be a concise, compelling, summary of your life, your experiences, what you belief in, your values, and your character? For me to answer this question I would first say I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother and great grandmother, a minister, a believer in God, I am a child of God, I am a spiritual person, I am kind and caring, I am energetic, I am happy, I always try to do my best, I love life, I see the good in life, I take people at their word, I always find a way, I trust in myself, I be believe things will always work out, I am a positive person, and I am self-sufficient. Genesis 1:27 says, “God created us in His own image, in the image of God He created us, male and female He created them.” John 1:12 tells us, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” Ephesians 2:10 reads, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” We are God’s, created in His image, love and accepted by our Lord. That is who we are! The problem is we forget who we are. We must learn to love ourselves, embrace who we are, and try not to be someone else for they are already taken. Today, remember who you are. Remember whom you belong to. So, who are you? A beloved child of God. God Bless. Amen.
One day, the words from Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant” will mean more to you than all the things you have around you. Strange how some people value their power, their possession, and their life more than what God has called them to do and to be. “Self” becomes their God. It’s as if nothing else in life matters than being a person standing on top of the world. God wants us to get out of our “self” and care about one another, help one another, be compassionate of others—life is not about me, me, me and what I want. The Bible says limits and boundaries are a positive and divinely sanctioned part of life, designed to bring order, protection, and blessings. Proverbs 3:5-8 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Exercising self-control, self-discipline, and establishing limits and boundaries in our life are some of the most important things we can do. When we follow God’s guidelines, live by God’s way, and act in accordance to God. We no longer put our “self” first we put God first, family second, and “self” third. And God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It is something to strive for. God Bless. Amen.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What does it mean to confess our sins? It means we are to acknowledge that we have done something wrong and agree with God that our actions were against what we know is right and true. This involves admitting guilt, expressing regret, and taking responsibility for our actions without making excuses. And then not committing the sin anymore. When we do this God is faithful and just. He forgives us of our sins. God forgives us. God chooses not to remember our sins. He wipes them clean, because Jesus died for us, our sins have been paid completely by Christ’s suffering on the cross. The key to confessing our sins is to stop doing the sin. We are to confess then stop doing the very thing we know we are not supposed to do. We cannot have an attitude well I will just keep confessing the wrongs, because God will forgive me. God looks at our heart and knows if our confessing of our sin is right and true. Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We are to confess our sins but let us remember to give up the sin as well because God knows. We will never fool God for He is our Lord and knows our heart. God bless. Amen.
Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This scripture talks about being crucified with Christ. Which means that a believer has spiritually died with Christ to their old sinful self and is now alive in a new life with Christ. The old has passed away and the new has been formed. It means through the power of Jesus Christ my old ways no longer control me. I am a new creation living a life in Christ. I no longer live my life for myself, my wants, and my desires. I put Christ first in all things. Because I am now aware that He lives within me. And because I know that Christ lives within me, other things are no longer my God. Such as clothes, food, alcohol, drugs, money, pride, greed, lust, wrath, sloth, jealousy, coveting other’s things, envy. Those things no longer control me. I now have a desire to live a life modeled after Christ’s example. And when situations come up, I ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” Because if Christ would not do it, neither should I. It is something for us to take to heart. It is something we should all live by and remember. Christ lives within me! God Bless. Amen.
Romans 5:1 reads, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:31 says, “He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Justified means declared or made righteous in the sight of God. Made righteous means being transformed and made right with God, often through a process of forgiveness of sins and spiritual renewal. See, when God looks at us, He does not say that we are righteous, rather He says that we have been made righteous. It is declared over us. It has been given to us, through Jesus the Christ. Because through Jesus we are forgiven and made clean. The question is, are we striving to be righteous? To live a life that God wants us to live. By giving up our old ways and trying to become more like Jesus. By confessing our sins, and yes, we all sin. It is getting right with God. And living the life that God wants us to live. Because actions always speak louder than words. So, what do your actions reveal about you? Do you need to stop cussing? Do you need to stop drinking? Do you need to quit spending money you do not have? Do you need to show compassion? Do you need to let go of your anger? Do you need to forgive as Christ has forgiven you? Do you need to become kinder and show compassion? Today is the day to get right with God. And He will restore you to righteousness. God Bless. Amen.
I miss my mother and father very much. They have been gone for a while. I think of them often, good thoughts, happy thoughts, loving thoughts. I was blessed to have them as my parents. They taught me about God, about right and wrong, about always doing your best, and so many other things. I miss our conversations the most, the laughter, the thought provoking and challenging exchanges and the down-to-earth wisdom. When my mother was alive, I talked to her every morning. When she passed, I then started talking to my father everyday around 4:00pm. I am an adult now, but if push came to shove, I miss being the child, where I could throw a temper tantrum and have my parents be the wise adults. I do not get to throw temper tantrums any more I have to be strong for my children, my husband and those around me. For I am now the matriarch of the family, my husband is the patriarch. And God, is the all in all, of all families. Ephesians 3:15 reads, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” See, God is the head of all families. And so, when life is hard to deal with and you want to scream and shout, God is there. God is there for all of us—always. When we need to cry, when we need to express our pain and heartache, when we need to throw our 2-year-old temper tantrum, and when we give thanks and praise Him. God accepts us no matter what we are going through. So, turn to Him. He will see you through. God Bless. Amen.
What is love? Love is many things because you can have a love for your spouse, children, stepchildren, daughter’s and son’s in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, parents, in-laws, friends, and pets. Each love is different but has some of the same characteristics. Love is something you give freely. It is not about expecting anything in return. It is a gift. The best definition of love comes from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” Now let us put “I” where love is. “I am patient and kind; I am not jealous or boastful; I am not arrogant or rude. I do not insist on my own way; I am not irritable or resentful; I do not rejoice at the wrong but rejoice in the right. I bear all things, I believe all things, I hope all things, I endure all things. My love never ends.” Are you the definition of this love? Or do you need to work on how you extend your love. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
We all experience difficult times in our lives. When life is difficult, what do you do, how do you handle life’s difficulties? Do you get mad, do you rant and rave? Do you shut down, not knowing what to do or to say? Do run from the problem as long as you can, hoping it will just go away. Or do you deal with the problem at hand, even though it is very difficult. In life, there are difficult times, things you do not want to deal with. You can either deal with the problem, run away from it, get mad and frustrated, or shut down. The choice is yours. What I have found is that God can help you get through those difficult times. Scripture tells us, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalms 31:24) To be strong and take heart means to find courage and inner strength by trusting in the Lord during difficult times. It is a call to be brave, not in one’s own ability, but through faith, knowing that God is with you and will give you the strength you need to get through the situation you are in. It is a call to trust God and this at times can be hard for us. So, when difficult times come your way. Turn to God, pray and pray some more. Read the scriptures, say the “Lord’s Prayer” repeatedly. Keep your eyes focused on God. And deal with the problem and soon this difficult time will pass, because God is with you. It is something to try. God Bless. Amen.
When out and about you can meet the nicest people. And then some people you meet are rude and there are some people you meet that do not give you the time of day, even when you say “hi.” People are people no matter where you go or where you live. My question is do you get upset if a person does not respond to your hello or to your smile or you opening up a door for someone. Do you do these things to get an acknowledgement, or do you do it because it is a nice thing to do and what God want you to do? Sometimes we forget that the only person we can control is “ourself.” This includes doing what God wants us to do and to be. How the other person responds is not your problem/your issues. We need to focus on what God wants us to do. For you never really know what another person is going through and maybe the reason why they did not respond is because they are going through pain and heartache or they didn’t see you or they are on the phone. Ephesians 4:32a reads, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other…” Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Galatians 6:10a tells us, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” These scriptures tell us that it is not about how another person responds to your kindness, it is about what you are to do. Let us try to remember that as we are out and about. God Bless. Amen.
I was getting coffee, I asked the man waiting on me, “How is your day going?” He replied, “It is going well. If I can help others, make their life a little better, within a 7-foot diameter around me, life is good.” Interesting concept. If we all helped one another 7 feet around us, I wonder how different our days would be? Making someone’s life a little better. Not focusing on how to make your life a little better. But someone else’s. So how do we do this it is often made up of a combination of physical, emotional, social connection, and a sense of purpose. It has to do with your attitude and choosing to make the most of the day, for happiness is an inside job. So, if this is true, the 7-foot concept could and would change your attitude and thought process. You would try to help those around you. You would smile when you are out and about. You would open a door for someone. You might even buy someone a coffee. When driving you would become more considerate of other drivers—7-foot rule. The Bible teaches that you should treat others with compassion, kindness, and humility, and to “love your neighbor as yourself—7-foot rule.” Matthew 7:12 reads, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” The Golden Rule. Colossians 3:12 says, “Clothe yourselves with gentleness and patience, and be kind to one another.” 7-foot rule. If you follow this 7-foot concept I think life would not only be better for you, but others as well. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Has anyone ever said to you, “You are not enough.” Not enough means that there is a lack of something necessary or desired, whether it is an effort or a quality. This statement indicates that there is an insufficiency, a need, an expectation, a physical appearance, or a desire toward the person who is receiving the words “You are not enough.” When we hear those words, when others tell us those words “I am not enough.” Our mind registers this, “I am not enough.” But the Lord tells us, “I am enough.” In Psalm 139:14 it reads, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Sometimes we forget that we are wonderful made, created in God’s image, loved and accepted by the Lord. When someone says, “You are not enough,” read these scriptures. You are enough. Remember this. God Bless. Amen.
A promise made is a promise kept. You said you were going to do something then do it. Don’t say something and then not follow through. When you break your promise or don’t do what you said you would do, people lose respect for you, their trust in you dissipates, and your reliability diminishes. When you make a promise to God it has significant ramifications too, including the potential for spiritual consequences like sin if the promise is broken, as well as personal ones such as guilt, broken trust, and reputational damage. Because when you say, vow, or promise to do something and do not follow through, it reveals your character, it shows what type of person you really are. Religious texts emphasize avoiding rash promises to prevent these issues. Ecclesiastes 5:5 reads, “It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” Deuteronomy 23:21 says, “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it and avoid making vows you have no intention of fulfilling.” Matthew 5:37 tells us, “Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.” So be cautious, avoid making rash or impulsive promises to God, as they can lead you down sin, regret, guilt, and loss of integrity, for breaking your word is a failure of being trustworthy. And this applies to everyday life as well. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
When you wake up in the morning do you think, “I am so glad I woke up today. What new adventures await me!” or “I am so tired. I am going back to sleep. Ugh!” or “I don’t want to get up. Nothing good ever comes my way!” or “I hate my life. I hate going into work!” Life is about choices. We choose to enjoy life, to look forward to a new day, or to be frustrated by it, or hate it. The choice is always ours to make. The Bible tells us to be thankful for waking up each day, for it is a gift, with new opportunities to unfold. Psalm 3:5 says, “I laid me down and slept: I woke, for the Lord sustained me.” Lamentations 3:22-23 reads, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” Psalm 118:24 tells us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Here is a thought, instead of getting up and immediately focusing on tasks, anxieties, or frustrations, start the day, with a prayer of thanks and for the gift of a new day. Did you know that each day God has a purpose for you, each day is an opportunity to serve God, each day gives you a chance to use this day for good and not waste it on self-pity or worry. And remember, as the day unfolds, look for and be thankful for both big and small blessings. Shift your focus from stress and frustration to appreciation and thankfulness. And by doing this you can transform your attitude. For our attitude is everything. Let’s make this day a day of, “I am so glad I am alive!” God Bless. Amen.
What is wisdom? Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Good judgement is the ability to make reasonable, fair, and good decisions by combining personal qualities with knowledge and experience. It is being able to gather information, weighing pros and cons, and considering how it effects not only you but others around you. In our society we need people to have good judgement and those who are wise as well. How do you view yourself? Are you a wise person? Do you have good judgement? Are you a person that sometimes has good judgement and sometimes not so good? Do you know any wise people and those with good judgement? The Bible tells us that good judgment and wisdom comes from a fear of the LORD, through seeking and applying God’s commandments, and by developing discernment, and knowledge. True wisdom and knowledge are not based on appearances or selfish ambition, but on honesty, integrity, humility, and righteous conduct. Proverbs 8:12-16a reads, “Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind. Wisdom, gives good advice and common sense.” We are not to be sheep lead to slaughter, we are to think, learn, research, and understand things and life. We have a mind that we need to use. My father used to say to me when I was younger and wanted to follow the crowd, “If they asked you to jump off a cliff, are you going to do it. You need to start thinking for yourself! Do not be a follower. You have a good mind so start using it.” Good advice! It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 reads, “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” To “grow in grace” means to mature spiritually and become more like Christ by deepening your understanding of and dependence on God’s unmerited favor. The dictionary tells us the verb “grace” means do honor or credit to someone or something by one’s presence, one’s actions, one’s words. Do we do this, try to mature spiritually and become more Christ like? Back in the 1990’s a saying came out “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD). People had pins they wore, bracelets, rubber bracelets, Christmas ornaments, crosses with these letters on them, window hangings, and bummer stickers. There was a real movement, and people were asking WWJD before doing something. Today and throughout the day, ask yourself before you speak or do something WWJD. And if Jesus would not say what you want to say—then don’t say it. If Jesus would not do what you want to do—then don’t do it. Find time to be alone with God. Read the Bible. Pray, meditate, listen to Christian music. Strive to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord. You might just find that you have a more rewarding day. God Bless. Amen.
If someone asked you, “Why do you believe in God?” what would you say. Do you answer scientifically, logically, or emotionally? People believe for a variety of reasons, including seeking comfort and meaning, personal experiences, upbringing and cultural traditions, and philosophical or logical arguments. For some belief in God provides a sense of purpose, hope, and moral understanding. Believing in God for others helps them find a way to cope with life’s difficulties. And for many, it helps with the fear of what happens after we die—where do we go? If you think about this question and answer it—it is one of the most important questions that can be asked and answered. Because this question is about our life, how we live out our life, and eternity—what happens after our death. Romans 10:17 reads, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Isaiah 12:2 tells us, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvations.” “For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) It is hard to answer this question, but it is important to answer this question. So, think about it, write down your answer, talk about it, then share your thoughts. Because this question is the most important question you will ever answer. Why do you believe in God. God Bless. Amen.
Ephesians 4:32 reads, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” To be kind means to be generous, helpful, and caring towards others, involving actions driven by genuine warm feelings. By giving of one’s time, attention, and support without expecting anything in return. To be compassionate means to feel sympathy for another person’s suffering and to be moved to help alleviate it. It involves recognizing their pain, understanding the situation, while having an authentic desire to act on their behalf. While empathy and compassion are related, compassion differs in that it adds a motivation to act and care for other’s well-being. To forgive one another is to make a conscious decision to release resentment and anger toward the other person for a past offense. It is a personal process for the forgiver that does not require forgetting the offense or condoning the action. Forgiveness is a way to let go of bitterness, resentment and anger, so that you can move forward without being defined by the hurt. This scripture shows us how to live out our daily life. Maybe we need to read it daily to remember how we are to act. It is something for us to remember. It is something for us to strive to become. God Bless. Amen.
Do you think God misses us when we do not talk with Him? This has been a common theological concept, often viewed through the understanding of a loving relationship between a parent and a child. Many faiths suggest that God misses those who stray or become lost. Because we view God through our understanding, our wants, and our life. We miss those loved ones we do not get to see that often. We want to make sure that they are OK. Thus, we impose this belief onto God. Because we are human. The Bible tells us in Luke 15:3-6, “Then Jesus told them this parable, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep.” God loves us. God wants what is best for us. God cares about each and everyone of us and longs for us to want to spend time with Him. God knows our heart. He knows our wants and desires. God knows when we stray from Him. The question that we need to ask ourselves, “Is God important to us?” or do we have more important things to do in this life than spend time alone with our Lord. See in this world we do get lost. We do stray from God. So, remember this when you stray, when you get lost, when you forget about God—God is still watching over you—always. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Psalm 62:1 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from him.” Jeremiah 31:25 reads, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Exodus 33:14 tells us, “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”” God gives us rest when we are weary. When God gives us rest it means the physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal and a state of helping us trust Him with life’s burdens. For when we are down, He lifts us up. When we are weary, He gives us strength. When we are tired, He gives us energy. When we are in need of rest, He restores us. When we are exhausted from life, He refreshes us. Our God is our all of life. He is our all in all. He is with us step by step, moment by moment, a very presence, in all our life. So, turn to Him when you are weary and in need of rest. He will lift you up, so hold on to Him. He will give you the strength you need to get through this period of your life. God Bless. Amen.
In a society that spews out propaganda it is hard for us to know the truth. It is hard for us to have factual answers without more context. This side says, “I am right”, and the other side says, “No I am right.” Thus, conflict, anger, and frustration emerge. Today, one must research and investigate to obtain the truth. But there is one source that always contains the truth and never wavers, it is the Bible. The Bible’s reliability comes from a collection of letters, sermons, laws, poetry, history, prayers, praise, practical sayings, and prophecies that encompass a wide range of subjects. These include the existence, attributes, and works of God, the nature of His relationship with us, the creation of the universe, the corruption of the world, the meaning of life, death and the resurrection. The Bible teaches right from wrong, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, self-control, love, mercy, and truth about how to live out our lives. So, when those around you, society, news media, or the internet say something is Ok, but you question what you are being told—go to the Bible and you will find the truth of how to live. Because reading the Bible, whether you are a Christian or not, helps us gain wisdom, grow spiritually, understand God’s character and God’s will for our lives. It helps us to find the guidance we need for our life decisions. It provides moral and historical insight and guides us to become better people and live a better life. Maybe if we would read the bible more there wouldn’t be so much conflict of “I’m right and you’re wrong” going on. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
When asked, “How are you doing” what do you say? “I’m OK” which means feeling moderately good. “I’m fine” which means I am okay and don’t need help. When answering how you are doing with “I’m ok or I’m fine” it can often carry more meaning than its literal interpretation. Context, tone, and body language play significant roles in understanding what someone truly means when they say this. Most people respond out of politeness, even though life might not be fine for them. Or masking what they are feeling because they do not want to burden you with what is really going on in their life. One time someone asked me that and I thought, “Do you really really want to know!” I said, “I’m OK!” but inside I was hurting. I have found that when I am hurting, when I am emotionally exhausted, I can go to God, for He is safe. He does not judge me. He knows my heart, He knows my pain and can comfort me, and restore my sagging spirit. Psalm 147:3 reads, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Sometimes we do not want to burden others with what is going on in our life. Our pain and heartache are not the end of our story. God is making all things new. So, turn to God. Lean upon Him—healing is coming. And remember there are times when it is ok not to share what is going on within you with others, God is sufficient. God Bless. Amen.
If you are going somewhere that you have never been before you would get directions to get there. When cooking a new recipe, you follow the directions, because you know if you do the food will turn out great. When learning to dance ballet you must be taught the positions, beats, and movements, it takes time and effort. When learning to play the piano it takes time, determination and learning the keyboard that produces the beautiful sounds. To rebuild an engine you must be taught, the in and outs, so that you know where things go, thus your engine will run to perfection. To learn to read, write, and do math you must be taught. To learn to walk you first must crawl and along the way you fall, stumble and get up again. And to learn about God you must read the Bible, study, pray, and seek the Lord. Life is about learning, discovering, and adventure. It is about following the guidelines that are set before you. It is about desire and a want to learn. It is being open to new possibilities. Jeremiah 29:13 reads, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Proverbs 8:17 says, “Those who love me, I also love, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Today, let us seek the Lord with a new desire and want. God Bless. Amen.
They say it takes 6 weeks to form a habit and one day to break it. The dictionary says a habit is a regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. We have good habits and not so good habits. A bad habit can be over drinking, overeating, laziness/sloth, biting your nails, using drugs, spending excess money you do not have, gossiping, lying, stealing, cussing, anger, holding a grudge, to name a few. These habits can set us up for failure and make our lives miserable. Trying to break these habits can be very hard and one must be intentional about doing so. A good habit is eating right, exercising, taking care of your health, being clean, only saying kind and good things about others, being forgiving, showing respect, being honest and trustworthy, praying, meditating, reading the Bible, to name a few. And these habits are hard to start, do, and maintain. Sometimes it seems easier, it appears to be easier or gives the impression that it is easier to have unhealthy habits, but if you really think about it, living a life in God is the easy way, the right way to live. To live in God is to build a personal, intimate relationship with Him through prayer and action with love and kindness towards others and follow God’s will by obeying His commandments, daily. The more you do this the more the habit is formed though routine, repetition and desire. James 4:8a reads, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 says, “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually!” Maybe the Christian Walk is to strive to form healthy habits, by being intentional, and that is done through our relationship with our Lord. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
We can be so critical of ourselves. I have heard people say while they are trying to accomplish a task, “I am so stupid. I can’t do anything right.” I have also heard people say, “I am so fat and ugly.” I have even heard someone say, “I hate myself.” Such harsh words to speak of yourself. When you make statements like these, you are putting yourself down in such a negative fashion, it is also as if you do not like yourself. By these statements you are eroding your confidence, your positive thinking, and your self-worth with every negative thought. We are to love ourselves. I heard someone say once, “You treat other people better than yourself”. Which is probably true for a lot of us. Learning to take our negative thoughts and transform them into positive and loving thoughts is the key to learning to love ourselves as God does. Psalm 139:13-15 reads, “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.” Ways to turn our negative thoughts into positive ones is by reprograming our thoughts. When a negative thought occurs in your mind say, “No I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love myself as God loves me. And God does not make mistakes.” Sure, we all need to take care of ourselves. We need to eat right, exercise, and focus on our spiritual side, but we do not need to demean ourselves. We are to love ourselves for who and what we are. A beloved child of God. Created in God’s image. Truth. So today and for the rest of your life try to be aware of those negative thoughts. Be intentional about turning your negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It is something for all of us to learn to do. God Bless. Amen.
I look out my window and see the multitude of colors that are bursting forth upon the trees, burgundy, yellow, orange, red, brown and green are everywhere. The beauty of fall. Yesterday we drove up Poudre Canyon to look at the changing leaves. And I realized, soon winter will be here. Seasons come and seasons go. Time moves on. Things change. Nothing stays the same. There is a season for every matter under heaven. Right now, in this season of your life, you could be experiencing health issues that you never had before. You and a friend could have gotten into a fight, and you wonder what now. You could be experiencing the loss of a loved one. You could be having financial troubles. You could be experiencing a job change, that you do not want. You could even be worrying about the future and how it will affect your children and their children. Or things could be going well for you. You smile as you think about what a great spouse you have, your wonderful children, stepchildren, daughters-in-laws, sons-in-laws, in-laws, siblings, grandchildren and great grandchildren, parents, friends, and a job you like. Life is life. Sometimes life is not so good, other times it is wonderful. The one thing I know is that life changes—always. And when we have God, it makes life easier to cope with and deal with life’s difficulties. Things change. But God never does. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” So, whatever you are going through, whatever season of life you are in, remember God is the constant, the rock, a very presence in every moment of our life. God is there! God Bless. Amen.
What is sin? 1 John 3:4 says, “Sin is a transgression of the law.” Jesus defined sin as an internal condition stemming from a sinful heart, not just external actions. It is a state of rebellion against God; it leads to thoughts and deeds against God. Which then separates us from God. Sin is anything that separates us from God. Gossip is sin. James 1:27, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” To lust is a sin, it is a strong sexual desire. Matthew 5:28 says, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery. Adultery is a sin. Hebrew 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” To judge another person is a sin. Luke 6:37-42 reads, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” The 7 deadly sins are pride, greed, wrath/anger, envy/to want other peoples things, lust, gluttony/overindulgence, and sloth/laziness. The 10 Commandments are: I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange gods before me. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember to keep holy the LORD’s day. Honor your father and mother. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. If we know these are true, why do we make excuses and do them anyway. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
To praise God is to express sincere reverence, honor, thanks, gratitude, and admiration for who God is, for what God has done, and will do. We praise God often through proclaiming God’s glory, and an acknowledgment of God’s divine nature and good works. We praise God by living a life of gratitude, even when life is hard and difficult. We praise God by remembering who we are and whom we belong to, which can be done through acts of worship, prayer, singing, proclaiming His greatness, and even through our interactions with others. We are to praise God when we wake up. Praise God as we shower. Praise God in the morning. Praise God for our food. Praise God for our spouse. Praise God for our children, stepchildren. Praise for our in-laws, our daughters-in-law, sons-in-law. Praise God for our grandchildren and great grandchildren. Praise God for our pets. Praise God for the sunrise and sunset. Praise God for where we live. Praise God for the cars we drive. Praise God for our health. Praise God for the clothes we wear. Praise God for the homes we live in. Praise God for this great country. Praise God for our friends. Praise God for the opportunities that come our way to share God’s greatness. Praise God for this day. Praise God. Praise God morning, noon, and night. Praise God! Have a wonderful day. God Bless. Amen.
Did you know that anger is detrimental to yourself because it triggers stress hormones that negatively impact your physical health, leading to increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Mentally, chronic anger contributes to negative outlooks, depression, and difficulty concentrating and can damage relationships. Anger is an emotion that God has given us. It is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. We choose in life to be happy, mad, sad, glad or angry. The Bible acknowledges anger and tells us to learn to deal with it in a healthy manor. Ephesians 4:26-27 reads, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil.” Psalm 37:8 says, “Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.” James 1:19-20 tells us, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Today, if you are angry talk about your anger with someone you trust, get those feelings out. Share your pain and heartache. Do not let the anger fester. Another way is to journal your angry feeling down, do not discount your pain and heartache. Express your feelings on paper—write and write about your anger. Then tear up the paper you have journaled on. Throw it in the trash. As you do that, you throw your anger away. You might have to do it a couple of times. Another way is to pray and pray some more give your anger to God. You can go to a minister or a counselor to talk through your anger. The key is to express your feelings in a healthy manner, not stuff your feelings nor spew your angry feeling out upon someone. It is something to think about. It is something to try. For if you think about it, anger really only hurts you in the long run. There are healthy ways to deal with anger. God Bless. Amen.
Do you ever get tired, weary, or drained? Of course you do, we all do! Sometimes, we just want to sit down and say, “I’m tired. Just let me sit for a while.” Wondering all along why—why—why! So, what do you do when life drains you? Do you take it out on the ones you love? Do you yell at those around you? Do you pout and feel sorry for yourself? Do you curl up in a ball and just quit life for a bit? Do you just stare and not move? Or do you pray and pray and pray some more—trusting God to see you through those draining moments, where you are just so tired and weary! Life is life and sometimes we are tired, weary, and drained, we really do want to take a moment, a time out, for a bit. The Good News is God is there with you—so trust Him. Believe that He will get you through this draining time in your life. And know this too will pass. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” God Bless. Amen.
Scripture comforts, scripture leads us to God, scripture teaches us, scripture gives us answers to life’s difficult questions, scripture shows us how to praise God and give thanks, scripture reveals to us what a mighty and wonderful God we serve. Here are some scriptures that touch my heart. Psalm 106:1 reads, “Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” “O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1-2) “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:1a) “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.” (Psalms 42:1) “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:3-4) “The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock and exalted be the God of my salvation” (Psalm18:40) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) “Nothing shall separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39) Today, open your Bible find scripture that touches your heart. And remember to praise the LORD, give thanks for this is the day that the LORD has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. God Bless. Amen.
In Proverbs 3:6 we are told, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” We are to submit to the LORD. Submit means to accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person. In some people’s view this is not good, because it has a bad connotation to it. Submitting to the LORD is good because in the true meaning we are to go to the Lord in all things, pray, follow His commandment, and do what is right and true. Submitting to the LORD is voluntarily acknowledging His absolute power. By surrendering your will to His will and to trust and obey His will for your life. Thus, you choose to serve God in all things, trusting Him to see you through all of life, even when the journey is difficult and hard. For we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It is something to ponder. God Bless. Amen.
Think before you speak. Why do you constantly put your foot in your mouth? Why would you slip up saying that? Why would you say something like that? What is your need to say something say that? My mother always said, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” Just because you think something does not give you the right to say it. Just because you can say something does not mean that you should say it at all. I do not understand how we have forgotten this, but we seem to have! Proverbs 15:4 reads, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Today, maybe we need to think before we speak. Maybe we need to ask ourselves, “How would I feel if someone said this about me?” And if we were honest we would never speak the words we wanted to say. It is something to remember. It is something we all need to do! God Bless. Amen.
What is one thing that you really really want? Good health? To see a loved one again? To find a spouse? To be financially stable? To obtain the job of your dreams? To……. What is it that is your heart’s desire? For we all want things. But want and need are two different things. We need food, water, and shelter to survive. We desire; we want a lot of things. But the question is what do you really need in your life? Do you see the difference? Because if you think about it most people have everything they need, in life. They just want things and more things. Psalm 37:4 reads, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Then Psalms 20:4 says, “May he give you your heart’s desire, and put all your purposes into effect.” When we hear these verses, we think that God will give us anything and everything we want. As if God is a magical God. What these scriptures are saying is the closer walk you have with God, the more you see things through God’s eyes, the happy you are in life. Thus, no matter you want in life you understand God is our all in all. For our God, if we are honest, meets our every need. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
When life is throwing lemons at you, trying to center yourself can be very difficult, because your life is in chaos. What do you do? Scream, shout, cry, or throw a temper tantrum? My father always said, “Life is unfair. You have to learn to deal with the situation you are in.” True words! The way I calm my spirit is to pray, listen to Christian music, talk to my best friend, then pray some more. What about you? Deuteronomy 31:8 reads, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” So, when life is overwhelming and you do not know what to do, trust in God’s presence and strength. Pray and it will center you and as you pray draw on God’s love and comfort. For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) God Bless. Amen.
There are different types of love. The love for your pet is different from the love of your children. Your love for your spouse is different than the love of a friend. And the love for God is different than any of our loves in our life. Because different types of love vary in the passion, the feelings, and the bond you have. But all love forms a connection and expresses positive feelings, the intensity is just different. So how is your love for God going. For I know most of us love our LORD. Mark 12:30 reads, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Do you? This means spending time with the LORD—daily. Talking to Him and sharing your hurts, concerns, and yes, your joys and happiness. Sometimes we get so busy being busy with this thing called life, that we forget to make God a priority. Today is a perfect day to spend time with our LORD. For when you do—life just seems to go a little bit easier. God Bless. Amen.
Life is fleeting. It is short, temporary, and passes by very quickly. And when we think about life in this manner, we start to realize the importance of saying, doing, and expressing how we feel every day, every moment. Life is also not fair, life is life. For life does not always go our way, events and circumstances do not always turn out in the way we want. Bad things happen to good people, without rhyme or reason. As believers in God, we pray through the good, the bad, and the ugly. We pray and pray hoping beyond hope that the situation will turn out the way we want. But if it doesn’t, we know who holds the future and we know who holds us up. Because of our belief in the Lord, we can face tomorrow; because of our Lord all fear is gone, because our Lord holds our hope and we know that no matter what the future brings, He holds our hand. Isaiah 41:13 reads, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” The truth is we all need comfort, and our Lord knows exactly what we need. So, hold on to Him and you will get through this, step by step, moment by moment. God is with us. He is our help in troubled times. God Bless. Amen.
LOVE is stopping what you are doing for another person without becoming angry or frustrated. LOVE is being kind when the other person is spuing anger upon you. LOVE is never judgmental but sees the good in others. LOVE is seeing the beauty of things. LOVE is lifting others up not demeaning them. LOVE sometimes says no. LOVE is patient and kind. LOVE is not rude, even when others are. LOVE shows affection and cherishes those around them. LOVE forgives and does not keep grudges. LOVE trusts and believes in those around them. LOVE is caring for others even when you do not want to. LOVE is being committed in the good, the bad, and the ugly part of life. LOVE is accepting others for who and what they are but also being able to set limits and boundaries. LOVE does not covet or yearn for other people’s things. LOVE believes in you and supports you. LOVE does not need to boast for their actions reveal their importance. LOVE is an intense feeling that is shown through action. LOVE keeps us together and binds everything together in perfect harmony. LOVE bears all things, believes in you, hopes all things, LOVE never ends. It is something for us to remember. It is something for us to strive to become. God Bless. Amen.
They say love makes the world go round. Love is an intense feeling of deep affection; it can also mean a great interest and pleasure in something. Things we love are our spouses, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-laws, sons-in-laws, parents, siblings, friends, and yes our pets. As believers in God, we are called to love God, do you? You know are you in love with God. Do you spend time alone with God and talk to Him as if He were your best friend? Do you have a relationship with our LORD? Deuteronomy 6:5 reads, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Do you? Sometimes we forget about God when life is good and easy, but that is not what this scripture tells us we are to love our God everyday of our life, not just when life gets hard! Here is something to think about, today, spend time with God. Talk to Him throughout the day: share your joys and your concerns giving thanks in all things and then praise Him. Remember our God in not just a God for us when life gets hard and troublesome our God is a God that we need to talk with through the good times as well as the bad. Our God is our God every moment of every day. God Bless. Amen.
Fear is a real thing. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. In this life of ours there are many things that can cause us to be fearful: a loved who is sick, loss of your job, financial difficulties, an illness you have, loss of a loved one to name a few. And when we become fearful, we think how come life is so unfair. When this occurs, we shake our head and say, “Why God! Why” But life is life. Life can be good and wonderful, or it can be hard and fearful, because we do not know what the future holds. So, no matter what life throws at you, remember God is with you in all situations and circumstances. God is the one sure thing in this life of ours. Psalm 46:1-3. 10a reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult…Be still, and know that I am God.” Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that God is always with us. He is there; all you have to do is turn to Him. He will see you through! God Bless. Amen.
We all have roadblocks in our way, on a daily basis, which can cause us to be frustrated. Frustration is the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something. Daily frustrations can be traffic jams, getting sick, an appliance that is broken, your TV’s internet goes down, your car gets a flat tire and the list goes on. And we become frustrated because now we must deal with the situation at hand. The Bible suggests that we learn to manage our frustrations by being slow to anger, seeking wisdom, and replacing destructive emotions with prayer, learning to trust God in all situations, and to focus on the good. We must remember that life is life, things happen, life happens. Life is not always a rose garden; we must remember roses have thorns. So, when life is filled with frustrations know that God is the one sure thing in this life of ours. He is with us in all situations and circumstances, even when we are frustrated. Psalm 46:1-3 reads, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble times.” Isaiah 41:19 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Sometimes we forget this. Sometimes we let our frustrations get the best of us. Let us remember, therefore, to be strong and courageous for our God is with us. Because soon this situation will pass. God Bless. Amen.
Hello, how is your day going? Good? Not so good? OK? Bad? Wonderful? Frustrating? Life can throw some horrible stuff at us, but life can also be awesome and wonderful! Life is life, what we do with our life is a choice. Some of us choose to be angry and mad, blaming life. Others choose to make lemonade, making the most out of the life. One thing I have found is that God can helps us in all situations, if we choose to let Him. Today go to God in prayer, whether it is praising Him or telling Him all your hurts and concerns. God is there to help you, to give you what you what you need, moment by moment, step by step. Remember this, because no matter what is happening in your life the joy of the LORD is our strength. God Bless. Amen
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1) Why do we pray? We pray for many reasons, including praising God, giving thanks, gratitude, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, hope, assurance, strength, wisdom, and sometimes we have no words we just pray because we do not know what to do. We even pray for others, lifting up their hurts and concerns. When we pray, we are in communication with God. We are telling God what is going on in our life. As we tell God our hurts and concerns, we begin to feel better, or angry, or even hurt because we do not know if He hears us. Then there are those who know that God is there and feel this powerful connection—trusting God will see them through. Prayer is our way of talking to God—even when we do not feel His presence. It is a way we express ourselves to the Lord God Almighty. Today, no matter what is going on in your life spend some time alone with God. Share your thoughts and concerns, your joys and your sorrows—praise God and give thanks. And whether or not you feel God know He is there, trust in that knowledge. God is with us always. God is moving in and through us in all situations and circumstance. God Bless. Amen.
When you are thankful, you are full of thanks. It is a word that expresses either a feeling or showing of gratitude. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; it is a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Sometimes in this life of ours we do not show gratitude or thankfulness. Today, let us do so. Let us be a light unto this world, by being thankful and showing gratitude in all things. As I look around me and I think of my husband, my children, my step-children, my daughters-in-law, my son-in-law, my grandchildren, my greatgrandchild, my siblings, my in-laws, my friends, my dog, the house I live in and the clothes I wear, the food I eat, the car I drive I am thankful. And I am thankful for my God. I am blessed. For I truly understand that I am a beloved child of God created in His image. I am loved unconditionally by God. I am forgiven by God. God always gives me grace and mercy. I give thanks to the LORD for He is good His steadfast love endures forever. I am so thankful for all the mighty things God has done in and through me. I give thanks with a grateful heart for my God is King of kings Lord of lords. For God gave us this day. Let us use it for good, not evil; kindness, not meanness; forgiving others as the Lord forgives us. Let us be a light unto this world, for once this day is gone, we can never get it back. So let us use it for good, being thankful for all we have. For this is the day that the LORD has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. God Bless. Amen.
To praise the Lord is to express thanks, honor, and admiration for God, recognizing His worth, power, mightiness and goodness, often through singing, prayer, or other expressions of gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving. To praise the Lord acknowledges God as the supreme Lord of your life. True praise originates from the heart, serving as an outward expression of your inward faith in God. Today, let us be in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 100 reads, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is he that has made us; and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Praise the LORD. For this is the day that the LORD has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. God Bless. Amen.
You may have given up on something or given up on a dream because it just doesn’t seem to be coming into fruition—it seems impossible to obtain. Then as time goes by, our dreams can change. But there are times the things we want, our dreams, our hopes and prayers we will never get. We become sad, frustrated, and we lose hope. Garth Brooks sing a song called Thank God for Unanswered Prayers. The Chorus goes like this: sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs that just because He doesn’t answer doesn’t mean He don’t care some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” And if that dream, that hope, that prayer does not come true what is important is to trust God. Because God is bigger than any situation. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Sometimes in life this is all we can do. Trust God. God Bless. Amen.
Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It is a strong belief in God based on feelings and spiritual understandings, rather than proof. It is an expression of one’s convictions that drives a person to one’s faith in God. “We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Sometimes this is all we have to get through the moment we are in, our faith. Today, whatever you are experiencing put your trust in God and by your faith believe that God is working in and through the situation you are in. For God is with you always and forever. This is something we all need to remember. God Bless. Amen.
We all succumb to temptation, which can seem like a cynical or despairing viewpoint. But think about it, no one can consistently resist their desires or impulses. We all face and experiences temptation, and some of us give into our desires and our willpower fails us, causing us to sin. Temptation means the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise, thus sin occurs. This does not mean we are bad people. It means we are human. James 1:13 reads, “Let not one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” We are tempted by things, people, and our desires. What God wants us to do is pray, so that we can overcome our temptation. Jesus said to his disciples, “Pray that you do not come into temptation.” (Luke 22:40) Life is full of temptation. What God want us to do is follow His example. Pray, focus on God not yourself. And if you succumb to temptation, ask for forgiveness and try not to do it again. For God is merciful and forgiving, so to anger. God wants us to represent Him in all things and that sometimes is hard for us to do. But if we can keep our eyes fucus upon our Lord temptation is not so prevalent in our lives—God is. It is something to remember. God Bless. Amen.
Psalms 46:10-11 reads, “He (referring to God) says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Then Isaiah 54:10 says, “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 41:10 explains to us, “…fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” These scriptures remind us of how great our LORD is. That no matter what is transpiring in our life you can be assured that God is with us. All we must do is TRUST in our LORD and remember God is always with us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Remember our God is not a magical God who comes in and fixes the situation the way we want it fixed. Our God is a mighty and awesome God. He is a God of compassion and strength, our God will not fail us nor forsake us, for our God loves us unconditionally. Because our God is with us always to see us through all situations and circumstances. So, trust in the Lord, be still, it will work out, it always does. For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. God Bless. Amen.
When you get frustrated with someone, what do you do? When you want someone to understand what is going on—but that person does not listen to you, what do you do? When you are in a situation and you know what you are doing is right and true, yet the other person does not have the same standards, what do you do? In life, as believers in God, we are called to a different way of living—we are not to conform to the secular world, we are to be transformed. We are to stay true to what God has called us to do and to be and that sometimes means standing up not only for yourself but God and God’s values as well. Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, O LORD, I will walk in Your truth…” There is a quote that says, “What consumes your mind controls your life.” this is a true statement. So keep your eyes focus on our LORD—stay in His Word. Let God’s way led your life, not other people. For the only person’s actions you can control are your own! God Bless. Amen.
When life is hard and you have prayed and prayed, and you do not know what to do—pray some more. When you have prayed for healing, yet healing does not seem to come—pray some more. When you are afraid for a loved one, and you have prayed and prayed—pray some more. When you try to take care of yourself and you have prayed and prayed for the strength you need—pray some more. When you are depressed and you have done everything you know to do and you have prayed for help—pray some more. Prayer helps us by promoting mental and emotional well-being through connecting with God, increases hope, and a greater sense of purpose. Prayer provides a powerful coping mechanism during difficult times. It fosters resilience, improves your mood, and gives you hope and a sense of peace. It increases spiritual growth and an understanding that God is with you in all situations and circumstances, even when you do not like the outcome. You believe God will help you get through the situation you are in. Because God is your hope, a very presence in times of need. Philippians 4:6 reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” Jeremiah 29:12 tells us, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” So, when you are down and you feel like giving up pray and pray and pray. God is with you no matter what happens. He is our lifeline. Our all in all. God Bless. Amen.
We all have different perspectives on life. We believe that our view, our understanding of a situation, is usually the correct one. For It is our truth. We could also say what is true for you is not true for someone else. This occurs because you have different values, beliefs, and have experienced different things. Thus, you have a different perspective. We all look at life differently—because of past experiences and the way we were raised. Learning to be open to different possibilities is the key in life. A person once said to me, “So you have all the answers.” I said, “No, this is what I have experienced.” Wisdom comes from be open and willing to learn new things. Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Then Proverbs says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Sometimes we just need to listen before we speak and think about what another person is saying before we inject what we think is right and true. It is something to consider. God Bless. Amen.
Oh LORD our God we bow down before You and praise Your Holy Name. Thank you for all of our many blessings: thank you for our families and friends, thank you for our homes and the food that we eat, thank you for the clothes we wear and the cars we drive. Thank you. You O LORD are an awesome God full of mercy and kindness—loving us for who and what we are—forgiving us for the wrongs that we have committed. Where we find hatred let us share love, where we find meanness let us show kindness, and where there is pettiness let us show substance and consideration. Now be with us as we go forth into this day and may we be vessels of You in all that we do. These things we pray in Christ’s Name. God Bless. Amen.
What does it mean to wait, because we live in a world of instant gratification. Where if you want something, you just go get it. To wait means to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something happens. It means to reframe from being eagerly impatient to do something or for something to happen. From a Biblical standpoint it means to actively trust, hope, and patiently bide one’s time for God’s timing to be manifested. For as believers in God, we are bound to God and ready for His will to unfold. Scripture tells us, “…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word do I hope.” (Psalms 130:5) Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that we need to wait and trusts in the LORD, for it is not about our timing but God’s timing. Wait! God Bless. Amen.
“Be part of the solution, not the problem,” my father would say to me. This saying means actively working to improve a situation, rather than just contributing to it or being part of the problem. It is thinking before doing, acting or speaking. It is being accountable for your actions and not following along as a sheep is lead to slaughter. It is about making constructive contributions and taking responsibility for a positive change. It is understanding you can and will make a difference by what you say, do, and respond to each situation in your life. Ephesians 4:29 reads, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” James 1:19-20 tells us, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Just because, at times, it is easier to follow the crowd, being influenced by the world, movies, TV, gossip does not mean you should follow along with what you are being told. God gave each of us a mind to think with. A Bible to follow to show us right from wrong. For the Bible does not change just because someone tells us it is OK. Therefore, be part of the solution, not the problem. Stand up for what is right and true, for that never changes. God Bless. Amen.
Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover?” The Bible tells us judge not and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37) To judge someone or something is to form an opinion or conclusion about the thing you are judging whether or not you have the facts to make an accurate judgment. Sometimes in life, we judge people on the way they look, act or even speak before we even know what the person is truly like. Maybe instead of judging others we need to be more tolerant, kinder, more understanding. In Matthew 7:5 it says, “You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.” It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
When you are mad at someone, do you yell at them, give them the cold shoulder, give them the silent treatment, write down your grievances and give it to them, or do you sit down and talk about the issue at hand? Do your pray in silent for God’s help? There are many ways in which a person can communicate their anger and frustration. Learning to do this in a healthy manner is the key. It is learning how to respond and not react when you are angry. Colossians 3:13 read, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.” This scripture tells us what to do when we are angry and have a grievance with someone. Proverbs 19:11 reads, “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” This is about learning how to be calm. Then James 1:19-20 reads, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” It is something to think about. It is something to strive for and learn how to do! For it is learning how to respond not to react to the situation, when you are mad. Don’t you think? God Bless. Amen.
Seasons come and seasons go—life has moments of joy that are accented by times of undeniable pain and heartache. Sometimes, life is good and sometimes it is bad, but no matter what is going on in our life it continues to ebb and flow. When life gets too overwhelming, we at times just want to say, “Wait a minute and let me catch my breath.” But life keeps moving forward so we must learn to make the most out of each situation we are in. During life’s struggles we can either make the best out of the situation we are in or we can feel sorry for our SELF and say how unfair life is! The choice is always ours to make. Today, what will you choose? Will you choose to trust God in the situation you are in, or will you lose sight of the LORD God Almighty and wallow in self-pity? Scripture reminds us what to do in Joshua 24:15 it reads, “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” When we choose to serve the LORD we wait, knowing that with God on our side we can get through any situation. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Micah 7:7) It is something to remember. It is something to hold on to. God is with you always. Remember that for He is bigger than any situation. God Bless. Amen.
Today, may God bless you in all that you do. May you feel loved for indeed you are, for God loves you unconditionally always and forever. May, you know that you are forgiven, just go to the LORD and confess your sins. As the day unfolds remember whom you belong to and whom you serve—our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Act, say, and think as if Jesus was watching you, for He is always watching us. So be the person you know you should be. Know that God can and will give you that peace which passes all understanding every moment—just go to Him—He is there to calm your spirit. May this day be wonderful—filling you with joy and happiness. Remember this is the first day of the rest of your life so use it for good and not evil and be a blessing to those around you. God Bless. Amen.
Sometimes we are fearful of the future. Sometimes we worry about how a situation will turn out. Sometimes we fret over our children, spouses, parents, siblings, friend, at times even our job. We know that worrying, fretting, and being fearful do not help the situation in any way and yet we do it. Why is it because we cannot control the situation, therefore fear, anxiety and worry emerge. Isaiah 41:19 tells us, “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.” Today, turn all you cares over to God. Let go and let God. Pray and pray some more. Then trust God to see you through. If you think about it—it really is the only way, at times, to deal with life’s difficulties. God Bless. Amen.
A compromise is an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. We make compromises all the time whether it is with a spouse, a child, a friend, or even at work. We make these concessions so that things will go smoothly. The one thing we should never do is make compromises in our belief in God. When we accept our LORD and believe in Him it occurs on our emotional level. Then as we learn more about the LORD God Almighty, we learn right from wrong. As we grow, we start reading the Bible and from the Bible we learn how to live out our lives. From the Bible we learn about the 10 Commandment which are found in Exodos 20. James 3 tells us not to gossip. Galatians 5:22 shows us how to act. The Golden Rule is found in Matthew 7:12 and the 2 Great Commandments are Matthew 22:36-40. Then if you read Numbers and Deuteronomy, found in the Old Testament, you find more requirements of how to live your life in accordance with God’s way. Nowhere in the readings of the Bible does it tell us to compromise or make concessions. Romans 12:2a reads, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...” Our God has shown us how to live out our lives. The question is, are we following God’s guidelines or are we making the guidelines fit to what we want and what we want to do? It is something to think about. God Bless.
What does it mean to you, to be a Christian? The definition of a Christian is a person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and follows the way of Jesus, professing Christianity and its teachings. This belief involves accepting Jesus’s teachings, including his life, death, and resurrection, as central to their faith. A Christian strives to emulate Jesus’s example in their own lives, demonstrating love, compassion, and obedience to God’s word. A Christian knows they are not perfect. They know they have made mistakes and sinned, but they also know they are forgiven and loved. So, what type of Christian are you? The type that picks and chooses what rules to follow. Goes to church on Sunday portraying a Christian attitude but during the week you do what you want, and God takes a back seat. Are you a Christmas and Easter only Christian. Are you the type that only calls upon God when you need Him and every now and then you pray. Or are you the type that reads the Bible, prays and spends time with God? Do you live the life God wants you to live? When missionary E. Stanley Jones reportedly asked Mahatma Gandhi why he wasn’t a Christian, Gandhi’s response was summarized with the following, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. If I had read the Bible before I met a Christian, I would have been a Christian.” So, what type of Christian are you. It is something to think about. For actions always speak louder than words. God Bless. Amen.
Trust means the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. At the core of trust is a confident belief in feeling secure and assured in another person’s intentions and actions, based on their past behavior and character. Who would you, or do you trust with your life? Who do you trust to take care of your child? To take care of your spouse or a loved one? Your finances? If we are honest there are only a few people whom we truly trust, for people can and will let us down at different times in our life. But not God. For when we put our trust in God, whether in our best efforts or our worst failures we can be assured that it is God who works in us and through us. Scripture reminds us of this—putting our trust in God. Proverbs 3:5 reads, “Trust in the LORD with all our heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Sometimes we just need to be reminded of this. Trust in the Lord and life works out. God Bless. Amen.
What would you do for love? Anything, with no strings attached? Or do you have limitations with your love? When you give out your love are there strings attached and conditions? If you do have strings attached to your love, if someone does not live up to your expectations what do you do? Withhold your love, get mad and not speak to the person, disown the person? Or do you accept the person—knowing we all make mistakes and forgive that person. Do you kill them with kindness, because you really do not have strings attached to your love. You just accept the person for who and what they are. Can you imagine God having strings attached to His love for us? If we failed to live up to God’s expectations—that He would disown us and not have anything to do with us! No. God does not have conditions to His love. He loves us despite our failures, our sins, our unforgiving hearts. God loves us and does not give up on us. 2 Timothy 2:13 reads, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” Hebrew 13:5 tells us, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’” God loves us unconditionally, always, and forever. Maybe we need to start acting more like God. It is something to think about. It is something we need to do. Don’t you think? God Bless. Amen.
I used to pray to be like Proverbs 31—a good woman—I went through a lot of tribulations. For me to become that type of woman, for some reason, I had to go through heartache and pain so that God can mold me into a Godly woman. Then I prayed the fruit of the Spirit—same thing occurred tribulation after tribulation, but love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control were being manifested in my life. Then I started praying to be a vessel of the LORD daily and for God to use me in all that I do. I had opportunity after opportunity to show others how great our God is. It doesn’t matter what you pray to be like, all I know is that God can and will use you to Glorify His Name if you let Him. Isaiah 65:24 reads, “It will come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Today, be open to our LORD so that He can use you. For God answers prayers in a mysterious and wonderous ways. You just be careful about how and what you pray for. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life sometimes, we at times forget about God. In the good, the bad and the ugliness of life God is not always on our mind. We put God on hold. Have you found this to be true? Then suddenly, life changes, we cry out to our LORD asking for “Help!” We remember God! Our goal as believers in God is to be consistent with our relationship with the LORD God Almighty. To talk with Him daily no matter what is going on in our life, whether it is filled with joy or sorrow. Life is life. And if you let it, life will always get in the way. 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 reads, “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” Perhaps we need to be intentional about keeping our eyes focus upon God. Set aside a time each day to talk with God, read the Bible, pray, and meditate. For the more you are intentional about spending time with God, the more it will happen. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Do you ever feel sorry for yourself? As if your life is so unfair and it seems as if it is against you, nothing seems to go right for you! I think, if we are honest, we all have felt sorry for ourselves at one time or another. I have found that the more you feel sorry for yourself, the more you slide deeper into self-pity. The more you slide down the self-pity hole, the more you feel sorry for yourself! It becomes a vicious cycle. Self-pity means excessive, self-absorbed unhappiness over one’s own troubles. Feeling sorry for yourself and self-pity go hand-in-hand. The key to overcoming our self-pity is to focus upon the LORD God Almighty. Praise Him—read scripture—pray and keep your eyes upon the LORD. Listen to Christian music. And pray some more. As time goes by you become more focus on God than yourself. 1 John 5:4 reads, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” Faith is what’s going to overcome your circumstances, not self-pity. The hard part is learning to quit focusing on yourself. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Do you ever feel that you are all alone? You know that there is a God, yet He just doesn’t seem to answer you or your prayers. You call out to God saying, “Where are you? Oh, how I need you. I do not feel that you are there.” Then you wonder, can God really be real, as you cry out your pain and heartache, your frustration and hurt, sitting in the silence all alone. This you can believe, God is with you even in your darkest hour, even when you do not feel He is there, even when you doubt His existence. God is there! Joshua 1:9 reminds us of this it says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Even when you doubt, even when you wonder if God is there. He is! He is in the stillness of each moment. He is holding you up. Believe it! Even if you cannot feel it. God Bless. Amen.
Did you know, do you understand, that because of you, life is better, and your life is a result of making this world different. You matter. You make a difference. You change this world. Thus, because of you and the impact on this world it is important to let your light shine. Because of who you are, what you say, how you act, the people around you are forever changed. Matthew 5:16 reads, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” So today, make a good impact on this world and those around you. Open a door for another person? Buy someone coffee? Call a friend in need? Say “Hello” to a stranger? Let someone merge onto the highway? Be kind, be polite, and if you cannot say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Because of you and what you say and how you act, your light, your being just might make another person’s day for the better. Sometimes the good deed we do may be what the other person needed! It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Who have you told lately that you love them? Who have you told recently that you appreciate them? Who have you told of late that you are proud of them? We all need to hear those things—daily. For kind words make you feel good, appreciated, loved and encouraged. But we also need to tell the ones we love just how special they are—for life is too short and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. All we have is today, this very moment. Today, tell those around you how special they are. How much you love them and how you thank God that they are in your life. Be kind, praise others, encourage those around you. Focus on the good, appreciate them because one day they will not be around. So, I want to thank all of you for your support and encouraging words on my daily devotions. God is truly great that I can share His words with you daily. Thank you. God Bless. Amen.
Do you comprehend that you are a beloved child of God created in God’s image. You are loved. In fact, you have always been loved by God. God’s love for you is unconditional always and forever. God will always believe in you and hope that you will make good choices in your life. God is the one sure thing in this thing called life. Jeremiah 1:5a reads, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” The hardest part is learning to accept God’s love, then learning to love and accept our self as God does. This is something we all need to remember. God Bless and remember God loves you. Amen.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalms 31:24) Life without hope brings bleakness, darkness, and desolation into your life. It is a feeling or state of despair. Hopelessness kills the spirit and creates despondency which makes you want to just quit. Life can trigger hopelessness when you feel as if there is no way out. When you put your hope and trust in the LORD things seem to move in a better direction. You know that no matter what you are going through, with God on your side you can face all your tomorrows. Today, if you need to reconnect with the LORD remember He is there—He can and will help you get through life’s difficulties! He gives you hope. For He inspires a positive future, a sense of possibility, especially during challenging times. God Bless. Amen.
Sin is anything that separates us from God. It is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against God. We as humans sin, we make mistakes, we say things that hurt others, we do things that we know are wrong and yet we do them anyway. We fall short of doing what we know is right. We sin. God knows that we do this, and He loves us anyway. That is why He sent His Son into this world for you and for me. Christ leads us to forgiveness. Christ teaches us to try to become more like Him. There was a saying a few years ago that really defines how we as “Christians” should act. Do you remember it? “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO” What will you do? Today, think about those words, before you say or do anything. Ask yourself “What Would Jesus Do” then base your decision on that answer. You will be amazed how differently you begin to live out your life. Peter 2:21 reads, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” God Bless. Amen.
Scripture reveals to us what a mighty and wonderful God we have. It helps us to understand and learn about the awesomeness of God. “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” (Psalms 40:5) “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (Deuteronomy 10:17) “For you are great and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10) “O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt you, I will give thanks to Your name. For You have worked wonders. Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.” (Isaiah 25:1) Today, let us praise the LORD and give thanks for our God is an awesome God who redeems and restores us. Who is our all in all. Praise the LORD! God Bless. Amen.
Why do you believe in God? For me God has always been there. I was raised in the Church. I learned about God through church, my father and mother, and felt His presence with me daily ever since I can remember. I even played nuns with my next-door neighbor when we were in grade school. We believe in God for various reasons. Some people find belief though religion—through Sunday school, the Bible, and community functions at church. While others say they found God through a personal experience like an answered prayer or a feeling of God’s presence. Still others find God through a philosophical or cosmological or even based on science. Believe in God often stems from a combination of faith, reason, and personal experience. So why do you believe in God? John 6:29 says, “This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.” Hebrews 11:3 tells us, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Psalm 9:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Whatever your reason, it is deeply personal and varied. The thing is, if you believe, do you share and act accordingly. Do your actions, your words, and your thoughts reveal your belief in God? It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
God loves you. God loves you unconditionally. God loves you always. When God created you, He saw that you were good, and His love poured out for you. In God’s eyes you are a beloved child, created in His image. God will never give up on you. God believes in you and wants the best for you. God is always there for you. All you need to do is turn to Him. Romans 8:39 reads, “…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.” God loves you. The problem is, do you love yourself? The key life is learning to love and accept ourself as God does. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
We woke up to another beautiful day, but for some maybe not so beautiful. For a loved one might be sick or even you, or you may have financial problems, or your relationship may be on the rocks. Sometimes life can get downright hard. As people of faith, we have what others do not have and that is our God. So, when life comes at you in all different directions remember God is there. When life throws you lemons, remember God is there. God is with us through the good and the bad and the ugly. God is with us on good days and not so good days. God restores us when we are weary, when we are frustrated, when we are lost, when life is going in the wrong direction. God is with us. Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” So, whatever you are going through remember God is there. He will hold you up. He will renew your strength. For God is with you always and forever. God Bless. Amen.
When you hear the word discipline you think of the practice of training people to obey rules, using punishment to correct disobedience or one’s inappropriate behavior. We discipline our children so that they do not grow up to be out of control, rude, impolite adults. We discipline people who break the law, or rape or murder with a punishment that is enforced because of the crime they have committed. There are consequences to our actions. Deuteronomy 8:5 reads, “So you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was discipling you just as a man disciplines his son.” Hebrew 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” In the Christian faith, God’s discipline refers to the loving guidance and training that God, as a Father, provides to his children (believers) to help them grow in righteousness and holiness. It’s not about punishment as some would have us believe or think but about turning away from sin and inappropriate behavior. No matter whether it is the secular understanding of discipline or discipline of believers in God, both involves consequences for one’s actions. For the Christian discipline is about shaping character and fostering a closer relationship with God, through love and guidance. Sometimes we misunderstand God’s discipline for us and associate it with pain and meanness. God’s discipline is never manifested that way. It is aways through love and guidance. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Prayer is a powerful thing. It can move mountains when nothing else can. My prayer for you today is that you find joy and laughter in the midst of the crazy and boring part of the day. May you receive blessings and happiness throughout the day. May you know you are loved and forgiven and that God believes in you and will never give up on you. As you go forth into this day of our LORD do all things in kindness, treating others as you wish to be treated. For this is the first day of the rest of your life, use it for good, do not waste it. For once this day is gone you can never have a re-do. It is what it is, so make the most out of it. Smile, dance, sing, laugh, enjoy! God Bless. Amen.
There are many ways to deal with life when you get overwhelmed, frustrated and irritated and you know not what to do. Some of us talk it over with loved ones or friends. Some might see a doctor, a counselor, or a minister, to seek the help they need. There are those that seek out the scriptures to find the guidance to get through rough times. Romans 15:4 reads, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” There are those who cry out to God asking for help and yes hope. All the while praying and praying and praying. No matter how you seek the help you need, remember God is always there for you. For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrew 11:1) And with hope we can keep putting one foot in front of the other. Because God gives us hope when nothing else will. Remember God is with you always and forever. God Bless. Amen.
What do you need the LORD to do in your life? When you need something, it is because it is essential or very important. What needs to be manifested today? They say pray and it will be done! Psalms 118:24 reads, “The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Here is the thing, we live in a world where bad things happen to good people, where sickness occurs along with good health, where we are born and we die and everything in between. Life happens. What God does for us is to walk with us down whatever journey we are going on, giving us the strength, courage and yes hope to face each moment—step by step. The sad thing about life is sometime life just sucks. So, turn to God—pray and then hold on to Him with all your might. For God is with you, always, no matter what life throws your way! God Bless. Amen.
Sometimes, in our life, someone or something that we have relied on is no longer there. Whether it is a spouse, a parent, a job, a pet or something that seems quite stable is now gone. Where depending upon this person or thing is no longer a part of our life. When this occurs, we feel lost all alone and at times afraid. The one sure thing that will never shift on us is God. Psalm 62:8 tells us, “Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Exodus 15:2 reads, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Isaiah 26:4 says, “Rely upon the Lord forever. For in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” At times, God is the only thing that keeps us going—so hold on to Him. He will see you through, step by step, moment by moment. For other things will leave you but God never does! God Bless. Amen.
What is your purpose in life? Your purpose in life means having a sense of direction and meaning, where your actions take you in a certain direction both personally, spiritually and physically. It is about finding what motivates and fulfills you and aligning your life with that. I believe, God gave each and everyone of us a purpose. So, what is yours? Is it to be a parent? A help-mate? A care-giver? A rescue person? A law enforcement person? A writer? A singer? A preacher of the word? A person who creates things? A person who plays music or paints or creates beauty? A gardener? A pilot? What is your purpose in life? When you have found your purpose in life it changes your demeanor and how you act and feel about yourself. It gives you confidence. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “I know the plans I have for you; says the LROD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Philippians 2:13 tells us, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Finding God’s purpose for you in your life is key! If you haven’t found it yet, maybe it is time for you to start your journey. God Bless. Amen
Compassionate is a feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. Are you a compassionate person? Do you show kindness, mercy and compassion toward others? Or do you get irritated with other—getting frustrated and angry? When driving in a car if someone is driving recklessly and out of control how do you respond? When walking down a crowded street. Where people are cutting in front of you and pushing you out of the way, how do you respond? When waiting in line and someone cuts in front of you how do you respond? When you are in a grocery store and someone is eating the fruit before paying for it do you confront them? Colossians 3:12 reads, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Sometimes in life we get into situations where we want to say and do things that can and will hurt another person. Just because you think of something does not give you the right to voice your opinion nor act upon it. Because sometimes things are not what you think they are. A person driving fast and reckless could be on the way to the ER. A person walking in a crowded street could be lost. A person who cuts in front of you might not have known you were waiting in line. A person eating fruit in a grocery store could be poor and in need of food. Sometimes things are not what they seem. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2) It is something to remember. God Bless. Amen.
My prayer for you today is that you find peace, that peace which passes all understanding throughout your day. May laughter and joy fill your spirit and wherever you go may others see the happiness in your life. May you know how much God loves, accepts, and cherishes you. For you are the apple of God’s eye, made in His image. May you forgive yourself as God forgives you and may you forgive others as God forgives you. Now as a beloved child of God go out into the day remembering whom you belong to and whom you serve. Peace, I give you. Go in peace. Amen. God bless.
Our God is an awesome God. He reigns throughout our land. He is with us in all situations and circumstances. Our God is King of kings and LORD of lords mighty and majestic is He. Psalm 73:26 reads, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This scripture tells us that God is our strength. Which means one finds courage, resilience, and the ability to face life’s challenges through one’s faith and beliefs. It also implies that God provides a source of power and support, especially during times of trouble, acting as a refuge and an ever-present help. The Lord is my portion means that God is the believer’s ultimate inheritance, source of happiness, and security. It signifies that God’s presence, power, and provisions are sufficient and preferable to any earthly possessions or comforts. It also expresses contentment and trust in God as the greatest treasure. All we have to do is turn to Him—trust in Him and believe. Knowing that He will never fail you nor forsake us. So, hold on to Him. He will see you through whatever it is you are going through. But remember be still for it is God’s timing not yours. God Bless. Amen.
On this day of the Lord, let us give thanks, for we woke up to a new day full of all sorts of possibilities. A day that we will never be experienced again. May we use this day for good and not waste it. May there be laughter, beauty and joy. And if by chance, you experience pain and heartache, remember God will help you get though the situation and that He is always with you no matter what happens in your life. Also don’t forget God loves you unconditionally. Remember He is will always love you no matter you do—that is why He sent His only begotten son into this world. So, remember God’s love today. I pray for Jesus’ blood of protection upon you and bind all evil from you. May you feel secure in every moment of your life because our God walks with us in all of life’s moments. May you find peace and happiness throughout the day—remembering that this is the day that the LORD has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Be at peace. God is with you. God Bless. Amen
What type of person are you? Take it a step further, how do other people view you? Do they see you as a kind, caring, loving, nice, patient, respectful, trustworthy, honest, hard-working person? Or do they see you as a frustrated, angry, hateful, mean, rude, unreliable, lazy, selfish, inappropriate person? Does the way others see you and the way you see yourself coincide? Sometimes, always, or does it depend on your attitude and the mood you are in? Does your behavior represent God? As believers in God, we are called to act in a God like way all the time. How others see us and how we see ourselves should be the same. We are to represent God in all that we do. Matthew 5:14-16 reads, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Remember you never know who is watching you! God Bless. Amen.
Why do we get down-casted—unhappy, not confident, lack of hope? Why do we become weary—so tired of our situation? Why do we just want to stop and saying enough—let me just sit here for a while! Because life can become frustrating and difficult. Psalms 42:11 says, “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.” God is the answer to all our “why’s”—to the hard times of life. God is the one sure thing in this thing called life and sometimes when life becomes unfair and painful the only thing that will help is God. He is there. He will help. He will give you the courage, the strength, and the hope you need. So turn to Him. Hold on to Him. He will see you through! God Bless. Amen.
What do you hope for? Good health? More money? A new job? A new car? A good relationship? A loved one to be healed? To hope means a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. What do you hope for? Romans 8:24-25 tells us, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Hebrew 11:1 reads, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Today, try not to lose hope in the future. Trust God in every situation you are in and remember God is with you always. You just have to believe and trust that He is bigger than what you are hoping for. God Bless. Amen.
We are told that the great commandment is for us to, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31) The question for today is “Do you?” Most of us would say, “Yes I do!” The problem with our relationship with God is finding the time for Him, because life gets in the way. Here is the thing actions always speak louder than words—so what are your actions saying about your relationship with God? It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.
Last month when I was getting my eye shot for my wet macular degeneration (AMD) the doctor said, “Be real still and don’t talk.” I said, “I will be good.” For the past month I have been thinking about me saying “I will be good.” I realized I must have said that a lot as a child. I must have given my parents endless days of getting into things and asking questions. Because the statement “I will be good” implies you are not being good. You are causing problems. Can you imagine God saying to us, “Be good!” But you know God does tell us to be good, to do the right thing, to walk the walk, to be the type of person God has called you to be. To be good means acting in ways that are morally right, virtuous, and beneficial to others. It encompasses qualities like kindness, honesty, fairness, and a desire to contribute positively to the world. It is seeing the good in others, not demeaning them or gossiping about them. Being good is avoiding bad actions. Galatians 6:9-10 reads, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Today, let us focus on being good! God Bless. Amen.
Psalms 5:2 reads, “Hearken to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to thee do I pray.” For to you, do I pray. To pray means to express joy, happiness, thankfulness, sorrow, pain, heartache to God. Prayer is our communication to God, often involving expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, or finding comfort. We pray when we want to talk to God. For God is our lifeline. He is our all in all. Today, let us pray for our loved ones: our spouse, our children, our grandchildren, our parents, our siblings, our friends and yes our pets. Let us also pray for our country, our military, our police force, our fire fighter, our government officials, our president. Let us give thanks to our God and all the wonderful things He has done. Let us rejoice, for this is the day that the LORD has made. Praise be to God. God Bless. Amen.
Sometimes life just gets really hard and overwhelming. You want to say, “Can I just sit down for a minute and catch my breath without something else happening?” But that is not life! Sometimes life throws so many lemons your way you just run out of sugar to make lemonade. It is during these hard and frustrating times that the only thing that can help you is the LORD God Almighty, but here is the catch! You might not feel God’s presence, because you feel so alone and lost. Wondering all the while, where is God, in the midst of all this? Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble times…” God is with us even when we do not feel it. Then in Psalms 130:5 it shows us what to do when we feel lost and all alone, “I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” And that my friends is all any of us really have…hope in the LORD. He will see you through. God Bless. Amen.
Is Jesus the Christ LORD of your life? Does He reign in your life? Is He your all in all? Do you do all things with Him? Or is He someone you call on in times of trouble? When we accept that Jesus is the Christ, our lives are forever changed. We are to follow God’s guidelines in all that we do! The problem is we pick and choose which guidelines to follow and which to ignore. Following in God’s way is hard to do because life get in our way. We get so busy being busy that we lose sight of our LORD. Today try to keep your eyes focused on our LORD. Try to do all things with Him in mind and like the saying goes ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” If he wouldn’t do it, neither should you! Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” God Bless. Amen.