Scripture-Rooted Devotionals for Everyday Life

Psalm 40:1 --- I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.

While serving in the US Air Force, in Kunsan, Korea I worked in the Military Pay Section. On payday, dozens of airmen would line up at the customer service desk to lodge complaints about errors in their pay. We would assist each person in the resolution of their complaints until everyone in line was served.

One payday, an airman opened the door, yelled into the room, slammed the door closed, and disappeared. The next payday, the same thing happened! The same airman, opened the door, shouted into the room, “My pay is fouled up!” He then slammed the door and vanished. Upon informing our supervisor of this curious occurrence, he devised a plan to identify this airman, bring him inside, and address his dilemma.

The next payday, two pay clerks were stationed at the door, to await this young man’s arrival. As soon as he opened the door and shouted, “My pay…” the clerks grabbed him by the arms and pulled him inside. They seated him at our supervisor’s desk. Our supervisor served this airman personally. He went over all the young man’s pay records, corrected every discrepancy, and issued him a pay advance, to bring his pay up to date.

We never heard from that airman again! In much the same way as we did with this airman, the Lord attends to our every need. If you have any problems or concerns today, just cry out to the Lord. He’ll hear your cry and answer.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that you attend to my needs. Help me to be attentive to your call, so that I may obey your commands. Amen.

Psalm 34:8 - Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

I remember sitting at the kitchen table for meals when I was very young, maybe about six years old. I liked and would eat almost everything that my mother served. That is except pears and okra. They were menu items that I especially disliked, and I felt that I could do without them. If I spooned fruit cocktail into my mouth, and there was some pear on the spoon the fruit cocktail would soon come back out the same way that it went in. They just would not stay where they were placed.

My mother accommodated my dislike for pears. She would remove the pears from my cup, and I would happily eat what was left. On the other hand, she would insist that I eat the okra. Mother would always say, “It’s good for you, learn to like it”. So, I learned to like it. That is probably how I developed such a discerning palate! Imagine this! Pears are my favorite fruit now, and okra is my most sought-after side dish at restaurants.

Lately, I've begun drinking green tea, with no sweetener. I have a sweet tooth, so it doesn’t taste that great to me yet. There are cultures that benefit and enjoy bitter tasting chocolate in foods and beverages. So, I’ll give the green tea a chance to win me over. I’m not quite ready to get on the dark chocolate craze though.

There are bible verses that give us pause before we get any understanding from them. I encourage you to put forth extra effort in getting to understand what may seem to be vague scriptures. They’re good for you!

Heavenly Father, just as my mother’s timeless advice about certain foods was right… Your Word is true. May we commit to taste and see that you are Good. We are blessed because we trust in You. Amen. .

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John has just graduated from high school, and he has decided not to go to college. He filled out many job applications because he wanted to move out of his father's house and start his own life adventures. There were so many things he wanted to do, and he wasn't sure where to start. Get a job, buy a car and get his own place to live. He decided he would do one thing at a time. So he decided to work on getting a job first.

After a few days the phone rang, and it was his first job offer. He was so excited that he made up his mind to take the job. The job was with a construction company not far from where he lived. The day of the interview the foreman explained to John that he would be a construction worker helper, and his job would be driving materials from one construction site to another. At the end of the interview John was so excited and he said to the foreman “I'll take the job”. John signed all the necessary paperwork and was told to report to the work site the next day.

He could hardly sleep that night because he was so eager to start work. He got up early the next morning and reported to the job site. It was a busy place with many trucks and workers moving back and forth all over the place. John reported to the front office and said to the gentleman working at the front desk. “Good morning, sir, I’m John. I am here to start my first day of work. Which truck will I be driving”, John asked. “Truck? What truck?” The gentleman replied. “You did not sign up to drive a truck, you signed up to push a wheelbarrow”. John felt his heart drop as the foreman showed him what was written in the contract that he had signed. John said to himself “I was so excited to start working that I did not even read the whole contract”.

Many Christians are like John. They are so excited to go to heaven that they fail to fully read the contract (The Bible) . They do not fully understand how to get to heaven, what is required of them on the way to heaven and what benefits they have here on earth. They depend on the Pastor and others for God’s Word. The Bible is our contract from GOD that explains everything we need to know about life and eternity. It is referred to by many as the basic instructions before leaving earth (Bible). Have you read the contract?

Heavenly Father I pray that You open my understanding to fully understand Your Word so I do not have to depend on others for Your Word but know it and You for myself. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 5:1-3 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. (Can't you feel it) My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.

Can't you feel it) Can't you feel that GOD is hearing your prayer. Have you ever had concerns about things going on in your life. Seems like things are happening beyond your control. The car won't start. The kids acting crazy. The government is out of control. There is more money going out than that is coming in. You began to feel overwhelmed with everything all have felt some or all of these things.

So, you began to pray to GOD about your cares and Then all of a sudden thing began to change. You get a new car. The kids start doing great things. the government starts acting better. You get a new job that has better benefits and a bigger salary. You remember how things were and then you say to yourself, wow, these are the things I have been praying about. Not only did they change but things turned out even better than you expected.

Sometimes things happen right away and Sometimes things take awhile. When we do get a no from GOD we usually find out later that it.

Probably wasn't good for us or it wouldn't have worked anyway. Matt 11:28-30 says: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Can't you feel it? Can't you feel that GOD is hearing your prayers.

Prayer, God thank you that I can come boldly to the throne of grace with my problems no matter how big or how small and you will always hear my prayers. Amen.

Psalms 1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers ot water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Life is amazing. We were born with five senses. Seeing, tasting, smelling, touching and hearing. We hear through sound. Sometimes we can't hear things because of too much sound around us happening at once. We can't concentrate and meditate on what's going on. We call it noise.

Noise is the interference of what we are trying to hear. Sometimes life can be noise when things are happening and it blocks us from hearing what GOD is saying to us. This is why we should go into our prayer closet and not only speak to GOD but also shut out the noise and hear what GOD is saying to us.

From the beginning of time. GOD talked to man and man talked to GOD. GOD is still talking to us today This is why it is called a relationship.

My prayer is that we would block out the noise that comes between us and GOD. So, we can hear what He wants us to say to us.

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Insomnia is something that all of us have experienced at some time in our lives. Whether it is from being anxious about something or having a medical reason, we have all found it difficult to either fall asleep or stay asleep.

Maybe you have tried warm milk, white noises, even exercise, usually as a last resort. And I am sure that most people have seen the ads on television and in magazines of the many different pills and concoctions that have been created by the drug companies that promise sleep success and to wake refreshed ready to tackle the new day.

But, I can tell you the very best remedy for insomnia. It's the thing I tell my children, grandchildren, siblings, anyone who has ever told me they had trouble sleeping. What is this sure-fire remedy? The Bible! It works every time. Well, maybe most of the time. If you pick up the bible and begin reading, within a very few minutes your eyes will become very heavy.

I know this from personal experience. Satan does not want us to know what God has to say about anything. Satan’s desire is to kill, steal and destroy. Kill our opportunities for a relationship with our Father, steal our rest, and destroy our peace. But Jesus said to come to Him.....and He will give you rest.

As you try to read the bible, even if you only get a couple of scriptures done before you fall asleep, God's Word will be the last thing on your mind as you rest for the night. What better medicine! What better sleep aid! What better remedy whose only side effects are strength and peace. And who knows. This may become a regular nightly routine and a permanent cure as you grow closer to God.

Heavenly Father: Forgive us for not seeking You first in our every need. Help us to be vigilant in working on a relationship with You on purpose.

Acts 24:16 ....l myself always stive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Most people know the story about David, Bathsheba and Uriah. David did some horrible things that he thought were hidden. Most also know the story of Peter denying Jesus. And there are other stories in the bible of people doing things and thinking no one saw or heard. But God did. And there were consequences with each one. David's life and the lives of his offspring was full of chaos. Peter left the ministry for a time because he felt unworthy. Both had a guilty conscience. God let them know that HE knew all about it. They repented and were restored with their conscience clear.

All of us have at some time in life, done or said some things that we think no one saw or heard. Are you one that bullies people? Are you someone that steals things like tools or supplies from your job? Do you call people names or purposely say hurtful words? Maybe there was someone in need you could have helped but decided that it was not your problem. Is physical or mental abuse of your spouse or children your arsenal? Maybe it didn't cause a life to be taken as David did with Uriah. But somebody somewhere has been affected negatively by those actions. Do we believe that we have gotten away with it or that it is too insignificant to be counted? Well let this be a reminder. God knows about them all! Our only recourse is repentance. Sure, there will be consequences for all of our actions just like there were for David and Peter. But at least our consciences will be clear.

The scripture says we should strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. That opens the door for us to examine ourselves the more. Search those secret places and ask God to reveal the things that we need HIM to help us with. And when He does, don't fight it. The fact is He loves us enough to put us through the wash to get rid of the dirty secrets we've tried to conceal. Let Him do it! That way if God counts us worthy, we should also. Then when Satan tries to use the ammunition that was there against us, we can reply, my sins are forgiven, and my conscience is clear.

Father: I submit all of my forgotten faults and failures to You. I ask that You fix me because I strive to have a clear conscience to be a servant You can use. Amen

Ephesians 5:25-27 just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,..... not having spot or wrinkle but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Monday is the day I designated to be laundry day. I sort thru everyone’s clothes separately and look for any that may need special attention because of stains. Some stains are from food, dirt, oil, ink, perspiration, or makeup. The stains I find may have to be treated before washing to ensure they come out. Sometimes I miss a few and sometimes even the treated stains do not come out. This is usually not noticed until after the wash cycle is complete and/or maybe after drying. The clothes may look clean and smell clean, but. when the light hits it just right the stains appear. The garment looks horrible and unsuitable to be worn. They will have to go thru the process again. Sometimes even after changing the treatment, the garment is good for nothing but to be thrown away or used as rags.

Christ said He is looking for a church without a spot or wrinkle. One that is holy and without blemish. Since "the church" is not really the building we assemble in every week, we need to take a literal look at ourselves as we are the church. According to the Word of God, all of us have sinned and fallen short of His glory. So we all have to be and need to be cleaned. Christ washed us with His shed blood. That fixed the spiritual side of us. That is factual. However, being flesh, we still have some spot treatments that we need to go through. We have habits that need annihilated. Speech that needs bleached. Thoughts that need soaked, and deeds that need scrubbed. A one time treatment is usually not enough for most of us. Will God discard us who are permanently stained or would He use us in some way. Only He knows that. But when we let the Holy Spirit do the treatments, the spots and blemishes will be removed successfully and permanently. Then when we stand in the light of judgement we will stand totally clean.

Let's take a good look at our lives. Let His light shine on your life and see if there are any of those hard to see blemishes. Ask God to reveal them so we can be retreated however many times it takes to get spotless and blemish free.

Most Holy Father. If there is anything in me that is not pleasing in Your sight, I ask you to take it out. I want to be holy and without a spot or wrinkle and acceptable unto You.

Isaiah 43:8-9 Bring out the blind people who have eyes. And the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together. And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say “It is truth”.

A few day ago I experience an overwhelming change in my prospective of life. Sometimes our views are narrow and our understanding is immature, childish, or even dormant. So God gives use an experience that will jump start our spiritual sight to be able to see beyond our singular self. This journey is not about ourselves.

A lot of times it takes more than a whisper to get our attention. The will of man is a strong vise that can work for or against God's Perfect will. Man will never fully understand the full vision of God's plan for our life, so we choose not to see it completely. We choose to turn a blind eye to His instructions thinking that would be an easier road to travel. We soon learn that without God there is nothing, no vision, no sight, no plan ...blind.

A person that is blind is limited to understanding others, to finding their own footing or to walk along side others in unity. The blessing of sight opens up the eyes to physical and spiritual vision that can not be explained with mere words but the clarity of sight is to comprehend. Once understood, God's plan is ideal and built just for you.

Prayer Dear God, I know the love you have for your people. I know that the one lost lamb is endeared to you. Open our eyes so that we many see your plan to further witness spreading hope and salvation. Help us to understand how to advance your kingdom. Amen.

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1 Corinthians 3:6 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

The difference between a Loadmaster's job and a Flight Engineer's. After spending far too much time at home on leave, I needed to hurry back to my assignment in Las Vegas. My problem though was that I had spent just as much money as I had time. Somehow, I managed to get to the Air Force Base in Virginia. There, I was able to catch a military flight. We Zoomies, as we were not so fondly called by members of other branches of service, called that flight a “hop”.

Fortunately, my flight was destined for my home base!

If you have never ridden on a C-5 Galaxy, then count your blessings. The seats face the rear of the plane. So, I got the peculiar experience of riding backwards for more than two-thousand miles.

The flight was a pleasure though, because I sat beside a guy wearing a flight suit the whole way. He was a loadmaster by profession and told me all the great things about his job. He traveled to many exciting destinations, and he got to relax while the rest of the crew was hard at work. When we touched down on the flight line in Las Vegas, I invited my newfound friend, the Loadmaster, to the club to continue getting acquainted. He declined, explaining that he had to unload the plane.

So, I went happily off to the club with the plane’s flight engineer.

At the club, I listened with interest as the flight engineer told me that he had the greatest job that an enlisted man could have. He only had to work while the plane was flying, unlike the loadmaster who worked once the plane landed, while the rest of the crew went off to have fun.

Isn’t it wonderful that the entire crew loved their jobs. Each one did his part, and the US Air Force received this airman on time, safe, and ready for duty.

Our Father in heaven help us to find Your joy in our work. Help us to complete our assignments with gratitude, that Your will is done here on earth. Amen.

Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.

I have always liked the rain. Years ago when I was in my early teens, I had a very unique experience. I was standing next to the pond down the street from our house.

Suddenly, the sky turned gray, and it began to thunder. Hurriedly, I climbed the hill and headed home, intending to arrive before the lightning started. Safety was less than a block away, and I intended to get there unscathed.

As I ran down the middle of the street to keep from being struck. A lightning bolt seemed as though it was taking its aim. I could tell that a lightning strike was imminent because the hair on my head felt like it was being pulled out of my head. In desperation, I began to call upon the name of the Lord. “Oh Lord, help me to make it!”

Finally, within a few short moments, I arrived home. As I closed the storm door, I turned to see a giant streak of white light hit the middle of the street right where I had been running.

Whew, that was a close one! I didn’t think about it very much after that day. Now I know that God had held the lightning bolt and protected me from certain harm. That experience was unique in that it did not rain. I like the rain because rain alerts me, and I’ll head for home before the weather gets too rough. If it rains, maybe there will be no lightning.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You have kept me. You rule over everything, and Your tender mercies are over all Your works. Amen.

Placeholder: John 10:14 (NKJV) “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

My dog has a sharp ear. He stays in our fenced-in backyard and can’t even see the driveway out front. But somehow, he always knows when it’s one of us pulling in.

Whether it’s my car, my wife’s, or even my sister’s—he doesn’t bark. Now, if it’s someone else—UPS, Amazon, or a visitor—that’s when the barking kicks in. Funny thing is, when it’s my sister’s car, he still gives a little bark… but it’s not the warning kind. It’s more like, “She brought her dog, and I’m ready to play!” That dog knows the difference.

He knows our cars, our people, even our reasons for pulling up. It made me think about something Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.” Just like that dog knows who belongs at our house, Jesus knows who belongs to Him.

He knows our voice when we pray. He knows the difference between someone seeking Him and someone just going through the motions. And He responds to us in just the right way—sometimes with peace, sometimes with strength, sometimes with correction. But always with love. And here’s the part that gets me: “I know My sheep… and am known by My own.” That means we’re not just known—we’re also called to know Him.

We’re supposed to recognize His voice too. Not just in church. Not just through preachers. But in the quiet of the morning. In the middle of a tough day. In moments that feel small but end up being sacred. The more time we spend with Jesus, the easier it gets to hear Him clearly. And the more clearly we hear Him, the more confidently we follow.

Father, thank You for knowing me. Help me know You more deeply. Teach me to hear Your voice above all the noise. And when You call, let me respond quickly—because I belong to You. Amen.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

West Germany was my second overseas assignment while serving in the US Air Force. My son was born while I was stationed there. Some Saturdays, I would take him out for breakfast, or visit one of my friends who lived in base housing.

One Saturday, he and I exited our parked car enroute to one of my friend’s rooms in the barracks. As we were walking across the parking lot, the unthinkable happened. Suddenly, the ground shook and we heard a great varoom as a fighter jet zipped past the building that we were walking toward! It had just taken off.

Upon hearing this commotion, my son tucked his head and dashed toward me. After I gathered him up in my arms, he buried his face in my shoulder. With a gentle voice, I comforted him and told him that everything was okay. Putting him down, I pointed up at the jet that had sped by.

With some assurance from me, he eventually accepted that everything was fine. After regaining his confidence, he resumed his walk ahead of me toward my friend’s room. What happened just outside the doors of that building earlier, entirely slipped our minds, as we settled in and enjoyed the visit that afternoon. Just think, my son was there playing on the floor, as though nothing had happened!

Imagine how often we find ourselves caught up in a difficult situation. Our first inclination is to duck and run into the loving arms of God. He comforts us and assures us that everything is okay. Then when we have regained our strength and nerve, we resume our journey.

Upon arriving at our destination, we get caught up in whatever we are doing, and soon forget about the terrible incident, and divine visitation that we had earlier.

God’s Word is true. He is always Faithful. Are we? Let us meditate on that.

Almighty God, full of grace and mercy, may we always express our gratitude – And may we never forget that it is You who upholds us. Amen.

Luke 10:19 (NKJV) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Milk has long been my beverage of choice. I drank it with my lunch, and I drank it when I was thirsty. One beautiful spring school day, I was walking outside headed to the lunchroom. My mission was to pick up that revered carton of milk, to go with my peanut butter sandwich.

Suddenly, one of the guys from the rough side of town came along side of me and told me to give him my lunch money. In fear that I was going to get beaten up, I reached into my pants pocket, and produced two shiny dimes and gave it to him. Oh well, there would be no milk for me that day. So, I headed to the breezeway at the gym, and began to consume my lunch. If you have ever eaten a peanut butter sandwich with nothing to wash it down, just take my word… It’s no picnic. Let’s just say that I missed having that carton of milk.

The next day was another beautiful sunny day. So, I walked outside heading for the cafeteria, to get that carton of milk. Wouldn’t you know that same guy from the rough side of town walked alongside me and demanded my money.

Remembering how difficult it was to enjoy my sandwich without that creamy carton of milk, I refused. Rough Guy told me that he was going to give me a beating, if I didn’t give it up. I told him that he would just have to beat me, because I wasn’t going to give him my milk money. He looked at me, chuckled, and said “you’re all right”. He then walked away.

Some time later, my buddy told me that the guys from the rough side of town were coming into our neighborhood that night to fight our guys. When night time came, sure enough they were waiting for us in the grassy area between two apartment complexes. The rough guy from school was the ring leader, and he stood on the sideline and coaxed his gang to fight us.

Every time one of his guys got ready to hit me, the ring leader would yell out “No not him, he’s alright”. My buddies got a beatdown that night. Thanks to my unexpected ally, I didn’t get a scratch.

When the fight was over, my buddy told me that his jaw was sore. Then he asked me, “What about you?” He could not believe me when I told him that I didn’t get hit. Isn’t it funny how things work out?

Heavenly Father, you are Awesome! I am grateful for how you order my steps and protect me.

Amen.

Placeholder: Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!

My sister called one day and asked me to take her to a doctor's appointment. Her appointment was a couple of days away and my calendar was free that day . I was honored to be able to do something for her. She is my oldest sister and lives by herself about 20 miles away.

I got up early in the morning of the appointment and began to go pick her up. I called and notified her that was on my way. It was a little foggy that morning, but it was visible enough to drive and see everything. I was about 10 minutes away when I noticed that a car was pulling up to the edge of a road that intersected with the road that I was driving on.

I had the right-of-way and just knew he would stop at the stop sign. I consider myself to be a pretty good driver and when I travel with my family, I normally want to be the one that's driving. As I approached the area where the car on the side road was I noticed that the car continued to keep coming. At that moment everything seemed to go into slow motion. I applied my brakes but realized I did not have enough distance between my vehicle and the other vehicle to stop in time. I was headed straight at the driver of the other vehicle and without thinking but it was a reaction I turn my steering wheel to the left as to not hit the area where the driver was sitting.

My vehicle hit the other vehicle on the left front tire and bounced to the left. This is when I realized that I was crossing the road into the oncoming traffic area. I know it was by the grace of GOD because this road is always busy this time of the day but incredibly no traffic was coming at this very moment. My vehicle made it completely across the road and then came to a complete stop. After that it would not move anymore on its on power. As I said earlier, I consider myself a good driver but in this situation, I could not do anything to avoid this accident.

It was totally in the hands of GOD. All I can say is that GOD protected me.

GOD, I thank you for protecting me in my time of need. I have learned to trust you and not my abilities. You are truly an awesome and caring GOD. Amen.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will rejoice over you with loud singing.

Gravity is a powerful force that holds us to the earth. Without gravity we could not breathe or exist Even though It is a powerful force you cannot see it. Most of the time you rarely think about that it is there. When you throw something up in the air that has weight it always comes back down to the earth. Thinking about GOD reminds me of gravity. GOD is the force that is keeping us alive.

Without GOD we could not even breathe or exist. GOD is powerful and even though you do not see GOD he is always present (omnipresent). When you have accepted Christ and send up a prayer it will always come back to you answered. The answer will be yes, no or not right now. Like gravity that is all around you and holds you down to the earth GOD is all around you and is holding you in his arms.

My prayer is that we always be reminded that GOD is always present and he will never leave nor forsake you. He will be with you til the end. Amen.

Placeholder: John 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Sometimes I go to pickup my grandson from school. He gets out of school at 2:15 so I leave early and will get there around 1:50 p.m . And then you guessed it wait. I sit there a while and then I get impatient. And then I ask myself why did I leave so early. And then I say to myself If I had left later and something happens, I will be late.

After battling with this for while an idea came up . I ask myself why don't you find something useful to do while waiting like writing this devotion. And then I said to myself this is an excellent idea. I should do this more often. whenever I'm not doing anything just think about things I could be doing and the things I need to do. And if all else fails I could be praying.

Heavenly Father help me to realize that all time is precious. There is no dead time. Help me to work while I still have light. Amen

Placeholder: Matt 6:19-20 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

I remember working when I was a young boy. I was around 15 years old but I looked older. I told my boss I was 16 but I actually was 15. I remember getting paid every Friday, but I had to work what they called a week in the hole. In other words, work a week and then get paid the following week on Friday.

I remember getting my first pay check. We had a saying The eagle flys on Friday and today was Friday. I felt good that day and every Friday after that because I knew that the eagle flys on Friday. But why did I feel so good? It was the money. I knew when I got paid I was going to spend it and get the things that I wanted. That made me happy.

Now that I'm older I realize that I don't have to have money and things to be happy. This happy feeling was not produced by the money. Money has no feelings. That happiness was produced by me. I learned that I could have that happy feeling anytime I wanted to… I could choose to walk in the spirit and not to walk in the flesh. I've learned that our priority in life should be GOD, people and then things.

My prayer is that I continue to understand that the things in this world is temporal but heavenly things are eternal. Amen

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

When planting a garden you can't just put a seed in the ground and say "now grow" and viola, you have a plant. There is a bit more to it. The atmosphere has to be right for the seed to take root and grow. It needs fed. It will get nourishment from the sun, refreshed from water, and definitely needs fertilizer. And here's a news flash - fertilizer stinks. And until then we expect to eventually see the evidence of the particular substance we hoped for.

Our scripture says faith is a substance. The ground work of a thing. In proof that faith is a seed. And just as with a natural seed, we can't just tell our faith to grow and have an abundance of faith. The atmosphere has to be right as well. It needs some fertilizer. Now remember, fertilizer smells bad. Faith needs belief, trials, patience, time, struggles and hope. All of the things that cause us to be tested and uncomfortable. The things in life that we call stinky. But don't forget the stuff faith also needs that doesn't stink. Just like the natural seed needs nourishment from the sun, so does faith. But that nourishment is from the Word of God, who is also The Son of God.

Now, I don't know about you but I appreciate the smell of fertilizer in the garden. It lets me know that I have given the seeds what they need. I don*t necessarily like the smell of the fertilizers of life that I need to grow my faith. But I am getting there. I just remind myself to read the bible, stay in The Word to fertilize my faith. The evidence of things not seen will manifest. And so will yours.

Father God. You said our seed of faith can move mountains. Help us to remember that we must put in the work to grow our faith. In doing so we exalt You before others and find favor in Your sight. Amen.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

When I was young in my twenties I use to have a lead foot. This is what people would describe you as having when you drove your car fast most of the time. I traveled from Raleigh to Ft. Bragg (Now called Ft. Liberty) a lot. I would work at Ft. Bragg doing the week and on the weekend drive back to Raleigh.

One Monday morning I woke up a little late and needed to get to work in a hurry. We were required to be at work at 0630 hrs., and it was 0515 hrs. The drive to Ft Bragg took about an hour so I knew I needed to hurry up getting there. The speed limit was 55 and I was doing about 70.

As I was going there, I went up a hill and as I got to the top of the hill a state patrolman going in the opposite direction was crossing the top of the hill at the same time. As I looked in my rear-view mirror, I could see that he had turned his lights on ,turned around and was coming to get me. I knew I was guilty, so I just pulled over and waited until he got to where I was. I had my license and registration already out and waiting. He wrote me a speeding ticket and sent me on my way. I told my friends about it and that I had to go to court.

One of my friends suggested that I get a prayer for judgement. I did not know what that was. I tried it when I went to court, and it worked. Even though I was guilty the judge has the power and authority to forgive me for the law that I had broken. This is the power and authority that Jesus have. He can forgive us of our sins, but we have to ask him and repent.

Dear GOD I thank you for forgiving me of my sins and taking my punishment for me on the cross. You have proven your love for me . You are my Lord and Savior. Amen.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truthf and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

I have a tree in my front yard. My wife planted it over 20 years ago. At first it seemed like it wasn't growing. It stayed small. My wife's sister had a tree like it but her's was big. My wife didn l t understand why her tree was not growing. She was about to give up and then all of a sudden it started growing.

It began to get bigger and bigger. One day I noticed that the limbs where getting too large and hang down in the way of the car being parked in the yard. So, one day I cut some of the limbs.

That seemed to work for a while but after awhile the limbs grew back and became a problem again. This reminds me of our sins. Sometimes when we commit sin it does not seem to be a big problem.

The sin might seem like a small thing but after a while the sin begins to grow and causes us problems. So we take care of what problems it causes. We later forget about the sin and then later on the problem returns. We stop doing the sin but the wages of the sin has not been dealt with. We did not deal with the root of the problem.

Only GOD can forgive sin. GOD only forgives sin through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only way our sins are forgiven. You can stop doing the sin but that does not erase the sin. We have to accept Jesus Christ and Repent to be forgiven,

Prayer: GOD I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and I also repent of my sins in Jesus name. Amen,

Psalms 103.0 12-13 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For we all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.

There were times when many of us committed sins against GOD when we were younger and had not given our life to Christ. After we confessed our sins, repented and accepted Jesus into our life, our sins were forgiven.

Hebrews 10:16-17 says U This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds, I will write them,"

then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." The devil wants us to carry around the guilt of sin that the Lord does not even remember anymore. Leave the past in the past and don't look back.

Father I am a new creature All things in the past passed away. I will keep my mind stayed on you for now and evermore. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord waiting

He appeared in the sky just like he said he would. The dead in Christ rose up first and then all the living saints were caught up to meet him in the air. It happened so fast. In a moment in a twinkling of and eye.

I looked around but I did not see many people. Where is my best friend, Bob. Where is cousin Cleo. Where is my boss, Brian. Where is my nephew, Nick. My neighbor, My uncle, Kids from the neighborhood, the mailman, the guy at the grocery store. I use to see them every day. And now they are missing.

Wow then I woke up. I'm ok now. It was just a dream. But could it happen that way? Will it happen that way? This wasn't a real dream but one I made up. What does the Bible say. We will find out. This is a terrible scenario when you think about that day and you say to yourself, I could have told someone. I could have told them the Good News. I could have told them about Jesus. Some say speak life. I say speak everlasting life.'

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to the cross that I might be saved. Give me the heart to tell my brothers and sisters the good news so we all may dwell in the house of the lord forever.

I Corinthians 6:9-11 - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?......And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

One of my sisters and her husband were in town and I was expecting them for dinner. I had put the food on to cook but I left the house and went to the store and forgot to turn off the stove. When I returned, the food was burned so badly it stuck to the pot. I soaked and scraped and soaked and scraped that pot. The food came out but the stain that was left from the burnt food remains in the pot still today. The pot is clean and has been used to make delicious meals to this date. But every time I clean the pot, the stain from the original burn is still quite visible.

When we have lived a life of purposeful sin, we can become so stained that it can cause permanent damage that cannot be repaired. For example, someone may lose an eye, an appendage, teeth or have surface scars. And even though God said He will wash us white as snow, sometimes, as was with Paul, He allows our stains to remain as a reminder of what He brought us through, for a testimony to share with others of how good and capable He is.

But the best part of this lesson is this. Just because we may be stained from past sins, we are not useless. It doesn't mean God stops loving us and discards us as rubbish. As a matter of fact, He usually gets the best use from such as evidenced in His Word. Just as my burnt, stained pot gives me delicious meals despite what it looks like, we can do the same for the One who loves us the most.

Dear Father: Thank you, Sir, for not discarding me because I am blemished with the stains of sin. I ask You Father to continue to wash me and make me a worthy vessel for Your Will alone.

Joshua 24:15 - And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will server.... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We are all familiar with how and why Satan became who and what he is now. He wanted to be like God and to be in God's position. He wanted to be worshipped and reverenced. He still does.

Well, Satan can and is being worshipped. But he can never be like God or be in God's position. Why? Because Satan is one of God's creations. He is NOT the Creator and has no power to be, at least not like our Father can and did. Satan "creates" lies, he kills, steals and destroys. Satan takes and takes and is selfish. He takes our literal lives, our peace and our joy. He destroys our morals and even our sanity. He deceives us to take away our opportunity to choose.

God, on the other hand, loves, is Truth, gives life and He blesses. God is our peace, our joy, our everything. God gives and does so abundantly. He gave His all to the point that even His Son gave up His deity for every single human in the past, present and future. Our Father and Creator gave us the gift of choice at creation. He wants us to want Him as much as He wants us. So which one is the better choice for you? Who do you choose to love and live for? Who deserves your allegiance? If no choice is specifically made, the choice is made by default and Satan wins. Satan gets you.

Think about it. Tomorrow is not promised. Neither is the next minute. Make your decision. You only have this moment. Choose- today.

Father, I thank you that You chose and created me to worship you. No one else deserves my praise and adoration. I choose you yesterday, today and forever.

1 Corinthians 15:50-52 .....flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God;.....We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye

Anyone familiar with the movie Star Trek and its several spinoffs know about the transporter room. A person or an object is subject to a series of molecular change from tangible to intangible to transport them from somewhere in space to a planet surface and back. This is devised because no one can survive outer space without protection and thus will die. When everything is set, you can hear the transporter technician’s say "energize" and within seconds the person disappears.

Today’s scripture speaks of a time coming when all of us will be changed from being mortal to a state of immortality. It states that flesh and blood (mortality) cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (Heaven). And since heaven is one of the two eternal resting places, I can only ponder that the same are the requirements for the other eternal home, hell. When it is time for our lives here on earth to end, whether from literal physical death, or when the trump sounds to call His children, everyone will experience a physical transformation. In physical death, our flesh will decay and our souls will take on its new garment. At the rapture, the physical bodies will become immortal to house the soul. Either way, we all will be changed to live in heaven or in hell.

Knowing this, have you made preparations for the move to your eternal home? Before a person changes a residence here on earth there are preparations that have to be made. We pack our belongings, cancel the utilities, maybe quit a job, notify family and friends, the bank and change the mail delivery to the new address. Well, there are preparations needed before our home on earth ends. First you have to decide which eternal home you want. There are only two choices. Making no choice at all automatically defaults to a home in hell. John 3:16 tells us how to have our eternal home in heaven. It's all because of God's love for us. It's not automatic just because He chose us. And just because He loves us does not guarantee our home with Him. His Son Jesus is the only way to the Father. This you must believe and receive. We have to choose Him!

Moving day is upon us. Each of us has a deadline. Make sure you have made all of the preparations before the transformation takes place. After the change, it is too late. And remember, it will be in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Are you ready to hear "ENERGIZE"?

Father God, my desire is to reside with you in heaven. Help me to clear this earthly house of everything except what you require to live in eternity with You. I want to hear you say, "come home my child". Amen!

Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

When my first child was born, I decided it was time to get a life insurance policy for us. When my son was a few weeks old, I contacted an insurance agent to open a family plan. I knew that the younger we were, the cost of the policy would be very minimal. As each child was born, they were immediately added to the policy, again, so that the price would be minimal. As life went on I lost that policy due to the financial situations I was going thru. When I tried to acquire new coverage, I discovered I could no longer open a family plan. It had to be an individual policy for each person. Even though the cost was still decent, it had increased and the process was more complicated.

The scripture verse says that we must decide today whom we will serve. Who are we going to obey. Joshua said he and his household would serve together. He was the covering for his household while they were under his leadership. This was not only his wife and children, but his servants as well. He taught them the way in which they should live and why.

This is what I was trying to do in opening the insurance policy. A coverage for my children for a time when death was the outcome. But I also taught them about God and His Word. About heaven and hell and the cost for both. As my children grew up and left my home, they had to decide for themselves how they were going to be covered both in life and in death. They had to determine what costs they were willing to pay. I could not and can not be their salvation. I cannot make them follow a certain path.

I could only teach them about that gift that God gave to us. I taught them about eternity of either heaven or hell. They have to decide for themselves to follow the ways they have been taught, or to go in the opposite direction. Salvation is not a family plan. It is a single coverage plan only.

Tomorrow is not a promise for any of us. So as you read or listen to this chose this day who you will serve. Heaven is for real and so is hell. Consider the costs and chose this day where you will spend eternity.

Most Holy Father: Help me to remember Your teachings and Your Word. Help me to constantly chose You every day, until Jesus returns. Amen.

John 1:11-12 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

If someone handed you a gift that was wrapped in wrinkled newspaper, would you accept it with or without hesitation? What if someone kind of threw a gift at you that was elaborately wrapped? Would you accept it with or without hesitation? You have no idea what is inside either gift. The poorly wrapped gift could contain something very special, or not. The same with the other gift. What makes you decide whether or not to accept it? Most times it depends on the appearance. Sometimes it depends on the delivery. And it can also depend on the giver.

As humans, most of our decisions are based on appearance or familiarity of ones history. One definition of appearance is "that which strikes the eye". A lot of time we lose out on things and people that we need in our life because we are judging by appearance. This is only natural. The next measure we use is by how things and people are presented to us. When someone takes the time to gift you with something, we should look at the persons heart and intent before we focus on the gift itself.

The bible says that Jesus came unto His own and was not received. It also says He could do no miracles in His home place. Naman was almost not healed of his leprosy because he felt that the instructions he was given was beneath him. The world would not accept the gift of Jesus because He was not presented the way the world wanted. But the motive and heart of the giver was genuine and totally loving. Many have missed out on the benefits of God's gift because they could not see and accept what it meant. Now is the time to get to know the giver. Then and only then can you receive and accept the gift and understand the full benefits you will be entitled to.

Father, help me to more understand Your heart so I can fully embrace and accept the gift of Your Son, and the gift of the Holy Spirit that allows me to spend eternity with You.

John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

I have two grand babies that are sisters, three years apart. The oldest is four years old and her younger sibling is one year old. I have pictures of them in their beds and playing with the beds pushed together. The touching, the smiling, and the babbling is magnificent to watch. At this age, language hasn’t developed but their understanding of each other is flawless. The love shared is pure and sweet. It warms my heart to know that these girls were born to love each other, to care for each other and to share everything with each other.

And you know what, I remember two of my cousins in their adult years, sisters holding hands, and giggling as they walked together after being separated for a long time. That touch of their hands bonded them and took them to a familiar place of love. A place that was calm and peaceful to them and they could enter this place with ease.

I have also taken notice of two sisters that are in their senior years in my family. I hear the love in their voices as they reminiscence together, chuckle together and sometimes share a belly laugh together. I hear the love of their concern for one another. I know it is genuine. It’s amazing that this love is still there . . . strong, pure and sweet.

God taught us how to love each other. Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” God is love.

Dear God. You have blessed us with your love from the beginning of time. Even in our infant years you gave us the ability to know and show love. Let us not forget how to love as you have taught us. Amen.

I John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

The Bible is many things. It’s History, His story; Science, the study of what GOD did; Relationship, the way we should relate to each other; and a lot of other things. But one of my favorite things about the Bible is poetry. Poetry is a spiritual thing. Poetry expresses the spirituality that we can't do in the physical. So, I wrote a Love poem to Christ.

I did not know You when you died, They say You came to save us all and that You tried. You left heaven and made earth Your home

Even though You are GOD incarnate, You made no reputation of Your own.

I have always heard great things about You How You set a good example and showed us all what to do. Many think that You are about great wealth

I thought so too until I got to know You for myself. I learned that You are not about riches and things we can touch with a glove, You are a lot more than that, You are all about Love.

So, I wrote this Love letter for all the world to see, That you are Love, and that You first Loved me.

Heavenly Father: Thank you for the love that You have given us. For what You have done for us there is no greater love. For that we give You the highest praise. Hallelujah! Amen.

John 11:35 Jesus Wept.

As a believer I'm required to love my brother as myself. Well, this is easier said than done. When I deal with people sometimes, I feel that they are not that lovable. Some people seem to do not care about other people or their feelings. They say things that rub me the wrong way and I don't agree with the way they act sometimes.

So how can I love them the way I love myself? Well as a parent I have children and I have to admit that while raising them sometimes they seem to not care about other people feelings. They said things that rubbed me the wrong way and made me mad with the way they acted sometimes. But I love them. When they hurt I hurt.

I guess this is one of the reasons Jesus wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves because we are all his children and when we hurt, he hurts. When Jesus saw how hurt Martha was over the passing of her brother Lazarus he cried.

My prayer is that GOD continue to help me to understand that I should Love my neighbors because we are all yours. That I am a part of what you created and everything and everybody belongs to you. Amen.

Ephesian 4:1-21 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2- with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Not many people realize that marriage is a calling. In fact, the majority of people marry for reasons outside of that. But we can look at marriage as God's way of letting us practice loving someone unconditionally. Without any strings. This way we will understand how He loves us,

When a spouse is tender, giving and attentive to their partner, it's easy to love them and reciprocate love in return. It's easy to be patient, kind, and proud of them. Even boastful. These are the attributes of a "God nature". However, when a spouse ignores their partner, doesn't sacrifice their own wants, needs and desires, or doesn’t put in work to have a healthy relationship, problems begin. When one expects to always get their way and not give of themselves, the partnership does not flourish. This must be how our heavenly father feels every day – about His great love for mankind. After all, we were created by Him, for Him. Not just for worship but equally as important, for relationship.

When we ignore God and don't talk to Him, we compromise the relationship. When Hets not consulted and put first in our lives, He doesn’t feel important to us. We treat our creator like a fast-food drive thru when we show up only when we want something right now. Our Father might feel insignificant. Wouldn't you? Yet, He still loves us, gives us gifts. He shows us grace and mercy. Grants us favor all while getting less to nothing in return.

Let's do better starting right now. As we practice the attributes of His Love, act as if we are actually performing in His presence. But remember that we won't have an opportunity for that stage if we're not successful in our dress rehearsal here on earth. Return to our first love. Treat marriage as a calling not only for your partner, but also for God, by God, He is the only one who can demonstrate that unconditional love - AGAPE LOVE,

Father, help me to understand the attributes of your love. Help me to demonstrate to my partner the purity of the love you require. In doing so I will be a witness to others of what you require and your goodness and love for us all.

Placeholder: Eph: 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

When a person tries to vocalize notes they hear, but are way off key, they are described as being "tone deaf'. This sound makes us cringe and is very disturbing to our ears. We know music is a combination of notes that create sounds that are intended to soothe and comfort our souls. It may bring peace and joy to one, therapy for healing to another, or it can even be disturbing at times to others.

This is the same with our words. How we speak to each other can have some of the same effects. It all depends on our intent, how we arrange our words, and the tone used to express them. When we use harsh words, or tones, we are likely being "tone deaf' in the fact that we aren't realizing the effect it is having on the listener. To be sure we are on the right track, we should ask ourselves this; Did they get what I was trying to say?

Did I speak in love; was I inconsiderate? On the other hand, before we receive, or react to what we think we heard, get confirmation. Ask the speaker what exactly they are saying? Also, read the body language. Understanding the personality of who we are speaking to, as well as who we are listening to is vitally important.

Don't rely on assumptions. Oftentimes they are incorrect and can lead to drama, pain and distance that destroy relationships. Let our words be a melody that brings smiles to the lips of the hearers, not tears to the eyes, or daggers to the heart. Determine to not be "tone deaf'.

"Lord, help me to speak in tones that are void of me and full of YOU. Let my words be music and comfort to the ears and hearts of others. Help them see YOU in me". Amen.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The first house I ever bought was in a neighborhood where, unbeknownst to me, the people had questionable and dangerous lifestyles. The neighbors also told me there was a problem with "water bugs". Right away I began to notice that the neighbors were watching us like hawks. They would talk about us and I would catch them snooping. Things were stolen and someone even broke into my house. When my door opened, they would come outside to see what we were doing. When I would go to work, when the kids would get on the school bus, and even stand around my property as we played in the yard or I did maintenance and yard work. On Sundays, when we left the house, they would ask if we were going to church, even though we were dressed in our “church” clothing.

We weren't perfect by any means, but just as I was living my life, they were also living theirs. I never addressed or confronted them about what they did. I just did me. My lifestyle didn't change, but I did begin to notice a change in some of my neighbors. They didn't stop doing their thing, but they began to tell each other "that girl don't bother nobody". They even started blocking others and hiding some of their unsavory activities from us.

One night as I went into the kitchen, I turned on the light and saw this dark mass of movement all over the floor. It was hundreds of those darned "water bugs". I found out they were actually a species of roaches. I had just experienced that expression to "scatter like roaches". I had no idea there were so many. I had seen a few here and there. But WOW!

I wasn't shining a light. I had turned on a spotlight. They scattered and hid. This is what happens when we approach people involved in worldly lifestyles. Instead of them seeing a light of love, they see a spotlight of judgement. They scatter and flee. How can one witness to anyone if nobody is there to see or hear?

Just like roaches, sin likes darkness. That's when the most activity takes place. In the dark I could even hear them eating the garbage. I learned that keeping some light shining the bugs activity was inhibited. So may it be the same with sin. Even a small light can inhibit sins activity. Being a light is not only about what we say to people or do for people. But more importantly, the lifestyle we portray to others. Normally when we see a light in the distance we cautiously gravitate towards it. That’s our inquisitive nature. We do so at our own pace to discover what it is and where it came from. We should also allow people to do the same to us.

Let them watch us, inquire of us and gravitate at their own pace. Then, given an opportunity we can witness to them personally. There could be hundreds watching that we don't even realize. God calls us to be a light in the world. Shine your light through your lifestyle and be a light that draws. Not a spotlight that causes people to scatter like roaches.

My heavenly Father; Fan the flames of Your light in me. Make it shine so bright that, without doubt or denial, all the world will see that it's You, that we need. Amen.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

As a small child, parents are expected to teach their children about God. Teach them about His goodness, His saving grace, and His ways. I remember as a child seeing my parents kneeling down before going to bed, praying together. What were they praying for I wondered that they both did this every night. What was so important!

I prayed every night, but I thought “I know God heard their prayers. They were longer than my prayer and hey seemed to be at peace when they kissed and said Amen.” Prayer must be some powerful stuff I thought. I came to realize that no truer words were ever spoken.

You see, that was the beginning of learning, by example that prayer had a purpose and I should begin to practice. I should devote time every morning and every night with God. It should be so important that I feel the shift in my spirit after my one-on-one experience in God’s presence. I am thankful that I witnessed this as a child and carried this practice on to my children and grandchildren as an adult.

The act of devotion to G OD is for a lifetime and should be shared in your home and to your family for the maturing of a rich and purposeful life in Christ. Amen.

Dear Gracious Father, Bless all parents that teach their children many of the simple lessons that will impact their lives forever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13. And now abide faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of these is love.

“Love is a many Splendor Things.” A song I taught my chorus many years ago. Young people love to fantasize about love, sing about love, or just dream about it, but true love does not come easy. There is a love that is true. It radiates so deep in the heart that you want to hold it forever. Yes, yes. It’s Being a grandparent!

All that other love is complicated! Don’t get me wrong, I love my children. I wear a simple bracelet with each name on it. My children ae my heart, and I love them very much. I watch them grow, making decisions about their future. And then, one day, they launch. Seeing their life in a new place and in a new way. One day they marry, and one day they are blessed with a family, A child priceless.

The first time I held my grandchild, a warmth radiated in my heart that connected this child to me immediately. And it’s not just the first child. It has happened with each grandchild, all three. It’s simply beautiful. I wear a ring with three birthstones reminding me of the birth of these precious little ones, and he love God has given to me.

In my heart I also know that Gid is why I feel this way. God is love. God is true love that only He can provide. I pray that my life shows my true love and devotion for HIM. Where would I be without God? I don’t really want to know. He loves us more than anyone can comprehend. Thank you, God.

Oh Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. You made us a little lower than the angels and created a beautiful creature in us. Help us to always honor and love you. It’s hard to believe sometimes that you still love us despite our weaknesses. Your love is mighty. Your love is sufficient.

Hebrews 3:3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.

This week many people in music commemorated the life of the Queen of Rock and Roll. Speeches, accolades, heartfelt tributes of a troubled life that ended like a fairy tale. She said her life was finally “Happy.” Oh, did people treasure this entertainer, simply the Best! Man, so easily honor each other but many times fail to honor where honor is due.

Completion, confidence, wealth is what man need to feel accomplished. And if we fail to reach this level of greatness we experience depression, worthlessness, hopelessness. Could it be that our focus is a little off?

Tell me, where in the Bible does it state that Jesus needed and thrived on the applause, and love of the in the crowd? Where does it state that seeing HIM dance will awe the people in the crowd to make them feel good? Where does it state in the Bible that Jesus was the Great Entertainer of all Times?

Jesus was worthy to be honored but didn’t seek to be honored. No title could elevate Him higher; no song and dance would be fitting to gather the p people to hear His message. He came to save us and not Himself. And because of this He is sitting on the right hand of God he Father. He Is the Son of God. Simply the Best.

Dear God, thankyou for you Son, Jesus. People will soon understand that His selfless act was a true act of Love. And that you sought to give us, your children, the best. Amen.

.

John 3:21 NKJV: But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

Logan was very excited that his special day was fast approaching. Finally, he was recognized for his hard work.

For years, he worked in a small cubicle in the center of the newsroom. No one seemed to know that he even existed.

This led him into a deep depression. He seemed to have no way out. But that was water under the bridge now. That brilliant report that he wrote for the Thanksgiving edition of the daily newspaper had resulted in his being lavished with praise. It also opened exciting new assignments.

The editor-in-chief was impressed with how well Logan wrote and recommended him for a promotion. Now that his promotion was imminent, he looked back at what he considered to be the defining moment.

Things began to work in his favor, after he took his father John’s advice to heart. He told him that if he put his full trust in God, things would begin to turn around.

Since Logan had learned to wholly lean on the Lord, his gifts were finally being recognized. Logan beamed as he realized that God had shined a spotlight on him. As a result, people were able to see that what he did was by the grace of God.

Father may every step that I take today be according to your Word. Amen.

Matthew 7:1 NKJV “Judge not, that you be not judged.

One day my newly employed granddaughter came over to the house with a business proposal for me. The proposal was a little self-serving, but hey – Who doesn’t want to support their grandchild?

Checking out the interior of her recently purchased car, I noticed the black white and hot pink interior. I wondered - Who would customize their car’s interior to look like a zebra standing on a hot pink shag carpet?

That’s right, those black, and white seat covers really startled me! Her reaction to my alarm was “Don’t judge me”.

We eventually agreed to the business arrangement, and here’s what happened next. My grandchild moved to Florida and went on to work at Disney World in the Graphic Design Department.

I guess those zebra-looking seat covers, weren’t so peculiar after all. They simply indicated that the audience for her sense of style was sixty years younger than me. Who did you judge - The child or me? Before you judge, look for the good in every situation. God may be in it.

She has a child of her own now, and you should see some of the things that she designs to keep him entertained! Disney must be proud of her… And so am I.

Heavenly Father, give me a pure heart, so that your will is done. Amen.

Mark 10:39-40 "They said to Him, 'We are able.' So, Jesus said to them, 'You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." (Mark 10:39-40 NKJV)

There’s a phrase that keeps echoing in my heart lately: “Never try to grow past your capacity to serve.”

Let that settle in.

In today’s culture, especially in ministry, it’s easy to get caught up chasing the next title, platform, or perceived promotion. But none of that matters if we lose sight of the call to simply serve.

We’ve all seen it: folks stacking up positions like trophies, hungry for influence, but showing up late and leaving early… if they show up at all. But real growth—kingdom growth—doesn’t come from sitting high. It comes from kneeling low.

Mark 10:39 reminds us that sharing in Christ’s glory means sharing in His suffering. And that suffering often looks like staying after to stack chairs… volunteering without applause… being available when it’s inconvenient. One of my pastor friends puts it plain: “Don’t get lost in the sauce.” Translation: keep the main thang the main thang.

Ministry isn’t about being known. It’s about being present. Being faithful. Being a servant—when no one’s watching and when everyone’s watching.

So here’s the challenge for today: • Show up early. • Be consistent. • Look for where help is needed and fill the gap. • Stop reaching for a mic if you won’t carry a mop. Because the Kingdom isn’t built by big names—it’s built by willing hands. And if God trusts you with a towel, He’ll trust you with more. But never let "more" take you away from why you started in the first place.

Lord, keep me grounded. Don’t let me chase titles or platforms at the expense of service. Teach me to value availability over visibility. Help me to serve with joy, to show up with humility, and to stay focused on the main thing—You. Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

A plain cake is a simple dessert that’s easy to make at home—all you need is some basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, salt, milk, and baking powder. On their own, these ingredients cannot be considered dessert.

Well, you could eat the sugar and call that dessert. But what reasonable person does that? Now those same ingredients when blended and popped into an oven – Presto, a legitimate dessert to serve!

We believers in Christ are just like those ingredients. Separate and alone, we are only what we are.

When we’re alone we’re not very special. Assembled as the Body of Christ we become something much better, and greater than we could ever be alone. We become an integral part of the Body - The dwelling place of God.

Now consider my all-time favorite - chocolate cake. Homemade chocolate icing is made of several ingredients too. The ingredients are flour, cocoa powder, melted salted butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

We may think we have it all together, because we are very gifted: Anointed is what we call it. This attitude sounds like we think that we can get it all done on our own. That’s a lonely faithless walk though. Remember that we don’t have to put our own personal spin on everything.

Be warned that our adversary wants us to think like that! He tries to convince us to just believe in ourselves. The reality is that without God, we can do nothing. Chocolate cake is nice and all, but everyone doesn’t like chocolate. Cake is still dessert, even without the icing. A lovely sheet pan cake will do the job just fine.

Alone, we are like the chocolate icing that was added to the cake. Having icing would be nice, but it’s not really necessary. Together, we become an important ingredient! Not a cherry on top, and not an ingredient for the icing either, but one of the main ingredients for the cake.

Aspire today, to become an integral part of the Body of Christ.

Father in heaven help us to concentrate on what’s important. Teach us how to concede and yield our will to your perfect will. Then we’ll know when our spin on things is not needed in the recipe. Amen.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

One of the popular burger chains has a new menu item. Actually, they have a new ingredient, because it has been added to not one, but several items on the menu. That ingredient is the notorious ghost pepper.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, let me tell you that the ghost pepper is true to its name. It is rumored to be the hottest of all the peppers. Yes, that includes the lowly jalapeno too! So, when I heard that the ghost pepper burger had arrived, I wondered why anyone would want to eat it! After listening to the commercial on television a few times, I finally heard them say that there was more flavor than heat.

That revelation freed me of any reservations that I may have had. I tried the sauce in some chili, and it turned out to be just like the commercial said. The fire power was not there, but I could tell by the aroma that it was very powerful!

That is just the way we should present the gospel to prospective converts. We should lovingly display God’s glory everywhere we go. Be gentle, don’t whip it on them. Just lay it on them nice and easy.

The hearers may try God, and come to realize, that He is everything that we say that He is… And Good too!

Let us allow God to use us to spread the knowledge of him… Everywhere.

Heavenly Father, use me today. Lead me according to your will… That I may, by my mere presence, spread the knowledge of You in every place that I go. Amen.

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

The other day, I was driving on Rock Quarry Road, headed toward home.

I had my turn signal on and slowed down to make my turn. Right as I was easing into it, I heard a horn blow behind me. Turns out, it wasn’t the driver directly behind me. It was someone two cars back.

They had grown impatient and didn’t realize I was about to turn. I guess they expected the car in front of them to speed up, not slow down. And when that didn’t happen, the horn came out. It got me thinking.

These days, it seems like driving five miles over the speed limit is the new normal. Most drivers don’t even look at the posted signs anymore. They just follow the flow of traffic, assuming they won’t get pulled over. And the strange part is, if you actually go the speed limit—you’re the one holding people up.

Isn’t it something how quickly we treat what’s overlooked as acceptable? What was once breaking the rules has now become the expected pace. And it doesn’t just happen on the road.

It happens in life, too. • Telling half-truths becomes the norm because "everyone does it." • Skipping prayer becomes acceptable because we’re “too busy.” • Drifting from God feels natural because the culture is doing the same. We stop asking, “What’s right?” And we start asking, “What can I get away with?”

But Proverbs warns us plainly: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

The way everyone else is going might feel smooth and fast, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. And just like the driver who honked out of impatience—sometimes people don’t see the whole picture. They’re judging from the backseat, not the front view.

So don’t feel pressured to match the pace of the world. Stick to what’s true. Let God set the speed.

And if you have to slow down to make the right turn—do it with peace.

Father, help me not to follow the crowd, but to follow You. Give me the courage to live by Your truth, even when others rush past. And help me stay steady knowing that Your path, not theirs, leads to life. Amen.

Isaiah 35:1-2 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, (rose) it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy."

I like flowers, especially roses. They are so beautiful to look at. I also love smelling their fragrance. Flowers make great decorations. Just put them in the yard and around the house. Put them in a vase and set them on the table. Give them to your loved ones and friends as a gift.

But have you ever thought about what those flowers go through before they become beautiful flowers? Flowers start off as seeds. Those seeds have a program in them that determine what flowers they will become. You don't get tulips from rose seeds. You have to plant them in the right soil at the right depth. You can plant them in many different types of soil, but the wrong soil will destroy them. You must plant them in the right place. They grow better in warm climates than cold icy places. They need sun. They don't do well in darkness only. And they need water. Without water they will dry up and die. They also need time, They do not grow instantly.

This process is very similar to becoming a Christian. We start off as seeds planted in our heart by other Christians. Christians need to be discipled in the right environment. They do better when they hang around other People of the Christian faith. They need a relationship with the Son. And be Baptized in water in the name of Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And don't forget time . They start off as babes and grow through seasons. And then they become beautiful flowers of Christ and are seen by men and glorify the Father.

Father thank you for having patience with me as I become what you created me to be. You are the great potter and I am your humble clay. Amen.

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2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Most people are familiar with the story of "The Little Red Hen". This story is a real powerful example of so many principles. Things like community, selfishness, generosity, laziness, hard work, consideration of others, and obedience to name a few.

It was written as a children's book but is a great resource for adults as well on so many levels. The story is about a mother hen with several chicks who are looking for food and find some grains of wheat. She was willing to share her find with the other animals on the farm and asked for their assistance to grow, harvest, and grind the wheat. Each animal declined with the response "Not l". So she said she and her chicks would do it themselves. She also asked who wanted to help bake the flour into bread and received the same response, "Not l". Again, she said she and her chicks would do it.

When it was time to eat the bread, she asked the same question to all the animals but this time they all wanted a piece of the finished work and replied, "l will". The mother hen responded that no one helped with any of the hard work, so only she and her chicks would enjoy the bread,

This makes me think of the Christian walk and the Remnant of God. We go to church and enjoy the singing and the music that we don't participate in. We sit thru the sermon's that we feel only apply to everyone else. We eagerly line up in the buffet lines during potluck dinners that we had no hand in preparing. When we are asked to serve in various church ministries, the response is "Not l" from all but the Remnant.

Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep. The Word instructs us to go make disciples, to visit the sick and imprisoned. To feed the orphans and widows. Regrettably most Christian’s response is "Not l", even to our Lord. Matthew 21:28-31 tells of the sons that were asked to work in the vineyard. One refused and regretted, the second said he would but did not do it.

Jesus said tax collectors and harlots would enter the Kingdom before any such as these. The scripture text for today says if anyone does not work, they do not eat. What will be God's decision for we who will not work for His Kingdom. For we who always have an excuse not to help. For we who will not tell others of the Gospel. For we who always leave it up to others. Can we seriously take a chance with that? Do we want to be denied the supper table of the Lord? Or better still, rejected from eternity in heaven with God?

Personally, that's too high of a price to pay. If you are one of those who are not working, please reconsider now. God's retirement plan is only in play when He calls you home.

Father, thank you for allowing me the continued use of all the faculties you gave me. Hands to work, feet to go, a voice to sing Your Praises and ears to hear Your Word. Help me to never say "Not I" toward your Kingdom, and to always honor You with these precious gifts. Amen

Luke 2:40 - And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

It is that time of year when all the earth is preparing to celebrate the holiday of Christmas. We will sing songs about snow, Santa, gifts and even grandma. We will gather together to exchange gifts we have coveted all year long and go into tremendous debt to do so. We will stuff our bellies with all manner of food and drink and sweets that we have labored to prepare. And even though it is supposed to be a celebration of Jesus' birth, the baby born to be our Savior, He gets very little of the recognition.

Yes, Jesus came into our existence as a newborn child. And we should be extremely grateful for how God orchestrated it all. Because He taught us and showed us how He wanted us to be and live. And we are aware that Easter, the other holiday, is the time that we focus on what Christ did for us. But think on this. It wasn't a baby that healed the sick and raised the dead. It wasn't a baby that fed the multitudes or cast out demons. It wasn't a baby that suffered and bore the sins of the world. It wasn’t a baby who was betrayed, tried and condemned to death. Nor was it a baby that was tortured, crucified, and died for our redemption. And it wasn’t a baby that conquered hell and rose from the dead. It was a man. Our God in the flesh.

Our scripture says He grew and became strong. That the grace of God was upon Him. Where are the songs about that. Why do we keep Him a baby? We don't refer to ourselves as babies on our birthdays. Why Him? A baby couldn't do all that Christ did for us because that's not how God wanted it to be. That is an unforgiveable thought for humanity. We seem to forget all that was endured for our sake because all we sing about is the Christmas child, the baby King, Mary’s baby boy. We give gifts to our favorite people and forget the tremendous gift that was given to us. True, we save that part for the "other" holiday. And, yes, if Christ wasn't born, the "other" holiday would not even exist. Let's not just remember the baby. But remember that He grew.

Father, Thank you for the best gift that you gave us, Christ birth. Help us to remember that even though it is a wonderful and joyous time for us, it was, and it was not for our Savior because of what He was born to do.

John 14:1 John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

These words were written in red, meaning this was a conversation where Jesus is speaking. To me, to believe, to have faith, and to trust are important elements of our Christian journey. Take away any one of them and you forfeit your peace. Not only the peace in your home, or the good times with your friends, but the peace within your heart that only God gives. Being tormented in your spirit can only be erased by God's grace, God's love and God's spirit . . . the Holy Spirit . . . our comforter.

Covid-19 and its Delta Variant are troubling the lives of present day people. Many love ones have lost their lives to this invisible plague.

There are some that choose not to believe in this invisible evil spirit. And then, there are those, that in fear, will give up. But the christian is taught that there is nothing under the sun that our God can not handle. He has said that if you believe in HIM there is nothing to worry about.

He's not speaking to any and everyone in this passage, He is speaking to YOU as an individual. Only to you.

Everyone else must have their own relationship with God in order to benefit from His promises. There is PEACE when a troubled heart is touched by God. It's not for me to understand, but for me to only believe, have faith and trust in God. He will then give you peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are Holy, you are strong and might and you are wonderful. You love me in spite of my faults. We praise and honor your holy name. We thank you for grace, peace, and mercy that you give to us daily. Help me to focus and not to take you for granted. Life without you cannot have peace, your peace. Thank you for this precious gift in my life. Amen

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It was bone-chilling cold outside. Fortunately, we had heat inside to keep us warm. Unsure how long our good fortune would last. The weather forecast called for wind and ice. So, I proceeded to the generator outside with the operator’s manual in hand.

A year had passed since I had tried to start the generator. So, after a quick review of the instructions, I began flipping switches and pressing the starter button. After five full minutes of trying to start that contrary machine, I was only able to get a whirring sound from the starter.

I paused, took a few deep breaths, and proceeded to go back at it. Another five or so minutes passed, and I was only successful at getting a puff of dark gray smoke from the exhaust. It appeared we would be left in the cold with the storm approaching. But as they say – The third time is a charm. With a pop and a roar, the generator spewed out a stream of black smoke, and then started. We were assured of backup power if we needed heat during the coming storm.

We were blessed in more ways than one that day. The worse part of the storm passed over us; we didn’t lose our power, and that generator started even though we didn’t need it.

One thing for sure, I won’t wait another year before I start that generator. Some things have to be used consistently to insure that they are available when they are needed. Urban legend has it that if you don’t use your gifts, you will lose them. If gifts are anything like that generator, that tale may be urban, but not a legend.

Do not lose heart… Keep pressing on, we will reap if we do not lose heart.

Heavenly Father, today I stand on your promises, I will not quit. Amen.

Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

The town in which I live is a vibrant fast-growing town, with many new people arriving every day. With their arrival, many things are changing. However, the streets that bear the names of men and women from long ago, remain.

Being a native of this town, I knew many of the people who these streets were named after. This knowledge is not known by most of the new arrivals. Take one bright sunny Sunday morning, for instance. We were driving the same route to church as usual, but I was not thinking of the usual things. My thoughts seemed to wander as though I was in a daze.

I glanced over at a small apartment complex that bore the name of one great man, who had long passed away. I was reminded of the scripture that said - “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”

I am sure that many of the occupants, or those new residents of the city do not know, nor have they ever heard of the man whose name this complex bears. He once served as mayor of this bustling city. Imagine that!

He also owned a renowned business near downtown that bore his name. The building that housed that business, and his name; the name of his ancestors is now gone. All that is left to remind us of this great man now is a short, paved access road, in front of an apartment complex that we were driving past right now.

Much of what we know now is merely a remnant of what once was. Many things are just not there anymore. Things seem to have vanished! They are just gone. This leaves me with one simple question.

What about the works that you have done? Tell me whether you think that your works are eternal. Tell me that they will last. Maybe they are only like many other things that we do? They came to pass.

They happened, and now they are no more. God forbid!

Let us do the work for which God sent us!

Our Father in heaven. I want to do your will today. Lead me, guide me. I will obey, because I know that your commands will not pass away. Amen.