Mighty to Save........

Good morning everyone! Three more days until Crusaders for Christ. There are over 300 people signed up to walk 14.1 miles for Jesus! That is just awesome! Please keep the Crusade and all involved in your prayers. Have you ever been in a really rough storm? Well, I want to tell you a story about my Navy days at the North Pole and dig into some of the good stuff!

Bible verse: Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Most of you know I was a diver on a Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine. Well, we were on patrol in the northern Atlantic. Way north (latitude/longitude classified). Well, we came into one of the worst storms our captain had ever seen. There were 80-100 foot swells and it was tossing our Submarine around like a bath toy. It lasted for three days. In any other circumstance we would just dive deeper to avoid the storm but, we had to wait for a message to be transmitted to us. So, we had to stay at or near periscope depth. Several men on the ship were injured from falls and many others were totally incapacitated by motion sickness. The seas were way too rough for cooking, so we pretty much ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The waves would shake the submarine so hard you would think it was going to split open. I was scared. I stayed real close to my dive gear. Like that would have helped in the waters of the north pole. There was not one person on the ship that doubted the destructive power of the sea, and all were finally relieved when the storm broke and the sea settled down on the forth day.

God's power is greater than any storm. But, His power is not destructive. His purpose is to save. All through the old testament we can see God's mighty hand at work. he loved His people and always stood ready to save them from destruction. While He cared for their physical safety, He cared so much more about their spiritual welfare and their relationship with Him. Remember this God is still in the saving business! Have you ever trust Christ as your Savior? If you haven't, trust in Him today and He will take you up in His arms. And angel's will be signing in heaven! Let today be the day! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Missing out????????

Hello friends!! I am working a weird shift for a few weeks, it is 4:30am till 1pm. Yup, that means I have to get up before 3am if I want to do my studies before work. No one ever said staying on the narrow road would be easy! I guess I have to thank God for continually putting me into the forge. Heck, He might even make a good Christian out of me one day. Well, got a question for you. Do you invite people to the party? To church? To hear God's Word. These are a couple of reasons that God has laid on my heart. Let's dig into the good stuff.

Bible verse: Psalm 119:2 "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart."

I have heard people say that they would get in church one day but, they couldn't right now. They had too many things they wanted to do. Or they were doing things that they weren't ready to give up that they knew were wrong. They believed that if they lived according to God's laws that they were going to miss out on all the fun things in life. Or the things they thought were fun. Man, I must say that when I finally got my hind end into church. Things got better not worse. Boy, isn't that statement missing the mark. Sure, we might have to give up doing certain things, going certain places, being around certain people. But, when we are stronger God may put us right back into those certain places to be a witness. I believe the truth is that if we don't live in according to God's laws, then we are going to miss out! Hey guy's God didn't write these laws for His benefit. He wrote them for ours. God is not this dictator sitting on the throne saying let's see what kind of laws we can make to make their lives harder. God loves us and wants the best for us. I read once that every time God says "Thou shall not," God is simply saying, "Don't hurt yourself." And then whenever God says "Thou shalt," God is saying, "Help yourself to happiness." We should all remember that God has something special for us. We just have to pay attention to Him, so He can show it to us. Let's clear our hearts today and seek Him with everything. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Let be humble.......

Good morning everyone! Boy, we had an awesome night last night at youth. We watched a movie called "The Cross" it is a story of the life of Arthur Blessitt. Arthur is a man that has carried a cross across every continent. It was a story of his life doing it. Truly, humbling story! I pray that I can be used by God in a fraction of the way that he was. I actually saw him in 1999 in Harriman, TN. He was carrying his cross 12 foot long through Harriman. I have never forgot that. Last night I sat and watched a humble man tell his story about how Jesus has used him. Well, let's dig into the good stuff on that subject.

Bible verse: James 4:10 Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

I have always heard that we Christians have to have humility. In the past I really didn't know what this humility thing was all about. If anyone knew Tony Ruff as a policeman, they would say that I was a very proud person. Maybe some would even say "Cocky" Guy's my pride caused most of my problems. I was so proud most of the time, that I would not admit when I was wrong. I would fight till the end of time. How sad is that? I would do all sorts of extra work for the pride that came with it. I would strive to win awards and make these awesome arrests out of pride and recognition. I had very little, if any humility. After failing so many times to fix my problems. I finally gave control over to God. I know your saying, what? You actually gave over control. Tony Ruff, the controlling and proud (Cocky) cop. Yup, I did. The weight lifted off my shoulders was almost immediately. God started helping me with my life. He started helping me to become humble. It is hard to go from being a selfish, prideful, controlling person to being a selfless, humble, loving person. But, with God by my side the impossible is possible. See, God is in the saving and shaping business! God is not done working on me but, He and I have come a long way. Listen to have true humility is not us thinking bad or negative about ourselves. It is us agreeing with what God sees and says about us. It is by God's grace that a person will be exalted but without inflating him or her. If we can realize that, we are the people we are because of Christ. We have come a long way. You know I sometimes have this question and I know others do too. It's about sin. I am not sinless. I still sin. How can I be a Christian and still sin. Duh...we are not going to be sinless. God tells us that. It is how we deal with that sin. How we deal with it will bring us closer to God, if we deal with it correctly. And we can become closer to being free of the control of sin. Not sinless, blameless! When we are prayed up and have confessed all, we can be blameless. 1 Peter 5:6 also says "Therefore humble yourselves under the Mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." We should think about this and do our best to live by these words. Thanks for you time and God bless. I hope the book of James blesses you as it does me. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Tools of the Enemy.....

Good morning everyone! We had a great meeting last night with various churches that will be attending Crusaders for Christ on April 3rd. We went over logistics for the event and shared encouragement with each other. I have been totally blessed just being a small part of the crusade. I can't wait until the day of! I talked about our advisary last night and for us to be in prayer for the event. I want us to look at satan for who he is. He a liar, a discourager, a thief, and a provoker. Let's see him for who he really is today and dig into some of the good stuff that will help encourage us.

Bible verse: Psalm 25:15 "My eyes are ever toward you Lord, For you shall pluck my feet out of the net.

I read a story about the devil. See, the devil was needing a little cash because he was going on vacation to Las Vegas. So, he thought he would auction off some of his tools. Well, he had a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance,hate, envy, and jealousy. But, he had one tool that had a sign under it "NOT FOR SALE." Someone said "What is that tool and why isn't it for sale like the others?" "Well," he said, "I can't afford to get rid of that one. It's my #1 tool, discouragement. With this that bad boy, I can pry open a heart and let me tell you, once I get in I can do most anything I want." Do you want me to tell you why we get discouraged? I'll give it to you in straight, we've taken your eyes off God! It can happen to anyone. Hey guys, I think discouragement used to be my middle name. But, I was sitting here thinking when the last time I felt discouraged, It has been a while. But, it has happened and I might even be discouraged today or tomorrow. But, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will strengthen us. Have you been discouraged lately? If not, Stop and praise God! And find someone who is or has been lately, it won't be hard. Find them and give them the encouragement they need in Jesus Christ, it might not even have to be anything major. Maybe just a hug to let them know someone cares. Maybe it's your next-door neighbor. Maybe it's a co-worker. Maybe it's your spouse. Take the time to care. Remember, someone cares for you. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

One Heart.....One Soul........

Good morning everyone. I really struggled with sleep last night. An hour and a half before I was supposed to get up at 4 am my eyes were opened. I don't know why at 2:38 am I awoke, but could not sleep. So, thought I would just get up and study a bit. Rather than toss and turn for over an hour. I have a question this morning. Who are we? Who are you? When we come together are we up lifters? Or, are we deflater's? Are we encourager's? Or, are we joy stealer's? Let's dig into the good stuff and look into this a little more.

Bible verse: Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone needed.

Do we see other believers as our brothers and sisters? What would you give your brother or sister if they needed something? I know that I would give my little sister anything. I do my best to help guide her and mentor her. If she is hurting and in need I am there for her. As brothers and sisters in Christ we should share all we have. Guy's, this isn't just referring to just money. It is referring to love, a helping hand, wisdom, knowledge, caring, and pretty much anything we have. We can't just think of our interests. We have to think of others. Sometimes we don't think about it but, God's family works best when its members work together. Let's look at another verse in Acts. It is Acts 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul: neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

I guess my question is what are we doing to help other believers? Are we helping them grow? Are we disciplining? Are we teaching? Are we helping to guide them down the right path? Are we fellowshiping together or are we doing our own thing? These are questions that I had to ask myself and examine my walk and life. I know that there are somethings that I need to change in my life to better help other believers. Is there anything in your life that needs examining? Remember, we should examine ourselves regularly and work towards one heart and one soul. Well, I pray you have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Do you have a Robin???????

Good morning Friends! I had a busy night last night. I was cleaning out our camper. Since the Lord has called us into the ministry. We really have not had time to camp. So, it is excess weight. sometimes you have to cut loose the excess. I sat at work today and watched people. I know that sounds strange but, try it sometime. You will be surprised at what all you see. How friendly are people or un-friendly are they? Watch how people react to the friendly people. That got me thinking about today's subject. Let's dig into the good stuff!

Bible verse: Proverbs 18:24 A man who has a friend must be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

How friendly are we? Are we approachable? Why must we be lonely? Loneliness is everywhere. You can see it on people's faces and in their actions. Many people feel cut off and kind of alienated from others. We need friends. We need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer their help when needed. This has to be in good times and in bad. Our problem most of the time is trust. We don't want to trust another man, because he might betray us. A great poet by the name of Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great". Every great good guy when I was growing up had a faithful sidekick. Batman and Robin, Lone Ranger and Tanto, Starchky and Hutch, and Ponch and John. There are many more too. Even woman have some, Cagney and Lacey or Lavern and Shirley. See, what I am trying to say is, be a friend to get a friend. Don't try to be this macho person and say " I don't need anyone, I can handle all this stuff". A true friend is immeasurable.

Now, Proverbs give some more advice on friends. Here's some more meat for you. Proverbs 13:20 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fool will be destroyed. Proverbs 12:26 says "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. Saying this, who do hang around? Who do you hang around at work? Are they leading you astray? Would they make good friends? Would they be trustworthy? We need to have friends and seek them out. But, we need to pick carefully. Well, got to get to work and make Misty some money (LOL). Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

After ten o'clock......

Hello friends! Had a good day yesterday. I had a follow up visit with the E.N.T. doctor and he said my ear drum has fully healed. He also said that there is no scar tissue on the ear drum. We expected some due to the rupture but, none! That means no hearing loss. My hearing tested back to what it was. I must thank God for His healing touch. I want to talk to you today about what I have watched on TV here lately. Have you watched the sitcoms lately? What is going on in the world? Look at the cartoon sitcoms "The Family Guy" or "The Simpsons". There are so many that are jacked up. I have talked to our youth and they watch all this stuff. So, I ask why is our world the way it is? Let's dig into the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

I think the most dangerous thing on TV today, in my opinion, is the sitcom. Really guy's they are making things funny that shouldn't be funny. They're getting us to laugh at sin. I read that a Christian TV and film writer attended a producers' workshop one day. One of the main speakers was one of TV's most successful producers of sitcoms. In his speech, he said that in order to have a commercially successful production, the characters in a sitcom must break at least three of the Ten Commandments. It saddens my heart to think that this is what has to be done to make a sitcom make it. What happened to shows like "Happy Days" or "Andy Griffith". They thought morals. I am not saying there are not good shows out there but, they are becoming rare. Have you seen the shows that come on after ten o'clock? What happens after ten o'clock should stay after ten o'clock. We need to guard our children's minds as much as we can and teach they the concept of right and wrong. Teach them what morals are. Guess what this will take time and effort from us. But, here's the thing....They deserve it and they are our future. I pray Joshua 1:7 for you today that you will be strong and courageous. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless

Being set loose........

Good morning everyone! I am still amazed at what God can do. I shouldn't be, but am sometimes. A group of the youth and our praise and worship band went to Pine Ridge Baptist to lead their worship. But, before we went we joined our 8:30 church service at The Potter's House. Great challenging message from Pastor Kyle. When we got to Pine Ridge Baptist the preacher for their service was a sixteen year old preacher boy from Morgan county. His name was Kevin Ward. He did an awesome job bring the Word. There were two that accepted Christ. God deserved all the Glory. Then, last night at youth we had to discuss the recent loss of a Harriman High Junior, Ethan Brackett. He was killed in a car wreck Friday night. Also, the night before another young man that went to Harriman High committed suicide. I must tell you that we are not guaranteed our next breath. Life is like a vapor. Here and gone. So many are imprisoned by what's going on in there lives. They are imprisoned by sin. Today's devotion might be a little longer than normal but, please bare with me. Let's dig into God's Word.

Bible Verse: Romans 6:22 - "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

There is only one way to be freed from those chains of bondage. I have been chained down for so many years with pride and perfection. Once I accepted Christ as my Savior. My chains started to loosen. He started to change me. Little by little, step by step, word by word. When Jesus Christ comes into your life He changes you. We all have a master. We can't just stay in the middle. Either God is our master or our sin is our master. Maybe you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Maybe you struggle with lust, fear, doubt, or self-pity. Maybe you're a slave to public opinion or perfectionism. But I want to tell you that the Jesus Christ who set Tony Ruff free is the Jesus Christ who can and will set you free. However, our freedom in Jesus Christ doesn't mean we can do what we want. Instead it is gives us the power to do what we ought to. It is God's saving grace that sets us free. To receive something that we don't deserve. Then God will sustain us through His grace and that's what keeps us free.

Are you a Procrastinator?????

Hello Everyone! It is Friday. The weekend is here! A breath of fresh air for so many. I am going to tell something on myself today.....Yes, I am confessing. I am a procrastinator. When it comes to stuff around the house. I constantly tell Misty "Yeah, I will get that done or I will do it later." Guess what? I forget and sometimes things go a long time before getting done. What is my excuse? Procrastination! Let's look into this a little by digging into the good stuff.

Bible Verse: James 4:17 - "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Are you one of those people who believes "Put off until tomorrow what you could be doing today"? This is one of those times when the fingers are really pointing back at me outnumber the one that's pointing to you! Seriously, I am a big procrastinator. Did you know that procrastination is a sin? I say that because sin is not merely doing wrong, it is failing to do what you ought to do. Procrastination and disobedience are just different shades of the same sin. I heard a quote once that said "When you have a job to do, begin this very hour. You supply the will, God supplies the power." That is the will power we need to instantly obey! Sometimes it's the getting started that's so hard. Will power. James tells us that not only is doing wrong a sin but, not doing right is also. We know it's a sin to lie but, it is also a sin to know the truth and not tell it. Boy, this is a hard one isn't it. You say "I don't want to get anyone in trouble" "I am just going to keep my mouth shut!" This doing right stuff is so hard sometimes isn't it?

I have to tell you this. I have been procrastinating painting our garage for 3 years. Yes, I said 3 years. And it looks awful not to mention some of the wood is exposed. Well, we are painting it starting today and going to finish tomorrow. It has been hovering over my head for a long time. It has been hounding me! Has a certain task been hounding you? Confess your procrastination as sin. And act now. Don't hesitate. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may never come. Today is the day! Try to have a good one, I love you, and God bless!

Lay em' down.........

Hey friends! I hope you are having a good week. I am so excited about Crusaders for Christ. We have 8 churches that are joining us and more sign up everyday. God is doing an amazing work. I feel an awakening! Well, today I have to tell you a story about a Tennessee State Trooper friend of mine. It's funny and scary at the same time. But, leads into today's topic. So, let's dig into some of the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Psalm 55:22 - "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

This trooper was a K-9 officer for the state. He had a drug dog that was mostly lab. Well, the dog had been doing a great job getting drugs off the street and had made a lot of drug seizures. Well, this trooper was at a quarry in Harriman and decided to let the dog off lead to run around. Remember police K-9's are well trained or we want them to be. Well, the K-9 decided to take a swim in the quarry in mid November (very cold). The trooper was a little mad but, he was mostly lab. So, he let him swim for a little while. After a bit he called the dog, but the dog wouldn't come. He called him over and over and still he wouldn't come. He swam around and around in circles and was loosing his strength to swim. Remember this is a police K-9, a well-trained dog, but he just would not come to shore. The trooper realized that if he didn't do something that he would have to explain why his K-9 drowned in a quarry. He started taking off his gun belt and uniform to swim out and get the K-9. By the way this was a big quarry. Just before he jumped in, the trooper finally threw a stick out in the water. When the dog saw it, he swam over, got the stick, and came back and laid it at his master's feet. See, the trooper was calling the dog but, his voice was echoing off the quarry walls. The dog didn't know where it was coming from. He needed more that just a voice calling to him!

Have you ever thought that you may be swimming around carrying your burdens and getting plum wore out, just barely keeping your head above water. Have you ever thought that maybe God has given you a burden because He can't get your attention. He wants you to come and lay it at your Master's feet. Is your heart aching today? Cast your burden at His feet and allow His peace to fill your heart. He can a will sustain you. Lay them on Him, His shoulders are wide and can handle any and all the burdens you have. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

The Chairs........

Good morning everyone! I told you yesterday of a woman and her daughter that we met at the IHOP. Well, I was tell the woman, Cathy about a little story I call "The Chairs". It is a little story about our walk with Jesus and our salvation. Are you saved? Are you sure? Let's examine ourselves. I know this will be a little longer devotion today but, please read on. Let's dig into the good stuff!

Bible verse: 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

Salvation, true salvation. What is it? If you are truly saved do you not desire to live as a Christian? This passage that apostle John wrote is so important. All believers everywhere should think about this book of five chapters. If you wander away from God were you truly saved. If you wander away and stay away are you truly saved. Being a Christian. some people call themselves Christians, yet live the life of a lost person. There are some people who have the best intentions, but come up lacking. Have you ever asked yourself what your main reason is for being a Christian? Some people go to church because it is a family tradition. Some go for the social or business contacts. Some go out of habit. if the main reason for being a Christian is not a Christ center and based reason. I believe you will be found lacking. I know when I came to know Christ as my Savoir. My life as I knew it changed. My outlook on life changed. I desire to be with Christians more and more. I desire to attend church. I don't feel like it is a chore or a burden to go to church. I missed last Sunday and it bothered me. I don't find excuses to miss a service here or there. I desire to be more Christlike everyday.

If someone is truly saved how can they wander or walk away from such a gift? If you had something so valuable that money could not buy it, would you let it out of your sight? I think not. Well, why would we take our eyes off of God? Why would we want to wander from being close to him?

A friend of mine told me a story and I would like to share it with you. This story is about 4 chairs and a cross. See, the four chairs are sitting next to the cross. The cross is God and the chairs are where we are in the walk of our life. The first chair is close to the cross. This one represents someone who is very close to God and going to heaven. the next chair is someone who is saved, but has been backsliding a bit. But, still going to heaven. The fourth chair is someone that is 100% lost and knows it. They know that they are lost and choose not to accept God. Wait your saying "what about the third chair". Well, this is the worst chair. This is the chair of a lost person that thinks they are saved. This is a very dangerous place to be. They say "yeah, I'm saved" with a matter of fact demeanor. But, they never live their life as if they are. These people still desire to live in the darkness. In 1 John 2:9 John says "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

Do you know someone who says they are saved and yet do not live the life of a Christian. I do, and it really scares me. This person is close to me and I worry for them. I pray that God will open the eyes of their heart. Hopefully, it won't be too late. We never know when our ticket will be punched. We should never waste time. We should never forget what Christ did for us. We should hold on tight to the word of God and remember how important it is to grow as a Christian. You can't get saved and then sit back and enjoy the ride. We must grow in knowledge of the Lord to grow stronger in the Lord. We shouldn't just grow stronger, we should share and teach this knowledge to others. We must never forget who we are as Christians.Because Christ lives in us and we live in Christ. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Our Blinders.........

Bible Verse: 1 John 2:17 - "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

What's up guy's and gal's? We just got back from a refreshing weekend in the mountains. Misty and I got away for some mommy and daddy time. It was great! That brings me to today's topic. We met a woman named Cathy and her daughter Grace at the IHOP. We noticed her struggling with something and stayed and talked/ministered with her and Grace for hours. When we left I realized that she was ministering to us to. We run through each day so fast working to make a buck, needing that new 60 inch LCD TV to hang on the wall, or just doing the daily "things" that we sometimes miss the big picture. We have blinders on. It is time we take them off and look around.

Bible Verse: 1 John 2:17 - "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Do you want to know how rich you are? Add up everything you own that money cannot buy, that neither death nor disaster can take away, and then you'll know just how rich you are. What did you discover? Hopefully, you discovered that it's time you started laying up true riches, because all the rest will burn away. One day, this sometimes evil world well most of the time evil world will end as we know it. This should give you the courage to deny yourself those temporary pleasures. If you are putting all of your labor in this world, it's like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship or building on to a house full of termites with no exterminator available. It is just a matter of time.

In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus say's "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Son of a baker.......

Good morning guy's and gal's. Got to hear a brother in Christ share a good message last night. I was thinking about what is going on right now. I have talked to numerous people in the last week that have lost their jobs or a really struggling financially. When I want us to remember this and pass it along to those we know struggling. Let's dig into so of the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."

Do you remember when it was rare to hear of someone whose job was either threatened, or actually lost, due to changes or cutbacks? Well, that's hardly news anymore.These days it seems that almost everyone is struggling with financial problems related to job security. People losing their homes. Not being able to buy food or pay the electric bill. You may be struggling and asking, "What good can possibly come from my financial problems?" They are wonderful opportunities to trust your Heavenly Father for your daily bread. I've always heard that it's better to have a Father who owns a bakery than to have a warehouse full of bread! I know this is hard sometimes. But, we must have faith in God. He know every hair on your head. I have seen it happen so many times that when we truly give it over to God. Things seem to work out. Sometimes it is totally unbelievable that things work out but, God can make the unbelievable....believable! Let's sit down and be still for a moment and pray that God's will be done in our lives.

Are you having financial struggles? Do you know someone who is? Share with them the Good News of God's provision and faithfulness. Share the gospel with them. Let them know they are not alone and just maybe they need a hug. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Are you a Chia Pet........

What's going on everyone? I hope all had a fabulous Tuesday. Mine was great. Had a good morning, went to lunch with a soul warrior for a little Mexican food, and detailed Misty's van for her. Yes, you may say I was sucking up. Well, maybe a little. I have a question for you. Are you a Chia pet? Read on. I want to touch a little more on yesterday's subject. But, from another scripture. Let's dig into the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

I know a lot of people say I don't have any other gods in front of God. But, if we step back and examine ourselves and our lives. We may realize that sometimes we might. Do we have our quiet time with God? Do we love baseball, football, or basketball so much that we will skip church to go to a game? Does all the stuff in our lives become idols? What is an idol and how does it come to be? An idol is created when a man or woman takes his own ideas or pleasures and begins to worship that. What he is really worshiping is himself. You may say, "Well, I'm not guilty of idolatry." Let's just see. Is there anything you love more than God? Is there anything you fear more than God? Is there anything you serve more than God? Is there anything you trust more than God? Am I getting warm? Maybe red hot? You say, "Well, I give God a place in my life." Or you say, "I give God His time." God doesn't want a place in your life. Then, you say, "Well, I give God the majority of my life." God doesn't just want the majority of your life. God demands to be above all others in your life. He will take nothing less. A question for you?

Is there anyone or anything in your life that takes precedence over God? Confess it and repent of it. Now, put on the full power of God and let Him be above all in your life and watch how it changes! You'll be like a chia pet smeared with seeds and you'll grow! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Your temple.......

Hello friends! Today is a great day for me. Misty and I are celebrating eight years of marriage today. Boy, I tell you what I hit the lottery when God brought me this amazing woman. I don't know where I would be today without her in my life. She is my life partner, my love, and my wide receiver (what is a quarterback w/out a wide receiver?) Well, today I received an email from another youth pastor and what he wrote to me is why today's topic is today's topic. It might be a little long so, hang with me. Let's dig into some of God's good stuff.

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Do you think God makes mistakes? If you are around anyone right now. Look at them. Are they different than you? Taller, shorter, thinner, rounder, hair color, abilities, talent, intelligence, and maybe so many other ways too. I must ask you again. Do you think God makes mistakes? I want you to know this today that God made you special just the way you are. His word say's that your body is a temple or a sanctuary. Some maybe asking what does that mean? Well, in the old testament that is where God was. If you wanted forgiveness or to pray to Him. You had to go to a priest and he had to go to the high priest. Then the High priest went to the temple the holy of holies to be in God's presence and talk to Him. But, Jesus changed the understanding of the temple. When Jesus took His last breath the curtain going into the holy of holies was torn form top to bottom. God made a hot line for you. You don't have to go to anyone, but Him to ask forgiveness or for your prayers to be heard.

Let's read today's scripture again. If you are born again. If you are a Christian. The Holy Spirit lives in you. God dwells within you. Can I ask you a question? Why is it so easy for us to trash Gods home. Don't say you don't trash it in some way. I know you might be thinking of trashing it with drugs, alcohol, or smoking. But, what about all the other things in life. I heard a quote from another pastor and he said "garbage in.....garbage out". What do we watch on TV? What do we look at on the internet? What do we take in around certain friends? I had to really look in the mirror before Sunday night. I preached this message and it was heart peircing. I ask what did Paul mean when he said that our bodies belonged to God? Because most people will say "It is my body and I will do with it what I please." People feel they have freedom to use and abuse they're bodies. But, really you get imprisoned by all of your desires. Listen to me, when you became a Christian. The Holy Spirit moved in. The U-Haul backed up and unloaded Him into you. So, that body isn't yours it has been bought with a price. Do you trash someone else's house? Would you? Have you? If you did I bet you would have to pay the consequences. Let's examine ourselves. God made you the way you are. Your body is the temple. Let's respect it and guard it from the "stuff" that doesn't need to be in our temple. Through our minds or mouths. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Check your Pump.......

Bible Verse: Proverbs 20:7 "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

Good morning friends. I pray everyone is well today. Can I ask you a question? What is integrity to you? What does it mean to you? Do you have it? Are you sure? Integrity is doing what is right even when no one is around. Are you fair? Are you just? Do you teach integrity to your children? Or, do you teach them as most of the world. Do what you have to, to get ahead. Let's be real again with each other today. Let's search our hearts and dig into some of the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 20:7 "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

This world says if we could just arrange conditions where we never have any sorrow, pain, or hurts, then we could change ourselves. If we can change conditions, we can change character. If we have an easy life then we will be better off. This is what the world teaches. But the Bible teaches just the opposite. The world puts the focus on condition. God puts the focus on character. I read once that you can't purify the water by painting the pump. And yet that's what we try to do. We think that if we can change the exterior or make conditions so that we never have any hurts, pains, or losses then we're going to be okay. But Jesus put the focus upon our character. On what and who you are, not what you have or don't have.

Do you have a mentor? Someone that you look up to? Is there someone in your life you admire? Someone who is a person of integrity? Thank God today for the good work done by God in that person's life and give him or her a word of encouragement. A word of encouragement goes a long way sometimes. Let's examine ourselves today and look at our character. Are we who we should be? Do we have integrity or a lack of? Is your pump painted? Remember, someone is always watching. Have a great day, I love you and God bless.

Working together for good.........

Good morning everyone. I sat in church last night and listened to all the prayer requests and thought to myself about all the sickness, job loss, injuries, tragedies, loss of friends or family members, and so many other things. That got me thinking about this scripture. I know we don't always see what is going on ahead. What we see is what is right in front of us. Not what is a mile down the road. So, let's dig into some of God's good stuff.

Bible Verse: Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

I personally have had so much happen in the last year. A lot of discouragement, illness, just things happening in my families life that I don't understand. But, I must try to look ahead and see that God can and will work things to His glory. He is not working everything to make us happy all the times. He is working these things out to fulfill His purpose. I beat my head against the wall sometimes wondering "God, really how can this benifit anyone?" Then I have to remind myself that I will not understand everything that He does. I read this story some time ago and it is so prevalent to today's devotion. This story is about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn. He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest. When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it. Finally, the little bird gave up. I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working." Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.

When we read Romans 8:28. I want you to notice the verse is not saying that all things are good. All things are not good; there are some terrible things in this world. But in the midst of it, for those who are surrendered to Him, those who serve Him, He is working those things together for our good. I know that seems hard to believe but, I know it's true. We have to be patient, pray, and study to show ourselves approved. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Part of the food chain.......

Good morning everyone. I laid in bed last night and thought about before I knew Christ. I was all about this world. So caught up in the rat race, the keeping up with the Jones's. Then, I remember seeing a sticker. The sticker said "NOTW" ????? I didn't know what it meant at first. Then it dawned on me "Not of this World". This should be us while we walk the earth. We should realize if we are born again that we are not of this world! We're just here for a little while. We should keep our eyes up. So, Let's dig into some of the good stuff.

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:1 - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."


I remember when I was a diver in the navy we had a t-shirt that said "Once you enter the water, you are just part of the food chain." In 1 Peter 2:11 says that we are aliens and strangers in this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world. We are born twice in a world of once-born people, and we're going to find ourselves going against the tide most of the time. It's like a when a was a diver and underwater. I was outside my natural environment (Part of the food chain). I could not live without my air supply that I was linked to from above and I could be consumed by the things of the underwater world. So, I had to keep my eyes open and stay linked or tethered to topside. That's the way we need to live. If we are to survive, we must stay linked to Jesus who is our life. The Bible says we're not to set our affections on things beneath, but on things above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the Father. (Colossians 3:1)

My question to you today. Are you of this world? Maybe just a little? Let's be real with each other. We all are at times. It's time to check your lifeline...are you trusting in anything in this world? Are you making friends with the things of this world? Or, are you being pulled to the dark side at times? Have a great day, I love you and God bless!

Forgiveness........

Good morning everyone. I pray everyone had a blessed weekend. Ours was awesome! We had two young ladies accept Christ as their Savior last night! All the glory goes to God. We truly have an awesome group of youth. I thank God for allowing me to be just a small part of His work. I talk to the youth last night a little about forgiveness. See, God forgives all of our iniquities if we ask Him and confess them to Him. Then they are covered with the blood of Jesus. That brings us to some of the good stuff. Let's dig in.

Bible Verse: Romans 4:7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."

Are you in chains? Are your past sins keeping you in bondage? Have you done such bad things that you feel you can't be forgiven? Listen, God can and will forgive you! That is a promise that He gave us. Let's be honest with God and call them out one by one. They seem to lose power over us when we are honest about them. I heard this story and want to share it with you. There was a king who asked slaves on a ship, "Why are you in chains?" One replied, "I don't know. I was in a crowd when a crime was committed. I am innocent." He asked another who said, "I am not guilty, but am a victim of false witnesses." The king proceeded to ask each man the same question and each had a reason why he was innocent. That is, until one man responded, "I am here because I deserve to be here. I have sinned against my God and against my king. And now I am paying the penalty." The king stepped back and said, "What are you doing here among so many honest men? Guards, release him!"

Not until we admit our sin are we going to know the mercy and the forgiveness of the King. Confess them before Him today and admit you are lost without Him. Let's be free today of our bondage. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.