Been thumped lately????????

Good morning everyone. I hope the start to your weekend is going well. Guy's, I have to tell ya that I have been tested lately. I want to real quick say that it is the devil and he is trying to make me stumble. But, maybe it's not. Just maybe it is God refining me. Just maybe.....Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what it says about the subject........

Bible Verse: Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Do you know when a potter bakes a pot, he checks how solid it is by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's placed back in the oven. The character of a person is also checked by thumping. Man, I feel like I have really been thumped a lot lately. I must ask you....Have you been thumped lately?

Are you asking yourself "What is he talking about?" Maybe: "Late-night phone calls. Grouchy co-workers. Grumpy moms or dads. Burnt meals. Flat tires. 'You've got to be kidding' deadlines at work. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard or not ready for them. They catch us flat footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. For my wife Misty, it's probably dirty clothes on the floor...Thump. Thump. Thump.

So, how do you respond? Do you sing? Or do you thud? Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed normal day-to-day living. Just a little something to think about today. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

The stars...........

Good morning everyone! Had a good day yesterday. Spent the day with the family, had a meeting at church, then went and watched Misty play softball. Her team won! Luke was even cheering. We had a great time. I was thinking about something. How do you know how to get from point A to point B? I want to tell you a little nautical story and from Way of the Master that goes along with the good stuff. So, let's dig in........

Bible Verse: 1 John 2:5 - "But whoso keepeth His word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him."

That word "keepeth" in 1 John is from a word that sailors used years ago to refer to their job of staying on their course by "keeping" the stars. This did not mean, of course, that the sailor or ship would not be blown off course or that he might not over-steer. It didn't mean that he might not fall asleep at the wheel, or maybe be distracted, or fail to keep a perfect sea chart. But the goal, the desire, and the plotting principle in his life were those stars. He knew that with them he could find direction to his destination. Guy's this is the same way, John says God's commandments are to be the standard by which you and I are supposed to chart our courses in life. Let's take an inventory today......What is determining your steps? God's Word? Or your word? Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

This to shall pass.......

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was good. Had to deal with food poisoning last week but, all better now. We had an awesome night at youth last night. Had a total of nine new people join us for Way of the Master. Then after we were done about 10 of the youth went to Walmart to share their faith. Guy's that is what it is all about. I must share with you something that I told a gentleman yesterday that is going through the worst time in his life and doesn't know how he is going to make it through it. We shared with him that he needs to set his feet on the Rock! On solid ground. On the Lord and that he will deliver him through this awful time. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it says about the subject........

Bible Verse: Psalm 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust."

What is the best gift you could give God? The greatest thing you could do that would give God glory is not give a million dollars in the offering Sunday. It's not to become a preacher and preach the gospel. It's not to go into a distant land as a missionary. Those things are great but, there is something He wants more. The greatest thing you could do to glorify God is to truly believe God. To have Faith! Faith says, "God, You are trustworthy." It says "God I put my trust in you." Guy's we sing about our faith and even talk about how we had it. We can't just sing about your belief in a great God or pray about your belief in a great God or even read in our Bibles about our belief in a great God. We must believe Him. We must rest our feet on solid ground, not sinking sand. A faith that is strong glorifies God! We are all shaken at times. Where do we go for refuge? We must remember that the Lord is our fortress. Our high tower! Our deliverer! He is our strength. He will always be there for us even when things get real bad. So, if you are going through a storm right now and can't see the sun know this.....This to shall pass.....Take refuge in the Lord and ride the storm out. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Keep it out of the red.........

Good morning everyone. Do you ever struggle with getting mad at people? I had a friend call me and tell me that someone had been putting bad comments on a WBIR comment section concerning a fatal shooting of a man for attacking police officers and stabbing a police K-9. Well, at first I was angry. But, I didn't speak about it until I thought clearly about it and tried to hear what this man was saying. Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what God's Word say's about the subject.....

Bible Verse: James 1:19-20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

I love that the Bible never says, "Don't feel angry!" God understands that's not possible. Instead, He gives us some of the most practical and profound teaching on what to do with anger in all of recorded human history.

First, rush into hearing. Listen long enough to clearly understand all the facts and all the reasons something is happening, as best you can. Then listen again. Second, shut up. The first words out of our mouths in an angry situation are often the worst ones. When you're angry, keep your mouth closed.

Finally, own this and make it yours: You're not going to make any real progress toward your real goals while the anger meter is in the red. Wait for it to cool off before taking action or making big decisions. Don't let your anger run your life.

Think about it what are some ways you can slow your anger down and keep it from sending you spiraling in an unhealthy direction. Ask God for speed control over your listening (faster), talking (slower), and getting mad (slower). Maybe ask a mature Christian or two how they avoid allowing anger to control their lives. Let's try to have mature, smart and loving comments. it will make our day go by better....Promise! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Don't be ashamed..........

Good morning guy's and gals! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was great came back from vacation Saturday night and Sunday morning God allowed me to share the experience of a man in his 40's accepting Jesus as his Savior! Man, that was just awesome. Then last night we continued on with the course Way of the Master. This course is very challenging on anyone that is taking it. Sharing your faith is not easy. At least that what the devil wants us to think. Why is it so hard? Let's look at one reason today and dig into some of the good stuff........

Bible Verse: Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."

I challenge the youth and the adults that are taking this course to do at home work and a real world challenge every week. The first week not one person did the at home or real world work. Then week by week more and more are doing it. We have just finished our 5th week and they are getting a little more bold. Are people just scared? Why the fear? Why does it seem that people are ashamed? Are you ashamed to put a Bible on your desk at work? Are you ashamed to bow your head in the cafeteria? Are you ashamed to invite people to come to know Jesus? Are you ashamed of the One who died for you? Let me tell you a little story there was a little boy who had a dog, and somebody asked him what kind of dog he was. He was just a mutt dog, but the little guy said, "Well, he's a police dog." The friend said, "He doesn't look like a police dog." The little guy replied, "That's cause he's in the secret service." I'm really feel that there are many of us who are in the secret service. We ought to be open and bold for the gospel of our Savior but, we don't! Fear is not a bad thing guy's. I actually think it is a good thing. It forces us to rely on God and His strength. Ask God to give you strength and boldness today to live for Him and let others know of His love for them. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

4th and 1 on the goal line..........

Good morning everyone! Man, what a night last night. We went out to eat for my birthday and ate all you can eat crab legs. I ate about 13 pounds all by myself. I don't know where I put it. But, afterwards I hurt real bad. How dumb was that? Tasted good while I was eating them though. Then we went shopping sort of....To the mall with the Bass Pro shop. There is a kids area with a small water kids area and playground. We stayed there for about three hours. Kids had a great time and I did also just watching them enjoy their evening. It's funny how your priorities change when ya have the tricycle motors. Gave out some tracts yesterday too! I want to talk today about why more people don't want to know more about God and what God can do about it. So, let's dig into some of the good stuff.....

Bible Verse: 1 Kings 19:37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell......and the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.

Is this what it takes for people to come to realize that there is one true God? Why do some many people waver between what they believe in? Or follow what the movie stars are worshipping this day or that. What does it take for people to come to know Christ? Maybe some just aren't sure what to believe or maybe even some know the truth and refuse to believe because they really enjoy their sinful ways or don't want to give something up. I used to drink a beer every now and then and when I got my life straightened out with God I gave it up. I am not saying that drinking a beer is bad. But, I was convicted about it. So, I gave it up and haven't had a drink of any alcohol in 5 years. Do you think I miss it? Nope. Sure don't!

Guy's it is so very important that we take a stand for the Lord. I know you have all heard that if you don't stand for something that you will fall for anything. Maybe fall in love with anything. If we just drift along in life with whatever feels good at the time or whatever is pleasing to us and easy. We may one day realize maybe even get smacked in the face with the truth....We might be worshiping a false god....Ourselves!

I am still teaching our young people The Way of the Master....How to share their faith. Guess what? They are doing it! I am so very proud of them. If a thirteen year old can share their faith why can't you. This is how some people will come to know the one true God. Through people like you and me with the power of the Holy Spirit!!! It is game time. Let's put on the pads and huddle up! It is 4th and 1 on the goal line.....Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!!!

Serving two masters??????

Good morning everyone! Had a great day at the beach yesterday. The water was really clear and we found some sand dollars for the girls. Went to a really cool place to eat last night at the Sandestin Resort called Hammerheads. They had live music and the kids all got up and danced their hearts out. Really fun place for all. We are going to the Twisted Palm tonight for my birthday....All you can eat crab legs!!!! Yummy! Today I want to talk to you about serving two masters. Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see want it says about this subject.....

Bible Verse: 2 Kings 5:20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

Now check this out Gehazi saw a way to get rich quick by trying to get the money that Naaman offered Elisha but, Elisha refused. But, guess what his great plan had some pitfalls. First, He took some money that was offered to someone else. Second, he kind of implied that the money could be exchanged for the free gift's that God gives. And third, he lied to hide the real reason he took this money.

I want you to know that Gehazi had been a good and faithful servant. But, he let personal gain become his god and it became more important than God. I am not saying that cash is bad or having money is evil. What I am saying is greed and lies are bad!!!! No good will come from them. No matter what people say. Money does not buy happiness.

Are you serving God? Are you serving with true motives? Are you motivated by money? Are you serving because you want God's favor? We should be serving out of love and devotion to God. We should be serving because God asks us to! As it also says in Matthew 6:24 "No man can serve two masters..." We can't serve God and money. Let's examine ourselves this week. ave a great day I love you, and God bless.

The little things..........

Good morning my friends! More from the beach. Chris and I stayed up last night jamming. We played music and sang into the late hours. What a night! Leaning how to play to cojon (box style drum) starting to sound better. I have to ask you a question. When God speaks to you do you know it? When you do....Do you listen? Or, only when it is what you want. Think about it for a second. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it says about it.......

Bible Verse: 2Kings 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean."

I must give you the story if you don't know it yet. We have talked about the great leader Naaman and that he was a leper. Well, his wife's servant girl from Israel told her of a prophet in Samaria that could heal her husbands leperosy. Well, even Naaman's king didn't want his great leader to die and sent money and a letter to the king of Samaria to make a way for Naaman to see Elisha. Well, it all worked out and Naaman rode his chariot to Samaria and came to the door of Elisha. Well, here comes the hard part for Naaman. Elisha sent a messenger to Naaman and didn't come himself. That really ticked Naaman off! He thought that Elisha should have came out to meet him and do some hand waving and shouting and heal him with the power of God. The messenger told him to go and wash in the Jordan seven times and he would be clean. Naaman in his anger said are the rivers Abana, Pharpar, and Damascus not cleaner and better than the Jordan? Why can't I wash in those? He left angry!!!!

How many times when God tells or even asks us to do something that doesn't make sense do we refuse or get angry? It is all about obedience and that begins with humility. Guy's we are not always going to understand His way of working, but if we humbly obey, we wil recieve His blessings.

Back to Naaman, He left angry and his servants came to him and asked "If the prophet asked you to do some big thing would you have do it?" So, why would you not do this? It is something so very small. So, Naaman went and did what Elisha told him. His skin was made like a newborn babies!! The leperosy was gone!!! It was all about obedience!!!!!! That is what God wants from us. Just our obedience. How obedient are you? Are you only obedient when it is what you wnt to do? Are you humble in your obedience? Let's put our pride in check and pay attention to the little thins this week. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

A Dying Hero.........

Good morning everyone. I am writing from the beach and we are really enjoying our time off. The weather has been great and Destin beaches have been clear of oil. So, we have had a great time. You guy's all probably know I was in the military and have been in law enforcement since then. Well, I love the military stories and movies. In my studies, I have studied on Naaman, a great man of valor that helped deliver syria out of the hands of their enemies numerous times. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.....

Bible Verse: 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord has given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.

Today, I want to talk about success. See, Naaman was a success story. In his day, the only way you could hope to make a name for yourself (unless you were royalty) was to rise up in the ranks of the military. Naaman had done just that. He reported to the king of Aram. And even though he had fought against Israel, God had used Naaman to bring victory to Aram. Naaman was a succesful leader, highly respected, at the top of his game.

There was one problem: He was dying. He had leprosy, a disease still in the world today though not as common. There was no cure. Your skin would start turning greyish/white and then begin to flake off until it ate awyat your whole body. All the success in the world. Even being used by God. Didn't keep him from getting this ugly disease. I must ask you, what's the point of working hard to be successful if it can be taken away in a moment....When you're just going to die anyways?

I am going to be studying the stories of Naaman this week and I want us to ask God to give us some insight into our own lives this week through the story of Naaman.

Do me a favor make a quick list of some successful people you know about who have died or gotton seriously ill even though they were rich and/or famous. Tune in for more on Naaman and we'll dig into the good stuff together! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Don't worry about sounding right..........

Good morning friends! I pray everyone is doing well and ready for the holiday weekend. I must work this weekend and will miss being with my family but, that's how it works sometimes. How do you fight your battles? If your a Christian, how do you wage war on the devil and his demons? Or, should I ask do you wage war? Because whether you want to believe it. That is what is going on if you are a born again believer. My pastor has said many times and it is so very true that his greatest battles have been won in prayer. The wars and battles with the devil are won in the closet. The prayer closet. We must be prayer warriors to win this fight from day to day. Alright, let's dig into the good stuff........

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Let's be about prayer today. Really, Let's be about what Jesus said in Matthew 6 . He was teaching about how we should do this thing called "prayer."

First: We should pray for God's ears, not other people's. Praying in public makes some people feel really weird. I don't really blame them for saying silly things to God in those moments, but you can sometimes tell they're worried about "sounding right" to the people around them. They work in a few churchy words or phrases because they've heard everyone else do it. Jesus told his listeners to do their praying behind closed doors in secret. But, really Jesus just wants you to talk to Him like He is your best friend. Now, the closed doors thing is not during mealtime or other occasions as such. But, for your personal prayer.

Why should we pray this way? For one thing, it weeds out all the wrong motives. The Jewish religious leaders gave each other spiritual browny points for how sweet and good sounding their public prayers were, but they were missing the point of talking to God. When you're alone, you know you're not impressing anyone with your prayer talk. You're more likely to talk to Him straight out of your own life, not how someone else's might pray.

Of course, you're not going to pray in secret unless you're convinced God is listening. Prayer in secret is an act of greater faith in the God who cares so much about you. Jesus promised that our Father listens and rewards those prayers. You don't need to step up to the microphone for Him to hear and answer you.

Have you ever pray in front of people, do you pray any differently than you do when you're alone? Are you ever tempted to try to impress people with your prayers? How likely are you to pray when nobody is looking? Let's ask God to help us talk to Him more often when nobody else is around. Let's be prayer warriors and share our heart with the King on Kings! have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

This may sound funny but, got a closet handy? Try praying in it today. No, I am just kidding you don't really need to pray in a closet for God to hear you, but trying it once or twice might make you more aware of how you're talking to God.