Blessed: Happy Much????????

Good morning! Hope you had a blessed weekend! We had an amazing service yesterday at my church. We actually had a wedding during our morning service. It was very special and made me realize just how blessed I was to be at a church that love drips off the corners of the building! I have been thinking about something all weekend and I wanted to share a bit about it with you today. Happiness. What does it mean to be happy? Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.......

Bible Verse: Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

I am going to have to say I really don’t like the word “happy.” It’s a slippery word on a slippery slope for a slippery emotion. As soon as I start evaluating the level of my happiness, it starts fading. On the other hand, sometimes I’m hit with a wide-eyed awareness: “I’m really happy right now.” Ok, and reality is sometimes we are not very happy at all!

Now, the world “blessed” that we’re going to talk about today in Psalm 1  means “happy,” but it’s more than that. It means something like “happy because God likes me and he’s taking care of me.” As a Christian, I should always say I’m being blessed by God even as my mood rises and falls with my hunger level. I know this always happens right???? Not!

So, basically what I am trying to say is, blessing can be an emotion, but it’s backed by rock solid evidence of God’s goodness. Any good things or feelings I can point to in my life absolutely come from Him. And when I start counting all the good things I have and feel because of God, it’s easy to call myself blessed. Maybe even happy. But, it's hard for us to not get down sometimes and have a pity party for ourselves. Right? When things seem to be falling apart. I get it, I am right there with you.

Think about this! How often do you think about these words: blessed, happy, joyful? What’s the difference between feeling blessed or happy and knowing for a fact that you are blessed by God? Maybe, just maybe we should thank God for all the ways he has blessed us this year. I am sure if you sit down and think about it you can come up with some. have a great day and God bless.

Life is an ECHO...............

What's up? Did you have a great Christmas? Are you enjoying your family time? Last night I was chewing the fat with a pretty wise person and they gave me a few things to think about. Well, that opened the door for my mind to try and wrap around things. For me, that's not always good. But, I think it was this time and I want to share some of it with you and see if it helps us reflect together. Let's dig into the good stuff.....

Bible Verse: Matthew 10:42 "And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

Life is an ECHO! Really! What you send out, comes back. What you sow, your reap. What you give, you get back. What you see in others, exists in you. Do not judge, so you will not be judged. Radiate and give LOVE, and Love comes back to you. Here's a little example. I made it my mission to always show my children affection. This morning when Luke woke up, the first thing he did was come in my bedroom crawl up in my bed and give me the biggest hug and kiss. Then he said "Daddy, I sure do love you!" We must never forget that life is an ECHO! Now, here comes the tricky part. That echo might not come from the direction we want it to or are expecting it to come from. That's what made me think of this scripture. It says giving it to one of these little ones. To a child! See, a child can't or usually won't return the favor. So, pretty much do it being unselfish. Don't expect anything in return and then be blown away when God blesses ya! This is really hard sometimes because we build up expectations in our minds of how things should be. That's what gets us in trouble. I just wanted to share this with ya and poke your brain into thinking today! have a great day and God bless. 

A friend on Christmas Eve............

Morning folks! I was looking on Facebook last night and again this morning and saw something that troubled my heart. A lot of people feeling very alone this Christmas season. Whether it be loss of a loved one, divorce, kids with the other parent, or just because. This might sound weird but, the last couple of days I have been making chocolate cover stuff. Yes, I said stuff. If I could dip it in white chocolate I would see how it turned out. I made pretzels, strawberries, ritz crackers, oreos, and peanut butter ritz! I know a little overboard but, I had a lot of time to sit and think while doing this. I too have been caught up in the sadness of a quiet house but, I realized it didn't have to be. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us...........

Bible Verse: Psalm 46:1"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Bible Verse: Hebrew 13:5 "...He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

I was at an Exxon gas station yesterday in my town and the clerk looked really sad. I asked her if everything was ok. She said, "I'm just really sad I'm divorced, my kids have moved away, and I don't really know many people here."  I said, "Why don't you call a friend?" She said, "I don't have a friend." I sat there and hurt inside for this woman. I said, "I'm sure you have a friend!" She said, "I work all the time and haven't had a chance to make any." Well, I told her of our candle light service we are having at church tonight and invited her. I told her it would be a great place to meet and make some new friends. When I left there it really made me think. How many are just like her this season? It made me think of God being our refuge and strength. But, we for some reason forget that. Hebrews 13:5 says it best ".....He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

I remember doing a lesson on this scripture. The Greek scholars tell us this sentence, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," actually has five negatives in it. A double-negative is supposed to be bad English, but evidently it wasn't bad Greek!!! Here's what it literally says: "I will never, no not ever, no, never leave nor forsake you." That should make us feel a little better. Right?

Here's the real deal! People need someone to love, and they need to be loved. Without it, their lives are filled with fear and frustration. Hebrews 13:5 tells us we can face a new year with the certainty of His provision and with His companionship in our hearts and in our lives. This has all got me to thinking about friends. Did I know someone that just needed some love this season. Who do you know someone that might need a call from a friend today? Make that call today. Have a great day and God bless.

Wise men still seek Him............

Hey there! Hope you had a great weekend. Last night my little sister asked me to go out to eat and I ended up going to Walmart with her for some reason. In our conversation last night we started talking about pursuing. That made me thing of yesterdays sermon from my pastor. It was from Matthew 2. I read on a little further last night and started thinking about the pursuit. The pursuit of Christ. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.........

Bible Verse: Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh."

Ok, here's the deal real wise men seek the Lord. I asked my self last night, was I seeking the Lord? Do you seek the Lord? Is that the burning ambition of your heart and life? You probably saying, "Well, I come to church." I'm not talking about that. Think about these men from the east. Do you know where "the east" was? They're talking about Babylon. Three hundred miles across Syrian Desert, distance and difficulty. I did say desert!

Now, think about the Christmas cards you see and the pictures of them coming on camels. I don't know how they came, but I know how they didn't come...by airplane, bus, automobile, or motorcycle. I know where they didn't stay. They didn't stay in the Holiday Inn. No one left the light on for them!

And on top of that, they came in spite of danger. It was the time of King Herod and he was insane with jealousy and rage, who had had his own wife and three sons wacked! Yeah, I said wacked. Soprano style! These men in the face of that danger said, "We have come to seek Jesus Christ." Wise men will seek Him in spite of distance, danger and difficulty. I only wish I could be that wise!

Wise men who seek Him will see Him. When they came into the house, they fell down and worshipped Him. It's worth seeking Him because, friend, when you seek Him, you will see Him. "Ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) They searched, found Him and saw Him.

I guess the bottom line is, do we have a desire to know Him? To love Him? To serve Him? Do we find something drawing us to God? That my friend, is Someone. He's the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for The Holy Spirit. Have a great day and God bless!

Talk about some earnest money..........

This Christmas season I have really been thinking a lot. I guess self reflecting, examining, dreaming, learning, and even making some decisions. A friend of mine looked at a house yesterday and she was telling me about it. I guess it got me thinking about when you want something, what you do to show that you really mean it. That your serious. Stay with me...... Let's dig into the good stuff and see what we can learn......

Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:22 "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

Your probably wondering what this verse has to do with buying a house. I mean what does this mean, that God has given us the "earnest of the Spirit in our hearts"? When someone intends to buy something they can't afford to purchase at that moment, they can put down "earnest" money. The greater the down payment, the greater the indication that full payment will be made. Following me? Most people have probably already done this at some point. For instance, if you're selling your home for $100,000 and a prospective buyer gives you $5, you probably won't look for that person to come back. But if he gives you $50,000, he means business, and you know he's coming back!

I guess we could say that God has given us a down payment of the Spirit. Do you think God is going to forfeit His Holy Spirit? Not a chance! Really God's earnest money was Jesus Christ! Wow, now that's a down payment! God is not going to forsake you! He has too much invested in you! Now, isn't that some good news. If this doesn't put a smile on your face then you better check your pulse. Have a great day and God bless.

Can you say "Yes" to Jesus but "No" to the Church????????

Hello everyone! I was talking to a guy at the pilot today while getting a drink and next thing you know we are in a 20 minute conversation about everything he was going through. I was in a hurry but, I realized that I needed to stop and listen to what this guy had to say. Our conversation turned a corner when he started to talk about Christmas and not having anything for Christmas for his kids and being very depressed. Well, we talked for a long time and I invited him to church with me Sunday. Not as a fix all but, as a help focus day. His next comment brought up the reason for this devotion. He told me that he was a Christian but, didn't need church. He was fine on his own. This hurts me so bad when I hear people say this. I know that some of us have been hurt severely by the church but, that doesn't mean that you quit going and here is why! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.............

Bible Verse: Ephesians 5:29-30 "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones."

Ok, let's cut through all the bull! So many believers think they don't have to go to church. They say yes to Jesus, but no to the church. Now, this happens for many reasons. But if you love God, you will love Jesus. And if you love Jesus, you will love what He loves, and Jesus loves the church. Well, can't a man be a Christian without being a member of the church? Let me answer that question with another one......... Can a bee be a bee without a hive? Can a sailor be a sailor without a ship? Can a person be a parent without a family? We need one another. We were made for one another. Jesus didn't say, "I will build you a church" or "You will build My church." Instead, Jesus said, "I will build My church."

What is wrong with us? We need each other. Trust me when I say this. I thought I could do a lot on my own and have fallen flat on my face. We need battle buddies! We need a support group. If you don't have that at your church then maybe it's time to find another church. That is what church is supposed to be about. Now, understand that some churches have forgotten that and are all mixed up about their mission. But, there are still some out there that get it and if you look you can find them. If you can't find one come visit with me and you'll see what it is supposed to look like! Have a great evening and God bless!

The greatest event.............

Hello everyone. I have been sitting here today in a quiet house having some really good alone time. I guess reflecting time! I sat and thought about the sermon today at church and what Christmas is. I guess what Christmas has become. See, I had lost focus on what it is really about. I got to thinking about what I was going to be able to get my kids and family for Christmas. I guess today was needed to regain my focus. We get so caught up in the presents and the meals that we forget about that baby being born. With the weight of the world soon to be on his shoulders. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.........

Bible Verse: Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Ok, now this was written 700 years before the first Christmas. Isaiah wrote these words about the coming Savior. That's pretty crazy isn't it? 
Now, check this out! Some years ago, you may remember when man first stepped onto the moon. The President of the United States said, "The planting of human feet upon the moon is the greatest event in human history." Everyone got so caught up in that and really believed it. Now, in my humble opinion the greatest event in human history was not stepping on the moon but when God came to Earth and planted His feet here. Let's think about that for a sec. God stepped out of heaven, Heaven! Into this world. This awful world! He put His feet upon this earth. And that is the greatest event in human history! Let's think about that for a bit and reflect on what Christmas really is and means to us. Have a great night and God bless.

Lion and Honey??????????

Hello everyone! It sure is cold here in East Tennessee this morning. Thermometer says it's 23 degrees! Burrrrr! Had a great night last night bring a message to some youth @ Camp Living Stone in Etowah, TN. I was sharing with a couple of them before we got started and they were telling me that fear kept them from even talking about Jesus. They felt different when they were in their youth group but, everywhere else fear shut them down. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us........ 

Bible Verse: Psalm 34:4 "I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

I will be the first to tell you that I have been totally scared at times trying to share my Jesus with someone. I know your probably thinking, Tony can talk to anyone right? Well, I can but, something about sharing Jesus is scary. See, the problem is we have an enemy. When you go to witness to someone you are really going into battle with Satan. Here's the deal, the times that will most strengthen and enrich your life are those when you go barehanded, armed with only the Spirit of God, against the devil and prevail. Remember Samson, who killed a lion with his bare hands, then ate honey out of its carcass (see Judges 14:6-9). Whatever is hounding and threatening your life right now, you must hold onto to the Word of God that promises deliverance and hope, power and strength, wisdom and guidance. I promise it works! Also remember that problems are opportunities for God's power to be manifest in your life. Just saying! Have a great day and God bless!

I'm good.........

Good morning! I am blessed to be able to bring the Word to a group of teenagers tonight at a youth retreat! Must say I'm pretty excited. I was talking to someone last night about blessings. I had a lady trying to do something very nice for me a church one day and I kinda stiff armed her and kept telling her "No", "You don't need to do that". She finally looked at me dead in the eye and said "Listen, I feel led to do this. Now, don't you dare steal my blessing!" I sat there and soaked that in for a bit and realized she was a very sweet woman that was trying to help me. I was standing in the way of her blessing. Possibly even sort of stealing it from her. That is when I realized that we sometimes need to allow others to help us even when we don't need it. It is not always about us. Ouch, that stung when I just said it. See my pride of being able to do things on my own got in the way. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it says...........

Bible Verse: Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Here is the deal. I love being "happy" but, I don’t know if I like the word “happy.” It’s a slippery word for a slippery emotion. As soon as I start evaluating the level of my happiness, it starts fading. On the other hand, sometimes I’m hit with a wide-eyed awareness: “I’m really happy right now.”

Now, some say the word “blessed” that we’re going to talk about today means “happy,” but it’s more than that! It means something like “happy because God likes me and he’s taking care of me.” As a Christian, I can always say I’m being blessed by God even as my mood rises and falls with my hunger level. See, God want to bless us!

So, in other words, blessing can be an emotion, but it’s backed by rock solid evidence of God’s goodness. Any good things or feelings I can point to in my life absolutely come from him. And when I start counting all the good things I have and feel because of Jesus, it’s easy to call myself blessed. Maybe even happy. Definitely happy. How often do you apply these words to yourself - blessed or happy? What’s the difference between feeling blessed or happy and knowing for a fact that you are blessed by God?

Let's thank God for all the ways he has blessed you with good gifts and good emotions in your life. Have a great day and God bless!

Today is tomorrow..........

Day by day! Are you a organized planner? Sometimes we planners need to throw the planner out the window and just go with the flow. This is very hard! Wait, extremely hard for someone like me. I struggle with flying by the seat of my pants. It might even be exciting if I can mold my mind around it. I guess I am trying not to look to far in the future and live for today. That sounded good saying it..... Day by day! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what we can find..........
 
Bible Verse: Proverbs 27:1 "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

I read that 94% of the 3,000 people surveyed were enduring today in order to get to tomorrow. What? Are you like that? Do you know anyone like that? Perhaps it's just me! I am not so much enduring today to get to tomorrow. It like I'm play chess. Trying to think 10 moves ahead. I need to be playing monopoly and going one roll at a time.

Is this you? Tomorrow, you're going on vacation. Tomorrow, you're going to get the house cleaned. Tomorrow, you're going to start your diet. Tomorrow, you're going to balance your checkbook. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Thinking about tomorrow all the time. The only problem is...tomorrow never arrives. When it gets here, it is today. And today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Man, that flowed so easy but, is so hard to live! Here's the thing. It is always today. So, we must act accordingly! Have a great day and God bless!

Cafeteria or bust............

What's up everyone? Are you having a good week so far? I had to go to the range yesterday for about 7 hours and shoot. The cool thing about that was the gun we were shooting was a Dillon M134d mini gun. It shoots 3000 rounds a minute and we had to shoot it during daylight and then at night with night vision and lasers! Yeah, a pretty cool night! I laid in bed last night just before drifting off to sleep and thought about my hunger and how I was doing? Well, I awoke thinking the same thing. So, I thought I would write about it! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us........

Bible Verse: Psalm 91:16 "With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation." Psalm 91:16

I remember when I graduated boot camp in 1992, we had a day pass and went in Chicago for the day. We ended up eating at a cafeteria kinda downtown that fed military for free. I remember sitting there when the door of the restaurant opened and a man ran in. He rushed over to a table that had been abandoned by some people just shortly before. He began to stuff his face with the leftovers, when the management saw him. He took off out like a squirrel high tailing it  to the safety of their tree. He had no pride. He didn't care what people thought of him.

I remember thinking at the time how gross that was. I think a total different thought now! A man who is starving is totally serious about getting food. He's focused. He will do whatever it takes to eat! He's only got one thing on his mind!! Where is his next meal? He's not concerned about popularity, position, or possessions!

So, what are you hungry for today? Is Jesus enough to satisfy your appetite? When a person is thirsty or hungry enough, he will pay any price! He will do anything to get fed! Now, stop and ask yourself this question..... How hungry for God are you? Have a great day and God bless!

Lock-in the hubs...........

How are you doing???? Has someone asked you that question and you didn't give them the real answer? You said fine, when everything wasn't fine. Really, if you would have said "Really struggling right now." I bet some wouldn't even acknowledge that or maybe would say "Good, good!" Because they really didn't care, they just asked that because that is what we do. We train ourselves to ask that question so that it shows that we care. Now, they're are those out there that actually care about your response. They are genuine and will be there for you. Those people should be important to you. Try to surround yourself with those kind of people. Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what it shows us.........

Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Sometimes in life we come to a Y in the road. We have to decide which way to go. It's the decisions that we make that shape our future. Now, I can only speak for myself but, maybe you struggle with this too. I am anxious at times. I guess when I feel I am doing the right thing, I am all in and committed to choosing which way I should travel. See, God has given us His power and enriched us with His love. Wait, there's more, not only that, He has enlightened us with a sound mind. Now, these two words "sound mind" don't mean the opposite of "You insane". It actually means discipline and long with that, it is the ability to discern between truth and falsehood.

So often, the devil gets us running from our thoughts of "what if's". Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." Have you ever been scared to make a decision? This is what this verse is talking about. We must claim victory and not allow the devil to get in our heads and mess with us. The road that we are meant to be on should enlighten our lives and not drain them. That road should help us to be happy, not cause us doubt everything. Life is about choices. We must make the best ones we can and pursue love and happiness. Remember God has given us His power and His love.

The bottom line is, we must pull back the mask of darkness from the devil's ploys and expose them for what they are and see the things that count in the here and now and that will count in eternity. God has given you a sound mind by trusting in His Word, not in the devil's schemes. Bathe everything in prayer and when God answers your prayers, don't question His answer. Don't let the devil cloud your mind. He doesn't want you to listen and obey. He want's you to stay confused and messed up. Sometimes we have to get out lock in the hubs and go down that road that we know God has called us to. Even though it might scare the daylights out of us cause it looks rocky and we aren't sure of what's around the corner. We must push fear aside. Have a great day and God bless.

Fogged in?????????

Good morning! Lately I have been chatting with some friends and it seems like a lot of people are struggling with one thing or another. With a job situation, a relationship that is struggling, or maybe someone in your life that just always takes from you and never gives back. I worked nights last night and came home to crash this morning. I was wanting to sleep more but, that wasn't going to happen. I awoke from a dream about being in fog and not seeing what was ahead. When I woke up I felt anxious and kinda confused. I guess the fog might represent uncertainty. I don't know! I guess I need one of those dream books! That got me thinking about the stuff my friends were dealing with and drove me to the Word for a bit. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us..........
 
Bible Verse: Psalm 116:5 "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful."

Ok, check this out! My mom is a flight attendant. They don't like stewardess anymore. Ok, imagine you are in a plane, ready for take-off on the runway. The pilot has come on the intercom and announced there's a delay because of fog. You glance out your window. It looks so gloomy and dark. You wonder if the sun is shining.

The fog lifts enough for the control tower to give the pilot the green light, and the plane takes off. It's still cloudy, but the plane starts climbing, climbing, climbing. Suddenly, the plane bursts through the clouds, and it is so gloriously bright that you have to blink your eyes. Now, you realize the sun has been there all the time.

Here's the crazy part! That's the way it is with God (check out Malachi 4:2-3). He is always loving, always giving. He is waiting for you to see Him now. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to show us today the true condition of the sky--above the clouds. Let Him speak to us about what is really there beyond the fog. Things are not always what they seem. Sometimes there is something amazing waiting just beyond the fog!!! Remember God has His hand upon us!!! Have a great day and God bless!!

Drive through the fog...........

What's up! It's Friday and it seems fall is finally here in East Tennessee. Was super foggy this morning on my way home. It made me think again about a scripture from yesterday. A friend had that scripture tattooed on their foot to remind them. "Walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7. While driving through the fog not really knowing what was coming next ahead. I had to have faith that everything was going to be ok. I'm not saying I wasn't prepared to swerve if need be, but I knew I didn't need to stop to get where I needed to be. Now, that brings me to today. I have often said that life is like a vapor. It's here and then it's gone. We must take care of business while we are able. let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what it shows us..........


Bible Verse: John 9:4 "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."


 Ok, I am that military "Hoo-yah" kinda guy and I read this a while back and it pumped me up! "We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but only one short hour before the sun sets in which to win them." God had plans for us. It's time we got off the bench and into the game. We are only given so many days. A limited number of days in which to be about the Fathers business. Are you going to spend your days investing in the things of this world, or putting up treasures in heaven? Do you invest in people around you? Do you help someone when they are in need. Do you love the un-loveable? Do you share your faith? If not now, then when?

Are you going to start sowing seeds of salvation or are you going to plant happiness in this life alone? When?

Are you going to do something nice for your wife / kids / family /  boyfriend / girlfriend / stranger? When?

Are you going to write a love letter to the one you love letting them know how much they truly mean to you? When?


Make a promise to yourself right now that you will not put off until tomorrow what you should be doing today! Life is a vapor! Have a great day and God bless.

Two angels playing tic-tac-toe???????

Morning! It's a drizzly morning here in East Tennessee. I have been sitting on my back porch this morning drinking a cup of coffee and it got me thinking of what someone said to me one day. Did you know the man is supposed to bring his woman coffee? It says so right in the Bible..... "He-Brews"!!!!! I know a little corny but, kinda cute. Well, this morning I just sat there and enjoyed spending some quiet time. I have a problem and it sometimes drives me nuts. I am a planner and a go-getter! Sometimes we can plan too much and go-get too hard. It doesn't matter if the key fits in the door if you rush to put it in and its upside down! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what we can find.............

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

I guess the one word that comes to mind is faith. If you believe something with all of your heart then you must have the faith that God will work it out. In the book of John a nobleman's son became ill, so he went to Jesus to heal him. When he found Jesus, he asked Him to come to his home. But instead of physically going to the boy's bedside, Jesus healed him by His word. John 4:50 says, "And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way." Now, that's faith! There have been things that have happened in my life lately that I believe with all my heart God had done them. Yet, I try to control them. Whether it's speeding things up or slowing them down. Most of the time trying to grab the steering wheel and push the gas. Ok, so I have a control problem! I get it! Where's my faith?

What the cool part about the story of the sick son was it wasn't a wonder, not a sign, not a vision, not two angels playing tic-tac-toe on the boys ribs, or cold chills going up and down his spine...the man believed Jesus' Word and went on his way! He had that much faith! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

I will not doubt in darkness what God has showed me in the light. Doubt sees the obstacles, faith sees the way. Doubt sees the darkest night, faith sees the day. Doubt is scared to take a step, faith soars on wings of eagles. Doubt questions who believes, faith answers, "I"! I will walk by faith not by sight! Have a great day and God bless.

Are You On The Proving Ground????????

What's up!!!! Are you having a good week? If you are a Christian and have been under attack or have been having some really hard times, have you ever just asked why? I mean wondered why God was allowing you to go through those hard times. Yeah, I know we've all heard the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right? Well, sometimes that just doesn't help but, I think this will! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us...........

Bible Verse: Psalm 26:2-3 "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in Thy truth."

Ok, How does Ford make sure their vehicles are safe for people to drive? They put their vehicles onto a proving ground. They're driven hundreds of miles over rough roads and through water and heat, screeching, turning, twisting, hitting the brakes, accelerating to top speeds. They want to see if that automobile will stand the test. They want to push it to its limits and see if it will still perform.

Now, this is the same with our spiritual lives. God gives the test first and the lesson afterwards. I know that really stinks sometimes. Read throughout Scripture and you will find this to be true. Joseph was tested. David was tested. Moses was tested. Peter was tested.

When God gets ready to prove you, He is not going to test you in the good times because that is not a test. Anybody can serve God in the sunshine. The test is not how you behave when there is victory all around, the test is how you behave when God brings you to the wilderness. He wants to know what is in your heart. Are you fully devoted to God? Or, are you a fair weather Christian? have a great day and God bless.

From a white furry Caterpillar...........

Was up early today and just sat of the back porch listening to so many birds and bugs doing they're thing. Then I saw this white furry caterpillar crawling across the floor heading for higher ground. I took my foot and pushed it back. It turned back around and continued to head for higher ground. Every time I pushed it back it turned around and for some reason continued in the same direction. It never wavered, nor changed directions even after numerous set backs. I must say I did this probably 6 or 7 times. I know I might have been a little mean but, it got me thinking. When we have a mission. When God has given us a mission or we feel led to serve Him in some way. Do we ever complain while doing it? Complain because we don't have the resources or the help to do it? Hey listen, I have been so guilty of doing this over the years. When I should have just rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it can show us..........

Bible Verse: Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

I guess the bottom line is or maybe the problem with many of us is when we obey God and murmur while we are doing it! And I think God is taking notes, because halfhearted obedience isn't obedience at all. Remember, God is looking at the heart, not the deed that's in 1 Samuel 16:7. Yeah, I had to looked it up.

Have you ever thought about why we murmur? Well, in my opinion, if it's worth anything is because we've taken our eyes off the cross. Jesus didn't murmur on the way to there for us. This got me to thinking.........Do I thank God for the pains my life? Or only the gains? Boy, what a reality check! Ephesians 5:20 says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." I am going to do my best this week to give more thanks for the things God has given me. Because He can so easily take them away. Have a great day and God bless.

Just ask for it..........

I have spent the last three hours mowing and really enjoying quiet time. I guess you would say doing some self examination. Thoughts just kept filling my head. Well, really questions. The thought that God loves us even when we sometimes turn our back to him. If He loves us then, how much will He love us if we actively pursue Him. If we talk to Him as if He's our best friend. I don't know about you but, I have so many questions. I have found that the more I pursue Him, the more He shows me. Kinda funny how that works. Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what it shows us.........

Bible verse: James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Now, some of us have a problem asking for help but, in James 1:5 it tells us that if we lack wisdom, we are to ask God. Let me tell you what I think that means. If you lack wisdom, just ask for it.  God is a "giving" God. Have you even thought of God as the "giving" God?

What's crazy is that God desires to pour out His blessing upon you? I know that's hard to believe for some people that think He's all about punishing you for doing wrong. Now on the other hand, do you say to yourself, "Oh goodie, goodie, let me see what I can get from God"? Or does it humble you a little bit that the God who created the air you breathe, the ground you walk upon, and the body you are in...this God loves you and wants to bless you? I hope it is as humbling for you as it was me. Have a great day and God bless.

Just shaking hands??????

Good morning! Happy Friday!!! Are you ready for a long weekend? I want to share with you something that has been on my heart lately. I guess the reason why it has been on my heart is because God has been convicting me a bit. I have found that over the last year I have not witnessed as much as I did before. Now, I still shared but, not like I had in the past. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us...........

Bible Verse: John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

This makes me think of a story about a painting of a shipwreck hanging on the wall of a store. There were sailors in lifeboats reaching out their hands to people floating on debris from the ship. This little boy looking at the painting one day and asked his daddy, "Are those guys in the lifeboats trying to save those people or are they just shaking hands?"

I guess I wonder the same thing about us. It is all right to have friends? In fact, really we all should. But are we doing more than just socializing? Wouldn't it be a shame if all we did was shake the hands of those around us, when we could be serving and showing them the way to God through Jesus Christ? We don't pray, live, and witness as if people are dying and going to hell or heaven every day around us. I pray God has mercy on me and helps me to do better! The need of the hour is for men and women to have a servant's heart and share a little Jesus! Have a great day and God bless!

The prize to run for..........

Good Tuesday morning! I woke up early today and was thinking of our Sunday school lesson at church last Sunday. What do to share Jesus with people? Am I the soul warrior from the past? Have I lost some pep in my step? Have I lost my boldness? All these questions brought me back to the scripture and they are giving me renewed boldness and wisdom from above. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us..........

Bible Verse: Hebrews 12:2 "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Here's the deal, Jesus is our example. He is a champion who, when He ran His race, received a crown of joy. When Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter runs, he runs to win the gold. In our verse today, what is "the joy that is set before Him"? It's winning the race. He "endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

That crown gave Him the ability to endure. If we keep the crown in mind, we can bear the cross. But we cannot have the crown if we don't bear the cross. I have some awards, plaques, and trophies that I won back in my law dog (police) days. Do you know what happened to all those trophies? They are sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Do they matter anymore? Did they really matter then? The bottom line is, athletes run "to obtain a corruptible crown, but we for an incorruptible" (1 Corinthians 9:25). Running the race, Jesus had the joy that was set before Him and He endured the cross. He despised the shame. There is a prize to possess. Have a great day and God bless. 

Who Will You Be?

Good morning! I have been wrestling and praying about a decision that I must make in the very near future and I am amazed how God can speak to you when you listen and pay attention. If  you have to decide something. Do you allow good to help you and guide your decision? I have to be honest. I don't very often. I try and make a lot on my own and find those are the ones that I struggle with the most. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it can show us............

Bible Verse:  Luke 18:29-30 "And He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

Check this out, God has given you abilities and God wants you to take those abilities and invest them in Him. Friend, it is a sin for you to be less than what God called you to be. I know, you want to punch me in the face for calling you out on that one. If I could actually kick my own butt right now I would! Now let's be real, you may not be the next Einstein, Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Betty Crocker, or Billy Graham. But that's not the point. The problem or maybe danger is that you will not do what you can do.

There are three people inside you...who you are right now, who you could be for evil if you allowed the devil to get a hold of you, and who you could be for God. I pray you will let go of this world with both hands and give your all to God for Him to use you. I know this is super scary and you are probably saying "This guy doesn't know me!" Your right I might not, but I know me and I am dealing with it. So, I thought other might be too! Have a great day and God bless!

 

Yep, your worth it..............

Yeah baby! It's Friday!!!! Are you happy? Are you ready for the weekend. Has your week been a good one? Or, has it been filled with sorrow and hurt? Day by day I see on Facebook, T.V., and read in the newspaper all the hardships and bad stuff going on. Have things always been this bad? I don't remember when I was growing up, there being all this bad stuff going on. There is so much bad and very little good. I think that little by little we can change that. We can be difference makers and here is how. We must realize this and let it bring joy to our hearts! Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it cab show us........

Bible verse: Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Fathers will. But, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are more value than many sparrows.

God is totally aware of everything that is going on, at all times. How valuable are we to God, that he would send His son to die for us. We should never worry about the trials or personal attacks in our lives. God's love and spirit is in us and there is no way any outside power or problem can take that away from us.

 

Saying that, we are all going to go through hard times. We are but sheep sent out among wolves. We will be tried and tested. We have to be aware and steadfast in our everyday walk. If we could all be like pillars of stone. Standing tall and strong in the face of the enemy and adversity. In Matthew 5:10 Jesus says "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven". I was told by a coworker one day that if I kept on talking about God and the Bible that people would start to shun me here at work. I thought about that statement for a bit and came to this conclusion. I would gladly accept being shunned by people for my faith in God and trying to share the Word of God with others. I was thinking,"Wow, this is just a hint of persecution. I can't imagine how Jesus felt". I know that it bothered me a little when this man said that to me. What about everything that was said and done to Jesus. What was it like to be in his shoes? Have you ever thought how life would be if Jesus never came to earth for us? What would our existence be like? If Jesus stood and took all that He suffered through. Can we not handle people saying hurtful things, talking bad about us because of our faith, making bad jokes, or challenging our faith. I really think that we will be tested from time to time and we should be. I also think that God will let this all happen to see how strong our Faith in Him is. Sometimes we have to be much stronger to turn the other cheek. There are other times that we show our true self. Let's try to show less of ourselves and more of Jesus. Are we true to God? Will we stand strong and stand tall? Remember we are Gods' children and we are so very valuable to Him. Have a great day and God bless!

If the mouth is talking and the feet aren't walking...........

What's up peeps! It's Thursday and did you wake up this morning with a smile or a frown? I must say that I have had a smile on my face for about the whole week and I marvel at God and what He will do in and with our lives if we let Him. The last three services at my church have been about love, love for others. Well, I am going to put a little different twist on it and show you why some have trouble with it. So, here's the deal! We must be alive in our faith. If we are born again then we should have works! We can't be dead beat Christians. Dead people can't do anything! Can they? Let's dig into some of the good stuff and look at this........

 

Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:1-2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

Bible Verse: 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love with words or tongue, but in deed and truth.
 

Did you hear about that team of dead guys who climbed Mount Everest? Nope? That's because dead guys don't climb mountains. Dead guys don't do anything. Dead guys who are pretty much all the way dead just sit there decomposing. You can poke them with a stick. Guess what happens? Nothing!

I have a question for ya What would it take to be good enough to be with God in heaven forever? It would take a lot more than being able to climb Mount Everest. Some people have done that, right? But none of them were dead.

Paul wrote that we all start out with a big, no wait a huge problem. Spiritually speaking, we're dead! We're born that way because we were born sinful. Poke-us-with-a-stick dead. All the way dead. Pretty much dead! Get it? And spiritually dead people can't take even one step toward God. So we lived spiritually dead lives, just like Satan wanted us to. Powerless. Lifeless. Dead.


If we start out as spiritual dead, how much of heaven can we ever hope to earn by doing spiritually good stuff? Just go ahead and say none! See, there is this thing called grace....It's by grace through faith that we are saved. It's not what we do. There is not any work you can do to get that ticket into heaven. But, what's cool is that when we are saved! We should have works! Basically, If the mouth is talking and the feet aren't walking, it's just fluff! It's useless!

Ok, I have a mission for you! Find something dead and poke it with a stick. No? Okay, find someone spiritually dead and poke him with a stick. Then read Ephesians 2:1-10 to them. Do me a favor. Have a great day and God bless!

Don't miss it!!!!!!!

Good morning! I have been up for a while now and have been sitting on the back porch with a big cup of coffee and the Word just soaking it in. I am going to brag on God for a bit. I thought this week was going to be a hard one for a few personal reasons. Well, it started to be amazing at 11:30 Sunday night and has continued to make me smile everyday so far! It's like I am able to see again. Crazy right? So, 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 want to do? Are you humble in your obedience? Let's put our pride in check and pay attention to the little things this week. Allow yourself to be blessed! I promise you don't want to miss your blessing. Have a great day and God bless.

25,000 a day..........

Happy Friday! That's what my kids say every day. They say "Happy _______", when they are saying goodbye. Whatever day it is. Sure do miss them. They have been gone for a week on vacation. I want to ask you today, Do words matter? I think that we really don't have a clue how much our words do matter. How much we can hurt people with our words or how much we can build up with our words. Can our words be influenced by someone else? Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what it shows us.......

Bible Verse: Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

This devotion is going to be a little personal. I must tell you that I have been wounded pretty bad by some words said by a few very negative people. Do you know the kind of person I am talking about? Let me step back for a moment. If you stand by and allow someone mistreat someone else. In my humble opinion, you are a little to blame. It makes me think of the responsibilities of a knight. We Christians should stand up for the helpless and/or weak. Now, I am not saying that I am helpless but, we should defend the defenseless or maybe if someone is not there to defend themselves. We should do the right thing. But, let's be real. That would cause us to go against the grain. Maybe make some of our friends or family members mad. I am not mad at the people that were involved or not involved in the very harsh and negative words but, I do expect more from them. I have prayed a lot about the issue and know God will work this all out. What is totally cool is that I still love these people and will not quit. I know sounds crazy. I should hate them or at least be totally mad at them. Spiritual warfare really sucks sometimes! But, it's real!!!!

Here is some more meat for you. I read recently that we each speak around 25,000 words a day and we hear many times more than that. It's no wonder we treat words like they're meaningless and don't really matter. It's easy to believe the old sayings: "Words are cheap." "You've got to walk the talk." "Sticks and stones . . ." I've heard this one a lot in the past too, "The proof is in the puddin'"

But God's Word and specifically some of the verses from Proverbs 12 says that words are powerful. For one, they reveal what's really going on in our hearts and minds. How we use them shows who we are. Today's verse tells us not to go looking for good advice from wicked people (remember we are all wicked at times) or people who do wicked things. Sometimes their advice lies, either because they're really lying to us or because they don't know the truth themselves. If you want true advice, go to people known for telling the truth and doing good.

I must ask you whose advice are you most likely to listen to? How careful are you about what voices you are willing to trust? Let's ask God to help us to make wise choices about who we trust to give us good advice. Listen this week for words of advice offered from friends or media or other sources and think about who it is that is giving the advice and how we can know if that person is trustworthy. I think this will open your eyes to what is going on around you. Spiritual warfare everywhere. I pray you have a good day and God bless.

Don't fall asleep where you get in..........

Good morning everyone! I sure hope you haven't started this week out with an awful Monday! We discussed some things in Sunday school yesterday and I would like to talk about one of them. Have you ever heard the term "Deepening your spiritual roots"? How do we do that? Can we do it on our own? Do we need help? I think we can do it on our own, but it's harder. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. I think our spiritual roots get a double dose of miracle grow when we hunger for God and to know Him better. Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what God can show us.........

Bible Verse: Psalm 1:3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
 

Let me tell you a story from a couple years ago. We were on vacation in Destin a couple of years ago and Joslyn fell out of bed and was crying. When I got to her, I picked her up, and said, "Jos, what's wrong? How did you fall out of bed?" She said, "Daddy, I think I went to sleep too close to where I got in."

I think there are a lot of people who have done exactly the same thing with their walk with Jesus. They get into Christ and somehow they just seem to go to fall asleep right there. They say, "I'm saved and that's it." "I'm good!" But guys, that's not it. It's just the beginning of a relationship that will last through all eternity. It is just the start of your journey. Now, don't let that scare you. You can do it! There is help out there. I think that is what tickles me about the church I am attending. God has sent some unbelievable teachers there. So basically God has brought new Christians and some that have been walking with Jesus for a long time together. If you look around there are groups like this everywhere. Remember Proverbs 27:17. Look for a place like this to grow. If you can't find one. Give me a shout and I will help you.

Here is the thing I want you to take from this today. God wants to move closer and be more intimate in knowledge of Himself. I don't know about you guys, but I am definitely not satisfied with the status quo of my life. I want to grow deeper and let my roots dig deep into to the heart of Jesus. I pray we can have this desire together! Have a great day and God bless.

Train em' up!!!!!!!

Good Sunday morning. Wanted to get my devotion in before I left for Sunday school. My kiddo's are off on vacation this week with their mother. So, I thought I would do some reflecting on my role as a father. Thought I would start by watching an amazing movie called “Courageous” and it made me look at the my role as a father. We are to raise our children up to follow and respect God. To do that, we as fathers must lead from the front. You will never be able to truly lead your family from the backseat.

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

So, I had a lot of time yesterday to think about my role as a father and was weighed and measured and found lacking. It is my job to make sure my children are ready for this world when they leave the nest. I don't want to be a good enough dad. I want to be the best daddy I possibly could be.

I have seen so many young people that are being raised by single mothers or grandparents or maybe even someone that is not even their family. My hat goes off to the single mothers that are filling both roles! What breaks my heart is when the parents are able to take care of the children but, they just refuse to. When we bring these children into the world it is OUR responsibility to nurture and raise them up. Not just set them in front of the TV or video game. We must mold them to be better than we are. We must break the vicious cycle. This world we live in is going to hell in a hand basket and I want my children to stand among the few and resist the ways of the world. Please hear this, there are too many children without dads and I see the effect it has taken on them. If your a dad and have laid down and not been there for your children. It's not too late! We MUST break the cycle of our culture. We must be the spiritual leaders of our families. We must be courageous!!! We must be men of faith! Have a great day, and God bless.

Want to be a flamethower???????

Good morning! Yesterday I was down at my buddy's barber shop. He was giving back to his customers with free hotdogs, watermelon, and drinks. Well, A friend of mine stopped by with her daughter and while there all the boys were outside shooting fireworks off. Her daughter went out for a bit but, those boys had a big thing for fire and the things that go "BOOM"!!! So, the question I have for you. How many of you liked to play with fire as a kid, or liked sitting around the campfire telling stories? Every boy no matter what his age is a pyromaniac and even some girls too! For this article, I want to put a positive spin on the word “Pyromaniac”. I have two things for you to remember after you are finished reading this. One, Jesus is the ultimate and original pyromaniac. And two, Jesus is looking for someone to become His firepower. Do you believe me when I say that Jesus is the ultimate pyromaniac? Well, check this out. Did you know that “Fire” is mentioned over 500 times in the Bible? You maybe sitting here saying, “what is a pyromaniac?” Well, it is someone who has the irresistible urge to start fires. Jesus wants to use you spark a love for Him in others. Remember, we are putting the positive spin on pyromaniacs.

In Genesis 3:23, God sent an angel with a flaming sword to guard the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 19:22, God set a couple of evil cities on fire (Sodom & Gomorrah). In Exodus 3:2, God set a bush on fire when He appeared to Moses. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God’s Word says, “The Lord your God is a consuming fire”. Here is a tidbit of info for you; the only books in the Bible that don’t mention fire are Ruth and Ester. See, I told you, boys are pyromaniacs!!! What I am trying to get at is Jesus is looking for someone to become his firepower. Here is the definition of firepower: “The capacity, as a weapon, weapon system, or military unit for delivering fire, the ability to deliver fire against an enemy in combat; effective power of force.” God wants you to become a powerful weapon that He can use to deliver fire against the enemy in combat. Don’t think for a second that we are not in combat as Christians. So, do you want to become a “Pyromaniac” for Jesus, a “flamethrower” for Jesus who shares the good news of Christ everywhere? Do you have it in you? I know you do. You just have to believe in yourself and in what Jesus can do through you.

Luke 3:16 tells the story of John the Baptist.  John is teaching about the coming of Jesus and he says, “He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Do you know what fire does? It refines! Let’s get fired up! Let’s let Jesus refine us and make us His firepower. You maybe thinking right now that you are just an average Joe or that you can’t make a difference in this world, and I beg to differ. The Bible is full of average Joe’s making a huge difference for God. If a flaming meteor fell from the sky and landed next to you, burning up everything that wasn’t of God. What would you have left? What would be left of you? I know you are thinking of some things in your life right now that God does not and would not approve of. Why don’t you let God refine you, give them up. He needs His firepower to be strong, and sin is like water that puts out or dampens your fire. Let’s stoke our fire and help it to burn hot and bright! Smokey, the bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” and he is right. Our sin quenches our fire. Are you ready to stoke your fire? Here is the fuel, The Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Let’s get to work. Have a great day and God bless!