Fear comes in different forms. There is a preferred fear which is the same as respect. It does not mean to be afraid yet it means to honor and respect the wishes of those in authority. We fear God because He loves us and we seek to please Him because of His love. ...
Worry happens to us all at some time or another. It is usually a reaction to something we cannot control and the outcome cannot be determined. Sometimes worry puts life on hold while we role play what we will say or do depending on each possible thing that may...
It happens to us all. Occasionally there will be a day or series of days when things go from bad to worse. We walk out to the flower garden to water and there is a rake that somehow got hidden in the grass. When we step on it we get hit in the face with a pole. ...
There are times when we are faced with situations where all we see are mountains of obstacles all around. Things snowball to the point we cannot see around or through. It’s not just one aspect of life that has something that needs to be addressed but every aspect of...
School starts with first grade then things graduate up from there. By the end of each school year things start to get easy and comfortable. Then comes the sought after summer break. Excitement is just around the corner for a new school year. Old friends return to...
The devil is famous for deception. He can make even the worst situations seem like the right thing to do. He knows how to make things radiate beauty in a splendid way. The human eye and emotions automatically gravitate toward these deceptions because they have been...
When things fall into place and everything is peaceful around us, it is a time to praise God with gratitude. During the times of uncertainty when life is lived moment by moment, it is a time to trust God with a faithful heart. While walking through a moment of...
Have you ever known a person that is too good to be true? Their words melt like delicious butter into a craving heart. They know exactly what to say, the right tone to use, the most empathetic expressions and emotions. Who can help but to find those type people...
It seems during our lifetimes we all encounter a bully or two. There are bullies who feel the need to beat up on others with their fists. Other bullies are capable of reducing people to serious humility and embarrassment with harsh words. The size and strength of a...
Jesus tells us to forgive every single time. Does a person have to come to us and ask for forgiveness for us to forgive? No. While on the cross Jesus forgave those who were mocking Him and gambling away His clothes. None of those people asked. There was one man...
A lot of businesses use the term, “Think Outside The Box.” In order to grow a company it is necessary to start looking beyond every day tasks. The same is true with our relationship to Christ. We are limited with our minds to the solutions that are here on this...
It makes sense that the biggest blessings come from serving others. As we serve we learn many of the fine details involved in making something happen. It’s the same with God. When we pray, study the Bible, listen for His voice and obey His leading we start to see...
At a grocery store it’s easy to go over budget. The total on the cash register keeps clicking up and a decision must be made to not buy a certain item. While trying to decide which item to leave off the person next in line hands a few dollars to the cashier to pay...
PEOPLE JUDGE TOO QUICKLY It’s amazing how the only thing that gets noticed is a word spelled incorrectly in a beautiful manuscript. There are times a choir can spend hours rehearsing yet when the presentation is over someone can comment on the tenor who missed one...
Only God truly knows the heart of another person. Many times a person’s actions are a reaction to hurt or joy they are experiencing but doesn’t represent who they really are. We are instructed to respond in love to all people. Sometimes love means having to...
The Bible says in Luke 17:14 When He saw them, (referring to the ten lepers who wanted to be healed) He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As as they went, they were made clean. When Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priest they...
God, Who created all things, will accomplish all things. As we continue to be obedient to the will of God He will continue to shower His grace on us. No matter what the day holds God’s plan unfolds. Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us...
Jesus does not call unless He is prepared to equip. A person is alone and upset but you don’t know what to do or say. At the same time there is a tugging in your heart to say something. Jesus has all the words and all the solutions. After seeking God’s blessing...
God never forgets His people. There are times God will allow circumstances all around in order to get people to acknowledge Him. There are even times we have to endure hardships and trials but for different reasons. For us, it is an opportunity to grow in strength...
Words say it all. Jesus said it Himself that the words we say come from the heart. Words come and go but the impact continues. The things we say determine value or destruction of both ourselves and the person for whom we are speaking. Words and conversations are...
Most of us have met someone who is always quick to do good deeds in dramatic situations. Those same people are nowhere to be found if a ministry is needed in a private way. If they do a private deed it will be announced to anyone who will listen that they did...
Being in the will of God is not without opposition. The more we seek God’s face and follow His ways the more the devil will try to trip us up. God provides us with armor. His word, faith, prayer and righteousness should always be polished and ready to use. Even...
It doesn't take a mistake on our part to cause some people to dislike us. There are times when a person will do everything in his power to trip us up. There will be little things done to continually annoy, frustrate and hurt us. Whether these things are done...
Climbing stairs isn’t always relaxing and easy. The higher the climb the more energy it seems to take. With each new trial comes a new step up as obstacles are overcome. Growing in grace means to step away from a habit that is like a heavy weight. Habits can be...
People automatically know to avoid a bear or a lion. It is a no brainer that these animals will rip a person apart. There is a healthy fear that rises up inside and a common knowledge to move out of the way. Sometimes with people it is obvious when a person is...
God has no limits. His love conquers all things. He notices when even a sparrow falls so how much more us when the hairs on our heads are numbered. He has heavenly reasons for each blessing and each hurdle. When blessings flow and things all work out it’s easy to...
God created man from dust. It makes sense that Jesus healed the blind man’s eyes from mud to create sight. God has no limits to what He can do when we let Him. When times in life come where we feel all we have is the earth we stand on, we can remember that all...
No matter how deep the waters, to remain on the surface is to remain focused on God. God let it be known that even in the very beginning of the Bible, the waters are deep but He is on the surface. He does not sink nor does He become alarmed at even the greatest...
Step by step we move closer to God. Obstacle after obstacle is thrown in our path by the devil. By grace we step over them and press on. There is one word God commands of us, GO. Reach the lost. Sometimes painful pasts are difficult to let go and it holds us...
It’s normal to wonder what will happen tomorrow or ponder the outcome of current situations. However the devil will promote worry that things will not work out when God has already worked them out. All we know is right now. We cannot participate in tomorrow today. ...
All journeys start with the first mile, the first step, the first plan. Tomorrow cannot be lived until today is completed. A successful tomorrow starts with how well the challenges of today are met. Matthew 6:34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring...
It’s never any fun when something is brought to our attention that is not pleasing to God. There are times when the answer to prayer cannot happen until we remove a habit that is hindering God. When God loves us, He cares enough to point things out that stand between...
Before giving completely up, wait. Just because all human efforts have been exhausted doesn’t mean it’s over. It’s God’s turn now. Habakkuk 2:1 I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how He will...
Sometimes it seems God waits until long after we feel it is too late and all hope is gone. God has many reasons for His timing and every reason is good. If everything was worked out on our time table then where is the opportunity to build faith? Where is the...
There is no championship without a battle. There is no victory without obstacles. There is no achievement without hard work. Jesus has already won all victories. During life’s battles we determine which has the upper hand and for how long. We can concentrate on...
Imagine what would happen if people told each other face to face some of the nice things they say about a person who passes away. There is something good to be said about all people. To focus on the good in a person gives that person something positive to grasp and...