“The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.” ~~King Solomon

Ah, now there we go. Down to earth people. We all seem to admire them. But is that said of me? Am I down to earth?

May it be so.

“The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:2 The Message)

Will I judge you or ….

We have a choice. We live in a culture where we are all critics. It is an easy trap to fall into to judge people. We don’t like to use the word “judge” but that is what it is all about. Jesus is clear that we shouldn’t live that way.

The choice to make is love. We must love and not judge.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”~~ Mother Teresa

“You’re more than happy when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that following Him may not be a “bed of roses”. He tells us about it in advance. We may get persecuted. We may even be martyred. It happens every day. Will you “sign up” to follow Jesus if you know that tomorrow someone may kill you for believing Him?

Of course, living in America makes if feel like this isn’t an issue; that it can’t happen to us. Because of that we are lulled into thinking it doesn’t happen to anyone any longer.

Now here is the rub. Jesus also knows the benefit of being persecuted. Persecution drives (the deeply committed) deeper into His Father’s world.

“You’re blessed (more than happy) when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:10 The Message)

The smoke screen of a know-it-all

I really enjoy my “news reader” on the internet. I keep up with 100’s of stuff (feeds) a day. I am on Facebook, Twitter, Yammer, LinkedIn, email, etc. I am hyper-connected. Others follow the news on TV or radio all the time. We all have our versions of how we keep up. We can be up to date in real time. “Breaking news”!! We can know so much. If we think that makes us wise, we are in for a rude awakening. Such thinking is actually foolish. God’s ways are different.

How much time do we spend connected to Him and what He is thinking? Really, compared to our connections to this world, how much time do we spend connected to His world?

Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic.  The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

May I connect with God and know what He is thinking.

Not caring …

It is easier to deal with someone who clearly hates you than someone who just doesn’t care. We have an enemy who hates us and yet we go through most days ignoring that. We have a Father who loves like there is no tomorrow. Humans seem to have the unique capacity for apathy.

May I love like my Father.

“The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference.” ~~C.S. Lewis

What must we do?

It is a fairly reasonable question. We come to Jesus. From our religious culture and upbringing we ask “What must we do?”

We have been told our whole life, go to church, pray, fast, be religious. The focus is on doing. It is more than just a religious culture. It is the way of life in America. So, what does God require? Good question.

Jesus wants us to work at believing in Him. It is all about the relationship with him and not what we do. We must believe. That leads to His new plan. His mission will fill us when we know He cares for us.

Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God
requires?’ 

Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.’ (John 6:26-29 NIV) 

“God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.” ~~King Solomon

When it comes to business, we need to always be aboveboard and true to our word. We should always see our approach as one that Jesus would love and be proud of. I remember that one day Jesus chased the business people out of the temple (church) because of their dishonest approach.

May all I do in my business approach be aboveboard.

^“God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:1)

How much is it worth to me?

Am I ecstatic about what I have found in God’s new plan? Am I prepared / willing to sell everything I own to follow Jesus? What is so precious in my life that I won’t give it up for Jesus? Questions that Jesus asks that demand an answer.

A small thing to note in this story that Jesus tells us. The man who found the treasure was a trespasser. He didn’t belong there but he used the knowledge he had to get the property. Even though a trespasser, he became the owner. Why? He knew something the owner didn’t. The owner didn’t know what his property was worth. The trespasser did.

God’s world is a treasure. I will give up everything for it.

“God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 13:44)

Do whatever Jesus tells you

This is pretty good advise. It came from a woman who knew Jesus very well. His mother knew who he was and what He could do. And so it was pretty simple. “Do whatever he tells you.”

Now the “whatever” wasn’t going to make any sense to them. They needed wine. He told them to put water into some jars. But, she advised them to do whatever He asked. And so, the rest of the story is pretty simple as well. They did!!

May I do whatever He tells me.

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, John 2:5-8 TNIV

“Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can proclaim the good news there also. This is why I’ve come.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows why He is here. He is on a mission. He has good news to tell everyone. He is urgent about His focus. Knowing the “why” is huge. God gives us that confidence. We know “why”.

Jesus wants us to be the same way. He wants us to get moving. No need to linger.

“Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can proclaim the good news there also. This is why I’ve come.” ~~Jesus (Mark 1:38-39 The Message)

Do I have a heart after God?

Clearly God wants us to be people after his own heart. I read it time and time again. And so I am thinking about this a lot. What does it mean to have a heart that is far (Matthew 15:8) from God? How can I fully commit my heart to our Father?

I am thinking that it has a lot to do with my emotional engagement with God. No matter what, is my innermost desire to please Him, to love Him, to do what He wants? Do I have a passion for Him that won’t stop or go away?

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deut. 6:5)

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7)

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5)

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (Ps. 119:11 NASB)

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (Matt 15:8)

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chron. 16:9)

“When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon

Who do we think we are hurting? Cruelty is intended to hurt someone else. It actually backfires and hurts us. The reverse is also very true. Being kind to others helps me build the right God-like values in my life.

Jesus knew this. Solomon knew this. Kindness is the cornerstone of a loving life.

“When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:17)

“It’s urgent that you get this right.” ~~Jesus

Jesus expects us to have a sense of urgency. His passion for doing God’s will right now is overwhelming. He knows what God’s “mission for this moment” is.

He demands that we follow God’s new plan. It is an urgency to do the right thing now which is God’s thing.

But it is not do just anything. God has something in mind. He will reveal it to us. Our job is to do it and not ignore it.

“It’s urgent that you get this right.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:25-27 The Message)

A lot of small things

We are called to love by our Master Jesus. That is an every moment kind of calling. It is a lot of little things. Of course, in God’s world, that adds up to a lot.

In this life we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love. -Mother Teresa

A clean slate

We have ministers that are very faithful. Everyday they do their thing. Same message; same station. If you do something you will be “saved”. Same message, year in, year out. But that same old plan never makes a dent in the problem of missing the mark with God. But Jesus had a new plan in mind. With one act, we never would have to “do” anything again.

And so, one act and it was over. He then went back and sat down next to God just waiting for us to “get it”. He is just waiting for His and our enemy to cave in. He has done everything for us. I don’t need “to do” anything other than believe and love. I can take part in being complete in Him with nothing else to do. The Holy Spirit confirms that there is a new plan in effect. And it is not one put on paper and notarized. The Spirit is writing it on my heart. It is there on the lining to my emotional core.

The slate is clean. I don’t need “to do” anything to take part in the new plan. I just continue to believe, change my mind about God’s purpose in my life and don’t throw it all away. It is mine forever in Him!!

The worst is never the worst

Our heavenly Father loves me. He is love and love is patient. He isn’t frustrated with me. He won’t let go. He is going to see me through. So knowing this, I can wait for hope to appear. It will. He loves me.

He cares and doesn’t put any roadblocks in my way. He isn’t involved with making my life hard. I just need to wait on Him. I shouldn’t run away but I should face reality with Him. Nothing is too hard for Him. He makes the Lion and the Lamb to lie down together. How good is that? He has stockpiles of love. No end to His love.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way.
— Lamentations 3

Part of the greatest generation ever

My dad was a part of the greatest generation ever. World War 2 veteran who served his country with honor.

I will never forget the sacrifices he made for me. He didn’t talk about it a lot. You could tell, when he did, there was a lot pain associated with what he saw and did.

My dad fought for my liberty

I learned so much from my Dad. He was in the artillery in WWII. What an amazing man.

He fought for my liberty. He paid a price for his service but he was proud he served. He knew the very real danger and disaster that would occur if he didn’t.

My dad made a difference in the world.

“This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”  Elmer Davis

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” Dick Cheney

The flag drapped on his coffin

My father (Everett Wiley Wilson) served in WWII. This is the flag that was draped on his coffin. God bless men and women like my dad who serve our country with honor.

We miss you.

Memorial Day

These heroes are dead.  They died for liberty – they died for us.  They are at rest.  They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines.  They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. 

Earth may run red with other wars – they are at peace.  In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. 

I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead:  cheers for the living; tears for the dead.  ~Robert G. Ingersoll

Do we trust God as much as He trusts us?

You know you feel this way some days. But, God does trust us. Think about it. Everything that is happening in our life is for our good.

Do we trust Him as much as He trusts us?

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.” ~~Mother Teresa

“A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst..” ~~King Solomon

We think that money will save us. If we get in a tight spot, we know we can whip out our credit cards. God was willing to  give King Solomon anything he wanted. He asked for wisdom.

Despite his wealth as King, he knew that money isn’t the answer. God is the answer. He will see us through when everything falls apart. It is interesting that on our money it says “In God we trust”. Amen.

“A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst..” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:4)

“When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.'” ~~Jesus

When Jesus sent the 72 on a mission he was very direct in how they should act. One item was when they went into a home to great the family in peace.

Jesus brings us peace. He wants us to extend it to those we come in contact with, even strangers. Our mission, from Him, is to bring peace to all we meet.

“When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.'” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

Who is the ultimate pioneer?

God got everything started. Everything came from Him. His word made it all happen. He is also the one who keeps everything going. Without Him it all come to a standstill. So, He starts it all and keeps it all moving.

His son Jesus came as a pioneer. He led the way through His suffering on to the glory He experienced it first. God started it all. God keeps it moving and now His new agreement with us is to complete it all as well. Jesus leads us as the new pioneer of supernatural courage and faith.

God is the one who saves us from the endless cycle of missing God’s goal for our life and those of us who are saved have an origin that we share in common. It is all about Jesus. And Jesus doesn’t hesitate to treat us all as family and friends. We are all together with the one starts, keeps things going and is now completing His good work. How amazing it is. How stunning He is.

Where does joy come from?

We want joy in our life. We want peace.

Do we long for God? Does our heart yearn to know what God wants us to do today?

Then we will know joy and peace.

“God can not give us joy and peace apart from Himself cause there is no such thing.” -C.S. Lewis

“You can be glad when people put you down for me. All heaven applauds.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that if we are radically committed to Him, we are going to get in trouble. We will get put down, people will lie about us, we may get kicked out of places or we may even get killed. We should count the cost of following Jesus. Yes, there is a cost but Jesus is also clear on the benefit.

We will be pleasing Him.  Everyone in Heaven will cheer and we will be in good company!! What is better than know we have pleased Jesus?

“You can be glad when people put you down for me—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like what you are doing, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12 The Message)

How can you do anything other than obey?

God doesn’t make us do anything. It is all voluntary. It is our choice.

Have you seen Him? How can you do anything other than obey?

“Jesus never insists on obedience, but when we truly see Him we will instantly obey Him.” ~~ Oswald Chambers

It is all about relationships

It is all about relationships. Our relationship with God. Our relationship with all those we know or even don’t know but come in contact because God has something in mind. Am I willing to humble myself? Can I give everything I have for what God wants me do in love of others? I can with His gift of Power of the Holy Spirit. That is His promise. That is the benefit of His new agreement based on love.

And in relationships, we should have the same attitude of mind that Jesus had. He lived in the moment. He did what He saw His Father doing. He came to serve, to love, to give, to do the “tough” things. He was obedient. He didn’t dodge what His Father sent Him here to do. He gave Himself to it.

In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind the Messiah Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:5-10 TNIV

Beer for my horses

There is a celebration going on. The forces of evil have been defeated. Justice has been served. Yea God!!

We’ll all raise up our glasses against evil forces Singing “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses.” Whoo hoo!! God is God, good and great. Let the celebration begin.

This is a great song by Toby Keith.

Well a man, come on
Six o’clock news
Says somebody been shot
Somebody’s been abused
Somebody blew up a building
Somebody stole their car
Somebody got away
Somebody didn’t get too far, yeah
They didn’t get too far
Grandpappy told my pappy
Back in my day, son
A man had to answer
For the wicked thing he done
Take all the rope in Texas
Find a tall oak tree
Round up all of them bad boys
And hang ’em high in the street
For all the people to see
And justice is the one thing
You should always find
You gotta saddle up your boys
You gotta draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles
We’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back
At the local saloon
We’ll raises up our glasses
Against evil forces
Singing, “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!”

We got too many gangsters
Doing dirty deeds
Too much corruption
And crime in the streets
It’s time the long arm of the law
Put a few more in the ground
Send them all to their Maker
And he’ll set them on down
You can bet, He’ll set ’em down
Cause justice is the one thing
You should always find
You gotta saddle up your boys
You gotta draw a hard line
When the gunsmoke settles
We’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back
At the local saloon
And we’ll raise up our glasses
Against evil forces
Singing, “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!”

Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!
You know justice is the one thing
You should always find
You gotta saddle up your boys
You gotta draw a hard line
When the gunsmoke settles
We’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all met back
At the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses
Against evil forces
Singing, “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!”
Singing ,”Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!’

What should I worry about as a parent?

As parents, we worry about all kinds of things. We fret. We get angry.

Here is something to think (worry … ) about. Our children are watching us. The examples we set or don’t tell the story.

May our children see loving parents, grounded in God.

“Don’t worry that your children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” ~Robert Fulghum

“The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is clear. When his earthly family showed up one day and wanted to see him, he looked at everyone around him and let them know how important they were to him.

We are a part of the family of God. We have been adopted in to the family. We have everything that goes with that.

The only condition is that we obey God. That is all. We are a part of the family because of our obedience, not because of our birthright.

“The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” ~~Jesus (Mark 3:35 The Message)

Will I choose God?

We get to choose who we will serve. If it isn’t the living God, we get what we want. God doesn’t make us worship him. He wants our love and adoration freely. It has been that way from the beginning. It still is today.

So today we get to choose.

May I choose wisely.

“So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” ~~Apostle Paul (Romans 1:24 The Message)

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works.” ~~Jesus

God has a kingdom where he rules. It doesn’t work like any government we know in this world. He is in complete control. He is the eternal King. He is light. He is love.

He cares about us so much that He has given us insight into how His government works. Our mission is to bring to bring to earth His kingdom.

May I have insight into how God’s kingdom works.

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:10)

Do I believe Jesus could come back today?

Paul lived as if Jesus could show up any minute. He believed it in his core. His passion, every minute, was about Jesus.

Paul challenges us to live the same way. Do we believe Jesus could show up any minute now? Will it make a difference in what we do today?

May I have the passion for my Jesus that I live like today is the day He will physically come back to reign on earth.

“He could show up any minute!” ~~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:5 The Message)

Do I live like Jesus?

The Apostle John is consumed with the purity of Jesus life. It came down to one thing in John’s mind. It is all about love. Jesus is all about love. That is the essence of the commandments. That is how Jesus lived.

May I live like Jesus. May I mature my love.

“Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:6 The Message)

Our mission is love

Jesus challenges us to love everyone, all the time.

Jesus challenges us to love God, with a passion that can’t be replicated.

“Because we love something else more than this world, we love even this world more than those who know no other.” ~~C. S. Lewis

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to change our minds about how to pray. We are steeped in the religious way to do it. That is not the God way.

Here’s what He wants you to do:

• Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.
• Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.
• The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

May I accept the Jesus prayer challenge.

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6 The Message) 

Do I have a passion for God’s wisdom?

How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED?

Wisdom comes from God and it is up to us to let Him train us. He is in a good mood and wants to help us. If we passionately seek what it is He wants in any given situation, He will guide us.

May we have a passion for His wisdom.

“Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:12 The Message) 

“What you’re called does not matter and where you go to worship does not matter.” ~~Jesus

It is not about what religious group you are born into. It doesn’t matter what church you go to.

Jesus is challenging us. He is clear.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God..Our worship must engage our spirit in the pursuit of truth.That’s the kind of people that Jesus is out looking for. Those who are simply and honestly themselves before God in their worship.

Jesus challenges us to know that God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. It is not what religious group you were born into. It is not what church you go to.

“But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.” ~~Jesus (John 4:23 The Message)

What does God have in mind for us?

God is getting us into the shape for the goal He has for us. We need to desire reaching that goal like nothing else. We need the discipline to stay the course. We know He has a goal for us. We know it is a grand and glorious plan.

That goal is simple but not easy.

May I be ready.

What kind of insight to we have?

We have God’s wisdom in our life. The amazing Spirit of God leads us. That is amazing. While we don’t always understand everything, we have a leg up on gaining insight into how God works than the average Joe.

It is interesting that the world we live in doesn’t see this.

“But you’ve seen and heard God’s wisdom because God, by his Spirit, has brought it all out into the open before you.” ~~ Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message)

“Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.” ~~King Solomon

It seems conventional wisdom is that there is no reward for a good and honest life.  There is the eternal question of why bad things happen to good people.

I think this is a matter of the heart. Jesus challenges us to see life as a matter of what is in our heart and not the physical world. Jesus says we will be blessed when we mourn. The cause of the mourning is not seen as a good thing. It is about getting our heart right. Blessings flow from that.

“Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:6)

What is worth reporting on?

What is worth reporting on, in Paul’s opinion? It is all about the love we show to others. That is it. There is nothing else.

It isn’t the new church building. It is not how moving the Worship Team sang the new song. It isn’t new car we just bought.

There are only two ways to get God’s attention. Love Him and love everyone we know and meet. That is how our faith in Jesus is demonstrated.

“We keep getting reports on your steady faith in the Messiah Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians.” ~Apostle Paul (Colossians 1:4 The Message)

“Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan?” ~~Jesus

It is hard to imaging this actually happened but then again sometimes we have a “fantasy image” of Jesus that is not anchored in reality. When religious people don’t understand what is happening, it is easy to blame things on evil. And so,the religion scholars from Jerusalem came down spreading rumors that Jesus was working black magic, using devil tricks to impress them with spiritual power.

Jesus doesn’t ignore it. Jesus confronted their slander. He still does that today. We must face who Jesus is and not slander Him. This is very important. Jesus demands it.

If someone is doing good, in the name of God, can that be the devil?

“Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan?” ~~Jesus (Mark 3 23 The Message)

What message am I embracing?

We don’t like to think about it but there are a number of messages delivered by men of God that aren’t good news. There are many that are at odds with the gift of grace that the Messiah Jesus has bestowed on us. It happens easily. It only shows our fickleness.

We need to know what the message of good news is. We need to stick with it. We must reject anything else. May we stand firm today.

“I can’t believe your fickleness—how easily you have turned traitor to him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing a variant message!” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:6 The Message)

Can I win two games at one time?

I can’t win two games at one time. I am going to focus on the one I am in right now. I will not start another one.

 

What is the signet that we have?

God has given us the Holy Spirit. That is a sign of His authority in our life. He has left us with power, His power. That is an amazing thing. What a great God we have.

And, that is not all. The Holy Spirit in our life is only the beginning. God has so many wonderful things in store for us. And we will receive them all. Not a one will be withheld from us. The Holy Spirit in our life is the sign of all the glory to come.

“This signet (the Holy Spirit) from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.” ~Apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:14 The Message)

Am I being a miser? Am I stingy?

We have heard a lot. God is good and tells us His secrets. Are we keeping them to ourselves or giving them away? His generosity is well known. Are we sharing it?

The more of His goodness we give away the more we get. It just keeps coming back to us over and over again.

May we not shove the light under a bed. May we set it out so everyone can see.

No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes. Luke 8:16-18

“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.” ~~Jesus

Jesus was about to ascend into heaven. The disciples were very concerned and wanted to know if Jesus was going to reign as King on earth. Jesus not so politely let them know that they didn’t get to know that timing. That was God’s business and not theirs.

But … and this is a big one, what they do get is the Holy Spirit. And that changed everything. For them and for us. All the power of God was about to be released on them and in them. God is in a great mood and He has given us the Holy Spirit. Not that is good news.

“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.” ~~Jesus (Acts 1:7 The Message)

What God wants

God wants things here to be like they are in heaven. Really. He is serious. That is what He has in mind for us.

May I tap into that power. Now.

Have we taken the time to write?

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was very direct. He was concerned about what was hearing. Sometimes a clearly written message can be more effective than a visit. Plus, it can be reread many, many times when the spoken word cannot.

Are we concerned about something? Have we spent months writing a clear and compelling message? Even if it isn’t sent, do we care enough to get that clear?

“That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn’t have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. ” ~~Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 2:3 The Message)

Love must …

“Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Have I mastered the basics as a disciple of Jesus? Am I ready to move on?

There are basics in being a disciple of Jesus. Are the following in place in my life?

• Do I trust in God for everything and reject “self-help”?
• Have I been properly baptized?
• Have the leaders of the church layed hands on me and have I received the Holy Spirit?
• Do I believe in the resurrection of the dead?
• Do I live like there is an eternal judgement?

We can’t go on to maturity without having mastered the basics. If we haven’t mastered Jesus 101, we can’t take the advanced courses. God doesn’t work that way.

“The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:2 The Message)

Summing up …

It helps to sum up and shut up. This says it all. We have a job. Let’s do it.

“Summing up: …be sympathetic …. bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” ~~Apostle Peter

Does it make a difference to be religious?

It isn’t about who was raised in the church and has a religious background. Paul is clear on that. If the training leads to following our Master Jesus, the Messiah, that is great. It is not about the training. It is about doing what God wants. Every day!!

The mistake the religious make is to believe it is simply about showing up. It is not about going to church. It is about having a passion for Jesus and doing what He wants us to. It is about obedience. It is about having a heart for God. It is about living a free life basking in how good God is.

“So what difference does it make who’s religious and who isn’t, who has been trained in God’s ways and who hasn’t? As it turns out, it makes a lot of difference—but not the difference so many have assumed.!” ~~Apostle Paul (Romans 3:1)

How should we use our time?

There are many ways to use our time. Does our calendar devote enough attention to the creative?

“We must use time creatively.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Smile even if you are hurting. Be happy even if you are unhappy. It’s called strength!

Smile even if you are hurting. Be happy even if you are unhappy. It’s called strength!

Jesus didn’t call us to be Christians. He called us to be Disciples. He didn’t promise us a rose garden. He did guarantee that if we follow Him, we would have a joy no one can understand. Submission leads to happiness.

You can smile if you are hurting. You have Jesus, you have His strength and you can be happy in Him.

I believe …

“I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun: not only because I see it, but by it I see everything else” ~~C.S.Lewis

Are we people of hope?

It wasn’t that long ago that by missing God’s goal for us, we weren’t living a very “smart” life. But God saved us from all of that. It was all His doing. He is God and in a very good mood.

It was not anything we could have figured out on our own. He gave us a very good bath. So we are all clean now by way of the Holy Spirit. He has been so generous to us. Through Jesus we are living a new life. What a gift to have our relationship restored with Him.

And there is more. We get to live this new life forever. No end to it at all. We are people of hope?

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7 TNIV

What is your desire?

The Jews of Jesus day were practicing a very soul-killing spirituality, a lifeless religion of duty and obligation. Desire was out of the question. No wonder they feared Jesus. He came along and started appealing to desire.

To the weary, Jesus speaks of rest. To the lost, he speaks of finding your way. Again and again and again, Jesus takes people back to their desires. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). These are outrageous words, provocative words. Ask, seek, knock—these words invite and arouse desire. What is it that you want? They fall on deaf ears if there is nothing you want, nothing you’re looking for, nothing you’re hungry enough to bang on a door over.

Just think

Just about how much time God has on his hands. A trillion years is nothing. He has eternity. And He knows and acts like it.

He is in no hurry at all.

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~~Jesus

We are mistaken to think that suffering is something to be avoided. Jesus challenges us to embrace it. That is what He did. That is how He lived. He can show us how. He is our model for how to do it.

This is stunning as it requires that we change our minds about what is good for us and what isn’t. It challenges us to depend on God completely for everything.

“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~~Jesus (The Message John 9:25)

A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you won’t get very far unless you change it!

Is Jesus about to arrive?

Paul is clear. Jesus is about to arrive.

Jesus was also clear. No one knows the time that will happen. That is God’s business.

Is this a conflict?

I don’t think so. This is the way we should live. What if Jesus does come back soon? Are we living the way He wants us to?

Should we live like it won’t be soon? Not hardly.

“Help them see that the Master is about to arrive.” ~~Apostle Paul  (Philippians 4:5 The Message) 

How do we know we are keeping God’s word?

How do we know we are keeping God’s word? Now that is a very reasonable question. God has said so much, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

The answer from the Apostle John (the one whom Jesus loved) is stunningly simple. Do we see God’s love in someone? Then they are keeping God’s word. That is what it comes down to over and over again. Love god. Love everyone else. That is the summation of the word of God.

It is in fact the only way to be certain.

“But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:5 The Message)

“Don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed with someone who is not your wife.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows something and he wants religious people to understand it. Who we are is a result of what we think. If we think about committing adultery, we have done it. What makes us “UN-virtuous” is what we think, not what we do.

This is a huge thing to grasp. Jesus knows, for religious people, it is way to easy to “get around” moral rules and still violate the principle God has in mind every day. We need to change how we think (repent) about God’s word.

“Don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed with someone who is not your wife.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it.” ~~King David

God says a lot. He has given us lots to think about. His wisdom is the key to our life, every minute of every day. When we need to know how to do something, just consider how God does it. That is what to pay attention to.

We need to give more time to thinking about God’s wisdom. It nourishes our souls to do so.

May I ponder every bit of God’s wisdom.

“I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:14 The Message) 

Can you rest?

God has a goal for us. In His new plan, we can rest from our work and do His. We need to be careful though. We have received the same promises as those who have gone before us. The promise is not new. We have a choice to make. Jesus challenges us to choose well.

If we have supernatural courage, we can enter His rest. We have to believe. We have to keep our eyes on Him. He led the way.

“You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day.”~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to worship in a clear way. Sometimes we are just guessing. That is not the way of God’s chosen people.

God is light. He is so clear there is nothing but truth in Him. No guessing; just clarity.

Our worship needs to be the same way.

“You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day.”~~Jesus (John 4:22 The Message)

Is it plain and simple?

It is so easy to get carried away. Paul had tried polished speeches before. Not much happened (this is detailed in the book of Acts). Am I depending on my cleverness or God’s power?

In His new plan, the order of the day is to depend on him. Plain and simple makes way for Him to do His work in people.

May we keep it plain. May we keep it simple. God will make it effective. That is His job.

You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

Would we have killed Jesus?

We have lots of experts. And that is sometimes a good thing. The problem is that most experts don’t have a clue about what God’s eternal plan is. And we shouldn’t expect them to but we do exalt their opinion beyond what we should. These experts existed when Jesus was here on earth. The didn’t have a clue then either.

It would have been impossible to kill Jesus if we understood what God intends. But we have all missed God’s goal for our life. We would have killed him as well. No point blaming others. Jesus was the master of the life that God designed for us. And he was killed on a cross so that we could live that same way He did. Imagine that.

“If they had a clue about God’s eternal plan, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.” ~~ Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message)

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” ~~King Solomon

King Solomon challenges us to see life as God wants it lived. It is not about the outside, how we look, what we wear or what we eat. It is a dead life. Imagine a stump. It sometimes looks OK but just kick it. It evaporates into dust.

We want to have a fruitful life. Let God shape it and that is the key.

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:28)

Should you quit thanking God?

We have a job to do. We must continue and continue to thank God for those we have relationships with. We must not quit.

Being thankful forces us to see and love our friends and family in a different way. Thankfulness is at the heart of relationships.

And taking it further, have we told everyone why we are thankful for them? Do they know why?

“We can’t quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!” ~Apostle Paul (Colossians 1:3 The Message)

“Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid.” ~~King Solomon

We know this to be true but being disciplined at it can be the challenge. There is a time to harvest and there is a time to fish. Doing them at the right time is “work – life balance”.

Wisdom from God is important. We don’t want to be stupid.

“Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:5)

“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus

One day Jesus went church where he found a man with a crippled hand. The religious leaders had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him go against the tradition of the church. As with most churches, they didn’t pray for people to be healed. Not in public and not in the church.

Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.” You can see it coming now. Jesus is going to openly challenge them all. He is going to do it publicly and clearly.

Jesus wants to know something. So He asked everyone in the church: “What kind of action suits Sunday the best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”

What kind of answer did He get? No one said a word. Complete and utter silence. They didn’t have the capacity to advocate for doing good. They are uncomfortable to their core. We don’t have healing services in church. Not in this church and not during the Sunday service. Can’t we get the band to start playing again? Where is the praise leader? Isn’t the minister going to do something?

I don’t think I want to see this look. When Jesus looked them in the eye, one after another, angry, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” I’m not sure he said this in the most loving way. A point was about to be made.

Here it is. Jesus was angry. He was furious. What happened to our kind and loving “Mr. Rogers like” savior?

So the man held out his hand—it was as good as new! The minister and deacons understood what was going on. They got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with the President’s followers and ruin him. That was their plan on how to deal with Jesus. They could have accepted him but being the religious hypocrites that they were, they opposed and plotted against him. But the congregation didn’t do anything either.

And how does our religious leadership deal with Jesus today? Build a bigger building? Add more instruments to the band? Expand the children’s program?

“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus (Mark 3:5)

What is the good news today?

I love to hear God remind me that I have been changed from the inside out!! I am a new man. A new creation. I have been baptized for the changing of my mind about my missing the mark of God’s goal for my life and raised to a new life with our Master. I have also been baptized in the Spirit of power and changed completely.

The enemy reminds me of the opposite, accusing and condemning me at every turn. His message whispers in my ear. Twisting reality and seeking to steal, kill and destroy me.

I must choose to believe the reality of our Master. May it be so every day!!!

The good news of Jesus Christ—the Message!—begins here, following to the letter the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Watch closely: I’m sending my preacher ahead of you; He’ll make the road smooth for you. Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.

As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”Mark 1:1-8

 

 

 

Have we been rescued?

Jesus has rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our missing God’s goal for our life. That is good news.

That is the kind of news that a loving Father can deliver. And that is the kind of Father we have. We have been rescued. Jesus did it for us.

We all need to have that experience. We need it every day.

“God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue.” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:4 The Message)

Is my mind steadfast?

There is peace and then there is a peace that is complete, nothing lacking at all. It envelopes us, wrapping us in His gifts. I gain entrance with a mind that is focused on Him.

My trust in His direction keeps me safe and secure. No alarm system works like His love. Safe, secure, complete peace. That is His way.

May I stay focused on Him.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Do we see that we have finished the most difficult part?

Do we see that we have finished the most difficult part? In the salvation that Jesus offers us, we aren’t quite there yet but we are home free. The hard part is behind us. We have the Holy Spirit now and we are on our way to maturity in God.

What brings this about? We have heard the truth. That is the starting point. And, having heard it, we believe the good news. We no longer listen to our enemy. We know that Jesus has saved us from missing God’s goal for us.

We are home free.

“It’s in the Messiah that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of  good news of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:13 The Message) 

“You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.”~~Jesus

We always want to know when. Jesus followers wanted to know if Jesus was going to restore the Kingdom now. Would it be now? Will we get to reign now? Will we?

Jesus is always direct. There are things we don’t get to know. God is God. Timing is His business not ours.

That is all there is to it. We need to focus on what God wants us to do right not. That is all.

“You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.”~~Jesus (Acts 1:7 The Message)

What is my job?

My job is to be sympathetic. No doubt about it. That leads to me being a blessing. It is way to easy to judge. That doesn’t help people at all. That is the way of the world.

God’s new plan is different. Be a blessing to others. That is my job to reach God’s goal.

May I be sympathetic.

Summing up: …be sympathetic …. bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-12

God has rolled up His sleeves

Oh my goodness!! Our heavenly Father has rolled up His sleeves. He is at work. He is not sleeping. He isn’t tired. He is on the job. Everyone can see this. His muscles are bulging out, ready to help me.

What an image this creates for me. As I come into His presence, I can see He is ready. His sleeves are rolled up. This creates the desire in me to “Give thanks in all circumstances” because I see He is ready.

Woo Hoo!!! Our heavenly Father has rolled up His sleeves.

Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem: “God has comforted his people! He’s redeemed Jerusalem!” God has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work, doing his salvation work. Isaiah 52

Will I be proud when I stand before Jesus?

Will I be proud when I stand before Jesus?

That is a stunning question. Think about it. Will I?

Do I live in His love or ashamed, in condemnation, because of my enemy?

May I live in His love. May I know how proud He is of me. May I know it in my soul.

“We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.” ~~Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:14 The Message)

Why do I blog?

This rings true. The more I blog, the more I learn about our dear Lord Jesus.

“Learn as much by writing as by reading.” ~ Lord Acton

Am I just fingerpainting?

When I was young, I loved to fingerpaint. I was pretty good at it, I think. 🙂

I am not an artist in the sense that I have never taken time to learn how to really paint. I am fairly sure I wouldn’t be great at it but I could be better than I am.

Do I want to fingerpaint or do I want to paint? One requires growing and growing up.

Jesus challenges us to grow up. Will I?

“So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on the Messiah and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ.” (Hebrews 6:1) 

What is love?

We like think we know a lot about love. It doesn’t start with us however. It starts with God. He initiated everything. And He proved His love for us. He gave us a great gift. How stunning. Our identity is based on His love.

It is all done. It is a new plan. His love led to sacrifice that brought us into right standing. How amazing is that?

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

 

Are you worshiping the wrong thing?

We worship everything but God. And when you think about it, what sense does it make? How can you compare, for example, the creator of the universe with some cheap imitation?

We know, at our core, who to worship. The enemy seduces us into not paying attention and worshiping something else.

May I know who God is. May I worship Him and not some cheap imitation.

“They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.” ~~Apostle Paul (Romans 1:23The Message)

Old plan thoughts carry over to the new plan

Here some old plan thoughts that carry over into the new plan that Jesus has revealed to us. Mostly things we should avoid doing but one affirmative act that is one of the two great laws that Jesus said to do. In His way, loving our neighbor is the BIG thing. If we do, we won’t pervert justice, show favoritism, gossip or seek revenge. God is love.

Don’t pervert justice.

Don’t show favoritism to either the poor or the great.

Judge on the basis of what is right.

Don’t spread gossip and rumors.

Don’t just stand by when your neighbor’s life is in danger.

I am God.

Don’t secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt.

Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

I am God.

–Leviticus 19:15-18 The Message Bible

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows how to ask the right question. He also knows the answer.

So …. am I listening to Jesus?

May I be able to say, with all my heart, that I am listening to Jesus. May it be so.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:8)

Am I on your side?

This is a stunning way to approach relationships. Do they know I am on their side?

It is simple but I am guessing not everyone I know gets that. And … it is not their fault if they don’t. God forbid they think I am against them. I’m sure, to my embarrassment, that it happens.

May I show my love by being on the side of my friends and family.

“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” ~~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4 The Message)

Gideon is God’s man

You have to love Gideon. Israel is in bad shape. They have abandoned God. Not just a little but completely. Absolutely, positively left Him for good. They Midianites have devastated them and humiliate them for sport. It is embarrassing.

Gideon carries out his daily work in a pit so the Midianites won’t harass him. It works but God knows where he is. So … God shows up on the scene one day. Just like God when you think He can’t find you. The angel of God appeared to him and said, “God is with you, O mighty warrior!” Really? Seriously? He is hiding in a pit. You just have a sense this is going to be rich.

So how would you respond to this? How would I? Probably like Gideon. Skeptical is an understatement. Gideon replied, “With me, my master? If God is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t God deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.”

That is a pretty honest and direct way to reply to God. Interesting in that it didn’t bother God. Not in the least. God had a plan. It involved Gideon. God was going to win. So God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”

At this point you would think Gideon would get it. I mean really. What is it going to take. This is God. But no. Gideon said to him, “Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel? Look at me. My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter.” Ha. The runt of the litter. That is good. But God doesn’t laugh. And … he said it to God. Now I’m thinking lightening is about to strike. But it didn’t bother God. Not in the least. God had a plan. It involved Gideon. God was going to win. He is so patient.

God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.”

And that was that.

Am I a liar?

The Apostle John can be direct. I think he learned it from Jesus. No point beating around the bush so to speak.

Jesus was clear. There are 2 commandments that we need to focus on. Love God. Love everyone else. That sums it up and it is pretty easy to remember. If we say we are a Christ (Messiah) follower and don’t do that, we are a liar. We aren’t following Jesus.

May I live, as a Christian, the way Jesus said I should. May there be no doubt about it.

“If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:4 The Message)

How is the best way to focus?

We like to think we can focus and sometimes we get close.We try hard. We want to be courageous. “We think we can.”

At the end of the day, it is God who keeps us focused on Him. No doubt about it. In an uncompromising way every day.

All praise and credit is His.

It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised. ~Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12)

“If I were simply speaking on my own account, it would be an empty, self-serving witness.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows who He is. He relies on His Father in everything He does. God Himself gave witness. It is God’s work, that He accomplishes that is Jesus’ additional witness. God, the work God gave Him and the Holy Spirit all bear witness to who Jesus is.

We can trust what Jesus says to us. It comes directly from our heavenly Father.

“If I were simply speaking on my own account, it would be an empty, self-serving witness.” ~~Jesus (John 5:30-33 The Message)

Is your work futile?

Jesus has some work for us to do that is not futile. His work is always good. We have a YES in him that allows us to say no to the things that can crowd the agenda some days. When we have His yes, we won’t let anything move us off of the path. This is good news for sure. This plan is far superior to the old way of doing things.

Jesus challenges us to stand firm when we know what He wants us to do. There is the temptation to give in to other priorities. Our mission to do no less than what God has called us to do. We can not waiver.

May we give ourselves fully to His plan.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

How does change begin?

The family is the core of values and all teaching. If you spend time together as family, the truth comes through. This is real and it is not to be ignored.

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” ~~Ronald Reagan

What do we have to fear?

Mary did not have anything to fear. She had found favor with God. In the world’s way, she had lots to fear. An unwed mother with a stunning story of how it happened.

In God’s world, she had nothing to fear. Nothing is impossible with God. If you know you have favor with God, you will not fear anything. The two are connected. Do you know you have favor with God?

• We have found favor with Him.
• We have nothing to fear.
• Jesus was born, lived a life of supernatural courage, died to take care of our problems and rose again in Power.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31

How will others come to know God?

This is an amazing truth. God wants us to love everyone we know or come in contact with.

How will they come to know God? Through our love of them.

“To love another person is to help them love God.” ~~Soren Kierkegaard

“We have guided missiles and misguided men.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

So sad but true.

May God guide is in His path of love.

“We have guided missiles and misguided men.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.