I came upon another verse this morning that I don’t remember ever reading or, at the very least, paying any attention to. That’s another awesome thing about the Bible: it’s alive and speaks to you: when you need to hear, what you need to hear, and how you need to hear!

Philippians 3:19 NLT: “They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.”

Who are they?

They are family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, grocery clerks, gas attendants, local farmers, the star athlete, politicians, a teacher, a doctor, your…

The vast population who don’t know or believe in God! The masses who know the word but give him no further thought! The ones who believe we live this life and then decay in the ground, lights out, and it’s over!

Those who live life to win, regardless of the path it takes to get there! I have the most toys, so I did win!

Those who do things in the dark, thinking the light will never shine on them! The liars, cheats, and swindlers who walk with no conscience. The bullies!

BUT,

What about “the they” who are ignorant?

What about any of these people from the list mentioned above who just have never had the opportunity to hear God’s message of love and redemption? Those we pass on the street every day who don’t have the hope of the Lord to get them through another day! Those who are wandering and don’t even realize it!

That’s where we come in! We, as believers, are to share the message of God’s love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness! To open the doors of heaven and invite people in!

Psalm 96:3 ESV: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

And that’s how you do it!

Declare his glory! To recognize his sovereignty! Praise him for all he is and has been in your life, and share that praise in recognition with others!

His marvelous works among all the peoples! Bragging rights! We are free to boast and brag about all the life-changing, step-altering, direction-clarifying, path-clearing, game-changing miracles and blessings The Lord Jesus Christ has blessed you with!

Unless called to do so, God doesn’t expect us to stand behind a pulpit and preach! Unless called to do so, we don’t have to stand on street corners yelling his name to people passing by! We aren’t called to pack a Bible around and smack people with it!

We are simply called to share his love and mercy through our testimonies!

1 Peter 3:15 ESV: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Sharing the reason for the hope that is in you!

What has the Lord shown you, given you, blessed you with, hope fulfilled! That’s what you share. That’s your reason.

The world is very lost and highly confused! The truth is twisted, justice doesn’t seem to prevail, and frankly, it’s a mess down here!

We need to be loud and proud! We need to stand up for the truth we believe in! We need to be the voice in the wilderness! The light in the darkness! Will you join me in this quest? 😌

Maybe together, we can inform and help change the thoughts of the Ways of the Worldly!

Life is a colossal roller coaster ride!

There are days when the sun is shining, a warm breeze refreshes your face, hair swaying, and laughter bubbles out!

Peace floats around like a butterfly against a blue summer day! Smiles are easy, joy is light, and all is good.

Only to turn around and encounter:

Mornings when you wake up with a big ball of fear in the pit of your stomach! Anxiety hits before your first conscious thought!

You went to bed last night feeling fine, but eight hours later, you wake up, and every muscle in your body hurts, and you have a massive headache! Or, Something feels wrong inside. You know you should go to the doctor, but fear of what you may hear controls your steps.

One day, you seem to have enough money to make ends meet with a little extra, only for an instant in time to change a situation or two, and now you are left reeling because your enough just become not enough,.

Your marriage, relationship, or partnership has taken a sharp turn and is heading downhill quickly! One day, music is playing, and harmony exists. The next day, quarrels, words, and feelings leave behind tense moods in their trail.

Is your life vast right now? Do you feel small and insignificant?

Then give it to God! Our God is more BIGGER than anything we face down here!

Psalm 33:6. ESV: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made and by the breath of his mouth all their hosts.”

Colossians 1:16. ESV: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities things were created through him and for him.”

Isaiah 40:12 NLT: “Who else has held the oceans in his hands? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?

John 10:10 ESV: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Satan loves to create havoc! He loves to steal our peace! He loves to rob us of our health! He loves to tear apart what God has put together! He loves to put mayhem in our finances, and doubts and fears in our carnal minds.

Proverbs 3:6 ESV: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

It’s up to us to do our part. To pray about our feelings, emotions, fears, hurts, pains, and needs! Remember the times the Lord has come through, and use them for strength and security! Knowing the Lord has told us he will never leave or forsake us!

Satan wants us to feel small, wants to keep us down, and wants us to scurry about like scared, nervous mice!

It’s up to us as to who and what we believe!

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

Be blessed today! Be strong today! Amen 😌

Dear Lord Jesus,

I thank you, Lord, for what I know!

I know you are always with me!

I know that you will never leave me or forsake me!

I know that you died for me and that I will spend eternity in heaven with you.

I know that you are but a whisper away, providing peace, quiet, and rest within!

I know that in the dark hours of the morning; I am not alone as you are always with me!

I know that you have always provided for me and always will!

I know that you send your angels to walk with me and protect me!

I know that when I’m weak, you carry me!

I know that when I feel small you are mighty!

I know that when I am scared you are my strength!

I know that when I fall you pick me up!

I know you forgive me of my sins and shortcomings!

I know you know me even when I feel insignificant!

I know when I’m happy you rejoice with me!

I know when I accomplish and overcome you are proud of me!

I know you hear my prayers!

I know you love me more than I love myself!

I know you love my family more than I do!

I know your love!

I know you!

In your precious name Lord Jesus, I give you so much thanksgiving for this that I know! Amen 😌

If you don’t know the Lord, or feel you have this internal knowledge and relationship with him; he is but a prayer away!

Dear Lord Jesus,

I don’t know you as well as I’d like and long to change that; I know you died for my sins and right now sit at the right hand of God! Please come into my heart with your Holy Spirit and fill me so that I may also come to know you and all the beauty that comes with you! To spend today and eternity getting to know you! I give you my heart and spirit. Please fill it with your peace and joy today as I begin my walk with you. In your name, Lord Jesus, I commit this prayer. Amen 🙏

I’m an Eastern Star, and I met with our organist yesterday to select music for my upcoming term starting next fall.

We begin each meeting with a prayer then address and honor the flag of our Country. The song I picked for this section of our meeting next year was The Old Rugged Cross!

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross. The emblem of suffering and shame, and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

So, I’ll cherish that old rugged cross. Till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to that old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true. It’s shame and reproach gladly bear. Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away. Where his glory forever I’ll share.” songwriters: George Bernard/M Feahy

To be condemned to punishment by death on the cross was saved for the worst of the worst. The Romans had devised a public, torturous death sentence for their criminals.

Jesus died a criminal’s death! He who knew no sin died as though a contemptible dreg of humanity. Why? Jesus became our sin offering! His blood shed on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind!

Within the thirty-some years that Jesus walked this earth, he experienced the life of humankind! He wasn’t a god with superhuman powers, no cape, no mask! Jesus was God in the flesh! He had God’s power behind him the same as you and I do, but he was 100% man!

He had the same limitations as we; He hurt, got sick, had feelings, friends, disappointments, laughed, joked, and made enemies, many enemies! He had a mom, brothers and sisters, and a stepfather who taught him a trade! He talked to the rich, poor, unbelievers, and the saints! He helped people with disabilities, the beggars, the old, and the blind. He loved! He brought light to darkness!

He has seen it all, felt it all, and given his all!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your walk on this earth. Leaving behind your disciples who valiantly spread your gospel, the same gospel we live by today! The same gospel we share!

Thank you, Father God, for the sacrifice of your son so that we may spend eternity in Heaven with you!

Thank you Lord for that Old Rugged Cross! 😔

I struggle with change! I know it is essential for growth and life, but that still doesn’t make it any easier.

If I had my way, I’d sadly end up a stagnant pond! Not on purpose, mind you, because I love to learn and to grow from that learning. However, when the waters start to move and the sand ebs away from under my feet, my world starts to shift, and I am paralyzed.

What do I do to offset this paralysis?

I turn to the one who never changes! I turn to his word that assures me he is always with me, he will never leave me, and he has a plan for my life!

Hebrews 13:8 ESV: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV: “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Our flesh will often react to change in the form of fear. I’ve mentioned before that tomorrow is unknown and lives in darkness. Who lurks in the darkness? Who’s most devious ploy is to trick, deceive, and disable by fear? Satan’s that’s who!

Please don’t give in to his lies; don’t allow him the power in your life to cause a knot of fear in your stomach. To lay down and give up because it feels safe and easier!

Put on your armor! Stand strong with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith which can extinguish all flaming arrows of the evil one, put on the helmet of salvation, and carry the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.

Remember to pray about all things.

I have supplied the scriptures above to fight the fight of fear! Please read and repeat them as often as necessary to combat said fears! We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but trust in the one who holds our tomorrow! 😌

Dear Lord, Father God, Creator of the Universe,

I bow before you this morning with great expectations of your presence with me throughout the day.

I trust that as I begin my week, you are starting it with me!

I trust that whatever mountains I am facing, within your strength, I can climb them.

Thank you, Lord, for being larger than any of my fears! Your light dispels any darkness that tries to surround me!

Knowing that your peace will arrive in the middle of our storms, and within you, we can find shelter and safety.

Knowing and believing because your word tells us you will never abandon us; where we walk, you also walk.

As we open our hearts, our Bibles, our minds, and spirits, Lord, let your grace and presence be known. Be the mighty voice within and help us to know that we know, that we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are never alone. You are always with us!

For this, as so much more, Father, I humbly give you me and my life and graciously receive your abundant love, provision, and protection.

In your glorious name Lord Jesus I pray! Amen! 🙏

Matthew 11:28 ESV: “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!

The tiny word “all” is mighty in this verse! All of you who are heavy-laden! You who are struggling under a burden, seriously overloaded, in other words.

When I read this passage, I picture an ox grinding away under a heavy wooden harness, slowly trudging along, appearing to be spent. Is your yoke possibly a workload meant for two, toddlers screaming, and the house a mess? You need to get dinner going; the phone won’t stop ringing, and the kids won’t stop needing! Yes, these are daily burdens that the Lord is there to share and help us with. “Lord, give me strength.”

BUT…

What if that daily burden is a sin? What if it’s an addiction? What if it’s a secret so heavy it daily eats at your spirit? What if you’ve fallen so far you can’t bear to look up? What if you’ve believed all the lies of the enemy and know God has given up on you? Believing you aren’t worthy!

What if? You believed what God had to say instead?

Luke 19:10 ESV: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 5:32 ESV: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Psalm 34:18 ESV: “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

John 14:18 ESV: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Do you feel sort of like an orphan? Are you lost and alone even tho surrounded by people? Has the hole you didn’t mean to dig gotten so big you feel trapped within?

There are millions of scenarios that leave us reeling. We are human, and we will make mistakes and then learn. Hopefully!

The biggest takeaway here is trusting and carrying in your heart and spirit that:

John 6:37 ESV: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

John 15:9 ESV: “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”

Romans 8:31:38-39 ESV: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -not even the powers of hell can’t separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So, don’t believe the lies of the enemy, and don’t stare too long at the face looking back at you in the mirror. Stop reflecting on your wrongs or shortcomings and start concentrating on what God has to say about you! 🥰

Thank you, Lord, that your eyes never roll when my prayer line rings!

Thank you that there isn’t a quick debate about whether you will pick up my call or discard it because you are busy and I’m a pest!

Thank you for your word that tell us many times in many ways that calling you is just what your father’s heart desires!

Psalm 50:15 ESV: “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV: “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

Psalm 91:15 ESV: “When he calls to me, I will rescue him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him”

Jeremiah 29:12 ESV: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”

Isaiah 65:24 ESV: “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.”

Romans 10:13 ESV: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Proverbs 15:29 ESV: “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for always being there when I call! The one I can turn to, talk to, tell my secrets and fears, and share my hopes and dreams with!

There is verse after verse where you instruct us to come to you, cast our cares upon you, and rely on you for strength when ours is depleted.

You have walked our walk and then some; you know how we feel at any given moment and hold us with the compassion of understanding.

When I am small, you are big! When I am weak, you are strong! When I am tired, you pick me up and carry me! When darkness surrounds me, you are my light!

When I am happy, you rejoice beside me! When I accomplish, you are proud of me! When I strive, you run beside me, and when I walk through your gardens of life, you accompany me!

Jesus, you are my best friend! Thank you for You! Amen. 😌

Jesus speaks many times of and about children. Children are very dear to his heart.

Matthew 19:14 ESV “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke 18:17 ESV “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Matthew 18:3 ESV “And said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Goodness, it almost sounds like Heaven might resemble a preschool setting! Hmmm! 🤔

Is this what Jesus meant? Is he prescribing we all become like toddlers again, petulant, demanding, fit-throwing, and immature? Self-absorbed with a limited understanding of our needs and being mad when they aren’t received immediately!

Not quite!

I believe what Jesus is talking about is becoming innocent and wide-eyed with wonder in our faith and walking with him! For us to take Him at his word and to trust with child-like faith.

When we were kids and played, we created make-believe worlds where our dolls talked, trucks drove, and stuffed animals listened when we spoke. We ran, laughed, and played without a care in the world.

We believed in the magic of Santa Claus—the joy of the Easter Bunny; we put teeth under our pillow, believing the tooth fairy would leave a quarter or two in exchange.

What was the key? We believed!

This is what Jesus is talking about; he is asking us to once again look through the eyes of a child. Before cynicism crept in and before disillusionment of humankind destroyed our innocence.

We’ve walked this earth long enough to stop trusting, have come to almost expect the worst, and have found much disappointment in the mundane of life.

It’s easy to fall into a rut! It’s easy to become discouraged! It’s easy to stop believing in miracles!

It’s also easy to refocus and change our outlook and views! Drag out the rose-colored glasses, grab your Bible and look up scriptures on believing and faith!

Hebrews 11:6 ESV “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Romans 15:13 ESV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in peace.”

Matthew 21:22 ESV: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Jesus was talking to his disciples when he said in John 20:29 ESV, “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed.”

John 1:12 ESV “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

We are God’s children, and he is our faithful father! Put your tiny hand in his big one, look up with childlike faith, and walk! He’s got this, and He’s got you! ❤️

I have been referencing The Lord’s Armor lately, and one significant piece of gear is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

How do we wield that sword and use it against satan’s attack on our minds? We use the word of God! We fight our circumstances with scripture.

Today, I am giving us ammunition against worry! Worry is nothing short of brain torment. It gains us nothing. It solves nothing. It steals our joy, and I read once that approximately 80% of what we worry about never comes to pass!

So, here is how you stop the worry and turn off the repeat button!

Start by praying over your concerns, find scripture that supports you, and begin speaking positive affirmations out of your mouth!

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your prayers be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I will not be anxious about (said worry) !!! Thank you, Lord, for being more significant than my (noted worry). The world feels big, and I think small; thank you for guarding me and my mind! Please help me to stop reoccurring thoughts of despair, grief, worry, and stress! Please help me to leave them in your hands and securely go about my business. I Trust in you!

1 Peter 5:7 ESV: “Casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you.”

Gather your worries, put them in your cupped hands, and throw them up in the air, giving them to Jesus! Let go of them and trust that he’s got this and you!

John 14:27 ESV “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Accept his peace within, the quiet amongst the storms! He is always there and waiting for us to turn to him for strength!

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Lord, thank you for always being with me. I am tired, my labor is heavy and my bones are weary! Thank you for helping me carry my load; I need ease, and I need lightness!

Philippians 4:13 ESV “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Thank you, Jesus, for your strength! You are awesome in this place, Mighty God!

John 14:1 ESV: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

AMEN!!!

Matthew 6:27 ESV “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his life span?”

I think Jesus, might be referring to that 80%

I’ve said it before, and I will repeat it: we are in a battle down here! Dress daily in the Lord, and let him fight for you! He will! ☺️