Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4| Dateof Comment 08/11/2026 Habakkuk sure can read my mind. I have asked God the same questions: Habakkuk 1:1-4 NLT 1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. Habakkuk'''s Complaint 2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. God did reply to Habakkuk. Since Babylon is not coming again I thought it would be fun to use current events in the reply: Habakkuk 1:5-11 Blue Mustang for America 5 The Lord replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it. 6 I am raising up a man who the they call President Donald Trump, the snowflakes call him a cruel and violent man. He will march across the world and conquer other lands that challenge America's values. 7 These foreign nations are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like. 8 President Trump and the US military are swifter than cheetahs and fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their jets charge from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey. 9 Those nations are all bent on violence and meddling in our elections. Their hordes advance like a desert wind, sweeping captives ahead of them like sand. 10 They scoff at America and scorn all she represents. The US military simply drops bunker busters against their bunkers and captures them! 11 The US military sweeps past like the wind and are gone. But those nations and those who commit treason in this land America are deeply guilty, for their own strength is their god." 08/03/2026 Have you ever thought of yourself as insignificant? It may seem everyone else is better than I am when it comes to serving God. Let me tell you what Paul said about a so called insignificant man. I bet some of you are like Philemon now. Philemon 4-7 NLT Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer 4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people. 6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. Imitate Philemon so you can bring joy, comfort, and refresh the hearts of those around you. Paul's message stated to Philemon that you have affected me and the many people around you positively. Don't give up. We all can be like Philemon! My goal is to make sure when people encounter me that when they leave that they are more encouraged then when they came. We should be like Paul and pray that we all can be like this. So when you see a brother or sister struggle, pray and give thanks for them. I too, will try to make more effort to pray for special people in my life. 07/22/2026 Here are another set of verses people abuse so they do not have to stand up for godly values: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT 23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. Paul uses the adjectives foolish & ignorant. If it does not matter to our King do not get involved with it. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. I do have to admit that quarreling never looks godly. we must use tact whenever we discuss things with people. Paul says we have the ability to teach people the things we have learned already about Jesus. Oh, there is that word again "patient". This is a hard one when you are dealing with snowflakes. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. Paul tells us to go against those who oppose the truth. He emphasizes "gently". How we approach this can either be salvation or hell for people. We need to stand for God's truth no matter what. Do it in a manner that would make Jesus proud! We all need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the right words and right tone to confront people who are lost. 07/18/2026 How many of us listen to what the Holy Spirit says. He was sent by Jesus after he ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit was sent to make it harder for the enemy to deceive us and to help us live the life Jesus desires. Nobody can pray for each of us like the Holy Spirit does: Galatians 5:16 NLT Living by the Spirit’s Power So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 1 John 2:27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. When we ignore the Spirit, this may happen to us. /wp-content/uploads/holySpiritFail.mp4 07/12/2026 Have you ever wondered if those who walk close to Jesus if they face storms like those who do not have as tight of a relationship with Jesus Christ? The bible says we can face big storms even when Jesus is right next to us: Mark 4:35-41 NLT Jesus Calms the Storm 35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.God has already told Jesus where he wants him to go next. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” Peter remembered that day when Jesus was right next to him in that boat. He knew Jesus had the power of God at his disposal and he was not suicidal because he knew the storm was no match for the power of his Father. That is why he was not concerned. His disciple knew this but yet they had fear of the wind. All his disciples failed this test, but the power of God was demonstrated in this storm of life. This is reason why Peter said: 1 Peter 4:12-19 NLT Suffering for Being a Christian 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. Peter warns us of who helps makes these things happen! 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. The last verse mentions that you and I are not alone when it comes to storms. Peter wants to encourage us to endure them. What is so cool, is that true Christians that endure the harshest storms seem to have a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and exhibit more joy and peace then those of us who have not experienced storms at their level. What ever we do, do not follow the ways of the world. In the end there will only be heart ache. Matthew 16:24-28 NLT 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” I too believe that some of you just reading this comment will see Jesus come in his glory. Now what could be more cooler then that! 07/06/2026 Have you ever thought about how important rich people are? They pay a good portion of the taxes of the country and if any of us receive a salary it is because of someone who has more money then you do. Poor people can basically take just care of their own needs. But poor people also learn to trust in God more quickly then people who have a lot. We all know this action of trust pleases God greatly. Then why did Jesus say all of this to the rich man if it is important to have people with wealth? Mark 10:17-27 NLT The Rich Man 17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Even God has nothing against wealth. But he does ask us to tithe before his power will be displayed: Malachi 3:10-12 NLT 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Jesus is a master at reading hearts. He saw that the mans loyalty was to his money. That is why he asked him to give his money to the poor to show him where his loyalty was at. If God wanted us all to do this, God would not have the money to plant churches or anything else that God uses money for. Also, those of us who receive salaries would never get paid again. When God gives us his blessing of money, pay attention to what Timothy wrote: 1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLT 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. As Spock would say "Live long and prosper" but he also should have said, "But do not let it go to your head." Focus on what God needs first with your money and let him do the rest when it comes to your finances. He knows where your loyalty lies. Many of us cannot multitask very well so we will either serve money or God. We cannot do both. Do not let "love of money" destroy your salvation. You can lose it. The enemy knows this and he loves to use money to deceive us into rejecting God. He even tried this on Jesus. Money is a great thing. But always think about the words of Timothy. Are you going to allow money to bless you or curse you? The enemy hopes you will not see his trap. 06/22/2026 Here is the first step in becoming successful and pleasing God at the same time: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT 11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. You can learn more when it is quiet. There are a lot less distractions. When you try to medal in other peoples business, you do not have time to take care of your own. Almost everything that is worth anything was created by people using their hands. People will always be watching you. Why not set a good example towards other people. You really only have two options: Please the Lord or be a jerk. When you put your hands to work and show people that you are not a jerk. They will want what you produce and you will not have to depend on others all the time. We still need each other. God designed it this way! Make sure Jesus is part of any goal you set for yourself. You get much better results if his name is honored before men. 06/10/2026 How many of us can relate to what David was going through at this moment? I have my hand up. Psalm 39:1-3 NLT 1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” 2 But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse. 3 The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: Those people from that other party can drive you crazy with their far fetched ideas. There is another great man that thought about similar things. Romans 7:14-25 NLT Struggling with Sin 14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. These guys both show the difficulty of staying pure. But we are never to stop trying. These verses show why we do things wrong from time to time. But they do not give us the excuse to commit more sins because of who we are. Poor David did not have Jesus Christ to work things out, but we do. Jesus is Lord!!!!!!!! 06/08/2026 Have you ever wondered what it is like to truly surrender yourself to God? I have seen or read about people like this. I am working to get there: Habakkuk 3:19 NLT The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. When we hold on to certain things that really do not please God, it can prevent us from experiencing fully what Habakkuk described. 05/31/2026 How many of us have been duped by those who want to control our lives. I remember when theater popcorn was popped using coconut oil. They all said that we would die if we did not stop this. Now they are touting that coconut oils is good for you. The next thing they touted is that sunlight gives you cancer. You better stay out of the sun. Now they say get some sun to get vitamin D, stronger bones and a stronger immune system. Water is not even safe. Large quantities of water will cause you kidneys to shut down trying to remove the excess water out of you system. Nothing is truly safe and Paul warns us about people making a bid deal of things. Colossians 2:20-23 NLT 20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. In the end you end up living in fear and no ones life is better off, spiritually. Just pray Psalm 91 over your life and let God carry you through the maze of crazy ideas. 05/29/2026 Have ever thought about the importance of talking to people about Jesus? Timothy was trying to be a pastor and Paul was giving him information on the importance of reaching souls for Christ: 2 Timothy 1:1 NLT Greetings from Paul This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:8 NLT So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 2 Timothy 4:5 NLT But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. Have ever thought about the impact you can have on people by telling them about Jesus? Here is a testimony of a man who was changed because of such people: "I grew up in a semi-religious family and would go to church every other weekend. As I grew older, I stopped going to church and led a life separate from God. During my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with cancer. I underwent chemotherapy for about 4 months and was confined to my house. After I was declared cancer free, I went back to life, but this time more broken and helpless than before. I started wondering about my purpose and what the meaning of life is. I started looking for it in all the wrong things, and it left me emptier than before. The week after spring break, I was approached by two guys from Foundations Church. They started preaching the gospel to me and I knew this was something that I needed to pursue. After the first couple Bible study meetings and going to church where there were people my own age, I was starting to see the impact that God had on their lives. A big change happened when I opened my Bible; reading through the gospels and seeing what Jesus did for me on that cross convicted me. On April 23, after a meeting where we were talking about the decision to repent, I felt a strong conviction from the Holy Spirit, and I knew I had to do it that night. Since then, I've noticed two distinct things in my life. I feel more secure knowing that my life is in the hands of God, the same God who created everything in the entire universe. Also, I know my identity is rooted in being a child of God." You and I both can be people who change the world for Jesus. This guy really noticed a change when he opened his bible and read the gospels. So encourage people to search God's word to see who Jesus is! 05/22/2026 Have you ever had one of those days where you felt God was a million miles away? It was Friday just before the Memorial day weekend. I had to go over and pick up an electric motor that I found out there was nothing wrong with it. It cost me $400 bucks to get it cleaned and checked out. I started back home and I assumed I had it secure enough, but when I was half way home, the electric motor tipped and it spilled oil all over my pickup bed. I tried to pullover to lift it but it was too heavy to set it right. When I got home, I called the people who serviced it and asked them if I could have a problem tipping the electric motor over. They confirmed that I could can have some major problems getting oil in the windings. They asked me to go ahead and bring it back, and they would look at it. They noticed that I got oil inside of it. So they had to physically take it apart again. It would be a rush to get it done before the holiday weekend. This holiday made it worse because I won't be able to pick it up till Tuesday. My mistake of assuming that I had tied down securely got me and now I'm going to have to pay again to have him clean it up. At this moment, I felt God was gone. I found out that I was not alone in these feelings. Everyone assumes David was like this: Psalm 18:6 NLT 6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. David also had moments like I did, and he felt like this. Psalm 22:1-2 NLT 1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. If David had these moment we will too. It has nothing to do with spirituality. David was about as close to God as anyone. God is definitely giving me a C- on this test. I blew it on some parts of the test. This is no excuse to give up either. I need to pull my grade up. It probably would have helped to pray for my trip that God would keep me from doing dumb stuff. I know he can keep us alert in traffic. He can also give us wisdom to do it right the first time. 04/16/2026 Have you ever wondered why Christians are persecuted? If you truly follow the principles of Jesus Christ you are the type of people who could be trusted. Your convictions mean that people will have no worries about you trying to steal anything of theirs. In fact you would even watch over and protect there investment if they have to do something. Why would you not strive to know these kind of people. This tells me that many people are ruled by the devil. Paul talks about the two spirits of light and darkness: Ephesians 5:8-13 NLT 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, What is in the light of Jesus that drives the enemy crazy? I know that the enemy is proud of committing evil so he does not care if he is caught. Is it fear of punishment. We know Satan had a pride problem. That is why he was tossed out of heaven. Does getting caught destroy the ego of the enemy? Remember the old vampire movies that when the light hit the vampire he began to break apart. Does the presence of the light burn the enemy? Or does the light remind him of his future home? Matthew 25:41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. The light was really strong when Jesus walked the earth. This is how demons responded to the light. Matthew 8:28-32 NLT 28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area. 29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” 30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” 32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. I firmly believe that the light of Jesus coming through us reminds the devil of where he is going and it angers him greatly. It was his light and the name of "Jesus' that cast the enemy out of men. Paul and Jesus's disciples kept this up after Jesus ascended back to the Father. After all would you like to be thrown out of your house. That is why the enemy wants to attack us. He wants us to feel his pain and hoping we we turn our back on God while doing it. If you have a conscious at all, the light allow you will see what no good the enemy is up to. He does not like to be discovered. That is why he is so fond of the darkness. Let's continue to give the enemy nightmares whenever he sees the light of Jesus radiating from us. Let's let the name of Jesus send the enemy packing. The light definitely tells the enemy that we are coming. If the light is intense enough like that of a God fearing church, the enemy will flee. He does not want his secrets exposed. I wonder if the EPA would classify the "light of Jesus" as a pesticide. It is dangerous and very effective in weakening the power of the enemy. Pay attention to mannerism of Jesus around the enemy. Jesus spoke with authority that was not insulting to the devil. He just stated the facts why the enemy was wrong and even allowed him options like the pigs. I actually think Jesus could have sent those demons to hell but that did not fit into his Father's plan. Jesus knew that his authority was greater then Satan's and always remained cool when he was around the enemy. You can't say that about the enemy though, he was always testy around Jesus. 02/01/2026 How many of you have a fascination with fire? God was a master with it. These are some large scale events that God used fire in: Exodus 14:19-20 NLT 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 NLT The Dedication of the Temple 7 When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 2 The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” 1 Kings 18:36-39 NLT 36 At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. 37 O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 38 Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!” The first fire event God told Moses to "get the lead out" because of what he was about to do: Exodus 14:15-18 Escape through the Red Sea 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” People have reports in this area of this fire storm, the fire was so hot that it physically melted the ground. I firmly believe that I would have deserted Pharaoh's army before going against a God who could do this. The last two fire events were different. God was quite until prayers were lifted up to him that glorified and honored his name. They were in a public setting and spoken in a manner that people could hear what was being asked. When they finished praying, that sacrifice didn't have a chance. I liked it when Elijah soaked the wood to make it more challenging for our God. It was even cooler when God consumed the water and everything around. I firmly believe because of God trying to get us to do things by faith that he would show off more like this. Even Jesus would have done more miracles if it wasn't for people's lack of faith. The motto is that God is quiet in our lives many times because we do not ask. It took the vocal prayers of Elijah & Solomon to get fire to come down from heaven. Even Jesus said, Matthew 7:7-8 NLT Effective Prayer 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. It really is true that even though God can read our thoughts that he would rather hear our voices. So speak up when you pray to God. Let other people hear what you are saying if your words honor God. Expect an answer and allow God to perform miracles in your life. 01/29/2026 How many of us get the case of anxiety attacks with all the deception around us. This is what Paul said about anxiety: Philippians 4:6 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Is this the cure all for anxiety? Probably not! Jesus himself had one of those moments: Matthew 26:36-38 NLT Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Jesus spent his life staying pure and away from sin. He was about to take our sins on himself which defiles everything. Not a pleasant picture in our Kings mind. He also knew about the pain and suffering he was going to endure. The second unpleasant thought in our Kings mind. These thoughts turned into "agony" that caused him to sweat blood. No one ever has this on their bucket list to do what Jesus was about to do. Jesus was about to let his Father know that he really did not want this to happen to himself. He followed what Paul told us. He started by praying and being honest about what he was thinking Matthew 26:36-38 NLT 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” {After Jesus made his petition to his Father, he emphasized that "Your will be done, not mine". Our Father appears to be silent. } 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. {Jesus rephrased his prayer emphasizing that he was focused on doing the will of the Father. Again, our Father appears to be silent. } 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Jesus prayed three times to see if our Father would take this terrible cup away from him. It appears our Father was silent each time. Jesus knew what he had to do and did not expect to have have our Father explain it to him again. Jesus got up and proceeded to do the will of our Father. David did this same type thing in 2 Samuel 12:13-23. Our King did not deserve what he went through but David did. Both hoped our Father would change the outcomes but both accepted what happened and what Jesus was yet to face. Just like Jesus and David, God did not take away their anxiety but brought them through it. We need to watch, the problem with anxiety is that it usually happens when our faith in God diminishes. Go to our King in prayer and tell him what you are thinking, reverently, and let him carry you through your anxiety. Who knows, he may even remove it. Nothing is impossible for our King! 01/13/2026 Have you ever thought about when Jesus calls us to do something, the power that goes with that calling. We have the same promises Paul had: Acts 18:9-11 NLT 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. Even when we prove ourselves with one calling, many times Jesus will have something else for us to do next. Acts 23:11 NLT That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” Notice how the Lord started out with overcoming fear to encouraging Paul to finish what the Lord called him to do next. You and I are both special to the Lord. What he said to Paul, his words are for us too. Even a poisonous snake will not keep us from our calling. God requires us to finish any calling and he will protect us until we finish what he asks of us. If you want to live a long and prosperous life other than by honoring your mother and father, let Jesus give you things to do that honor his name. As long as we do not put God to a foolish test, Jesus will want you finish your calling. Paul and the rest of Jesus's disciple did eventually give their lives up just because they served Jesus. John was the only who did not, because Jesus commanded him to take care of his mother. There can be danger involved serving our Lord. Paul let no one change what God called him to do: Acts 21:10-14 NLT 10 Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. 11 He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 13 But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” I have never faced what Paul and the disciples faced but that does not mean I never will. I want to be ready and to be able to say these words, "I will do what my Kings asks of me even if it means going to jail or even dying. Whatever happens to me that my actions will glorify the Lord's name." If anyone is watching, I want them to know my Lord was real to me. 12/19/2025 Have ever imagined what life would be like if God did not put challenges in our lives. Wouldn't that be cool. I have witnessed that isn't the case. In agriculture God has given this nation and countries around the world fabulous crops because of the weather. This bounty has destroyed the value of commodities to the point many farmers are filing for bankruptcy. Farmers were better off when they faced weather challenges and prices were double. The cattle guys are facing challenges and beef prices are soaring for them. These guys are facing disease threats, Government wolves released on their herds, and the high price of buying replacement cattle. Challenges are making these guys some money. I bet many of you have worked hard with God's help to get where you are. Just think, if you had no challenges neither would the next guy. You would have a lot of competition for your job. This would mean smaller pay checks. The next time you want it easy, this undesired outcome may happen to you too. Paul said this: Romans 5:3 NLT We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Peter has a lot to say about the trials we face 1 Peter 1:6 NLT So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. | | 1 Peter 1:7 NLT These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. | | 1 Peter 4:12NLT Suffering for Being a Christian Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. | | 1 Peter 4:13 NLT Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. | | 2 Peter 2:9 NLT So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. Our challenges don't destroy us but make us into something God desires. 11/15/2025 How many of us when we are hopefully serving the Lord the way he wants us to, feel like the Lord is not paying attention when we serve. If you are like me, it is nice to have some affirmation of a job well done. God is paying attention but our attitude of serving needs to be like this: Luke 17:7-10 NLT 7 “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? 8 No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ 9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. 10 In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” OUCH!! Lord, I would like a piece of that humble pie! John the Baptist, who Jesus declared as one of the greatest men ever, understood this principle very well: John 1:27 NLT Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal. 11/11/2025 Have you ever thought about Jesus coming to the world to set it on fire. I had to read this in many translations about Jesus setting the world on fire. They all say the same thing: Luke 12:49-51 NLT Jesus Causes Division 49 “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! 50 I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. 51 Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! When I light fires, it is to burn the weeds to kill the seeds and remove the trash. Nothing but ash is left which is ugly. But wait until spring when green life begins to appear. Soon you have a pasture of lush grass. Is Jesus talking about the purification of mankind? Another thing about fire it is not discriminatory. It will burn down any fence that is in its path. This means that the people sitting on the fence are going to have to jump on one side or then other. One side is with Christ, the other is the world. This allows for only one master. Or does the fire represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1-4 NLT The Holy Spirit Comes 2 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Because Jesus knew of the prophet Joel: Joel 2:28-29 NLT The Lord’s Promise of His Spirit 28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike Jesus after talking about the fire said, "I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished." I have experienced things that totally have taken my peace away. It doesn't even register compared with what he was about to go through. This "baptism of suffering" is probably what made him mention the fire. Again, this is my opinion. I have no scriptures I remember to back me up. I would love to hear your comments. No one other than Jesus has changed the destiny of mankind more than he has. What he did was necessary as far back as Adam and as far into future where men are present. Now who else would do what he did and not sin. JESUS IS LORD!!!!!!! 11/05/2025 Have you ever tried doing something that just never seems to work. You keep trying but eventually you just give up in frustration. God has had those moments too. It even broke God's heart: 1 Samuel 8:5-9 NLT 5 “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” 6 Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. 7 “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. 8 Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. 9 Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” In verse 7 you can tell God is frustrated and is tired of reasoning with his people. God did not abandon his people and had Samuel tell them what a human king will do to them. The scare tactics did not work. 1 Samuel 8:18-20 NLT 18 When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. 20 “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” If you get a king who loves the Lord like Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, this is good. Those who do not love the Lord will not be good at judging anything. They could be your next king. We should not want men to judge us in place of God. Psalm 7:11 NLT 11 God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day. When God is leading you into battle, you will never lose. Men cannot make this claim because they will always lose in the end. Wow, they turned God down in favor of a finite man. God's final word was that, "I will not help you when your so called king turns on you." Think about this: Just because your neighbor is doing it does not make it right or the best solution. This trap can be devastating when it goes against the ideals of God.
