Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|23|24|25|26|27|28|29|30|31| Dateof Comment 10/17/2025 If Jesus was here in America today as a man, would he repeat Matthew 23 again with what is going on in the religious community today? I believe what was happening then is happening today. In regards to the religious leaders Jesus said, 1. "What sorrow waits you" seven times. 2. practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 3. Everything they do is for show. 4. Love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor 5. Love being popular. Even as people we can encourage these behaviors: 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. You probably even know of some, but many of today's pastors mimic the leaders of old. Ask God for discernment and stay away from people who sugar coat the things of God. YOUR SALVATION MAY BE AT STAKE! 10/16/2025 In America we can freely worship anything we want and it is a great place to get tempted. Until we get our roots back to one nation under Jesus Christ (God) we will continue to experience this: Judges 2:2-3 NLT 2 For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3 So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.” When the church became weak, we now have gods popping up everywhere. Remember that material possessions and money can be a god also. Anything that replaces Yahweh is a god. Only an idiot would chose a dead god over the living God. Or is it the fact that when we sin, the dead god will never punish us. Removing the living God philosophy is as ridiculous as believing the sun will someday rise in the west. Both are science fiction. Only Yahweh is real and the sun will always rise in the east. Both are fact and real. Since the ungodly are already here, our job is to love, live for Christ, and talk to them about Jesus and bring them into God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ - King of kings! 2 Samuel 7:22 NLT “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 10/15/2025 So much of what has been going on today is related to the children. Both Melania and President Trump have been doing their fair share of helping to solve the child trafficking problem. Why does the enemy have such a fetish towards the children? It is because they are special to Jesus and have the heart he is looking for in all of us: Matthew 18:1-7 NLT The Greatest in the Kingdom 18 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. 6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. This verse talks about the curse waiting for us if we lead children or anyone else astray. If we do not learn what God wants and lead people astray because of ignorance, he will not tolerate this either. We have his word to fix this ignorance problem. The Holy Spirit can also help. This next verse Jesus called the children just because his disciple rebuked them: Luke 18:15-17 NLT Jesus Blesses the Children One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” This one also talks about the heart of a child that we need to modify our heart to match. This last verse really tells how great our kids are to our King: Matthew 18:10 NLT “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. The bible never (I could be wrong about this) talks about what happens to these angels after we grow up. As we live for Christ, I hope that they stick around. No matter what, Jesus is still Lord! 10/14/2025 I never thought about insight being a gift but Jesus was talking to his disciples about insight that is not revealed to everyone. Both versions of this conversation are interesting: Matthew 13:11-12 NLT 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. Matthew 13:11-12 The Message 11-15 He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. Both reveal that insight is not instantaneous and that is why we need to continue to read God's word. While reading the word, the Holy Spirit will reveal more understanding and intel on whatever God is wanting to show us. The "Message" states that we need to have a heart for it to develop understanding. Both also say that if this understanding is not developed, we will lose it and the lesson is lost. God calls each on of us to tasks that fit the talents we have on loan from God. This can mess with our understanding also if we are not where we are suppose to be. Matthew 15:12-14 NLT 12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?” 13 Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, 14 so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” We will fail if we are not where God wants us to be. Jesus is Lord and he knows what he is doing when he calls us to go someplace. The enemy will try to convince you to be someplace where God is not calling you. Disobedience is a good way to get into trouble. 10/13/2025 Going to church today, I had a missionary going to Austria and he was talking about Secularism being so strong there. I looked up the definition: Secularism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Secularism is the principle of seeking to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations, uninvolved with religion. It is most commonly thought of as the separation of religion from civil affairs and the state and may be broadened to a similar position seeking to remove or to minimize the role of religion in any public sphere.[1] Secularism may encapsulate anti-clericalism, atheism, naturalism, non-sectarianism, neutrality on topics of religion, or antireligion.[2] Secularism is not necessarily antithetical to religion, but may be compatible with it.[3] As a philosophy, secularism seeks to interpret life based on principles derived solely from the material world, without recourse to religion. It shifts the focus from religion towards "temporal" and material concerns. Looks like it is not just a problem for just Austria, it is in America too! Step 1 - The enemies first step is to replace Jesus on the throne with "Self" on the throne. Advertisers love it when we sit on the throne. Step 2 - Now that we are sitting on the throne they now entice us with pleasurable things. This is the pursuit of happiness. In the short term life seems great. Step 3 - The enemy knows that we have a place in us that only the true God can fill. This emptiness can lead to despair and hopelessness. He is hoping that feeling will destroy us. This make him the victor if we remain ignorant of the things of God. Don't just take my word, read this: Ecclesiastes 2 NLT The Futility of Pleasure 2 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. 4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. The Wise and the Foolish 12 So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?[a]). 13 I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” 16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. 17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind. The Futility of Work 18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. 19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! 20 So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. 21 Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. 22 So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? 23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. 24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. 10/12/2025 God is really big into our parents that he even wrote one of the ten commandments about it. What Solomon said about out parents is also accurate with our heavenly Father: Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. Honoring our parents is like Spock saying on Star Trek, "Live long and prosper!" It is also a promise from God when we honor our parents while honoring him. 10/10/2025 One thing that can be fun is watching people. You can see some interesting things. But when you see the spiritual side of people watching as Jesus did, he said this: Matthew 7:13-14 NLT The Narrow Gate 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Do you realize that more than 50% of the people you see on the streets are going to hell. It is even worse where the spirit of woke-ism is present. That is the reason why it is important for us to live for Jesus and talk about him to those 50% to get this number down. We have to be real or people will see right through us. If Jesus is the King of kings and you wanted to have a relationship with him, wouldn't you want to please him. He also wants to have a relationship with you. He can see your heart to know if you are real. We have to work to stay on that path to life while we continue developing our relationship with Jesus. Jesus desires for us who have found the path to bring that number down for those who are lost. Let's make Jesus proud. Proverbs 19:20-21 (New Living Translation) Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. 10/08/2025 How many people who are doing religious things but do not realize they may hear these words. Matthew 7:21-23 New Living Translation True Disciples 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Here is a testimony of one young man who discovered this could happen to him: "I went to Catholic school until I switched to public school in 8th grade. I went to church basically twice a week for 10 years. I was pretty religious throughout high school. However, I was still living for myself and doing what I wanted to do. I didn't realize any of what I was doing was wrong or the separation it was creating between God and me. It wasn't until I went to the Bible studies with an evangelist from Foundations Church that I realized I had not given my life to God yet. The more I read the Bible, the more I understood what I was doing was wrong. I knew that to fully give my life to Him I needed to change, but I could tell my heart was getting harder. At church, I asked that they pray for God to soften my heart. That night before I went to sleep, I felt a switch; it was like a flame inside me had been ignited. I decided then that I finally wanted to repent. On August 8th, I prayed to give my life to Jesus. Ever since that day I have felt more alive than ever. I have been shown time and time again that God is there for me. I was struggling hard with school at the end of the semester, and I was afraid I wouldn't get the grades I needed to maintain my scholarship. I prayed that I could get a 3.5 GPA so I could keep my scholarship, and I ended up getting exactly what I needed. I have never been happier in my life since I gave my life to God." -Jake It is work to live to know and serve Jesus but like Jake "I have never been happier in my life since I gave my life to God." Jesus is a GOOD King. Shouldn't he be treated like one? Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. 10/05/2025 Here is a verse that made me take a double take: Isaiah 55:6 NLT Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. I said to myself "God is always near." But then I read something in Jeremiah: Jeremiah 18:17 I will scatter my people before their enemies as the east wind scatters dust. And in all their trouble I will turn my back on them and refuse to notice their distress.” You can only push God so far with sin before he will be forced by anger to abandon us to a fate. Sometimes we push him so far that even when we say we are sorry that fate still occurs because he is so angry. Look at what happened with Israel and the Babylonians. That was a long 70 year period to allow God's anger to subside. Let's have reverent fear for our King now and not force his hand on our lives because we refuse to live like Jesus. God can be pushed too far! Isaiah 26:4 (New Living Translation) Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. 10/03/2025 Before Jesus Christ shed his blood for us, God's Spirit only entered into a few people. Since then, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for all of us. Now we have this: 1 Peter 1:3 (New Living Translation) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, Life is better for us today that anyone had before Jesus came. Jesus is so much more than the free gift of salvation. I am glad "Jesus is Lord!" 10/01/2025 If we truly believe that only God's opinion matters, this is a good verse to remember: Matthew 5:11-12 NLT “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. It may not be fun to experience this but if we endure it, God is well pleased. Jesus warned his disciples that: John 15:20 NLT Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. It is also a guide to how much we please God. The more we make the enemy angry is proportionate to how much we please God. Matthew 5:10 NLT God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Always think about what we do each day. Do our decisions honor God or man? Even though it is possible to do both, God's honor and glory should be first in all our decisions. Jesus is Lord! 09/30/2025 Many people talk about the wonderful gift of salvation that Jesus Christ gave by shedding his blood but shy away talking about the things he desires from us. This verse has some amazing things in it: Philippians 1:9-10 NLT I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. A. Love was the first thing mentioned. We could always love more, not only God, but people in general. B. "knowledge and understanding" - Even as old as I am I realize what I do not know and what I have learned about spiritual things. C. "live pure and blameless lives" - In order to have this one, we have to master the first two. Even if we mess up we can tell people we are sorry and mean it. This goes for Jesus too. But never give up on the "live pure and blameless lives". Jesus will not give up on you. Jesus is Lord! 09/25/2025 Even when we are trying to serving and obey God, this verse will always be true. It was written by Paul who was amazing when it came to spiritual things: Romans 3:23 NLT For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. When we fail, this is also true: 1 John 2:1 NLT My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. Definitely "Jesus is Lord" 09/24/2025 There has been a lot of interesting things happening since the passing of Charlie Kirk. The first thing is the time his life ended at 12:23. Look at what John had to say about this time: John 12:23 NLT 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I am beginning to see God's Glory moving in our own ministries and the world. Even our own deaths can bring glory to God: 2 Corinthians 4:14-15 NLT 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. I am hearing stories about Charlie's death bringing people to Christ. A woman who wanted nothing to do with Jesus was appalled with a certain parties celebration of his death. She knew that Charlie Kirk stood for Jesus and decided to open her husband's bible. It fell open to: John 8:32 NLT 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” She soon gave her life to Jesus Christ. A second thing I know of is my buddies dealing with a Drug Cartel in Denver. He has been witnessing to them for over three years. The boss had been watching things about Charlie Kirk on the TV. His 7 year old son was playing with his dad's business cards when he came across my buddies business card. It was cool looking and he asked his dad who this guy was. He said, "He witnesses to gangs and college students." His son replied, "Just like the man who was murdered on TV." Instantly, just as they had talked about Charlie's family on TV, he began seeing his family in a new light. He asked his son for that card and told his men what he was going to do. They all wanted what he was about to do. He then called my buddy and said, "My men and I want to give our hearts to Jesus today. Can you meet us?" Today this cartel is serving the Lord. I have no idea how many people are coming to Jesus today just because one man stood for Jesus Christ. Lord, I pray that as we live our life for you that we can have the same effect on other people just based on how we lived. Charlie proved it could be done but it requires living for Jesus wherever we go. People will notice if we are fakes so let's keep it real. Jesus is Lord! 09/24/2025 God sees, God judges and God restores My friend, I want to tell you something tonight that is as real as the ground beneath your feet. God sees everything. Nothing escapes his sight. Proverbs 15:3 NLT 3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. The Bible declares in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place. Keeping watch on the evil and the good." That means no secret, no line, no betrayal, is hidden from him. He sees your pain. He sees the injustice. He sees the tears that fall in the dark when no one else notices. Sometimes, when we are wronged or when someone slanders us and when betrayal cuts deep, we wonder, "God, do you see? Do you care?" The answer from scripture is a resounding "Yes". He is not blind and he is not absent. He is the God who sees. Just as Hagar in the wilderness lifted her eyes and called him El-roi (the God who sees me), so can you. But seeing is not all he does. He also acts. God's justice is flawless. Human justice is weak, swayed by money, power or pride but God judges with perfect righteousness. Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! Deuteronomy 32:4 says, "He is the rock. His works are perfect in all his ways are just. He does not make mistakes. He does not ignore evil. He does not overlook sin and he will never allow the wicked to escape his judgment." You may look around and wonder why liars prosper, why the corrupt seem to rise, Why those who do evil appear to go free? Psalms 37 answers, "Do not fret because of evildoers, for they will soon wither like the green herb." God's timing is not ours. He is patient, giving people space to repent. But patience is not weakness. The day of reckoning will come. Pharaoh thought he was invincible, yet God brought him down in the Red sea. Hayman plotted against God's people, yet he perished on the very gallows he built. God always has the last word. This is why the bible warns us in Romans: Romans 12:19 NLT 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Do not take revenge my dear friends but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written "It is mine to avenge. I will repay." says the Lord. Vengeance is not ours. It belongs to him. When we try to carry it, it poisons us. It makes us bitter. It traps us in anger. But when we release it to God, we are free. He is the judge and he never fails. Look at Joseph, betrayed by his brother, sold into slavery, falsely accused and thrown into prison. If ever a man had reason to take revenge, it was Joseph. But years later, standing in power before the very men who had wronged him. He said, "You meant it for evil. But God ment it for good." Genesis 50:20 NLT 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. That is the perspective of faith, the ability to trust that God can take betrayal and turn it into blessing. What the enemy intends for harm, God can use for salvation. Then there is forgiveness. Jesus said in Matthew: Matthew 6:14-15 NLT 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. If you forgive others when they sent against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your father forgive your sins. Forgiveness is not optional. It is commanded. Why? Because unforgiveness keeps us chained to the very hurt we long to escape. It is like drinking poison and hoping the other person suffers. Jesus hanging on the cross, beaten and mocked, looked at his enemies and prayed, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 NLT 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”[a] And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. That is divine forgiveness and he calls us to do the same. Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or pretending nothing happened. It means placing the matter in God's hands. It means refusing to let bitterness rule your heart. It means trusting him to be your defender, your judge, your redeemer and here is the good news "God restores". Job lost everything; his wealth, his health and even his children. Yet, Job remained faithful. The Bible says, "The Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as before." Job 42:10 NLT 10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Joseph lost years of his life but God elevated him to save a nation. Naomi lost her husband and sons, but God gave her a grandson through Ruth, restoring her joy friend. What have you lost, a relationship, an opportunity, or a dream. God is still in the business of restoration. Joel 2:25 NLT 25 The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten only God can give back what time and sin and sorrow have taken away and he does it perfectly. He does not merely return what was lost but he makes it better. He turns ashes into beauty. He takes mourning and gives joy. He takes brokenness and brings wholeness. So tonight, remember this: God sees, God judges, God restores. The enemies that rise against you are in his hands. The pain you carry is not wasted. The loss you feel is not the end of the story. Trust him. Forgive those who hurt you. Leave vengeance in his hands and believe that he will restore more than you ever dreamed. Because at the cross, justice and mercy met. Jesus bore the penalty of sin, defeated death and opened the door to new life. The same savior who rose from the grave, is alive today watching over you ready to carry your burdens and make all things new. Will you trust him with your enemies? Will you surrender your pain? Will you let him restore your life? In honor of Billy Graham 09/23/2025 Even as powerful our God is, it is possible to hurt him by human wickedness: Genesis 6:5-6 NLT 5 The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. I bet many of you have experienced a broken heart yourself. It hurts you just like it hurts God. We have to ability through Jesus Christ to counter wickedness. All these things will put joy in God's heart: Deuteronomy 30:10 NLT The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. Start living like Jesus and "Just do it!" Psalm 147:11 NLT No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Proverbs 11:1 NLT The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights. God loves it every time we are honest and respectful. Proverbs 11:20 NLT The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity. God loves it every time we show character. Proverbs 12:22 NLT The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. God loves it every time we tell the truth. Something the world has forgotten. Proverbs 15:8 NLT The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. God loves the communication through prayer. Especially if we do it before we begin our day. Always pray in a fashion where his name is honored. Proverbs 15:26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. If Jesus wouldn't do it, you should not do it either. God loves good plans. God sees everything good and bad at the same time. The bad things God sees does not interfere with the worship we give him. We have his undivided attention. Let's start filling God hearts with the things he likes to see to counter the evil of this world. Jesus is Lord! 09/22/2025 The habits that grieve the heart of GodEach morning when you open your eyes, you are given a gift, the gift of a new day. The first steps you take, the first thoughts you allow, the first choices you make will set the course for everything that follows. Many people never stop to consider this. They rise in a rush. They then reach for their phones. They dive into the world's noise before ever turning their hearts to God. And yet, the way you begin your day matters deeply to the Lord. The Bible says, this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NKJV 24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. But for so many joy never enters their mornings because they've already allowed habits that grieve the spirit of God to take root. Habits that seem small but carry eternal weight. The first of these is neglecting prayer. Prayer is not an option for the believer. It is the lifeline of the soul. To skip prayers is to tell God, "I can do this on my own." But my friend, we cannot. We are weak, frail and vulnerable without him. Jesus himself prayed constantly. If the sinless Son of God needed prayer, how much more do we. When you begin your day without prayer, you walk into battle unarmed, exposed to temptation, weighed down by burdens that God never intended for you to carry. The second is filling the mind with the world's distractions. Too often before the hands are folded in prayer, they are scrolling through screens. Before Gods word is read, the news and the noise of social media flood the heart. The result is anxiety, comparison, and fear. The world shouts, "You are not enough. You do not have enough. You will never be enough." But God whispers, "You are mine." The Bible commands us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 NLT 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. What you allow into your mind each morning shapes your entire day. The third thing is harboring unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is poison to the soul. It begins as a wound, but if left unhealed it festers into bitterness and bitterness shuts the heart away from gods love. Jesus said plainly, "If you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:15 NLT 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Those are sobering words. Many people wake up each morning rehearsing old hurts, replaying betrayals, carrying resentment as if it were shield. But unforgiveness is not a shield, it is a chain. It binds you to the past and blinds you to the blessings of the present. God has called you to let it go. Not because the offense was small but because his grace is greater. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom. The fourth is living without gratitude. How tragic it is to wake up each day with breath in your lungs, food on your table, family around you and yet never pause to give thanks to the one who gave it all. Ingratitude hardens the heart. It blinds you to God's blessings and robs you of joy. These Istaelites were delivered from slavery, fed by God's own hands and led by his presence, and yet they grumbled. Their ingratitude kept them wandering in the wilderness. The Bible commands us to give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ, Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Gratitude is not reserved for the good days. It is the posture of the believer's heart in every season. My friend these 4 habits: [prayerlessness, distraction unforgiveness and ingratitude] are not small matters. They are spiritual dangers. They draw you away from Gods presence and leave you vulnerable to the enemy's schemes. But the good news is this, "What the enemy uses to separate you, God can use to draw you back." The moment you choose to pray. The moment you set aside the world's noise to hear his word. The moment you release bitterness and choose forgiveness. The moment you lift your heart and gratitude, everything changes. Jesus Christ is made a way for you to walk in freedom, peace and joy. The cross has broken every chain, the resurrection secured your victory and the Spirit of God longs to fill your mournings with his presence. But you must choose him. Each day begins with a decision, "Will you walk in your own strength or will you walk in his?" Do not wait until tomorrow. Do not assume you can push it off another day. Start today. Begin your mornings with prayer. Fill your mind with scripture. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Give thanks for every blessing, large and small. And as you do, you will discover that the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ, Jesus. In Honor of Billy Graham. 09/21/2025 Trusting God in every season of life Wherever you are and whatever season of life you may be walking through, I welcome you to this sacred moment. Right now just pause and take a deep breath. The very fact that you have made it to this moment is a blessing from God. Life isn't always easy. Some of you are students carrying silently the heavy weight of expectations. Some of you are parents trying to balance many responsibilities while staying strong for your families. Others may be in retirement wondering what comes next, longing to feel useful again. Seasons may differ, but one truth binds us all together. We all need to trust God more deeply. In Genesis 12:1 The Call of Abram 12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. we read of Abraham. God called him to leave his country, his people and his father's household, and to go to a land that he would show him. There were no directions, no map, no timeline, just a promise. Abraham went. That was radical trust. I think of Joseph betrayed by his own brothers. He was sold into slavery, wrongly accused and thrown into prison. Yet years later, Joseph stood in a position of authority in Egypt and declared to those very brothers; you intended to harm me but God intended it for good: Genesis 50:20 NLT 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. His pain had a purpose. His story did not end in a pit. It ended in a palace. My friend, what about you? What fears are you still carrying? What burden rests heavy on your heart? What are you clinging to that God is asking you to release today? The invitation of scripture is clear. Lay it all down and trust that God knows what he is doing. His plans are always higher than ours and his ways are always good. Let us now turn our hearts to pray: Heavenly father, gracious and loving God, we come before you today with praise on our lips and gratitude in our hearts. You are our refuge and our rock and our shelter in the storm. You are the creator of heaven and earth. The one who set the stars in place and calls them by name. And yet, you know us, you know our thoughts, our struggles, our hopes, and even the words we are too afraid to speak out. Thank you for being holy, kind, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and rich and love. Father, we thank you for waking us up this morning. Thank you for the breath in our lungs. The beat of our hearts and the chance to begin again. Your word says that your mercy's are new every morning and great is your faithfulness. Even when we falter, you remain constant. Even when life shifts around us, your love never changes. Lord, we come to you as we are imperfect and weak but willing. Forgive us for the times we have strayed from your will. Forgive us when we acted in fear instead of faith when we leaned on our own understanding instead of trusting you. Wash us clean father. Create in us pure hearts and renew right spirits within us. Help us to walk in the freedom and grace that Jesus secured for us at the cross. And as you forgive us, help us to forgive others. Remove bitterness from our hearts. Heal the places that are broken. Fill us with peace that surpasses all understanding. As we face the hours ahead, grant us wisdom in every decision whether large or small. We want to acknowledge you. Show us the way we should go. Open the doors that no one can shut and close the doors that are not of you. Keep us from fear of the unknown. For we know that you go before us. Father, we bring you our worries, concerns about health, finances, family and the future. We remember that you are Jehovah Jireh our provider. You gave manna from heaven, water from the rocks and multiplied loaves and fish. You have not changed. You are still the God of miracles. Provide for us Lord. Heal us when we are sick. Strengthen us when we are weak. Comfort us when we are weary. Protect our loved ones. Keep them safe, meet their needs and draw them closer to you. But we also ask for your protection today. Place upon us the full armor of God, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. Guard our minds. Guard our hearts. Keep our steps steady in your path. Holy Spirit, fill every part of our day. Guide our thoughts, shape our words and lead our actions. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Let us shine as lights in a dark world, reflecting the love and grace of Christ wherever we go. When discouragement comes, remind us of your promises. When weakness overtakes us, remind us that your strength is made perfect in weakness. When loneliness sets in, remind us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Use us Lord. Use our words, our time, our talents for your glory. Let our lives point others back to you. So, we close this prayer resting in your love. We may not know what this day holds, but we know the one who holds it. We place every fear, every hope, every plan into your hands. Thank you for hearing us even when words fail. Thank you for being faithful always in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen In honor of Billy Graham 09/19/2025 Here is a verse that most of you probably have memorized: Matthew 6:33 NLT 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Have you thought about this part, "he will give you everything you need."? It is explained here: Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NLT Blessings for Obedience 28 “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God: 3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed. 4 Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. 5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. 6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed. 7 “The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! 8 “The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. 9 “If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. 10 Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you. 11 “The Lord will give you prosperity in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, blessing you with many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops. 12 The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. 13 If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. 14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today, nor follow after other gods and worship them. Look at all the things God will do if we truly seek his Kingdom 1st. We may experience some trials along the way getting there. But remember, if we do not obey him and seek his Kingdom 1st, a curse will replace each blessing. That is not good! 09/18/2025 This verse definitely is not worldly. Philippians 2:3-4 NLT Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. This is how the world sees things: UnPhilippians 2:3-4 WLT 3 Always take the best whenever you can. To be cool you need to show off or you will be ignored. If you let your guard down you will be crushed by others. 4 You should only worry about your own interests if you ever want to climb the ladder of success. Everyone is your enemy. One verse is through the eyes of Jesus the other is the world. This one is for me too. Some of the things I have to admit to are: 1. In a buffet, leaving the burnt edges for some one else to take. 2. Driving a clean muscle car to show off. 3. Even though 10% of the population might be able beat me, the rest do not have a chance. 4. I will finish up here before I can help you. Let Jesus and the Holy Spirit make the spiritual one the only part of your life.
