One For The Vine

"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me - and I in him - bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing." John 15:5

Being somewhat knowledgeable about the process of how to make wine, I was always amazed at how rapidly the grape vines grow and blossom each spring to produce a fresh harvest. In one of Jesus' most commonly known parables, He taught His disciples that He is the True Vine.

The disciples were made aware of Jesus' departure, so He wanted to instill in His followers that there was much work to do after His going away. If they were to carry on the work of the Lord, they needed to know how to produce that kind of fruit in their lives. The same holds true for each of us today.

We are well over 2000 years removed from the night Jesus taught the parable of the vine, but yet the Lord's work continues on. You see, we must learn that Jesus is the vine, meaning we must submit and abide to His will. Being separated from Him is like telling Him, " Thanks, but NO thanks. I can do this on my own." Try removing a branch from a grape vine. Eventually it will wither and die. Again, the same is true for us.

Jesus desires to live through each of us so that we will bear fruit unto the Heavenly Father...

Simple

You were wearied with the length of your way in trying to find rest and satisfaction in alliance apart from the true God, yet you did not say, there is no result or profit.  Isaiah 57:10

We have a close friend who always seems to complain about not having enough time to do everything they want to do.  Boy, have I used that excuse many times before?!!  It's not that we don't have enough time, it's that our once simple lives have become too complex in doing trivial things that eat away at our schedules.  How/when does life move away from being simple to something so complex?  It is relative to where we are in our journey. 

I recall thinking how stressful college was; having to balance showing up for class in between Phish and Widespread Panic shows, going out four and five nights a week, waiting tables, and working as a disc jockey.  Looking back, I had it made!  I didn't have the pressures of performing in my career and a family to support.  Then again, I wasn't exactly walking the straight and narrow path either, but that's another story for another day.

The above verse from Isaiah states "You are wearied out through the multiplicity of your ways."   It is widely accepted in today's society that more is always better, but at what cost?  Are we truly following God's will for our lives when we are so busy filling our days with our self-centered agendas?  I believe the answer is a resounding "NO."

Instead of making everything difficult and centered around ourselves, we should simplify and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that comes from following God's plan for our lives. 

"Fear, mismanaged, leads to sin.  Sin leads to hiding.  Since we've all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness.  We avoid contact with God." -Max Lucado

Soulshine

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

Can you name someone you know-a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, that just lights up a room with their presence?  That person should actually be you or me.  Let me explain....the life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit cannot help but be noticed.  When we have the Spirit dwelling within our souls, it should shine brightly for all to see.

We live in some dark times and what this world needs desperately is to see men and women living their lives as an example to others, breaking the "norm."

How different a place this world would be if people saw more husbands that were committed to their wives and vice versa, parents who were more lovingly involved with their children, businessmen and women who valued integrity over self-interests and money?

Let your soul shine!

William, It Was Really Nothing

The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid?  The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from dangers, so why should I tremble?  Psalm 27:1

Just a few nights ago, it rained in Knoxville, so I did my best to coax our children into watching, E.T., one of my favorite movies of all-time.  I told my oldest son the story of how E.T. was left behind on earth and a little boy that shared Elliott's name found him and brought the alien home to live with him.  It was "all systems go" until Elliott asked to see the DVD packaging.  When he saw E.T.'s glowing finger, he became scared for some strange reason.  (Heck, I can't say anything, I was scared to death during the Super-Bowl when Michael Jackson debuted his classic Thriller video back in the 80’s!)

You see, fear turns our focus away from God and towards the troubles that intimidate us.  We must learn to look at our fears and troubles as opportunities to rely on God for His help, guidance, and all-mighty power.

There is no problem that is too big for our loving Father who promises to save and deliver His people!

Opportunities

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are.  You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you.  Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”  Genesis 41: 39-40

Without a doubt, responsibility is one of the keys to opening the doors of opportunity.  In the above passage from Genesis, Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison and could have easily become bitter and done nothing.  Instead, he utilized every opportunity to earn other people’s trust because of his responsibility and eventually rose to great prominence in Egypt.

We must learn to conduct the mundane and minor aspects of our everyday lives in such a manner so that we too will be given greater opportunities. 

Our 5.5 year old has recently started doing chores to earn a weekly allowance.  He is learning that he will be rewarded for doing simple tasks such as cleaning up his toys and making his bed each day in addition to learning the value of money.

As adults and believers in the body of faith, we must also go about our daily routines with responsibility so that we can expect greater opportunities in the future.

Lunge Forward

…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2

Today’s Daily DEVO has been a few days in the making.  I have noticed that when God wants to make a point with me, He repeats Himself quite a bit, just like I sometimes do with my own children.  The past few weeks have been crazy busy between work and home (all is well, of course) but I have lost my focus on Jesus in some ways…

Yesterday’s devotional from the exceptional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, used the analogy of a spinning ballerina keeping her eyes focused on a fixed point to maintain her balance.  We too, must do the same.

Despite our circumstances or hectic schedules, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.  If we focus our gaze on our circumstances for too long, we will become confused and dizzy.

Focus on Jesus and maintain your footing, steady and sure!

Under Pressure

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.  I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.   Matthew 11:28

Many people today are stressed out far beyond anything a human being was ever meant to endure.  Chalk it up to both husbands and wives working more to ‘keep up with the Jones’ in addition to balancing their home lives, but many people, us included, are some stressed-out individuals.

We are all created different, uniquely created by God’s design.  What is difficult for me may be simple for someone else, and vice versa.    Unfortunately, if you are like me, it’s hard to resist comparing and contrasting ourselves with other people.

Jesus was not stressed out.  Then again, He was not controlled by His circumstances or the demands of other people, either.  In John 14:6, Jesus simply states, “I am the Way.”  And you know what? He’s right-His way is the way to peace, joy, and righteousness.

The next time you feel like you are under immense pressure, ask yourself how would Jesus have you handle things?  Allow Him to fill your soul and learn to take His approach to life and it’s never-ending challenges!

Anything Is Possible

With God's help we will do mighty things.  Psalm 60:12

When I look back on problems that I have faced or trials that were extremely difficult, I have never felt like there was a single moment that God was not with me every step of the way.  Despite some insurmountable odds, the problems we face may seem too large for us to handle on our own.  The good news is that there is no problem, circumstance, crisis or situation larger than our Loving Father.

While impossible situations make you understand how limited your resources truly are and exhaust your strength, they set the stage for God to do the unimaginable-all by using His supernatural power to work miracles,  show His love, offer forgiveness, meet needs, and change lives.

Some situations seem impossible, but with God, anything is possible.

Hold On

"Not as I will, but as You will." –Jesus Christ,  Matthew 26:39

The above statement was Jesus' final submission to God in the garden of Gethsemane before He was taken captive by a large crowd of armed men who ultimately led Him to His death on the cross after He was brutally beaten, publicly humiliated, and tortured.

I have a bad habit of selfishly asking God to answer my prayers in the way that I would like them to be answered.  Even when He gives me clear direction, I still do not always remain obedient and follow His will.  Regardless, I truly believe that the content of our prayers is less important to Him rather than our willingness to actually obey Him.

I can't begin to imagine what Jesus must have felt that night in Gethsemane.  The fear of knowing that His death was close at hand...seeing one of His Twelve disciples betray Him with a kiss and turn Him over to an armed mob.  Despite all of this, He remained faithful and obedient to God's will...even to the point of death.

We may not ever face a life or death decision, but God wants us to come to a place where we trust Him fully and obey Him, with every aspect of our lives.

On Our Side

If God is for us, who can be against us?  Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?  Romans 8:31

Looking back on my life on this earth, I have wasted a great amount of time and effort being a "people pleaser" and not necessarily following what God has planned for me.  The most striking difference in being a "God pleaser" rather than a "people pleaser" is that we don't have to depend on our own futile human efforts to earn favor with God.

Come to think of it, why does it really matter what people think of us?  (It is easier said than done!) Our weaknesses and inabilities do not matter to God in the least bit.  With God, there is no hidden agenda, no list of talents and abilities that you need, only your availability.  Simply stated, God is looking for people who are willing and able to yield to His lead.

Let God shape who you are, what your perception is and what path you need to take in your relationships and career.  He always keeps His promise and takes care of His people and will never fail to deliver you from adversity!

Slip Sliding Away

I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.  Acts 24:14

Have you ever contemplated just how short our time on this earth really is?  We should make the most of our time here, but all too often, we let time slip away from us and we don't follow the path that God intends us to follow.

To live without regrets, we must choose to live in such a way that we do our very best in every task and with every relationship. We must choose to love and obey God's commands; they weren't written to restrict us, but are there for our protection and to unlock His many blessings.

We must choose to forgive people who have hurt or harmed us freely.  And lastly, we must choose to follow God's will and not our own.

The Best of What's Around

I will be filled with joy because of you.  I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:2

As a Christian, it is easy sometimes to view aspects of life with their appropriate seriousness-sin and its consequences, fighting against evil, etc., but sometimes we overlook some of the great delights of being a follower of Christ.

I have enjoyed running for several years now.  A few months ago, I began experiencing some painful discomfort in the heel of my left foot which eventually led me to talk to my doctor who informed me that I have plantar fasciitis.  My doctor advised me to take some time off from running to ease the pain.  This news was certainly disappointing to me as I had been training for the recent Knoxville Half-Marathon that took place earlier this month. 

I have been able to work out every day, but I have since incorporated different physical activities such as riding my bike and swimming into my routine.  At first, I was angry that I could not run as much, but now have really gotten into biking and weight training and actually feel like I am in better shape. 

The point I am trying to make is that life sometimes makes an unexpected turn, or things don’t always happen the way we would like for them to.  God, however, is constant in His love for each of us and regardless of our circumstances, has a plan for us.   He made this wonderful world for us to live in and enjoy and wants us to serve Him enthusiastically and filled with joy.

Let us not lose our perspective on being able to enjoy the journey that God has planned for us, even if it is not the way we would necessarily have it.

No Reply At All

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.  2 Thessalonians 3:5

Recently, in seeking God's wisdom and guidance about a situation, I began to grow tired and frustrated because I just couldn't seem to hear an answer.  In fact, I felt like I was hearing other people's insight, but not God's.  It finally dawned on me that I was neglecting an important aspect of my faith walk by not digging deeper into the Word, hence the reason I was not feeling God's nudge either way.

God can and will speak His truths into our lives if we allow Him to.  When seeking Him, He will always move us closer to His will and His never ending love.  He always leads us to what is right, never wrong, and His answers to our prayers are clear cut, definitive, and absolute.

If you think you can truly seek God by only showing up to church on Sundays or just praying your personal wish list, save yourself some time and frustration by incorporating God's Word into your daily routine.

Gimmie A Little Sign

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  James 1:5

Have you ever asked God for a sign?  Looking back, there have been many instances where I have asked God to perform a miracle so that his guidance was crystal clear.  While God sometimes works that way, many times he does not.

The best road map or guidance for our lives can be found in His Word by reading the Bible.  If you are looking for guidance in any situation, study the Bible.  If you want God to personally guide your steps, study the Bible.  At the expense of sounding cliché, God intended the Bible to serve as our guidebook for getting through life.

God also wants us to have faith in him and trust him every step of the way.  In summary, we are to read the Bible, ask God what to do next, and then take a step of faith each and every day.  God promises to lead us and guide us in the right direction!

Could You Be Loved?

That the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  John 17:23

I had a meeting with a potential client this last week and felt that I showed poorly.  It was a difficult task, as I went into the meeting with only a small amount of information and still had many more questions that I needed to answer before I could possibly provide firm insurance rates for this organization's group benefit program.  Leaving the meeting I felt like a failure, despite my manager telling me that I did an outstanding job.  Have you ever felt that way?  How do we know we are valuable?

The answer is found at the cross.  Our youngest son was playing with the cross that I wear on my neck and it got me thinking about the reality of what Jesus' death by crucifixion really means.  If we weren't valuable to God, He wouldn't have sent His beloved Son to die on the cross to save us from certain death.

If you are ever feeling down or unloved or that you are not valuable, look no further than the cross and understand that you are worthy and loved!

The Seeker

You will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.  Deuteronomy 4:29

Being a creature of habit, I like to keep to my same and familiar routines in the mornings.  Feeling somewhat convicted about not seeking God more by spending time in His Word, I read Luke 11 yesterday morning and, as always, that verse was exactly the one I needed for the day that awaited me.

To seek God means to pursue Him as the only source of definitive truth and wisdom.  Instead of letting our problems pile up and seeking God out of desperation, how different would our lives be if we sought Him first and foremost in all matters?

To seek God and His way puts us on the path of a life that is blessed and pleasing to Him.

The Seeds of Love

Who with reason despises the day of small things?  Zechariah 4:10

Let's face it, if you have ever had any experience in sales, some days are better than others.  This is true in any occupation or career, but quite often, the sales cycle in the employee benefits arena is long and taxing.  You can work on an account or case for several months only to find out that you didn't win the business.

From the motion picture Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby, Ricky Bobby’s dad said it best, "If you ain't first, you're LAST!" Recently, there have been some small signs of growth that look promising...seeds that were planted over the past few years here in Knoxville are finally starting to sprout opportunities for me and I know just Who to thank.

I believe, wholeheartedly, that God plants these small seeds.  Too often, we want immediate results or whatever it is that we are facing to come to pass too quickly.  When you find evidence of those small seeds that the good Lord has planted, you should rejoice with hope knowing that God has bigger and greater things in store for you.

God never breaks His promises to us and He always finishes what He starts.  Just think about it, be thankful, and hold on with hope!! He is preparing to do something great in your life!

Fortress Around Your Heart

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I trust!  Psalm 91:2

Too often, we as believers seem to forget that we are ready to face anything with Christ, who infuses inner strength into each one of us.

You see, when we trust God, we don’t have to be afraid of the enemy’s sudden attacks and the unexpected turns that we will inevitably face at some point during our lives.  God is our strong fortress.

No matter what may come against us, we can live with peace of mind knowing that we will never be defeated!

Limb By Limb

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7

Alicia and I both enjoy working on improving our yard each spring.  Last year, we planted several Leland Cypresses and a Weeping Willow in our backyard.  I came across an old photo of the kids playing in the yard and couldn't help but notice how much the trees have begun to grow.  It got me thinking, just like picking out the right spot for trees to have optimal growth, we also need to plant our roots firmly around God’s Word and will for our lives.

If you are like me, you have no problem turning over the bigger issues to God.  That’s great, but God wants us to trust Him with every detail of our lives.   When we focus on our circumstances, we take our focus off of Jesus Christ.  We must learn to keep our focus on God’s presence at all times, during every circumstance, every moment of the day.

Jesus made the ultimate love sacrifice to save us from certain death and He can be trusted in every facet of our lives!

Got To Give It Up

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings-and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.  Revelation 17:14

Ask yourself this very difficult question...is Jesus the Lord of everything in your life or only a few things?  If I am completely honest, my answer would be along the lines of: “He is the Lord over some of my marriage, some of my parenting, some of my finances, some of my career, some of my relationships; etc.”  The problem with my answer is that Jesus wants to be the Lord over ALL things in my life, and He wants the same for you as well.  

The titles "Lord of Lords" and "King of Kings" are not just some empty Holy-roller words used to describe Jesus, but they are appropriate for the One who is the Lord over all things in this universe, time, each and every circumstance and situation.  If you have accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, then there is never a single moment the rest of your life that He will not be in complete control making sure that all things come together for your good, in accordance to His perfect will and timing.

We must learn to let go of the control we so desperately try to manage in every area of our lives and turn it over to the One who really is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings!  

Human Touch

The spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has chosen me.  He has commissioned me to encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners.  Isaiah 61:1

As normal, I felt energized after a great morning of worship on Easter Sunday.  Nearly two weeks into April, the celebration of the resurrection is a distant memory in many people’s minds and life has returned back to its normal and hectic pace.  In an effort to continue building upon our Savior’s resurrection and what it means to all believers, I began pondering why God chose to come in the form of His Son in human flesh to this earth… 

I am convinced that in addition to showing us His love for us, it was also God's divine way of proving that He is truly concerned about our human needs.  Jesus walked and lived among us, God in flesh form, and experienced the same temptations, struggles, and triumphs we did.  He never once sinned, but during His time on this earth, came to a much greater understanding of the human condition.

No other 'god' offers the same love, understanding, and sacrifice that our loving Father freely gives to each one of us through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Good Thing

The communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  Philemon 1:6

We all have someone in our lives-a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker, that seems to be down and out and full of negativity.  The truth is that God never intended for His children to act this way.  You see, the communication of our faith is made effectual by acknowledging every good thing that is in you through Christ Jesus, not by rambling on about everything that is wrong with you.

The enemy wants us to spend every waking moment of our lives pondering how awful we are.  He will stop at nothing to direct our focus from who we are in Christ to all of our many shortcomings.  His intentions are for us to believe that because of our faults, we are worthless.

There is a saying that we should “count our blessings.”  We should count our blessings and we also need to remember that we are a new creation in Jesus Christ and an ongoing work in progress.  Start acknowledging the good things that are inside of you because of Jesus Christ.

Stay Strong

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.  We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.  Colossians 1: 10-11

My patience has been tested lately for a various number of reasons.   Most of everything I seem to be waiting on is out of my control, so I have had no other choice but to rely on God in faith through many hopeful prayers.

The truth is that we all have the fuel we need to persevere in this life through the never-ending power of God that is working in each of us.  As we become more obedient and more in tune with our loving Father, His power will strengthen us and ignite our abilities to persevere.

The best news is that we don’t just endure with God’s help, but we persevere with joy!  Thanks be to God!!!

New Attitude

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.  He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross!  Philippians 2:5-8

I was driving back to Knoxville after a meeting in Maryville recently when a fairly large tow truck pulled out onto Alcoa Highway in front of me nearly causing a collision.  Luckily, I remembered that my car had a Cokesbury Church magnet on my back bumper or I would have probably reacted a bit more harshly.  There was a steady stream of traffic yesterday and I am sure the driver of the tow truck had grown impatient in waiting, but to risk a major accident is just uncalled for.  It's no wonder the number of "Road Rage" cases in the United States keeps growing larger and larger each and every year.

Twenty years ago, "Road Rage" wasn't even a commonly known phrase.  So what's happened?  Are we so used to having things instantly that we have forgotten what it is like to be patient and actually have to wait for something?  Coming from the horrid driving conditions I became accustomed to when we lived in Atlanta, the driving conditions in Knoxville aren’t really that bad.  Unfortunately, far too many people have no consideration for other people on the road nowadays.  Mix that together with advances in modern technology and we as a society don't understand the meaning of steadfastness or patience.  I believe that some of us even have a God-complex of our own. "My schedule is the only one that matters."  "I must get to where I am going, who cares about the person I just cut off on the exit ramp."  Sound familiar?

Take Paul's words about Jesus' attitude to heart...here is the Son of God, the One who can summon all the angels in heaven at any given moment, walking among us on this earth, going through the same struggles and trials that we all deal with to this very day.

Jesus did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped.  Even more amazing, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross! You can't make this stuff up...He was, is, and will always be the genuine article.  His attitude is the one we should all try and replicate in our own lives.  I need to remember this the next time I sit behind the wheel of my car to drive, or when my wife calls me to see how my day is going, or when things are not going the way I'd like them to at the office, and so on and so on....imagine how different things would be if we had Jesus' attitude!

Help!

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too.  For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.  1 Peter 4:1

Have you ever been asked to do something or set out to achieve something but felt like giving up?  I know that I certainly have and there are still things that I regret in which were unfortunately never completed.  When God calls us to a task, we should never give up.  Not only would you miss the blessing of finishing and reaching your goal, but not trusting God's promise may result in some sort of loving discipline from Him as well.

Just because God wants or asks you to do something does not mean that it will be easy.  The more important the task, the higher degree of difficulty it will often become.  Don't give up when the going gets tough.  Keep moving forward in faith; God is good to His people and will always answer the call to help!

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

I look up toward the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth!  The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand.  The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night.  Psalm 121:1-2, 5-6

Have you ever wondered why we sometimes experience unrest when we are alone?  Some people, out of desperation, move in and out of relationships to fill the void of emptiness.  Others fill the void with substances like drugs and alcohol.  In my journey, I have been guilty of both until I began to realize that I was created to be in fellowship with God.  In fact, all of us are created to be in fellowship with our loving Father.

Simply put, God did not make us to go through life on our own; He wants us to have relationships with other people, but the number one relationship He wants us to enjoy is one with Him.  When we attempt to have our needs met apart from God, our efforts are futile and lead only to major disappointment and despair.  God is the only One who is capable of filling the emptiness of the human heart.

Only God can meet our deepest longings and needs for the love that we all need.

Too Much Time On My Hands

You were wearied with the length of your way in trying to find rest and satisfaction in alliance apart from the true God, yet you did not say, there is no result or profit.  Isaiah 57:10

We have a close friend who always seems to complain about not having enough time to do all that they want to do.  I am occasionally guilty of feeling that way too, especially when there are deadlines to meet and not enough hours in the day.  

It's not that we don't have enough time, it's just that our simple lives have become too complex in doing trivial things that eat away at our schedules.  How or when does life move away from being simple to something so complex?  I believe that it is relative to where we are in our journey.

I remember thinking how stressful my life was during college; having to balance showing up for class in between Phish and Widespread Panic shows, going out four and five nights a week, waiting tables, and working as a disc jockey.  (Looking back, I really had it made!)  I didn't have the pressures of performing at work and a family to support.  Then again, I wasn't exactly walking the straight and narrow path either, but that's another story for another day.

The above verse from Isaiah states "You are wearied out through the multiplicity of your ways."   It is widely accepted in today's society that more is always better, but at what cost?  Are we truly following God's will for our lives when we are so busy filling our days with our self-centered agendas and schedules?  I believe the answer is a resounding "NO."

Instead of making everything difficult and centered around ourselves, we should simplify and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that comes from following God's plan for our lives. 

"Fear, mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding. Since we've all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness.  We avoid contact with God." -Max Lucado

Your Time Is Gonna Come

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage-I have conquered the world.”  -Jesus Christ (John 16:33)

If you are at all like me, then you like to work things out before their respective times have come.  It’s human nature to think ahead and plan for such; it’s ingrained in much of our thinking as we are all taught this by the world.  We must learn to live in the present day, as difficult as it is, and learn to accept the limitations of each day.

We must focus on the agenda for each day and this requires us seeking our loving Father to know what is part of His plan for us-remembering that there is a time for everything.   

A life focused on God’s Presence is not complicated; it’s one that is full of peace knowing that Jesus has overcome and conquered this messy world that we live in.  Thanks be to God!

Even It Up

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.  Romans 12:19

I am big fan of AMC Series “The Walking Dead.” The season three finale just aired on Sunday and it got me thinking a lot about revenge.

Seeking revenge is a basic instinct of our sinful nature.  Whether we are cut off by someone in traffic or treated unfairly by a coworker or neighbor, our gut response is revenge.  God makes it clear that vengeance should be left to him alone.

He promises to make all wrongs right and to rid this world of evil on Judgment Day.  For a moment, think about Jesus as He hung from the cross, dying an excruciating and brutal death.  Imagine how the disciples that witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion first hand must have wanted to seek revenge.

Jesus gives us all the best example of responding to injustice by responding with patience and kindness and leaving the punishment and judgment to His Father.

Still The Same

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

The empty tomb is more significant than we can possibly fathom.  It is the one thing that separates the Christian faith from any other religion.  Because Jesus defeated the grave and conquered death, He is always with us, today, tomorrow and forever more.  

We all celebrate our risen Savior on Easter, but what about the remainder of the year?  

I truly believe that the problem rests on us when we feel separated from God's presence, as His love for us is constant and is always with us.  His perfect Love is flowing from the cross into each of our hearts, so we must live in His presence despite the circumstances we face on a daily basis!

Praise His holy name!!!