Good morning and happy Friday. I woke up with a terrible headache yesterday and made it through noon at work before going home for the day to die. It got me thinking about our prayers over the sick for healing, which was brought up in Wednesday night Bible study. The verse brought up and the part of that that stands out is the key to it all. 2 Chron. 7:14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. The key word is humble. If His people humble themselves He will hear. We all can seek Him we all have turned from our sins but have we really humbled ourselves. That's a tough one. What does it mean to humble yourself? It might be different for all of us but I don't think so. In our group it wen from putting God first to various other things. Jesus was our example as He walked this earth. He was humble. Note that it obviously doesn't mean weak or powerless. He had no home, no food of His own, in today's terms He would be a bum. That's sad that we've moved that far away from Him. But being a bum doesn't make us humble either. He relied on God for everything. He trusted Him with everything and He gave up everything to Him. Now it doesn't mean we sell off our stuff and go giving it away but it does mean to realize its not yours anyway and to just let go of this worldly mind set and think and live through Jesus. When He is our filter we can't go wrong. When we step out from under His protection and trot out on our own, we will fail and we will find ourselves humbled as we scurry back to Him. Good news; He won't say I told you so but just take you in and give you comfort and rest because He loves you. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Success without God? Yes it's possible. Yes it's done and seen. We've all seen a movie or two with selling your soul to the devil. Tombstone and Crossroads come to mind. But can that happen? I don't know about a physical exchange between a person and a persona of the devil, but we choose to give over our souls to him through a number of ways for exchange of some sort of improvement in our lives. Remember this is about yesterday's post about how God is in our lives and successes daily. Satan is a very smart creature. He copies the ways of the Creator in order to disguise his true mission. What may seem to be of God is not. It's in us to be filled with God but our world pushes us in so many other directions, that we can be lost in who we really follow. Very crafty of the devil. I've seen myself people with great wealth and success and know how they are living, because I was living it with them, and it just made me wonder why I couldn't get there too. Well that's part of the trap. Satan knows he's not gonna win against God. What he can do though, is take as many of us as he can away from God. That's his victory. To hurt the very heart of God by having His creation not be with Him anymore. Jesus wept in the garden because He knew He would be out of the presence of God while on the cross taking on our sin. As God looked away from Him hanging there, I can't help but feel that He shed a tear too knowing that people would not follow His son home and some would be lost from Him. I don't know where you are in your walk with God. I do know that each of us has a duty to God and to Jesus, for what has been done for us, to spread His word and bring as many with us as possible. And by the way, Satan only has success because God has allowed him to, by giving us free will to choose. Even God is satans God. So really there is no success without God's permission. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. A friend and I were discussing the upcoming election. Subjects varied some but his focus was on his job. He's worked twenty years there and is now a partner that is about to own it himself. He talked about how he worked hard to get there and such, which I don't doubt at all, but lots of people do. The thing that stuck out to me was the fact that no glory at all was given to God for this taking place. Lets look another way. If for some other reason, a weird turn of events or some strange happening took place that made him partner, people and him might say that it's a "God thing". God would get the credit for something outside the "ordinary".  Why do we then claim it ourselves if its plain ole hard work?  Aren't we a miracle ourselves for even being here? There is nothing that is ordinary, normal or weird about life, there's just life, and God made it so I guess it's extraordinary. The point; give God glory for the next breath you take because you're not promised it or the one after that. Sure people work hard and are successful, but it wasn't without the help of God in their life. We'll discuss the opposite of this tomorrow, but from this day forward, God gets the glory. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. Sticking with the political parties and the riff we're going through as a country, why can't we be as passionate for our Lord as we are for our parties candidates, both sides?  The thing I've seen this time around is the gaping hole between both sides. We are so far apart we could never really hear each other and come together on the good things offered by both sides, and there is and if you're nodding your head in disagreement, that's exactly what I'm talking about. The Pharisee knew that what they were doing to Jesus was wrong. They knew they made up the charges, but put just enough truth with it to convince the people they were doing right. They stood so far away from the truth Jesus was speaking that they simply refused to listen at all. Why? Are we all in such good high places on the social ladder that we don't want to be brought down and shown to be wrong. I have more respect for someone that can say they are wrong and take another look at an idea and then get after something that has been brought to light than anything else he does. When do we admit we've been wrong about the way we see the world and our country and get down to the ground and become servants to one another. I knew a man once that told me if a jackass, literally, ran for president, he would vote for it instead. Really? That's how set in our ways we've become. I know it's not all of us but it says something about our culture. We have been a lost nation for a while because of turning our backs on God. Things just don't seem as good as they used to since we did. Oh it's still the best place on Earth to live, just ask all those trying to get here. But we've lost some blessing from God and don't kid yourself into thinking we haven't.  We will not make a turn around with the vote of man but only by the power of a nation devoted to God. All this has happened with some godly men in the Oval Office, so it's not them that makes the change we want to see. It's us, We the People. God's people. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. I'm sure it's the technology of the day and social media we have now that has made the groaning's of this nation more audible. The questions and half truths and out right lies and the desperate place we find this great country is sad. It also should be expected. Just open your Bible to Galatians 6:8. Our harvest from what we have sown is here to be stored in the lofts. When we boast of great things we do or claim our success as what we've done and not given any glory to God, it will fail. If it does not fail and continues to prosper without God at the head, then it's destruction will come with eternal judgement in hell. I think God has been telling this nation to get it together for some time now and we have not done so. I know my parents only warned me a couple of times and then the hammer dropped. Father God is done warning this country. It's demise is eminent if it doesn't come back to Him. Don't take this as a political endorsement, but if Romney wins and the nation sees no benefit or better outcome, do you think the people will get it? The answer is no because the then the other side will say "see we told you" and the process continues. It's not so much as to who the leader is as much as it is who we follow. Until we turn around and head back to where we came from, it won't be better. "Take me out of your schools, homes, buildings and gathering places and I will take away my blessings". I can hear that so clearly being said by God. Where has His church gone? Where have they gone? Why aren't they leading people to Him?  A Revolution is in order. It's time to come out of the hills and caves and from behind our safe doors of home and church and go be a church for our God and this country. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. So how many of us believe that politicians and lobbying groups misuse or distort our constitution to fit the piece of legislation they're trying to present or pass?  Even more troubling are those who actually try to change it to fit their agenda and claim its better for the country. How many people do you think do the same thing with the Word of God? I would be willing to bet its more than those in Washington. And the disturbing part is that people try to change, add, or take away from it to fit their way of thinking or lifestyle. The constitution is made by men and meant to have room for change because of foresight for growth. God being all knowing already, didn't leave room for human addition or subtraction from what He's made sovereign. Where do we get off thinking we can. There are very few stand alone versus in our Bibles. Most require the whole part to have their meaning and impact. If you're not gonna know the story of the stuff you're quoting, don't say a thing. It would do us all some good to know why things are the way God made them. Stop taking just the parts that make us feel good and using those but take the parts that convict us and apply it all. There is some bad with the good in everything. Be thankful God took care of it for us; we just need to get to know Him through it. In love always <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Have you ever thought what it will be like when you get to Heaven? Not the inside Heaven part, the part where you're going there and life on earth is no more. Last night I had a dream that it was similar to a crowded train station and everyone was trying to get on. But it was peaceful and friendly. There were thousands of people there and this was just one of thousands of stations. The part that I think the dream was about though is that I didn't know anyone or recognize anyone. I didn't know about family or friends and felt alone but not. It made me wonder who I had forgot to tell about this place we're going. Who did I not love enough to share this with. At a point when I should be happy I was feeling lost and lonely. Where are my kids? My wife? My mom and dad? I don't see my friends anywhere. God has a way of telling us things today just like He did with Moses and Abraham and Noah. Instead of a bush or pillar of smoke, it may be a text or a post or just an old school dream. Many of you know that I claim no credit for this stuff because I know God uses this medium as a place to talk to some of us. I know my dream was for me and it must be for someone else today or sometime soon, because I wasn't wanting to put it here. Please don't leave anyone out of the gift of God's love and mercy and a home in Heaven. I wanna see familiar faces at the train station when our work is done and we head home for the last time. In love always. <><  PS. Wednesday night class I will be happy to be the last one in and close the gate behind me. I just wanna be in. 

Good morning and happy Monday. Why is that we feel the need to label ourselves? We call ourselves something; Christian, Jew, Baptist, white , black, Spanish. It even gets more defined;  Mexican American, African American, Lutheran, 1st Baptist. Why?  And as we do that and set ourselves apart from others, we begin to pass judgments about everyone else. In a war, the best way to defeat an enemy is to divide up your opponent and separate them out and it will be easier to win. Well we're doing the same thing for the enemy today and making it quite easy. And yes we are in a war. We've turned to ourselves for direction and not on any form of divinity, much less the God that makes this all possible. People set up religion and its denominations. We began to think our way was the right way and putting our own spin on what Jesus taught us.  He wants us united and working together and helping each other. I don't know how we get to that point today but it starts with prayer and an open heart to others. Like the Casting Crowns song says "Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers". We need a heart of mercy and a love for our Savior that is above all else. When He's first we can't label ourselves anything but servant. Imagine a world of people serving each other to honor the Father.  In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Friday. So after stirring all the pots last night about the upcoming election I've seen a pattern. People will stand by what they feel and think to the end. Right wrong or indifferent. That's scares me and relieves me. This is not a political forum at all and never want it to be. This is just me being shown things by a God who is always right. If we can all get on His side and stand as strong for Him as we feel about our parties of government, we might find the blessing of America again. Because, just like the Israelites coming out of Egypt, they were blessed and gonna be more blessed, but they turned away from God and He held back all His blessing. At points He was even going to destroy them. Why have become so arrogant in our self reliance that we can't see the absence of God in our countries activities. How can we expect blessing and continued prosperity when we are turning away from Him more and more because "look how good we're doing on our own"?  It's the same on the individual level and that's where it all begins anyway. That's where this mess turns around. So, you're in a good spot, how do you help others get there? That's up to you and God when you're on His side doing His work. Get the base right and the building will stand strong. By the way; we are the base. Lets unite in our efforts to put God first again; in our lives and in our homes and our country. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. Have you been thanking God for all He's done for you?  If today is a great day and there are no problems or trials or anything, will you thank Him at the end of it tonight? It's easy to get caught up in the day to day and then put off God till the struggle comes. It happens all the time. While Moses was on the mountain with God, the very people that saw His mighty works to bring them out of Egypt, lost hope and made gods of their own. If it's that easy for people who were that close to God, how easy is it gonna be for us? Just sounds like excuses to me. The same as it did when Aaron tried to explain it to Moses. In our worst storms is where we find Him and thank Him and beg Him and plead with Him. Why can't we do this when things are good? Because He's not a part of our daily lives? Is He what we "do" on Sunday and a little Monday but lose interest through the week?  I don't know, each one of us is different, but our God is the same and wants our attention daily and more. He's done miraculous things in our lives, all of us have something, and we can't see all He's doing, but know that it's good for us. Be thankful all the time. Be in communication with Him all the time. Be in love with Him all the time. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. How much judgement do you think we pass on others everyday? Why do we do that? If I stood in front of some people and said I have this problem with-fill in the blank , and I need God's help and your support. Some would never speak to me again if it was a really bad thing. But praise God there would be a group of people or maybe just one, that would walk the whole walk with me. Why do we pass the judgement on someone? This is why people are hurt by churches they belong to or why some never grace a church door. In Romans we know we have all fallen short and are dead in our sins. What makes one sin different than another's. Oh I know, the other is confessed and in the light to be dealt with and put away, while ours is in the dark haunting us and keeping us from that full relationship with God. God created us for relationship. For help and support He knew we would need. There's tons of stuff out there about bullying kids, stop being mean period. Fear of our own demons that possess us is what drives our ability to sit back and say " well at least I'm not that bad". But that just made you worse if you're putting it on a scale, which there's not one, its all the same. Love people and carry them, hold them up, give support to them because one day they be the only one in the room when you need help. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. I read an article on the debate the other day that said Obama needs to "wear God". He did good by wearing his lapel pin flag but needs to mention God a little more often. Wear God? What? This is an educated political analyst and really trying to say something positive and constructive to help the president. Just by mentioning Him she feels that's wearing God, as if you can own Him and control how He fits into your routine. In one statement I can't help but feel this lady has summed up the nations take on God, or at least the vocals ones. The One who breathed this universe into existence is not something to be owned so it can be worn or used for gain. Where has our churches gone? Where is the Christian people who built this land and gave of themselves to help others in times of struggle? What's happened is we've gone soft and taken Him for granted. We've reaped those benefits of the power of God in our forefathers lives for so long we've forgotten what it is like to find ourselves with only God left. When we can strip away this world and its evil ways we can then become what God wants us to be and then through us others see God in action and not being "worn". Stop wearing the world and start living God. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. Are you seeing your life as an opportunity or something to be gotten through? I've heard on more than one occasion some youth folk talk about life and it saddens me. It lets me know satan is winning and we're failing our kids. I didn't go to church in my teens. I didn't hear the lessons from the pulpit but I did, shocker here mom and dad, listen to my parents. I stayed out of trouble for the most part and looked forward to a life down the road. Then you meet Jesus one day and you can't believe you've lived without him. I think it's my generation who forgot to find Him and teach their kids about Him because according to most Facebook accounts, we've all found Him. How good then are we doing at spreading the message and taking care of the orphans, elderly, and the poor? The first church with the twelve apostles grew on these basic instructions and commands from Jesus himself. They are still in place today and nothing has faded or changed except the players of the game. We know it will get worse before that glorious day, but it doesn't mean it has to be worse for our kids who are in our care till then. It doesn't have to be worse for the loved ones around us. The world will crumble and be rolled up like a scroll one day, but you and those you have influence over and with can be on the better side of it all. We have to make this happen, and when it does it will spread. It only takes a tiny spark to start a massive wild fire. Be a spark in the lives around you today and everyday, even if its just one. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. Oh the great debate. Style points, to the point points,  point points. Really?  Did you hear what you wanted to hear?  Did they say what they needed to say to get your vote and follow them?  I hate politics has a whole. The lies and deceit that go on. It doesn't matter who you like, alert ( bout to make some mad), he's probably lying about something to get yours or the ones who might vote for him. It's sad but true, when really if someone would just be truthful and honest about it all that's who would win. Well there was a man that came and spoke the truth and only the truth. He wasn't looking for a vote or an office. He did, like the candidates we have today, have an agenda; your eternal well being. The devil tells us all we want to hear and makes us feel so good or if needs to makes you feel so guilty to get us to follow him. His tactics are subtle and not easily seen or understood. It happens to you before you even know you went down that road with him. Sounds like Washington today. But our Lord came and gave us all we need to be equipped to fight that and to follow Him. He doesn't tell us what we want to hear, He tells us what we need to hear, the truth. This is a sad fact, if a candidate today came and told us exactly what was wrong with our country and the way that we were living and then call our lifestyles sinful and wrong, who would vote for him? Jesus didn't come to be popular and tolerant of the people and their ways. He came to save them. Men, and men of governments the world over, have corrupted this world by listening to that little voice of the devil saying its ok, it won't hurt a thing or anyone. Listen to the Truth, the Way, and the Life. That's how you get to have a better and clearer conscience in this evil world. It's also how we make the change to make this country great again. It's also the only way to Heaven.  In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Who do you hold your love from?  Who has hurt you or made you mad enough that you don't do all for, speak to, or just plain ignore them?  Has someone really done something that bad that it has to be that way? No, no one has but as humans living in this world instead living like sons and daughters of the One True God, we fall into this trap. How did we get so tied to this Earth that we lost our fellowship with God? So qhave our hurts to Him caused Him not to be good to us? To no talk to us or ignore us. I feel like that sometimes, that I've done this and deserve this to be this way. We're tying ourselves up in works then. But displeasing God is not a good thing and yes there is retribution for it but He never stops loving and giving of Himself to us. So why then have we cut Him out of our daily, hourly  time of our lives? What has moved us from the people who could do nothing but worship Him and give all of ourselves to Him, to being a people who have let go and quit fighting for Him to be everything He is? We haven't always been like this. As a people, we haven't always been like this. We're not designed that way either. It's time to move the line drawn back to where it used to be. Back to where God was what this country was founded on. To move the evil one out of our lives and allow God to lead us again. He has left us the Holy Spirit and its time for us to move on the urgings of the Spirit. Give of yourself to those who have hurt you, wronged you or whatever. It's not worth it to lose them and it pleases God to see His children loving each other. That's the start of having God back to leading our lives. In love always. <><