Today's Verse - Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep in perfect peace
   him whose mind is steadfast,
   because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)

The LORD gives perfect peace
   to those whose faith is firm.
So always trust the LORD
   because he is forever
   our mighty rock. (CEV)

You will keep in perfect peace
      all who trust in you,
      all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
 Trust in the Lord always,
      for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. (NLT)

Today's Verse - Colossians 1:15-17

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 14:30

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.(NIV)

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. (AB)

Today's Verse - Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (NIV)

Everything God says is true and it's a shield for all who come to him for safety. Don't change what God has said! He will correct you and show that you are a liar. (CEV)


Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Add not to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar. (AB)

Today's Verse - Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV)

The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. (CSB)

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. (NLT)

Those who are careful about what they say protect their lives, but whoever speaks without thinking will be ruined. (NCV)

Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin. (GW)

Today's Verse - John 1:1-4 & 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all.

Today's Verse - Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Share your gift with others and remember how expensive and costly it was, payed for in blood. Though its is freely given and available to all. Remember and thank God.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:10

God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. (NLT)

Everything belongs to God, and all things were created by his power. So God did the right thing when he made Jesus perfect by suffering, as Jesus led many of God's children to be saved and to share in his glory.  (CEV)

It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters whom he’s leading to glory. (CEB)

Pain is an important part of life. Remember the pain and suffering Christ has gone through for our salvation, giving us a perfect Father, removing the fear of death and making himself someone who will know, understand and bring comfort for when we are in pain. Remember His sacrifice, His pain, His love.

Today's Verse - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. (CEV)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)

Today's Verse - Colossians 3:1-2

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.(NIV)

Don't forget what Christmas is about. Merry Christmas.

Today's Verse - Psalm 15

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
   Who may live on your holy hill?
 He whose walk is blameless
   and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
   and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
   and casts no slur on his fellowman,
   who despises a vile man
   but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
   even when it hurts,
   who lends his money without usury
   and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
   He who does these things
   will never be shaken.

Today's Verse - Jude 1:20-21

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (NIV)

Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.(CEV)

Today's Verse - Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (NIV)

Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. (CSB)

If you have lived and been around long enough you have met evil personally, whether it was a person, a place or an object, you felt it and knew. I have felt pure hate from a person and I have walked into places and new something dark was there, even at a church building once, I have met evil and darkness. As a soldier of Christ, empowered by God  and the Holy Spirit, we can not shrink back but must confront the darkness, bringing the light of Christ and Truth to remove the darkness for it cannot stand the light and has already been defeated by Christ's death on the cross. All we have to do is invoke Christ's name and be prepared to stand our ground and not give in till the darkness has been pushed out.

My the light of God flow outward from within and destroy the darkness in our lives. Praise to the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Today's Verse - Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (AB)

Today's Verse - Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (NIV)

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)

When I am tempted I imagine blinding light filling me, consuming me, shining out from me and leaving no darkness within. Temptation can not stand the light and must leave.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 39:17-18

I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

Do not fear.

Today's Verse - Colossians 3:12-17

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

So much easier said then done. Goals to strive for. I pray I get close to this sooner than later.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Keep moving forward, trusting the Father's guidance. Stand in the face of evil and roar back with the strength and honor of Christ for we are victorious! Amen!

Today's Verse - 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(CEV) Dear friends, you must never become tired of doing right.
(NLT) As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
(CSB) Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.


Never give in, never give up, never surrender, to the death. Praises be to God the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 2:14-15

(NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

(NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

People will notice when you live and especially if you work this way. They may not say anything but they will notice and know you are not a normal person. You will be rewarded for such living and working by both man and God in time and the rewards will be worth it when they come.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:37 NIV

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Christ demands we love him more than our parents, brothers and sisters, friends, spouses and even life it self. He must be first. When he is first all of our relationships will benefit and become better from the changes that will occur inside of us as a result of putting Him first. Love the Son above all else.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:23-27

(NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead,  fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

(CEV) Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.

I love Proverbs.

Today's Verse - John 6:68 NIV

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

I'm with Peter on this. The Father has provided for me, guided me through the fires of life I have gone through, opened my eyes to things unseen, disciplined me, given me wonderful gifts, lead me to adventure and success. I owe my life to him and looked forward to the day I die and can be fully one with the Lord.

The words contained in the Bible are a manual to life, a guide to freedom and salvation. Read them, study them and grow in wisdom.

Today's Verse - Psalm 112:4-8 NIV

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
   for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
   who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
   a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
   his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
   in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

 Trust the Father, no matter how dark it becomes he will provide the light and see you through and in the end you will be with him, made perfect. Amen.

Today's Verse - Jonah 2:8

(NIV) Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

(NLT) Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.

(CSB) Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:14-15

(NIV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 

(CEV) We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.

As Christians we should have no fear of dying. Death means we go home, to heaven, back to the Father, away from pain and suffering. I for one welcome death when it comes and will do my best to live my life with out fear.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

(NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(AB) Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
    It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
    It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
    Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Practice makes perfect. Practice love.

Today's Verse - Galatians 6:9

(NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

(CEV) Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

(NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It is easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up when all you get for your good work is negative remarks or even insults, but Christ promised we would receive such things for being his servant. It hurts the most when it comes from "Christians". I have had to deal with what feels like more than my share of this here in the Northwest. The lack spiritualism, Bible knowledge and Christians behavior in the church is astounding at times and I wonder why God sent me to such a dry place. It has forced me to rely on Him more and remind myself not to give up, but to press on and continue to do good, not for the people but out of my love for God the Father.

Today's Verse - Luke 16:13 (NIV)

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”


This scripture does not mean only money, it means anything you rely on other than God. I have tried to server two masters and it does not work well at all. It may seem to for awhile but soon either your relationship with God is taking a beaten and we're not spending the time with God we need or the other master is neglected and starts to act up and puts up a fight, particularly if it is a negative/sinful action, because Satan wants you to stay away from God, to feel helpless, powerless and unworthy. Thirdly we get frozen and sit in the middle spinning our wheels doing nothing and neither growing nor maturing, stuck in an infinite loop that will eventually break taking us with it. 

Focus on God and the light. Draw it in, visualize drawing it in, charging it, growing it bigger, like Goku from DragonBall Z :), building our strength and consuming all darkness in the process. Blessed be the child of light. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 4:12

(NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

(NLT) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

(NCV) Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.

Today's Verse - Romans 2:6-11 (NLT)

He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:22

(NIV) You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(CEV) Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.
(CSB) You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.

Christ never promised following him would be easy and in fact he promised the world would hate us, curse us and be out to destroy us. Which makes perfect sense when you realize Satan is the prince of the world, so he is going to do everything possible to harm, prevent and destroy Christ's influence in this world. Christ will never allow more than we can bare but what we can bare is usually more than we think we can bare so pray, meditate and read your Bible. Christ will comfort and bring peace.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:33

(NIV) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(CSB) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
(CEV) Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.
(AB) Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionship (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.

When spending time with our friends we need to make sure they are not influencing us away from God and into bad situations. We need to be influencing them towards God with our actions and decisions. If they don't have respect for your Christian life are they a real friend? Guard your hearts and minds, draw a line and don't allow your friends to push you across it. If they insist then its time to find some new friends. Be careful and wary of negative, poisonous friends and people.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 2:8-10

(NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


(CEV) You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

(NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Is a Christian who grew up in the church better than the junkie who was saved yesterday? NO. We have all sinned and are the same. God had to send his son to die so we could be saved and have a relationship with him. Your past doesn't matter for when you become a Christian you become a new creation. Holy and washed clean of our sin by blood, blood of the creator's son. All because God desires, wants and seeks a relationship with his creation, which he gave free will to reject him, despise him and say he doesn't exist. Yet he still stands at the door of our heart and knocks saying, "Let me in, I love you."

I pray that God gives us the capacity to love as he does.

Today's Verse - Joel 2:28-31 (CEV)

I will give my Spirit
   to everyone.
   Your sons and daughters
   will prophesy.
   Your old men
   will have dreams,
   and your young men
   will see visions.

In those days I will even give
   my Spirit to my servants,
   both men and women.

I will work wonders
   in the sky above
   and on the earth below.
   There will be blood and fire
   and clouds of smoke.

The sun will turn dark,
   and the moon
   will be as red as blood
   before that great
   and terrible day
   when I appear.

I so very much look forward to this day and going home.

Today's Verse - Galatians 5:22-26

(Amplified Bible)
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

(NIV) the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

(CEV) God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.

Today's Verse - 3 John 1:11

(NIV) Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

(NLT) Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Actions speak louder then words. I enjoy watching people, its my favorite thing to do at the airport while waiting, observing what they do and discerning their true character. If we claim to be Christian and yet our actions, attitudes and deeds don't match up with what is set forth in scripture are we Christian? Bible says nope.
We must do our best to imitate God by following the few commands he has giving us. If we make no effort then how can you claim to be a Christian. Word and deed must be aligned.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 19:20

(NIV) Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

(CSB) Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in later life.

Today's Verse - Galatians 1:10

(NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(CEV) I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(ASV) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

Don't worry so much about what people think about you or their opinion of how you should behave as a Christian as long as you are following God and his commands. Following Christ will make people upset with you even other Christians and trying to please them is just a waste of time and energy. Keep God as our focus and do not worry about offending people. If someone is offended then talk about it and all can grow. Stay focused on Christ.

Today's Verse - Mathew 5:37

(CSB) But let your word 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.
(CEV) When you make a promise, say only "Yes" or "No." Anything else comes from the devil.
(NLT)  Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

This is one of my favorite verses. Simple and to the point. When asked to do something a simple yes or no should be sufficient. I have had people look surprised when they have asked me something and I have just said no, no excuses or explanation, just no. They weren't sure what to do with it. As Christians it should be this simple, we should be people of integrity and honor. When we make a promise or give are word it should be a simple yes or no. Don't make excuses, be honest and truthful. Keep your promises and if you aren't going to then just say no and don't make them in the first place. 

Honor and integrity must practiced and strived for. 

Today's Verse - 1 Samuel 16:7b

(NIV) "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(CSB) Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart."

As Christians we should be striving to know the heart of the person before we make any kind of assumptions about them. I know to many "Christians" that don't practice this, instead they let fear and worldly opinions influence their decisions on how to deal with people and the kind of people that can be at "church". This makes me sick and angry for we are here for the sick, unrighteous and sinful people. We came from them so how can you say they are unfit. We are to be imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1 to bring healing, joy and love to this world.

Man has no right say who can be in God's family.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:18

(NIV) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
(CSB) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
(NKJV) But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The closer we get to God the more his light shines through us and becomes brighter. Till the day we are made perfect let us strive to be pure light.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:1

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

We can drift from God with out even realizing it until one morning we wake up and say, "How the heck did I get here?" Same thing happens in our friendships, marriages and other relationships, all because we stop putting in the time it takes to maintain and keep the relationship healthy. This also applies to God's teachings. If we don't spend time in the Bible reading and studying we drift from his teachings and the simplicity of them. We must be diligent in our time with God and his teachings to prevent drifting and being deceived by teachings of men.

Spend time in the Bible and with God everyday.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 2:23

(NIV) When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

(CEV) Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.

Another amazing example of Christ for us to strive towards. I used to be really good and getting even and making threats and I guess I still have those skills, but I refuse to use them anymore for negative purposes. I learned awhile ago to trust God's judgment and love for me over anything that man says about me. I know God loves me enough that he sent his son to die a horrible death, so that we could become his children.Trust God to turn the insults and suffering into blessings and joy in time.

Be patient and trust God.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 16:9

(NIV) In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

This applies all to well to the way my life has gone. I know where I want to go and I am getting closer, but the journey sure has been interesting, fun, filled with joy and sorrow and difficulty at times, but I would not trade the experience for anything. Adventure for the win!

Set your goals, follow and rely on God and enjoy the adventure of a life time.

Today's Verse - 1 John 4:21b

(NIV) Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
(NKJV) he who loves God must love his brother also.

So simple to say and preach about, but very hard at times to practice. I know it has been very hard at times to love "my brother" when I have been betrayed, stabbed in the face, insulted and cast aside, but I must continue to love them even when I can't stand to be around them. I hurt for them and wish they would open their eyes and see God more clearly. Being human makes this very difficult and nearly impossible at times but I have to trust in the wisdom of the creator and do my best to fulfill his commandments. Prayer helps a lot in pursuing perfect love.
 
Pursue the practice of love.

Today's Verse - 2 Timothy 1:7

(NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(CEV) God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
(CSB) For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power,  love, and sound judgment.

The affect of the Holy Spirit should be constantly moving us toward increased spiritual power and knowledge, increasing or ability to love those who hate, hurt or wronged us, increasing our self-control, knowledge and wisdom and driving out any fear and timidness. This does not happen on its own, only with time and effort do we move in this direction and we should never be content with where we are spiritually and mentally. Constantly seeking God's wisdom and asking for knowledge and praying to be put into situations that will challenge and make us uncomfortable to help us grow will keep us from stagnating and getting comfortable.

Always seek to improve yourself, because there is no such thing as perfection in this life. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 23 (CEV)

You, LORD, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me
   each day of my life, and I will live forever
   in your house, LORD.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:18

(NIV) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(CSB) For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

There is nothing on this planet that Jesus was tempted with or suffered through that is different then what we go through or deal with today. He understands and knows what its like to be human. He was human for some thirty years. He has been to hell and back, literally in my opinion, to sacrifice himself so that we may have freedom. Freedom from fear of death, freedom to come to the Fathers throne, freedom from the flesh, freedom from sin, freedom to love and freedom to live. Our freedom came at the highest price with is death. Talk to Jesus about your temptations, struggles and suffering has they are happening He will come help and comfort you.

 

Share with Jesus and he will share with you.

Today's Verse - John 14:21

(NIV) "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Such a simple statement. Love Jesus and keep his commands and the Father will love us too and Jesus will show himself to us. In my experience truth is often simple and easy to understand and that is one of my favorite things about Christ. His teachings are simple but take a life time to master. The more I have gotten to know Christ the more I am aware of his influence and movement in my daily life, even more so when I look back and see how things worked out for the better. The trick is we have to put time and effort into the relationship and Christ will match and exceed what we put into it thus showing himself to us. The more time spent with him the more times we will see him move and to be thankful for the gifts, protection, guidance and wisdom that comes from knowing and spending time with Christ.

Strive to know Christ, not to know about him.

Funny Bible Story - 2 Kings 2:23-25

This story has a bald guy, annoying youths and bears. Enjoy!

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.

Tune in next Saturday for another fun Bible story.

Today's Verse - Job 41:11

(NIV) "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.", God.

Humans love to think of themselves as equal with God or even a god, but this is stupid and it makes me laugh. We know so little  about our own little planet and even less about the universe. I mean we don't even know how gravity works, or whats on the bottom of the ocean. So when a human, made by God, starts to think they know better than God it makes me laugh and sad at the same time. God created everything  we can see and have yet to discover. He has the RIGHT to do as he pleases, whether he smites us all because we are to stupid to recognize who he is or to send his son to be beaten, murdered and hung on a cross because he desires a relationship with us and wants to be our father.

Know your place at the feet of God.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 10:24

(NIV) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Does this mean you never seek good for yourself? NO, but when you are seeking good for yourself make sure you are thinking of others and how you can benefit them and when there is a conflict the good of others should come first. God wants us to prosper, to better ourselves but not at the cost of another. Anything that damages relationship for the worse should be avoided. As always though God must be at the center and the Holy Spirit will be our guide to the correct path.

Seek wisdom.

Today's Verse - John 3:17

(NIV) God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God did not send his son into this world and to die so that we Christians can go around telling people they better repent or go to hell. We should be practicing love, which if you don't know what love is go read 1 Cor 13:4-7, and building relationships with people we wish to convert. Jesus met people where they were at and went from there. The only people he ever condemned were the religious teachers of the Jews because they had perverted God's law, which means we should be watchful of our Christian leaders to make sure they are preaching and practicing Christ and not perverting it. If our approach does not line up with Christ's and the apostles then maybe we should be taking a hard look at how we are reaching out to people. Church should be a place of welcoming, peace, healing and love, not of fear, politics, and hate.

God's guidance be upon us. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 27:6

(NIV) Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
(CEV) You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.

Getting corrected is never much fun but when it comes from a friend it is worth the pain and tears that can come from. I know I have been better off when I have been corrected or wounded by a trusted friend and as a bonus the friendship is strengthened and brought to a deeper level of trust and understanding.

I have also experienced the kisses or what I prefer kiss ups who never say anything negative or questions your motives and just sit there and watch you run right into a wall. American Idol comes to mind with the bad singers they have and I always wonder what kind of friends a person has that would not tell them they need to learn how to sing, of course there are always the people that don't listen to correction or wisdom from there friends but the Bible has a diffirent word for them, a fool, so the two people who read this, don't be a fool, heed the correction or wounds from a friend for it can be trusted.

May God bless those who read this. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 14:2a

Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD.

The fear used here is not the kind of fear you would have from say seeing a ghost, spider, your worst nightmare, of getting in trouble but one of awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil. If you put those words in place "Whoever lives with integrity has awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil for the LORD." brings more meaning and depth to the spricpture when you understand/know the meaning behind a word that is not normally used in today's language. For more on this check out these two pages here and here