The key to God’s blessings

In grand scheme of life, we need so little on earth. It’s the things we want which keeps us in trouble. There’s a common message throughout the Bible of God providing land, food, and shelter for his children. He also provides a path to salvation by following his commandments. God’s Divine Power has given us everything we need for a godly life (2Peter 1:3-10). We lose power and effectiveness when we seek desires with disgruntled and entitled hearts. Despite all God’s provisions for 40 years in the wilderness, The children grumbled!  They were never satisfied. The disconnect for many is their Love of money. God said, “keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, ‘I will Never leave you or forsake you’”(Heb. 13:5). One of the keys to God’s blessings is, In all things be anxious for nothing but remember also to always seek the kingdom of God FIRST. By putting God first he can and will give the desires unto you (Matt6:19-34).  Let us be reminded, The Lord is our shepherd we shall lack for nothing (Psalms 23), The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing (Psalms 34:10).

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Remember to seek him and continuously thank him for everything you have been blessed with! 

what is love?

In the eyes of many you see no love. A distant gaze of pain and sorrow. There are others with eyes blazed like fire. Singed with Anger and ready to attack others. Selfishness, pride, and ego has taken Love’s place in the heart. It has Edged God Out. Paul speaks of Love and how the church [we the people] should practice love. It is patient, kind, enduring and not boastful (1 Cor. 13:4-7). Contrary to the bible’s blueprint, society is angry, mean, selfish and self-centered. It’s about me, myself and I. Why are we afraid to share love? Hard to Love your neighbor as yourself. “Love is so far away. Love is in need of love today.” When love is expressed by its true meaning it bears belief, hope, and endures all things. Love never fails. It conquers all – literally. 

To become more like Christ, practice the “Love Traits.”

• Love: is kind
• Love: does not envy
• Love: is not puffed up
• Love: is not rude
• Love: does not seek its own
• Love: does not rejoice in iniquity

Let’s not just love with vain words. Love with action and truth because love is still so far away.

Team marriage

We are all members of some type of team – work, organizations, or church. A team is “a number of persons associated in some joint action.” The downside for most teams, everyone are not full participants but they want the fringe benefits of winning. Marriage is a team. Being married is more than wearing the Team Jersey. It's teamwork. To have a chance to win, you need a coach. Jesus.  Being on a team requires practice and being fully committed. That’s supporting one another’s dreams, encouraging, uplifting, and motivation when you, or the team is loosing. It's Working (training) through the pains of life, it's Exercising (faith) during the hard times and talking (praying) to coach Jesus. So what team are you on? Are you just a half-hearted team member showing up when things are great? Or you practicing to improve the team? Regardless of the team you are on, Continue training, don’t give up, grow tired, or weary otherwise you will stumble and fall. Don’t just wear the jersey be a team player! 

Faith in action

Whenever talked about, Samson is mostly known for his Superman strength (Jud.14:6), his locked hair, and his infamous relationship with Delilah (Jud.16). Very rarely do you hear of Samson’s faith. Despite the fact Samson was dedicated to God before birth (Jud. 13:5-7), he was a flawed and sinful man. His actions led him to do the opposite of what God wanted. He was spiritually disobedient, yet the Spirit of God stayed with him until his hair was cut. Samson’s hair symbolizes his connection with God. Once severed, it was lost (Jud.16:20-21). Many of us are like Samson. You are a dedication to God. He has a purpose for your life. Despite your sins, God still has love for you just as he did for Samson. The new growth for Samson signifies new relationship rebuilding of faith in God. No matter where you are in life you can go back to God. Faith led Samson to pray. Through faith Samson did his greatest deed for God (Jud. 16:28-30). 

You are the light of the world

There once was a light that burned bright. That light came from God. Its glow raged with fury in man’s soul. It produced  Peace, Love, & Hope. Today, the light is faint. Chaos covers the world. Violence, Hate, & Hopelessness, has smothered this internal light. God’s word described the light as The Holy Spirit. Jesus reminded his followers of the importance of Salt and Light (Matt.5:13-16). He proclaimed we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Many of us have lost our savor and our light has diminished. Making it hard for others to see God’s goodness in us.  

Reignite the Light of God in you! 

• Repent from sins
• Humbly ask forgiveness
• Reestablish relationship with God
• Seek God’s guidance
• Ask to refresh the Holy Spirit in you

This is the spark to rekindle the eternal flame within. It will bring back hope to the hopeless, joy to the joyless and comfort to the sorrowful. Walk in the light, the beautiful light so that man can see God’s light which burns bright within.

Be Kind to others

It don’t cost a thing to be genuinely kind to others. In fact, it’s easier and takes less energy to be kind than to hate or be mean. Kindness can be as simple as speaking words of encouragement, helping others, or giving kudos for a job well done! I believe God created us to be kind. It’s learned behaviors which cause people to hate or lack empathy. We should be kind in all things that we do. 

In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus said love your enemies. Do to others as you would have them do to you. In other words, be kind. By doing this, Jesus said we are children of The Most High. God is kind to the ungrateful. Be merciful just as God is merciful. Your kind gesture may be the only kind thing a person heard or received all day! 

The Gospel is like a bar of soap

The Gospel is like a bar of soap. We all know what it is. As long as it stays closed, nothing happens. By opening and applying, one cleans the body and the other can clean the mind and spirit. 

The bible is the tool which is needed to develop new ways of thinking and living for Christ. The Gospel, Like soap can wash off yesterday’s past, dirt, pains, guilt, anger, and start you fresh! And just like soap, the Gospel has to be used daily otherwise life will eventually stink. 

Verbal abuse is still abuse

During my impressionable years in Catholic School I heard negative prophesying from nuns and other adults stating, I was bad and wouldn’t amount to nothing. Despite my parents motivating and encouraging efforts, sticks and stone didn’t break my bones but the words differently effected me! When negative words are ingested, the mind can visualize, accept, and ultimately squeeze life out of you. Be careful what you say to children. Though you boast of never being an abusive parent, you failed to realize your words can hurt more than a fist or belt. Death and life are in the #power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). When disciplining, choose words wisely. A heart filled with anger will produce harsh #negative words. Express your disappointment, but speak words that build up, #encourages, and express Your #love. In all things seek God and pray. God’s love and written word can resolve all problems. #God can restore life!