Sunday’s Blessing – 08/10/2025 – Pain

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/10/2025 – Pain

The human body is an amazing machine. It has built within it the ability to heal itself. If you cut the skin and it closes back up. If you pull or tear a muscle or tendon and it repairs itself in time. One caveat to this is pain. When these things occur, especially internal injuries which cannot be directly attended to, it results in pain which is sometime difficult to manage. One thing we try is to avoid activity or motion which irritates the injury causing more pain. This avoidance is sometimes accomplished by moving differently, in an unnatural way, such as limping if the injury is in the leg or foot; contorting a shoulder if the injury is in the arm; sitting or walking differently if the injury is in the back. These unnatural movements, although helpful at avoiding the current pain, sometimes leads to secondary injuries which cause even more pain.

Similarly, emotional pain can have the same unexpected outcome. Something or someone causes us pain through their words or actions. Instead of dealing with it directly we attempt to lessen or avoid the emotional pain through avoidance or changes in our own behavior. This can lead to even greater emotional turmoil.

The worst area in which we do secondary things to solve a primary problem is in the area of our spiritual health. When we violate the relationship we have with God, it creates feelings of guilt and condemnation. If left unchecked, or in this case, unconfessed, this guilt or condemnation can grow to the point of believing God no longer loves us, or worse yet, feel there is no way to ever get back to the relationship we once enjoyed.

Of all the pain we encounter, physical pain gets our attention much more quickly. But it’s the spiritual pain which can have the deepest effect on our life. An icepack or pain meds can usually manage the physical pain, getting us almost immediate relief. Spiritual pain, if left unchecked, can lead to an early death – not physical, but spiritual – leaving us alone and miserable. Do not allow spiritual pain to remain. Apply the instant remedy available to us, which is prayer. Simply ask God to forgive and He promised He would forgive. You can be immediately restored to fellowship and back on your way to pursuing that for which you were created – to become conformed to the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the God of Peace and Healing bring you comfort and restoration

So when you suffer physical pain you can be healed and restored to health

Or when you suffer emotional pain you can find peace and hope through His Spirit

So you may live an abundant life, full of joy and happiness

May the God of Grace and Mercy bring you forgiveness and restoration

So when you act against the Covenant God made with you through Jesus

You will quickly find a place of repentance, asking forgiveness from God

Who has promised to restore you back to a place of total rest in Him

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/03/2025 – Change

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/03/2025 – Change

One of the few things guaranteed in life is change. Change is constant. For one thing, time never stops (except for a few exceptions noted in scripture). Each second that ticks brings something different than was there before. Whether intentionally or passively, we change with every passing moment.

The environment (not necessarily the atmospheric conditions of the earth, although they are relevant) is another factor for change which influences us, causing change in our habits, behavior, beliefs, etc. I’m speaking specifically of the people around you, the places you spend time (work, pleasure, etc.), the things you consume (food, drugs, social media, literature, education, etc.), and the activities you engage (hobby, exercise, spiritual growth, etc.).

There are basically two ways to deal with change. You can embrace it by actively working to bring about positive changes (improvement) or you can simply allow things to degrade around you brought on by atrophy and indifference. Most find a sort of happy medium where our life never really bottoms out, nor does it ever reach the potential embedded within us.

For the Christian, we have been given the opportunity to experience a life of purpose and fulfillment by embracing all God has provided for us through the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. He can so that we might have life and plenty of it. The New Testament calls this life “zoe”, which means “the God-kind of life.” Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This is fulfilled in the New Covenant. By making available to us the forgiveness of failures, restored relationship with the Creator, and the Holy Spirit resident within, we can enjoy the experience of change for the good. We can grow in every aspect into all that God has created us to be by conforming to the image of Christ.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you embrace the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus

By allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us new truth to displace the false

By allowing your mind to be renewed to habits of growth and increase

So that we may reflect the glory of God in the earth

May you realize the restoration available to make all things new

So your mourning can be turned into dancing

So your youth may be renewed like the eagle’s

And you may live out your days with joy and gladness

May you learn to laugh again as you feel this new life overcome you

As the blessings of God begin to overtake you

As the release of bitterness and anger gives way to grace and peace

And you begin to see yourself through the eyes of the One who loves you most

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/27/2025 – The Unseen

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/27/2025 – The Unseen

Over the course of human history there have been many waves of plagues which have caused many deaths. The greatest challenge in battling these is the inability to see them. The germs or virus are only detectable under a microscope. Many do not even know they have been exposed until it is too late. It’s not until the symptoms begin to manifest in the human body that you realize there is a problem. 

This is similar to the warfare which Christians are engaged in. Scripture tells us we wage a battle against that which is unseen, but God equipped us with weapons which are also unseen, yet are effective at stopping the enemy which we cannot see.

This is the life of faith: the evidence of things not seen. When we place our trust in God, He gives us the desire and ability to do His will (definition of grace). The Creator brought to us through Jesus, the Messiah, the authority over everything on earth. We are seated with Christ at the right hand of the Father where we rule and reign with Jesus. Seen or unseen doesn’t have a chance against us.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you come to know your position in Christ, which is far above all rule, power, and dominion

So you will keep your mind focused on things above, not on those beneath

So you can help others find the hope in Christ

And teach them how to wage war on the unseen

May you become aware that the battle we face is not against flesh and blood

So you will not waste energy trying to change people and circumstances

But instead keep your trust in the One who overcame for you

So you may become a continual sacrifice of praise to your Lord

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/20/2025 – A Week in Paradise

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/20/2025 – A Week in Paradise

Until now, the only island I’ve ever visited was Puerto Rico. I don’t really count Ireland since it is so large. Today I will step foot on the “big” island of Hawaii, called Hawai-i. I’m excited. I never thought I would get to visit this tropical paradise. The trip has been somewhat arduous, but sometimes you have to go through a little hardship to get what you want. What I’ve heard about Hawaii is worth the effort.

It has not disappointed. The ocean views are spectacular. The climate is moderate with a constant breeze which makes even the hottest temps tolerable. The resort is very nice, with every amenity you would expect. The 5-hour time difference has taken some time to get used to, but I’m acclimating. There are many things I hope to see, like Volcano Park and the Black Beach. Being accustomed to the sugar-sands of Gulf Shores, the “beaches” are not even comparable. They are filled with rough, jagged lava rocks and coral. Still beautiful, just in a very different way.

I’ve also never travelled this far west from Alabama. Being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a bit surreal when you realize there is no way to get off the island on your own; unless, of course, you own a boat or plane.

For those who live here, the mindset may be very different. Even the most wonderful environments can become commonplace. Without a view beyond your existence anywhere you live can become mundane. Any relationship you have can get dull and frustrating. Any amount of provision you possess can become inadequate. This is where the importance of thanksgiving becomes vital. This is the reason we need a Savior. This is when our trust in a Creator keeps us moving forward in the life and purpose we have. Contentment is not an excuse or surrender. Paul said in his writings to “be content in every state you find yourself”, but he also instructed us to “press forward toward the prize of the high calling of God.”

These are not contradictory. They are complementary. Together – contentment and drive – they work to keep us at peace while seeking fulfillment. This is the “zoe” life God makes available to each one. This "God-kind of life" is characterized by spiritual vitality, abundance, and a relationship with God. Let us purse the Giver of Life, and in that pursuit we will experience all He is.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the Giver of Life keep you content and blessed in Him

So you will never experience lack or frustration

So you can have an overflowing cup to bless others

And in doing so remain at peace and abundant

May you find all you have need of in pursuit of your “why”

So you can live fulfilled yet motivated

So you can be joyful and content

As you press toward all which lies ahead for you

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/13/2025 – Ordinary Time

Sunday’s Blessing – 07/13/2025 – Ordinary Time

I learned something interesting this week about the liturgical calendar. There is a season called Ordinary Time. There are four main seasons: Lent, Easter, Advent, and Christmas. The remainder of the calendar is called Ordinary Time. It is the longest season of the year and is divided into two sections.

I found this very interesting. During the time I spent in the charismatic church I encountered many people who taught that, for the “spirit-filled” Christian, every day should be a “Book of Acts” kind of day, experiencing miracles, signs, and wonders constantly. Not only is it not scriptural, it is also not feasible. The events found in the Book of Acts covers years of time. The “miracles, signs, and wonders” we read about were not daily occurrences. Sometimes life is just Ordinary. I read a book once called, “God of the Mundane.” It described this topic very well.

I’m glad the church leaders who developed the liturgical calendar to help Christians maintain their walk with God included “Ordinary Time.” It’s ok to have a “normal” day. It does not mean God loves you less, or that you love God less. Ordinary is not a sin. It’s not failure. It’s not defining you. God is still on the throne and, as a Christian, you are still seated with Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Learn to embrace the ordinary days. They can be just as fulfilling and “miraculous” as any other. Use these days to sharpen the cutting edge of your spiritual life. Use them to rest. But always remember, even though they are ordinary, they are still not to be wasted.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the God of Ordinary Time reveal more of who He is to you

So that you can lead ordinary people into a relationship with an extraordinary God

May God use your mundane to reveal His miraculous 

So your average can still lead to advancement in the Kingdom of God

Sunday’s Blessing - 07/06/2025 - Independence Day in the US

Sunday’s Blessing - 07/06/2025 - Independence Day in the US

One of the first doctrinal changes that came from early American church leaders was to bring the idea of "independence" into the Christian faith. The concept of a "personal Savior" began to be propagated which rang true to those newly separated from the Church of England and other European denominations. The only problem with that was it is not the message Jesus came to share with us. The early church was known as the ekklasia, or "called out ones." There was a strong sense of community among Believers known for their love and care for others. The command Jesus gave to those who saw Him ascend to the heavens was to "go make disciples of every nation." This later became known as "The Great Commission", even though the Bible never refers to it as such.

The new independent American evangelicalism took this up as their mantra, using it as a battle cry to overtake the world for Jesus, just as the Minute Men had conquered the Brits. It was not laced with love and concern for others, but instead a tool to build their churches. The focus was not on the welfare of those being converted, but instead on the "stars in their crown."

July 4th is not a Christian holiday. It is an American holiday where we celebrate our declaring ourselves to be free of the tyranny of the British Monarchy. We refused to pay tribute money and tariffs on the goods coming into our ports. The unfortunate part of the early American church doctrine is it confused nationalism with Christianity. The two are not synonymous. Being American does not make you Christian. Being "free" based on our Constitution does not make us free from the law of sin and death. Only Jesus can do that.

On this Independence Day, if you are an American citizen, or just love this country, celebrate our independence. But regardless of your nationality, find a way to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ, who redeemed us back for the sake of the Father, Who loves us. God, Himself, provided everything needed to restore us into right relationship with Him. Through our identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating at the right hand of the Father, we are made to sit together with Christ in the Kingdom He established and now rules. We are not lone rangers for Jesus. We are part of one Body working together to bring a world who does not know God into a new relationship with Him.

Light that flare this 4th!

Now for today's blessing.

May the Lord of the Sabbath, and the Lord of Independence Day, give you rest

May you see the spectacular display of His love and mercy in Jesus

So that you can celebrate being reunited with your Creator

And find the peace and rest that only He can bring

May the liberation you find not consist of release from earthly ties

But instead be the shedding of the walls we have built around our heart

Designed to protect us from being hurt, but cause us more harm than good

And keep us from experiencing the warmth of the Father's Love through Christ

May the distance we find between us and God be removed by drawing near to Him

Accepting the grace and mercy which was made available to us in Christ

And now is our daily bread as we learn to rest in Him

Fully independent from the sin that once held us as slaves

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/29/2025 – Knowing God

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/29/2025

The worship pastor at the church I attend shared a new song (to me anyway) last Sunday called, “That’s My King.” Prior to sharing the song, he spoke of finding more ways to express our love and adoration in our worship, which exactly what the author of “That’s My King” did. This is one of the main reasons I started writing.

While on a prayer retreat with a group of ministers, one of who was Will McFarlane, I was challenged to find new ways to express how I feel about the Lord. Will gave an example of how a husband communicates with his wife. Let’s say her name was Jane. If the only word he ever used in speaking to her was “Jane”, the level of intimacy would never progress. Can you imagine Jane being thrilled to hear her husband say, “Hi Jane. What’s for dinner, Jane. What would you like to watch on tv, Jane. Jane, you look nice. Jane, would you bring me a drink. I really love you, Jane.”

Most couples develop a whole vocabulary for speaking to their spouse. “Sweetie, honey, sugar, precious, darling, love, etc.” It lets them know they are more than just “Jane”, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but communicates at an emotional level instead of topical.

I left the retreat with a determination to learn new language to use in worship. Read the Psalms, Song of Solomon, Job, Proverbs, etc., and observe how the authors say more than “God, Jesus, Lord, etc.” I then challenged my praise team at the time to look for other “names” for God found in scripture. Together we came up with over 300. I then spent almost a year writing about each of these names. So far I’ve only covered about 247, but have also added about 200 more names to the original list. I published a book with the first 201 names called, The Names of God, available on Amazon. I hope to publish a sequel at some point with 164 more, making the list 365 names; one for each day of the year.

Daniel wrote these words in his Old Testament book called by his name: “… but the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32

Let’s get to know God more intimately and see what He can do through us.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you be like Moses with whom God shared His deepest secrets

By showing himself faithful to steward all he had been given

To the point of being used to deliver God’s chosen people to a Promised Land

Just so He could show them how to rest

May you be like Abraham who took God at His word

Because he believed God to be trustworthy

And through Abraham, God brought about a people of His own

Through whom the Messiah came to make a way for all to be redeemed

May you be like Paul, who admittedly was not perfect

But determined to accomplish God’s purpose in his life at any cost

Who wrote the majority of the New Testament

And brought the message of Christ to an entire race of people estranged from God