Sunday’s Blessing – 10/12/2025 – Fear is Crippling

Sunday’s Blessing – 10/12/2025 – Fear is Crippling

In the study of the life of David, this past week we looked at the confrontation with Goliath. The biggest mystery for me in this story was why Israel chose to listen to Goliath’s challenge day after day, as though they were bound to fight the way Goliath made the challenge: one man from Israel come and fight the one man from the Philistines – Goliath?

There was no obligation on the part of Israel to fight in this manner. The clear motivation for them to not attack the enemy was fear. King Saul, who had previously led Israel in many battles where they were always victorious. But something had changed. Because of Saul’s disobedience, God had withdrawn His Spirit from Saul, leaving him dependent totally upon his own ability, which he knew was not sufficient to lead a nation.

This fear left him paralyzed, unable to move, because he was the clear answer to Goliath’s challenge. Saul was the warrior of Israel, or at least, he had been. Now, he was a powerless king without the ability to even suit up in his armor and face the enemy.

In comes David, the antithesis of fear, placing his complete trust in God and in God’s ability. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” You can read the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17. David took on the giant and prevailed.

There are so many obvious differences between Saul and David – their size, their experience, their popularity – but the one thing that mattered on this day was their level of trust in their God. Saul was unable to move because of fear. David could not be still because of his trust in God. Which one are you?

Today’s blessing:

May the God of Peace impart to you the grace which dispels fear

So you may gain inner tranquility which will bring the ability to rest

So you may find strength in Him to move forward

To reveal the character of God to your world

May you realize, like Paul, that the God in you is greater than the god of this world

Which gives you reason to hope for a better outcome than what you may now have

So you may quell the voices keeping you afraid

And hear the call from the Father to “jump and I’ll catch you”

May you accept the forgiveness of God for not pursuing your purpose

So you may know it is not too late for you to complete your mission

So you may see the fulfillment and satisfaction of God’s presence

And truly rest in the peace and presence of God

Sunday’s Blessing – 10/05/2025 – Seeing

Sunday’s Blessing – 10/05/2025 – Seeing

The phrase “to see” has many different meanings. It can mean to literally view with our eyes or perhaps experience something, and even to validate current state, as in “I’m going to see about …” I was reminded how important vision is to a human. I had my annual eye exam this week. Everything was great. My vision has not changed significantly in about six or seven years for which I am very thankful.

But “seeing” is more than vision. Our eyes take in many images every second our eyes are open. Our brain processes them and we only “notice” the things we are interested in seeing.  To say, “I didn’t see it,” may not be the correct reply. A more accurate term would be, “I didn’t notice it.”

It’s curious the way the story is told of Moses wandering about tending his father-in-law’s herd when he “noticed” a bush on fire, yet it wasn’t being consumed. He could have been so absorbed in thought about his storied past, growing up in Egypt, leaving his family behind when fleeing after killing an Egyptian, or even something positive like thinking about his wife. Regardless of all the thoughts running through his mind, he placed them all on hold to “see” the sight of the burning bush. His life changed that day.

I know thinking back over my life of possible instances where I didn’t take notice of things which I encountered, and instead wandered on by, potentially missing a life-changing encounter with God. I hope I keep an open door (and mind) to “see” the things God has for me every day. It’s a frequent part of my prayers, “God, let me see you in everything I experience today,” or, “God, show me what you want me to see today.”

The saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” Perhaps it should be, “Noticing is convincing.”

Now, for today’s blessing:

May the Lord show you His wonder as you wander though your day

So you may embrace the things He has prepared for you

So you may grow into the image of His Son, Jesus

So you may flourish in your purpose

May you have a mind set on things above

So you may notice the opportunities you have to BE God’s hands, arms, and voice

So you may leave a deposit in the lives of those needing what you have

So the glory of God will be experienced by your presence in the moment

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/28/2025 – David, King of Israel

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/28/2025 – David, King of Israel

The Bible study group I meet with has just started going through a book on the life of David. It’s one of my favorite people in the Old Testament. There are so many things which makes the life of David such an interesting study. The state of Israel was in flux, being led by judges. The majority of Israel demanded a king. Instead of waiting on the timing of the Lord, they elected Saul as king. He didn’t even want to be king, “the lot” fell on him.

In like fashion, David didn’t want to be king. When Samuel went to Jesse’s house to anoint one of his sons to replace Saul as king, David wasn’t even invited to the party. After being anointed by the prophet, David returned to the field to watch after the sheep.

Saul was full of pride. David was full of love for his Lord. God Himself said of David, “He is a man after My own heart.”

I’m looking forward to the retelling of the story of David; how he served Saul, fought Goliath, how he ruled a united Israel, returned the ark to Jerusalem, built a new tabernacle for worshiping the Lord, and introduced music as a primary tool for exalting God among the people.

The best news we learn from David is that you do not have to be perfect to have a desire for the heart of God. You do not have to be flawless to be used in representing the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. You do not have to be sinless to be a vessel God can use. You only have to be willing to say “Yes” when God calls.

Now for today’s blessing:

When God comes to you with His anointing, receive it

So you can have what you need for the journey into your purpose

So you can live aware of where your strength comes from

In order to manifest the glory of God wherever you are

When opportunities arise for you to represent God, do it

So you can bring peace to troubled hearts, like David did for Saul

So you can defeat enemies (like Goliath) which rise up against your purpose

Which allow you to simply “be to the praise of His Glory” (Ephesians 1)

When your heart leads you down unknown paths, go for it

So you can introduce new things to those in your sphere of influence

So you can fulfill your purpose as only you can

To bring honor to the Most High God in your lifetime

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/21/2025 – Fellowship

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/21/2025 – Fellowship

I have two opportunities for fellowship with family and friends the next few days. On Saturday, I’m attending a shower for my grand-nephew, Bryant Harris and his fiancé, Kaiana, who will be married in November. In addition to the shower, my siblings and some of our children will gather for a meal. I’m glad we still get together.

Then, on Monday night, I’m hosting a gathering for the members of a music group I was part of for several years from 1978 – 1982 (approximately). Those years were some of the best of my life. I greatly enjoyed making music with them, and building relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

One of the primary directives we have from the New Testament is for fellowship. The reason is simple. We need each other. Without someone in your life who can speak the truth to you – regardless – you are at risk of getting off course. In order to be that transparent requires trust in the other person; trust to see things clearly and willing to not speak of them with anyone else. That, in my experience, has been very hard to find.

I’m getting back to a place where I have some men with whom I can share from my heart without risk of being the topic of conversation with others. It is so liberating and essential to my wellbeing.

If you do not have such people in your life, look harder. Pray harder. Without them you are living your life at risk of being shipwrecked

This week’s blessing:

Discover the level of accountability that God expects from everyone

So you can live without walls and without dread of being exposed

So you can also be a sounding board and source of help to others

So each of you can grow in maturity as you follow after the Lord

Become a trustworthy friend and God will lead you to others

So you can grow through giving

And in return, receive more than you could ever give away

Bringing joy to both as you learn the Christian life

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/14/2025 – Surprised by Death

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/14/2025 – Surprised by Death

Many deaths are expected. People get sick, their condition deteriorates, and they die. Others are just old. One night they simply go to sleep and don’t wake up. These are not easier, but at least you have time to process what is happening and hopefully come to terms with the upcoming change in your life.

Other deaths are sudden; a car accident, workplace mishap, accidental poisoning, etc. When these things occur to the young, it is a double slam. Not only are they taken away from you with no warning, there is also the loss of future years you would have had together.

This week I was unexpectedly triggered by the senseless death of Charlie Kirk. I did not know him other than through reels on social media. He seemed to be in the prime of his life when someone decided they would take his life to make theirs seem more complete. He left behind a wife and two small children.

The thing that triggered in me was the reminder of how my father was taken from me. He was only a few years older than Charlie, but Dad left behind a wife and five children. At nine years old, I was the youngest. My father was also taken down by a bullet. Unlike Charlie, who was totally surprised by his assailant, my father was in pursuit of thieves who had stolen some property off a loading dock in North Birmingham. My dad was a police officer.

Several years ago, I went through a counselling session which helped me work through my father’s death and the tsunami it left behind in our family. The waters subsided, but the destruction was evident everywhere you looked. With the help of some great people, I found comfort and hope in my relationship with God, and His Son and my Savior, Jesus. I am grateful for that night of ministry.

But when I heard the news on September 10, so many of those same feelings came blowing back through my mind. I could see that grieving widow with those two little ones. I imagined all the brokenness they were experiencing at the loss of a husband and father. I remembered the confusion I had as a nine-year-old trying to process what had just occurred without really understanding the magnitude of the impact it would have on my life.

For my dad, he probably never had another thought after he heard the gunshot which took his life. For Charlie, even though death came quickly, he probably had a few minutes to consider what was happening. I’m sure that was something unimaginable.

Between the two, sudden death or expected, I think sudden would be preferred by the one dying, but not the ones left behind. We don’t have a choice about it. But still, it is something to consider. The bottom line is to live ready. Be ready if you are the one who dies, so you will experience the eternal life beyond the one on earth. But also, be ready if you are the one left behind. Don’t have regrets. Don’t have unresolved conflict with others. Develop a relationship with the One who can keep you from being shipwrecked in life after losing someone dear.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the Lord keep you in perfect peace, because your mind is steadfast and trusting in Him

So that if trouble comes you will already be familiar with the posture of submission

So you will not be destroyed by shaken foundations

And you may keep your joy and peace when all else seems lost

May the Spirit of wisdom guide you daily so when unrest comes you can keep hope alive

So you will not dread the night, knowing joy comes in the morning

So you can keep expecting good which God has promised

And you will still be able to pursue your purpose all your days

May you embrace each day as an opportunity to know more of God

So you will be strong and do exploits

And spend your life on purpose

With an expected end of life eternal

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/07/2025 – Seasons

Sunday’s Blessing – 09/07/2025 – Seasons

Fall is already in the air, even though it is still officially two weeks away. Changes come before the day we mark the event, which is very much like life. The major events we remember usually are preceded by changes which indicate a new season is near.

There are obvious ones, like a pregnancy, which for nine months, the mother knows something is coming, while the rest of the world really doesn’t notice for a few months. Even after the outward signs can be seen, like a growing belly, it still is not officially here until the birth.

What changes are you seeing in your life? Do you pay attention to your surroundings? The people in your life? The Spirit of God who abides within you? Usually, things change slowly like the seasons. Sometimes, things change rapidly, but those you have to take as they come. But the gradual changes which we experience can be accommodated or changed if we are aware they are coming. Pay attention. Take action. Prepare if unavoidable. Work on changes if preventable. Don’t wake up in thirty years and realized you missed it.

Today’s blessing:

May you live with the awareness of God’s presence in your life

So you will not be caught off-guard by events in your life

So when change arrives you can following the leading of the Spirit

And protect your heart from hurt and keep joy in your spirit

May you bury the treasure of God’s word in your heart

So when needed it will spring up as a well of Living Water

To keep you nourished through the season you are in

And bring you out on the other side full of life

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/31/2025 – Anticipation

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/31/2025 – Anticipation

I heard the results of a study done on nursing home patients to determine why some seem to maintain a positive attitude and others seem to spiral into depression. Their findings were surprising. Comparing two residents who both had regular visits from friends or relatives, the one who seemed to exhibit a better mindset had one difference in their experience, which was also verified by others in the study.

The one who was prone toward feelings of depression had visitors, but they were not consistent or would just show up unannounced. Even though the visits were appreciated, they didn’t seem to have any lasting effect on the patient.

The patient with the more upbeat disposition had about the same number of visits. But one major difference was found. Even though the visits were not consistent, they were always “scheduled”. The patient was told in advance when they were coming, and in like fashion, the patient would speak often of their arrival. “My son is coming this Thursday,” they beamed with pride. It gave them something to look forward to. This gave them reason to get up in the morning and gave them motivation to navigate the day, because “Thursday” was only two days away.

What are you anticipating? Even though the things you are seeking don’t have an appointment, like “Thursday,” you can still place your hope that change is coming, or the desire will be met. For the Christian, being able to place your trust in God can keep us clear of the doldrums, allowing us to continue our journey, even when there is no wind in our sail. Don’t lose hope because “Thursday” is coming!

Today’s blessing:

May the God of peace give you comfort in the waiting

So you may still experience joy, even in the midst of sorrow

So you may have relief, even when there is pain

And may you have rest, even in the turmoil

May your expectations always find roots in the Promise of the Father

Because He is ever faithful, never disappointing

He is able, regardless of the size of the mountain

And will never abandon you in the valley