Sunday’s Blessing – 12/14/2025 – 3rd Sunday of Advent – Joy

Sunday’s  Blessing – 12/14/2025 – 3rd Sunday of Advent – Joy

In his book, Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis describes the various unexpected experiences bring joy into your life when you least expect it. The appearance of Messiah on that special night in Bethlehem was certainly unexpected … by everyone except Mary and Joseph. They had heard the truth about the One growing inside Mary’s womb, how He would “be great, and of His Kingdom there would be no end.” So there in the town of David, whose throne would once again be occupied by One sent from God, a new dispensation began which return God’s presence and dominion to the earth, and once again make it possible for the people to experience “joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

We saw last time that when hope is restored it makes room for peace. Peace, once fully embraced, allows joy to begin to bubble up. Just as Lewis described, in the middle of deep, dark despair, surrounded by hopelessness with no visible end in sight, joy can emerge, bringing light to illuminate the soul and expose the hope and peace brought by the great exchange which was made possible by Christ Jesus. He gave His life to buy us this joy, which will last forever.

I pray this Christmastime will be the season where you either discover this joy for the first time, or rediscover if it has faded with the pressing weight of life’s struggles. Give yourself room to hear these words again, or for the first time: Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright!

Today’s blessing:

May the Blessed Hope, the Prince of Peace, make room in your heart for Great Joy

So you may once again raise the corners of your mouth to smile

And realize that regardless of circumstances you have reason to rejoice

Which will allow the glory of God to shine through you to your world

May the joy of knowing Messiah has come reconstitute your entire being

Like the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly

So you can take flight into the fullness of all God has prepared for you

And find the purity of purpose which He place in you

May the joy of the Lord become effervescent and overflow

So others will be emersed in the wonderfulness of Christmastime

Which will allow them to find the Source of Joy

Christ Jesus, the Lord. Emmanuel, Mighty God, Prince of Peace

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/07/2025 – 2nd Sunday of Advent - Peace

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/07/2025 – 2nd Sunday of Advent - Peace

I missed the first week of Advent, thinking it started the first Sunday in December. It does not. It started November 30. The themes for each Sunday of Advent are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Jesus came to return hope to the lives of humanity. After four hundred years of silence, known as the period between the testaments, the silence was broken that wonderful night in Bethlehem when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Once Hope was embraced, it brought peace to the hearts of those willing to receive the redemption provided when the Spotless Lamb born at Advent was crucified as the Sacrifice for sin which paid the price to restore fellowship between the Creator and His creation. That perfect Sacrifice saved us to the uttermost allowing us to once again enter the presence of God without guilt, without shame.

Celebrate Christmas any way you choose but never lose sight of the focus of Advent. Christ has come. Let the Christ-mass (celebration of the Eucharist at Advent) displace all fear and allow the Prince of Peace to fill your heart.

Receive today’s blessing:

May the Christ of Christ-mass become a reality to you

So you can know He is more real than the fears you face

So those very fears can bow their knee to the King

Which will allow you to enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven which came to earth

May the greatest gift you receive this Advent season is Christ in you, the hope of glory

And with hope, may you find the peace you long for

So you can become a source of peace for others

By revealing the glory of the Only Begotten of God to the world

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/30/2025 – Wisdom

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/30/2025 – Wisdom

I wrongly get accused of being smart. I always respond to these comments with this: “I just guess well.” One thing I do have going for me is the ability to reason. My background in mathematics trained me to look for patterns, cipher options to find the best alternative, and, for the most part, remember things. That last trait has become less reliable in recent years.

I love to fix things that are either broken or simply not working. A recent example: The charger on the battery-operated blower was acting strangely. Sometimes it would charge and other times it wouldn’t. Was the charger? Was it the battery? Was it an issue with the blower itself? I Googled solutions, tried several options shown, but still the blower would randomly work and randomly fail. Or, at least seemingly random. One day as I was placing the battery back on the charger, I noticed the charger engaged then stopped charging. That was the first time I ever saw the charger stop. I removed the battery and placed it again on the charger. This time I slid the battery in place very slowly until the charger engaged.

I noticed it was not seated all the way down on the charger. Apparently, over time, either the contacts in the fully seated position had worn, or the stop mechanism had gotten worn or broken. Regardless, since placing the battery in the “almost” seated position, the battery always charges.

This repair was the result of knowledge. I don’t know anything about batteries or battery chargers. However, I am observant. By using data from those observations, I can build a bank of options to explore. Sometimes one of those options become a solution.

That is a purely natural example of gaining what I call wisdom. It’s the application of knowledge to solve a problem. Scripture teaches us that there is wisdom available for the Believer because the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer, can reveal things to you that you have not previously known. 

I have experienced this as well. It had to do with another natural (or carnal) situation. I had struggled with finding an answer to a client’s software issue. One morning on my one-hour commute to work I prayed and ask the Lord to help me with the problem. The client was growing weary of us not providing an answer, and that, in turn, cast a bad light on me. Shortly after this brief prayer, a word came into my head that I do not remember ever hearing. The word, or phrase in this case, was “depletion indicator”. As soon as I got to the office, I found the “guru” of our system design and posed the question, “Have you ever heard of ‘depletion indicator’?” He immediately explained the purpose of this option and where to find it.

I was so excited to contact the client and have them try this option, and it worked! I then went a told my manager what had happened. He said, “Keep praying!” This incident became an opportunity to witness of the wisdom provided by our Creator to those who have entered into the New Covenant with Him.

Now, for today’s blessing:

May the God of Wisdom reveal truths to you in time of need

So you can be a testimony of the goodness of God

So you can be spared the frustration of not knowing

So your purpose can be fulfilled by receiving needing information

May the Holy Spirit bring all things to your remembrance

So you can draw from the reservoir of knowledge accumulated over your lifetime

Brought forth at the appropriate time to help with the challenges you face

So you can appreciate the grace gifts extended to you by the Lord

May you live in a place of thanksgiving for the God-life given to you at salvation

And learn to hear and respond to that Still Small Voice inside you, the Holy Spirit

Who will guide you as you walk through your days

Leading you deeper and deeper into your purpose

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/23/2025 – Abigail

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/23/2025 – Abigail

In the study of the life of David, this week we looked at the encounter with a man named Nabal and his wife, Abigail. Nabal’s name means, “fool.” Apparently it fit him well. Everyone around the man referred to him as an idiot. However, he was very rich. The Hebrew word describing how rich he was means, “heavy.” In other words, Nabal was loaded.

David was holed up in a cave with his six hundred mighty men. His men spent their time roaming the wilderness regions of Israel protecting the shepherds and their flocks from marauders who would raid the fields and rustle the flocks. In return for this protection, which was offered at no charge, the owners of the flocks would share from the profits they made from the livestock.

When the time came to cash in on their herds, David got the news and sent a few of his men to greet Nabal and request compensation for their protection. Even though Nabal’s men spoke very highly of David’s men, he refused to pay them anything, and even insulted them and David, the future King of Israel.

David became so angry at Nabal’s refusal, and even more so of his mockery, that he ordered four hundred of his sword-wielding men to follow him to take this man down.

In comes Abigail. She was both very wise and very beautiful. She got word that David was on his way to kill her husband, Nabal. Even though she was not even aware of what Nabal had done, she took quick action to try and keep David from killing her husband. She mounted up donkeys ladened with food, enough to feed a small army, and went to head off David at the pass. Her humility and tact, as well as her respect for David, convinced him to call of the slaughter of Nabal.

David was willing to change his mind (repent, if you will) of his plan to murder a man because he was dishonored and in doing so, saved himself from ridicule and loss of respect from the people of Israel. His reign as king would have most certainly suffered.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you find the courage to change your mind when presented with Truth

So you, like David, can keep from becoming shipwrecked by poor decisions

So you may become a vessel the Lord can use

And fulfill your purpose given you by the Creator

May the Lord send those like Abigail to speak the Truth to you at critical times

To give you understanding of which path to take

Which will lead to your promotion and not your demise

So God may be glorified in your life

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/16/1015 – Perspective

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/16/1015 – Perspective

When you are in the middle of a major project, effort, chore, etc., it’s easy to lose sight of where you are in the process. Something unexpected arises, and instead of pausing to reevaluate the situation, you tear into the new development not realizing it will take too much time and cost more than expected, nullifying the benefit of the original plan’s outcome. Some refer to these “somethings” as rabbit holes. What seems to be a simple hole in the ground quickly become a maze of tunnels which lead in all directions. Before you know it you have spent all day with nothing to show for it.

Maintaining perspective is the easiest fix for this wasteful process. Before electronic navigation, sailors had to rely on manual steps to ensure they were heading in the right direction. Without the benefit of landmarks out on the open waters, they used a sextant which measured the angle between a celestial body (sun, moon, star, etc.) and the horizon. By introducing a constant into the mix (e.g. celestial body) they could maintain the desired course and arrive at the planned destination.

This is the same counsel Paul gives for Christians to maintain their walk toward becoming like Christ. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV) When you maintain focus on the outcome you are less likely to get sidetracked by trivial, meaningless, and unexpected issues. This verse, combined with the charge to “… destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, …” 1 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV), helps keep us on track in our journey. This is much easier said than done. The key is keeping perspective.

Today’s blessing:

May you find grace to follow the lighted path provided by the Holy Spirit

To place each step in the spot which gets us closer to the destination

To maintain joy in the journey

To arrive at your desired destination

May you be led by peace

So when distractions come, you can quickly identify the lack settled-ness

And get back on track before much time or distance has lapsed

Optimizing the trek toward fulfilling your purpose

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/09/2025 – Surprise!

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/09/2025 – Surprise!

Have you ever been surprised? I don’t mean a “surprise” birthday party that you were pretty sure was coming. I mean something that was not even on the radar. When the tire blows on the interstate – surprise! When the phone rings with a call from the hospital – surprise!

Or, when a friend calls and says they are coming over today – unexpectedly – surprise!

The point of all of this is when a surprise comes which calls your giftings into action or allows you an opportunity to operate in your purpose, the reaction is very different. Even though there is still an element of stress, the energy you feel somehow overrides the nerves and allows you to perform nearly super-human tasks in order to get the job done.

What if we actually planned times to operate in our purpose instead of waiting on “surprise” moments? Many more people would be blessed and you would not be as stressed. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how. Plan that meet-up with the widows or single moms in your life. Go help the neighbor with their lawn. Visit a nursing home. Volunteer to do taxes for folks in your church or civic group (if you know how!). Leave a sack of groceries on the porch, anonymously,  of the family who just lost a job, or a loved one, or just because.

You will find great fulfillment in your life and others will be greatly blessed.

Now for today’s blessing:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (ESV)

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/02/2025 – Random Thoughts

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/02/2025 – Random Thoughts

If you have ever seen the movie, Men In Black (the first one), the outro of the movie shows aliens playing marbles with, what is understood from the context, galaxies. Strangely enough, I had a very similar thought years before the movie was ever made. Sitting on a beach as a young teen this thought occurred to me: What if our solar system is actually an atom in a much larger existence? What if all the various galaxies are part of some being much larger than we could ever comprehend?

After seeing the movie, I realized I’m not the only one with a strange imagination. The reality, however, is we are actually part of a much bigger something. This something is what we call God. God is not found in nature. Nature is found in God. You and I are not “islands” unto ourselves. We are intrinsically part of a whole.

The early Church knew this. They used the word, ekklesia (Greek – meaning called out ones), when speaking of the Church. It was not until Constantine that “church” was used to describe a building. THE Church is not a building. It is a people who bear the name of Christ. Jesus was Head of The Church. He was not “our personal Lord and Savior” as many in the West describe Him. That terminology was first used after North America was being populated by those coming here looking for religious freedom. Jesus does not come into us as individuals. We are actually baptized into Him!

Until we (The Church) get a proper perspective on our connectedness to other Christians we will never be “a single body” in the earth, “with parts in particular.” If we continue to see each “church” (local fellowships) as autonomous from all the other Christians, we will continue to struggle for identity and miss our opportunity to BE Jesus in the earth.

Today’s Blessing:

May you get the revelation of the Headship of Jesus to the whole Church

So you can discern the Lord’s Body, as commanded by Paul in Corinthians

And in doing so, realize that you are a part of something much larger than you

Which will allow the world to see the Kingdom of God

May you gain perspective in the reality that the Holy Spirit brought you into Jesus

As opposed to you deciding to “join” The Church

Which allows you to lose your identity in this world

And prepare you for living in the World to come – The Kingdom of Heaven

May you develop true humility, like John the Baptist

Who declared to the world, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness”

Accepting your purpose, as John accepted his, will lead to your fulfillment

And the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the earth

Sunday’s Blessing - 10/25/2025 - Retreat

Sunday’s Blessing - 10/25/2025 - Retreat

A retreat doesn’t always mean giving up. In the midst of an intense battle, a strategic retreat can be just what is needed to regroup, restock, and replan. A new assault can then be launched with a rejuvenated force against the enemy. 

Our modern culture uses the same word, retreat, to mean a purposeful time of training, team building, and relaxation by going to a neutral location where interruptions and distractions are minimal. When used effectively, these times of pulling away from normal schedules can boost morale and reenergize a team. 

Jesus did this regularly in the years spent with His disciples. He tried to show them a major key in living a life dependent on the Creator. We must pull away from our routine life to hear His Spirit speak to our spirit. When done effectively, these timeouts can make a marked difference in the outcome of every situation we face. 

Today’s blessing:

May the Lord of the Sabbath help you find rest

So you can learn how to relax

So you will gain perspective of your purpose 

And be able to show others how to discover their place

May the God of peace reveal to you The Prince of Peace

So in stressful times you will seek refuge in Him

And allow peace to repel the pestilence 

So you can absorb His presence 

Sunday’s Blessing – 10/19/2025 – Familiarity

Sunday’s Blessing – 10/19/2025 – Familiarity

In our study of King David, we looked at the aftermath of killing a giant. However, there were still a couple of things to look at from last week when we read about the encounter between David and Goliath. First of all, when David went to see Saul before facing Goliath, King Saul tried to convince David to wear the king’s armor. Before rejecting it, David actually tried it on. There is something to be learned from this. Before going out to meet the giant based on his own experience, David at least took time to consider some new information.

Once the armor was on his body, David knew he could not fight effectively because the armor did not fit him. It was made exclusively for King Saul, who was much larger in stature than David. But that was not the reason David rejected the additional protection. He said, “I cannot wear these things because they haven’t been proven by him in battle.” David had been in battles but never while wearing armor; much less someone else’s armor.

He went with what he knew had worked for him in the past. He then headed out to meet Goliath and on the way he stopped at the stream nearby and picked up some rocks. Samuel comments, “He (David) placed them in his bag, even in his pouch.” For some reason, this caught my attention. It reminded me of something Ray Hughes shared about the “bag” which Judas carried.

Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. John 13:29

Moneybag in this verse comes from the Greek word “glóssokomon”, which means “a case to keep reeds for wind instruments.” Judas was likely a musician and used his reed bag to carry money for Jesus’ ministry.

I then remembered David was also a musician. So, I looked up the meaning of “bag” David carried it found it has many interpretations, one of which was “psaltry”. In I Chronicles 23:5 the same word is used to describe the 4000 instruments which David made for the gatekeepers to use for worship in the Tabernacle of David.

This is what I think David was carrying with him into battle with the giant: his bag which he carried everywhere which contained his harp (which he played for Saul) and the rest of his “stuff”, like his slingshot and a pouch for the stones. These things were familiar to David because he had “proven” them out in the pasture tending sheep. These were the same “weapons” which he used to battle wild animals attempting to take the sheep under his care, and also tamed the evil spirits which tormented Saul, his king. David was not unarmed when he left Saul’s tent with armor or weapons. He was simply going with what was familiar to him so he could focus his attention on his Lord, whose strength he confessed would help him defeat the enemy, and the tools which fit his hand well.

Now, for today’s blessing:

May you come to know the Lord’s presence as Mary, the sister of Martha, did

So when trouble comes (death of Lazarus) you find comfort at the feet of Jesus

Because you have already spent time there before trouble came

And welcome the Lord’s presence in good times and bad

May you practice the Presence of the Lord (as Brother Lawrence wrote)

By acknowledging God’s presence even when you don’t “feel” Him there

And also when you know the Lord is near

So others will realize the source of your strength is from above

May you be conscious of the indwelling Spirit promised by Jesus

So you may hear His still small voice when He speaks

So you will follow the path He illuminates for you to follow

And act from the place of knowing you are fully within the purpose of God

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

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/24/2025 – Perspective

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/24/2025 – Perspective

I was sitting in an airport during a layover as I travelled home from a business trip. It would be a few hours before my flight, so I found a comfortable place to sit while eating dinner in front of a window that overlooked the tarmac. All the busyness below helped distract my thoughts while I waited. I became focused on something I was doing, reading or writing, and did not realize the sun had set. To my amazement, when I looked up the next time all I could see was myself and the room behind me in the reflection of the glass.

Even though the hustle and bustle below were still in full stride, because the light inside was brighter than the light outside, it caused a mirror-like effect on the glass. I had never moved, yet my perspective had totally changed. I had gone from Somewhere to Nowhere without even moving! Everything I could see was different than it had been just moments before.

I’m sure you have had similar experiences where the environment you were in changed without notice. It may be rather quickly, like the one above, or may take much longer, years even, like in a workplace, church, or home. You begin a new job with zeal of making a difference in your world, only to find after many years that your zeal is gone and you dread waking up in the morning to make the commute to a place full of people you really don’t like to do mundane tasks for owners or bosses who do not appreciate your talents.

You may start attending a new church because of the life-giving ministry it offers, fully expecting to experience personal and corporate spiritual growth, only to find later that much of it was just hype to keep you coming back each week so you could fill a seat and the offering plate.

God made you for more. Be like the Bereans who searched the scriptures themselves to see if what they were hearing from teachers and preachers was actually a true interpretation of what God had said. Or like the prophet with Elisha (2 Kings 6) who was chopping down a tree for a building to house the work of God. The axe head came off the handle and landed in water. Without the cutting edge of the axe head any effort would be futile until it was recovered.

Never let your effectiveness suffer due to monotony or influence of others. Stay true to what you believe and the purpose for which you were created. Regardless of the environment, be aware of change around you so you can maintain a proper perspective, never allowing what is outside of you to corrupt what is on the inside. You house a valuable treasure – your soul – which should never be allowed to go to waste through meaningless existence.

Today’s blessing:

May the lyrics of this prayer become your own as you pursue the Lord

So you may experience the eternal life of God today

So you may not waste years on the hamster cage, going nowhere

So you may live fulfilled, cherishing every day as the gift from God

A Prayer by St. Fracis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. 

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/17/2025 – The Speed of Life

Sunday’s Blessing – 08/17/2025 – The Speed of Life

One of the curious things I remember from my time as a music major at Samford University was the meaning of Latin words used by composers to indicate the tempo of songs they wrote. Adagio is approximated as the BPM of the human heart. While the speed varies slightly from person to person, and even varies by circumstances, today it is generally thought to be around 72 BPM. However, music historians believe it was much slower several centuries ago; as low as 60 BPM. This means the performance of older works are played much faster than they were originally intended.

In like fashion, it is believed that relative pitch has also changed over time. Symphonic musicians tune to an A played by the first-chair violinist. Legend has it that in an attempt to keep a sharp, crisp tone, the actual tuning of A has increased. The first-chair violinist would push the tuning slightly sharp to improve the sound. Even in the past few decades, A has gone from a frequency of 440 Hz to 442 Hz in some cases. 

Classical composers played around with various tunings. A=415 Hz, a semitone lower than modern pitch, was common for French Baroque music. Other tunings ranged from around A=392 Hz (particularly in France) to A=422 Hz (a "classical pitch" used by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven). Some organs even reached A=480 Hz. Those same compositions, especially for voice, are now performed at a higher pitch than originally composed; possibly a minor third higher.

The point of all this is the speed of life has increased. One of my favorite lines from Stephen Wright is, “I once put instant coffee in a microwave and almost travelled in time.” We are constantly looking for an edge to get more for less; primarily getting more accomplished in less time.

While productivity may have improved, it has taken its toll on the human body. Heart rates are up, blood pressure is up, stress and strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves are up, creating bodies which are struggling to keep up. At some point, the body will eventually break.

This is why it is vital to find a place of rest. A few months ago I did a series of posts on Sabbath Rest. Go back and read some of them. We must find a way to slow the pace of life so we can breathe, relax, and actually enjoy living. What’s the point of increased productivity if we are broken or dead? There’s a reason we need to stop and smell the roses. This quote is often attributed to golfer Walter Hagen, who said, "Don't hurry, don't worry, and be sure to smell the flowers along the way." Regardless of the origin, the message is still true. Take note of the things around you so you can appreciate where you are, where you have been, and look forward to where you are going.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the Lord give you grace to slow down

So you can “be still and know that He is God”

So you will know you are not alone in the race you are trying to run

And come to understand there really is not a race at all

May you accept the mercies extended each day from the Lord

So you can receive forgiveness from the past

So you can have contentment in the present

And hope for the future

May you give yourself room to change, to slow down

So you can live the life God intends you to have

So you can fulfill the purpose God has placed in your heart

And find rest in being the child of the King

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