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 Because of Saul’s disobedience, God had withdrawn His Spirit from Saul, leaving him dependent totally upon his own ability, which he knew was not sufficient to lead a nation.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

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

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/22/2025 – Summer Begins

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/22/2025 – Summer Begins

Seasons are a great reminder that life will bring changes, and with those changes we may have to adapt to the place we find ourselves. For six months, days have been gradually getting longer until the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year. We hardly notice the change because it happens so slowly. Beginning today, days begin getting shorter until the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year.

This phenomenon occurs in many areas of life. Children grow up, seemingly overnight, because we cannot see their progress each day. It’s only when something gets our attention that we suddenly realize they have grown.

These things illustrate the meaning of “process”. The mechanism is put in motion and continues until something affects its progress. Life in general is much like this.

The fraternal twin of process is “event”. Events can happen suddenly, or may be planned, but their duration is short-lived. A party, for instance, could be a surprise or a well-thought-out affair. Either way, events have a planned start and stop time. Once it’s over, it’s over.

Some events can impact us so deeply that it initiates a process which could last for the rest of our lives. The birth of a child is a great example. The event of giving birth begins with labor and ends with delivery. But that is only the beginning of a much longer process of raising the child. The other end of that spectrum is death. Death can sometimes be preceded by a process (such as a long illness), but many times comes suddenly.

The end result of any event is determined by how we react. In the case of giving birth, a parent could neglect the child, or worse yet, abuse the child, causing great harm physically or emotionally, or both. In the case of an unexpected death, the ones left behind have choices to make about how the sudden loss of a loved one will affect them. Obviously, the person will no longer be there. But beyond that, those left behind must find a way to keep living.

These changes in life can be likened to the seasons. Although there are no “events” which mark the change of seasons, we can use this mindset to help us adapt to a new way of living. Just as we change our outer surroundings to accommodate the change in seasons, like clothing, exterior preparations (sealing up for winter, planting for spring, etc.), décor and colors, and the list goes on, we can also make changes in our personal life to accommodate the unplanned changes. We can expand our horizons by moving to a new place, getting a new job, pursue education, take up a hobby, etc. We must fight the urge to sit down and do nothing.

The spiritual application is to find a way to seek help outside of our own strength and understanding. Embrace the truth given to us in scripture. Allow the wisdom of God to guide us. Allow the Spirit of God to empower us. Allow the love of God to keep us in peace.

Now for today’s blessing. It’s a simple one straight from scripture:

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/15/2025 – Father’s Day

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/15/2025 – Father’s Day

The past month or so I spent time writing about the sabbath/selah/rest of God. I’ve learned a lot as I spent time reading and meditating on what God thinks about the sabbath from both the Old and New Testament perspectives. I came to realize they are exactly the same. There are two different things here. There is The Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week, and considered to be a weekly festival which God gave His chosen people, the Jews, for them to remember all God had done for them.

There is also simply sabbath. This is a time when we “suspend” our activity and just commune with our Father. This is not relegated to a day of the week. It is not church attendance. It is not the fourth commandment. It is a time when we let everything else go for a while and spend that time talking and listening to God. The word meaning of sabbath is: intermission, to cease, to rest. In today’s vernacular it might be: “time out” or “chill”.

King David understood sabbath and built into his psalms a pause, called selah, which mean: “suspension” or “pause”. This nuance in musical terms could mean an actual suspended chord or progression of sound. Our minds hear the musical suspension and naturally begin anticipating the resolution; the resolve.

When I saw this, I immediately understood why sabbath means so much to God. In essence, sabbath is faith. When we suspend our efforts, our plans, our purposes, our pursuits, we experience sabbath rest. There’s no struggle or strain. We come to realize that God is the source of everything we need. This is faith: the essence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This suspension brings the anticipation of the resolution or resolve in our life.

The resolve leads us to act, not in faith, but in trust. We heard from the Father in the sabbath moment, then go from there trusting in what we heard from Him. This is how we live our life-song. We play and sing the words and melody given to us by the Holy Spirit. It builds up to a point of suspension where we have to pause and seek counsel from the Maker, then continue in the cadence, trusting God’s voice.

Now for today’s blessing:

May the Lord teach you to play your life-song 

To bring glory and honor to Christ and His Kingdom

So those in your world can be blessed

Including you, the minstrel and soloist of your life

May you encounter the Father on this Father’s Day

As you learn of Him through the renewed fellowship available through Christ

To hear His heart, to recognize His voice, to follow His dreams for you

As you continue to compose new movements in the song of your life

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/08/2025 – Pentecost Sunday

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/08/2025 – Pentecost Sunday

One of the most important aspects of our salvation is when Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit to the earth to fill those who would become identified with Christ through His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating at the Father’s right hand. This is the process of salvation described by Paul in Ephesians 1 & 2. Before Jesus ascended to take His position of authority next to the Father, He promised to send “another” comforter. This word “another” means one of the same kind. Jesus explained that He had been “with” them, but the One coming later would live “in” them, to empower them to be witnesses of all they had seen and heard.

For many years, I had missed one vital part of this process. Most “plans” of salvation I had heard placed the onus of being saved on the individual. It included things like, “if you believe and confess, you would be saved,” or “be baptized for the remission of sin,” or … There are many more. While these are verses in the Bible, they do not encapsulate the salvation experience. The end result of salvation is to be “in Christ.” I have only found one way for this to occur: the Holy Spirit must baptize us into Christ. Who does He baptize? Those who have identified with Christ in all of the aspects mention by Paul: the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating of Jesus.

Pentecost is not an “experience” for the believer. It was an “event” in the history of God’s saving of humans on earth from their sin and restoring fellowship with the Father which was lost because of sin. There is no salvation without Pentecost (the sending of the Holy Spirit to the earth). The Holy Spirit, or paraclete (I’ve heard described as “one who walks along side together with”), would be sent to help us. He would lead us into salvation by showing us the love of the Father. He would then baptize us into Christ. And finally, the Holy Spirit would dwell in us to empower us to be witnesses of this “love of the Father” to our world.

It's important for us to remember these things. That’s why I am enjoying learning about liturgy; not as a way of expressing my Christianity, but to strengthen my  Christian experience by constantly being reminded of why God did all He did to provide a way back into complete fellowship with Him.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you encounter the Holy Spirit in every way

So you may know, completely, the love of the Father

Which is the only reason Jesus came – to show us the Father

So you could be restored into full fellowship with Him 

My you learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit – the inward witness

So you can share outwardly all that He has brought about in you

By baptizing you into Christ, guiding you into the Truth about the Father

So you could receive all He has provided for you in the New Covenant

May this Pentecost Sunday become a time of revelation

May the Holy Spirit bring you to full understanding of why He came

So you would be able to live in the perpetual Sabbath Rest

Which is found in Jesus Christ, your Lord

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/01/2025 – The Sunday Between Ascension and Pentecost

Sunday’s Blessing – 06/01/2025 – The Sunday Between Ascension and Pentecost

There is not a lot of information in scripture about the time between when Jesus ascended to heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father and when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill believers, giving them boldness to testify of the love of God brought through the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating of Christ. We know the disciples and others went to the upper room where Jesus had what is now referred to as The Last Supper.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

Acts 1:4-8 (ESV)

For years, I tried to live the Christian life without knowledge or the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It was not part of the teaching in the churches of my youth. I now understand more fully the work of the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus sending the Holy Spirit was part of our redemption.

So here we are, in the ten days between the Ascension (Jesus going up) and Pentecost (the Holy Spirit coming down). The last two acts of Jesus which completed our salvation were Him being seated on the Father’s right hand (where we are positionally with Christ after we are saved) and Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to inhabit the Believer once the Spirit baptizes us into Christ (salvation). God provided everything for us through Christ so we could be restored into fellowship with Him, our Creator.

Now for today’s blessing:

May you learn to live from the position of being seated with Christ

So you may be able to trust the Father for every aspect of your life

So you may know the true nature and character of the Father

And live a life full enough to bless other along the way

May you live yielded to the Spirit’s presence inside you

So you may be led by the Spirit in every way

So you may be empowered to be a witness of the hope that is in you

And always have something to give to others who need hope