Rewired for the Journey

I was once told that the number one cause of divorce is marriage! This was a comedy joke that old Red Skelton used to say in his stand-up comedy routine. But there is some truth to it!  Marriage can be and is a beautiful institution of love and safety and commitment between a man and a woman. If they keep Christ in the center of their marriage and follow the guidance of the Holy Bible about marriage then they have a good chance of having a successful and full marriage until death due them part. Give each other plenty of grace and forgiveness and always put the other's welfare first. Hebrews 13:4 New Living Translation (NLT) 4  Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Prayer: Dear Lord, bless my marriage and if I am not married then help me to find and marry the one You would send into my life, in Jesus name, amen.                                              

As I get older I find death becomes more visible with every passing day. The Grim Ripper seems to be working over time and likes it! Friends and family are getting older and passing over the Veil. I see in the news everyday death taking lives on the streets in gang shootings, terrorist attacks all over the world, domestic violence went fatally wrong, natural disasters, disease, accidents, fires, people breathing one moment and then the next moment nothing.  Death is ugly and messy and I have grown very weary of it. But I must realize we live in a fallen world and instead of focusing on the thorn on the rose I should focus on the rose petal. We need to be grateful for Jesus redeeming us from the fall so that there is no sting of death in the final ending of the story of humanity. Some choose not to believe, not to have faith, but I believe and have faith and trust that Jesus Christ's atoning blood cleanses us from all sin if we choose to believe He is the Messiah resurrected from

It is interesting that at times when I go to write I know exactly what I am going to write about and how I want to present it. Then there are times I am blank on what to write and silence brings on anxiety with the pressure that I have to write something but I do not know what! I find that if I walk away and relax a little bit I will eventually get inspiration.  There are times in our walk with Jesus we know exactly where we are going with Jesus and our faith. But there are also times when we are blind to where we should be going and we cannot hear Jesus. this is a time not to panic but to take a deep breath and take a walk in silence. We must give Jesus time to talk with us and if we rest in His silence and time He will eventually inspire us and we will no longer be blind to where we are to go.  John 16:13 New Living Translation (NLT) 13  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will

Living the Christian life is not easy. But there is a sweetness of peace and understanding to living life as a Christian. To know how to live in such a way one must read and seek to understand the Holy Bible. Also, one must seek God's counsel in prayer. Stay grounded in the Word and follow the example of Jesus and obey His commandments. In this way when the storms of life hit, and they will, you will be more able to get through them with the Lord's help. Matthew 8:23-27 New Living Translation (NLT) 23  Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.   24  Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.   25  The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26  Jesus responded,  “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”  Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 27  The disciples were amazed. “Who is this m

How does a Christian survive in a world that will abuse and take advantage of you? The world that sees kindness as a sign of weakness and will use it against you. If you are in a forest there are certain things you need to survive like a pocket knife, water, flashlight, compass and if you are to survive on the water you would need a life jacket, a flare, sexton, and other things I am sure. Depending on where you are and the climate will dictate what kind of survival pack you will need or hopefully have with you to survive till help arrives or you find your way back home. In this world, as Christians, we need a survival pack also to help us get through life and get back home to Heaven. A Christian survival pack should include prayer, Holy Bible, a faith community, the sacraments, a daily devotion time, a testimony of Jesus, and a faith that will grow over time. The Lord knew it would not be easy for us but He left us with the spiritual equipment we would need to survive. Now all He as

We all have some kind of talent. Some people have more talent than others but talent shows can be fun. I am playing in one for the church a solo with my Steel Tongue Drum and Cajon for a jazz number which should be fun. In a talent show there are skits and singing and stand-up comedy and music, and sometimes animal tricks. I think it would be great if we all had a talent show of Christian conduct every day like showing kindness, love, mercy, compassion, and you fill in the blank. This can be done as an individual or in groups but either way, we fill the world up with more good to offset the bad. Ephesians 4:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT) 30  And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, [ a ] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to use our ta

I think it would be great to be able to text Jesus and have Him text back! Another method would be to Skype with Jesus. Ok Jesus, what would you do in this case? Then in a minute, a "ping" would hit our phone and there would be an answer, cool, no? Now we may not be able to text Jesus and get an answer (we would need His phone number) but we still can get an answer from Jesus. We just need to be willing to open our Holy Bible and read it. We must be willing to take the time to pray to Jesus and listen for His still voice to whisper to us an answer to our prayer.  John 10:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 27  My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. Prayer: Lord, help me make time to listen for your voice, amen.

Modern Christians no longer want to talk about sin. No longer want to talk about needing repentance. They no longer want to talk about God's wrath against sin. Because of this, we have an increase in Biblical illiteracy for only looking at one side of God you will get a distorted view. As painful or as uncomfortable as it may be we must look at the full nature of God to understand Him better and thus ourselves in the grand scheme of life. Do not shy away from our fallen nature nor that of God's true nature but learn about them and then you will better understand why we needed a Savior, why we need to repent, and why God has such a distaste for sin. Then we can more fully appreciate God's love. Zephaniah 1:12 New Living Translation (NLT) 12  “I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners      to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the  Lord  will do nothing to them,      either good or bad. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us underst

I have a 13-year-old truck in great condition but I went window shopping to see what trucks cost nowadays. Sticker shock!!! Oh my, trucks cost more than a house! Crazy, just crazy, so I am now rethinking I might have to repaint my truck and change to LED headlights and taillights and keep driving my old truck until the Second Coming of Christ! The price for new is just too high! The price to redeem humanity from its fall in the garden of Eden is just too high for humans to pay. But it was not too high a price for God. Jesus had the right amount in His heavenly bank account to purchase our salvation from sin, Hell, and the grave. Jesus paid full retail price for us paying in "His atoning blood" shed on a cross on a hill. All we have to do is accept Jesus as the Son of God and what He did for us in faith. Trucks have a price limit but you and I are priceless in Jesus Christ's eyes! John 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV) 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his

Lighthouses are very cool. I have visited many and got to go to the top of one of them that had winding stairs. I started to freeze half way up due to my fear of heights. But my youngest daughter talked me into continuing and I am so glad I did for the view was magnificent. Lighthouses are to help boats and ships from crashing into the rocky shores. Jesus tells us we are to be a light to the world, we can be human lighthouses! Like the song I used to sing in Sunday School, "this little light of mine, I am going to make it shine!"  I reckon to help other people not to crash on the rocky shore of Hell but to guide people to the safe shores of salvation in Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:14 New Living Translation (NLT) 14  “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Prayer: Father, helps us to shine our light to guide others safely to You, amen. 

You do not hear too often someone asking for your testimony anymore and yet it is a very powerful tool for the Christian to have and use. What is a testimony you may ask, well a testimony is your story of how you lived before you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and how you are living your life now that Jesus is your Savior. Satan flees from a Christain giving their testimony. Share your testimony with someone today. Revelation 12:11 New Living Translation (NLT) 11  And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb      and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much      that they were afraid to die. Prayer: Father in Heaven, let me have the opportunity to share my testimony today with someone who needs to hear about Jesus, amen.

Sometimes it is interesting to think that all over the world as I put out bread for the birds to eat that others are doing the same in Russia, Japan, Chile, South Africa, and other places. God uses us to help take care of the birds in our small ways of throwing out bread or seed and filling bird baths with water. I believe God also uses others to help us in small ways as we live out our lives here on earth before returning home to Heaven. Matthew 10:31 New Living Translation (NLT) 31  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank you for your love for us and helping us help others and your creatures on earth, amen.

I love being clean and having things around me clean, almost borderline germaphobic! I enjoy cleaning because it relaxes me and makes me feel there is some harmony in the world around me. I am a domestic monster! Laundry, house cleaning, just put on some music and watch me go.  Jesus likes things clean too! The biggest and hardest thing to clean in life is the human sin. But Jesus is the ultimate power cleaner for He cleaned up our sinful mess with His own atoning blood from the cross. May we ever be grateful to Him for His sacrifice on our behalf. Romans 5:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 9  Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood,   we will be saved through Him from wrath. Prayer: Thank you Jesus, for shedding your atoning blood to clean our sins away, amen. 

It is the first birthday of my Mother's without being able to celebrate it with her. Sad yes, but I think it is exciting to think Mom is celebrating her earthly birthday in Heaven. I know she is having a wonderful time and so I celebrate with sweet memories and a future in Heaven when I will see Mom again clothed in glory. Let us live in the moment in such a way as to bring honor to our past ancestors whom we love. Oh, glory be to God!  Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV) 23  The  Lord  is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6  Sur

As Christians, we are commanded by Jesus Christ to go and tell the whole world that Jesus is the Savior of the world and their faith in Jesus as Savior will give them forgiveness of sin. Baptism then follows the believer as a public confession of the believer's acceptance to become a follower of Jesus. The world does not want to hear about this or about their sinful nature. The World only wants to hear about how good they are with no repercussions and no obedience to God. Free and cheap grace is all the world wants. But grace came at a very high cost... the cost of the death of God's only begotten Son. Tell the world no matter their attitude because some will listen. Mark 16:14-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible  14  Later, He appeared to the Eleven  themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected.   15  Then  He said to them,  “Go into all the w

Being angry has been shown by medical science to release from our brain poisonous toxins that bring down our immune systems. Also, it repulses the human soul and makes us look very ugly in the process. It is important to learn self-control so we may manage our anger in a constructive way that does no harm. Taking time in prayer to center yourself and allow the peace of the Lord to enter and heal your troubled soul is so vital to a mature walk with Jesus Christ and your neighbor. Psalm 37:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible    Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. Prayer: Lord, may I look to You when anger comes upon me and may You help me defuse it, amen.

On this day in history in  1990, Nelson Mandela is freed after 27 years as a political prisoner. The anti-apartheid campaigner's release was a high point in South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy. It is hard for me to imagine that one person can hate another simply because their skin is a different shade than their own. I detest racism and so does Jesus. I see everyone as a child of God made in His image. I reach out to all people in respect and kindness so they may see the Light of Christ within me that I may share that Light with them. Let us stifle racism one encounter at a time. Acts 10:34-35 Holman Christian Standard Bible  34  Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism,   35  but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. Acts 10:34-36 The Message (MSG) 34-36  Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God pla

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 HCSB Valentines Day is three days away so a reminder might be nice! A holiday that lets us take the time to tell our sweethearts we love them and they are special to us. The Lord throughout the Holy Bible is telling us we are His valentines! I hope it is a comfort to know the living God of the Holy Bible and Creator of the universe has a special place in His heart for me and for you. Prayer: Thank for Your love dear Lord, amen.

When one is youthful they have high energy and ambition. Their skin is tight and their mind is sharp. When Middle age hits there is a slight decrease in energy level and if they are not careful their bodies start to go down hill. The mind, for the most part, is still pretty sharp. Then old age hits in a stealthy sort of way. You do not realize it is happening for your spirit feels young but the body betrays you. Writing down notes of remembrance becomes vital. Now there is an exception to every rule but you get the general drift of what I am saying. Regardless of what stage you are at you should strive to be the best you can be while on this earth. Exercise and eat nutritious foods, get the proper sleep for your mind and body. Say your prayers on a daily basis and read your Holy Bible every day. Put in a good day's work to earn money to live. Don't like your work then find a work you like and stop whining. Take control of your life with the guidance of Almighty God!  Eccle

Who you believe Jesus is will dictate how Jesus works in your life. If you believe He is a great philosopher then He is not your Savior but just another guy with some cool ideas. If you believe He was a great teacher then He was another rabbi in a long list of rabbis. If you believe He is just another god among many gods then you have not believed what He said about Himself in the Holy Bible.  Nowadays many people and even churches want Jesus to be what they want Him to be and not who or what He is. But are we willing to accept who and what Jesus said about Himself? Are we willing to believe and not twist it? Are we willing to live by who Jesus really is? Can we accept Jesus on His terms and not ours? If we can accept Jesus on His terms then our faith in Him will wash our sins away and give us eternal life in Heaven. Now, who is Jesus? First, the Son of the Living God Yahweh and the second part of the Holy Trinity. Secondly, the holy Savior of this world and the people who believe

When I was growing up I got a whipping almost every day. I was always breaking the rules and getting into trouble in one form or another. It is a wonder I have any butt at all! But in the big scheme of life, I was made a better person for having been guided on how to be a decent human being even if there was pain involved. My parents cared enough about me and loved me enough to take the time and set me straight with strict discipline when needed. Now Heavenly Father is the same way. He loves us enough and willing to take the time to discipline us to make us a better person. But when the discipline is over He shows His love us by restoring unto what we had lost and given a little extra on top. My parents did the same so do not get upset when you are disciplined because the momentary pain will turn into a blessing! Joel 2:25-27 The Message (MSG) 25-27  “I’ll make up for the years of the locust,      the great locust devastation— Locusts savage, locusts deadly,      fierce locus