Rewired for the Journey

In Japan, there is an art to mending broken and cracked pottery called Kintsugi. Using resin and gold dust mixed together helps to fill in cracks and reattach broken pieces. Now instead of hiding the repair it is shown and makes a piece of pottery that was broken into something beautiful. Is this not what Jesus does with our broken lives? Jesus takes our broken lives and repairs them and makes something beautiful out of lives. Psalm 51:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 16  For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give  it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17  The sacrifices of God  are  a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for fixing our broken lives, amen.

It is a good thing to remember all the veterans who have protected us and kept us safe each year. Their sacrifices and their families sacrifices are invaluable. May Jesus Christ continue to protect them and comfort them in their day to day duties. Psalm 91:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)   He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the  Lord ,  “He is  my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” 3  Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler [ a ] And  from the perilous pestilence. 4  He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth  shall be your  shield and buckler. 5  You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor  of the arrow  that  flies by day, 6  Nor  of the pestilence  that  walks in darkness, Nor  of the destruction  that  lays waste at noonday. Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for Your protection and protect all our mil

Most of my life my favorite color has been blue. The last two years I have found that my favorite color now is red. Now I ask myself why and I do not have a precise answer but I am drawn to the vibrant and bold richness of the color red. Red also reminds me of the blood that Jesus Christ shed in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross to redeem us from our sins. Red is the color of life for me. 1 John 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) 7  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for creating all the beautiful colors in the world, amen.

Today we will spread my Mother's ashes at a place she loved to picnic, fish and bring the grandkids down to enjoy the time together. Yes, it is emotional and yet another way to honor her life here on earth. Funerals and spreading ashes and these kinds of things are what we the living do to cope and have closure with the ones we have lost. Memorials help us to not to forget our loved ones who have passed on. The Holy Communion is a memorial to never forget what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross and at the Resurrection. Let us not forget. Luke 22:19-20 New King James Version (NKJV) 19  And He took bread, gave thanks and broke  it,  and gave  it  to them, saying,  “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20  Likewise He also   took   the cup after supper, saying,   “This cup  is  the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. Prayer: O'Lord, let us never forget our loved ones who have passed nor the great sacrifice of Jesus, amen. 

I am a big fan of the science fiction movies and TV shows of both Star Wars and Star Trek. It is easy for me to believe that the Great Creator God made other life forms all over the galaxy. Why would that be so hard to believe and just because it is not in the Holy Bible does not mean the Lord in His all powerful ways could not create more life forms in His infinite wisdom. The Holy Bible tells us He did not give us all the answers to absolutely everything. We are not ready and capable of handling everything the Lord knows!  John 21:25 New King James Version (NKJV) 25  And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. Prayer: O'Lord, help us to understand that we will never know all things until we get to Heaven, in Jesus name, amen.

Today we had rain all day and then at evening time the clouds drifted away and the sun came out and it was really neat that a few minutes after the sun came out the birds started to sing and it was quite a lovely moment. I thought that it was like that in the Garden of Eden, a little rain and then some sun with the birds singing and the smell of the fresh clean air. I took the time to thank the Lord for it all and to have that glimpse of Heaven for just a few minutes. Revelation 2:7 New King James Version (NKJV) 7  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for giving us glimpses of Heaven here on earth, in Jesus name, amen.

When we compare ourselves with others it normally only leads to feeling bad that we aren't what we think we should be then jealousy comes into play. Being jealous is self-destructive, there will always be someone out there stronger, faster, richer, and prettier or handsome than us. God has already given us so many blessings so let us not be greedy and turn green with envy. Focus on Jesus and be thankful for all our many blessings. Exodus 20:17 New King James Version (NKJV) 17  “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that  is  your neighbor’s.” Prayer: O'Lord, I thank You for my many blessings, help me not to covet anything unrighteously, in Jesus name, amen.

Nowadays there are hundreds of different versions of the Holy Bible. Now anytime you are reading or studying the Holy Bible it is a good thing. But as I have been studying the different versions and what ancient manuscripts they used and their reasoning I am finding out there have been some shenanigans going on to water down and change some of the meanings of the ancient texts to go along with political agendas to change orthodox theology. So word to the wise is doing some real deep research on Bible versions that stay true to the ancient texts of God's Holy Word, I would recommend the New King James Version and staying away from versions like the Message. Happy searching.  2 Timothy 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV) 16  All Scripture  is  given by inspiration of God, and  is  profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for the holy scripture and guide us to use those that have not been changed for

So many terror attacks around the world anymore that at any given moment you could be dead. The question that came to me this morning is how many of those who died in terror attacks had given their life to Jesus and was saved by His atoning blood? Let us be ready and help others be ready by sharing the story of Jesus. John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV) 16  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Prayer: O'Lord, help comfort the friends and families of the people who have been killed in terror attacks, in Jesus name, amen.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum Baily Circus performed their last show and how sad. They had lasted 146 years in business but the rising costs of a traveling circus and less and less attendance forced them out of business. Billed as "the greatest show on earth" was a famous catch phrase for them. But actually "the greatest show on earth" was the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! Nothing can top coming back from the dead! Because of what Jesus did when all now can have eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and our loved ones. 1 Peter 1:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV) A Heavenly Inheritance 3  Blessed  be  the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, Prayer: Thank you O'Lord for the blessed resurrection and eternal life with

If you live in Indiana you will be asked about the 500 Mile Race which is the most famous race in the entire world. The sound of the race cars going around the track is one of the coolest sounds. The start of the race is so colorful with all the different colored cars altogether. I hope that I will be known and you will be known as a good Christian person. Those people will want to know us and ask us about Jesus and why He has made us the "cool" people we are in Christ just like they want to know all about the 500 Race. Be colorfully bold for Jesus for He was bold for you. Romans 9:1 New Living Translation (NLT) With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. Prayer: O'Lord, help me be a bold witness for You and let me have many an opportunity to testify of You and what You did to save us, in Jesus name, amen.

In some Christian faith's they do not believe in drinking alcohol of any kind. But in others, they say it is ok in moderation. Now I go by what the Holy Bible says and it says not to get drunk, it does not say do not drink at all but to drink only modestly. Being drunk or giving in to addiction is sinful but not a glass or two of an adult beverage. Now if one is concerned that they cannot stop at just one or two drinks then it would be wise to abstain completely. Ephesians 5:18 New International Version (NIV) 18  Do not get drunk on wine,  which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Isaiah 5:11 New Living Translation (NLT) 11  What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning      looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine      to make them flaming drunk. Prayer: O'Lord of Heaven, help guide me in wisdom when it comes to drinking alcohol of any kind, amen.

I have heard many a debate as to whether a pet animal will be in Heaven or not. I believe that all things were created spiritually before they were created earthly. So I take a frogs leap of faith to say I do believe we will have animals in Heaven and I ask, "Why not our pets we had on earth?" Isaiah 65:25 New International Version (NIV) 25  The wolf and the lamb  will feed together,      and the lion will eat straw like the ox,      and dust will be the serpent’s  food. They will neither harm nor destroy      on all my holy mountain,” says the  Lord .                                                                                                                                                                         Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for making all kinds of animals, in Jesus name, amen.            

I really enjoy the energy and power of water. I love the feel of a warm shower, cold water during a gym workout on the treadmill, and a summer rain to clean the air of pollen.  Hot water can cleanse and purify; cold water can refresh and awaken. But lukewarm water does not have similar value.   Jesus said to be either hot or cold but not lukewarm in our faith. A hot or cold Christian will benefit the world with their hot gifts and cold gifts of the spirit. But a lukewarm Christian is one of complacency with an unchanged heart that saddens God. No gifts of the Spirit are used... Revelation 3:16 New International Version (NIV) 16  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Prayer: O'Lord, may I never be satisfied to be lukewarm, amen.

I have a habit of buying a new used truck and then driving it until the Second Coming. I would like to think my old truck has the character like me. I have been replacing parts and putting on touch-up paint on the old rust spots. It is like God with me, He keeps spiritually touching me up and replacing parts of my character to make me more in the image of Christ. Maybe I and my old truck will make to the Second Coming!?! Ephesians 4:22-24 New International Version (NIV) 22  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off  your old self,  which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;   23  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24  and to put on  the new self,  created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for renewing me a little here and a little there, amen.

The most confusing part of Christianity is the Trinity... is there one God or three Gods? The Hebrew word translated one in Deuteronomy 6:4 is echad . It means unity, not singularity. It is also used in Genesis 2:24 in referring to a husband and wife being “one” flesh. A husband and wife are not one as in a singular being but rather they are in unity with each other. There is a Hebrew word that means absolute singularity, yachid , but it is never used in the Hebrew Scriptures in reference to God. So the Trinity is actually three personages who are one in purpose and desire. This is what we call the Godhead. 1 Timothy 2:5 New International Version (NIV) 5  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, Prayer: O' Lord, thank you for being in unity with all of us and the universe, amen.

This is the first Mother's Day without my Mom. She has passed the Veil into Heaven. I do not know how to truly process this except to say it is a sad time. But I rejoice that she loved me and looked after me. So the thought for today is not to forget or take it for granted that your mother will always be around. Take the time to visit with her, talk, share, and help her while you can because in a moment of time she will return to the dust as all humanity does. Proverbs 6:20-21 New Living Translation (NLT) 20  My son, obey your father’s commands,      and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21  Keep their words always in your heart.      Tie them around your neck. Prayer: Thank you O'Lord for my earthly mother, in Jesus name, amen.

I really like breakfast food. Eggs over easy with crisp bacon and lightly toasted wheat bread along with Hazelnut cream coffee.  I like the story where Jesus showed up to the disciples a third time after He was resurrected from the grave. He came to have made and had breakfast with the disciples. I think how cool it would be to have breakfast with Jesus. Yet I do when I pray and read my devotions while I am having my breakfast... but tangibly able to see and touch Him will someday be even more awesome. I look forward to that great adventure with Jesus.  John 21:12-14 New International Version (NIV) 12  Jesus said to them,  “Come and have breakfast.”  None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.   13  Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.   14  This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples  after he was raised from the dead. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for breakfast food and getting t

I remember running across this verse when I was in a really dark time in my life and it gave me such great comfort. Ever since that time of darkness I have many a time cried out to the Lord to please hear my prayer. Faithful as the sun rising in the east God heard me, comforted me, and helped me. Psalm 34:6 New International Version (NIV) 6  This poor man called, and the  Lord  heard him;      he saved him out of all his troubles. Prayer: Thank you O'Lord for always hearing me, amen.

In the book of Micah God tells the Judah community that He no longer is interested in animal sacrifices but that offerings to Him should be from the altar of their heart. God today only wants from the altar of your heart honesty, mercy and to not be filled with arrogant pride but your strength should be in living humbly within God's grace. Micah 6:6-8 New International Version (NIV) 6  With what shall I come before  the  Lord      and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,      with calves a year old? 7  Will the  Lord  be pleased with thousands of rams,      with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn  for my transgression,      the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8  He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.      And what does the  Lord  require of you? To act justly  and to love mercy      and to walk humbly with your God. Prayer: O'Lord may I always walk humbly before You, amen.