Rewired for the Journey

In the 60's and 70's the rock group from Canada called The Guess Who sang a hit song called "NO Time" and one of the lyrics was "seasons change and so do I" which reminded me of our faith journey on earth. As we grow in our faith by reading and learning the Holy Bible, experience in life, reading others interpretations of faith, and reasoning in our minds about God and faith, we change, our faith changes, hopefully for the better and stronger and clearer in truth. Ecclesiastes 3:1 New Living Translation (NLT)   For everything there is a season,      a time for every activity under heaven. Prayer: O'Lord, may we get better in time and our faith more vibrant, in Jesus name, Amen.

In the Old Testament, the book of Job is a story about loss and suffering and why God allows such things. The best answer is we live in a sin fallen world and in God's divine wisdom it is not the time to stop all sin and suffering but the day will come when it will all end. Until then God asks us to remain faithful and wait, trusting in His wisdom. Job 1:21 New King James Version (NKJV) 21  And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The  Lord  gave, and the  Lord  has taken away; Blessed be the name of the  Lord .” Prayer: O'Lord, help us to help others who suffer, in Jesus name, Amen.

Good and evil spirits are in the world and this is not a fairy tale, they do exist. God has told us how to test the spirits if they are of God or of the darkness. There are many false prophets in the world and false teachings and you need to be wise and not fall for them, buy their books or CD's, or watch their shows. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you discern the spirits. 1 John 4:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV) 1  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  2  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,  3  and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the  spirit  of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.   Prayer: O'Lord, please help us discern the truth from falsehood, in Jesus nam

Destructive governments do not happen over night. It all starts very subtly in whispers and shadows. This is motivated by fear and then the belief that the fear can be conquered through power and money to kill the fear but always with the belief that it is for a better, stronger, and more saintly individual and nation. I must protect my world and beliefs at all costs so scorching the land i.e. gay people, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Democrats (you fill in the blank) becomes an obsession and in their mind, they believe they are some type of savior. This is how Stalin, Hitler, Zedong, to name a few worked within government and the military (power) and they had lots of money (tax dollars and their own money) to control and kill (scorch) whatever they wanted. You must not let these kinds of people and governments destroy your own humanity within you, continue to love, be kind, stay filled with hope and courage, say your prays, even for those you do not understand or agree with for love is s

In our day and age, there is so much that could collapse our faith and our ability to function in our day to day life. We have terrorist wanting to hurt the innocent and we have companies wanting to put microchips in their employee's hands to buy and sell and work and we have a government that is wanting to help corporations get richer by not covering people with proper health care insurance. But Jesus said that we are not to worry, He knows our needs and He cares for us. Jesus, in the end, is my health care insurance, counselor, and financial planner. John 14:27 New Living Translation (NLT) 27  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Prayer: O'Lord, help us not to be so worried but to trust in You, Amen.

In our fallen world where sin is alive and well we suffer from one of the many symptoms of sin and that is we age, decay, and die. Plants, animals, and humans all suffer this sin affliction. So all things have an end. But we can enjoy as much as we can until it is time to cross over through the Veil. We, humans, grow close with affection to other humans and animals and it is sad and painful when they pass and we are left behind. The one comfort I remember when this happens is that someday when it is my turn to cross over I will see them again, even my beagle dog Butch when I was a boy. Revelation 21:4 New King James Version (NKJV) 4  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Prayer: O'Lord, we pray for comfort for all those who have lost a loved one or animal pet, in Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

I am mystified when I read or hear someone talk about their disbelief of Jesus Christ as deity or Messiah. They talk about their disbelief with pride and that anyone who does believe is uneducated and simple minded. It is sad to me and I hope they find hope in Jesus before they pass on to the afterlife. My faith so cleanses me and comforts me and gives me guidance. May it also do the same for you. 2 Corinthians 4:4 New Living Translation (NLT) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. Prayer: O'Lord, I pray for all atheists that they will find faith in You, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

There are days we think we cannot go on but in the Lord's strength, we can. It is not easy but it is possible. Sometimes it is best just to try and get through it one hour at a time for us to persevere through the tough moments in life. Yes, it is a cliche but it is true that after every storm the rainbow comes out and the sunshine comes through. 1 Corinthians 15:57 New King James Version (NKJV) 57  But thanks  be  to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for giving us the strength to overcome and persevere through the tough times in life, in Jesus name, Amen.

This past weekend we took the time to go to Lake Michigan with our daughters and their families to spend some fun time together and relax before summer is over. It is so important to take the time to be with family (and yes you to teenagers!) so you can continue to build the relationship and not lose touch with each other. Heavenly Father wants that same family time with you so as to continue to stay close to you and you to your Heavenly Father. Acts 10:2 New Living Translation (NLT) 2  He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. Psalm 127:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT) 3  Children are a gift from the  Lord ;      they are a reward from him. 4  Children born to a young man      are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. 5  How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!      He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for

The largest void in the universe is called the Cold Spot and is one of the coldest area of space known. Having less matter in this void than any other area of space known makes it a huge mystery to scientists. This void is 1.8 billion light years across. But we have just as big a void in our hearts until we let Jesus Christ into our hearts to fill that void of humanities cold spot to God's warm spot and then we are in proper orbit with our Great Creator. Genesis 1:1 New King James Version (NKJV) 1  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Prayer: Creator God, thank you for all creation and its beauty, Amen.

Throughout out our walk with Jesus, we will have our good days and bad days dealing with sin. Sometimes I nail a sin to the cross and then a day later or week later I try to pull the nail out of said cross and take back that sin only to renail it back on the cross and then repeat all over again. Now there are some sins that once nailed I never went back to un-nail but then there are other sins not so much. Galatians 5:24 New Living Translation (NLT) 24  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Prayer: O'Lord, help us to not pull sins that we have nailed to the cross back off the cross, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

I have been reading and thinking a lot about the Millennial generation and usually, you hear about the bad things but not so much the good about this young generation that everyone thinks they all live in their parent's basement. It seems the churches are crazy mad at them because they are not big on joining a church or even going to church. My generation joined churches, clubs, and other social opportunities because that is just what you did and normally with no questions.  But let me share with you what I like about the Millennials, for one they have a deep sense of justice and what should be fair. This brings me to number two they think about others more than we give them credit for and thirdly they are fiercely loyal when they believe you are authentic and relevant. So if the church wants them to join then you must show them authenticity and not be fake, and also you must show them why the church and being a Christian is relevant to their lives and the community they live in a

I like the story of Gideon in the Old Testament starting in Chapter 6. Gideon is minding his own business working and God sends an angel to give Gideon a message that He wants him to do a work for Him. Gideon at first tells the angel that he has too many weakness to be able to help. But God will take the not so willing and able and gives them what they need to be capable of accomplishing what the Lord wants to be done. Go in God's strength today and be willing. 2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) 7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Prayer: O'Lord, may we be willing to follow You in all that You will for our lives, in Jesus name, Amen. .

The strangest sounding instrument in the whole world is the Didgeridoo from the aboriginal people of Australia back about 1500 years. I was given one recently and have been learning to play this wind instrument. I find it is an acquired taste to the human ear. I think we humans must be an acquired taste to our Lord. When we sin it just might sound like a Didgeridoo and when we are not sinning we just might sound like a beautiful Harp to the ears of our Heavenly Father. Psalm 150:3 New King James Version (NKJV) 3  Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Prayer: O'Lord, thank you for musical instruments and loving us with all our quirks, in Jesus name, Amen. 

I am so tired of being labeled as if one or two words is going to describe who I am and what I believe and would do. Do not let labels define who you are and what you do. If you want one label then let it be the label of Christian. Otherwise, it would take a quilt of labels to actually tell my story. What would it take to tell your story? Matthew 7:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)   “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.   2  For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Prayer: O'Lord, help me not to unjustly judge others but give grace, Amen.

Do you believe there is a perfect man out there somewhere? If one can control what comes out of their mouth then you might be the perfect man. There once was a perfect man and that man is Jesus Christ. So if you are a teacher of religion or Sunday School teacher or anyone who teaches in the realm of faith you must be exceptionally careful of what you teach so you do not lead those you teach astray. James 3:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.  2  For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he  is  a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  Prayer: O'Lord, I pray for all the teachers of the Christian faith that they may teach the truth in all things, in Jesus name, Amen.

The Lord has asked us to speak often of Him to our children. Hearing often the words of the Holy Bible as I grew up helped me to remember so much of God and His ways and likes and dislikes. Please take the time to share the Word of God with your children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 New Living Translation (NLT) 5  And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.   6  And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.   7  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Prayer: O'Lord, may we take the time to share and speak of You and Your Word, Amen.

Outer Space is so fascinating to me, I guess that is why I like Star Trek and Star Wars. Now it is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that there is over 100 billion galaxies out there and 200 billion stars or more with just as many planets. And yet God is still interested in us on earth and much more He loves us. I hope we are just as interested in Him. Psalm 139:13-16 New Living Translation (NLT) 13  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body      and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15  You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,      as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16  You saw me before I was born.      Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out      before a single day had passed. Prayer: O'Great Creator, thank you for caring so deeply about us, in Jesus name, amen.

Have you ever been so hungry that you were sick to your stomach and had a headache? Many people all over the world and even here in America lack food. Some people are so hungry and desperate that they would be driven to steal or sell themselves sexually to have food. I hope to see in my lifetime that no one would be without food but I am positive if it does not happen before I pass through the Veil it will be a reality on the other side.  Isaiah 55:1 New King James Version (NKJV) “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.    Prayer: O'Lord, may we be encouraged to help feed others who have no food right now on earth no matter where they might be, in Jesus name, amen.

If you could go back in time what part of the past would you go? You could go back and see some historical event. You could go back just to relive a certain time period. But would you go back to a certain event in time to try and change it for a future outcome later? God tells us to look back in time not to relive it or to change it or to stay stuck in the past but to learn from it. Now that is not as easy as it sounds because we humans can be stubborn and irrational about how we remember the past and then we see a distorted view. How can we learn from the past unless we are honest with ourselves with the truth of how and why our past was in all reality. So our eyes must be wide open and our hearts ready for the raw truth of the reality of our past. Now let us go get some wisdom. Psalm 90:12 New Living Translation (NLT) 12  Teach us to realize the brevity of life,      so that we may grow in wisdom. Prayer: O'Lord, help us to gain wisdom from the past so we may live in th

Heartbreak is painful and sad. If only it was as easy to mend a broken heart as it is to mend a tear in a piece of clothing. Mending as with clothing it takes a needle and thread, now with the broken heart it takes time and Jesus to help mend.  Psalm 147:3 New King James Version (NKJV) 3  He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Prayer: O'Lord, mend those who have broken hearts, amen.

When someone hears the story of Jesus and salvation we do not know what kind of condition the soil of their heart is at all. Some people we least expect to accept and live out the Christian faith become strong followers. Some people we may think will surely believe and follow the faith do not. But only God knows the true soil of the heart of a person, we simply must spread the seeds of our testimony. Luke 8:11-15 New Living Translation (NLT) 11  “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word.   12  The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.   13  The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.   14  The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the messag

It is comforting to read about the healing power of Jesus. He traveled around healing and casting out demonic spirits. People were trying to reach out and touch Him believing they would be healed. Are we reaching out to Jesus today? Luke 6:18-19 New Living Translation (NLT) 18  They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19  Everyone tried to touch Him, because healing power went out from Him, and He healed everyone. Prayer: O'Lord thank you Your healing power and may we ever continue to reach out to You, in Jesus name, amen.

It is so healthy to laugh. Find clean funny movies to watch and laugh. Get together with friends and have fun and enjoy living and laugh. You can either choose to go through life crying and negative about everything or you can choose to laugh and be positive but it is your decision. But humor has gotten me through some very low and dark times in my life. I chose life and laughter and optimism.  Proverbs 17:22 New Living Translation (NLT) 22  A cheerful heart is good medicine,      but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Prayer: O' Father in Heaven, thank for laughter and mirth and it's healing power, in Jesus name, amen.

No family is perfect but family is important. Take time to call family, visit family, email, text, facetime, skype, and write a card or letter to a family member because you never know how long you will have them around regardless of their age. Exodus 20:12 New Living Translation (NLT) 12  “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the  Lord  your God is giving you. Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for family and may we love them always, amen.

I take great comfort in knowing God is not wishy-washy but He is constant and stable. I hope my faith as it matures is always becoming more constant and stable. Change can be good but too much change and it can be disastrous. I always admired the monks and their steady life of prayer and work in the Benedictine tradition. I hope you strive to be constant and stable in your prayers, reading the Holy Bible, and attending worship. Hebrews 13:8 New King James Version (NKJV) 8  Jesus Christ  is  the same yesterday, today, and forever. Prayer: O'Lord, may we stay stable in our faith in You, in Jesus name, amen.

Every year we celebrate the freedom of America. What is also a wonderful thing to celebrate is our freedom from sin on the day we repented and received Jesus Christ as our Savior. It was then we had another freedom to celebrate as well as the founding of this country we call home, America land of the free and brave. 2 Corinthians 3:17 New Living Translation (NLT) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Prayer: O'Lord, thank You for our freedom from sin, in Jesus name, amen.

God has never failed us but we failed God back in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought the curse of sin upon humanity and the earth (Genesis 3). But God in His amazing and merciful love for His children put in motion the great cosmic rescue plan and left the glories of Heaven to come to earth to die in our place for our disobedience (John 3:16-17). Now believers and the earth itself look for the day of the complete cleansing of sin (Romans 8:20-23). Until God creates the new earth and Heaven we must show and express in action the love of God to help relieve as much suffering as is within our ability and empowered by the Holy Spirit reaching out and being the loving image of Jesus to others. (Romans 8:28 / Matthew 5:44-45) Genesis 3:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV) 4  Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.  5  For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”