Category: October2025

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Good Fruit & A Solid Foundation

I love the stories of the Bible!

Jeus taught in visuals because they made an impact. This morning, I have two to share with you; listen to what Jesus has to say.

“‘A good tree does not produce bad fruit. And a bad tree does not produce good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.

46 ‘Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47 The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.

49 “But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.’” Luke 6:43-49 ERV

These are just a few of teachings that come from what many call the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus had a large crowd who had come to hear Him teach. In the verses just prior to these He taught on the importance of not judging others, of loving their enemies and of hungering for the things of the Lord.

Now He was using an analogy they could understand and visualize. The teaching on the tree reminds me of a tree we have here in Arizona, the ornamental orange tree. It’s a beautiful tree with brightly colored oranges. Upon closer look you will see that it has large thorns, like spikes on its branches next to the fruit. If you try to eat the fruit it is horrible tasting, not even the wild animals who are herbivores will eat it. It looks good but it is bad to the core.

Jesus compared the bad fruit to a bad heart. When our hearts are good, our fruit is pure.

He went on to use one more analogy. A truth that contractors still use today. Dig down and build on a firm foundation. Houses with shoddy construction are the first to fall in a storm.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety—” Proverbs 18:10 CEV

Building on a firm and solid foundation, we can stand during the storm and provide shelter for others. Kind of like the three little pigs – house of straw, house of sticks and a house of bricks.

Linking the two analogies together we get a solid house built on a foundation of God’s word, surrounded by trees (our lives) filled with good fruit. A very inviting place to live.

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The Father’s Gifts

When I woke up this morning, this verse was on my heart.

“If you then, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11.

This word evil is a comparative word.

When comparing earthly fathers to God, the Father, the earthly fathers are comparatively evil. Sometimes our natural fathers will make a wrong decision or lose their tempers or display other “evil” character flaws but not God, the Father, His very nature is love.

His love is unconditional, He is never self-seeking, and He will never fail us.

I was blessed to have a very loving father and I miss him dearly. He was a living example to me of God’s love. Yes, he had his faults and shortcomings, but I always knew he loved me and that he would do all he could for me and our family. Some are not so blessed, and I understand that too – but regardless of how your natural father has treated you, God, the Father, always welcomes you with open arms and a heart full of love!

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

He doesn’t promise one thing on one day and take it away the next. He is always the same. He is a promise keeper.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises. 20 ‘My command from God was to bless these people, and there’s nothing I can do to change what he has done.'” Numbers 23:19-20 CEV

He has promised to give us every blessing that comes from heaven.

“ We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

His great and precious promises are infused with His nature – love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, faith. His love never fails; it isn’t self-seeking or selfish. It isn’t vindictive or unforgiving. These are just some of the gifts He has given to us.

He’ll wipe away our tears, laugh with us in the good times and hold us close to protect us in the evil times.

He is a good, good Father!





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A Full Plate

That definitely described my week. All the little things that suddenly needed my attention, pushing the more important issues aside, although, only momentarily, distracted me for a while.

My new personal computer kept dropping its wireless internet connection when I was in the middle of something important, like my morning blog. A vehicle that needed to be taken to the shop for service and then picked up again, an afterwork hair appointment that I forgot about until I had started dinner and needed to rush out to be there on time.

A glitch in my banking technology, a new program that needed an outside source verification. All the little things that added to the “to-do’s” of the work day.

” When someone says they have a ‘full plate,’ they’re often indicating that they’re busy, overwhelmed, or managing multiple priorities simultaneously.”

That was me!

Yesterday, my boss called in the morning and asked if I had any more room on my plate. With a chuck I said, “Yes, for a few more things but the alligators are now swimming around my feet”.

None of these things are/were life-threatening, not serious things that some of my friends are going through. Just time-robbing disturbances. And yes, I realized what I needed to do.

“…we must catch the little foxes that destroy the vineyards.” Song of Solomon 2:15 CEV

We must take all those little annoyances, those thoughts of being overwhelmed and hold them captive.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NLV

When the Lord repeats something He isn’t wasting words – it’s for emphasis. Strong emphasis!

Don’t get caught up in the busy-ness and stress. Step away. Capture the anxious thoughts and keep your mind set on the Lord.

In the middle of it all, I stepped outside, took a breath of fresh air, and said a prayer. I’m happy to report that when I left work my plate was empty and the alligators were gone.

Have a great weekend! Trust in the Lord!!

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Fill the Temple

The first words that came to my heart when I got up are from Isaiah the prophet.

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Seraph angels stood around him. Each angel had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces, two wings to cover their bodies, and two wings to fly. 3 The angels were calling to each other, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.’” Isaiah 6:1-3 ERV

Have you noticed in the last weeks that revival, a massive revival, is happening worldwide? People are filling stadiums, auditoriums, congregating and parading in city streets and public parks declaring their allegiance and love for the Lord. They are being saved by the thousands!

His glory is filling the whole earth!

My Bible reading took me to I Chronicles today. King David had brought the Ark of God’s Covenant back to Jerusalem. (Side note: it was called the Ark of the Covenant because it contained items that reminded the Israelites that God had made a promise, an unbreakable covenant with them. He would be their God and they would be His people.)

The people were thrilled. They made sacrifices – they sang – they danced – they worshipped!

“The Levites brought God’s Holy Box and put it inside the tent David had set up for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to God. 2 After David had finished giving the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he used the Lord’s name to bless the people… 7 This was when David first gave Asaph and his brothers the job of singing praises to the Lord.” I Chronicles 16:1-7 ERV

This is part of the song they sang. I encourage you to go to the Bible and read the whole song.

“Give thanks to the Lord and call out to him!
    Tell the nations what he has done!
9 Sing to him; sing praises to him.
    Tell about the amazing things he has done.
10 Be proud of his holy name.
    You followers of the Lord, be happy!
11 Depend on the Lord for strength.
    Always go to him for help.
12 Remember the amazing things he has done.
    Remember his miracles and his fair decisions.
13 The people of Israel are his servants.
    The descendants of Jacob are his chosen people.
14 The Lord is our God.
    He rules the whole world.
15 Remember his agreement forever,
    the promise he gave that will never end.” I Chronicles 16:8-15 ERV

I can hear someone saying, “Well Kristi, that’s Old Testament and was written to the Jews. What’s that got to do with me?” I’m so glad you asked!

“You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. 20 God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 ERV

” But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God. 11 God raised Jesus from death. And if God’s Spirit lives in you, he will also give life to your bodies that die. Yes, God is the one who raised Christ from death, and he will raise you to life through his Spirit living in you.” Romans 8:10-11 ERV

We are God’s Temple! He has chosen to live in us, to make His home in us. We are where he resides by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“ Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.

Each of us have been ordained by God to be filled with His presence and His glory will be spread though out the earth!

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Able & Available

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf but He needs us to work with Him.

Because He is a loving Father he won’t force Himself on us and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives we will see His ability working on our behalf.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.

20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work within us to bring Him glory.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

As I finished writing this a chorus filled my heart. It’s a song we sang twenty years ago.

“And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me”

Father, I am available. You are able to work in me, through me and for me for Your honor and glory!

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Under A Cloud

The other night after the rains had stopped, this was the view from our porch. The end of the day, clouds filled the sky and the sun was peaking over them one more time before setting for the night.

I love clouds.

Not everyone does. Some think that they are living under a dark cloud, a cloud of depression and worry. A cloud that blocks them from seeing the sun. Oh, that can be crushing to the spirit.

When I see the clouds I think of the Lord’s protection and guidance.

The children of Israel were led out of Egypt by Moses, not really knowing which way to go but they were headed to a “promised” land. God had promised a good, fertile land to Abraham hundreds of years before. That’s where the Lord was taking them.

The Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horses and the first thing the Lord did was cover the Israelites with a cloud.

“ The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-23 ERV

When the Temple was built by Solomon it is recorded that a cloud filled the Temple. The cloud was a sign of God’s presence with His people.

“When the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Lord’s Temple. 11 The priests could not continue their work because the Temple was filled with the Glory of the Lord. 12 Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord caused the sun to shine in the sky, but he chose to live in a dark cloud.'” I Kings 8:9-12 ERV

And finally, there is one more reference to clouds that I want to share this morning.

“…Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ Jesus answered, “Yes, that’s right. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God. And you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 ERV

Oh, how I am looking for that day! The day of the Lord’s return!

I wait for it with excitement, anticipation and joy. The Lord’s return to earth. What a glorious day that will be!

Oh dear one, don’t dread the clouds. Live under the cloud of the Lord’s protection, enjoy His presence, live in His glory and await His return!

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They Left All

This morning my Bible reading took me back to Greece.

The four weeks we spent in Greece is one of the most memorable times of my life. The beauty, the relaxation, the food, the people, the history (biblical history) made it the trip of a lifetime.

The first eighteen days we were on the island of Paros. Each morning, we would walk the seashore and then visit the harbor. There we would stop and watch the fishermen. Fresh caught octopus would be hanging from the boat railing and fishermen would sit on the seawall, mending the nets spread before them.

Working diligently in the morning sun.

These were big nets and their hands shifted through them, discovering and mending the holes. This all needed to be done before they left the next morning. It was a time-consuming chore.

Now, just imagine you were with those fishermen on the shore at the Sea of Galilee.

“As Jesus stood beside Lake Galilee a crowd of people pushed to get closer to him and to hear the teachings of God. 2 Jesus saw two boats at the shore of the lake. The fishermen were washing their nets. 3 Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon. He asked Simon to push off a little from the shore. Then he sat down in the boat and taught the people on the shore.

4 When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Take the boat into the deep water. If all of you will put your nets into the water, you will catch some fish.’

5 Simon answered, ‘Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.‘ 6 The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. 7 They called to their friends in the other boat to come and help them. The friends came, and both boats were filled so full of fish that they were almost sinking…Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid. From now on your work will be to bring in people, not fish!’

11 The men brought their boats to the shore. They left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:1-11 ERV

Now consider the story.

This small fishing business had spent the entire night placing their nets and retrieving them and they caught nothing. It had been hard work. Now, with nets cleaned they were ready to go home, eat some breakfast and catch a nap.

But Jesus had another plan. He asked to use their boat as a floating pulpit. Then to reward the men for their assistance He asked them to do something out of the ordinary. “Let’s launch out a little further and drop your nets”. Fishing in the light of day wasn’t practical. They were tired, their nets were cleaned “But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.“

At the precise time a large school of fish, a net breaking, boat sinking school of fish was swimming by and got caught up in their nets. This was one for the record books! It took two boats to haul in the catch. When they made it to shore someone should have been there to document this record-breaking event, but no one did. They could have used this to promote their fishing fleet, “Best Fishermen of the Sea”.

That didn’t happen.

In fact, just the opposite occurred. Jesus ask Peter, James and John to leave the nets and go fishing for men. This is the part I really like – they left everything and followed Jesus! No question, no hesitation, they left their biggest success behind.

Jesus left heaven for us. They left all to follow Him.

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Faithfulness

“In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus! Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. In the morning when I rise just give me Jesus!”

Just a little chorus we used to sing but more than that it’s an attitude of the heart and the prayer on my lips each day. Just give me Jesus!

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV

I cannot explain the joy in my heart each day as I experience the Lord’s faithfulness – it’s new every morning.

Things don’t have to be going right – everything doesn’t need to be perfect, far from that. It’s in the imperfection of the moment, in the struggles, in the times when hope begins to fade that the Father’s great faithfulness undergirds and gives strength.

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

Let me pray for you.

“Father God, these friends of mine, some I have never met need to draw strength from you today. Some are discouraged, some are frightened, some feel lost and alone. By your Spirit, lead them to the rock of your safety. Be their portion. Show them your faithfulness. Lift their heads and show them Your unfailing love. In Jesus name.”

In the morning when I rise, all I need is Jesus!

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Stillness

This morning’s message is stillness.

Life is full of noise. Too many distractions, too much to do. The call of God is stillness. Stillness from activity but more importantly stillness in our emotions and in our spirit.

“God says, “Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations;
I am the one who controls the world. 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah” Psalm 46:10-11 ERV

God wants us to be still and leave the fighting to Him. He desires to lead us to a place of peace, the peace that bypasses our natural understanding. Divine peace. The word “Selah” means to be still, pause and reflect. Reflect on God’s goodness and His greatness.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.
2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water.
3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.
4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ERV

At 2 a.m. our silence was broken. An emergency alert came across our devices. “Flash flood warning. Stay in place unless you need to move to a place of safety”.

This morning that is my message and God’s message to you. Stay where the Lord has led you. Stay in place, in the green pastures where He has led you, He is with you!

Enjoy the stillness and let your soul rest!

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Breathtaking

Have you ever had an experience where you had to grab a breath? The beauty of nature – the birth of a child – seeing your mate at the altar?

Breathless! Breathtaking! Awesome!

The image I used this morning was from a sunset we saw the other night coming home from town. Dave was driving and he didn’t think it was much, looking through the rearview mirror but when we stopped…he said “that’s amazing”!

Sometimes I see things in nature, hear a symphony or see a loved one and it takes my breath away. I feel the presence of God in those times. Our Father is so vast in His existence and omniscient in power.

Our God is an awesome God!

You have an assignment today. I don’t often assign homework but today’s the day.

Take time to find something where you can focus on the awesomeness of the Father. Sitting quietly in His presence and let Him speak words of love to your heart.


“The Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2 ERV

“Look at the powerful things the Lord has done. See the awesome things he has done on earth.” Psalm 46:8 ERV

“He rescued his people and made his agreement with them forever. His name is awesome and holy.” Psalm 11:19 ERV

“I prayed to the Lord my God and told him about all my sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great and awesome God. You keep your agreement of love and kindness with people who love you. You keep your agreement with the people who obey your commands.” Daniel 9:4 ERV

Take time, after all He took time for you!

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