Category: Character

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Be Wise

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!

Do you remember that little saying from when you were a child? I remember saying it several times but you know it’s simply not true. The ugly words that people say stay with you for a very long time. Much longer than a few bruised knuckles and a black eye.

I once woke from a dream where I was quite angry with the person and instead of unloading on them with my mouth, I held my tongue and was able to walk away without saying anything hurtful. I was able to hold my tongue.

Maybe there will be a situation in my life today that I will need to walk that out. Maybe not until tomorrow but surely the experience of my dream will be relived in real life and I pray that I handle it as well.

As Christians we are called to be salt and light to this world. We need to speak out for godliness, we even need to correct misdirected situations but not at the cost of belittling or humiliating the people we are speaking too.

Remember “speak the truth in love”. So if you face difficult people and difficult situations remember this admonition from James.

“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV

“My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right…Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:9-10, 13-18 CEV

Good words to live by. Have a wonderful day of peace!

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Legacy

Thank you to the many mothers and grandmothers out there who have taught their children to love the Lord and to serve others. You are true blessings to the world.

” I always remember you in my prayers day and night. And in these prayers I thank God for you. He is the God my ancestors served, and I have always served him with a clear conscience. 4 I remember that you cried for me. I want very much to see you so that I can be filled with joy. 5 I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith. 6 That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. 7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:3-7 ERV

I was blessed to have grown up with a praying grandmother and mother.

My grandmother would spend hours each day praying for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom did too. That’s who they were.

Moms you may not have great wealth and earthly possessions to give your children but don’t be discouraged. What you have is your time, your love, your understanding and your prayers. These are the gifts of inheritance that matter the most.

“a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.” Proverbs 31-30 CEV

Giving praise to the mothers and grandmothers today who have given us a godly legacy!

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Daily Instruction

God’s word is relevant for every generation! His truth is never antiquated!

The Word of God is alive and powerful; the Word became flesh, and the living Word of God is called Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the written Word and brought God’s purpose, reconciliation for us, into existence.

Each day God’s word gives us vital instruction, it is the Word of Life. God’s word has the power to transform our lives.

Learn From Christ to Be Unselfish -this the heading in my Bible above these verses.

5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 ERV

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned His disciples with the task of going into all the earth to preach and teach, making more disciples by sharing His love and restoration.

The Apostle Paul took that commissioning seriously. He went from one who persecuted Christians to literally evangelizing the world with the message of Christ.

“ We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. 29 God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:28-30 NLV

God the Father has chosen us to be like His Son. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are being conformed to His likeness hour by hour and day by day. Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His deity, became human so the world could see and know the love of God.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

A life that imitates the Father is one of our greatest acts of love. Reflecting Him in what we say and do brings Him honor.

“Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLV

Father, it is my desire to be like you! Show me who I need to touch today with the love of Your heart! ❤

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Kindness & Peace

Two things we can always use more of is kindness and peace.

It would mean a great deal if people treated us nicer, right? And I think we can get a hardy amen to having less drama in our lives. What can we do to see that we are being used to bring those two elements into the lives of those around us?

“This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

Well, we can begin by praying for God to bless those we know with kindness and peace. And then we can follow through with being kind to those around us.

Kind to the other drivers on the roads, to the sales clerks and waiters. To receptionists and executives. To the person sitting at the next desk or our biggest competitor. To our kids and our spouses.

Paul said just a few verses later in the Book of Romans that

“You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

It’s God’s goodness that brings people to Him. When we emulate God’s character we are being used to bring others to Christ. We must never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

Today I’m praying that God’s goodness and peace will overflow in your lives!

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Let God Be True

We saw the verses yesterday that say, God is always faithful and His word is always true. James tells us that there is no variation of change in God, no shadow of turning. He stays true to His character and His word.

“ 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

If we wonder what the will of God is for us, His children, all we have to do is look at how He operated in times past.

He blessed His people with His abiding presence. He provided safety and protection for them from their enemies. He was their sustainer; He was their Shepherd who led them to green pastures and still waters. He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey.

Our Lord is a giver – a giver of peace, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness. As King David wrote in the Psalms, He is the rock of my salvation.

The Israelites made many mistakes. They doubted God’s love and provision. They followed after false gods. Because of their ignorance and rebellion they were overrun by their enemies. They went into captivity. But when they prayed God delivered them and brought them back to the land of promise.

I am so glad that the Lord doesn’t abandon me to my ignorance or disassociate with me because of my mistakes. We have His promise to never leave us or forsake us. He forgets our past and present failures.

The world, our world, tries on a daily basis to skew our thoughts to a natural way of thinking. It tries to persuade us that right is wrong and wrong is right; that good is evil and evil is good. We are bombarded to “think for ourselves, don’t be brainwashed or old fashioned, the world is changing, and we must be progressive”.

However, God’s word tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will never pass away. We are told not to change God’s word and that when push comes to shove, we “let God be true and every man a liar”.

“True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? 4 Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.” Romans 3:3-4 TLB

Trusting God’s word is invaluable! We shouldn’t be swayed to adopt other thinking.

“My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.

3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8 ERV

What decisions do you need to make today?

Trust the Lord not yourself; if you’re uncertain as what to do or say, seek the answer in God’s word. It will never steer you wrong.

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Not By Sight

There’s an old expression that says “seeing is believing”. The picture I’m sharing with you this morning reminds me that isn’t true.

I took this picture from the balcony of our room while we were in Greece. Each morning and evening we would look across the bay at the tall masts of the sailboats and think what a wonderful place this must be to anchor in. We imagined the peaceful cove and the crystal blue waters.

After about ten days, we took a water taxi to a beach resort that was near that cove. What we had been believing and imagining was completely wrong. The tall masts of the sailboats that we could see, believing them to be serenely anchored, revealed that they were all in dry dock. Not in the water at all. We laughed; we were convinced they had been enjoying a wonderful anchorage.

When I came across this picture last week, I was reminded of our misperception once again.

Life is a lot like that. We make a first impression or jump to a conclusion without knowing details and we judge a person or a situation based on limited knowledge.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.’” I Samuel 16:7 ERV

Samuel was the priest in Israel and he had been sent to a man named Jesse. He was to choose one of his sons to be the new king of Israel. Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and thought surely this is the man. But he was not God’s choice. God looks at the heart.

David was Jesse’s son, the youngest, that God chose. Then David was misjudged by his brothers when David took nourishment to battle. Goliath defied the armies of God and David questioned why Israel was allowing him to do that. His brothers thought he was being obnoxious, and they chastised him. But David was defending God.

“ David asked the men standing near him, “What did he say? What is the reward for killing this Philistine and taking away this shame from Israel? Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?” I Samuel 17:26 ERV

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought His disciples were a congregation of unlearned men. They were fisherman, tax collectors, common folk. Surely the Messiah, the Son of God, would have had a more distinguished group that this.

“ The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.’ Acts 4:13 ERV

Have you been misjudged? I know I have but I have also been guilty of judging others incorrectly. It’s important that we look at the heart of a person and not judge them by sight.

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A Godly Interruption

Yesterday we saw how the Lord has instructed us to be gentle and kind to everyone.

Are you looking to be set-up by God today? You know, those “chance” meetings, wondering about people you used to be close with, just being in the right place at the right time.

God’s set-ups!

Philip was open to God using him. When Saul started persecuting the Chrisitans in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria to preach there. Then one day the Lord told him to go south of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Philip obeyed.

There he met a high official in Egypt’s political system. The man was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t really understand what he was reading.

“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 So he went toward the chariot, and he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

31 The man answered, ‘How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me.’ Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him… The official said to Philip, ‘Please, tell me, who is the prophet talking about? Is he talking about himself or about someone else?’ 35 Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:29-35 ERV

There are people all around us waiting for someone to be their Philip. We need to slow down from our own demanding schedules and allow the Lord to direct us to them.

Maybe the Lord will have you pay for someone’s groceries or pay for their meal at a restaurant. He could ask you to assist them by mowing a lawn or helping change a tire. I hardly ever, hardly ever, give money to those with signs on street corners but occasionally the Lord prompts my heart so strongly that I know I just have too.

It might be as simple as giving someone a smile and a God bless you. It might be asking someone how they are doing and really listening to their answer. Philip was listening, he heard the man and then he asked a question.

It’s the Father’s job to prepare hearts but it’s our job to be prepared to be obedient when He calls on us to be a part of a godly interruption.

Are any of you praying for the Lord to send someone to minister to your children or a dear friend? What if that person is too busy? Maybe we are the answer to someone’s prayer for their loved one. Are we ready?

When we take time to listen to the Father, He can use us to be the answer to someone’s prayer!

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We Have a Message

Eighteen months ago, Dave and I took the trip of a lifetime. We spent the month of September in Greece. (We are planning on returning to Greece again in the Summer of 2026)

Anyway, one of the islands we visited was Crete. Crete is the largest island in Greece and played a significant role in World War II. But more importantly, it was a central hub for Christianity in the first few centuries after Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

Paul traveled to Crete and evangelized there. When it was time for Paul to travel on, he left Titus, a young protege, there to continue the work of the ministry.

“To Titus, a true son to me in the faith we share together. Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

5 I left you in Crete so that you could finish doing what still needed to be done. And I also left you there so that you could choose men to be elders in every town.” Titus 1:2-5 ERV

In Heraklion, the capital city, we visited the Church of Titus. It’s not merely a tourist attraction; it is a place of worship. A place where visitors and locals stop in to pray, a place where regular worship services are conducted. A place where one can sense the presence of the Lord.

This morning, I sat here having my morning conversation with the Lord. I asked Him to form my thoughts and words. I want Him to be honored and glorified through my life and these writings of Paul to Titus came to mind.

Certainly, a mandate for living a godly life.

“Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone.

3 In the past we were foolish too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to the many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. 4 But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. 5 He saved us because of his mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. 6 God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. 8 This is a true statement.

And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.” Titus 3:2-8 ERV

Be careful to use our lives for doing good! What a mandate.

I am more aware now than ever before that the Lord wants us to use our lives for His honor and glory. He has equipped us to be His ambassadors on earth.

“…And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. 19 For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. 20 We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God. 21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us! II Corinthians 5:18-21 TLB

What a message we have to convey. God put all our sin on Christ and in exchange He poured all of His goodness, His righteousness, into us!

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The Right Mindset

Looking up – it isn’t a one-time experience or occasional reminder; it is a daily practice.

When Jesus lived on earth, He was limited to the same human traits as we are. He got tired and needed rest, he got hungry and thirsty. He faced rejection by His family, peers and religious elite. He grieved the death of a friend.

However, He overcame those limitations by His faith and trust in the promises of God’s word. He learned the Scriptures as a boy, and He lived them as a man.

When Satan came to tempt Him in His time of weakness Jesus answered him with the word of God. It is written, it is written, it is written.

When He was criticized for His actions, this was His response.

“I came down from heaven to do what God wants, not what I want. ” John 6:38 ERV

Jesus was under the authority of His heavenly Father. Many miracles had been done by the prophets in the Old Testament. The dead had been raised, the leper had been healed, armies had been defeated, the Red Sea had opened, food fell from heaven. Men had survived a fiery furnace. Fire had fallen from heaven.

Countless miracles. And here was Jesus doing the same, but it doesn’t end there.

“ So he came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. 19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.’” Matthew 28:18-20 ERV

Jesus gave His authority to the disciples and to us. The “end of time” hasn’t come yet and so we are to continue the work that Jesus started while He was here. We are to preach, teach, and do the will of God on the earth. We are to make disciples, but we can’t do it in our own power. That’s why Jesus gave us His authority before He left.

Jesus received His power and authority from the Father. We need to have that same mindset.

” If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV

We are His disciples, His ambassadors – representatives of Christ on the earth.

We have been given His authority. We need to make His thoughts our thoughts. Let’s have His mindset and touch our world like Jesus did!

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Why Can’t I?

A long list of do’s and don’ts – that’s the way some people see the Bible. They think if they follow the teachings the Lord has given us it will cramp their style, stifle their freedom of creative expression, limit them in their pursuit of happiness. And yet it is just the opposite.

How many of you who are parents have stopped your children from playing in the street; or perhaps you have smacked their hands or their little bottoms when they have reached to touch a hot coal in a campfire or the hot pan on the stove? Maybe you stopped them riding their bikes down the steep hill with the big kids or even prevented them from swimming in the lake when they had no supervision.

Man, you have inflected a lot of restrictions on your kids! You parents are just trying to spoil their fun and stifle their creativity, aren’t you? Not hardly. You know that your love for them drives you to protect them even if they don’t understand.

And so we have God and His instructions in the Bible. They are there to do the same. The first commandment He gave to the children of Israel was

“Do not worship any god except me.” Exodus 20:3 CEV but let’s look at the verses before this.

“God said to the people of Israel: 2 I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt where you were slaves.” verses 1-2 CEV

Why do you think He prefaced verse 3 with 1 & 2? It was a reminder. God was wanting them to remember why they didn’t need any other god. He was the one who delivered them from slavery, He was the one who opened the path across the Red Sea, He was the one who turned bitter water to good and gave them manna every morning and quail at night. He was the one who provided them with warmth from the pillar of fire at night and He was the one who gave them shade from the cloud during the day. He was the one who gave them victory over the enemies in battle!

He was the one who provided for all their needs and He wanted them to remember that He provided for them because He loved them and there was no one else who could take care of them the way He did! He was, He is and always will be the I AM that we need for each day.

The 2nd commandment is very similar – don’t make and/or worship any idols. Plain and simple keep the Lord first place. We might not make idols of gold or silver but we are guilty of worshipping other gods; the gods of pleasure, education, relationships, professional advancement, financial security, health and well-being. When we make these things our primary goals and requirements for happiness, we have God take the back seat and these become our idols.

Jesus taught his disciples a strong lesson in Matthew 6 when he told them they didn’t need to seek after food, clothing, a place to live because the Lord knew they had need of all these things. His instruction was clear

” But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

Instead of chasing after things, if we chase after God all these will be added.

God wants us to have a fulfilled life. In fact, Jesus said that He came so we could have life but not just a meager, sad, sullen existence of a life but life more abundantly, to the full, till it overflows!

Seek Him first and all the rest will be added!

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