27 March 2014 “
Victory and Honor”
Psalm 62:7
My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.



Victory and honor do not come by anything I do or say or manipulate to happen. 

I have victory over and am not defeated by my sin or by the Enemy because of what God has done through Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have honor, that is merit or credit - seen by God as righteous, because of Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins not because of any amazing action on my part. Romans 3:21-22 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

No enemy can reach me... God has solidified my victory and honor. The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!

Dear God,
Thank you for giving me honor and victory. Thank you that no one can touch these things! No one can take away or interfere with what Jesus has done for me, and I am so thankful. Thank you that even though I haven’t achieved much by today’s standards, I have, indeed, achieved the most important things because of your grace and mercy towards those who love and trust you. I love you and praise you in Jesus’ name, amen.

26 March 2014 “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”

Philippians 1:29

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.


Since we live in a time where society turns privileges into entitlements, this verse really makes me stop and think. Christmas presents, education, homeownership, healthcare, employment, etc. are all privileges whereas people nowadays regularly take them all for granted. Soon it isn’t enough for everyone to be offered an education because a hierarchy will evolve in that achievement and then it becomes necessary for everyone to be offered the exact same quality of education, home, pay, or whatever. There’s no end in sight. But if we simply enjoy and make the most of the privileges we are given, that’s something else entirely.

My granny grew up during The Depression in a company town (Sugarland in Texas). She recalls just being grateful all the time to have a school to go to, even if it wasn’t fancy, clothes to wear, even if they were hand-me-downs, and food on the table, even if it lacked variety. She didn't grow up confusing entitlement with privilege. Today’s youth would be so consumed by what someone else has that they wouldn’t even enjoy or appreciate what they themselves have. People have drastically changed with the times. 

So a little perspective for my heart would be great at this point. God didn’t have to give me Jesus but he did. Trusting in Christ is not something I’m entitled to; it’s a gift. And now that I have it, do I look around and see what I don’t have thereby making me unsatisfied with what I’ve been given? Do I demand God do thus and such for me because I do him a favor everyday by trusting in him? Is that how I view our relationship? 

Hebrews 12:2 describes just exactly what I should look around at, and it isn’t in my neighbor’s window. I must “keep (my) eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects (my) faith.” He gives me what I need, not the other way around and not according to what someone else has. He personally tailors my life with him just for me and I will love whatever that is!

Side note: I wonder if our government will one day decide that eternal life for only some isn’t fair and decide to grant it to all? Some of those guys are arrogant enough to try!

Dear God,
You are a pleasure and a privilege to be around, to talk to, and to trust. I love you so much. Thank you for freeing me from comparing my life and my faith to someone else’s. What you have for me is good and satisfying and I choose to trust you every day because you give me the opportunity not because you owe me a thing. You don’t. Your mercy and grace is so amazing and powerful and I appreciate all you’ve done for me. Thank you so much! Amen!

25 March 2014 No Plan B
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

God doesn’t even ask for an explanation or have us sign some kind of contract. He simply forgives us when we ask him to forgive us and that’s it.

Hebrews 10:26 reminds us why continued obedience to God after he forgives us is the best thing. It’s because Jesus is the best thing! God has no plan b or c. It’s not like going to the doctor to get medicine and the doctor tells you to come back if the one prescription doesn’t work he’ll write another one for a different medication. No. Jesus is it. He is the only means by which we receive God’s forgiveness. And if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins because there isn’t another Savior with another sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is it.

He is faithful and just to forgive us... I get why God is faithful to forgive us; he said he would and so he does. But why is it just for him to forgive me since forgiveness is something I neither deserve or earn? 

He knows forgiveness is what I need. It’s the right thing for him to offer it to me because there is no other way I can get it! It’d be cruel for him to tell us we need forgiveness and then offer no possible way. But he isn’t cruel, and he does offer a way...

God loves us so much that he sent his only Son (no plan b) so that whoever believes in him will have everlasting life and be totally forgiven. (John 3:16)

This is true for everyone. This works for everyone. We don’t need a plan b either. 

Dear God,
Thank you so much for forgiving me. Thank you for your Son, who not only made forgiveness possible, but showed us how to live. And thank you for your Holy Spirit who teaches and reminds me (John 14:12) and gives me the desire and the ability (Philippians 2:13) to be obedient to your Word. I love you and thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

19 March 2014 “Breaking the Law”
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 


Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are good things. I think it’s amazing how our human nature can distort each one; I’m positive that is the plan of the Enemy. Society endorses that love is indulgence, joy is temporary, peace is circumstantial, kindness gets you trampled, goodness is tolerance, faithfulness is optional, gentleness is for sissies, and self-control is achieved only through medication.

Wow! God will certainly judge man’s brand of Galatians 5:22-23!

How about people who have the correct godly perspective of Galatians 5:22-23? What are we to do in a day and age where well meaning citizens with current and valid CPR cards can get sued for trying to aid someone in a life threatening situation? Putting someone else’s need above your own is breaking the law? That’s so messed up!

There’s no law against these things! Unless you live in a hyper-sensitive, politically correct, godless nation where Galatians 5:22-23 is distorted by man’s view and not God’s. It’s a shame.

But to the faithful who are faithful to demonstrate God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control we should feel free to freely live like this even if it goes against the flow. People shouldn’t mind our godly behavior; these things are good! And better still, God doesn’t mind if we act like this. In fact, he expects it. Expressing God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control doesn’t violate any of God’s laws. However, it’s too bad we’re living in a day and age where it’s beginning to violate the laws of man.

Dear God, 
Thank you for your Word and for clearly telling us what are good things for us to do even if the world continues to distort it all. Help me to be bold to behave in the way you prescribe and not be overwhelmed by my shock that your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control actually require courage in today’s society. Thank you for your Word and your help in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

18 March 2014 “Whoa!”
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yesterday morning when I woke up I read the daily verse on my phone first thing. It was from Psalm 23. Very familiar and very comforting. Then I clicked on the news page and got completely and utterly horrified! What’s Russia up to? Where’s the missing plane? People can’t access their doctors because of the continuing healthcare crisis? Iran and nukes? The NSA doesn’t seem to plan on stopping their illegal spying... I had to stop reading.

I went back to the verse of the day and clicked on the whole chapter!
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.

13 March 2014 “God is Romans 8:28ing Me”
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

3-12-14 “People With Options”
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

When Jesus came, he showed us a whole new way to live; it’s true! I don’t have to do what automatically comes naturally to me. I don’t have to be selfish, prideful, hateful, moody, depressed, scared, vengeful, impatient, frustrated, or snarky. I can love people, overlook their faults, forgive and forget, be humble, gracious, generous, faithful, hopeful, joyful, and patient. God gives me the ability and the desire to be like Jesus. (Philippians 2:13) I am free! I am not a slave to my sinful nature. (Romans 6:6,14) Jesus gives me options!

Rob read a quote on Sunday when he was teaching that went something like this: Despising Christianity cuts out and removes our morals and core values. 

Isn’t that so true? In our country, we’d like for our neighbors, co-workers, friends, relatives, and classmates to be gracious and forgiving, patient and humble. The idea of “doing unto others” is totally appealing to everyone. But the reason we don’t attain this in society is because society is trying to have godly values without God. They want the good things that come from God, but they don’t want God. 

“Separation of church and state” just means the state can’t be in charge of your religion as in the days of King Henry the 8th of England who declared himself head of the church. Our country thinks separation of church and state means don’t ever mention the One True and Living God in public - not ever. 

Yet, our leaders and citizens claim to yearn for peace. But peace comes from God (Colossians 3:15), so they’re out of luck! American schools continually try to insert some kind of behavior code. We even have the “Good Samaritan Law” in the books for crying out loud! But it won’t work because what people really want is godliness, but we can’t have that without God. It’s just not possible. 




Jesus, only Jesus, is the one who gives us options for our behaviors and thoughts. There is no alternative for people who reject him. They only know and have access to their sinful nature. Godliness and morals are only for people who can, through the power of Jesus Christ, deny their sinful nature. They are the people with options.




Dear God,

I thank you so much for giving me the ability and the desire to do what pleases you. It’s so sad to live in a country so deceived by thinking they can expect and attain godliness apart from you. I pray for you to give me opportunities to challenge the ones who are deceived and encourage the ones who aren’t. Thank you for giving me godliness through your Son. Thank you for options. Thank you for making a way for me NOT to be a slave to sin! I appreciate that and love you so much and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

6 March 2014 “That’s Wonderful!”
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

You do such wonderful things! This is why I choose to believe in trust in God and have a relationship with him through his Son, Jesus - HE’S WONDERFUL! Many people are too skeptical to enter such an endeavor because there are many unknown variables in this arrangement. But the constant is constant! God does WONDERFUL things. No speculation. No debate. Can’t be denied. God does wonderful things!

James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Every single one. When people blame their finances, our government,  or cancer on God they are quickly forgetting that we have an Enemy, and he’s the one who wants to steal, kill, and destroy.

Jesus defines our Enemy’s purpose in exactly that way in John 10:10, and Jesus goes on to say in the same verse that Jesus’ purpose is to give (us) a rich and satisfying life. Those are two big extremes, aren’t they? One good, one bad. One positive, one negative. And the bad and the negative is NOT associated with God at all. 

You do such wonderful things!

And the wonderful things are exactly just this:  When the Enemy interferes in my life via other people’s free choices that affect me, unstable economic and political situations, germs and disease, etc - God shields me, covers me, makes miracles for me out of someone else’s mistakes. That’s wonderful.

Romans 8:28 confirms: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For example, God provides when hard economic times hit. God protects during political panic. God sustains us during our illnesses. God changes our heart about hard to love people. These are all good things. These things cultivate a rich and satisfying life regardless of my external circumstances. He does do such wonderful things!

Dear God,
I do not mind being reminded every day of your true attributes. You are good and faithful and do wonderful things, and you are not the one pouring out disaster and rubbing our faces in it. The disasters need to attributed to the Enemy. And you are more powerful than he and work even the worst of his messes out for good for the ones who love and trust you. That is amazing and wonderful and I am so incredibly thankful. I love you and praise you in Jesus’ name, amen.

5 March 2014 “The Family Business”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.

Best parental advice on the planet right here...Commit myself wholeheartedly to God’s Word, tell my children, and tell them and tell them and tell them again and again and again.

Isn’t it interesting that children usually adopt the affectations, habits, and even careers of their parents? Even in ye olden times the Smith family got their last name, for example, from being the blacksmith of the village. The family business was traditionally handed down and kept in the family.

Even in modern times with unlimited options available in our western culture, the same thing accidentally happens. In my family my parents were both hight school English teachers. My sister went to college to take the same route, became a high school English teacher and is now a principal. I, however, went to college to pursue the fine arts but ended up with a teaching credential and taught for years before we started a family. And my brother got his MBA and has worked in an office for two decades but guess what he does regularly on the side? Teaching. Hmmmm. And I know this progression isn’t unique to just my family.

So if our children are going to most likely tend to do what we do, I really need to pay attention to what I do!

Modern science is trying to find an “alcohol” gene to try and explain why alcoholism gets passed  down from generation to generation in some families. But we know why that happens, don’t we? What we show again and again, what we repeat again and again to our children is what sticks whether it’s smithing, teaching, or drinking.

I want my kids to follow the Lord Jesus Christ every day of their lives, so that is what I must show them and teach them over and over. It’s the family business!

Dear God,
Thank you for the children in our home! I love them so much; they truly are very special gifts. Help me to commit myself wholeheartedly to your Word and your Will so they will learn how to do that too. Help me to be faithful to teach them and encourage them, to structure their lives so they know what does and what does not please you. I love you and I thank you and I pray in your Son’s name. Amen.

4 March 2014 
"Emotional Command"

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Not being afraid or discouraged isn't a request or advice; it's a command to be obeyed. 

The reason God can demand this of us is because of the fact that He is indeed with us wherever we go.

Hebrews 13:5 promises that God will never fail me and never abandon me. And He requires me to remember this fact at all times by not giving in to fear or discouragement during the day.

So how does one do that? Just don't get discouraged? Just don't be afraid when it's a natural instinctive response to certain stimuli? Even without my consent, my heart palpitates and my hands sweat at times. Just what it it God expects me to do?

It's not that my pulse elevates; that's not sin, disobedience or mistrust. It's matters what I do next when that happens.

At the onset of a crisis I have a choices. Make something happen for myself, panic, or remember that God is with me always. That last one is the correct answer, by the way. The simple act of remembering who God is and what He does is the obedience He's looking for to this command.

And seeing HIM bring me through a crisis, challange, altercation, illness, or any other catastrophe is what will make my heart rate return to normal and NOT anything else I Do about the situation.

Dear God, This is a good command. It is a kind command. Thank you for requiring absolute trust from me all the time. You don't want me to hope in you and in money or you and good health or you and positive relationships but just in YOU and none of those other things that are unreliable. You don't leave, you don't forsake, you don't abandon, you don't run out, and you don't give up. Thank you so much for your goodness, reliability and love. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.