Don’t abuse grace!

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭

What this is saying is…so I can just go on and sin because Jesus saved me right? NO! Since Jesus saved us by dying for our sins we are now slaves to righteousness not sin. So with the power of the Holy Spirit we live righteousness lives instead of sinning purposely! 

Be like Christ!

Tom

Peace or no?

 ““There is no peace,” Says my God, “for the wicked.””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭57‬:‭21‬ ‭

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭

Reread those two verses again…what can we conclude? True peace can only be found by the true follower of Christ. Notice you will still have difficulties as a follower but you still have the peace knowing you are right with God and will dwell with Him forever!!!

Tom

He lives to God

 “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭

Jesus did all the work. Took all sin to the cross. He lives to please God! Then in says “likewise” meaning we are to do the same by putting our faith in Jesus the One who did the work and then we are to live to God as well!!!

Are we? If not no better time to start than now!

Tom

Value

Read this in my devotional and wanted to share:

Khamara was a thief in Russia and arrested and jailed with some Christians who had been arrested for their faith.

 One of the Christians, with a smile, asked Khamara, "If somebody loses a gold ring, what is the value of that gold ring when it is lost?"

"What a foolish question! A gold ring is a gold ring. You have

lost it, but somebody else will have it."

"A very good answer," said the Christian. "Now tell me, what is the value of a lost man? A lost man, even a thief, an adulterer, or a murderer, has the whole value of a man. He is of such value thạt the Son of God forsook heaven for him and died on the cross to save him.'

The Christian said to the robber, "You may have been lost, but God's love can find you," Hearing this, Khamara gave his life to Christ.

You are of great value and so are others to God! Share Jesus!

Tom

A Savior!

Thank you Lord!

 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭

Make sure….

 “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.”

‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ‭

The greatest gift of all…Jesus!!! I was reading the other day and the author made a statement I wanted to share. He said many will gather for Christmas and the name of Jesus will never be mentioned even though His birth is the reason they are gathering!!! Wow! Make sure that isn’t your house!!!! Or any house you gather at! How ridiculous when you think about it!!! We have many lost at our gatherings so be sure to share the gospel!!!! 

Have a great week and tell folks about our glorious Savior!

Tom!

David served!

 ““For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭36‬a

David knew his purpose in life was to do the will of God. He served his generation and other generations too. We have the same purpose…to do the will of God and serve others.

So ask yourself…are you?

Tom

The great exchange

 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭

The verse above is called “the great exchange” by many. Jesus exchanged His righteousness for our sin so we can be right with God.  

Just chew on that today. We are so unworthy but oh so thankful.

Tom

Ambassador

 “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭

Ambassador-an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.

As a follower of Jesus you are His Ambassador. He has given you the task to share the gospel in hope of reconciling the lost to God.

Are you doing your job?

Tom

True joy!

 The third week of Advent is joy. As I was studying for the sermon for Sunday I found this interesting. The definitions for joy according to the dictionary and according to the biblical definition.

Dictionary-a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

Biblical-a deep, lasting inner gladness and spiritual delight, distinct from fleeting happiness, stemming from one's relationship with God, salvation in Jesus, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling believers to rejoice even amidst trials as a gift and fruit of faith, not just circumstances.

So the worldly definition can come and go by circumstances. But by the biblical definition the follower of Jesus has joy because of their relationship with Jesus in which nothing can take that joy away!!!

Think on that today!

Tom

Do you value others?

 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭

Really chew on this one today. We are told to value others. I believe it means all others. And not only that but above ourselves!!! Most of us can admit we are not doing this on a regular basis. We better get to it…we are told to do so by God’s Word!!!

Tom

Complete the task

 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭

If you are a follower of Jesus you are called to share the good news of Jesus. Just like Paul said in the verse above we are to finish the race of life by completing the daily task of sharing Jesus to a lost world.

Are you completing that task? May we all be obedient servants and do so!

Tom

God wants worship!

 Something to chew on today I read yesterday in a chapter called Discipline of Worship by R. Kent Hughes.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭

“Nowhere in the Holy Scriptures do we read of God’s seeking anything else from a child of God.”

“God desires worship above all else”.

So let me ask…did you give God what he wants yesterday, today, or will you tomorrow?

Tom

Remain teachable!

 “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; 

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭9a

As a follower of Jesus you will never know it all. Be humble and know there are still things to learn and apply!

Tom

Our home with him.

 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭

Jesus tells us here that God will make His home with the one who loves him and obeys His Word. So the question is…are we fulfilling both of these requirements? Better chew on that one!

Tom

Within you

 “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭

Interesting what Jesus reveals to us here. The Kingdom of God will first be in you! What does that mean? It means when you put your faith in Christ you are now a part of the Kingdom of God as the Holy Spirit now dwells in you. You don’t wait til a later date it is immediately after faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior! 

Are you a part of the Kingdom of God? What are you waiting for?

Tom

Give thanks!

 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of Lords! For His mercy endures forever:”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭136‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

Verses speak for themselves!!! Give Thanks!

Tom

For all things!

 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭

God has blessed us over abundantly! May we give thanks always for the great things he has done and especially for Jesus taking our sins upon the cross! All glory to God!

Tom

In everything!

 “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭

Notice it says in everything not for everything. Everything you go through is not good but Jesus is with you in everything you go through and thus we give thanks no matter what! 

Thank you Jesus for being in me and in everything I will give thanks! Praise the Lord!

Tom

Everyday!

 Not just this week but everyday give thanks to the Lord!

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭

Tom

Sinner or righteous?

 “For as by one man’s (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s (Jesus) obedience many will be made righteous.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭

Remember this…even though Adam and Eve were the first sinners we are just as guilty as they are before God. Thus we all need to be made righteous and the ONLY way to do that is by faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

If you haven’t already surrendered your life to Him today!

Tom

Passing through!

 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,”

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭

We are just passing through here on earth on our way to our home with Jesus. Stay focused and leave the earthly desires for the world. We are to be doing the work God has called us to such as sharing the gospel and loving others. Don’t forget where you are headed and what you are to be doing as a child of God!

Tom

How will it be with you?

 “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭10‬ ‭

Death is near to us all. Thomas A Kempis said “The hour of our death will soon come; see then how it will be with you in another world; for today a man is, tomorrow he is not.”

In another world means heaven or hell. Are you prepared to die? Time is short and you had better get right with God through the shed blood of Jesus!

Tom

Earthly body

 “For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭

As we live in this earth we suffer from the curse of sin. It is a struggle!!! But we must remember for the follower of Jesus when Jesus returns we will be given a new perfect body and our eternal life will begin. Oh what a day that will be! 

Tom

Death

 “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭

Chew on this today…about the above verse Thomas A Kempis writes…”If you thought more often of your death, rather than the length of life, you would doubtless be more zealous to change.”

Death is coming, judgement is coming, are you ready to meet God?

Tom

Want to be a disciple of Jesus?

 ““If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭

If you want to be a follower of Jesus He MUST come before all even your family and yourself! Are you willing? It is very costly but yet so rewarding!

Chew on that today!

Tom

Wanna be great?

 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬ ‭

God says if we truly want to be great serve others. Pretty simple! What will we chose? To be great in God’s eyes or to be great in the words eyes?

Tom

Who is able? Only Jesus!

 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭

Thank you Jesus for keeping from stumbling, presenting us faultless, and giving us exceeding joy by the power you gave us through the power of the Holy Spirt and your death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf!!! Oh how you love us!

Tom

Help them!

 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭

Sadly many will talk about a persons struggle instead of helping a person who is struggling. Here we are told to try and restore the sinner gently. Sometimes the person will take the help sometimes they will not. Our job is to try…the rest is up to God. Then we are warned to be careful of think we are above being overtaken by sin ourselves because we can be!!!

Tom

Redeeming the time.

 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ 

Outside here is referring to those outside of faith in Christ. When we walk wisely we treat them with love and share the love of God with them by telling them what Jesus has done for them. We only have so much time so we must not waste it!!!

Tom

Judge self

 “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬ ‭

In Thomas Kempis book “ The Imitation of Christ “ he writes “In judging and examining himself, he always labors fruitfully.”

May we always look at ourselves and judge according to the Word of God. There will always be work to be done!

Tom

Escape

 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭

Remember followers of Jesus, in God’s great love for us he provides a way of escape from sin. Flee from it and bring glory to God!!! Others have escaped and do can you with the power of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the ones who are not in Christ have no way of escape as they of the world!!! Come to Jesus and escape sin today!

Tom

Mind own business!

 “Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭131‬:‭1‬ ‭

I have been reading a book called “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas Kempis.It is a classic and I highly recommend it. It is easy to read and speaks many biblical truths to you. Here is a quote from it using the above verse for reference:

“We would enjoy much peace if we did not occupy our selves with the words and activities of others, and with things that are of no concern to us.”

All I can say to that is AMEN!

Tom

Prepared his heart

 “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it,”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬a

Chew on this today. We have to make choices everyday. Some choices are more important than others. Ezra had to make a choice…prepare his heart, get into God’s word, and then do what it says. He chose to do it because it is of utmost importance. Everyday!

Now what are you going to chose to do…prepare your heart for God’s word and obey it or not?

Tom

What do you glory in?

 “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

God says not to glory in your own:

1. Wisdom

2. Might

3. Riches

God says you are to glory in:

1. Understanding and knowing God

2.He is Lord

3. That the Lord exercises to us loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness which He delights in.

So let me ask again…what do you glory in? Be honest and if you need to make some changes repent and ask God to help you do so!

Tom

In YOU!

 “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬

In YOU LORD….I will 

1. Put my trust

2.Never be ashamed 

Why?

Because….

1.You love me

2. You have delivered me in your righteousness(Jesus)!

Thank you Lord! I love you.

Tom

Psalm 117

 “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭117‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ 

This is the whole psalm. Two verses. Read and obey. 

1. Praise the Lord!

2.Laud Him! Laud means high praise especially in public. Don’t be ashamed of your Savior!!!

3. His merciful kindness is great! Yes, yes, yes!!!

4.Truth of the Lord is His Word….lives forever! Read it, learn it, study it, obey it!!!

5. Then praise the Lord some more!!! 

Tom

Music Friday-Ben Fuller-Turn

 https://youtu.be/FHwYCV1k2hI?si=v7x9D73m-4lL2oc3

What you looking at?

 “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭

All you see with your eyes is temporary. All you see with your spiritual eyes is eternal. What are you focused on? The wise will focus on what is eternal not what will be gone as soon as death comes!

Tom

Wise in own opinion

 “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭

Several good teachings in the verse from God’s word.

1. Be of same mind…the mind of Christ is to be our goal with the brothers and sisters of the faith.

2. High things…the big shot crowd is not where you are to set your mind but with humble people of the Lord.

3. Don’t be wise…as far as thinking you are better than others but be humble.

May we all check ourselves in these areas as the Word of God teaches!

Tom

Are we listening?

 ““But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭

These are the words of Jesus!!! We had better do what we are told no matter how difficult it is. 

Chew on that and do it today!

Tom

Music Friday-Found it in Jesus

 https://youtu.be/HWzsYQqgdYc?si=i-Ysz0HOLJt5xk8j

Never take for granted.

 “for I delight in your commands because I love them.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭47‬ ‭

I was reading a story this morning about people in communist countries who can not get a Bible. They desire God’s Word but have no way to read it! May we who have it, never take it for granted and read it everyday. Pray for those to get God’s word so they may learn it and follow Jesus faithfully!

Tom

Danger!!

 “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬ ‭

The greatest danger is hell. The refuge is faith in Christ. Be prudent and take the refuge. The simple will pay an unpayable penalty. 

Chew on that today!

Tom

Do not move!

 “if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬ ‭

Paul is telling us here…once you have been saved…stand strong and do not move! Let nothing move you from your ROCK Jesus Christ your Lord!!!

Help us Lord to always stand firm!!

Tom

Input determines output.

 In the book, Disciplines of a Godly Man, Kent Hughes quotes this verses “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”. Proverbs 23:7a. He then goes on to say “ input determines output”.

What input are you putting into your mind? Worldly things such as music, tv, and movies that glorify sin or Godly things like scripture inspired music, reading your Bible, and monitoring your tv or videos to make sure God would be pleased with you viewing them. 

We can please God by being disciplined or we can dishonor Him by doing as the world does. Chew on that today.

Tom

Music Friday-Phil Wickham-What an awesome God

 https://youtu.be/vFOe4c08dHc?si=N4_XxF7rTBWf_pgk

Not of the world.

 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭16‬ ‭

As followers of Jesus, we look around and this place we live in seems very strange and like we don’t belong! Why? Because it’s true. Even Jesus said we are not of this word just like Himself! We belong at home in heaven with all God’s children.

Thank you Jesus for saving my soul! I can’t wait to be at home!

Tom

Revenge!

 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬ ‭

Oh how many times do we want to get revenge on someone for what they did to us? As the follower of Christ we are not to do so! Jesus wants us to live in peace. In history we read story after story of God’s people not taking revenge so they have the opportunity to share the gospel. We are to do the same even unto death. Let God avenge us as I am sure it will be much better than we could do anyway!

Live in peace!

Tom

True friend

 “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭

We all struggle at times in this life and there is nothing more beautiful than that friend who sticks by your side no matter what! Praise God for that friend and may we be that friend to someone in return!!!

Tom

Forgive

 ““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭

A reminder today that for the follower of Jesus forgiveness is not an option it is a command from Jesus Himself!

Tom

Music Friday-There is Freedom-Josh Baldwin

 https://youtu.be/hmPvcXYfqBQ?si=HGOPrbmfD3tdrKKs

Without excuse

Read slowly:

 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ 

All know there is a God. He has revealed himself so all are without excuse. Ne can choose to worship Him or reject Him. The wise choose to follow Jesus but the foolish follow their own darkened path which leads to hell.

God has shown himself be wise and follow!

Tom

Burdens

 “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ ‭

David who wrote this psalm had all kinds of burdens just like we do. Friends that betrayed him, a son that wanted to kill him, King Saul wanted to kill him, and many other things as well! We can list many in our lives as well like sickness, lost loved ones, job difficulties, addiction, and whatever else is a burden in your life. May we be like David and give them to the Lord after all He is the only one with the power to change them!!

Tom

Endure forever.

 “But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭12‬ ‭

A reminder that the Lord will ALWAYS be! Nothing can take Him down or take away His power and glory! Also there will always be people who worship Him and pass His gospel onto the next generation no matter how hard Satan tries to keep this from happening. 

Oh Lord we praise you this day for your faithfulness and love! May we serve you the way you desire!

Tom

Darkness into light

 “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭

David penned these words and we know between his enemies and King Saul wanting to kill him he had a lot of darkness in his life among other things. BUT David knew the Lord was with him and brought him from darkness into the light!

May we know and trust the Lord to do the same with us!

Tom

Music Friday-Just Jesus-David Leonard

 https://youtu.be/QtxLU7pqnR4?si=UV_DT0kEl1W3Xgl0

Healing

 After the news yesterday of the murder of Charlie Kirk let us spend time in prayer for our nation.

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14

Tom

In the morning…

 “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬ ‭

Several places in scripture show us the importance of spending time with God before you start your day. It is THE BEST way to get your day started. Above is a verse talking about Jesus. If He did it then we should too!

Tom

Acknowledge your sin

 “I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭5‬ ‭

After we have been forgiven for our sins by putting our faith in Christ, we still need to confess our sins up as David did. God has already forgiven us but desires us to acknowledge when we fall short. It gives us a peace only He gives as we are obedient and truthful before our Lord.

Here is another verse on the matter:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

‭‭I John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭

Tom

Who are you?

 “And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭15‬ ‭

In the verse above some guys were trying to use the power of Jesus to remove demons. The demons basically laughed at them and ended up beating them up for the did not have the power of God to remove them. Demons know those who are of God and who are not!

So if they ask you…who are you …can you say a true follower of Jesus which means you have the power of God by the Holy Spirit?

Tom

Music Friday-Better-Jeremy Camp

 Jeremy Camp lost his wife at a very young age due to Cancer. As you listen to the song remember that and think about your walk with the Lord. I pray all of us will be faithful no matter what comes our way.

https://youtu.be/LDD_ac3-GB0?si=v9ol6DuOYmcqYqg5

Only what is helpful

 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭

Imagine a world where the only things that come out of our mouths builds people up and does not tear them down. Even those who just hear us benefit by what we say because it is helpful! 

Are we doing this as followers of Jesus?

Tom

My Word

 “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭

A truth to remember…God’s Word WILL accomplish exactly the purpose for which He sent it. 

Chew on that today!

Tom

Sweet words.

 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭103‬ ‭

What do you have a sweet taste for? God’s Word or something of the world. The amount of time you spend in God’s Word reveals much about your love and desire for Him. 

Chew on that today.

Tom

Mind is stayed

 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭

On this Labor Day 2025, think about where your mind spends most of its time. If not focused right it will rob you of peace and joy. God tells us here in the verse above to keep your mind stayed on Him. Our focus is to be in Him and that is what brings us peace and joy no matter the circumstances!!!

Where is you mind?

Tom

Music Friday-No Fear-Jon Reddick

 https://youtu.be/O9ajtA9psIQ?si=EQEBD8cqYNWLAWds

Forgiving

 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭

This verse has popped up several times over the past couple days. May we be reminded to be like Jesus…kind, tender hearted, forgiving. All can be tough to of at times but as followers of Jesus we are told to do so. Let’s be obedient!

Tom

I will keep!

 “Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭115‬ ‭

The world will do its best to lead you away from obedience to God’s Word. Don’t fall for the tricks of Satan. Always obey the Word of God!!! Stay away from those who tempt you to disobey your God! 

Tom

All His!

 “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.””

‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭

Job lost everything but he kept the right mind frame. Everything is Gods. We are just users of His things. May we keep the right mind frame in all situations and Bless the name of the Lord as well. We do not know what is happening in the spiritual world as Job did not know Satan had requested to test God’s servant. Stand firm in the Lord for we will be home with Him soon!

Tom

Under authority!

 “Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬-‭10‬ ‭

We are under the authority of God. Thus we should know His Word and do it. When God speaks we obey. It proves our faith! 

Can Jesus say the same about you as He did the centurion? Great faith!

Tom

Music Friday-Worthy of it all-Jeremy Camp

 https://youtu.be/PTThOvz--W8?si=6WLgCUU9QoKLjNhW

Number our days.

 “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ ‭

All of our days are numbered. We are here only a short time. True wisdom comes from God and His wisdom says worship Jesus. Time is ticking…are you wise?

Tom

Exceedingly Abundant

 “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭

May we all agree with Paul this morning what He wrote to Timothy… “the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant “!!! My oh my we can shout a hallelujah to that. He continues to pour out that grace to us everyday and for that we give thanks!!!

Tom

Find Him!

 “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭

As Paul says we are all “one blood”! Made by God. He gives us life and takes it back at His appointed time. He puts us where he wants us and desires all will seek Him and find Him. He is not far if you truly seek Him! 

Chew on that today!!! Have you found Him??? 

Tom

Music Friday-Song of Victory-Jack Cassidy

 https://youtu.be/jOCt-R-ww3I?si=S96IH05lXIqM57wC

Be ready!

 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭

Sanctify means set apart for a holy purpose. So as followers we set God apart in our hearts from everything else and worship Him as our all in all! Then when others ask us about Gods we are always ready to tell them about Jesus! His death, burial, resurrection, love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness!!! We have nothing else in our lives more valuable to talk about than Him!!!

Are you ready? Can you do it? Yes you can!!!! So do it!

Tom

Sing praises!

 “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭4‬ ‭

In the good times and in the hard times may we worship God through song. Praise Him!!! Give thanks every time we think of His name for He alone is worthy!!!

We love you Lord!!!

Tom

Early!

 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬ ‭

Perhaps if Jesus found it useful to rise early and spend time in prayer we should follow His example!!! 

Do you do this ?

Tom

Search the scriptures.

 “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬ 

“These” in the verse above were the Bereans. When taught the made sure what they were being taught was actually in the scriptures and true! A good lesson for us…know your Bible and be sure that what is being taught is in God’s Word!!!! 

Are you searching the scriptures?

Tom

Music Friday-Dusty Bibles-Josiah Queen

 https://youtu.be/eVz3Ag5FKEM?si=W1EDLTQOfTvdaq0S

Are you cured?

We are sinful wicked people! We don’t like to admit it but it is what God tells us in His Word.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬ ‭

There is only ONE cure for this sinfulness:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭

Are you cured or still afflicted…it comes down to your choice! 

Tom

No fear!

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭

When you are right with God through the shed blood of Jesus, you should have no fear of man because you are in the hand of God! A child of His and He will bring you home to Himself! Our Heavenly Father is the only One you should have a healthy fear of because He Is God!!!

Tom

Training

“ train yourself to be godly.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬c

In our Bible study we talked about this verse. To be very good at something you must train very hard and be disciplined. So let me ask you…how hard are you training to be godly???

Chew on that today and be honest with yourself!

Tom

How to act!

 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭

As followers of Jesus we in this verse are told how we are to act towards others.

1. Holy-like God himself

2.Beloved-deployed and cherished by God.

3.Merciful-giving others the same mercy God gave us.

4.Kind

5.Humble- putting others before yourself.

6.Meek-humbly submissive to God’s will

7.Longsuffering which is patient as God is with us.

Ask yourself if these characteristics describe you as a follower of Jesus? If so…awesome! If not we got work to do!

Tom

Music Friday-God be the glory-We are Messengers

 https://youtu.be/U-HHRyYXxPg?si=zjKAQ4pFVEXwHGTJ

Life and death

 “The tongue has the power of life and death, 

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬a

Chew on this verse today. Your words can put life into someone today or your words can basically kill someone today. You know what God would have you to do so what will you do?

Tom

Poor in eyes of world.

 “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭

Most of the world don’t think much of those who follow Jesus. They laugh at us, think we are stupid, and some even want us dead. BUT God thinks highly of us! So much that we get to inherit His Kingdom!!! Think I will stick with God …what about you?

Tom

Pursue God to be happy!

 This taken from the book Kyle Idleman’s book Every Thought Captive.

“Our culture says happiness is found in pursuing pleasure; God says happiness is found by pursuing Him.

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭11‬ ‭

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ ‭

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭2‬ ‭

“Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.” Psalms‬ ‭144‬:‭15‬ ‭

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭

Chew on that today!

Tom

Music Friday-What He says about you-Unspoken

 https://youtu.be/c4UTAydMGco?si=QlRy4SLXy3Kd7Hum

Faithful!

 “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭

Pretty plain and simple for us…if we are faith to Jesus He is faithful to us! Die to yourself and live for Him. The you will reign with Him in the glorious place of heaven! Praise the Lord!

Tom

Devious

 “Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬ ‭

Devious: showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.

As followers of Jesus, He calls us to be trustworthy and full of integrity just the opposite of devious. When we have a correct understanding of God we do all we can to walk in His way knowing we will stand before Him one day soon!!

Tom

Remember you!

 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭

We all have folks in our lives that helped us draw closer to God. We have those you first told us about Jesus. We have those Sunday School teachers, Pastors, friends mom or dad, neighbors, and the last can go on and on who have made huge impacts on us for Jesus. For them we thank God every time we remember them and may God bless them as they have blessed us!

Tom

Devoted to prayer!

 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭

Prayer for the follower of Jesus should be as common as another breath. We are to be devoted to speaking to God who wants to hear from us and answer us according to His will. Be watchful for things to pray about like temptations, sickness, poverty, the lost and such. Also pray in praise of all the blessings of God which are to numerous to count! We are thankful Jesus!!!!

Pray, pray, pray as Jesus is coming soon!

Tom

Music Friday-That’s my King-Ce Ce

 https://youtu.be/AB-3Av8RYo8?si=T4YX0rhA9jbE-ab3

Biggest blessing of all!

 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬ ‭ 

Praise the Lord for this blessing! The greatest blessing of all! Our sin being forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus! It is a free gift from God. Have you received this gift? Call upon Him today! If you have never forget what Jesus has done and be a blessing to Him in return by being an obedient follower!

Tom

Soul thirst

 “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭2‬ ‭

This is where our hearts should be. Thirsting and longing for God. So much so that we are so ready to be with Him that we are ready to die or for Him to return now! 

He should be our greatest desire! Can we honestly say that He is? Chew on that today.

Tom

What do you do when you lose everything?

 “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭

Just got home from a Bible study as I am writing this. I was reminded of Job and that he lost everything because Satan wanted to test him as he thought Job would curse God! Job lost his children, his income, basically everything except one thing…God! We are told what Job did after he lost it all…He worshipped God!

What would you do? Blame God or worship Him?

Tom

Conclusion

 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

In the above verses, Solomon tells us after trying about everything in life to bring satisfaction, his conclusion. Fear God, follow His Word, it is our duty to do so, and God will judge us. Pretty plain and simple. Nothing is kept secret from God. Get right before Him throttle shed blood of Jesus. Keep you sin to a minimum and when you do confess it up to God and walk away from it for He will forgive you.

Know the conclusion of life….follow Jesus.

Tom

Music Friday-If I got Jesus-Ben Fuller

 https://youtu.be/8p6lgcuZemY?si=RGntann8nN8CzBP2

Grace of our Lord.

 “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭

Paul who wrote the verse above was a persecutor of those who followed Jesus before God got a hold of him. Now in Hid letter to Timothy he reveals the grace of God that had been poured out on him abundantly. My oh my! All of us can say the same…we all can receive the grace of God although none of us deserve it just like Paul! 

God loves you so much and extends His grace and love to you…will you take it? Come to Jesus!

Tom

Don’t ruin your witness!

 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭

Try to live your life in a way that when unbelievers are around you they notice you are different because of the way you treat them and the way you live your life in obedience to God. Be wise as God’s Word says and take every opportunity to share Jesus with them!!

May we never ruin our witness for Jesus!  

Tom

The Lord looks at the heart!

 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭

In these verses, Samuel was looking for God’s next chosen King. Samuel was looking for at Jesse’s son’s appearance. Who looked like a King! God straightened him out quick. He looks at a persons heart and that person to be King would be David!

Today most still seem to look at people’s appearance to make judgments…God says look at the heart including your own. Only one way for a pure heart…covered by the blood of Jesus.

Is your heart right with God? It can be come to Jesus!

Tom

You did it to me!

The words of Jesus:

 “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭35‬-‭40‬ ‭

Jesus said when we serve one of the least, we did it to Him. A simple question…who are you serving the least or those who can do something for you in return?

Chew on that today.

Tom

Music Friday-Every Hour-David Leonard

 https://youtu.be/Ltrt-PhnuOY?si=B4RsDHVNiAouFb20

Word is eternal.

 “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭89‬ ‭

People talk and say all kinds of stuff that isn’t true and will fade over time. As followers of Jesus we know His Word is true, stands firm in heaven, and will last forever (eternal). Why would we ever put our trust in anything else? 

Thank you Lord for your Word may we seek it and obey it all the day long!

Tom

Where is your mind set?

 Honestly answer that question in the title. Think about yesterday and what you did throughout the day. How much of your mind was set on Jesus and the works He has for you?

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭

To accomplish our life goals from God we must keep or minds set upon Jesus and His Word. We are to be dead to this world and working for the next which is eternity. 

So once again I ask…where is you mind set Jesus or the world?

Tom

Weapons in God!

 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭

We have many strongholds to defeat in life. On our own we can not do it. Thankfully we have God to fight for us with His weapons! Angels, the Word of God, The Holy Spirt, Jesus, prayer, ect. Our weapons are of God and can not be defeated! But you must be covered by the blood for the use of His weapons! Are you?

Tom

Cry Father!

 “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.””

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭

All of us have had situations where we had to heartily cry out to our father or mother. Oh what a relief it is when they answer and come to us. When we are in Christ we are adopted sons and daughters of God the Father and being led by the Spirit we can cry out to Him just like Jesus did and He hears us and answers us! The greatest blessing we can have is to be children of God! 

Thank you Lord for taking us in we are grateful for eternity!

Tom

Neglect

 “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭16‬ ‭

Do have a delight in the Word of God? We should after all it is His love letter to us! When we have that delight we also should try with all our heart to never disobey the Word of God and do what it says!

So are you neglecting the Word? You have to know the Word well to know if you are or not so delight in studying it daily!!!

Tom

Commit!

 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭

To be a follower of Jesus is a call to total commitment and trust in Him. Halfhearted doesn’t get it. He wants all of you! When you commit to Him and do the work He has called you to do the blessings flow…not material blessings which He may or may not do but bringing glory and honor to Him which is the greatest reward we can have!

So have you committed? Now is the time so don’t delay for time is short!

Tom

Speaking truth!

 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭

As hard as it may be we must ALWAYS speak truth to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to nonbelievers. We tend to to think we can lighten a burden by a little non truth here and there but as followers of Jesus a sign of maturity is telling the truth no matter the cost for that is what Jesus did!

Speak truth in love!

Tom

What is that to you?

 “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.””

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭

God has a path for us all. It is easy to look at others and wonder about them. Peter did as we see above. We are to do as the Holy Spirit leads and focus on Jesus not worrying about Gods path for someone else!

Are we seeking God and doing His plan for our life or worrying about what God is doing with someone else?

Let’s focus and get busy as time is short!

Tom

Your choice

 “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭30‬ ‭

We have important choices to make in life. The most important is to follow Jesus and be faithful to Him! Have you made that choice? Another important choice is to keep the Word of God(law) in your heart by reading it often and studying its meaning for your life.

Choices! Our life if full of them…May we make the right ones especially with our Lord!

Tom

Word!

 “He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭

A reminder this morning of the importance of God’s word in our lives and to have a proper understanding of the effect it has on us as well. Read it, understand it, obey it, have a proper fear of God! He loves you but He also demands a right standing with Him through Jesus! 

Tom

Prepared a city for us!

 “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬ ‭

We are on a journey called like led by our God. We live life here to bring Him glory as we have surrendered our lives to Jesus. As w/o go through the joys, stresses, and sorrows we long for our heavenly home! Knowing perfection awaits! Oh what a loving God we serve! Praise Him!

Tom

Music Friday-Any Thing but Easy-Casting Crowns

 https://youtu.be/NwPa7nYsbI0?si=45PqjQoTNdybwx6S

Impact!

 “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭

We have the opportunity to impact many people in our lives. As followers of God let us use the opportunities to the fullest by serving, loving, and telling folks the gospel. Then we give thanks for them and lift them up to God! Oh what a privilege it is to be a servant of the Lord! 

Tom

Willing to share!

 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭

We are commanded in the Word of God to do good deeds! Be generous! willing to share what God has blessed you with. Does this sound like you? If not you better change and be an obedient follower of Jesus!

Boast in the Lord!

 “Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ ‭

Man will boast about so many things….money, athletic ability, strength, money and the list can go in and on. There is only ONE to boast in….the Lord Jesus Christ for He paid with His life for all sin! Boast in Jesus for He alone is worthy!

Tom

Serve and love!

 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭

When we follow Christ we are set free from sin! With this freedom we also are to have the mind of Jesus. He did not serve himself but others and we are to do the same. Serve and love it is what the true believer is called to do! Are you?

Music Friday-All because of You-David Leonard

 https://youtu.be/-78TB_bA0xs?si=yeFo5r8LJlopON56

Are you truly ready?

 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬ ‭

Jesus can come at any moment. Are you truly ready. Have you repented of your sins, trusted Jesus as your Savior, and are now following Him in all areas of your life? Are you obeying His Word and loving others, forgiving others, and serving others. Are you sharing the gospel with the lost?

What will Jesus find you doing when He arrives? Let’s be ready and be bring Him glory when He comes back for His followers!

Tom

Wonderfully made!

 “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

Just take some time today to praise God for making YOU! You are wonderfully made just the way God wanted!!

Tom

Blessed are the dead….

 “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.””

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ ‭

Chew on this today…when you are in the Lord (Jesus) you are blessed when you are dead! So many look on death as something terrible when in reality it will be the greatest day of your life as you will be in the arms of Jesus!!!

Tom

What others think of you?

Do you care what others think of you? Most do. Matter of fact most do things in life to try and impress others to like us even to the point it may go against our godly values such as getting drunk to fit in, saying things that are inappropriate to just name a couple. Here is what God says:

 “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬ ‭

Think of fear here as being overly concerned what they think. It causes anxiety and stress! Trust God and follow His Word!

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”

‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭

Here we see we are to please God and be busy about His business not worrying about man!

So who do you care about honestly man or God?

Tom

Break!

 Taking a week break. Read some old posts! See ya in a week! God bless!

Tom

Keep Your Head

 When the Titanic hit an ice burg in April 1912 Pastor John Harper secured a spot for his six-year-old daughter in one of the limited number of lifeboats. He gave his life-vest to a fellow passenger and shared the gospel with anyone who would listen. As the vessel sank and hundreds of people awaited an unlikely rescue, Harper swam from one person to another and said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" ACTS 16:31(Taken from Our Daily Bread).

This story reminds us of this verse:

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭

Mr. Harper kept his head in this deadly situation and did what was most important! Take care of family, helped others, and shared the gospel! We are all ministers and should share Jesus to lost souls!

As time draws near for either death or the Lord’s return are we keeping our head?

Tom

Give yourself away!

 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬ ‭

Like Paul and like Jesus, we are to give ourselves away in service to others. While it is a blessing to receive help, the blessing you receive from the Lord when you help others is indescribable. Try it for yourself and see!!!

Tom

Give thanks!

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭

 “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭30‬ ‭

We ask God to meet our needs and daily God provides our provisions! Do you give thanks as Jesus did? Thanks for all God’s blessings should continually be on our lips!

Tom

I formed you!

 ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬a

To start this week off I want you to know a few things….

1. God formed you!

2. God knows you!

3. God loves you!

Now let me ask you a few questions!

1. Do you know God through His Son Jesus?

2. Do you love God?

3. Does your life prove it by living in obedience to His Word?

Tom

Music Friday-Good by ole me-Consumed by Fire

 https://youtu.be/OvYrgnbnvTo?si=nh32w-FrYuM0JxxS

My Shepherd.

 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭

Thankful for my Shepherd this morning as I realize as a dumb sheep I need his guidance, provisions, and protection every day! I give you all the praise, honor, and glory Lord for you alone are worthy!

Tom

Great need!

 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭

Deer need water to survive. Our souls need God to survive. Are you going after God like a deer goes after water? You better if you want to survive and be with God forever!

Tom

Generous

 Taken from Our Daily Bread:

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭5‬ ‭

God has been generous with us, giving us life and forgiveness. Let’s be generous in sharing His love and our resources with those in need.

Chew on that today!

Tom

A holy calling

 “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,”

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭

Important for us to remember….we have a holy calling. To live our lives like Christ in worship of Him and to bring Him glory. We have done nothing…HE has done it all for the purpose of fulfilling our call….to follow Him and worship him for eternity. Are you fulfilling you holy calling?

Tom

Music Friday-A lil Church-Toby Mac

 https://youtu.be/Mhapr8qKUps?si=sn4ZA9GNX1YZxIZ3

Make every effort!

 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭

Basically this is telling us to make every effort to do these to be like Christ and then be effective for Christ! Now ask yourself are you making EVERY effort to do so?

Tom

Appointment for all!

 All of us have an appointment coming up….death!

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭

“but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭

Are you ready for your appointment? 

Tom

Permit me to speak!

“But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭39‬ ‭

In the verses above, Paul was being escorted out because Jews had stirred up the people to kill him BUT what does he want to do???? Speak to them! Bruised and bloodied he wants to share his faith in Jesus!

Are we as willing to share ours no matter the cost???

Tom

Team!

 “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭

These verses give us a picture of the church. As followers the Bible clearly teaches us to be an active member of a Bible believing church. In these verses we see we are stronger, able to lift each other up, keep warm as I picture it on fire for the Lord, and defend one another by standing against Satan with the Word of God!

So are you on the team or trying to do it on your own? Find a church for that’s how God designed it!

Tom

Music Friday-I’ve Got a story-Need to Breath

 https://youtu.be/3bozPM6mras?si=jLX7Bwy8TKbId9d2

Chose Life!

 Oh this is good!!!

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ 

1. Choose life! 

2.For the Lord is life!

Chew on that! Are you living THE LIFE or wasting life!

Tom

Always pray!

 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬ ‭

We server a God with perfect wisdom. Always pray and God will always do what’s best for us in His perfect knowledge. Then we move on and never give up no matter the situation knowing we are in God’s hands and He loves us!

Tom

Kind!

 “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬ ‭

When we are kind we are blessed by God. It is something Jesus demonstrated and He expects us to be kind as well. In ways we do not always know God rewards our kindness! On the other hand we also will reap what we sow if we are cruel. So be very careful in the way you treat others!

Tom

No other name.

 Tell all!

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭

What is that name? Jesus!

Tom

Music Friday-How Great Thou Art-Carrie Underwood

 Can it be sung any better? Praise Jesus!

https://youtu.be/ND35iZhfO5c?si=sGjZPHrUuqIUsj_1

Do good to those who hate you!?

Possibly the most difficult command of Jesus!

 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭

When you say you can’t remember this:

“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬ ‭

Jesus forgave those who beat him, mocked him, drove nails into him, and killed him.

He tells us to do the same!

““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭

We must!

Tom

God sees you!

Taken from our daily bread devotional:

 GENESIS 16:9-16

"You are the God who sees me," for [Hagar] said,

"I have now seen the One who sees me."

GENESIS 16:13]

GOD SEES YOU

"Get down!" my friend said firmly to her son after he climbed onto the church pew and waved his hands. "I want the pastor to see me," he innocently replied. "If I don't stand

up, he won't see me."

While standing on the pews is probably not encouraged in most churches, my friend's son had a good point. Standing and waving his hands was certainly one way to be seen and to capture the pastor's attention.

When we're trying to get God's attention, we don't have to worry about being seen by Him. God sees each of us all the time.

He's the same One who revealed Himself to Hagar when she was probably at the lowest, loneliest, most frustrating time in her life.

She'd been used as a pawn and given to Abram by his wife, Sarai, to produce a son (GENESIS 16:3). And when she did get pregnant, Abram allowed his wife to mistreat Hagar: "Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her" (V. 6).

The runaway slave found herself alone, pregnant, and miserable.

Yet in the midst of her desperation in the wilderness, God compassionately sent an angel to speak to her. The angel told her that God had "heard of [her] misery" (V. 11). She responded by saying, "You are the God who sees me" (V. 13).

What a realization-especially in the midst of the wilderness.

God saw Hagar and had compassion. And no matter how tough things are, He sees you.

What wilderness situations are you facing?

How does knowing that God sees you help you to keep going?

Dear God, thank You for seeing me. I know You're with me even during my toughest times.

Always remember…God sees you!

Tom

In Your hand.

 “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand;

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭14‬-‭15‬a

Everything we do we are to pray about and let God direct us. We are His servants and He is the one to give us directions. How often do we do this? Or how often do we do what we want and hope for his blessing? Let Him direct He is God!

Tom

Now what?

 “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬ ‭

Jesus defeated death and sin! Now what?

1. Be sure you are a faithful follower of Jesus!

2. Love God with everything you got!

3. Love others!

4. Share the gospel.

5. Be ready for His return.

These are things the Bible tells us so let’s get busy!

Tom

Holy Week 7

 

 Resurrection Sunday

The stone was rolled away. He is Risen! (Matthew 28)

My Savior is alive and coming back soon!

Tom

Holy Week 6

 

 Saturday

The world grew quiet. Jesus laid in the tomb as it was guarded and sealed with a stone. (Matthew 27:62-

66)

Think…..He is in the grave because of my sin. Thank you Lord for taking my place. 

Tom

Holy Week 5

 

 Good Friday

Jesus carried His cross, was crucified and placed in a tomb. (Matthew 27)

All for you. Read chapter and just let it sink in….all for you!

Tom