John the Baptizer

John the Baptist represents that space in time when you are frustrated and joyless in your limited understanding of God and his righteousness. Until you are pained with this distance, you aren’t ready for Christ. You must be ready to let go of your own understanding to accept his.

Mark 1:4-5 (AMP): 4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. 5 And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

2/26/2020

How You Say it

How you say something impacts more than what you say. If you have issues in your communications, ask another how they might word it. Many are geniuses in this way. It is a simple way to make your words instruments of love, beginning with yourself.

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)  18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

2/23/2020

Forgiveness

Jesus said to forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times. That may seem exaggerated but even one incident can cause resentment that many times, years or generations!  Each time the breach comes to mind, ask God to free you of its power.  

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? ”22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 

2/16/2020

Violating Spiritual Law

If you wrong another or do something that violates sacred law there is an effect on your mind and body. All are born with this internal code but most aren’t even aware of it. Until you face it, by the laws of nature and God’s law, you are compromised in health, thought, deed and relationship. 

Psalm 32:3-5 (MSG) 3  When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. 4 The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. 5 Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.

2/12/2020

Belief and Unbelief

In Mark 9:22-24 the father says to Jesus “help us, if you can.” The human dilemma is one of going back and forth between faith and little faith, belief and unbelief.  When this happens to you, do as this father did: Ask the Lord to keep you firmly in belief and faith.  

Mark 9:22-24 (NLT) 22.Have mercy on us and help us, if you can. 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can?’” Jesus asked.  “Anything is possible if a person believes. 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

2/9/2020

Mustard Seed

Jesus likened faith to tiny potent matter, like mustard seeds and yeast. Nurture your faith and your best potential will unfold. Pray and talk to God like you do your best friend. Others will find shelter when they are around you and you will develop to your satisfaction.

Matthew 13:31-32 (TLB) 31-32 Here is another of his illustrations: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds but becomes the largest of plants, and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter.”

1/19/2020

Marriage

Marriage relationships are more difficult for some than others. Being respected in your own home matters.  God knows which couples belong together. He sees what humans do not. It’s never too early or too late to pray to receive an understanding wife or pray to be one. 

Proverbs 19:14 (TLB) 14 A father can give his sons homes and riches, but only the Lord can give them understanding wives. 

2/2/2020