Dennis | Phil's Thoughts

August 13, 2025

Faith

“Faith” … def.: 1.”The complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” If we never learn anything else before we die, we need to learn this: Don’t place your faith in things or people ; they will let you down. I’ve tested a few things over the years and I’ve found some of em couldn’t handle me. As a kid, you made your own fun. You didn’t have an iPhone or Xbox, so you created your own excitement. I’d climb slender trees as far up as i could go, let go with my legs and “ride” the tree all the way to the ground. I had faith that the trunk wouldn’t snap before getting me safely back on my feet. I’d swim way out off the beach when on vacation…sometimes on a raft, but you can’t see the bottom on a raft, so I’d abandon it and swim down…and down…until i could touch bottom…for my own satisfaction. I had faith that a shark wasn’t gonna eat me and I’d find my raft once i got back to the surface. I had faith in total strangers that put up the fair rides…confident that I’d finish the thrill-ride the same way i started it…unscathed. I’d cross logs that fell across the creek, trusting that they would hold my weight…swing on vines that wove their tendrils amongst the high up limbs, ramp scrap pieces of boards on my bike, get “lost” on purpose in the woods just so i could find my way out, explore abandoned buildings where the homeless hobos lived, jump on and ride the occasional slower-moving trains, … and i realized something when i got older … my “faith” was in “me” and “my” abilities. I trusted in my ability to lie good enough so i wouldn’t get a whoopin … steal like a common thief and not get caught … take dangerous chances just for the thrill of it … and all the time, I’d be asked…” What were you thinking ?!”…”Why did you do that?!” … and my answer was always the same … “I don’t know.” Most of the time, i didn’t have a good reason…i just did it because it was something to do…something that was exciting and got my adrenaline pumpin. It wasn’t scary to me… it was exciting…and i did all of it for my own enjoyment…my own benefit … and hey…if someone was watchin, that was for me, too … a reason to show out. It took me a long time to realize, my mortality ( the state of being subject to death ), wasn’t something to be taken so lightly…and as mama always said, “Stupid is, as stupid does.”( Forrest Gump ). I trusted in “my” abilities until the “vine broke”, the “ramp failed” and the “undertow liked t’ve got me”. Taking chances and trusting in “self” will hurt you … and sometimes, it may “kill” you. Our mamas had us, but God created us in their wombs ( Psalm 139:13 ). He designed us just like he wanted us, for a purpose ( Colossians 1:16 ). He sees our every move, hears our every thought, even before we think em ( Psalm 139:2-4 ). Until we understand this fact, we’ll continue believing that it’s “all about us” … when it AINT ! Accomplishments and successes can be deceiving … they can give us the illusion that “we” are “it”…that people oughta be pattin us on the back and wantin our autograph … and ’fore you know it, “pride” sets up shop and begins to create a monster. We form great opinions about ourselves and trust in our own abilities over our Creator’s. Next thing you know, He’s deciding how to bring us back to reality … how to “humble” us, so that we’re reminded of who it is that we ultimately answer to. God never created us to serve our own desires and live to please ourselves. If he gives a special gift, he expects us to thank him for it and then use it for his glory. If he decides to give us a talent, he expects us to invest it in his kingdom’s work and honor him with the results ( Matthew 25:14-30 ). If he supplies extra, he expects us to distribute it amongst those who have less ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 ). It’s his way of meeting his people’s needs and proving once again that He can be trusted … and, it lets us be a part of the process ! Win-Win for everybody involved ! Understanding that it’s God who’s created us…God, who wills and acts in accordance with His own purposes ( Philippians 2:13 ), in us and through us…God, who lets us choose wisely, but when we don’t, knows how to administer correction ( Hebrews 12:6 ) and discipline … because that’s the loving Father that He is, is the beginning of wisdom. If we’d “get it”, sooner than later, can you imagine the impact He could make in this world !? Our faith…complete trust and confidence, ought never to lie in a “noun”…a ( human being ) person, place or thing … but only in GOD. Period. “ You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not worship anything or anyone else, besides me. Don’t misuse my name and remember my Sabbath and keep it holy, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those that hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” ( Exodus 20:3-8 )

August 11, 2025August 12, 2025

Use Me

“Yahwey Jireh”… or more often referred to as “Jehovah Jireh”, translates simply into, “The LORD provides”. At our men’s breakfast at FB Florence yesterday morning, i was reminded once again of the provision of God … how He always provides for His people. We heard personal testimonies of mission trips recently returned from and the work that was accomplished. Sure, you’d hear the brief comments about the good meals that were provided by the gracious members of the church being built…the friendliness and kindness of the local people of the village…the not-so-perfect weather conditions and the occasional ribbing from another brother. But what i kept hearing, more than anything else, was how God took the willingness of a few volunteers and raised a 4,000 + square foot building in less than a week … how they routed muddy water through a filtration system and built a remote village a system of potable water fit for human consumption … all because God provided … the manpower, the materials, the knowledge, the talents, the resources, the willingness and most of all, the “heart”. It reminded me of how God doesn’t need our “ability”… He desires our “availability”. He doesn’t need our money…but by being faithful to His commands, we get to be a part of the things He’s wanting to do, for people all over this ol world…and yeah , it takes money to make it happen…that’s why we tithe…out of obedience unto God. If we would just love God more than anything else, we’d love people. If we love people, we’d wanna help em. If we’d just listen, God will direct us to those He wants helped. It matters not what the “help” is … it could be picking up sticks or garbage in a neighbor’s yard, cuttin their grass, waterin their flowers, collectin their mail while they’re gone, takin em a meal or to the grocery store, helpin a feeble person navigate a tight area, cleaning their house, stacking some firewood, wiping the frost off their windows and mirrors, holding the door for em, lettin em go first, etc; etc; etc.. There’s an unlimited number of things we can do for others… but it all starts with a love for God and a love for people. Jesus said it many many years ago … “You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. And you are to love others as you do yourself.” ( Matthew 22:37-40 ) As is common with so many “Christians”, we’ll say we love Jesus, but we withhold Christ-like love from those around us…and sad to say…many of those somebodies, are our own family members ! We tend to treat em worse than a common acquaintance … a stranger or an enemy ! Believe this … it doesn’t escape the eyes of the LORD ! By neglecting our responsibilities, we’re withholding the love of Christ and what He wants to do for that person / those people. He’s trying to help “them” and mold “you” more into His image ! If we keep leaping off the conveyor belt, we’re gonna wind up missing some parts … and unable to function as planned. God’ll provide the necessary equipment and tools … we just need to submit and make ourselves available. That brother that hollered out, “ Here i am…send me” ( Isaiah 6:8 )…got it. People don’t care how much we know, until they know how much we care. Didn’t Jesus tell us, “ When you’ve done it for the least of these, you’ve ( actually ) done it for me.” ( Matthew 25:40 ) ? God will never go against His own nature. God’s never short on provisions . He’s already lined up work for us ( you and me ) to do. He’s just waiting on us to say, “YES”… here i am, use me.”

August 9, 2025

No Excuse

I’ve got a friend…a brother in Christ, that i communicate with regularly … we share our messages that God reveals to us as an encouragement … like sharing half your sammich with someone who may’ve come to work without. Doesn’t Scripture tell us to share with others the good things He gives us ( Galatians 6:6-8 ) ? It’s a way to testify about the goodness of GOD, the transforming power of His Spirit and the love of Christ the Son ! One subject we hone in on, on a regular basis, is the ABILITY to NOT sin, as a believer. We, as humans, feel like it’s a natural thing to continue sinning and leading a two-faced lifestyle, even after asking Christ into our lives. We lie, cheat and steal as if we’re free t’ do so, now that we’re “in Christ”. Let’s be real … God’s word HAS never and WILL never condone bad ( sinful ) behavior in a Christian ! I’ll save you some time … you won’t find anything in the Bible that claims otherwise. When we hate on our brothers, take too long a look, treat our spouses worse than an enemy, act a fool in traffic, withhold forgiveness, our witness or our tithe ( HELLO ! ) …it’s still considered “sin” in the eyes of GOD. When we sin, we’re literally telling God, “ I know this is going outside your will, but I’m gonna resurrect my old self for a while…you’ll just haveta turn your head, close your eyes and stop up your ears.” When we believers accept Christ by faith, believing that He died and rose again for our sake, confessing Him as “Lord” ( Romans 10:9 ), we are immediately covered under the grace of God “through Christ’s blood sacrifice”( Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24-25 ), no longer under the “spell” of sin’s deceitfulness. God puts it like this: “Our sin nature has no control over us anymore ! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer ? We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Our “old self” was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. What shall we say then ? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase ? By no means ! Absolutely not ! “ ( Romans 6:1-7 ) Jesus paid far too high a price for us to continue living a life handcuffed by sin. Unless we turn the lordship of our lives over to Him completely, we might as well quit calling Him, “Lord”. To “surrender”, means we wave the white flag and hand over our weapons. We cannot be taken prisoner if we keep firing shots at our enemy. And that’s exactly what we’re doing if we’re telling God that we surrender, but we keep on sinning. We remain an “enemy” of God ( Romans 1:18-32 ). Saying one thing but doing just the opposite is hypocrisy 101 ! It’ll not only land us in jail, it’ll land us in hell ( “Many will say to me on that day, “ Lord, Lord” …but I will tell them, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity; I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:21-23 ). Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. ( Romans 12:1-2 ). If we will abide in Christ ( John 15:7-9 ) and walk in the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16 ) daily, we wouldn’t have to apologize or see our spouses and kids crying, worry about signing divorce papers, paying high traffic tickets, wake up with a hangover, be looking over our shoulder or waiting for that axe to fall. Sin ought not still be a part of our lives, once we’ve crucified it and been raised to new life in Christ ! Preachers, teachers and most of this world’s people have polluted our minds and sold us a bill of goods that says something completely different from GOD’S WRITTEN WORD … we DON’T HAVETA SIN … we CHOOSE TO , when we walk outside the will of God. Sin doesn’t control a born again believer in Christ ( John 3:3 )…we let it in and welcome it ! If we’re not suiting up in the full armor of God, daily, we’re leaving ourselves vulnerable to the enemy ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ). If we’re not abiding in Christ, daily, we’re leaving Satan an opportunity to get a foot in the door ( 1 Peter 5:6-8; Ephesians 4:27-29 ). If we’re not walking in The Spirit, daily, we’re going to find ourselves on some really dark paths. Lemme end with this…it’s God’s words : “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ). So see ? We don’t haveta continue making excuses about why we choose to sin … after we’ve accepted Christ. There’s really no valid excuse; is there ?

August 5, 2025

Created

What’s your aspirations ? What are you shooting for ? What do you wanna accomplish before it’s over ? When we were kids, grownups would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up ?” Well…some of us are “there”, and we still don’t know what we want ! Some of us caught a wave and rode it out pretty well. Some of us didn’t load enough powder, and our shot came up short of our target. Many of us are still scratchin and clawin, tryin to get out the hole we’ve dug for ourselves. Sure…we’ve all made mistakes…who ain’t ?! But when it’s all said and done, what are you and i leavin behind…for the ones coming behind us ? Debt ? A pile o’ bills ? A cool antique ? A house fulla furniture and what-nots ? Motorcycle, hotrod, deer heads, weapons, real estate, vacation home, boat, plane, get-away cabin, … what did we work so hard for so as to leave “it” for our loved ones ? NEWS FLASH … If it was material possessions, it’s gonna be ASHES !! Everything as we see and know it is gonna be laid waste one day ( 2 Peter 3:10 ). So…How does that fact change your way of thinking ? Does it open your eyes a little more as to REALITY and what we can expect ? “Eat, drink and be merry”; right ? “Everybody’s gotta die somehow”; ain’t that what they say ? Maybe that’s what “they” say…but what does God say ? I mean, He created all of us; right ? He also created all the things we see, as well as the things we don’t; right ? ( Genesis 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3 ) He even gives us brains, talents and giftings to come up with new stuff…create marvels and gain success in our endeavors. So, shouldn’t He have a say-so in what we do ? Dont He get a vote as to what we become ? If we’re wanting to become anything worth a flip, shouldn’t we ask Him for help, for guidance, for instructions, for wisdom, for the giftings and talents to make it happen ? I mean…HE IS GOD; ain’t HE !?! Listen to His Spirit through the quill pen of King Solomon…. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge; but he who hates correction is stupid. ( Mama said,”Stupid is as stupid does.”🥴 ). A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man. A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted” ( Proverbs 12:1-3 ). I don’t hear GOD tellin us that obtaining “stuff” makes us better than anyone else. I don’t hear Him sayin that the more money we make, the better off we’ll be in the end. I didn’t hear Him say the prettier or more handsome gets the grand prize. If the sayin’s true about the “golden rule”… “ He who has the gold, makes the rules”… then GOD is the only one who has the authority to make the rules … since His roads are paved with it ( Revelation 21:21 ) ! A man ( or woman ) that stands out in God’s eyes, loves the discipline of the LORD…obtains his righteousness from his faith in Jesus Christ…and receives the favor of GOD ! THAT’S what we all need to be concerned with ! THAT’S what we all should aspire to ! If we’d all just go back to the basics…to the purpose for which we were created, we wouldn’t be chasing after so many other things like dogs chasing our tails … it’s hopeless !! “You shall not have any other gods before Me” … “You shall not worship anything made” … “Never use My name flippantly” … “ Remember My Sabbath and keep it holy” … ( Exodus 20:3-8 ). We were made to glorify GOD and pass HIM down to those HE places in our path…period ! Instead of chasing that ever-elusive dollar bill, tryin to make it to the top of that ladder ( steppin on whoever gets in our way ), and trying to fill that hole that has no bottom, why not invite Jesus to take that weight off your back and shoulders…and let HIM mold you into the person you were created to be ? “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Jesus ( Matthew 11:28 )

August 4, 2025

Pinky Promises

Remember “pinky promises” and “cross my heart and hope to die’s”? Next thing came along was our “swear to God’s”… followed by the more common, “On God”, “On my mama” or “On my kids”. STOP THIS NONSENSE !! If you can’t just tell somebody the flat-out truth , don’t say nothin. We shouldn’t haveta include anything “extra” as if it validates our statement even more. If you’re a known liar, a habitual liar or the “boy/girl that cries wolf” regularly, no amount of fluffin is gonna matter anyway … we don’t believe you no matter who you “put it on”. So many marriages start out with promises made … to each other and to God, that wind up broken. Appointments mean nothing anymore … if we’re late, you can always create a fabricated excuse and act a fool to get your slot back. We see it all the time. A man’s word useta mean something. We proclaimed it and shook on it … that’s all it took. Nowdays, lawyers and law offices are makin a killin off fancy words and typed up documents … just so it all stays legal. That paper won’t stop a lie from occurring, no more than that lawyer can keep folks from breaking promises. If we’d all hear and heed God’s directive, in ( Matthew 5:33-37 ), we’d be a people of integrity and some of these law offices would haveta board up their doors and take down that shingle ( ask an old person what that means if you don’t know 😄😉 ). Jesus said,” Y’all heard it said, ‘ Don’t break your oath, but keep your oaths made to the Lord.’ But I’m tellin yall, Don’t swear at all, not by heaven, the earth or by Jerusalem, by your head, (on your mama or your kids or anything else ). Simply let your’yes’ be yes and your’no’ be no; anything beyond that comes from the evil one.” Puts a new spin on it; dont it ? Not really. God’s word has been around alot longer than we have … we’re the ones that changed it to suit us. We really didn’t “change” it…we just stopped abiding by it. His word has never changed… and neither has God. In fact, turn to the back of the Book and read (Revelation 22:18-19). It’s a warning from God and it says, “ I warn everyone who hears the words of these prophecies in this Book: If anyone adds or takes away from this Book, God will take away their share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which is described in this Book.” “Changing the rules” ain’t up to us … that’s up to God … and He never changes ( Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17 ). So… wanna make a promise ? Then you better keep it ! He’s watchin t’ see that you do.

August 3, 2025

Words Matter

“WORDS MATTER”… This short statement is made numerous times at our training facility. The instructors want every employee to realize the correct terms of what we do, and, they want us to be able to explain our processes and procedures to a tee…therefore, words matter. Men and women alike use roughly 16,000 words each day…and yeah, we know “that person” that uses their 16,000 PLUS at least half of ours, because they won’t let us get a word in edgewise … they just love to hear themselves talk ! Just consider this for about 30 seconds… what are we saying ? Are we encouraging more than we’re discouraging ? Are we rattlin on about “nothin”, or are we passing on useful information ? When we respond to our kids or spouses, do we speak in tones and use words that transfer respect and love, or are we “snapping” at em like they’re a nuisance, just for speaking ? At work, do we convey a positive attitude, accompanied by friendliness and a jovial spirit, or, does our face look like those old tintypes where the couple looks ticked off most of the time ? God tells us, in ( Ephesians 4:29 ), “ Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those that listen.” Jesus would also remind us that “it’s not what goes into our mouths that make us unclean, it’s what comes out that makes us unclean, for everything that comes out of our mouth originated in our heart ( Matthew 15:11,15-19 ). If I’m constantly berating my son / daughter, they will grow up getting a poor reflection of our loving Savior. If i belittle an employee, instead of offering kind guidance and instruction, they will have a blurred picture of a loving Father that desires for them to grow in their training and admonishing of Him ( Ephesians 6:4 ). If my nerves are frayed and I’m ready to snap, i can choose to remain silent and pray that the words i use will be as living water, and not bitter herbs ( Proverbs 16:24 ). I cannot count the times I’ve uttered harsh words, smartellic comebacks or a foul word…even if it felt like the right thing at the moment. Because the Spirit of God lives in me, i knew immediately it was wrong, and felt shame and remorse. God knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. He doesn’t like to hear our dirty talk , harsh responses, coarse language or smartellic comebacks … He holds us ( those that He calls, “son” and “daughter” ) accountable for every word ( Matthew 12:36-37 ) we speak ! Therefore, we should weigh very carefully what we say and how we say it…knowing what GOD has to say about it ! “Lord, let the words of my mouth and even my thoughts be pleasing to you” ( Psalm 19:14 ), oughta be our constant prayer. God wants only the best for his people … that’s why he came down from heaven to live amongst us and show us how it can be done ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ). If we don’t care…and we continue to cast a false impression of HIM, what does that say about “us” ? Either we’re living outside His will, living in defiance and disobedience of His rules, regurgitations and commands, or we’re striving to be more like Christ…putting other’s needs before our own…lovingly admonishing and correcting, using the words of our Lord and Savior ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ). Let’s make it a resolution to use our words more wisely…and if they don’t sound like something Jesus would say, let’s keep em from slipping out our mouths. We may still haveta ask God for forgiveness, but at least we didn’t include someone else ! Father, temper our words with grace…let mercy be the balm we use to heal…and let Your love be our guide. In Jesus’ name … Amen. Words matter.

August 2, 2025

A Stumbling Block

“ If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it’d be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the sea.” — Jesus ( Matthew 18:6 ) Reminds me of some o’ them mob movies I’ve watched over the years … “he swims with the fishes” kinda thing. Jesus ain’t playin when it comes to folks causin other Christians to “stumble” in their walk ! I mean…we can expect a non-believer to act like they do.., stirring up trouble, enticing others to join em in their sin, pulling folks further from the truth of God’s word, etc; etc. … but when it comes to a believer ( a born-again Christian ) to be the one causing the trouble…well, that takes on a whole nother degree of consequences ! If you’re a Christian, it’d be wise to lean in and really listen to Jesus’ statement right here. Some of us think it’s OK to put down other believers … to talk about em behind their backs and to stir up dissension within the “body of Christ”. We’ve done it so much, we’ve grown accustomed to it ! Christians are held to a higher standard of living than the lost. They are carrying around the name above all names ( Philippians 2:9 ), therefore, the responsibility unto GOD rests on their shoulders ( of course, the Spirit of GOD resides within them ). Christians are to love God FIRST … then to love others … especially other brothers and sisters in Christ. If we’re putting each other down, how is that helping anybody !?! If we’re silently harboring hatred towards other believers, how does that build God’s kingdom in a way that promotes love and good will !?! To quote Wiersbe, “ In short, to love other Christians means to treat them the way God treats them—and the way God treats us.” To do any different, or, to oppose God’s truths and commands, is to be a stumbling block and a liar ( 1 John 2:9 ). We can “claim” to be Christlike…sing them hymns to the top o’ our lungs…attend services every time the doors are open, even teach Sunday School and keep the bed-babies, but if we’re knocking down our “supposed” brothers and sisters every chance we get, ( without a repentant heart and a broken and contrite spirit; Psalm 51-17 ) then we’re lying to ourselves and casting a false interpretation of Jesus ! And what did he say the consequences were ? “Better that we were swimmin with the fishes with concrete shoes.” I read a story here lately that went like this : A man who was walking down a dark street one night saw a pinpoint of light coming toward him in a faltering way. He thought perhaps the person carrying the light was ill or drunk, but as he drew nearer he could see a man with a flashlight carrying a white cane. “Why would a blind man be carrying a light ?”the man wondered, and then he decided to ask. The blind man smiled. “I carry my light, not so I can see, but so that others can see me.I cannot help being blind,” he said, “but I can help being a stumbling block.”

July 30, 2025

Out of Bounds

If you were to read ( Jeremiah 3:1-5 ), you’d hear God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about “prostitution” as God sees it. Whether 2,000 plus years ago, or today, anything that “misaligns” our devotion to GOD, makes us a prostitute. When we step out of HIS boundaries and invite another ( other things ) to take HIS rightful place in our life, we have committed adultery and prostituted ourselves out. Now that we know, what will we do differently ? Listen to the latter part of verse 3 through verse 5 … “ yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame. Haven’t you just called to me, “ My Father, my friend from my youth , will you always be angry ? Will your wrath continue forever ?” This is how you talk, but you ( continue to ) do all the evil you can.” I don’t hear remorse … i don’t hear a broken heart or a contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17 ). Where, in God’s word, do we hear that He rewards those who live in utter defiance and disobedience !?! Lemme help you save some time … NOWHERE !! If we belong to GOD through belief and confession of Jesus as Lord ( Romans 10:9-10 ), we’ve stepped out of our “old” ways and took on “new” ways ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) … period. We should’ve died to self and put on Christ ( Colossians 3:3 )… living in abundance the life He died for. When did we get duped into believing He’s changed the rules !? There’s no doubt that many have “fallen away” from the faith that they once confessed…and many more will before Christ comes back to get His elect ( Matthew 24:10 ). Personally, I’ve heard very few actually say, “ Salvation ain’t for me anymore; I’m going back to the way I was” … but I’ve SEEN many that have, and it breaks my heart…for them and those they influence. God dont have a problem with removing His wrath from those that repent…but for the ones that choose other “grooms” over Him…it’s gonna be a sad day. Don’t be a prostitute … be the “bride” that makes Him smile while comin down that aisle.

July 29, 2025

Sent to Serve

“Have to” or “sent” ? I believe, far too often, we view our daily activities as more of a burden than an opportunity. Here’s what i mean…take “work” for example … we say things like, “I wish I didn’t haveta go to work” … “ I don’t mind my job, I just hate the drive” … and many times, we’ll anticipate problems before we’ve even SEEN the job at hand. It’s a pessimistic, negative attitude that’s detrimental to our physical health, mental health and spiritual health. By deciding in our hearts that “work” is more of a burden than an opportunity, we’ve devalued the very appointment God set up for us that day. The ride to work could be our best opportunity to pray for those that we’ve been assigned by God to lift up…to encourage. They may not know it, but they’ll definitely feel it ! God’s just been waiting on us to intercede for them. If it’s a health issue, pray for physical healing … If it’s their ride, pray for their transportation issues to be blessed … If it’s a job opportunity, pray that God will fill the spot. There’s SO many different situations and circumstances that call for the prayers of the righteous ( James 5:16 )…and God’s just waiting for His sons and daughters ( His “appointed” ) to accept the appointment and pray for those people and their needs. What about that opportunity at the store to just smile and say, “ Jesus loves you” or “ May God bless you” ? How many times does God haveta prompt us before we ACT on that prompting ?! His Spirit wants air, too … we need to be lettin Him “out” more, and not keepin Him to ourselves ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 ) . And WHAT ABOUT that job He’s given you ? Why view it in a negative manner and always complain about it ? If it’s where God’s planted / placed you…”sent” you…look at it as another opportunity to serve in whatever capacity He wants you to ! If we’d ALL remember that we’re working for HIM and not just for some human, maybe we’d accept the calling a little more graciously…thankful to be entrusted with such a responsibility ( Colossians 3:23-24 ) ! I believe with every new day, God has already assigned us opportunities to serve … I believe He’s also heard and seen the attitude of our hearts, knowing if we’ll accept the job with a willing spirit …or…we’ll do it with griping and complaining. How would it make you feel, as an employer, if your employees came to work with downcast faces, sullen attitudes and an unwillingness to be the salt and light that you implanted in them ? So, how do you think God feels ? Start anew, each morning … pray thanking God for another opportunity to serve ! Anticipate the GOOD THINGS that’ll come from the day … and see through the eyes of Christ the needs around you ! Somebody needs encouraging … somebody needs a hand … somebody needs the benefit of the talents that God’s gifted you with ! Be the one that quashes the negativity around you ! Bless the Lord’s heart by your gratefulness and joy ! Being called by God and sent by God for duty, oughta be viewed a privilege…not a burden. Lord, whatever comes our way today, help us to see it through your eyes. Give us the energy and gifts to do you a good job with it. And Lord, we call you “Lord” for a reason … YOU’RE the BOSS ! Help us to be good employees…in your eyes. In Jesus’ name we thank you for employing us… Amen.

July 27, 2025

Your Heart

Think about this … from the time you start your day, to the time you finish it, everything you do will originate from your heart. Your brain may be sending signals, your lungs producing the air that you’ll breathe , your blood flowing through miles of veins and arteries, but your decisions and choices will come from your heart. From what you’ll decide to wear, whether you brush your teeth or not , what you’ll eat for breakfast, whether you’ll watch reels or read your Bible, whether you’ll be pleasant or grouchy, if you’ll open that door for your sister or just take care of your own self, whether you’ll greet your coworkers and friends with a “What’s up” or “Good morning”, or you’ll let them do the talkin, what attitude you’ll have towards the tasks at hand, whether you’ll enhance the experience or extract from it, what you’ll eat for lunch, whether you’ll lie or stick to the truth, whether you’ll belittle or encourage, if you’ll go to the doctor to get well faster or procrastinate and keep spreading germs, if you’ll spend time with the ones you love or spend as much time as you can away from them, tip or not, witness or not, share the good things that God’s shared with you or not, testify about how good God is or not…etc; etc; etc;. We could go on and on with examples of activities and actions that make up our day-t-day goings on … and each one of em begins in our heart. God, through Solomon’s quill pen, wrote, “ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” ( Proverbs 4:23 ). If our heart is still the one we’re born with, everything we do will be for naught. Yeah, we may do a good deed occasionally, but for the most part, everything we do will have an alterior motive behind it. We’ll be examining the outcomes as whether they’re gonna benefit us in some way or another. Our meals won’t include the desires of others…it’ll be what we want. Vacation destinations will be decided by us, and recommendations from the rest of the family won’t really be taken into consideration. Decisions are already decided…by you…”your house-your rules”, no room for discussion. Our old hearts are hardened like granite…cold as steel…and we ain’t changin it no matter how much we try. But … if we’ll allow for change, God’ll give us a heart transplant ! He’ll remove our heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh … one that’s pliable … and He will begin the “plying” ( Ezekiel 36:26 ). This “new” heart will produce a new and improved “us” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) ! Crying will be the norm…but the tears will be more from new awareness, joy, remorse and awe of God. Others will matter…we’ll be interested in their thoughts, their feelings and their happiness ( Philippians2:3 ). We’ll also want to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so they’ll have a relationship that’ll earn dividends. We’ll be happy to go last. They can choose…and if it doesn’t break the bank or cause harm, so be it. Our choices and decisions will change dramatically … “Is this gonna glorify God ?” and “ Will this be a holy decision ?” will come to mind before we take our next steps. God uses the hearts of His people to carry out His will and good purposes. We will choose whether we stick with the old model we’re born with, or, we’ll trade it in for the modified , new and improved version. He’ll make us an offer we can’t refuse … He’s not the godfather…He’s Father GOD !

July 26, 2025

Naive

Are you a “naive” person … someone who’ll believe whatever they hear ? Listen to the definition of the word “naive” : ( of a person or action ) “showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment”. Y’ ever heard said, “ You can’t believe everything you hear” ? What about this one … “Well, it was on the internet, so it must be true.” ? People are gullible … easily misled … and yes, “ignorant”. They don’t know what they don’t know. So where can we gain “experience, wisdom, and “sound” judgment” ? Glad you asked ! I happen to know a Guy ! At the beginning of time as we know it, GOD ordained His creation to serve and glorify Him ( Colossians 1:16 ). His perfect plan included “provisions” … He didn’t create us and say,” Well, good luck. Figure it out for yourselves. Hope everything goes well for yall.” No ! He made us to serve…therefore, He supplies the necessary “tools” and “talents”…but we first, haveta be “transformed”. Transformation takes place once we open the door of our heart and invite Jesus to be our Lord and Savior ( Revelation 3:20; Romans 10:9-10 ). Without this, we won’t have THAT …and, we will remain ignorant and naive…believing every myth, lie and distortion of The Truth that comes along. God’s Word clearly states, “ In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing ( contemptuous ridicule or mockery ) and following their own evil desires. They deliberately forget signs and wonders given by God. God’s also provided prophecy that’s either been fulfilled, or, being fulfilled. His words / Scripture clearly spells out what He expects of us and what “to” expect. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, to their own destruction” ( 2 Peter3:1-16 ). For the life of me, i cannot understand why some people CHOOSE to remain ignorant … when GOD is RIGHT THERE waiting to give knowledge, understanding, wisdom, forgiveness, mercy, grace, gifts, talents, salvation, abundant life, spiritual insight, blessings, favor and the Helper ( His Holy Spirit ) !!! So…again…are you a naive person ? Do you lack wisdom and sound judgment ? If so, go to the Source … ( James 1:5-6 )…EVERYTHING , with one stop !

July 25, 2025

Object Lessons

I’m big on “object lessons” … whether they’re given to me personally or, or someone else is presenting them. It helps me see the cool ways God teaches…how He can take a created earthly object and teach a heavenly lesson ! It’s SO cool and it helps remind me just how BIG GOD is. Example : walk the beach and take note of ALL that sand … and be reminded of God’s promise to Abraham, who was so old and hadn’t been able to have kids…an heir. Sure he was disheartened ! Sure his wife was talked about behind her back and pitied ! But God !! He promised Abraham that one day, his ( Abraham’s ) descendants would be as many as the grains of sand on , not only the beaches but also in the deserts ( Genesis 22:17 ) … and look around you… we are all his descendants ! God dont lie !! — Watch birds. They flit around all over the place … whistlin their little tunes…providing us with much entertainment. I’ve spent several days at our training center in Ocean Springs these last two weeks, and while waiting for classes to start, I’ve parked in the nearest Walmart parking lot to do my Bible study…preparing for the day ahead. During these mornings, I’ve noticed something … the seagulls have learned that the beach ain’t the only place to find food. Many of em are hangin out waiting on someone to drop a morsel or two … maybe it’s a piece o’ biscuit…maybe some french fries or tater chips. I pondered this for a little bit … another of God’s object lessons … and i remembered what He said in ( Matthew 6:26 ) …” Look at the birds. Who do you think takes care of their needs ? Now, don’t you know that you are more important to GOD than these birds ? Therefore, trust Him to see to your needs, and stop worrying.” God gives us so many object lessons each and every day to remind us of His goodness, His magnificence and His love ! We just need to look for em and expect em ! Father, You are SOMETHIN ELSE ! Thank You for your subtle reminders that keep us in awe of You ! Thank You for your promises that prove Your love for us ! Thank You for Jesus and ALL that He’s made possible for us !

July 24, 2025

Your Job

Did you ever just stop and think of the magnitude of your job ? Seriously, it dont matter WHAT you do, but you’re an employee of GOD !! I’ve shared, and hold, Colossians 3:17, as one of my “life verses”…” Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…as if working for Him and not for man.” If we’ve believed and accepted God’s precious gift of salvation from sin through Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection, then by the power vested in HIM, we’re His employee ! And since He’s the Boss, we oughta do whatever He wants us to. Placed wherever, to serve Him and to glorify the name above all names ! Wwhhhaaaattttt ?!?!?! If that dont fire you up and give you a reason to get out there and get after it, i don’t know what will ! Workin for God ! Equipped for service ! A new adventure every day ! So… how ‘s your resume read ? What’s your qualifications ? What skillsets have you got that makes you a good candidate for the position ? Here’s the kicker ! We all come into this “thing” called salvation, with the same credentials … NOTHING … NADA … ZILCH !!! “By grace through faith you have received … and even this is a gift from GOD” ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) !! Jesus paid it all and supplies it all !! But… each one of us has an obligation AFTERWARDS … we must not return to our old “us”( 2 Peter 2:22 )! We’ve been set free from all the things that caused all our troubles and deficiencies. Satan no longer “owns” us … no longer our “employer” … no longer our “daddy” ( 1 John 3:10 ). After becoming a “child of God” ( John 1:12-13 ), we’re clothed in “newness”( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) ! I believe, even if we’re not deacons, elders, teachers, pastors, or hold any other position of “authority”within the body, we still have the capability, as well as the responsibility, to “oversee” or “manage” our households and our areas of responsibility in a manner that coincides with the integrity our Lord would deem exemplary. Hear the description of a Christ-honorable person : blameless, not over-bearing, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not pursuant of dishonest gain. Rather, they must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. They must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it’s been taught , so they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” ( Titus 1:7-9 ). This is straight from the mouth of GOD, yall ! And i, personally, can’t say that i measure “up” , 100% of the time. It gives us a good indication of what God expects, though; right ? Being a good employee doesn’t mean we’re perfect … but it does mean we’re “aiming to be”… starting new every day with our goal towards “holiness”. “Be holy as your Father in heaven is holy” ( Matthew 5:48 ). Walk in the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16 ) and abide in Christ ( John 15:4-11 ). Like i said… it’s a heavy responsibility … it’s up to us to accept it ? Christianity ain’t meant for the wimpy.

July 23, 2025

Loving – Nasty

You ever known somebody who’s just so kind-hearted, good-natured and loving…but they’ also kinda nasty ? You know what I’m talkin bout … their hygiene ain’t took care of regularly and they got them cats all in the house all up on the kitchen counters. Sweet people … just nasty ! You have that family get-together…that “dinner-on-the-ground”, or that “pot-luck” thowdown, and you’re tryin t’ make sure you eyeball that dish they brought in… you and several others. Y’all wanna make sure you don’t get none o’ whatever they brought in. Love the person…just ain’t wantin no cat hairs in your thoat 🤪 ! Your rejection of their dish ain’t a reflection on the person … it’s just playin it safe…health reasons an all that. Politeness has its limitations; right ? Have you ever wondered how God must feel, when someone “rejects” Him ? I mean… He’s knocked on your door/their door so many times, His knuckles must be raw ( Revelation 3:20 ) ! He’s placed various believers in your/their path, and you/they keep avoiding them ! Songs on the radio were presented as a message of salvation and hope, but you/they changed the station…turned it off completely ! That time you/they gave in and attended a worship service somewhere, you/they zoned out on the message that God built for you/them, and left as empty as you went in. How would it make you feel … especially if you’ve tried over and over again ? “ How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace ?” Outright rejection of God and His redemption is one thing ( that’s gonna send you/us directly to hell )… but to deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth…! That’s another matter altogether ! Reject that casserole Miss “so-n-so” made … Reject that proposal or that invitation to go on that date … Reject the advances of that wierdo … Reject that “only $19.95” tv special offer … but DON’T reject God or His perfect plan of salvation ! Hear Him ( John 6:44 )…Go through Jesus ( John 14:6 )… and ACCEPT, BELIEVE and CONFESS ( Romans 10:9 )… then, live in obedience. That’s it !!