Category: Faith

We’re Different Yet The Same

John 13:34 (NIV), “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

As we venture through life, we will cross paths with many different people. The thing that makes people so interesting is the fact that they are different. If God wanted one version of a human being that is what He would have created. However, thankfully for all of us, He chose not to do that. Being the artist that He is, He put His creativity to work and crafted many different colors, features, personalities, and He even topped it all off by giving us each a unique purpose. He is truly the God of diversity!

Sometimes when we meet a person there may be something about that person that makes it hard for us to accept them. But really if we have a chance to get to know someone a little better, especially when that someone is different from us, we would be doing ourselves a huge injustice not to take advantage of that opportunity. Why? Because every person that is breathing air has a story to tell, regardless of their race, nationality or gender.

When we take the time to listen to another person’s story, we will quickly find out that we all have had our share of ups and downs. We’ve all experienced victories and defeats, gains and losses. We will also discover that although there may be many differences between people, there are also just as many, if not more, similarities. We’re all human and we share the same basic needs, especially our need to be loved. I’m not suggesting that people ignore their morals or values to tolerate any ole thing, because standards are a necessity. Having standards will ensure that we are being true to ourselves, and even more, true to the God we serve. However, I do believe that when we take the time to at least listen, and show compassion to one another, we may find a true treasure in getting to know that person better. When we listen to the story of another, we can better understand why they are who they are. We also may gain insight from them about life in general, and learn something new that can be a blessing to us.

It never hurts to deviate a little from what we deem to be comfortable and familiar. When we are willing to “step outside of the box”, we may discover that we are in the place where we were truly meant to be. When we’re out of our comfort zone, God can use us more fully as we learn to rely on Him to take us to new levels in our lives.

When I look into the face of another person, especially a person who is different from me, I pray I will always remember that they, just like me, have a story to tell. When and if they choose to speak, I will do my best to listen.  Are you listening?

Galatians 3:26 (NIV),”So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God though faith,”

Walk In Your Truth

John 16:13(NLT), “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

I recently saw a movie in which the main character had been the victim of a really difficult life. He had many negative experiences and was raised in an environment that was lacking in love. As a result of his upbringing, he made some bad choices that lead him down wrong paths and left him feeling empty inside. This movie was actually based on a true story so my heart went out to this person, but it also caused me to stop and think about the reality of the lives we live as people. Everyday when we wake up we are faced with a reality, sometimes that reality is what we want and sometimes it is not. Then I thought about truth. Truth may not necessarily be the same thing as the reality we live in. We can spend our days existing in a reality that is not really our truth. Our goal should always be for our truth to be our reality, the truth of who we are and what we believe. We can find this truth in the Word of God. When He reveals truth to us through His Spirit and His Word we can live our lives in confidence and quickly dismiss the lies that the enemy tries to send our way as well as the people he may use to convince us that the lies are true. The lies of the enemy will keep us bound to a reality that is not God’s truth. God’s truth will open our hearts to see how valuable we are so that we will not accept a reality that is not His best for us. But instead we will strive, with His help, to live in the reality that He has planned for us. A reality where we can be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. A reality where we can achieve things that will make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Choose your own reality. Don’t just be content with the one the world throws at you. Trust the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, to guide you into truth each day.

Walk In Your Truth. You Are Worth It.

Father,

Thank you for your Spirit of Truth that keeps us safe from the lies of the enemy. Help us to apply the truth of Your Word to our lives and live in victory. Help us not to accept less than Your best. Teach us to live in the reality of who You say we are and to be satisfied as You fill us each day.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

automatic city control crossing
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Are You Ready for Takeoff?

Proverbs 16:3 (NLT),”Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.“

Not too far from my home, maybe about 20 minutes away, is a small airport that can only accommodate what is called “light aircrafts”. Light aircrafts typically cannot carry over 12.5K pounds in weight. Although used for passenger and freight transport, many times they are also used for photography, sightseeing, and other types of personal use.

Usually when I drive by the airport, I can spot one of these little planes taking off or landing. Although the airport and the planes that utilize it’s services are on the smaller end of the scale, (no 747’s allowed 😊), I know there are still a lot of rules to be followed, preparations to be made, and inspections to be completed to ensure that each flight is a success. Also let’s not forget the many hours of schooling and training that the pilots went through just to have the privilege of flying one of those little machines. Since they have endured the journey, they get to enjoy the rewards of their efforts when they finally find themselves airborne. I can imagine that must be a great feeling of pride and accomplishment, not only because they’ve “earned their wings” but also because it’s another way to enjoy life and provide a valuable service to others.

Maybe as you read what I wrote about airports, airplanes and pilots it brings to mind something in your life that you have been diligently striving for. You have and continue to put in many, many long hours of hard work, preparing, practicing, studying or whatever it maybe. You can’t wait for the day when all your efforts pay off and you begin to see the fruit of your labor. Well the old saying states that “nothing good comes easy” and that can be a hard pill to swallow especially since we live in such a “fast-paced-gotta-have-it-now” type of world. But there are definitely benefits to taking things slowly and learning to enjoy the journey. It’s through the journey, even though slow at times, that we learn the most valuable lessons, lessons that will remain with us throughout our lives, and that we can share with others. As we journey, we also develop into the people God created us to be, steadily growing in godly character and wisdom.

Everyday draws you one step closer to whatever you are working towards so don’t give up. Even if you encounter a setback, or several setbacks, just be determined to get back on track and keep moving forward. Setbacks are not beyond the power of God, and they definitely cannot slip past His all-knowing nature. He loving included them in the grace that He extends to us. Stay focused on your goals, stay committed to Jesus Christ, and stay true to yourself. Before you know it, you will be sitting on the runway, cleared for takeoff and ready to soar. Airborne!

May God continue to bless you and guide you as you pursue your endeavors!

A Thanksgiving Prayer 🙏🏾 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏽🙏🏻

Dear Father,

As we enter another Thanksgiving season we want to say thank you so much for all You have done for us over the last year. Many things have happened in our lives and in the world around us but You have been faithful through it all. There have been countless joys and accomplishments that we have experienced. You have given us good health and sustained many of us through ongoing illnesses. You have answered so many of our prayers and taught us to persevere in faith, and to trust You with the prayers that are still unanswered. Some have endured tragedies, deaths of loved ones, frustrating setbacks, relationship issues and many other hardships along the way.

This time of year is difficult for those who are hurting especially those who have lost someone they love. But even in the midst of these things Your steadfast love has endured. We are learning to trust You with the things we do not understand. Please help us to trust You more.

For those who are hurting, we ask You to bring them Your peace and comfort. We are asking You to give them hope and shine Your Light into the darkness they feel. We pray for those living on the streets that you would send them the help they need. Please be their shelter no matter where they lay their heads each night. Father, when we see a homeless person on the street we don’t know how they got there. However we do know that one day some time ago, a mother somewhere gave birth to them, just like the rest of us, and their mother or father may very well be hurting today wondering if their child is safe. Please comfort those parents.

Thank you for being sure in a world that is unsure. Thank you for being our Peace in the middle of the chaos. We are thankful that we can rely completely on You to supply our every need and protect us and our families as we face each new day. You have a good plan for each of our lives and Your word declares that shouts of victory come from the homes of the righteous (Psalm 118:15)! We are thankful for that victory that we have in You and thankful for the many blessings that You will give us in the coming year.

Jesus we celebrate You and rejoice that we can walk with You through this life. Thank you for family and friends and even for the complete stranger that may walk past us on the street that cares enough to offer us a smile because even a simple smile can make a difference.

Please keep us safe, healthy, content and of strong, sound mind as we continue to live for You. Please give us wisdom to see beyond the surface of this life and to instead see things through Your eyes. Thank you for allowing us to see another Thanksgiving and thank you for being You.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 107:8-9, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!! Thank you for praying this prayer with me. May the love of God satisfy your soul and fill your life with good things.

New Day! New Hope!

Hebrews 6:19(NKJV), This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 

I was in the restroom getting ready for work one morning when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. It appeared the shower curtain was moving around. My first instinct was it must be a small lizard, since here in Florida it’s not uncommon for those to sneak inside the house from time to time. But upon further observation, I realized that the movement I was seeing was not the curtain itself,  but instead it was the shadows of the tree branches and leaves outside my window dancing upon the shower curtain. I immediately felt relief to know I didn’t have to try to capture a little lizard, but I also felt joy as I watched the shadows of those tree branches and leaves moving to the rhythm of the wind. It was the dawning of a new day.

I know that God does not view time the same way we do, because He is infinite and not confined to the same boundaries that we are. We may at times think He’s late when in actuality He is not. I am surely glad that for us the days are divided into twenty-four hour increments. God knew that we as humans were not capable of handling much more than that. Thankfully with each new day He sends, we have new hope and we have the opportunity to look forward to the fresh new blessings the day will bring.

I felt refreshed and hopeful to see the beautiful display of sunshine and dancing shadows that morning. To me it was a picture of God’s faithfulness to give us little daily reminders of His love. Sometimes it’s the smallest things in life that can have the biggest impacts. He’s so great at filling our hearts with joy when we least expect it. I like to think those trees were rejoicing in the light of His glory. I hope and pray that you too will rejoice in the Lord and find His love in even the smallest ways as you go throughout your day. I’m believing that you will find joy in the midst of whatever it is you may be going through, and that God will give you the strength to have hope no matter what. Thankfully He assures us in His Word that hope never disappoints (Romans 5:5), so therefore we can confidently place our hopes in His hands and rest in His faithfulness.

Father,

Thank you for the joy you give and the simple reminders of your love. Thank you for always being present wherever we are, whatever we are doing. Thank you for allowing us to be able to hope for good things in your Name and trust You for the best outcome.

In the name of Jesus amen.

Some thoughts on Hope, please listen…

Life is Short, Make Everyday Count

James 4:14(NIV),”Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Just about a week ago, I was telling a coworker about the influx of car accidents I’ve been seeing over the last couple of weeks while driving to work. Here in South Florida where I currently reside, the area is heavily populated and therefore there is an abundance of traffic on the road. I guess the allure of beaches and palm trees, combined with the warm tropical climate and endless summers, is a welcome oasis for those looking to relocate. Since relocating here from Michigan several years ago, I myself have definitely enjoyed the beautiful weather and I truly don’t miss Michigan’s snowy winters even though I do miss many of my friends and the peaceful parks that were some of my favorite places to commune with the Lord.

Well while driving to work earlier this week, I unfortunately encountered yet another accident but this time it involved one car and a bicyclist. I was passing by on the opposite side of the street but even from a distance I could see the up and down motion of the woman’s chest who was laying on the ground as she struggled to breathe. I figured her shortness of breath was a combination of injury and fear. The lady who appeared to own the car that was involved, was anxiously pacing back and forth as she talked on her cell phone. There was a man standing over the bicyclist speaking to her, and I could see that although she was very short of breath, she was speaking back to him. As car after car made it’s way around her, I watched as long as I could until my light turned green and the traffic in front of me began to move. As I moved, I could faintly hear the sound of a siren in the distant. I felt scared for her but prayed that God would bring healing to her body and that she would be alright.

As I got up on interstate 95 to continue my drive to work, this incident reminded me just how quickly life can change or even worse, end. As I saw that lady laying on the ground and gasping for breath, I was also reminded how important it is to make everyday count. I’m sure she never imagined that when she left her home that morning she would get hit by a car, but she did. We can be here one day but gone the next. It’s God that watches over us each day, offering His protection as we go about our daily tasks.

photography of people wearing blue shirt
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When we realize how brief our stay here on Earth really is, it makes us want to live life in the best way possible instead of just going through the motions. Living our best life isn’t only about acquiring more material things or accolades for ourselves, but it’s mostly about asking God to use us to be a blessing to others. It’s about the opportunities He allows us to have where we can pursue our purpose and use our gifts to help people and help make the world a better place. There is something special that God planted inside of each one of us. No one can be you or me, except you or me, so let’s make the most of the time God has given us to share His love with those around us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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When Life Takes You the Other Way

Ruth 1:14 (NIV) “….Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.”
I really enjoy reading the book of Ruth. Although it is one of the shorter books in the Bible, its brief storyline is overflowing with moments of determination, perseverance, triumph, hope and love. As you read the book of Ruth, you are reminded of God’s sovereignty and can clearly see His Spirit at work. His grace is never-ending, as it lovingly weaves it’s way through the lives of the men and women who are a part of this fascinating story.
Ruth was no doubt a phenomenal woman who inspired us with her loyalty to her mother in law Naomi. She was faithful to her, even though she had to temporarily sacrifice her own desires. Through a series of events and acts of obedience she ended up meeting and marrying the man of her dreams, Boaz. We are all encouraged by her unique story and can learn so much from the example she set.
 However, there is another lady in the book of Ruth whom we don’t know much about, that is Orpah, Naomi’s other daughter-in-law. After Naomi’s two sons passed away, these two ladies, Oprah and Ruth, were left with their mother in law Naomi. Naomi admonished both women to return to their homes but Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, while Orpah chose to leave. When comparing Orpah to Ruth, I have often heard people refer to Orpah as, “the one who left”. Have you ever wondered what may have been going on in Orpah’s heart when she took her mother in laws advice to return home?
Many times when people make decisions we may not know the reasons they decide to do what they do. Their actions can sometimes appear unreasonable when there are no details to accompany what we see them doing. The truth is that we don’t always know exactly how God may be working in the lives of others, even those closest to us. I think that is definitely the case with Orpah. We don’t have details and never got the chance to hear what she was feeling at the time. But I have to applaud her for being bold enough to “go the other way” and do what she felt was best for her.

We will all come across times in life where we maybe called to go in a different direction from where we thought we would go. We have to trust God’s sovereignty and believe He’s directing our steps. People may or may not understand you, but as long as you’re following God’s will for your life that is what is most important.

The next time you find yourself faced with a tough decision and you are being led to “go the other way”, remember Orpah and don’t hesitate to do what’s best for you. When we make bold moves on behalf of our Savior Jesus Christ, even though it may not be easy, we will find opportunities for personal and spiritual growth as we step out on faith.

Fear of the unknown may try to hinder our progress, but we can rest knowing that when we put God first He will always work out what is best for us.

 Father,

Help us not to be afraid to follow the path you have laid out before us, even when we don’t understand every detail. 

In the name of Jesus. Amen.