“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27

Jesus asks a great question here, can worrying add any time back to your life? When we think about how much time we spend worrying, wouldn’t you like to get that time back? Did worrying about the situation make any difference? Now I know it’s easier to say not worry then actually doing it. Its human nature for us to worry , but that’s why Jesus gave us a solution.

As we read in past days,Jesus said to Let him carry our burdens and he’ll give us rest. Also we learned about “Casting our Care and Worries to God”. When we learn to give up control over things we can’t control, it releases the peace of God within us.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Jesus goes on to tell us , when we waste all our time and energy worrying on things, we miss out on the present day. Sooner or later we all realize that everyday is a gift from God. We don’t know how much time we have or blessings we will receive. But we need to make sure we don’t squander all the time that we are here.

Also when we continually keep focusing on our past and future problems, we neglect the problems that are happening right now. What can we learn from this? Focus on every day as its own, don’t keep living in the past and future. I heard it say “Its called the Present because everyday is a gift from God”

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Begin each day with this verse, rejoice and be glad you are alive and today is filled with unlimited potential. Don’t worry about tomorrow because today is a gift from God in Jesus Name Amen

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Are you in need of fruit today? When we look around at the world we live in today, sometimes it hard to find any good. But goodness comes from God which we can receive by the Holy Spirit. The question is do you want to eat from the forbidden fruit of Satan that leads to death. Or do you want the fruits of the Holy Spirit which gives us eternal life?

Lets look at the gifts given by the fruit of the Spirit of God

Love– The entire law is summed up by one command “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14) Without love we don’t have anything. (1 Corinthians 13:2) Remember it was love of God that sent his only begotten son to save us from our sins

Joy – There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5) We can have joy because Christ has overcome the world

Peace-  Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) Peace is not something that can be bought or made, it can only be found with God.

Patience– They who wait upon The Lord will renew there strength (Isaiah 40:31) We can have patience through Christ

Kindness- Do not let kindness and truth leave you (Psalm 3:3) Jesus taught us to even Love your enemies, as love overcomes all things

Goodness- Surley Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6) When you follow Gods plan , his goodness will follow you

Faithfulness– For we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians  5:7)

Gentleness – Thy Gentleness has made me great ( Psalm 18:35) There is power in love and kindness, a kind word turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1)

Self Control- There is nothng outside that can defile you, but the things that come out are what defile you. (Mark 7:15) Jesus taught us the importance of controlling our thoughts, words, and actions

Call upon God and ask him for the fruits of the Spirit to be poured upon you today in Jesus Name Amen

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Are you filled with worry or anxiety today? Would you like to release all that turmoil today? The Bible says to “Cast” or “Give” all your worries and anxiety to God. When we think of “Casting” we probably think about fishing. Just like if your casting your fishing line into a river, think about “casting” all your problems to the “Living Water” Jesus Christ.

Now you might say, this sounds to simple or how can this fix my problems? I say what do you have to lose? Cast your problems and worries to The Lord and see what happens. Picture yourself in that Peaceful River casting all your problems to your Lord and Savior

If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18

Since were going with a fishing theme, God said if we listen to him he would give us “Peace Like a River”. Picture the calming waters flowing over you bringing you Peace and Joy. Your Heavenly Father promised to do this for you, and we know all things are possible with God.

Find a quiet place, and “Cast your Anxiety and Worries” upon God. Because God created you and cares about you. Let the River of Peace flow over you today in Jesus Name Amen!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Are you overwhelmed? Jesus is given an open invitation to everyone to drop those burdens upon him and he will give us rest. This might seem too good to be true, how can Christ take away all our burdens? He is the same one who took on the sins of the world, so we can be free

The first part of the scripture says “Come to Me”, first thing we need to do to receive peace is come to Christ. As God said if you draw near me, I will draw near you (James 4:8). We can’t expect God to fix anything if we are distant from him. Come to God through Jesus Christ in prayer and worship

Second part Jesus says is “All of You”. Jesus didn’t say some of you can be saved he said everyone. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from building a relationship with God. Don’t let religion or man-made rules dictate your personal relationship with your Lord and Savior.

Often people feel inferior or not worthy to sit at the Lords table. However, this is blasphemy! Jesus laid down his life for everyone, Everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved! (Romans 10:13)

The final part is Jesus says “I will give you rest”. The original Greek word for Rest is “Katapausis” meaning a “calming” or “resting place”. God knows our burdens and wants to give us a “resting place” a “calm from the storm”. This can only be found through Jesus Christ, who is the “Prince of Peace” and can calm every storm in Jesus Name Amen

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies Proverbs 31:10

Today we celebrate the birth of my beautiful wife, Heidi. The scripture asks who can find a virtuous wife? I have found a virtuous woman and feel blessed to have her as my wife and best friend. Together we make a great team and share the same core values. Our family means everything to us, and Heidi keeps us all together

The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31:11

My heart fully trust in Heidi, I know she will always have my back and be there for me. We have been together now for 19 years. We have basically grown up together, been through graduating college, starting our careers, building a house, raising children. We have done and accomplished so much together I lack nothing.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12

Heidi brings me good ever since we met. Without her my life would be empty and incomplete. And the best is still yet to come! God has blessed us with a wonderful family and I look forward to our future of milestones and accomplishments.

Yes, every marriage hits bumps in the road but as God says “Love never fails”. When you build your family on “The Rock” you will always have a solid foundation for the storms.

So today we celebrate the birth of Heidi ,my virtuous wife, the love of my life, and best friend! Love you!