Category Archives: Bible

Happy Birthday Tanner

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

As I reflect on another year of Tanners life, one word comes to mind “Overcomer”. This year Tanner started Kindergarten, we have a lot of questions and doubts going into this year how Tanner would do transitioning into regular school. However Tanner has not only adapted he is thriving!

Of course there were days that were tougher than others, but Tanner is a overcomer. When he sets his mind on something, he will work harder than everyone to get better. Even though he’s only going to be 6, hes been a huge inspiration to me.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The original plan was for Tanner to only spend 60% of the time with his regular class, and the other 40% with his support class. However Tanner had adapted so well since Day 1 that he has spent 100% of the time with his regular Kindergarten class. During our last meeting with the teachers they decided moving forward Tanner won’t need the support class at all as part of his plan.

Tanners teacher also revealed that during a grade wide testing, Tanner scored the highest of all the kids in  the entire Kindergarten for his reading level. Tanner actually reads text books to his classmates because they can’t.  I know I’m bragging a lot but you have to remember Tanner was labeled Autistic by the world, therefore the world assumed he would fail. Tanner not only overcame all those obstacles but he’s thriving above and beyond.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Once Tanners teachers and classmates get to know him, they instantly want to be his friend. Tanner is a light to this world, his big heart and charming personality make him addictive to be around. Anyone who takes the time to get to know Tanner, can see he is a blessing to this world

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

I’m so proud of Tanner and honored that he is my son. I love him with all my heart and soul and want him to know every step he takes on this journey, we are right there with him. Anyone who ever met Tanner will tell you he is a light to this world. He radiates love and kindness. A true pure soul. I pray that God continues to bless him and guard him with his angels in Jesus Name Amen

Love Your Enemies

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:38-39

One of the toughest lessons we learn from Jesus is to love our enemies. It’s difficult when people have wronged us it’s our natural instinct to seek revenge on them. But as Jesus is telling us we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, take the higher ground. Instead of retaliating just shake it off and hold your peace.

Usually when we engage in the conflict its escalates it even further. As Christians we need to learn to be the peacemakers, to try to defuse a potential explosive situation not add fuel to the fire.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:40-42

Most of us, we work hard for the things we have and God rewards us for working hard with honesty and integrity. However we just need to make sure our possessions don’t end up possessing us. If you see someone in need, if its possible help them out. Doesn’t always mean giving them money either, maybe they just need a friend or a ride to work. The little things can sometimes be the biggest blessings to someone

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48

It’s easy to love our family and friends but to love your enemies is a daunting task. Jesus showed us a great example of this when he was crucified on the cross, instead of cursing his enemies he prayed for them and said “Father Forgive them for they know not what they do”

We need to strive to be like Christ, just as Jesus said strive to be perfect just as God is. We know its impossible to be perfect but we can strive for perfection, set the bar high, love your enemies in Jesus Name Amen

Thank you Veterans!

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Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Today is Veterans Day, a day when we need to honor our real true heroes of this nation, past and present. Today’s society defines hero as a reality star or pop star. But if you want to see a true definition of a hero look no further than the men and woman who sacrificed it all for you!

I’m proud to say my Father is a hero, a Vietnam Veteran who spent 3 years in Hell for all of us. Without him I wouldn’t be able to even write this devotional, think about it. You have freedoms in the country including religion and speech because of heroes like my Dad, don’t let anyone take those freedoms away. They were not gained in vain.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus sacrificed his life so we can have eternal life, this is called “Agape” which is the highest form of love that is not selfless but sacrificial and spiritual. Jesus showed us what the ultimate act of love is, it’s an act not just a feeling.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Theres a time for everything, Veterans have been through the worst of times, let’s support them and help them see a time of healing and peace. We know that the only Peace for our soul is thru Jesus Christ, let them see that Peace through you.

Honor and Thank all Veterans today, past and present. Remember the sacrifices they suffered and the sorrows they had to bear for all of us. May God give them faith , hope , and love in Jesus Name Amen

Blessings Stored In Heaven

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The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world–just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. Colossians 1:5-6

When we truly understand God’s grace that has been delivered to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, then we have expectations of blessings from Heaven. We know we can overcome the world because Jesus has already overcame the world.

Notice the scriptures says “hope stored up for you in heaven” As I taught in an earlier devotional, the original Greek word for Hope is Elpida which mean expectation. So we can expect blessings from Heaven when we store them up thru prayers and thanksgiving to God.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:9-10

We can’t underestimate the power of prayer, its your greatest weapon. When we pray from the heart, our prayers release and aroma of sacrifice to God (2 Corinthians 2:15)

Just like in the Old Testament when they used to burn incense for a pleasing aroma for God, your prayers to God release a pleasing aroma to God.

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:11-12

We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, we all have heard this, but we need to believe it , think it , and live it. The power of The Holy Spirit has been giving to us all from God, welcome The Holy Spirit into your life today.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

The atonement sacrifice of Jesus has rescued us from the condemnation of death. Satan has a dominion of darkness right here on Earth and its looking to devour you like a Lion. But thru Christ we are victorious, give praise and thanksgiving daily to our Heavenly Father and store up the blessings in Jesus Name Amen

Parable of The Fig Tree

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Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. Luke 13:6

The parable of the barren fig tree is very short and simple, yet it describes perfectly the relationship between God, Jesus, and Man.

We are Gods creation, which we represent the Fig Tree. God not only made us in him image but expects us not to follow the ways of Satan. Sin only produces bad fruit which equals death.

So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ Luke 13:7

God makes its very clear those who continue to follow Satan and live a life a sin will be cast into the lake of fire. But the good news is we have an advocate, a redeemer.

Because of the blood of Jesus we are worthy to stand before God. What fruit are you bearing in your life? If God looked at your life would he consider you fruitful or barren?

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”  Luke 13:8-9

Because of Jesus we can live, our past sins have been forgiven. But the journey doesn’t end there, when we accept Jesus into our hearts we become transformed and begin producing good fruit by faith , hope , and love of Christ.

Remember Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, if we don’t respect our Maker how can he respect us? It’s a Father/Child relationship. Be obedient and faithful to God and he will give you everlasting life in Jesus Name Amen

Together As One

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Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. John 10:25-26

Jesus was once again being attacked for being The Messiah. Many refused to believe or accept Jesus because they would rather accept their religion and rituals.

This is still true today, many still deny Jesus as Christ even though he rose from the grave and conquered death. But us that do listen know he is The Good Shepherd and we are his sheep.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

Jesus cares for us just like a Shepherd cares for their flock. When we obey his commands and follow him we are giving the gift of eternal life.

But there are wolves out there looking to devour us, we must be careful and who are following and listening to. As we are instructed by God to “Test the Spirits”

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.” John 10:29-30

Again here Jesus identifies the Trinity as He and God are one. If God is for us, who can than be against us? Our God is an awesome God, he is the creator of The Heavens and The Earth, just in your Father, follow Jesus and you will have eternal life.

Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” John 10:31-32

But even after all the miracles and great works Jesus had performed in the name of God, they still chose to kill him. The only one who can give us eternal life, had his life taking away by for your sins.

Which are you today? Are you one of Jesus sheep listening to his voice or are you a wolf looking to devour? Some might say I’m neither, this isn’t true. If you only follow yourself this is self-worship, which is the core beliefs of Satan. There is only way to eternal life, there is only one way to The Father and its in Jesus Name Amen

The Word of God

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Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35

Many cast doubt or validity of The Bible, the Word of God. But as Jesus promised his Word will never pass away. That means we can have confidence that the Bible we are reading today is still the same Word of God spoken back then.

But many will say why there are so many translations of The Bible? You first need to understand that many Hebrew and Greek words could have multiple English translations.

For example the greek word agape means love (NIV) and charity (KJV) therefor both translations are correct even though there different English words.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

It’s always important to remember God is the potter and we are the clay, just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean we shouldn’t obey.

We know the Bible is truth because God doesn’t lie. As Jesus said we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. When we listen to Gods word it breaks the chains of sin and corruption of this world.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Just as Jesus said, God said thru Isaiah. This world and everything in it will eventually pass away but Gods Word and his Kingdom are eternal.

Many today will say the Bible is outdated and not relevant to today’s world. But know God has seen everything under the Sun, there is nothing new or a surprise to him. Gods word is still the same today, yesterday, and forever. It does not change to conform to the sins of the world

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

The Word of God is a gift to guide us to eternal life. Our Lord Jesus was a gift who is the living Word and gave us grace. God does not change, the sins that were an abomination from The Torah are still an abomination today.

In an ever-changing world, God and his Word are a foundation we can build and trust on. Follow Jesus because he is the truth, life, and the way in Jesus Name Amen

Despised and Rejected

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He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2

Jesus was delivered here on Earth from a virgin birth, a birth that seemed ordinary and normal to many. But it anything but ordinary, it was the deliverance of The Messiah that would crush the head of Satan and conquer death forever.

Many worship pictures of Jesus made out to be a model, but we know from the scriptures this was not true. Jesus was just an ordinary man, even called unattractive. He was so ordinary when The Roman guards came to arrest him, they had to ask Jesus twice to identify himself, even though he was standing right in front of them (John 18).

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3

Jesus was God in The Flesh (John 1:14) but yet was rejected by many including the Jewish High priests because he spoke Truth that cut them to their hearts. They wanted religion Jesus wants a relationship with us.

Everyone looked at him as The Carpenters Son, what good could ever come out of Nazareth? But they didn’t understand Jesus lowered himself below the angels not only to save us, but to show us he understands what it feels like to be us.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

Jesus was without sin, the only sinless human to ever walk the planet. Yet he took the punishment for our sins. Even though he gave us his life and gave us the gift of grace, people mocked and rejected him still.

Many religious leaders claimed Jesus was being punished by God but Jesus was following Gods will and became the atonement sacrifice to save us from our sins.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The crucifixion of Jesus was brutal and horrific. But Jesus said Greater Love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for ones friends (John 15:13)

Jesus knew the suffering he was going to endure, but he went thru it all for you. How can you reject the one who loves you this much? All he asks is for your heart in return in Jesus Name Amen

Faith Is Hope

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

The original Greek word used for hope is elpida which means expectation and trust. So when we say to hope for we mean to expect Gods deliverance. Most people when they think of hope, they believe its false hope or throwing a penny in the wishing well. But we must have confidence in our faith.

Jesus said “Blessed are those who have not seen yet still believed” When you put your trust and hope in God, you will be blessed

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

God spoke the Heaven and Earth into existence, he formed us in the womb. Many will say that is not enough for me. Even though the signs of an intelligent designer are clearly present in all things, most won’t have faith. For we walk by faith and not by sight, it’s important to understand this principle.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Imagine raising your children and they deny everything you tell them. That’s what it feels like to God when we deny his existence and his Word. He has giving us everything including sacrificing his only begotten Son Jesus to save us. God measures your heart, if you go to him with a false heart he knows. You must take that leap of faith and trust in God.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. Hebrews 11:7

Noah trusted in God, even though everyone mocked and laughed at him. Because Noah trusted in God he not only saved his family but the entire human race. Many today still mock this event, but there is actually lots of scientific evidence that supports The Flood was an actual historic event.

What level is your faith at today? Are you confident that God will deliver or are you hopeless? Jesus said anyone with faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, do you have a mountain you need moved today?

Jesus Still Heals

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When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak

because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering Mark 5:27-29

In Mark 5 we learn two examples of Jesus healing power. It all started when a man name Jairus, a synagogue leader seeked Jesus to save his dying daughter.

But along the way another woman showed a great deal of faith by just touching the cloak of Jesus and her daughter was healed. Jesus says to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering ( Mark 5:34) Notice her faith activated Gods healing
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”)

 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Mark 5:41-42

Then by the time Jesus was able speak to Jairus his daughter had died. It’s important to first realize Jairus was a synagogue leader. It took him a lot of faith not only to believe in Jesus but to risk losing his position.

And immediately Jesus spoke life into the girl’s body, we must realize not only is there power in the name of Jesus but there is power in the Word of God.

The scriptures we read and speak are messages giving to us directly from God. But you need to have faith to activate the power of God’s word and your prayers.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

If your looking for a miracle or healing today, speak the words of Isaiah 53:5 with faith. By the sacrifice of Jesus, he conquered the grave. If you believe it, then you will receive it in Jesus Name Amen