money money money

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

– 1 Timothy 6:10

Oh I have this conversation all. the. time.

Someone I know will get snarky and put a meme on facebook about how if money is the root of all evil, why do churches ask for it?

Read. The. Verse.

Notice that it is the love of money, not money, which is the root of all kinds of evil.

The term “wandering from the faith” is insightful, for the love of money is a subtle intoxicant that is rarely identified.

So many times we have to keep up with the Joneses and have the best of everything, but at what cost?

At some point, we wander so far from God to attain these material things, that it is hard to find our way back.

And we are not any happier with stuff than we were without stuff.

Movie reference!!! Hello, Madame Blueberry from Veggie Tales, who was so blue because everyone else had stuff that she didn’t have, and even when she got the stuff, it did not make her happy.

How many people do you know that buy things that they really can’t afford, putting themselves in a world of debt, because they think the latest new thing will make them happy?

You see, the grief that the love of money produces is great, and our nation is filled with self-inflicted wounds from the siren call of consumerism.

Think about this the next time you “need” the next great thing.

Have a blessed day! 

just call

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

—Jeremiah 33:3

There are several times in the Bible where we read “call on Me” or “come to Me”.

You would think that we would listen, yeah?

God wants us to call to him.

God often waits for us to ask before He blesses us what He longs to give us.

Yet we lack the ability to comprehend and receive all the great truth about God.

God is good!

He will answer when you call, maybe not in the way you think, but try it and see.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

Have a blessed day! 

today, we remember

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

– John 15:13

I have a very strong military background, I can pretty much trace at least one male in every generation that has served.

I was raised to respect each and every soldier for their sacrifice.

Song reference! (I sang this during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a memorial years ago)

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane, few folks even knew his name

But a hero yes was he

He left a boy came back a man, still many just don't understand

About the reasons we are free

I can't forget the look in his eyes or the tears he cried

As he said these words to me

All gave some, some gave all

Some stood through for the red white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties

And recall, some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here, but his words are oh so clear

As they echo throughout our land

For all his friends who gave us all, who stood the ground and took the fall

To help their fellow man

Love your country, live with pride and don't forget those who died

America can't you see

All gave some, some gave all

Some stood through for the red white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties

And recall, some gave all

This Memorial Day let us remember the men and women who have laid down their lives for us through their service for our country.

Because of these incredible people, I have the freedom to send this email, write this blog every day.

To my friends and family who served or are currently serving, thank you, I love you.

We should also realize that every sacrifice points to the greatest sacrifice made for all of mankind—Jesus Christ.

Our friends and family who laid down their lives created the freedom that we have as a nation; Jesus Christ laid down his life so that we could have freedom in our heart.

Have a blessed day! 

How are you?

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

—1 Peter 5:6-7

I had a boss tell me one time that when he asks “how are you” he does not want an answer, that he is asking just to be polite.

Seriously?

Sometimes, someone asks you how you're doing and at first, they seem interested in your answer, but as you begin to share you begin to realize that they aren't really listening and aren't really interested; they're just being polite.

How do people do that and live with themselves??

In reality, most people have so many burdens they simply don't know what to do with more, and telling them your own troubles just overwhelms them.

Our Father in heaven, however, says "Cast all your anxieties on me. You can share all of them with me, because I genuinely care for you" because God wants us to be content with right where we are.  

No matter where you are or what you are facing, understand that God is with you right now.  

He wants to take all those worries away from you and give you peace to live a carefree life.  

He wants you to live in contentment, knowing that He is in total control.  

So, how are you?

Have a blessed day! 

On another note: yesterday was my one year blogiversary!!! I have been a blogger for a whole year, 265 posts (no weekends, i need to consider changing that).  i am not sure how many followers i have, i know my email goes to 118 email addresses and my blog averages 10 views per day.  One day a few months ago, i googled a Bible verse and my blog actually came up in the search - how cool is that?!  With all this rambling, i think the point i wanted to make is hey! if you are reading this, share it!  share it on FB, email your friends, get people listening to His word!! 

What did you just say?

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

– Psalm 12:6

I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life where I have had a conversation with a person and I have walked away thinking “what did that person just say?”

Society has bred some master manipulators.

Some you can see right through their façade, some are so good, you don’t realize they are using you.

God’s words are not like man’s words.

We all say things that we regret, but God’s words come out flawless.

You may not believe everything that you are told (and you shouldn’t!), but you can trust the Scripture, for it has been time tested and proven to be good.

Have a blessed day! 

Are you a light?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

—Matthew 5:14, 16

Song reference!

We are the light of the world

We are the city on a hill

We are the light of the world

We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

We are called to spread the news

Tell the world the simple truth

Jesus came to save, there’s freedom in His name

So let his love break through

Darkness dominates our world and despite appearances, darkness controls so much of what is said and how it is viewed by the world.

When someone lives for Christ, they will be noticed.

Every day people see you - what do they see?

Do they see the person you are, the person that God wants you to be, or the person that your boss/spouse/society wants you to be? 

I don’t like trying to keep those three separate personas, I want to be the person that God wants me to be. 

I saw a quote once: “When you are not the person God has called you to be, you keep others from being the person God has called them to be.”

I want to be the person that God wants me to be. 

If that means letting my light shine, well then, I hope I am blinding!!

I hope others see God's grace through my life so they will come to know the Savior!

Have a blessed day!

For those of you following my technology drama, I did get my phone sort of restored – I got my apps and contacts and some data, but I lost photos, text messages and other data from the last 6 months.  At this point I am happy to have my phone back, and I have a reminder set to back it up weekly. J  I think this is where my kids would say “first world problems” 

deliverance

...I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

—Philippians 1:19

Oh this is a hard lesson!!!

Today I am struggling with the world of technology – my phone reset overnight and I can’t seem to get it restored.

My little laptop (less than 6 months old) is not recognizing wifi connections so I am pretty much nonexistent in my private life . . .

How many times do we question the things going on in our lives, or the lives of our friends and loved ones?

How many times do we remind ourselves that “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”?

How is not having technology going to make me stronger?

And, how many times do we become bitter about the trials that we are going through, thinking we are all alone?

I really feel all alone, because everything is in that stupid phone – all my contacts, all my pictures, all my links and passwords.

BUT

Our life, our future, is securely in the Lord's hands.

I will get through this.

The Holy Spirit will help empower us to be what we needs to be in the face of persecution and hardship.

Maybe I don’t need to be contacted through technology today – maybe I ned to listen for Him.

The Spirit will also work for our deliverance from the terrible things we face and eventually, we will be delivered into the presence of the Lord we love.

Song reference!

My Deliverer is coming, my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming, my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise, He has written it upon the sky 

Have a blessed day! 

Momma . . .

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

– Proverbs 1:8

If you missed it, Mother’s Day was last week.

This was my first mother’s day without any of my kids at home, and I know for some of my friends it was their first mother’s day without their mom.

Holidays sure can hurt.

It is good to remember all the ways that our mothers have taught us, hopefully they give us practical knowledge in the affairs of day to day life.

From learning to tie shoes to playing well with others (some adults still have not quite grasped that concept), the things a mom teaches us blesses us for the rest of our lives.

So listen to your momma! 

Remember that she has wisdom to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of life.

Have a blessed day! 

I have anger issues

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

– James 1:19-20

OH MY.

Not that I would ever admit this, but I have a pretty bad temper . . .

Yes, me.

These words of advice will serve those who practice them well – unfortunately it is rare that I am one of those.

Our tendencies are to listen with the intent of speaking our mind as quickly as possible, but the art of listening can bridge the gap of many misunderstandings.

Seek first to understand, then to be understood, and you will do well in the affairs of life.

Oh – and note to self:  keep that temper in check.

Have a blessed day! 

Look forward

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

—1 Corinthians 2:9

This past month or so has been difficult for many of us in that we have had to say good bye to people we love.

Friends, family, mentors, loved ones, even furry family members.

In one conversation that I had with a friend after the loss of a mentor surrounded the idea that the person that passed was in Heaven with two other mutual friends, laughing and having a wonderful reunion.  

Imagine how great it will be.

As Christ followers, we can look forward to heaven and dream of seeing the Lord face to face.

Dream of being reunited with those we love that have gone home to the Lord before us, and of sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels.

But we can't even begin to imagine the great things that God has prepared for us.

They are far more glorious than anything we can dream or imagine.

I don’t know about you, but for me, these are wonderful dreams.

Have a blessed day! 

Word of God speak

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

– 1 Corinthians 2:13

Song reference!!!

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak

Would you pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That you're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In your holiness

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

Mercy Me has to be my most favorite Christian band of all time. 

All music “speaks” to me, but man – Mercy Me hits the nail on the head with dang near every song.

If you have not heard their music, I encourage you to do so.

Anyway – today’s verse . . .

How often I pray that God give me His words to share here.

How often I get responses from people telling me that they needed the reminder.

How often it is I that needs the reminder.

But

How often does God speak to us and we just don’t hear or understand?

Sometimes we need to realize that the things of God can’t be grasped with pure logic.

We need to realize that we are dependent upon God to reveal Himself to us by His Spirit.

Which means we have to listen.

We have to trust that it is not the amount of knowledge that we have or can get, but trust in the God who speaks to our hearts at the right time with the right words.

At the right time.

With the right words.

This is not something that we tend to grasp easily, but know that it is readily available to anyone who is willing to humble himself or herself and seek after God with all of their heart.

Word of God speak – pour down like rain.

Have a blessed day! 

are you salty?

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

—Matthew 5:13

We had a sermon at church a while back about this . . .

Salt is a preservative – it helps to keep food from going bad.

If we are salty, we should be preserving the word of God, right?

Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, nor our loving impact on those around us.

The purpose of our presence in the world is to preserve our culture from further decay and season the bitter world with grace and mercy.

Are you salty?

Have a blessed day! 

decisions, decisions, decisions

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

– Proverbs 15:22

Question:

Do you make a major decision without thinking it through? 

Do you look at the pros and the cons of the decision to try to determine how your choice will impact you, your family and others today, tomorrow and years in the future?

Or, do you just “fly by the seat of your pants” making the decision that you think will benefit you the most for the moment?

So many major decisions are made by people who don’t seek outside counsel.

God created us to live in community, and to think that we have all of the perspectives we need without others is a Biblical definition of foolishness.

When we allow others to advise us, we can come into insights that we would never see.

This is why successful people are those who include others into the major moments of their lives.

The next time you have a choice to make, think it through and seek counsel.

It may just change the way you see the choice.

Have a blessed day! 

just saying . . .

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

—Numbers 6:24-26

Sound familiar?

There is an Irish blessing that is very similar:

May the Road rise to meet you, 
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face. 
May the rains fall soft upon your fields. 
And until we meet again, 
May the Lord hold you in the palm of him hand.

I think the Irish had it right here!!

Don’t we all want to place the mighty name of the LORD on people we love?

What an incredible gift, that we have the power to give to others with just our faithful words!

Blessings are found in every culture and all throughout Scripture.

Go ahead and google some of your favorite sayings – if they are blessings, I would wager that they can be found in Scripture.

In fact, let’s work together to share God's blessing with others – after the week that I have had (and I know a few others are on the same page) I could use some happy encouraging words!

We can start with this one, and then add a bunch of others as we find them in Scripture.

You can reply to me via email, comment on my blog ( www.dailybreadgodswordmythoughts.blogspot.com ), or respond on Facebook.

As a matter of fact, I challenge you to bless someone today, I double dog dare ya!!!

Happy Friday!

Have a blessed day! 

What can i do?

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

—Acts 1:14

Social media can do so many things, including bringing a nation together in prayer.

I over the years I have gathered a lot of connections on social media, and on a daily basis I see no less than 5 requests for prayer.

Some are vague “please pray for my friend, God knows the need” and some are specific “please pray for my doctors and my surgery”.

And people pray.

Pray without ceasing – for that is what our instructions are!

Pray with the expectation that the great work of the risen Jesus will be done.

My point today is this:

God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation.

So what are you waiting for?

Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work to be done through you.

Have a blessed day! 

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

– Isaiah 43:5-6

So. Many. Song. References.

Voice Of Truth – Casting Crowns

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Isaiah 43 – Hillsong

Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are Mine.

No Longer Slaves – Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

God has created us for His glory.

He is with us, even when we feel imprisoned in our sin or trapped in our circumstances.

His voice resounds to us today saying, “Do not be afraid”.

I have friends that are dealing with the death of a loved one, relationship breakups, career changes, financial struggles.

I have friends that are just trying to get through every day while being actively bullied.

I have to keep telling them it will be OK.

I have my own struggles right now, and I have to keep telling myself that God knows what He is doing.

We may not understand it and perhaps we never will, but know that God is actively working in our situations and asks us to return to Him.

He is using all things for the good to those who are called according to His purpose.

Do not be afraid.

Have a blessed day! 

This is a test

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

—Psalm 139:23-24

Part of my anxiety with going new places and attending large functions is that I don’t want other people to judge me.

Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested.

Here is a thought: God knows us through and through.

He has been with us from our conception and will work with us through the grave and beyond.

When we invite Him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts, know that He is not there to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to His eternal grace.

I want to be the woman that God intended me to be, and if that means being searched and tested to be lead on the right path, than that is what I ask.

God is my salvation.

Have a blessed day! 

dare to compare? you shouldn't!!

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12

Do you ever compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t quite measure up, that you are not as smart, pretty, personable or Christian as they are?

If you answered that with a “no”, I don’t think you are being honest with yourself.

I know that I often look at stuff or characteristics that my friends have and get a little envious, because it is so easy to think that if I had more or knew more, I’d be secure.

It’s a foolish comparison, as all comparisons are, yet don’t we do it all the time?

If only I was like her…if only I had a house like hers, a husband like hers, a job like hers…if only my children behaved like hers…

If only <insert comparison here>, then I’d feel significant, satisfied and secure.

If only . . . 

The truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity.

We must remember that God loves us, He made us who we are, what we are, every part, every hair, and He loves US.

He loves us beyond measure – we can’t even fathom the love He has for us.

We are so loved.

Isn’t that a great way to start a Monday?

Have a blessed day! 

A mystery . . .

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

—1 Corinthians 15:51-58

I know this is a long verse, but really read through the verse and these comments and think on them.

The Word telling us that we are going to be changed, I'm going to be changed, you're going to be changed!

Not changed as in a new wardrobe or haircut,  a new car or a new place to live.

We are talking major, heavy duty overhaul - we're going to be made immortal, indestructible.

We will no longer be perishable goods!

We're bound for glory because as a believer, we should know that even if our bodies die, we don't!

Our physical death just means that we will be given immortal bodies – the Word says that Christ will raise us up and clothe us with immortality - death will not have a hold on us because we are God's children.

Victory is ours.

Death does not have the final word; Jesus does, and he says, "Rise!"

Yes, death has the power to end life, the power to separate, the power to discourage and defeat us.

But, we know the truth; Jesus lives!

And because he lives, we know we will live with Him. (I could do a song reference here, but this is long enough!)

His victory over death is our victory.

Life is ours!

What else needs to be said? "Praise God!"

Wrapping it up, know that “things” in life can be fickle.

Friends can disappoint you .

Nothing is truly sure except one thing: life with our Lord.

If we build our lives on His work and His plan, we can hang in, persevere, and even triumph.

Yes, even triumph.

Have a blessed day! 

He's got me

He will not let your foot slip — He who watches over you will not slumber...

—Psalm 121:3

I still remember when my children were little, I would sneak in and watch them sleep.

Sometimes it was to check on them when they were sick and sometimes it was just to check on them for no reason.

Sometimes it was to stand in awe and remind myself of the grace and wonder of God's love for giving me such blessings.

(if my children read this, they probably won’t believe it, but yes, they are blessings to me)

Even now that they are much older, I still pray for them, these precious gifts from the Father.

To know that my God looks at me in the same way, but with even greater delight and joy, fills me with unspeakable wonder.

I wonder how I was blessed with my children, and then I wonder how I am blessed to be a child of the one true King.

Have a blessed day! 

Getting the help you need

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

—Psalm 121:1-2

Sound familiar?  Guess what – song reference!!!

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

Consider this:  God spoke into existence the universe and God knows our names and the number of the hairs on our head...

So shouldn’t we know that we can go to Him for our help?

Let's lift up our eyes and our hearts to Him, know that He sees our needs, hears our requests, and cares about our hearts.

Have a blessed day! 

what do these words do for you?

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

—Proverbs 10:21

I am blessed to have several friends who are very wise in the way they speak.

When they do speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, and worthwhile.

Their righteous lives and careful use of words blesses and nourishes all who listen.

There are others, however, that are constantly talking about everything and spending little or no time practicing what they preach.

Their words are discounted as nothing more than their own desire to hear their own opinions about matters on which they know nothing.

And people see this.

Others look at them and know that they are being foolish.

My prayer is that my thoughts and the words I share nourish, and are not foolish.

Have a blessed day! 

Do I matter?

The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

—Psalm 121:8

Does it matter to anyone that I'm here?

Does anyone notice when I'm gone?

Even if no one on earth cared, my Father cares.

Think about it - the LORD, the Savior of Israel and the Father of Jesus - He knows all about us!

He knows and our comings and goings.

And. He. Cares.

He will watch over us, now and forevermore.

What more could we ask for?

Have a blessed day!