QUOTES FOR FEB 23, 2026

 

BE THANKFUL

 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul simply says very directly: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside this parameter—in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.

 

I want to spend a few minutes creating for us an attitude of gratitude.  To many people focus on the bad and not the good.  Some people are half full cup and other are half empty.  We use to sing a song years back.  Here’s my cup Lord I lift it up Lord.  God wants us to learn to be grateful.  So for a few minutes I want to give you a list of things to be thankful. 

 

   I am thankful for my health. modern medicine and a God that heals.  I am thankful to have a God

who loves me and is with me no matter where I am.  I am thankful for the freedom of worship that we

have.  I am thankful for my mom.  I am thankful for my wife who loves me and has been my life

partner. I am thankful for my sons and daughters and grandchildren.  I am thankful for my two

brothers and one sister.  I am for my family members that are serving the Lord.  I thankful for my dogs,

puppy and cat.  Hey give unconditional love.  I am thankful for my home there are many who do not

have one.  I am thankful for my cars and my bike that God has provided transportation to come here

today.  I am thankful for the clothes on my back and my wives shopping sprees even though I get

annoyed when I have to go along

     I am thankful for Alberta and its beauty and majesty, for beautiful sunrises and the amazing sunsets here in this province.  I am thankful for the stars in the sky and the rainbow after a storm.  God is a wonderful creator,  I am thankful for our military and veterans for the current people who serve in our military.  I am thankful for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  I am thankful for the right to vote and the freedom to choose I vote for.  Many countries in the world do not have this.

     I am thankful for the Internet, smartphones, tablets, google and modern social media.  We can learn so much and express our faith so much more today.  I am thankful for electricity, indoor plumbing hot showers and modern sanitation.

     I am thankful for Holidays and the time I can spend with my loved ones so many people do not have

this .  I am thankful for my brother and sister in law.  I am thankful for home cook meals I do not have

to make.  I am thankful for road trips and holidays with my family.  I am thankful for good

restaurants, hot pizza, KFC, Tim Hortons and freshly baked cookies and all the conveniences of our

modern communities.  I am thankful for steep tea a double double.

     I am thankful for my education and the privilege of having an opportunity for education.  So many do not have that privilege.  The opportunity to follow my dreams.  I am thankful for dollar stores and places where I can get modestly price goods, especially tools.  I am thankful for my pillow and mattress topper.  I am thankful for cheezies, sun chips and coca cola even though they are contraban to me.  I am no suppose too have them but you did not hear that from me.  I am thankful for fitness equipment that I can use when I indulge in my forbidden contraban.   I am thankful for the different flavors of ice cream and for popcorn I can eat when I want to watch Bollywood or man did I say that out loud.    I am thankful for clean air good water, Am 930 the light, for red tag sales and the many wonderful holidays we have in Canada.  Did you know we have one every month? 

     I am thankful for the forgiveness, mercy, grace, peace and the love of God none of which I deserved.  I am thankful for you my church family.  I cannot believe I get the privilege of sharing the word with you every week this is such a privilege.  I am thankful for the kindness of others and the privilege of being able to be kind to others.  What a joy to be an encouragement and blessing to others.  I am thankful for the wisdom of others people who have sown good words in my life.  Thank you.  I am thankful for The Father who accepted Jesus sacrifice.  For Jesus Christ who gave His life that I might have eternal and abundant life.  I am thankful for the great teacher, comforter and helper the Holy Spirit who regenerated me and made me His home.  I am so thankful and grateful for the eternal and abundant life I have been given.  I am thankful for prayer, the bible, worship and evangelism.  I cannot believe I get the privilege to tell others what Jesus has done for me and you do as well.

     I am thankful for this time that we have spent together.  Doris Day said that gratitude is riches and complaining is poverty.  “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ―William Arthur Ward.  “Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” ―Margaret Cousins.  “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ―Melody Beattie.  “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” ―Kristin Armstrong

 

So remember in everything give thanks this is the will of God.  You want to do God’s will start with thankfulness and gratitude.  Today cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  Be the person everyone wants to be around and like.  Be that everyone wants to be.  You and you will if you seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.  One more thankful.  Thank you coming and listening to me here and spending time with me online through my videos, posts and writings. 

BE WISE

 

 6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

 

1.      Paul reveals in vs 1-5, that there is man in the church who is doing something that even pagans, who he means are Romans and Greeks would not do.  He was sleeping with his Father’s wife.  Most likely his mother. 

2.      The church was proud and tolerating it.  They should instead be mourning and unhappy about it.  Most scholars believe the reason they did this is because he was a church leader a wealthy aristocrat and a high ranking official in the city.  They cared more about his position, wealth, and status than what was right. 

3.      That is why Paul said even though he was not with them he had already passed judgment because Paul knew him.  

4.      Paul was rebuking the church because they had failed followed the proper protocols for church discipline.  You talk to the person once something is known, if unresolved you bring someone you both respect and trust, if still not resolved you bring if before the church leadership and the last recourse is you ask them to leave.  Jesus taught this in Matt 18. 

5.      Paul says that when thy are assembled he is with them in spirit and the power of the Lord Jesus is present.  Paul is making it known that he feels responsible and that the influence and reputation has been severely damaged.

6.      It is also clear from verse 5, this man has not repented so they need to leave him to his own devices.  There is a natural progression and this man needed to be let go so that he would become like the prodigal he would come to himself.  This also alludes to a very important truth.  We protect each other.

 

6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?

 

1.      They were boasting about this person being in their church.  That is what is happening today the church has compromised on lifestyle choices, doctrine, motivational or self-centred therapy.  The Bible is the only book that can reform society and meet head on with truth the cultural standards of this progressive and politically correct world. 

2.      Paul uses a baking analogy a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.  He forms this thought in a question?  A little sin tolerated with lead eventually to total breakdown in morality.  Remember we are the enlightening and restraining force in this world.  We are the ones who are holding back evil in our marriages, families, churches, communities, provinces, and country.  The enemy cannot take this country because we are still here.  When the enemy comes in like a flood, we are the one who are the standard raised up to stop him. 

 

7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

 

1.      Paul says that this old yeast, which is worldly, earthly, sensual, demonic, and rooted in idolatry must be rid from our lives.  He says you are a new batch of yeast.  You have a new Savior, Lord, and Master.  You have a new nature, character, and essence.  You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Your past has been forgiven, and your future is secure and exciting.  The old has gone and new has come.  Forget those things in the past and press onward and upward to your future.   

2.      Jesus Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.  This is an exodus analogy familiar with his Jewish audience.  Jesus broken body, shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection was about salvation, redemption, and new life.  It cost God everything .

 

8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

 

1.      He then tells them to keep the celebration of our life not with the old leaven of malice which is the intention or desire to do evil; and wickedness which is the quality of being evil or morally wrong.  Remember that is not who we are any longer. Our faith is shown by our actions. 

2.      We have a new nature like unleavened bread.  We have sincerity which is the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. Our beliefs are unquestionable.  We are honest, truthful, genuine and walk with integrity. 

3.      We walk in truth because we have the truth in the person of Jesus Christ.  Our belief is based in the person of Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life.  The Bible is reliable in is authenticity.  It has been verified in the lives of billions over the centuries.  Jesus’ resurrection proved beyond a shadow of a doubt Jesus was who said He was. 

 

Conclusion

 

1.       Paul would close this chapter on two points.  One who lists what type of people we should be careful with who we associate or hang out. 

2.      He then says he will not judge or condemn the world or those who live in it because that is God’s role and responsibility.  He says however when it comes to those in the church, family of God or fellow believers we have a responsibility to inspect fruit.  We should be quick to exhort, clarify, correct, and comfort one another.  Love does allow dangerous behavior to continue without am attempted intervention. 

 

BE LIKE JOHN THE BAPTIST

      Our scripture we will look at today is where John is described as the one to prepare the way of the Lord.  Listen to what Jesus says about John the Baptist.  In Matt 11:9-10, “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:” ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.

 

John was an amazing man he was definitely a unique man.  He was very much like Elijah.  He wore camel skin clothing and ate wild locust and honey, a very unusual diet.  John was also a man who had a special call of God.  Over the next Three Sundays we are going to examine nine characteristics that made John who he was.  Today we will look at three characteristics that John displayed and a great list that we can emulate, copy and exhibit. 

 

1.      Self denial:  The definition of this term is the denial of one's own interests and needs; self-sacrifice, or an act or instance of restraining or curbing one's desires.  In the Christian sense Self-denial is saying “no, to ungodliness and worldly passions and living our lives within the righteous framework God has established.  Self-denial requires that our desire to obey God overrule our destructive desires to find satisfaction outside of what God has for us.  In Matt 3:4, John knew that the only way to serve God is make sure that the world did not influence him but that he influenced the world.  Jesus said that if you are not willing to deny ourselves and follow him that we are not worthy of him.  Matt 16:24 – Then Jesus said unto his disciples “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  This is done by submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil and he will flee from you.  Denial of yourself, leads to purity, power and perspective.  Jesus said that friendship with the world is being an enemy of God.  I am advocating is a lifestyle where your first priority is God, His will, desire and goals.

 

2.       Courage.  Matt 3:7, 14:4, John demonstrated courage.  A definition of courage is the ability to do something that frightens oneself.  A second thought is strength in the face of pain or grief.  He spoke fearlessly to the religious leaders, the Romans, the common people and the King who was Herod.  This courage would eventually lead to his death.  Courage is being willing to do something no one else wants to do.  It is being able to overcome your natural fear and do what needs to be done.  Courage in the things of God is realizing you are doing God’s work, in God’s way, in God’s will, in His power, and wisdom.  Being courageous is not being afraid.  It is overcoming your fear and being willing to do what is right, truthful, honest and fair.  It means confronting evil when no one else wants to.  It means being God’s person who stands in the gap.  Wikipedia says courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty.  We have all four of these things working in 2020.  These need to be courageously confronted.  People need the church to be the church.  It will take courage to confront the darkness and evil of this world.  Love does not allow selfishness, greed, and foolishness to prevail.  James puts it this way.  If you rescue someone from a path of self -destruction you are saving them from a multitude of sins they will inflict on themselves and others.   “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”  Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”  Be brave to stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone.” 

 

Obedience:  Matt 3:15, John did what he was asked to do.  In the Bible it means to "to hear," "to listen and then do.  Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God and reverence for Him.  He learned the truth of 1 Sam 15:22, that obedience is better than sacrifice.  Andrew Murray states in his book in the School of Obedience that God is looking for someone to simply obey.  God is looking for a willing vessel.  When you obey God the supernatural happens.  The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered.  God is not looking for a debate on his will what he looking for is someone who will say, “Yes Lord us me.”  You said, Yes, to God and no to you.  There will be many times you will not understand, or even like what God wants but if you do it you will prosper.  You need to be faithful where you are because in obedience we learn patience, trust and endurance.  John did and Jesus called him the greatest of all.  I thought this was an interesting point to close on.  John called himself the least and Jesus called him the greatest. A great lesson for us to learn here is that if you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.  If you want be first choose to be last

BE CAREFUL

 

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

     In this chapter Paul introduces a principle known as the stumbling block principle.  He uses the context of meat offered to idols, but it has a wide range of applications. 

 

1.      In vs 1, Paul reminds his readers and hearers that concerning meat offered to idols to be careful of how they respond to the knowledge they have.  Just because you have information or knowledge the real issue is how you present and apply it.  Temper your knowledge and information with love. 

2.      In vs 2-3, Paul says be careful of what you think you know because when applied wrong it can make you look like you don’t really know anything.  Knowledge shared at the wrong time in the wrong context gets a wrong reaction.  You miss an opportunity to encourage, inspire and equip others.  Paul then those who love God are known by Him.  They are His.  He abides in them.  He has a friendship and relationship with them.  They are his family.  There is mutual love and respect. 

3.      In vs 4-5, Paul shares that meat offered to idols are offered to lesser beings.  They are made up gods, idols, and demons.  There is only one true God. 

4.      In Vs 6, Paul reveals the following truth about God.  There is God the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live. 

 

a.      There is there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ.  This three-fold title talks about his authority, humanity, and Messiahship. 

b.      It is through Jesus whom all things came and through whom we live. Through His broken body, shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection we have inheritance, fellowship, and eternal and abundant benefits. 

5.      In Vs 7-8, Paul states that not everyone knows this so when they eat food offered to an idol, they think it is somehow connecting with that deity and that is why they have weak consciences or even seared.  Paul then says that when we eat food it doesn’t bring us closer to God.  We are no better off.  It is important to eat well and healthy, but it doesn’t make you more spiritual, sanctified, or closer to God.  The Kingdom of God is not a matter of meat and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

 

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

 

1.      Paul has four things to state here.  First, be careful, wise, and discerning.  Read the situation and scenario right.  This is where application of knowledge and information come in.  Just because you don’t feel something or view something the same way someone else does not mean you do it in their presence. 

2.      Paul says it may be perfectly right for you to exercise your rights or viewpoint in private but maybe not in public.  Love says I respect and value you as a brother and friend in the Lord.  So, when I know your conviction, I will not disregard your thoughts on this matter.

3.      Our conviction and viewpoint can become a stumbling block if we carelessly disregard the opinions and viewpoints of others.  This doesn’t mean we surrender of convictions it just means that we are wise in how we exercise them with others. 

4.      In this case Paul says if a brother or sister see you eating in a temple it will give them the wrong idea.  They can be destroyed and in turn we are sinning against Christ.  Paul says all things may be lawful but are all things expedient.  This means that you can do it, but it might be wrong and immoral to others.  You are aware of others, and you act accordingly. 

5.      Jesus gives us a wonderful exhortation in 7:12 and Luke 6:31, do unto others as you have them do unto you.  Paul is basically saying we are our brother’s keeper.  Paul says that he wouldn’t eat meat again if it caused a person to stumble and fall.  This metaphor Paul uses is for a behaviour or attitude that leads another to sin or to destructive behaviour.

 

The simplest way I can put it is being respectful, kind, loving and courteous to those you are with.  It is being a gentleman or lady.  It means to the best of your ability making those around you feel as comfortable as possible.  This has both an application in the righteous and unrighteous world.  The secret is walking in love. 

 

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  8 Love never fails.  You do this and you are honoring and living what Jesus said that people will know we are his disciples by the way we love one another. 

 

A BALANCED LIFE

 

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

     This morning as we look at Pau’s exhortation it almost sounds like he is giving a list of rules and regulations for life.  A behavior list that if you do this you will be a good person.  Paul has made it clear in the previous part of this chapter and book that faith in Christ alone will save you.  In 1 Timothy Paul reminded Timothy that the world is watching and that our influence and testimony are dampened and hindered when we are inconsistent in our character and public testimony.  In Rev 12:11, it states that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and being willing to die for the faith.

 

1.      So in Vs 29, Paul starts with the most obvious our speech.  He says do not let unwholesome talk come out of our mouth.  Gossip, slander, curses, questionable jokes, sarcasm, profanity, outbursts of anger, and questionable conversation.  Whatever is pure, lovely, wholeness, noble, praise worthy, right and holy is what we should be talking.  David asked the Lord to put a watchman at the door of his mouth so he would not sin against the Lord.  James says blessing and curses should not come out of the same mouth.  The mouth will eventually speak what is in the heart.  That is why we must guard our hearts.

 

a.      Paul says that we should only speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.  I remember when I got saved the first thing that got cleaned up with my language.  Last time I swore was Aug 15, 1977. 

b.      We are called to speak the truth in love.  Love should be the foundation of any conversation we have.  Encourage, affirm and build others up in your conversations. 

c.      Here are five ways to build others up in conversations.

 

1.       Active listening.

2.      Use their name.

3.      Let them talk about themselves.

4.      Make them feel important.

5.      Emphasize similarities.

 

d.      James says be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  When you do this Paul says this will benefit those who listen.  When we have wholesome conversation it really stands out in our profane world.  Solomon says a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  I like that.

 

2.      In Vs 30, Paul says do not grieve the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed for day of redemption.  First, this shows the Holy Spirit is a person.  You cannot hurt a thing, force or object.  I like how Ernest Angley puts it.  It means to burden. When the Holy Spirit is grieved, He is burdened. To grieve is to oppress.

 

a.      To grieve is to afflict with deep, acute sorrow—to afflict the Holy Spirit with deep sorrow because of saying and doing the wrong things.

b.      To grieve is to make sad, to distress. We make the Holy Spirit sad, distressed when we disobey the Lord. God’s own people can make the Holy Spirit sad by some of the things they do, cause Him to mourn. He cannot possibly mix with that which is foreign to His personality.

c.      To grieve the Holy Spirit is to make Him lament; many have done this to Him.  We do not want to do it because we are His temple, dwelling place and we are heading for eternity a place of peace, love and completeness. 

 

3.      In Vs 31, He then says to get rid of the following five things.  First, get rid of bitterness which is caused by being hurt and wronged then letting it go unchecked until it poisons your whole perspective and life.  That is why forgiveness is essential.  Explain how thought process works and why we must forgive immediately.

 

a.      Rage and anger.  Paul puts them together.  Rage is feeling the need to express violent uncontrollable anger.  You lose it and there are always consequences.  Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.  Anger is an emotion caused by a perception of being wronged.  It can be good or bad depending on what is angering us.  Selfish anger leads to wrong reactions.  Righteous anger moves us to defend others and right wrongs.  The cause is the key.  But rage and anger uncontrolled is the issue here with Paul.   The key to anger to being quick to hear and slow to speak.

b.      Brawling which means getting into fights whether physical or talking.  People get into fights.  When they feel threatened or wrong.  They do not respect a person, are self- involved, don’t get enough sleep, substance abused, you have personal problems or self- esteem problems and deflect or attack others. 

c.      Slander is making false and damaging statements about someone.  Christians should never do that.  Satan is accuser of the brethren.  You are doing satan’s work when you slander.

d.      Any form of malice which is the intention or desire to do evil or ill will.  Paul says put it away and don’t let it use you.  I love the illustration the old native said.  The one who rules your life is the one you feed.  So feed your inner man with the word of God and prayer. 

 

4.      In Vs 32, Paul says let these three qualities be the evidence of God’s control of your life.  Be kind.  It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.  It flows from love, mercy and grace. 

 

a.      Be compassionate.  This is a feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.  Understanding, concern and empathy towards other.  Any outward sign of love.  Jesus said people will know we are his disciples by the way we love one another. 

b.      Forgive one another.  This is a choice and must be done immediately.  Paul says you do it because you have been forgiven.  This is the reason we forgive.  We also know forgiveness is the key to get rid of all these negative expressions Paul talked about. 

BACK TO SCHOOL

 

     It is hard to believe that our children and grand children are back at school. This is both an

adventure and a bit of a scary situation. You are allowing strangers to have your children for

several hours a day for some 190 days a year. You are trusting that they will compliment

what you believe and teach at home so I am going to give you ten things to help

     First, do what I call show and tell. Teach you children right from wrong in calm words and

action. This of course is better taught by your example. Show them right from wrong by how to

live. Action always speak louder than words. This helps them to navigate falsehoods and lies

presented to them. Secondly, set limits. This means you set boundaries they need to know

how far they can go. Also remember there is a difference between childish irresponsibility and

willful defiance. For example, a child may accidently spill milk or some other childish thing.

Willful defiance is when a child puts their hands on their hips and says no. You need to know

the difference and act accordingly.

     Thirdly, give consequences and follow through. Don’t bargain, nag, scream, or bluff. Say

what you mean and mean what you say. This prepares them to listen to other trusted authority

figures in their lives. Fourthly, hear them out. Communication is essential. Talk things through.

Make them feel valued by listening to them. You may not agree but at least you talked about

things. Fifthly, give them your attention. Children don’t want the stuff you give them they want

you. Remember if you don’t give them attention someone else will and it will probably not be

someone you agree on.

     Sixthly, catch them doing good. Look for good behavior and praise it. Give them tasks

where they can succeed and be proud when they do something right, noble and good. This will

help with self esteem and a feeling of well being. Seven is know when not to respond. This

takes discernment, wisdom and patience. Evaluate, take time to think things through. Often it

only takes a moment. Children push buttons so knowing when to react and not to react. This

can save hurt, pain and guilt on both parties.

     Eighthly, be prepared for trouble. Having children this goes with the territory. Never be

surprised when a note comes home from the teacher. Don’t look for trouble but remember

children act often on impulse not thinking through the consequences so you must.

Number nine is re-direct behavior. As a parent you can help mold your children. Show them another way. Help them get going the right direction. Get them focused

on the right things. You are the most powerful influence in their lives so use that wisely and

prayerfully. Lastly, be wise in how you discipline. Know when to discipline in love and when to

have a time out. Both are useful. Also use age-appropriate discipline. Children at different

ages respond differently to different forms of discipline. Remember the word discipline comes

from the word disciple or follower. Your example is key to this. Never discipline in anger or

frustration.

     One last piece of advice or bonus. Have a time of prayer and bible reading with your

children. Faith is not only taught but caught. Be an example of consistent love and behavior. Never leave it to chance, environment, society or educators.  Do the job yourself and you will reap the benefits with children growing up well adjusted and healthy at least that is the aim and goal.

QUOTES FOR FEB 22, 2026

 

THOGHTS FOR NEW YEAR

 

     It is hard to believe we find ourselves in 2026.  Times passes by faster than we wish it did.  So here is the question, what is a priority in your life right now.  Society would have you believe that success is found in fame, popularity, money, or material possessions.  In fact, if we are to study the life of some of the most successful people in history we will find the opposite.

     Howard Hughes was a a successful aircraft builder, movie mogul and businessmen.  He dated some of the prettiest ladies of the day.  He was known not only in the United States but throughout the world.  He was everything that people would deem as successful.  Yet Howard Hughes was quite the opposite.  He was lonely and unfulfilled.  The couple of decades of his life he lived as a recluse.  When he died, he was undernourished and looked like a human skeleton.  He has vast amount of money, but he never took care of himself.  In fact, they are still fighting over some aspects of his will.

     Today there are many examples in the world of celebrities where fame, popularity, money, and possessions have shown fleeting.  Michael Jackson, Prince, Witney Houston, and Britney Spears for examples.  Imagine this Britney Spears sued her own family for looking out for her best interest. 

     Jesus put it all into perspective.  He said, “You can gain he whole world and lose your soul.”  Now I need to clarify one thing.  The Bible does not say, “money is the root of all evil.”  It states the love of money is the root of all evil.  So, when you run after money it will leave you empty and unfulfilled.  So, what is the answer?  Jesus stated in Matt 6:33, to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all the things you are looking for will be added unto you.

     When Jesus stated this, He was addressing how that the birds of the air and the flowers in the field do not spin or sow, yet God takes care of them.  Jesus then said that we are much more valuable than any of these.  In fact, Solomon who was the richest person the Jewish nation ever produced was not as adorned as one of the flowers in the field.  Jesus stated that even the hairs of your head have been number.  Simple put God will take care of you when you trust him with your food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. 

     I know that many today are concerned.  Rent has double for many in the past three years.  Food cost have gone up 40% and interest rates have gone up 475%.  I can tell you from personal experience that the economy of God is never dependant on the economy of man.  I have decades of experience in this matter.  My first house my mortgage rate was 14 ½ percent not five.  I raised four children during the times of runaway inflation.  I saw God provided repeatedly.  I am counseling you to trust God.  To not put your trust in the stock market, or business tycoons, leaders or even the government.  They will fail and disappoint.  God never does and I close with Phil 4:19. Paul states that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.  The beautiful thing is that is supply is only a prayer away.  Try it you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

 

    

ARMOUR OF GOD

 

STEPS OF A GOOD MAN

 

23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

 

1.        "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" is a phrase from the Bible. The phrase means that the journey of a good man through life is directed, ordered, fitted, or arranged by the Lord. The word "ordered" means to stand erect; to set up; to found; to adjust, fit, direct. The phrase is often interpreted to mean that a good man's steps are directed by God.

2.        It means day by day reading, thinking and implementing God’s word.  It means daily communication with the Lord.  It means wanting and be willing to do the Lord’s will by faith.

3.        God orders the steps of the good person. This indicates that we are not left to our own devices. Just like a skilled architect designs a beautiful building, God designs our lives with intention and purpose. He has already laid out a plan for us – a plan filled with hope and a future, as we can read in Jeremiah 29:11. When we walk according to His will, we can have confidence in our path.

 

24   Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

 

1.        Offers a message of hope and comfort to believers, assuring them that God will always support and sustain them, even in times of struggle and hardship. The verse acknowledges human frailty and the inevitability of stumbling but also emphasizes that those who trust in God's guidance will not be abandoned.

2.        The enemy wants to keep us down by accusation, temptation, manipulation, deception and condemnation.  We fail and fall but the Lord picks us up dusts us off and helps us to start again.  He is our staff and support.  One translation says we will not be overwhelmed.  Jesus said He would never leave or forsake us.

3.        God upholds you in times of stumbling by directing your steps and delighting in your way. He is with you every step of the way, ensuring that you do not fall completely. Even when you stumble, He will not let you be cast down. The Lord’s presence and guidance give you the strength and courage to persevere through challenges and difficulties. God’s faithfulness and love serve as a firm foundation in times of stumbling, keeping you from ultimate defeat. He is ever watchful, ready to extend His hand and lift you up when you falter. You can trust in His unfailing support and know that He will never abandon you in your time of need. You can find reassurance and strength even amidst trials and tribulations by placing your faith in Him and following His ways.