Homegrown

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Understand that most of our challenges are homegrown, so go to God for Him to recalibrate your harvest.”

TB

Homemade

The flesh is fickle, as such, if we follow it with every whim, chaos will ensue. That’s not to say that setbacks aren’t real. That said, who we’re in relationship with, how we spend our time, what deeds we partake in, they are the sum total of our harvest. So, if your harvest is rotten, it’s time to go to the Almighty Gardener.

Heaven-made

When we check-in with God, get to know Him and learn to live by Christ’s teachings, we will see our harvest change. It’s not that He’s all of a sudden making things easier. No, it’s because we develop the discipline to leave behind corruptive behaviors while learning to love the goodness of God. So friends, let’s turn away from our flesh and turn to Him.

Today’s Question

How’s your harvest?

Enjoy the reading

Micah 7

1 How miserable I am! I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig can be found to satisfy my hunger. 2 The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. 3 Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice. 4 Even the best of them is like a brier; the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion. 5 Don’t trust anyone— not your best friend or even your wife! 6 For the son despises his father. The daughter defies her mother. The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law. Your enemies are right in your own household! 7 As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 9 I will be patient as the LORD punishes me, for I have sinned against him. But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies. The LORD will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. 10 Then my enemies will see that the LORD is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me, saying, “So where is the LORD — that God of yours?” With my own eyes I will see their downfall; they will be trampled like mud in the streets. 11 In that day, Israel, your cities will be rebuilt, and your borders will be extended. 12 People from many lands will come and honor you— from Assyria all the way to the towns of Egypt, from Egypt all the way to the Euphrates River, and from distant seas and mountains. 13 But the land will become empty and desolate because of the wickedness of those who live there. 14 O LORD, protect your people with your shepherd’s staff; lead your flock, your special possession. Though they live alone in a thicket on the heights of Mount Carmel, let them graze in the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago. 15 “Yes,” says the LORD, “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.” 16 All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the LORD will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power. They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them. 17 Like snakes crawling from their holes, they will come out to meet the LORD our God. They will fear him greatly, trembling in terror at his presence. 18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. 

Pass it on

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Share Godly teachings with the next generation.”

TB

Reactive

Some of us grew up with family members that shared the Good News. Some of us come to know Christ later on in life. Some of us are still en route to opening that door. As we grow and learn more, it’s easy to lament and wish we knew more sooner. Of course, we cannot change the past, but we can use our past to help those who are growing into their lives. Instead of taking the reactive approach, ask God how you can be a resource to others, especially the younger people in the next generation.

Proactive

They say hindsight is 20/20 and we all have moments where we wished we had a more Biblical perspective. Friends, if you’ve learned a thing or two from God, share it with the next generation. Share with your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren– anyone within your sphere of influence on the moments and situations they may come by and how they can lean on God to potentially gain wisdom that you did not. By sharing these moments, God gets the glory and the next generation may learn a thing or two.

Today’s Question

Are you spreading light or sulking in the darkness of your past?

Enjoy the reading

Jonah 2

1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. 2 He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! 3 You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. 4 Then I said, ‘O LORD, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’ 5 “I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. 6 I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! 7 As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD . And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. 8 Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. 9 But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.” 10 Then the LORD ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.

Benefits

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Choosing God over yourself is like choosing fresh food over fast food; it may not be ‘fun’, but the long-term benefits are incomparable.”

TB

Short-term

When we are at the wheel, we will always choose our flesh over the Truth. Like unruly children, we are not capable of thinking past our short-term gratification. If your focus is only on the now and what feels easy, friends, this life will come at you fast and hard. We may get what we want now, but it does have eternal consequences.

Long-term

The long-term play requires of to rise above our flesh, pick up our cross daily, and follow someone who is greater than we are. By choosing Christ, we benefit from the wisdom and discipline of the Truth that only God can provide. Because God sees things from all angles, by following His steps, we begin to see the beauty of His teachings.

Today’s Question

Are you stuck on the benefits of now or focused on the gift of eternity?

Enjoy the reading

1 Then I saw a vision of the Lord standing beside the altar. He said, “Strike the tops of the Temple columns, so that the foundation will shake. Bring down the roof on the heads of the people below. I will kill with the sword those who survive. No one will escape! 2 “Even if they dig down to the place of the dead, I will reach down and pull them up. Even if they climb up into the heavens, I will bring them down. 3 Even if they hide at the very top of Mount Carmel, I will search them out and capture them. Even if they hide at the bottom of the ocean, I will send the sea serpent after them to bite them. 4 Even if their enemies drive them into exile, I will command the sword to kill them there. I am determined to bring disaster upon them and not to help them.” 5 The Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, touches the land and it melts, and all its people mourn. The ground rises like the Nile River at floodtime, and then it sinks again. 6 The LORD ’s home reaches up to the heavens, while its foundation is on the earth. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The LORD is his name! 7 “Are you Israelites more important to me than the Ethiopians? ” asks the LORD . “I brought Israel out of Egypt, but I also brought the Philistines from Crete and led the Arameans out of Kir. 8 “I, the Sovereign LORD, am watching this sinful nation of Israel. I will destroy it from the face of the earth. But I will never completely destroy the family of Israel, ” says the LORD . 9 “For I will give the command and will shake Israel along with the other nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, yet not one true kernel will be lost. 10 But all the sinners will die by the sword— all those who say, ‘Nothing bad will happen to us.’ 11 “In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. 12 And Israel will possess what is left of Edom and all the nations I have called to be mine. ” The LORD has spoken, and he will do these things. 13 “The time will come,” says the LORD, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! 14 I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. 15 I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

Good Grief

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“The pains we can get from doing our best work can be overwhelming, but in the end, the grief of it all will turn into maximized longterm relief and true success with God, people, and your destiny.” ~  Jon Barnes

Ambitions

Align your ambitions with God’s Will and maximize all of the good you will do for the Kingdom of God.  Each small step taken will teach you how to take better care of your family first.  A person who does not love their family or take good care of them is worse than an infidel; Specifically, men who do not take care or provide for their own children. Friends become ambitious about taking care of your own kids, family, and God will teach you how to become a good friend to others also.

Fair

You cannot be fair to others if you are not fair to God and your own family.  Practice what you preach by following His instructions, lifestyle commandments, and love guidelines.  Too often we are all trying to move and learn everything way too fast, with shortcuts that diminish the natural learning experiences that we all need.  There is no fairness in enslaving others to do your work, while you reap all of the rewards and benefits by spreading lies, grief, and mayhem.

Thoughtfulness

People who are thoughtful with the love of God will pay and reward people properly for quality work and honest opportunity to survive and thrive.  They will develop housing, land, jobs, food, education, and the likes for the good of all.  There are enough provisions for all people to succeed, without greed!  However, if our governments, we the people, and our businesses become full of corruption, then the laws and practices will reflect the welfare status of the city, country, or state.
Today’s Question
Are you happy with all of the poverty that surrounds your wonderful business, property, and city or will you help to develop plans, goals, and opportunities for people to help themselves to do better with God’s Ethics?

Enjoy The Reading

John 6 

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

6 After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” 15 When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Jesus Walks on Water

16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

Jesus, the Bread of Life

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. 23 Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten. 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. 25 They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”
29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat’. ”
32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”
35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. 37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. 38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. 39 And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”
41 Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
43 But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said. 44 For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. 45 As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.)
47 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 Yes, I am the bread of life! 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. 50 Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
52 Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked.
53 So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. 54 But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”
59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”
61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”
66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
70 Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” 71 He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.

Assign

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Imagine how great our relationship with God would be if we jumped through the same hoops of approval for Him as we do for the approval of one another.”~TB

Indoctrinated

I think a lot— much to my detriment. I also ask a lot of questions. People also seem to like to confide in me—whether I’m interested or not. I suppose I just have one of those faces. Anyway, I’m bringing this up because in all of my time on this earth, talks with people, and observations, it’s pretty clear that life is like the Matrix. I know, it’s a weird analogy, but hear me out. As a collective, humans have built this construct of “life” that most of us just blindly follow. Many of us are enslaved by the opinions of our peers, aka the Matrix. We’re basically strapped to a chair, downloading man made manuals on how to act, what to eat, who should be admired and who should be scorned, the list goes on and on. The problem with this indoctrination is that it is counterintuitive to the teachings of God. Even further, when we allow the opinions of others drive our belief systems and behaviors, we abdicate the ability to think for ourselves. And friends, that’s a dangerous precedent.

For Example

When you follow man, you are influenced by their sinful nature. There is not one single human being on this planet whose motives/ambitions are 100% pure. Sure, we try and have good intentions, but when it comes to direction, I’ll stick with my Father in Heaven. So why is this important? Well, when man has your ear, all of a sudden blatant sins become easily tolerated, celebrated, and even protected. As an individual, knowing what’s right and wrong is pretty simple. But in a group, people are liable to reason and rationalize why immoral behavior is right. So while you may know the truth, the battle lies in if you uphold it or fall prey to the pressure of conforming to your neighbors. It’s a tough choice that we all continually have to make. This is why quiet time with God, careful study of the Word, and counsel from the wise is critical for spiritual growth. Knowing God’s Truth gives you the understanding that your value comes from Him and not man. Wrapping your mind and spirit in the Word gives you the perspective and backbone to live righteously. But in order for us to get there, we must first get out of the Matrix and start seeing the way we were meant to.

Today’s Question

Do you know where your worth comes from?

Enjoy the reading

Isaiah 17

1 This message came to me concerning Damascus: “Look, the city of Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins.
2The towns of Aroer will be deserted. Flocks will graze in the streets and lie down undisturbed, with no one to chase them away.
3 The fortified towns of Israel will also be destroyed, and the royal power of Damascus will end. All that remains of Syria will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,” declares the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
4 “In that day Israel’s glory will grow dim; its robust body will waste away.
5 The whole land will look like a grainfield after the harvesters have gathered the grain. It will be desolate, like the fields in the valley of Rephaim after the harvest.
6 Only a few of its people will be left, like stray olives left on a tree after the harvest. Only two or three remain in the highest branches, four or five scattered here and there on the limbs,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel.
7 Then at last the people will look to their Creator and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.
8 They will no longer look to their idols for help or worship what their own hands have made. They will never again bow down to their Asherah poles or worship at the pagan shrines they have built.
9 Their largest cities will be like a deserted forest, like the land the Hivites and Amorites abandoned when the Israelites came here so long ago. It will be utterly desolate.
10 Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you. So you may plant the finest grapevines and import the most expensive seedlings.
11 They may sprout on the day you set them out; yes, they may blossom on the very morning you plant them, but you will never pick any grapes from them. Your only harvest will be a load of grief and unrelieved pain.
12 Listen! The armies of many nations roar like the roaring of the sea. Hear the thunder of the mighty forces as they rush forward like thundering waves.
13 But though they thunder like breakers on a beach, God will silence them, and they will run away. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind, like a tumbleweed whirling before a storm.
14 In the evening Israel waits in terror, but by dawn its enemies are dead. This is the just reward of those who plunder us, a fitting end for those who destroy us.

Process

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t create a massive process to process forgiveness, love, and acceptance.”~TB

Quickly

When you regularly walk with God, you will notice how quickly He is to forgive us when we screw up. He doesn’t read a list of past offenses, He simply acknowledges your repentance and moves on. We know this, yet we still hold the offenses of our peers to a higher standard. How arrogant and how foolish! God doesn’t beat us up because He knows that in order for you to grow, you must be given the space and grace to do so. When you look at a person, in the same way, failing to acknowledge their growth or change, well, that says more about you than the other person.

Move On

I admit, there are times where I get annoyed with my dad when he advises me to move on from offenses. In my frustration, I’d rather wallow in my “rightness” rather than extend the same space and grace that God gives me on a daily basis. I humbly laugh at my misguided nature and continually ask God to improve my resilience in that area. I’ve come to realize that my dad is not trying to diminish/erase my experience, but rather, he’s encouraging me to love people as God loves me. I share this with you to say, whatever the offense, whatever the reason, right or wrong, move on. God gives credit where credit is due, and we all reap what we sow, good or bad. So let God do the judging.

Today’s Question

Are you letting a convoluted process hinder your walk with Christ?

Enjoy the reading

Proverbs 21

1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD ; he guides it wherever he pleases. 
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. 
3 The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. 
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. 
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. 
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. 
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. 
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. 
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. 
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser. 
12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them. 
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. 
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury. 
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers. 
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead. 
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest. 
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. 
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. 
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. 
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. 
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 
24Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. 
25Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. 
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! 
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives. 
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak. 
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. 
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD . 
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD .

Drown

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Drown out the noise of evil and fleshly desires so that you can hear His voice.”~TB

Infiltrate

In today’s world, so many voices, opinions, perspectives, and the like can overtake the mind, leading you to feel overwhelmed, confused, and off task. Choose carefully the voices you allow in your head, as they are not created equal. Some will tell you that evil is good. Some will tell you that you’ll always be your past. Some will outright lie! Friends, remember that in this world, we still have to be mindful of the things we can and cannot see. If the opinions and voices of others is a foothold for you, rest assured the devil will pour salt in that wound. Rather than succumb to it, remember the voice that truly matters.

One Voice

If you allow Him, God will reveal the tricks and traps that can snare you into neutral territory. One of the biggest things that you must do each and every day is to quiet the noise of your life so that you can hear the gentle voice of God. He will never forcefully shout to get your attention, which is why you must seek, ask, and listen. Sometimes we can get so caught up looking for our answers, we fail to listen to the best answers, His. So leave the confused thinking behind, the voices and opinions of society at the door, and rely on the voice that knows best. When you drown out the nonsense that is a byproduct of living in the world, then you can discern how to walk and live in step with God’s will for your life.

Today’s Question

Are you ready to drown out the nonsense and listen to the Truth?

Enjoy the reading

Proverbs 19

1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. 
2Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. 
3People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD . 
4 Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away. 
5A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. 
6 Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts! 
7The relatives of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone. 
8 To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. 
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed. 
10 It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes! 
11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. 
12 The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 
13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping. 
14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife. 
15 Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry. 
16 Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. 
17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD — and he will repay you! 
18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. 
19 Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again. 
20 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
21 You can make many plans, but the LORD ’s purpose will prevail. 
22Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest.
23 Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. 
24 Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. 
25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser. 
26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace. 
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge. 
28 A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. 
29 Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

Fortify

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Fortify your mind like the walls of Jericho, so that you will rely on God’s perfect peace in all of the relationships within your life.”~TB

God First

When you’ve mastered your mind, you begin to understand how truly helpless you are without God. Friends, your foundation has to begin and end with Him. More to the point, loving God above all else is key to loving anyone at all! Experiencing God’s love informs you on how to properly love your brothers and sisters. You cannot truly love someone if you don’t know God’s love. His love is the only infinite and unyielding love there is! Mold your love after the love of Christ and watch how your relationships change. Because God freely loves and forgives, take those same principles and apply them to every relationship in your life. There will be times of mal-intent. There will be times of friendly fire. No matter the case, when God is first in your life, His Truth will reign supreme, giving you the peace and understanding of what it takes to truly love your neighbor.

Weak Walls

If you love yourself more than you love God, it will show. But, what does that look like? You love yourself more than God when you allow the influence of external factors dictate your mindset, behavior, etc., overriding your connection to Him. Your mind left undisciplined, will lead you to believe that you are the master and commander of this show. Friends, don’t fall for the lies of your ego and the opposition. The devil knows how to use a weak-minded person and he will use you to cause destruction. Because you are weak, you will gladly participate in his foolishness, as you blindly do his bidding, causing chaos amongst God’s people. Fortunately for us, all things work for Christ and even in your weak-mindedness, God uses it to His benefit. Our strength lies in our weakness because God makes up the difference when we fall short. Remember who loved you first so that you rule your mind accordingly.

Today’s Question

Are you giving your weak mind permission to wreak havoc in your life?

Enjoy the reading

Proverbs 18

1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. 
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. 
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt. 
4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. 
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent. 
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. 
8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. 
9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. 
10 The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. 
12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. 
13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. 
14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. 
16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! 
17 The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins. 
18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents. 
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. 
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. 
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. 
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD . 
23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. 
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Reflect

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Keep tabs on your ego and pride because an overabundance of both can cause you to lose your blessings.”~TB

Pride

When you’ve walked with God long enough to see the many spectacular things He’s done in you and around you, if you’re not careful, you can begin to think too highly of yourself. Pride blinds us from connecting to our brothers and sisters in Christ. An unchecked ego foolishly hones in on the sins of others, without recognizing or dealing with our own. When you’re really out of sorts, you can become your own deity, thinking you know all. Friends, check your pride and make sure you’re not on team arrogance.

Humility

It takes honest humility and repentance to get off or your high horse. Fortunately for us, when we find ourselves on the wrong team, God will gently laugh and will lovingly take us back. In those moments, reflect on His mercy and His immediate acceptance of you. God doesn’t scoff, He doesn’t even say ‘I told you so’. Like a parent missing a child who has been gone for a long time, He welcomes you with open arms. Friends, mirror His ways! Don’t think too highly of yourselves and give your peers the mercy and grace that God gives us each and every day. When you keep your feelings in check and love like God loves us, everyone wins.

Today’s Question

Are you practicing His ways or is your pride driving your behavior?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 138

1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 
2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 
3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. 
4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, LORD, for all of them will hear your words. 
5 Yes, they will sing about the LORD ’s ways, for the glory of the LORD is very great. 
6Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. 
7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. 
8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Let it Go

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“To experience God’s joyful peace, let go of whatever is weighing you down.”~TB

Release

As humans, we all fall short of the mark. There will be offense, mistreatment, accusations, and unpleasant experience that can erode relationships. Friends, let it go. As brothers and sisters in Christ, the standard has to be forgiveness over condemnation. Look at your neighbor as God looks at you. Using the Holy lens to see others is how you can overlook the small issues and remember the greater objective: We are all God’s children and He loves us the same. Even knowing how stupid we can be, He gives us the opportunity for redemption.

Weighed Down

When you are unable to forgive others, you are unable to forgive yourself because you’ve forgotten the redemption that God has freely given you. It is impossible to truly love someone if you are unable to love yourself. As the body of Christ, the relationships you build among one another have to outweigh the hurts and offenses that occur within them. Remember the One who loved you first, so that you can practice the Godly love He gives to you daily.

Today’s Question

Are you letting go of the small stuff so you can live in God’s grace?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 120

1 I took my troubles to the LORD ; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. 
2 Rescue me, O LORD, from liars and from all deceitful people.
3 O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment? 
4 You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals. 
5 How I suffer in far-off Meshech. It pains me to live in distant Kedar. 
6 I am tired of living among people who hate peace. 
7 I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!