Engulfed By Sin

The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.Jonah 2:5

The word engulfed is a good word picture for we folks who live in fire country out west. Literally a dry hillside can be engulfed in rapidly spreading flames in a matter of minutes. Sin is like that. 

If you don’t do what you need to do to keep your heart and mind pure you literally could be engulfed in a torrent of sin that will sweep over you until you cry out to God to release you and get you out. 

This sin doesn’t have to be obvious ones people see as sinful but it could be judgements towards people, jealousy, anger at political opponents,  gossip, hatred, and so much more. Often you might think you are pretty good because your life isn’t like so and so but then you catch yourself being high and mighty and elevating yourself or your perfect church which is sinful too. Today listen to God’s voice. If your attitude towards people is less than honorable seek to be more like Jesus. If you have judged someone wrongly remember it is not your job to point out wrong but simply to pray and show love. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for people who can’t forgive and move on. I pray for healing of hurts and I pray for God to take His rightful place in peoples lives. Set people free who are following the wrong path of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Doing Life Full Of The Spirit?

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Attitudes, judgments, ugliness, refusing to admit wrong, starting arguments and so forth can deplete your spirit filled life.

Do your spiritual fruits need to be pruned because too much of the world has seeped in or your pride has caused you to not want to make amends with a person in your life? It takes courage to admit wrong but to seek peace you have to be willing to do this. 

Go into the second half of 2026 determined to walk in love and to make peace your aim. A good tip is to stay off the social media merry go round which can contribute to angst. Now go run hard after God. 

PRAYER: Today Lord help me show kindness to others. Give me the ability to not troll on social media and to give thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tongue Trouble

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."Proverbs 12:18

Do you suffer from ‘tongue trouble’ as I know I certainly am not proud of it but I do. This tongue trouble may not actually be when you are talking but could be texting or email as well as it seems most ‘talking’ nowadays goes to texting. I am not sure our younger generation growing up like this will be able to hold normal conversations. 

Tongue trouble could mean interrupting, boasting,  gossiping, trying to be center of attention, lying, and just a lack of patience in communicating with others. It is essential you get a grip on this area of life in order to be at peace with those around you. 

A friend of mine suggests the 24 hour rule for when you are not sure about communicating. Wait 24 hours and then see how you feel. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me get control of what comes out of my mouth. I want it to be full of grace and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh What Needless Pain We Bear

 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

There is an old hymn entitled ‘Take It To The Lord In Prayer’ that one line says today’s title but adds all “because we do not take it to the Lord in prayer”. 

Think about that. Why do you stress needlessly over something you have no control over? I do it you probably do it too. Human nature right? But aren’t you and I supposed to be trusting God and letting things go? Why don’t we? 

So yes we are weak and heavy laden the hymn says. We don’t need to be heavy laden or burdened as it will only destroy you and your health. Don’t cave to fear and doubt but press into prayer and then go do something and get your mind renewed. 

PRAYER: Father thank you that you are in charge. Period. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Happy Birthday America!!

 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free."Galatians 5:1

A country founded on Biblical principles is still alive and well at 250 years. Many have tried to destroy us and still are trying because freedom, true freedom comes with a price. 

Divine guidance contributed to the nation’s founding and morals are extremely important to our founding. Even the Washington Monument capstone has the engraved inscription Laus Deo which means Praise be to God. Visitors used to be able to take stairs instead of elevator prior to 1971 and I have done that! Inside were Bible verses and tributes to states. 

America is definitely a unique nation founded on scripture and prayer that is probably why so many, even from within, try to destroy us. Stand firm my friend. Stand for truth. Get a copy of Constitution and Declaration of Independence and read them. Pocket copies are available. Know your rights and know that the enemy Satan hates the freedom you and I enjoy. 

PRAYER: Today I give thanks. I pray for those people in our country who try to destroy our freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

For a free copy of the Constitution and Declaration click link below: 

https://info.hillsdale.edu/free-pocket-constitution

Stay Positively Positive

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”Philippians 4:8

Do you try to look at the glass half full or half empty? It can be easy to get all bent out of shape about things and it is better for your health if you lean into God and learn to blow things off. 

Try to stay off social media and keep the news off too to stay positive. But you might think you have to stay informed. Not really. Your peace of mind is more important. 

So do you want to be positive? Read your Bible daily. Stop overthinking things. Don’t micromanage people. Above all thank God daily for His blessings. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life and I thank you for the word which helps shape me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

John 21

So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.John 21:11 NIV Bible Gateway 

My title today is yet another auto tag I encountered here in Idaho so I looked it up and it is the account of Jesus telling his disciples to cast their net again and they would get fish and they did get some 153 fish to be exact. 

He was giving the account of them becoming fishers of men. Not sure if the significance of the number 153 but pre pandemic there was a coffee shop in Huntsville, Alabama where I lived called Cafe 153. The 153 is puzzling but perhaps shows the nature of Jesus details. 

Are you casting your ‘net’ to win souls for the kingdom of Christ. Once you have accepted Jesus you should desire to have more people won to the Lord and get away from the deceit and entrapment of the devil. Yes the devil is real. Keep casting truth and sharing with others and pray for the lost. 

PRAYER: Lord help people who don’t believe come to a saving knowledge and escape the traps Satan sets for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.