Oh To Be Rich

 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

One day I had been out shopping in downtown Boise and stopped at a high end coffee shop attached to a boutique hotel and watching the ‘rich and famous’ checking out and thinking how great it is to live in America and have the opportunities we do where you can literally have the chance to do anything you want. 

Furthermore Romans 12:16 states "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.” Before arriving at this coffee shop I passed what the world would call a bum on the street. I smiled and said hi. He did not ask me for anything. 

If you have riches do you share with others or do you only heap up things for yourself? Do you tithe and help others in need and do it cheerfully?The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. This is 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. My friend don’t live like this is all there is. Some day you will die. We all will.  Enjoy life but be thankful and give money away and help others. 

PRAYER: Lord use me to help others not expecting anything in return. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Being Calm, Cool, And Collected

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Someone trying to get you in a dispute? Best thing is to stay calm and not enter in to this and don’t fall for schemes to blame you for starting a fight. Be still. 

One of the hardest things to do is wait for something. You want to orchestrate things and take matters into your own hands and you feel like screaming. I know it is hard to wait but know God is working in you while you learn to be still. 

Breathe in, breathe out. Give thanks. Pray. Read your Bible. Be still. Now go have a great day. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to learn to trust your ways and not mine. 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.

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.