The verdict is in . . . .

Ever been in a courtroom setting where everyone is anxiously awaiting the decision of the judge and jury? Lives are at stake. The future of families is on the line. Guilty or innocent . . . freedom or incarceration?

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Solomon said it very plainly: fear God and keep His commandments. God will judge all we do in life. It is His decision to make. We can, however, choose to follow Him now and avoid that judgment.

After living a life of poor decisions and frivolous living, Solomon, in all his wisdom, realized what really mattered in life . . . God! Women could not satisfy him, riches fell short, and even all the wisdom in the world could not overshadow God.

For you and me, our eternity is on the line! When the verdict is in . . . what will God have to say to you and me?

Draft Day . . . what we see and what we do not see right now.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

So yesterday began the annual NFL draft. Teams as well as athletes are anxious and excited as to who is drafted by whom and what that means to the team and the individual. Teams have seen film of past games and now they wonder if that will translate into a future NFL career. They are hoping that what has been seen will produce later . . . what we cannot see right now.

As believers, we sometimes get bogged down in what we see today. Like the NFL teams today, we all have needs. We have suffered losses. We have failed. After all, in the NFL there is only one winner every year! Yet with Christ, every believer has a bright future and we all are winners, despite our circumstances!

Drafting a college player in hopes he will work out is a gamble. Trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is a guarantee! Do not focus so much on today, but keep striving for tomorrow with Christ. The future is bright!🌅

Stay focused!

Stay focused . . .

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Everyone needs a focal point to stay balanced. Speakers tend to pick out an object/objects in the back of a room during their talks to stay focused and not lose track. Athletes many times have a picture, a note, or even a scripture either in their mind, written on their shoes, or even in their pockets during games. I often send myself texts and emails to remind me of things I need to do throughout the day. 

As believers, we too need to stay focused! We must devise a way to keep our focus on our Savior throughout the day. We may do it with a songlist on our car radio or a playlist on our phones. We may have daily scriptures sent to us via email or text. Many of us have scriptures throughout our homes on pictures and other designs. However we choose, we need to have a plan in place to stay focused!

What is it you do? Keep running toward the finish . . . .

4-24-24 . . . .backward and forward . . . today is today no matter how we write it.

Today is 4-24-24. No matter if we write it forward or backward, it is still 4-24-24. This reminds me of my scripture today . . . Look at God!

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us...(Psalm 46: 10-11)

I am one to write lists . . .  daily lists, monthly lists, summer lists, etc. I need to have a plan and then I must carry it out or I feel like I failed someone or something. . . often I feel as though I failed myself or worse . . . I have failed God! Yet like the numerical date today, no matter how I write my list, I cannot change today! Whether I accomplish all my tasks or not, it is still today!

I am learning . . . slowly but surely . . . that accomplishing all I need to do is not so very important. Even pleasing everyone else and their tasks for me does not matter to such an extent. 

What matters is my relationship with Christ and how I am pleasing Him! I need to rest more in Him and seek to accomplish His agenda for me today. That requires me to seek Him more and more often. At times, His agenda for me may be to sit still for a while and rest in Him!

Today will always be today . . . no matter how I write it or plan it . . . backward or forward (4-24-24)! He made it and His will must be accomplished . . . not mine!

Yes vs No . . . Do not cheat God and family!

But my eyes are fixed on You, Sovereign Lord; in You, I take refuge—do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers,
from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by in safety. (Psalm 141:8-10)

Many times, as a believer, we feel as though we must say "yes" to every request. We believe we must answer every call and serve on every committee. After all, if I don't do it it will not get done . . . right? WRONG!

An old mentor of mine used to work like crazy around the church. This was a good thing, don't get me wrong. However, if he did everything, there was nothing left for anyone else to do! We used to say to him, "You are taking away my blessing!"

We have to learn to respectfully say, "No". We can so caught up I doing things, that we neglect our families, our health, and our time with the Lord. Oh for sure, we are busy for the Lord and the church. Yet how impactful are we if we are falling apart health-wise? How powerful is our witness if our family is being hurt? How strong is our relationship with God if we do not spend quality time in His presence daily?

Life is about priorities, not popularity. It is about quality, not quantity. I have learned to say "No" more often lately. It may not be the popular answer, but it is the right answer. Pastor Andy Stanley (Choosing to Cheat,Doubleday Religious Publishing Group, Dec 1, 2003) once said we have to learn to cheat in life. If we place too much emphasis on the wrong things, we are cheating the best things in life.

I am finally getting it right . . . God, family, and  . . .???? Do not cheat God or family!!!!

Your will, not mine God . . . true freedom

. . .whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)

We cannot allow this world and its agenda to keep us captive. We have to break free to really experience the true fellowship available in Christ. We have our lists, our desires, expectations others have for us. These things can and do hold us captive. However, to be in God's will brings freedom.

Yes, we will sin, but the cross has made us sons and daughters of God, thus we can never be totally separated from Him. (John 10:28-30) At times we can get caught up in the rat race. However, we can always turn back. Jesus is waiting with open arms. As Jesus decided in the Garden just before His death, Your will not mine God! (Luke 22:42)

Reassurance . . . Encouragement

Sometimes we all need some reassurance. I know I do lately.

 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. (Jeremiah 31:3-4)

Ever feel like someone is lurking around the corner . . . just watching . . . ready to pounce the moment you slip up or when you are at your weakest? Welcome to the club. Believers throughout HIStory have faced the same exact dilemma. 

In fact, it is exactly what Peter addressed below! Remember what happened to him?

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

So be diligent. Be careful. Definitely be watchful and on the alert! Satan can take many forms and some may be the ones we trust and respect the most. 

Remember Jeremiah's words: God loves us . . . always. He will build us up!

Anxious? Fearful? Unsure? Seek His PEACE minute by minute.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Let's face it, whether we are old or young, we face many challenging situations in this world. Our young people are stressed with grades, athletics, scholarships, relationships, and career choices. It is not like it was when I was young!

We as adults are facing situations concerning our communities, families, politics, jobs, and finances. Again, this is not our grandparents' world anymore!

So how do we function and not lose it? We first must know the Savior! Then as we discuss our situations with Him, we find confidence and peace . . . and His peace goes way beyond human understanding.

Like the Jews in the wilderness, His peace must be sought daily . . . throughout the day. It will help us to remain calm in the chaos. We can be confident rather than unsure.  We can face the day rather than backing down and running from reality.

The Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the world will be with us and give us His peace! Seek Him . . . trust Him!

Stuff will happen

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. (Psalm 112:6-8)

Let's face it . . . stuff will happen! There will be storms in life, both physical and emotional. People will say the wrong things and do the wrong things that impact our lives. There will

be rainy days ahead! Yet as Christ followers, we cannot allow unexpected events to throw us off balance!

God is training us to be steadfast and unmovable. He does not want us to be a slave to the stimuli of the world. He would have us to respond confidently and calmly to events that take place. 

However, this attitude does not just happen! We prepare for things in the future today. We trust God with the daily things so when the unexpected happens, we are already prepared. As soon as something unexpected grabs our attention, we will know to Whom to turn!

Just wanna say "Thank You . . . Gracias Señor!"

Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

One thing that really impacts me in our mission trips to Puerto Rico is how the people pray. Not just the pastor or church leaders, but everyone! They are a thankful people . . . rarely asking for anything from God. It is constant worship and thanksgiving!

When I grumble and complain, I am really telling God that He has forgotten something or messed up in some way. 

"C'mon God, why is this happening?" 

"God You know I need this or that!" 

"Fix this for me, God."

"You gotta do something, God!"

God, please help me to learn to be more thankful and less needy. Teach me to trust You more each day and to be thankful for each day! 

Gracias Señor indeed!

I saw God!

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

Wow! . . . that is all I can after the experience of our latest mission trip to serve in Puerto Rico last week. I saw a man who was paralyzed two years ago walk out of his house to greet us while doing a community prayer walk. I saw ten teen agers grow in their prayer life and in responsibilities. I saw a young lady fight through heart issues and overcome to keep serving without complaint. 

I saw God!

After the past week, I am reminded that God is still God . . . more than ever actually. Getting away from this society and visiting folks who truly serve God and each other, without form of pretense in their worship or service, took me back. 

I am reminded that God alone is my salvation. I trust Him and Him alone! He is my strength from day to day and my deliverer when others seek my demise. I am so grateful for what He has taught me through the family we have in Puerto Rico!

Where will you see God today?

PR '24 . . . the hardest part of the week.

But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire 🔥shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in . . . (Jeremiah 20:9)

This is the hardest part of the week. We must wrap up our actual labor within the community. After a night of fellowship, games and food, we pack up to leave the Canovanas community and Pastor Abraham's congregation and head to our mini-retreat in Fajardo, PR. 

On this final day of work in Puerto Rico, God is reminding our team and me that our work does not end just because the week of labor here in Canovanas, PR is ending. If we truly want to honor God, we must realize that the work is not simply a planned week of ministry, but a lifelong journey with God. 

If we know say, "The work is complete", then like Jeremiah wrote,  we will become "weary of holding it in"! That same fire 🔥we feel today must continue to burn as we head home this weekend. We must continue to seek out the lost and assist those in need at home. Do not allow the fire to burn out! 🧯

Can we do that? Can you do that where you are today?

Most people who know me know that my goal is to coach, mentor, teach and inspire the people (especially our youth) that God leads my way to consider a life of ministry and missions. . . . to catch the fire! 🔥The work has to continue or many will be lost. I do not want that on my soul. 

Please keep praying.

PR '24 . . . What an honor!

But it is good for me to draw near to God;I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works. (Psalm 73:28)

Every morning before dawn, on this mission trip in Puerto Rico, I have the honor of sitting in the sanctuary of Primera Bautista Iglesia de Peniel (The First Baptist Church of Peniel). It is indeed special to be alone in His place seeking His face!

What an honor to be able to sit with God,  talk to Him, and listen to what His Spirit has to say. For the past twenty-seven years now, my wife and I have trusted God to care for us and direct us in ministry and in life in general. He has not failed us yet and will not in the future. Any failures are on me!

It is my prayer that each of us will feel His presence today, all day and every day! Trust Him!

PR '24 . . . work day 2

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:11-15)

It is great to be used by God! To have Him call us and then send us . . . just think about it for a minute.

The Creator of the universe . . . the God of eternity . . . has stepped down and interrupted our selfish plans to call upon us to share in His work. It is not like He needs us or anything, He just loves us enough to say, "Hey . . . join me!"

So here we are in Puerto Rico with a bunch of teenagers serving God. Even though we have had a lot of rain lately and plans have changed, there is still work to do . . . service to render. There is always work to be done in the Kingdom even a menial as cleaning a bathroom or emptying trash.

So as we partner with Praying Pelicans and Pastor Abraham Morales and the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Peniel here in Canovanas, PR, we are willing to do whatever task we are asked to do. Our labor is not in vain. Only what we do for Christ will last.

Imagine doing it for a lifetime . . . .

PR '24 . . . work day 1

“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47)

After an exciting day of prayer and praise in church yesterday and walking he neighborhood around the church visiting families, we now begin the hard labor. We never really know exactly what work we will be doing as we go out, but we do have a general idea. . . . painting scraping, moving, building. Above all else however, is our desire and God's desire to use us to share Christ and represent Him to others in need. 

Many in the community are suffering from various illness such as dementia and diabetes, some have suffered injuries, and some are living in fear of violence in their neighborhood. As we work, we take time to stop and talk to neighbors and then pray with them. Our desire is to bring comfort, hope and the love of Jesus Christ. 

Please pray with us today!

Puerto Rico Day 1 . . . Let's Go!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

Well, we arrived In Puerto Rico without a hitch yesterday (Saturday), met by our friends from Praying Pelican Missions, Christian and Jorge, loaded up the vans with our luggage and headed to Primera Bautista Iglesia de Peniel in Canovanas, PR. We met three others from a school in Minnesota who will be working with us. It was quite a reunion with or ministry friends (family) here on the island. After a stop at the beachside food vendors and the island specialty of pinchos, we unpacked and set up our bedding at the church. The team met with our leaders for trip logistics. After a dinner of chicken tacos, we then made a stop at WalMart for needed items. Finally we settled in for the night. 

The real work begins this morning as we worship and have bible study with Pastor Abraham and his church. The kids seemed to have adjusted to our sleeping arrangements (even the occasional bug). I am the only one up at this time. 

I have to reflect upon the verse above from Isaiah as it was these words that drew my wife and I to missions some twenty-seven years ago just after we married. They ring just as true today as they did then . . . send me Lord!

I am as excited now as then, to serve both at home and abroad as God leads us . . . within my home, in my neighborhood, in our local area of the DMV, and anywhere else He calls us. God has kept us and used us as a family in so many ways. We are forever grateful.

So let's go!

It's me . . . It's me in the need of prayer!

In God alone my soul finds rest, for my deliverance comes from God, who alone is my rock, my salvation, my fortress: I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1)

I am so happy to be on Easter Break! The past few weeks have really been challenging. I have been planning a mission trip with ten students, planning a senior cruise for my graduating senior class, and on top of that stress, I have faced challenges both in and out of the classroom as well. I have been lied on, falsely accused, threatened and ignored . . . this break is right on time!

As we prepare to serve in Puerto Rico this Saturday, I am looking forward to reuniting with mission partners and reigniting friendships with many. I cannot wait to see the experiences our students will encounter. Then we return to complete the final semester for my graduating class! It will be fast-moving two months!

No matter the challenges . . . and there are a myriad of challenges, some I have no control over . . . I am not shaken! I am trusting God to go before me and be with me when it is over. He is still God. 

Pray for a brother! https://youtu.be/bM_AgHJVT9U?si=EF5JsAVl_s4z8L1h