Do You Feel Different?

 Now that it's over, do you feel any different? Happy, sad? Hopeful, hopeless? I'm talking of course about inauguration day 2021. Some people were extremely excited to see the last president go. Some are fearful of what the new president will do. America is very divided on this. Are you hoping that the new president will do better things for America? Are you feeling hopeless because the guy that some voted for did not get in? 

Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm neither. My only hope is in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:8 New Living Translation

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His leadership never changes. Don't have to worry what will happen four years from now with Him. Even in 8, 12, or forever. He never changes.

So many people are putting their hope in the government. To help them. Fix or make their problems go away. To provide for them. Especially after this past year that we have gone through.

Psalm 121:1-2 English Standard Version

121 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

I depend on The Lord for help. Help in every situation. He is the one that I lean on. He is the one that I trust in. His love never fails. People are putting their hope into a president who doesn't even know their name. You know who knows your name? Jesus. He knows every name. 

Romans 12:12 Amplified Bible

12 constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength]

So I may or may not agree with the changing of the guard today in Washington D.C. But one thing that I am going to do is pray for the new president and vice president and their team. That God will lead them, guide them and direct them onto the path that He has already laid out for them. That He will soften hearts and minds.

Amen!

Positive, Uplifting Words.

I load & unload trucks all day long where I work. Some loads come in very good and some come in very bad. What do I mean by bad? The load is spilled all over the floor, pallets are tipped over, product is damaged, etc. The good loads are the ones that we want to see. Everything is in place and where it is supposed to be. No damage, nothing broken or tipped over. When the bad loads happen I usually notify our quality & purchasing teams. They reach out to our vendors and get it taken care of. When the good loads happen, I always let the drivers know. This happened three times yesterday. After the first load was finished, I took the drivers paperwork out to him and told him what an awesome load that it was, and how his truck line is top notch with deliveries to us. I told him how happy I am when I see their truck's pull into our lot, because I know it's going to be a good load. His smile was a mile wide while thanking me for the positive feed back and compliments to him and the company that he drives for. I told him that there is to much negativity right now, I want to be positive and uplifting. Tell people the good stuff that happens. He told me that was a great way to end the week.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 New Living Translation

11 So encourage each other and build each other up

The second and third drivers were from the same truck line, but with two different kinds of deliveries. Again, both of them were perfect. Not an issue with either one. I told each driver the same thing about how good the loads were and how awesome the truck line was. One of the drivers told me that he never hears the good stuff, only the bad. I told him that wasn't going to happen today. Only positive and uplifting words are going to be spoken to you. I said the same thing to him as I did the other driver. To much negative out there. I want speak positive. Be the light of Christ to people.

Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

So may I encourage you to speak kindly to people. You never know what kind of power those positive and uplifting words can do for someone. Could make their day. Or their week! Let's lift everyone up and encourage each other. To many people are ready to tear someone down.

Let's use our words for good.

 

Amen!

Fog. The Clearing Of,

 Fog. It has been pretty consistent around this area for the past week or so. It seems like everyday it was foggy. It makes it hard to get around. Can't see the traffic lights. Unable to see the lanes on the road. Or even the tail lights on the car in front of you. We are relieved when the sun finally comes out and clears the fog away. Or burns it off. Which ever you prefer.

This past week reminded me of us. How many of us walk around in the fog of  life, stumbling, bumping into things because we are unable to see. God gave His Son, Jesus to us, to clear the fog away. We don't have to live in the darkness of fog anymore. He made a way for us, to see clearly.

Isaiah 42:16 The Message

But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going.

I’ll be a personal guide to them,

    directing them through unknown country.

I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take,

    make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.

These are the things I’ll be doing for them—

    sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.”

With the fog also came frost that formed on almost anything that didn't move. Trees, car antenna's, eve troughs, you name it it was there. The trees were beautiful to look at, that's for sure.

I thought about the apostle Paul. The fog that he was in, considering what he was doing to the Christians of the day. Then he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul's eyes had frosted over so he couldn't see anything. He continued into the city and found a man whom Jesus had sent to lay hands on him and pray. The moment that he believed in Jesus, The Son of God, the frost melted away from his eyes and he could see again. 

God also gives us His word, The Bible to help navigate foggy days. He won't leave us on the road to ruin. He provides the light for us.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet

    and a light for my path.

So no matter what you are going through or dealing with. Trust in The Son of the living God, Jesus. He will clear out the fog, and give you a clear path.

2021. It's A New Year, Right??

 So here we are. What most of us have anticipated for a while now. The arrival of 2021. Adios 2020. So long. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. All those cliche goodbyes. Let me ask you a question. Do you feel any different now that's it's a new year? Is there any difference from December 31 to January 1st? Other than the year number changing. People were so weary of 2020 and all the problems that came with it. They were willing to do almost anything to get out of it. By the calendar changing over to 2021, did you think that all of last years issues were just going to go away? The virus is still here. People are still out of work. Small business' are closing at an alarming rate. Everything is still pretty much the same. Just a different year now.

What can we do about it you may be asking?

Well for one, we can change our attitudes about how things are going. Instead of looking at our problems, let's look at our blessings. Let's be grateful and thankful for what God has done for us during this pandemic. He still loves us. Cares about what happens to us. It may not seem like it to some people, but God is still at work, and He is still good! He is still in control, even when we don't see it, or feel it. I believe that The Lord is about to do something amazing this year, 2021.

Romans 8:28 Amplified Bible

28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

I believe that He has a plan for 2021. To awaken the church and all Christians across the globe. For us to mobilize and become united like never before. He is calling us to rise. He has a plan.

Proverbs 3:5 Amplified Bible

 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

2020 did not make any sense to us. It was a big chaotic mess. God knew what was happening and that is why I trust in Him. Not any of our earthly leaders. Do you think that by changing our president will make our problems go away? No, it will just welcome in a different set of problems. People are hopeful that this change will be a good one. The only person I put my hope in, is Jesus!

So we can change the calendar year. We can change our leadership. There is one thing that never changes. JESUS! You can count on Him, always!

Hebrews 13:8 New Living Translation

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Amen.

2020, The Last Week Of.

 I don't know about you, but I am tired of 2020. I am tired of being told to wear a mask where ever I go. Tired of not being able to eat inside a restaurant. Tired of being told whom I can spend time with and who I can't. Where I can travel. Tired of not being able to go to see a movie. I think that you get it. I'm just tired of the whole thing, as I'm sure much of you are. This Christmas season hit me hard this year. With both of my parents gone, not being able to have our annual family Christmas party and not being able to celebrate with my brother & his family, it really got me down. I don't know about you, but I am ready to shake the dust from my sandals as we exit this year.

Matthew 11:28 New Living Translation

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

I do have to admit that this year hasn't been all bad. The place where I work is considered essential, so I have not had to miss any work during this pandemic. I have been able to spend extra time with my daughter that I wouldn't have had if this hadn't have happened. My wife's job told her to work from home, so I get to see much more of her as well. Bonus!

But still, this whole thing is wearing me down. 

I try and be as positive as much as I can at work, or where ever I go. I try and be the light of Jesus to whomever I come across. Say hello, smile, give a little wave. Whatever I can do to let people know that they are seen.

Galatians 6:9 New Living Translation

9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

So I am looking forward to 2021. Do I think that this pandemic is going away? Probably not. At least for not a while anyway.

So as we come to the end of this stink bomb of a year, I am thankful that I have a Savior whom I can rest in. One who encourages me to keep on doing good, even when things aren't so good.

So I urge you brothers and sisters. As we get ready to enter into the new year, and people are tired and weary and worn out from this last one. Tensions are high, emotions are high, tempers flare. Lets remember to be kind to each other. Give each other a break. Don't be so offended by everything.

Ephesians 4:32 Amplified Bible

32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Happy New Year. God bless you all.

Keven

Drowning!

 

This picture. This picture was posted by a band that I follow on Facebook, Seventh Day Slumber. This picture and the post that followed started me thinking about the meaning behind it. I believe that this is Jesus reaching for Peter after he sank in the water after taking his eyes and focus off of Jesus.

Matthew 14:30-31 The Message

29-30 He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” 31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

When I look at this picture (as I do often, like everyday), I remember the story of Peter, but I also think of us. You and me. What are we drowning in? Are we drowning in secret sin? Drowning in situations that we get ourselves in? Work, home, finances? What is it that is overwhelming us and causing us to sink and think that we are drowning?

What I love about this picture is that Jesus is reaching for us. We are not out of His grasp. All we have to do is reach back. Allow Him to take us by the hand, and set us on solid ground.

Deuteronomy 31:8 New Living Translation

8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

So no matter where we find ourselves. Whether we think that we are in far over our head and think that we are drowning, Jesus is right there with us. All we have to do is reach out and take a hold of His hand and He will pull us to safety.

Romans 8:35 New Living Translation

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

Remember that God loves us. He wants the best for us. We just have to believe! 

Amen!

Christmas Lights.

I've been seeing on social media probably since late October that people had started putting up their Christmas trees, decorating their houses, inside and out. They string lights around windows, railings on the stair case. Outside they would string lights along the roof top. Decorate their trees, bushes, mailboxes, and whatever else they could. With the way that 2020 has been going, people were looking for something good and positive. What's more positive than Christmas, right! Putting up the tree and decorations, hanging lights everywhere gave people joy and some hope during this pandemic.

I started to wonder if people would get as excited for the light that Jesus provides. He gives us much more hope than a Christmas decoration ever will.

John 8:12 New Living Translation

12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

We have several big Christmas light shows around us locally. They have a huge display, draw lots of people, and just like that, it is over. The Christmas season has passed. The lights are turned off, taken down and put away till next Christmas.

That is what is so good about Jesus' light. It never goes out. Never dims or runs out of power. His light is always in season. Unlike the lights that we put up around our own houses for us and our neighbors to enjoy, Jesus' light is for the whole world to see.

The world is a dark place. Jesus wants us to be lights in the world. To shine brightly for Him. His light should reflect off of us, to others around us.

Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Christmas lights are great. They are nice to look at and enjoy for the season. Make people happy and cause them to smile, but only for a brief moment.

Jesus' light shines bright and lasts forever. That's the light that I want to put my focus on.