Overflowing!

 What do you think of when you hear the word overflowing? Do you think of a river that has overflowed it's banks? Do you think of your coffee cup overflowing. You poured to much in it and now it's running down the side. Do you think of a sink doing dishes or tub getting ready to take a bath. Water running all over the place. The counter, the cabinets, the floor. Then if your like me, I worry about the floor getting ruined because of water seeping through and then having to replace it. The struggle is real!

There is a different kind of overflowing that I would like to share with you. This is a good kind of overflow, that comes from God.

My wife shared with me a video of a man talking about Psalm 23:5. He was talking about giving and giving to others and when the time came for himself, he had no energy left to give. The person whom he was talking with told him that this verse didn't say a word about pouring, it said overflow. It changed his whole narrative. 

Psalm 23:5 New Living Translation

5 You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with blessings.

We are to be so full of God, that the blessings he bestows on us will overflow to others. 

How do we get filled with God? Glad that you asked.

Read His word. Everyday. Open up your Bible and see what He has to say to you (us).

Pray. Set aside time everyday, devoted to prayer. Be intentional in prayer. Thank God for what He has done and continues to do. Thank Him for the blessings in your life!

Attend church. Get filled with being around other believers. Iron sharpens iron.

Proverbs 27:17 New Living Translation

17 As iron sharpens iron so a friend sharpens a friend.

Be doers of the word, not just readers. If the Bible calls to action, then act. Go do something in Jesus name! Be His hands and feet to someone. Let your blessings overflow. Don't try to put a lid on them and keep them for yourself. Share with others.

Hebrews 13:16 English Standard Version

16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

So I encourage you to get filled to the point of overflowing! Let Gods light and love overflow out of you, to bless others!

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

Turning The Page!

 Borrowing a song title from the great Bob Seger, "Turn The Page". We are in the last days of 2024. 2025 is just around the corner. As you're getting ready to turn the page from '24 to '25, what do you want? What do you hope happens in this new year. To me, I pray that I have a better year than last year. Not that last year was bad, just always wanting to get better or improve!

So here comes 2025. What do you want to see happen, or take place. How do you want it to be different than this past year? What do you want to do differently?

Do you want to draw closer to God? Have a more intimate relationship with Him? That is always a good thing to strive for!

James 4:8 Living Bible

8 And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. 

Do you want to read your Bible more? Really dig into it and study it. Learn more about God & Jesus. That is another good goal.

2 Timothy 3:16 New Living Translation

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Do you want to love more boldly? Be more compassionate toward others? Show more grace and mercy? I always strive for this. I can always do better at showing people love & forgiveness. Be less judgmental! 

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.

I could go on and on, but I think that you get the idea. As we start the New Year, let's put God first, in everything that we do. How we treat people. How we go about our work. Let's give back when we can. 

Let this be our greatest year yet in showing Jesus to people. A world that desperately needs a Savior! Let's show the world by our actions that we are Christ followers. 

John 13:35 The Voice

35 Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.

This is my greatest goal for this year. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

So, You Think You Have A Problem!

 So, you think that you have a problem that God can't fix? I highly doubt it. There is nothing to big or to small for God. He cares about you and what you are going through.

1 Peter 5:7 The Voice

7 Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.

If God can rescue Daniel from the Lions den, (Daniel 6:16-23), you don't think that He can rescue from dire situations? I think that He can.

If God can protect Daniel and his two friends while in the fiery furnace, turned up to 7X hotter, (3:16-28), how much more will He protect you in certain situations? Jesus was in the fire with them. He will be with you as well.

He was with David as he went out to battle the Giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:50-53) A small shepherd boy that many laughed at when he went out to battle. David knew that Goliath was big, but he knew that his God was bigger. God is bigger than anything that we can face. 

Imagine the troubles that Moses faced? As Israel's leader to bring them out of Egypt, he not only had to deal with the Egyptians who didn't want to let them go, he also had to deal with his own people who grumbled and complained about his leadership. He leaned on God time and time again to gain wisdom and knowledge of what to do. He also did a lot of praying! Won't He do the same for you, who are in charge or in a leadership position of some kind?

What about Job? His situation went south rather quickly.  He lost his family, his wealth and then his health. In fact his wife wanted him to curse God and die! What did he do? He continued to praise God (Job 1:20-22) No matter what life throws at us, we can continue to worship God. No matter how dire the situation seems, God will be there. Every time!

James 1:2-4 Living Bible

2 Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, 3 for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

So I encourage you. Not matter what kind of problem that you are facing. God will be with you. Call out to Him for help! He is always near, never far from us!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Doesn't Have To Be Much!

 We are constantly hearing about being Jesus' hands and feet. Go out and be like Jesus wherever you go. So I decided to look that up in the Bible. Where is it exactly that tells us to be His hands and feet? This is the Bibles definition of being Jesus' hands and feet.

Matthew 25:35-40 New Living Translation

35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!’

We observe the needs around us. Looking at what we have, giving what we can. That's it.

People think that they need to do something grand or elaborate to be Jesus' hands extended. They think that they have to rescue someone from a burning building. Render first aid at a car accident scene. Perform life saving actions for someone who is having a medical emergency. All of that is great, don't get me wrong. But, how many times have you been in those kinds of situations? Not very many I'm guessing.

To be Jesus' hands and feet, you can do the small things as well. The other day at a hardware store, the cost of  being His hands and feet, .59c. Not much, but to the person whom it was given, it was the world at that time. You see we can't say that we are followers of Jesus and then not act when we see someone in need.

Philippians 2:4 New Living Translation

4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Being Jesus' hands and feet mean that we are not in this for ourselves. We need to show Jesus to others around us. We can talk and talk, but people really look at what we do and how we act!

1 John 3:18 New Living Translation

18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

So what can we do to put our faith in action. Open or hold open the door for someone. Let someone cut in front of you at the grocery store if they only have a couple of items and you have a whole cart full. Pay for someone's dinner. Do all of this with a smile on your face. Let the joy of Jesus shine through you! People will notice!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

What A Difference A Day Makes!

 So, we just got through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It starts off with Thanksgiving first followed by what everyone calls 'Black Friday'. I call it 'Fight Club Friday'. We spend the first few weeks in November being kind to one another. Looking out for each other. Being thankful for what we have.

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.

Stores are crowded with people all looking for the same thing. Thanksgiving food. Turkey, cranberries, stuffing mix, whatever. People are bumping into each other, showing kindness to each other. Forgiving for their behavior.

Then the very next day is like a flick of the switch. All of the kindness and forgiving goes out the window. People who were kind and compassionate all of a sudden turn into rude, entitled people. They're, me first. Get out of my way. How dare you think you can get in front or go before me. Fight Club Friday is on! People who were just the day before being thankful for the blessings in their life, all of a sudden are fighting people over a TV. Or video game. Doesn't matter what. They think that they deserve it much more than anyone else.

We Christians are called to live differently than the world, especially on Fight Club Friday. If we are standing in line and someone cuts in front of us, don't get upset. What does it matter if we are one more person back from were we where? Keep smiling. Let Jesus show through you to others. Keep being peaceful. That is what Jesus would want. Offer to help them carry stuff to their car. Help lift heavy objects. Whatever it takes. Let them see Jesus.

Then they'll wonder what makes us different. That's how we show that we are Jesus' followers. By the love that we show to one another.

John 13:35 Amplified Bible

35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

So I say that next Black Friday (Fight Club Friday), let the world act like the world. Let them beat each other up over material things. Let us continue to show Jesus to them by being peaceful and kind!

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Amplified Bible

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Cupboard Spices.

 Psalm 100:4 New Living Translation

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

As some of you may or may not know, I volunteer every year for an event that my company hosts. It is a mobile packing event for Feed My Starving Children. Have been volunteering for fifteen or sixteen years. Every year we watch a video of the progress being made with the food that gets distributed. 

These kids in the videos recall how they would only be able to eat a clay or mud pie. Literally food made out of dirt! No nutritional value, at all! Just something to fill their hungry stomachs for a moment.

Anyway,

The other day, a task that I have done hundreds of times, suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. I opened up the cupboard where we keep spices, peanut butter, a multitude of other things. I grabbed the peanut butter for my toast and looked at the spices. I froze! I'm looking at all of these spices to make our food taste better, and I start thinking about the kids who are eating clay or dirt for a meal. It hit me hard. How many times have I opened that cupboard, grabbed the peanut butter and never gave a second thought about the spices. It kind of reminded me of reading The Bible. You read scripture over and over and then one day, it comes alive to you. You don't know how you've missed it before!

So this event takes place every November. You know the month that has Thanksgiving Holiday in it. While looking at those spices, I had plenty to be thankful for. I always do. I don't wait till November to give God thanks. I thank Him many, many times a day. Everyday! For everything.

I think that we always thank God for the big things that we have, but I also thank Him for small things. God is in the details. Just read Numbers, Leviticus or Deuteronomy. Every morning I thank him for the locks unlocking on my vehicle. I thank Him for it starting, headlights working & it going into gear. I thank Him for the stereo working. I am a music guy. I can not go without the stereo working. A couple of weeks ago, I could not get my cd to eject from the player. Thankfully, it was a cd that I really didn't mind listening to over and over again. Finally, I got it to eject. Thank you God! God's timing is perfect!

So I encourage you. Thank God for everything, no matter what. From the stereo working in your car, to having a home, a job, food on the table. Nothing is to small or to big for God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18Amplified Bible

18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

God Bless & have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Rev. Kev.

Looking Forward.

 This past weekend, I completed my fifteenth year of volunteering for FMSC. It's an event that I really look forward to every year. The build up, the fund raising, the event itself. But then, just like that, it was over. Another year finished! Have to wait till next year.

How many of us are like that? We have something that we put on our calendars and so look forward to and then in a heartbeat, it's over.

Thanksgiving Holiday. I know that I really look forward to the four day weekend. Eating, laughing, watching football, spending time with family. Have turkey on Thursday, maybe do some black Friday shopping, eat leftovers the whole weekend, but before you know it, it's Monday again. Back to work and the daily grind.

Christmas as well. The build up after Thanksgiving. Putting up the tree. Start buying presents. Then wrapping said presents. Start to make travel plans if you are heading out of town. Getting your house ready if you have guests coming over. You plan and plan. Check off your to do list. Next thing you know, Christmas is over. Radio stops playing Christmas music. The tree and all the decorations come down and are put away till next year. You are back to work, again. 

Another weekend I really look forward to is Labor Day. My family has a big party every Labor Day weekend. We have been doing this for many, many, years. It coincides with Maple Parks "Fun Fest" So we start on Saturday with a two mile walk through town, then usually followed by a breakfast of some kind. Later that day we gather for the parade and then the cookout. So much fun, so much food. Love it! Every year! But then again, I look forward to all of the planned activities and then "boom" it's over. 

There are many things that I look forward to doing throughout in a years time. To many to list here. If I were to do that, it would be a novel, instead of a blog.

There is one thing that I am looking forward to in the future. Something that will never end or close.

The day that I go to Heaven. That coming event is going to be glorious! Not that I want to pass away today, but when I do, Heaven is what I am looking forward to! Spending eternity with Jesus. How can it get any better? 

Hebrews 11:16 New Living Translation

16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Isn't it awesome that God is preparing a place for us, to live with Him. Forever! 

John 14:2-3 New Living Translation

2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 

So I encourage you tonight. All the plans that you make and look forward to will eventually come to an end. All the parties, games, etc. will end and you'll have to look forward to the next thing. So keep your mind on Heaven, which will never run out or end.

Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible

2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.