Peace be with you in all times. Psalm 34:8

Psalm 34:8 (NLT) 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Two years ago about a few hours earlier from this 5:30 AM time, our daughter […]

A full cup. Psalm 146:5

Psalm 146:5 (NLT) 5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God Matthew 6:26-27 (NLT) 26 “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable […]

Remember the Lord is near

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Philippians 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is […]

It’s time to work at living in peace with everyone. John 7:16-17

John 7:16-17 (NLT) 16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” Proverbs 14:27 (NLT) 27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving […]

Then them is you and me. Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Ecclesiastes 11:10 (NLT) 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a […]

Until then… James 3:15-18

James 3:15-18 (NLT) 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace […]

Safety, strength and peace. Proverbs 18:10

Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Psalm 29:11 (NLT) 11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Proverbs 2:9 (NLT) 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find […]

As we approach a new year and beyond… Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT)

Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) 17 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Job 1:21 (NLT) 21 He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and […]

Merry Christmas! All we have to do is turn to him. Psalm 42:11

Psalm 42:11 (NLT) 11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! Because he delivers. He delivers out of selfless love and all we have to do is turn to him. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) 6 […]

Nice idea…

Psalm 4:8(NLT) 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Nice idea, but not for today you might think. There’s too much stuff going on to trust anything but my Glock. But, that’s the way the world thinks, not how God is. We can go […]

Slowly crawling to freedom John 8:32

John 8:32 (NLT) 32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Freedom. It was something that I never knew and am just now beginning to know. It’s the freedom of my soul. I may be trapped by the riches of the west in many ways, but my soul is […]

Life sucks and we’re supposed to be glad? 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)

1 Peter 4:12-13(NLT) 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is […]

Hunger and thirst Matthew 5:6

Matthew 5:6 (NLT) 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Hunger and thirst… We all do. We all want things. The question is, what? What makes us hungry? Are you hungry for a new car? New fishing pole? New home? New bed partner? New fantasy? New world? […]

Peace be with you Proverbs 18:10

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Who isn’t looking for shelter in the storm? I know I am. Family members dying and the grieving process, not working for extended periods of time, looking to move out of Illinois, and […]

Be led Proverbs 16:7-9

Proverbs 16:7-9 (NLT) 7 When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. 8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. 9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Sometimes I just don’t get it and I wonder how it’s supposed […]

This I’ve learned the hard way Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,as it is written, “The righteous shall live […]

Alt Delete Colossians 1:17-18

Colossians 1:17-18 (NLT) 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. Why? We think we humans are the top of […]

Run for cover 2 Samuel 22:31

2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT) 31 “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV) 31 “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:31 […]

Amazing in, amazing out Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 13:20 20. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Garbage in, garbage out. In the jail last night we had a very interesting conversation about “the cycle”. One guy is in for his 24th time. 24 times through the jail/court/jail system. Insanity? Yep. Insanity – we all […]

The world needs a radical today Psalms 135:5-7

Psalms 135:5-7 5. I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. 6. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. 7. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the […]

Listen to your father Proverbs 13:1 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Proverbs 13:1 1. A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) 2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a […]

Rebelling against boundaries Proverbs 15-29 Romans 8:15

Hebrews 3:12-15 (ESV) 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For […]

Looking for peace. 1 John 4:12-13 Mark 6:30-34 John 7:14-19

1 John 4:12-13 (NIV) 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. Mark 6:30-34 (ESV) 30 […]

We should not have to bury our child. Psalm 139:4-6 Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Psalm 139:4-6 (ESV) 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. No parent should have to bury a […]

Isn’t this what we want? Galatians 3:24-29

“there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female” Galatians 3:24-29 (ESV) 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you […]

Tolerance or Reconciliation? Ephesians 2:14-17

Ephesians 2:14-17 (NIV) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, […]

Sometimes life… 1 Peter 2:19-21 Colossians 3:12-14

1 Peter 2:19-21 (ESV) 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing […]

Find the Peace Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:18-19 Matthew 24:23-28

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV) 18 Now the birth of the Christ took place in this way. […]

Oceans of Justice, Rivers of Fairness Psalm 85:10-13 Amos 5:24

Psalm 85:10-13 (NIV) 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his […]

Smoke on the water Psalm 84 Mark 6:47-50

Psalm 84 (ESV) 84 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Mark 6:47-50 (NIV) 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he […]

Home 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 1 Peter 2:24-25

2 Chronicles 20:1-13 (MSG) 20 1-2 Some time later the Moabites and Ammonites, accompanied by Meunites, joined forces to make war on Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: “A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There’s no time to waste—they’re already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of […]

Energy surging Psalm 121:7-8 John 14:27

Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT) 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— watches over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever. John 14:27 (NLT) 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world […]

That should be enough Psalm 91:11 John 10:12-14 1 Peter 3:13-16

Psalm 91:11 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Matthew 10:12-14 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone […]

Peace John 3:16-17 Isaiah 53:1-5

John 3:16-17 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Isaiah 53:1-5 […]

Matthew 13:1-9 John 21:25 Mark 11:25 Help I’ve fallen and I can get up!

Matthew 13:1-9 (ESV) The Parable of the Sower 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things […]

Matthew 12:7 John 14:6-7 Acts 20:28 Nice

Matthew 12:7 (NIV) “7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’, you would not have condemned the innocent.” John 14:6-7 (NIV) “6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, […]

Matthew 7:10, 15-17 Golden rule in reality

Matthew 7:10 (NIV) The Golden Rule “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:15-17 (NIV) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. […]

Declaration of Independence

As you read this, put it in modern day terms. Have we not elected despots who have put us under “the most [laws] destructive of the public good, and ruinous to individuals.”? Are we not, under the guise of tolerance at the point where “now they have forbidden us to listen to, or to accept any terms […]

Isaiah 54:10 Ecclesiastes 1:4 Some things never change

Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Ecclesiastes 1:4 “Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” Some things never change. Like change. […]

1 John 1:9-10 Galatians 5:22-23 Come home to the good life

1 John 1:9-10 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is […]

Luke 9:11-17 Psalms 22:26-28 Musta been a food coma that made me do it. Or maybe not.

Luke 9:11-17 “11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and […]

Habakkuk 3-17-18 When bread goes bad

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “ 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be […]

Proverbs 12:2, 13:5, 14:5 The need to lie

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame. Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. Lies, lies, lies. White lies, black […]

Isaiah 40:3 God don’t need no stinkin’ runway.

Isaiah 40:3 “3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” I used to think this was pointing to God being an alien and that when his ship landed, well it’d need a runway. Hmm, a spaceship traveling […]

Proverbs 15-16 Isaiah 33:22 Who is this guy?

Proverbs 15:16 “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” Isaiah 33:22 “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” The Lord sets the rules and is our judge. It’s better to live in […]

Daniel 4-37 Hebrews 12:14 Live humbly, in peace

Daniel 4:37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Hebrews 12:14 “14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness […]

1 Peter 5:8-10 Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh

1 Peter 5:8 – 10 “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And […]

Hebrews 12:14 I just can’t handle God and His expectations

Hebrews 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” I just can’t handle God and His demands. His expectations are far too high and totally unreasonable. Live in peace and don’t take what isn’t yours, don’t cheat or steal, don’t sleep […]

Romans 8:6-8 Mind control

Romans 8:6-8 “6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” We’d like to think that we control […]

Psalm 42:1 Thirsty?

Psalms 42:1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. The deer pants when it is thirsty. So our soul that’s for our Lord. God made us with a longing for Him, a God shaped hole in our heart that can only be filled by him, yet […]

Isaiah 26:8 – An unnatural condition

Isaiah 26:8 “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” These things are true: Isaiah 26:1 “…God make salvation its walls and ramparts” v3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose mind are steadfast, because they trust in you.” […]

Proverbs 25:28

Anger, fury, rage: open wide and say “attack me, I have no peace”. Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. The self leads us to all sorts of bad things – self will, self centered being the main ones, but self important, self righteous, follow closely […]

Galatians 6:9

I am a Christian, expect me to act like one. Always. Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” What is doing good? What is good? Can you think of anything that eminates from God that isn’t […]

Psalms 16:11

The path leads somewhere. Psalms 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” The path. We know what the path is, but do we know what life is? Can we have life outside of the path? Pilgrim’s […]

Romans 8:6

Laws matter Romans 8:6 “6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” We have laws for a reason – without them there are no constraints and things get ugly in a heartbeat. Ever wonder why things go south? Could it be that we […]

Mark 8:29 John 7:38

“I am who I am” Popeye Mark 8:29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Who do you think I am? Whoever believes in Christ. Living […]

1 John 2:1-2

Choosing to fight 1 John 2:1-2 “1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the […]

John 17:13-14

Out of this world John 17:13-14 “13 I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not […]

1 John 2:12

Forgiveness 1 John 2:12 “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” Very simply put, right there, not to be denied, fact: we are forgiven. Turn your life over to Christ, accept him as your savior, believe he died for your sins, your sins are […]

Galatians 6:7-9

A life of service Galatians 6:7-9 “7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing […]

Matthew 7:15

Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Why do we even have false prophets? We have an awesome God who is pure love, perfect love, who loves us perfectly. So why is there hate, why are there false prophets spreading lies and […]

Psalms 71:8

Psalms 71:8 “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” God rocks. Do you rock with him? A simple message today. God rocks. Do you rock with him? Does it show up in your life constantly, consistently, sometimes, or not at all? Does He rock your world? Do you let […]

1 Corinthians 13:2, 4-7

1 Corinthians 13:2, 4-7 “2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Anyone ever hear these words at a wedding? They were in mine. Oh, how those words brought love […]

John 6:35

John 6:35 “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Twenty eight words. Amazing what God can pack into twenty right words. Think about the word life there. What life? I think, when wrapped around […]

Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11-13 ” 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every […]

1 John 2:24-25

“24 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us–even eternal life.” How many times do we get caught up in the lies the world constantly throws our way – […]

Ephesians 4:26-27

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Anger is a resentment. Resentments are like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It don’t work that way. Resentments come from pouring salt in our wounds from life and are fueled by pride and pain.

Our pride is offended and we have to defend our position. Our wounds are exposed and we try to protect ourselves. We haven’t submitted to his will and carry our self-righteousness into battle, or we haven’t allowed Christ to heal us. We get so blinded by the adrenaline of our anger that we miss our part. Matthew 7:3-4

Don’t take anger to bed with you; don’t let the sun set while you are still angry. Don’t allow Satan to feed your pride, to pump you up with his garbage, to fuel your rage. Explore the button that sent you off and see what’s there. Grieve and heal the wounds. Admit your pride point and examine it closely. Is it in line with Christ?

Some anger is justified, such as sins against others like injustice, lying, stealing, infidelity, etc. Think about this: God gets angry at us for what we do, and rightfully so. He forgives us. What do you do?

Release your self-righteous anger and allow yourself to be healed.

Take your righteous anger and fix the problem.

I think we’re here on earth to battle evil with love. That’s a fight worth having.