Recognition.

More and more we are hearing of government, groups, people, companies, etc. that are doing all they can to do away with Christmas. Not surprising at all. What is surprising is the lack of back bone we have as believers. How do we keep it alive? We live it and share it!!! Fact is that every person we look at, could be Christ on earth today. He lives within us and has told us that what we do to our brothers we do to Him.
Here is your stone!! "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him." (John 1:10 NIV). Today, I challenge all of us to seek Christ in those around us. To live out how He has called is to live. Be bold in Love. Shake a hand and say Merry Christmas. Look people in the eyes. Give a gift card to McDonalds to a needy person. Note this " the world did not recognize him." and as a result, they crucified our savior. How similar that sounds today. Doing away with our belief because it offends someone?? I say this., Praise Jesus and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Unmasked Transformer!!

As a man, it has often been said that we wear many hats. Our career, our marriage, our children, and even our church. These are easily separated. The challenge is the masks!! Yes, we wear too many masks and it continues to prevent us from being who we have been designed to be. God knew we would be challenged by this and states that we need to Unveil our faces. When we do, we allow Him to transform us!!! Are you ready to allow Him to transform you?!

Here is your stone!! "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV)

TRANSFORM!!!

Eyes of Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I pray that our hearts are opening up to see and share the many things that we are and should be thankful. But as we sit at the table today, will we be the first to share that info? Are we wanting to do that? Or is it better just to eat, laugh, and get back to the game? Imagine if your heart had eyes... How would it see differently that you? Or would it? Let us pray today that as followers, we have allowed Christ into our heart and that we open the eyes of our hearts and see things from that perspective. Then, will you share why you are thankful? Happy Thanksgiving!!

Here is your stone!! "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," (Ephesians 1:18 NIV)

Sun Rise and me!

In our busy lives we get up and go constantly, for work, kids, family, and even ministry work. There are many days that seem to fly by and we feel like we have accomplished a great deal. But have we accomplished the understanding of the greatest deal. Take some time to realize the amazing things that are around you. The sun rise, moon and stars, trees, birds in flight , and even the breeze that is blowing. Wow, take that in for a minute. The huge works around us that God created. What was the purpose for each of the things He creates. Are they serving their purpose? We then remember that the same God who created those amazing things, created us!! Are we fulfilling our purpose or just rushing through tasks?

Psalm 8.......

End is the beginning!

Have you ever felt like you have gotten to that point where you are at the end of your rope. That saying alone means you have nothing else to hold on to, or that you just can't handle this situation any longer. Ready to give up?! PERFECT!!! When we finally realize we can't do it
anymore, we then have to allow Him to take charge. How beautiful. Let go of the robe and grab ahold of His outstretched hand!!

Here is your stone!! "“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3 NIV). Hand it over and let the end be the Beginning!!!

Get Real!!

Let's just sit back and keep things REAL. Everyone of us deserves a hot seat in hell. It's that simple. If we are continually selling ourselves to ourselves with phrases that contain, "Well at least I...." Then we have to wake up. We need to take these words and use them in different ways. "I am least.., but i have the Well ..." Yes!! The Well of Life!!! He came here for a purpose, to save US!! Unworthy US!! Lets grab ahold of this NOW!!
Here is your stone!! "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV).

What if? Or He Will!!

Are you worried about anything? Stressed? Isn't that what we find being one of the biggest reasons for illness in our country? I find it interesting how many of us fight to put God in our country and yet we fail to put God in our lives. We are a worried society, which is a problem and yet we have "The Answer"!!
Here is your stone!! "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?" (Matthew 6:26, 27 NIV). Lets stop worrying and start worshipping!!

Represent

At some point in our lives, we have hopefully been taught that once we put our name on something, we should want it to be the best possible. To take pride in that piece of work or item. Even though we know it would never be perfect, we should still desire the best. Imagine if God allowed you to use His stamp of approval.
Here is your stone!! "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," (Colossians 3:23 NIV). I have read this verse 100's of times. Picturing going into God's office with my final project to turn in. As I read it today, I thought of it a little differently. What if I viewed it as filling in? God has sent us to do His work for Him. When I finish my day and explain how I handled the jobs for Him, how well did I represent?
What will you produce today and is it worthy of God's signature?

Pioneer Journey!!

I love to take hikes and our family takes one whenever possible. Imagining while we are hiking, what it must have been like going there first. A pioneer! Dictionary.com says a pioneer: "one of a group of foot soldiers detailed to make roads, dig intrenchments, etc., in advance of the main body." To advance the main body.
Here is your stone!! "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 12:2 NIV). He didn't know what the outcome would be. He went forward and created a path for us!! Are you ready to explore?

The Erasing Gift

Do you remember as a child at Christmas or your birthday when you would get that ONE thing you were desiring? You could open everything else, then you'd get that box. Nothing else mattered at that point. Now as adults, we don't think that way. But shouldn't we? God has said to be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. If we did that today and thought about what our ONE gift could be?
Here is your stone!! "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ". (Philippians 3:8 NIV). Have you opened up this life changing gift? Or are you distracted by what other things you have?