Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8| Dateof Comment 09/18/2026 I am a firm believer that our mouths probably get us into more trouble than anything else. Anyway that is my personal experience: Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Not unless God gives you intel on people, which I know he does even today, you have to get to know things about other people to know what their needs are and to speak in a manner so they will listen. Philippians 2:1-5 NIV Imitating Christ's Humility 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 09/09/2026 Isn't it sad that as we age that we seem to lose our value in society. When reaching those milestones in age, it seems like they want us to retire. Just try getting a job as we reach carbon dating status. It becomes more difficult to many things as we age. Our God does not think about us like this: Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. To God we can be a treasure trove of knowledge that can be shared with the younger generation. Just never give up on learning new things and most important God's word so this statement is accurate. Your age is beautiful to God. 09/06/2026 In 1st Peter 3, Peter talks about the beauty of our wives and how they need to submit to their husbands. As guys, we may think this makes us pretty cool. But what happens when we do not give our wives their due respect. Peter answers that to: 1 Peter 3:7 NIV 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Peter talks about the weaker partner, but I have heard how many of you ladies know how to put a hurt out on us guys. That "weaker partner" may not be entirely true. So, men you better treat her right or all your prayers may go unanswered. Especially if she reminds you not to do something but you do it anyway and it becomes a miserable failure. Listen to her advice. She may point out something you may have forgot. Last, make her your queen. 09/04/2026 I do not walk in God's authority as much as I should. When we walk with God's authority it is amazing how much less one gets challenged and the amazing miracles one can do. Jesus was proof of this. We all know about in the beginning and end of his ministry he ran out the money changers and had minimal challenges. He was about to show his authority at Jairus's home. Mark 5:21-23 NIV 21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." As Jesus who always had God's authority healed a bleeding woman who touched his garment on the way there. Jesus never wasted an opportunity. Mark 5:35-43 NIV 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. Jesus just entered someone's house and challanged the behavior of the people there already. After the wise cracks, he then ordered everyone to leave the house except the parents. They all left when he said, "Go!" I firmly believe that when we are under God's authority that what we say will always have more power even in this earthly life. People will notice this from you: Matthew 7:28-29 NIV 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Many of you officers and those in high positions may be under God's authority already. I bet you see a difference in people's reaction when you are under God's authority. The rest of us need to work on exhibiting more of God's authority in our lives. Some may be thinking I am not Jesus so this cannot happen in my life. Peter did not let that stop him: Acts 9:36-42 NIV 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. This is proof that imperfect people can walk in God's authority! 09/02/2026 I have been hearing a lot about authority. We have people in our ministry who carry authority like our military, law enforcement, and fire fighters. They all need our respect. Peter talks about these people: 1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. In verse 14 the statement about governors is true if you live in states like Florida, South Dakota, or Texas. But the rest have the tendency to punish those who do right and commend those who do wrong. Our state of Colorado sent a women to prison because she kept back data to show proof of election fraud. It is hard to honor those who do that to other people. What does honor mean? In the Bible, honor means to assign high weight, value, or worth to someone and to treat them with deep respect and reverence. Biblical Languages and Root Meanings Old Testament (Hebrew - Kavod): Literally means "heavy" or "weighty". To honor God or a person means to treat their presence, authority, or position as weighty and significant rather than light or trivial. New Testament (Greek - Time): Means value, price, preciousness, or respect. It is the act of recognizing someone's worth and showing them appropriate dignity. Who the Bible Says to Honor God: Acknowledging His supreme worth, creator status, and absolute authority through worship and obedience (Revelation 4:11). Father and Mother: Valuing parents' God-given role and position, commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). The Elderly: Showing deference and respect to older people (Leviticus 19:32). Authority Figures and Leaders: Respecting governing rulers, bosses, and church leaders placed in positions of responsibility (Romans 13:7, 1 Timothy 5:17). All People: Treating every person with basic human dignity as creations of God (1 Peter 2:17) Even though I have no desire to put a hit out on anyone at anytime, it is difficult to have honor for people who are committed to the ways of the enemy. It seems to me it is like rewarding people for bad behavior. But I have to remember to ask God to change their ways for him. Jesus died for these people in authority too. 08/26/2026 I just talked about how God uses discipline to mature us. James also says we need perseverance to mature: James 1:2-5 New International Version Trials and Temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. The NLT switches "perseverance" with "endurance". James 1:2-5 NLT Faith and Endurance 2 Dear brothers and sisters,a when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. Those words are definitely different. Which would our King want us to follow? These are the difference between perseverance and endurance: Endurance means surviving and withstanding difficult conditions, while perseverance means actively pushing forward to reach a goal despite obstacles. Well NIV wins because our King loves perseverance more then endurance because he has a goal for each one of us. 07/31/2026 I am a firm believer that all men should be free to worship our King an any manner that pleases him. There is no place in the bible that talks about slavery being wrong except when you mistreat people like Egypt did to the Jews. That greatly angered God. He demonstrated his power by destroying a nation. No one that I know of has ever talked about what God's word says on the slavery topic. Jesus came as a slave: Philippians 2:7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, Jesus said in order to be top dog you need to be a slave to men like he was: Matthew 20:27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. Paul said this multiple times. This one drives the snowflakes crazy: Ephesians 6:5 Slaves and Masters Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:1-2 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Titus 2:9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back. 1 Peter 2:18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you - not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. When you rule over people never forget this to prevent the wrath of God against you: Ephesians 6:9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites Colossians 4:1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master in heaven. When men control you, that is disgusting, but when our addictions control us this is good. All I see is destruction in addictions to the bitter end. At least as a slave I may get an honorable master. Sin does nothing but destroy. Peter says it all: 2 Peter 2:19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. Even in the end times God talks about slaves being around: Revelation 13:16 He required everyone - small and great, rich and poor, free and slave - to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. God himself would rather have all men free. I too do not in any way want to get slavery started again, but the motto of this story is - "You should find out what God says about things before calling anything repulsive." If slavery is so repulsive why did the apostles start their letters with the phrase "a slave of Jesus Christ." 07/27/2026 If only America would come back to her roots like the pilgrims did when they made a covenant with God. Society puts less value on God as we get wrapped up in things that quiet the voice of God. Psalm 95:7-11 NLT 7 for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! 8 The Lord says, "Don'''t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. 9 For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, 'They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.' 11 So in my anger I took an oath: 'They will never enter my place of rest.'" America is definitely not a place of rest today. She is a place of violence and really has little interest in God. You would think her days would be over but I have heard from God's prophets that God is still going to have his way with her. President Trump coined the word "MAGA" but God already had plans to implement it before President Trump came up with it. When God's glory is revealed, just wait and see what God has planned for America. The enemy will hate it because he is going down, but those who truly love God are going to love it. I sure am glad that "Jesus is Lord!!!!!!!" 07/24/2026 It must of been frustrating for Paul to write this last letter to Timothy from prison. When you have so much to say for someone you love so much, it would be nice to do it face to face. Paul wanted Timothy to stay on track: 2 Timothy 4:3-8 NLT 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. First he wants Timothy to be alert. The enemy is a master of deception and he gets us to listen to false information easily.Make an effort to recognize the truth even if it hurts.Isn't chasing a myth like waiting for the sun to rise in the west. Shouldn't we want what is real. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. Paul and Peter both went through suffering and the result made them who they are. God published their writings as a part of his word. They both could tell you when their minds were not clear because of distractions. I loved the way Paul looked at his life and said, "I have fought the good fight." He knew where he was going and was leaving Timothy in charge. Paul also said, "They same prize is available to us who love Jesus and are waiting on his appearance." We too have something to look forward to. Jesus, Paul and Peter all knew when their time was about to expire. I myself am grateful that I do not know the day. I am sure it would be a distraction from the things God has for me to do. I would probably try to do some bucket list things. The unknown can be peaceful and I still know that I am his. 07/11/2026 It is cool when someone who you don't even know gives you a word from the bible that encourages you and it relates to what is going on in your life. You know it is from God. God has also shown me that this is not just for me. For many of you it will fit with your current walk with the Lord. Matthew 7:24-27 NLT Building on a Solid Foundation 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” I firmly believe that Jesus wants me to not give up and continue to read God's word to reinforce that foundation to be unwavering. He is wanting many of you to do the same. Jesus is looking for a strong core of people. He wants us to watch and not fall into this trap. Jesus knows what can happen if our foundation is weak. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 NLT 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. Your salvation can be at risk if your foundation collapses. 07/03/2026 If America could only understand this and take this message to heart: Proverbs 14:34 NLT Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Maybe that day will come. Everyone play it safe on this 4th of July weekend. Do not leave God out of anything you do. He wants to even be part of your fun as long as it is clean. 06/30/2026 In chapter 14 of Zechariah it talks about the condition of Jerusalem because of her sin against God.: Zechariah 14:1-2 NLT The Lord Will Rule the Earth 14 Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming when your possessions will be plundered right in front of you! 2 I will gather all the nations to fight against Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the population will be taken into captivity, and the rest will be left among the ruins of the city. One of the reasons why God wants us to read his word is that we do not make the same mistakes of the past generations. When we get too self-reliant and stupid we believe it will never happen to us. We just flat out reject God. No wonder God gets angry. The people who bring judgement on us by God's calling soon fall into the same trap. God then turn his judgement on them. What God is about to do next is a long time coming! Zechariah 14:9 NLT And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. Could you imagine our God being recognized as the only Lord and the only one worth being worshiped in the entire earth. I wonder if you and I will get to see it happen in our life time. I do not know of a time in history when the entire world worshiped our God at the same time. This gives you something to ponder on. You are right there will always be those who rebel against God. Zechariah talks more about what God is going to do to them. God is going to get his honor and rightful position on the throne. Those who continue to stay connected to Jesus will probably never fall into this trap. Daniel was an example of someone who lived for God. Even though he was innocent, he still was exiled. That is why it is so important for people to know Jesus so we do not lose God's protection on our nation. Do not let the 250 year celebration of our nation be the last one because of our complacency. 06/28/2026 If you are like me you try to stay away from things that bring discomfort to our lives. But we are not to avoid growing our faith and loving God and his people because of fear of being attacked by the enemy. Paul talks about what happens when we give it our all: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 NLT Encouragement during Persecution 3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. 5 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. [We will even have people thank us just because we live for Jesus. If we endure Paul describes what God will do for us and those who persecute you:] 7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 10 When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him. Just remember our life here on earth is temporary but his Kingdom is eternal. Lets stockpile our treasure there inside his Kingdom. 06/20/2026 It is interesting when Jesus Christ becomes the head and the Holy Spirit is invited into our churches, things like this happens. 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NLT 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. This would be like people who are in Denver would be talking about my Church in Windsor. I have not been to every church but I do know some live for Jesus. They may not have the travelers to carry the word of what Jesus is doing amongst you. But this is what Jesus headed churches can do: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 NLT Timothy’s Good Report about the Church 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. I have heard about a church in the ghetto that comes together on Saturday to worship. Since our God is not bound by time neither are they. They worship as the Holy Spirit directs them and quit when he says it is time. Paul would like to hang his hat there too. Your church may be like this too. Just continue to let the Holy Spirit run your service. Jesus loves the powerful church to do his work on his timing. 06/04/2026 I was reading Psalm 34 from the New Living Translation and it is amazing how David and Paul would always start out like this: 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. Paul referenced the church in his writings. The last part of this talks about coming together as a body. The next section talks about our fears and how he comforts us. It also sheds light that we have angels that protect us. 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Isn't that cool even if we seem to have nothing but troubles as God's children, we have an angel around us. The key is if we "have reverent fear" for the God we serve. This same God gives us everything we need: 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Think about this " but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." Greed will say otherwise but just think about living in America. How many people do NOT have the things that we have. This could be > 80% of the world. We lack "No good thing". This next thing is something that Paul would even say about the proper way to live: 11Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Our God never sleeps and is always watching. He does want to help but do we want him. He will turn his face if we have no desire to remove sin in our life: 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Maybe it is time we should all take refuge in the Lord: 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! 21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned Lord we pray that this last part will happen to restore justice back in America. America - One Nation Under Jesus Christ!!!!!!! 05/25/2026 I believe we are living in the Matthew 24:14 timeline: Matthew 24:14 NLT 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Base on what I hear from God's prophets, God will have to do a bunch of things in the worlds financial systems to destroy those who are apposing the spread of the Gospel. This action will be good for the rest of us. What a spectacle that will be to see God's Glory moving as he gives everyone a last chance to come to him before the Lord returns. This is one thing I would like to be alive to see. I am even anxious to see God's final work blossom in our current ministries. He is doing big things as I write this. I was reading Psalm 30 and came across these verses: Psalm 30:8-10 NLT 8 I cried out to you, O Lord. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, 9 “What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord.” God likes it when we remind him of his word. It also proves that you actually opened your bible. I am going to use this so I can be around to witness God's greatest move ever. Just make sure you have been doing these things already. Your heart will reveal if you are serious about this. 05/24/2026 I have talked about parts of this chapter but it would be fun to break it down: Psalm 26 NLT 1 Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. (I do believe that I waver from time to time. Integrity is very important) 2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. (I haven't gotten an A on this one yet but I am getting closer.) 3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. (I always seem to have this one mastered. Then there is that one thing that I do that messes this up.) 4 I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. (I definitely do this one. But sometimes I say to much about it. ) 5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. (Because of the power of Jesus Christ I do not want to be near this stuff.) 6 I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, (Because of sin, am I truly innocent? Jesus can make it happen though.) 7 singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. (As I age spiritually, this does get stronger and stronger.) 8 I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. (Nothing is better then going to church where the Holy Spirit resides.) 9 Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with murderers. (Jesus Christ makes this possible. He has this one for me.) 10 Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. (I want no part of this either. I do a good job of keeping this one.) 11 But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. ( I believe in living for integrity. But do I have as much integrity as David did?) 12 Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord. (I do it in church. I am weak in public because of preoccupation.) The book of Psalm gives you a lot to ponder about. 05/17/2026 I consider myself to be someone who loves people but it seems weak when you read this: Philippians 2:14-18 NLT 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (Paul gets me on this one. I seem to need to complain once in a while and you have to argue with the lefties. But there lies the danger:) 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. It sure looks like Paul is looking out for our best interest. He want us all to experience what Jesus has to offer. 05/14/2026 I hear about the forgiveness of sins a lot but never hardly hear about the consequences of sin even if we are forgiven. Here is one example from our God who not only forgave but was in the restoration business. It was costly to some people. Ezekiel 44:10-14 NLT 10 And the men of the tribe of Levi who abandoned me when Israel strayed away from me to worship idols must bear the consequences of their unfaithfulness. 11 They may still be Temple guards and gatekeepers, and they may slaughter the animals brought for burnt offerings and be present to help the people. 12 But they encouraged my people to worship idols, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have taken a solemn oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign Lord. 13 They may not approach me to minister as priests. They may not touch any of my holy things or the holy offerings, for they must bear the shame of all the detestable sins they have committed. 14 They are to serve as the Temple caretakers, taking charge of the maintenance work and performing general duties. Even though these next men may not be perfect but they continued to obey God. God had this to say: Ezekiel 44:15-16 15 “However, the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok continued to minister faithfully in the Temple when Israel abandoned me for idols. These men will serve as my ministers. They will stand in my presence and offer the fat and blood of the sacrifices, says the Sovereign Lord. 16 They alone will enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me. They will fulfill all my requirements. As sins can be forgiven, the consequences can mean jail, destroyed relationships, and trust. This is why Paul always talks about living like Jesus to avoid all of this despair. Is one moment of pleasure worth a long time of regret? I remember one couple who prayed that their children would be caught trying to sin in school. Those kids soon learned that they would be caught and disciplined for their actions and quit getting into trouble. As Gods children we should know to that we will be caught also. God want to restore us not destroy us. We also have free will to do what we want. The famous saying is "Chose wisely" before you do anything. 05/03/2026 I really believe the most dangerous words we can say is "I did this". Pharaoh took credit for what God did and he got a reaction from the God of the universe: Ezekiel 29:3 NLT 3 Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: “I am your enemy, O Pharaoh, king of Egypt— you great monster, lurking in the streams of the Nile. For you have said, ‘The Nile River is mine; I made it for myself.’ God was about to destroy Egypt because of the foolish words one man spoke: Ezekiel 29:8-12 NLT 8 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will bring an army against you, O Egypt, and destroy both people and animals. 9 The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. “Because you said, ‘The Nile River is mine; I made it,’ 10 I am now the enemy of both you and your river. I will make the land of Egypt a totally desolate wasteland, from Migdol to Aswan, as far south as the border of Ethiopia. 11 For forty years not a soul will pass that way, neither people nor animals. It will be completely uninhabited. 12 I will make Egypt desolate, and it will be surrounded by other desolate nations. Its cities will be empty and desolate for forty years, surrounded by other ruined cities. I will scatter the Egyptians to distant lands. God then explains how he is going to do it. Pay attention because King Nebuchadnezzar was on God's payroll: Ezekiel 29:18-20 NLT 18 “Son of man, the army of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon fought so hard against Tyre that the warriors’ heads were rubbed bare and their shoulders were raw and blistered. Yet Nebuchadnezzar and his army won no plunder to compensate them for all their work. 19 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He will carry off its wealth, plundering everything it has so he can pay his army. 20 Yes, I have given him the land of Egypt as a reward for his work, says the Sovereign Lord, because he was working for me when he destroyed Tyre. Our God is also a God of restoration but there are consequences. Ezekiel 29:13-16 NLT 13 “But this is what the Sovereign Lord also says: At the end of the forty years I will bring the Egyptians home again from the nations to which they have been scattered. 14 I will restore the prosperity of Egypt and bring its people back to the land of Pathros in southern Egypt from which they came. But Egypt will remain an unimportant, minor kingdom. 15 It will be the lowliest of all the nations, never again great enough to rise above its neighbors. 16 “Then Israel will no longer be tempted to trust in Egypt for help. Egypt’s shattered condition will remind Israel of how sinful she was to trust Egypt in earlier days. Then Israel will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” You do not hear about Egypt much in the news today just because of the words our God spoke over her. If you want destruction in your own life just take credit for the things that God does in your life. How many of us have solved problem just because God implanted a thought in our brains? Those same thoughts may keep us from going to a place that would harm us. We will never know fully what our God does in our life. To be safe we should always confess "God and I did this together. He gave me the talent and wisdom to accomplish this." Never think of yourself as great, King Nebuchadnezzar took credit for being a God and he was forced to graze in the pastures for seven years until he realized his place in relation to God. Eventually he too lost his kingdom. Maybe this is why Paul talks about being humble. He wants to protect us from all of this.