I think many people miss the point of money. I know I did most of my life. It wasn’t until I learned from the Bible how to use money.
God put money on the earth, and everything we have is because of Him. The Bible views money as a tool, that can be used to love and serve others. Not to be squandered on everything we want for our personal possessions. Money can be a source of evil if pursued for its own sake.
Money can be used to help others through discipleship and serving others. I can be use to bless others and fund the advance of God’s kingdom.
Rather, than using money for our personal wants. We can use it to build wealth and avoid debt. It’s not about having a $100,000 vehicle in the driveway, or a $1,000,000 house.
Money can become an object of obsession and greed, leading to bad consequences. Money can cause people to worry about money instead of trusting God. Money can be used to chase after possessions instead of chasing after God. More can lead to debt, which leads to being a slave for the all-mighty dollar.
There are four things the Bible teaches about money.
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil -1 Timothy 6:10
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live – Proverbs 15:27
Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods – Psalm 62:10
Whoever loves money never has enough, whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Money is neither good nor evil. It is a tool God has given us so we can help others, meet our needs, and serve Him. Once we get this concept down, budgeting money becomes easy.
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
I come from a 3-generation military family. Being patriotic runs in my blood. I fly the American flag, stand for the national anthem, vote in elections, support my local mom-and-pop businesses, and educate myself on my country’s history.
I demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to America’s values. It is a complete love for my country.
America is one nation under God. If we treat it as such, we will always be protected. It is when we fail to understand this that we will fall.
In a world filled with chaos, and conflict, choosing peace can often feel like a difficult road to follow. The brokenness of this world constantly pulls at us, tempting us to respond with anger, despair, and fear.
God’s Word reminds us that peace is not something we achieve through our circumstances but a gift we can receive when we align our hearts with His. Over the years I’ve found that walking in God’s ways brings clarity, strength, and a sense of purpose that transcends the challenges I face. It’s not always easy, but when I choose to seek Him, I open the door to peace that surpasses all understanding.
God’s Word serves as a guide, that teaches us how to live in peace and righteousness even in a chaotic world. Meditation on scripture can help align our thoughts and actions with His will.
Psalm 119:165 tells us,
“Those who love Your law have great peace, nothing makes them stumble.”
This peace is a profound sense of tranquility and well-being that extends beyond the absence of conflict.
Prayer is a powerful way to surrender our worries and align our hearts with God’s peace. Prayer helps us focus on God’s promises rather than our circumstances.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you feel overwhelmed, pause and pray, ask for God’s guidance and peace.
When we become saved God’s spirit (Holy Spirit) comes to live within us and helps us know the right path and equips us with peace. Can we make wrong choices -absolutely, we are human. This is what repentance if for.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us means letting go of control and trusting in God’s wisdom.
Romans 8:6 tells us,
‘The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Spend time in silence and listen for God’s voice and direction.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your responses, especially when your in challenging time.
It’s important not to hang onto anger or unforgiveness. This disrupts our peace and distances us from the ways of God. Choosing to forgive as God forgives us brings freedom and restores harmony in our lives.
Colossians 3:13 tells us,
“Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive and the Lord forgave you.”
Identify the areas where unforgiveness or resentment is holding you back and pray for the strength to forgive. Remember forgiveness doesn’t excuse any wrongdoing but frees your heart to begin to heal.
Our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. Choosing to focus on good things can help maintain peace in our hearts.
Philippians 4:8 tells us,
“Finally, brother (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Train your brain focus on God’s blessings and promises and not negative thoughts.
Surround yourself with uplifting influences and positive people and encouraging content.
Peace comes from trusting that God is in control, even when life feels uncertain. When we surrender to God’s sovereignty it allows us to rest in His perfect plan.
Isaiah 26:3 tells us,
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.”
Remind yourself daily that God is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).
Remind yourself of past situations where God’s faithfulness brought you through tough times.
Choosing peace and walking with God requires us to be conscious at all times, but leads to a life of fulfillment, joy, and a deep connection with Him.
When we can let go of the worldly chaos and focus on God’s path we can experience the kind of peace that can only come from living in His presence.
I don’t think I have unintentionally broken the law, but even if I did it doesn’t matter because ignorance of the law is no excuse.
I once however got pulled over for. The officer said I ran a red light at a four way stop. I did not. When he got to my window he asked for my driver’s license, insurance, and registration. I had bought the vehicle a few days before and evidently he didn’t see the tags. He said, “you just bought this?” He let me go without incident.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” -Psalm 91:1
Because of our sin and the subsequent curse that poisoned the perfection of God’s creation, the world is a dangerous place. Every day people suffer from natural disasters, crime, accidents, poor health, and more. It’s natural to seek protection from the pain and suffering of life.
When we are under God’s covering of protection there is physical protection and spiritual protection. Spiritual protection regardless of our future sins or the schemes of satan, we will never lose the salvation God has granted.
Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that,
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.”
In Hebrews 13:5, God promises over and over to never leave us or forsake us. In addition to this we are given freedom from sin in that we are no longer slaves to sinful thoughts, desires, and actions, but because we become new in Christ. We are covered by God’s protection.
He provides us powerful tools in which we can fend off the enemy’s spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Everyday I pray for God’s protection for my family, myself, friends and fellow believers. The other day, I fell and thought I broke my foot. I went to the hospital for an x-ray. I was told it was fractured. A few days later I went to an orthopedic doctor and he said there was no fracture. Was this God’s protection? I’m believing it was.
Sometimes God allows things to happen we don’t understand and sometimes he protects us without us even knowing. I can look back on my life and pinpoint a few times where I have gotten myself in some sticky situations that shouldn’t have turned out so good.
For example, you might choose not to take your usual route to work one day and then find out there was an accident which could have been you.
What parent doesn’t protect their child even when their child doesn’t know any better? God protects us even when we try to do our own thing. God sees what we cannot see.
Sometimes we get disappointed when things don’t go our way and wonder, “God why don’t you open that door? Why did this happen to me? God sees what we can not see, and He’s going to protect us whether or like it or not. Sometimes we end up asking for things that would end up harming us if God answered our way. God is faithful, we must trust that He knows what He’s doing.
If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?
If there were a bio about me I’m pretty sure it would be the name of my blog -From Pity to Praise.
Pretty much everything I’ve been through in life has been struggle. I’ve learned everything in life is hard, and will hit harder than I expect, but if I keep standing, and know I cannot not do it alone in the middle of the difficulties there’s always an opportunity. And a dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
God’s plan is always best. Sometimes the process is painful and hard. When we feel like God is silent, He’s working behind the scenes for a better outcome.
Just as important as the early detection and immediate treatment of cancer, is the detection of any spiritual decline, for the prevention of possible apostasy. Like cancer, apostasy gives warning signs.
There are seven signs of possible apostasy to look for:
Loss of Appetite for God’s Word.
Just like physical food is necessary to preserve our bodies, the Bible is the spiritual food that’s necessary for our survival of our spirit (Matthew 4:4, John 6:35-47, 48:48).
God expects us to become skilled in reading and applying spiritual principles and truths that are in the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, Acts17:11, Hebrews 5:12-14).
A loss of appetite for God’s Word, is a possible indicator of apostasy from faith.
2. Neglecting the power of prayer.
Just like daily Bible study, we need daily prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 12:5, Romans 12:12). Prayer is the way we communicate our needs to God (1 John 3:22, 5:14-15, Matthew 7:7-11).
Prayer is the way we receive strength and wisdom for God.
We need daily communication with God to remain strong in our faith. Without it, we will get spiritually sick and eventually die (Hebrews 3:5-12, 6:1-6, 10: 23-31).
3. Failure to commune with fellow believers.
The first century’s priority was to come together and commune with each other (Acts 2:42, 2:46. 20:7).
There are many people who say they believe but do not go to church. They say the church is too “judgy” I say I don’t go to church for others but for God.
Having a mindset of not wanting to assemble with others, can be a sign of apostasy.
4. Non involvement in the workings of the church.
Every person’s participation in God’s work, is vital and necessary in keeping our church’s strong and vibrant (Ephesians 4:11). Simple things like helping prepare the communion trays, or cleaning the church are God’s Work. Not wanting to be involved in the work of the church can be a red flag of apostasy.
5. A Critical Spirit.
We should never have a critical spirit. Examining of own spiritual deficiencies in light of God’s Word should be key, instead of judging others (2 Corinthians 13:5-6, Matthew 7:1-3). We can not make light of the sincerity or integrity of others, to appear “holier than thou” (Luke 18:9-14).
A critical eye always discloses an impure heart. A heart that causes people to apostatize from God and His church (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
6. Lack of regard for the truth.
We must be confident and uncompromising in our faith and righteousness. We can’t compromise with the world’s evilness. We must Uphold God’s truth at all times (Galatians 1:6-10, Timothy 1:1-20, Titus 1:7-16). Lacking regard for God’s truths is apostasy.
7. Lack of spiritual concern for others.
The hallmark of being a follower of Jesus is displaying love towards others (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, Philippians 2:4).
People who follow Jesus deeply care about the needs of the people around them (Galatians 6:2, Romans 10:1. We need to care about the needs of others (Matthew 25:31-40, James, 1:27, 2: 14-17, John 3:17-19).
The world loves to judge others selfishly, with a view of personal fulfillment and self-inflation.
We should be looking outside our interests for the sake of helping and saving others. If we find ourselves judging every situation selfishly a red flag should go up.
When my father was my age he was a professional automobile painter. One of the best in our town, people used to come from all over the state to have my father paint their vehicles. My father was an amazing man. He was a military guy in his younger days, and had half his face blown off, and still continued to lead a full life, provided for his family, and work a full time job.
My mother, well if you have read my past posts, you know she wasn’t a very nice person. She kept the house clean and cooked for my father. She passed away at 59 years old.
We don’t often think of God being powerful in our problems. Often when our problems don’t seem to go away, we wonder where God’s power is.
How many times have you prayed for something bleeding that God would do it -but He didn’t?
How many times have you asked God to move a mighty way on your behalf or for someone else -but He didn’t?
It’s in those times where we can either believe that God’s not powerful, or His power is being shown in a different way. God might have the power to take away our problems, but His power is greatest showing and helping us endure. I don’t think the greatest show of God’s power is in removing our problems, but in giving us the strength to endure them.
And John 9, Jesus and his disciples came across a man who had been blind from birth. When the disciples drew attention to the man asking Jesus. “Why was this man born blind was it because of his own sins or his sins?” Jesus answered them.
“It was not because of his sins or his parents sins, This happened so the power of Gods could be seen in him” -John 9:3
Jesus went on to heal the man of his blindness , which caused quite a stir among the religious community. even if God doesn’t heal, protect, or take the problem away, His power can still be seen in us. God’s power is not seen in us when He takes away the problem. His power is seen most when He gives us the strength to endure it.
I have had migraine since I was 12 years old. I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed for God to heal me. I have been to every doctor in my area. I have tried everything including Botox to help me get relief. But the migraines are still here. I have found supplements that have eased them, but not take them away. Yet God gives me strength to endure them.
The world expects God to heal, protect, or make our lives problem free. What the world doesn’t expect to see his followers remain faithful to Him even when he doesn’t seem to come through on our behalf. I think our faith in God stands out more when we endure problems through God’s power, not when He removes us from experiencing any problems.
If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
One law I would like to change is in our approach to drug cartels in America.
We should implement a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. If you are caught selling drugs or making this poison there should be a harsh punishment like the death penalty for large scale drug trafficking.
Too many Americans die of overdoses. In 2023 alone 110,037 people died because of taking this poison the drug cartels put on our streets.
Why do we sometimes fight God when He wants us to do something in our life?
Have you ever felt something in your spirit so strong that there is no denying it was God telling you something. Yet, we fight against it. Essentially it is a battle between our human nature and the spiritual guidance we receive from God. Our own desires conflict with what we believe God wants for us.
There are a few points to consider:
Misinterpretation. Sometime people misinterpret what they believe God wants, leading to resistance or conflict with their actions.
Fear of the unknown. Change can be scary, even when it is aligned with God‘s will, leading to resistance and hesitation.
Self-Centeredness. Our own desires and infections and sometimes overshadow what we proceeded as God‘s plan for our lives.
Spiritual Warfare. We are constantly in a fight with spiritual forces that oppose God’s will, which leads to internal conflict.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 21:30,
“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.”
Which essentially says, anyone who goes against God is a fool. You can’t fight God. You can’t find one man in the Bible that ever fought against God and won.
My dream home would be a house on the coast. It would have to be at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. And a hot tub, a outdoor shower, and a fire pit and a place to watch the waves for hours.
From Pity to Praise 