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…in my opinion.

Agents of Blessing – Proverbs 11:10-11

“Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.”
~~~ Proverbs 11:11, NIV

YOU ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACED in this world to make a difference. You probably know this by now, even if, at times, you struggle to see how. Perhaps you spend much of your mental energy focusing on the problems you face or on the people who created those problems and the ways you wish you could fix them. Or maybe you’ve had seasons of seeing your life as your own, wondering how to find fulfillment or manage the tasks at hand. Perhaps there are times when you exist—moment by moment, day by day. Even so, you’re aware of bigger things. You recognize a calling from the Spirit within you. You want to live with a sense of destiny.

On the one hand, we can sometimes be so focused on the big picture that we miss the opportunities in front of us. On the other, we can become so focused on the details of daily life that we miss pursuing the more significant relationships we have already been given. In between those two points of focus, the macro and the micro, we live and work among people who could be influenced in one way or another by a godly attitude. We have many opportunities to pray blessings on those around us—people at the office, in a classroom, standing in line, commenting on social media, passing by on the street—all of whom need, as we do, regular touches from God.

We have platforms from which to improve lives, encourage hearts, and demonstrate Kingdom values and ways. Our calling is to impart grace, and we have open doors to do so—through prayers, words, favors, and acts of kindness and compassion. We are living, breathing, walking agents of blessing.

Listen to the voice that reminds you of all the people placed in your path who need a priestly touch from a son or daughter of God. Be an advocate before God’s throne on their behalf. Ask him to meet their needs. Let your city—or office or neighborhood or school—be exalted through the blessings you bring.

Ask God to show you your potential. How can I bless the lives that cross my path? What words can I speak and pray? What deeds can I do? May every circle of my relationships be lifted up by whatever blessings I bring. All God’s people said, “AMEN”.

~~~ copied from The One Year Salt and Light Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

January 14, 2023 Posted by | advice, Bible, Culture, Hope, Life | , , , | 1 Comment

Relax, God’s Got Your Back

All of us have been affected at some point along the way by the thoughtless words and hurtful actions of others. And no matter how much we have heard about God’s love for us, we sometimes struggle to believe that we can actually experience that kind of love.

Whether you realize it or not, God has created you with unique gifts and abilities, called you to a fulfilling purpose, and plans to use you for extraordinary accomplishments. Maybe there seem to be too many obstacles to get over—or you’re in a situation that seems to have no way out or room for growth. Or maybe you think you’ve made too many mistakes. But God isn’t limited by these things, and neither are you. The God who created you is still there and loves you with an unending love.

Regardless of how people have treated you or tried to define your worth, God stands ready to walk with you for the rest of your life. He will help you draw a line between your past and your future, and He will help you forgive and move into all the fullness and freedom of a brand-new day.

His Promises:
You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
1 John 4:16

~~~ borrowed from a devotion in the Tecarta Bible

January 12, 2023 Posted by | Bible, Hope, Life | , , , | 1 Comment

Real or Fake? You Must Decide.

“There is a lion in the road!”

Have you heard, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” We all have over the last few years. Instead of a lion, you can insert whatever keeps you afraid.

Are you one to dodge your duties and responsibilities with lame and crazy excuses? Matthew Henry stated (my paraphrase) something like this, “It’s foolish to frighten ourselves from reality by imagining false dangers.” It was true in ancient times and even today. Some folks will not leave their houses to work or buy groceries. They are afraid because someone told them to be frightened. Listening to “experts” who pretend to know anything is now problematic. We see people fearful of catching a virus, cold, the flu, etc., which are all invisible because sickness or even death may occur. All types of masks are worn (however incorrectly). Some keep a six-foot distance between themselves and others. Every shot and booster containing unknown and untested substances is injected into their bodies. All this to keep from getting sick or dying. Yet, in all their vain attempts, they still get ill and die…usually alone.

God has not called us to a life of fear. Even this Christmas season, we remember the angelic voice saying, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10 MEV

December 28, 2022 Posted by | Culture, Death, Hope, Propaganda | , , , , | 1 Comment

Whispherers of Lies and Half-Truths

A gossip or bearer of tales does no good. You don’t want to be one. Watch for those who act as a friend but are enemies. Let’s be honest, we all are prone to listen to those who have dainty morsels to share about others. Don’t do that. You might repeat what you hear and further the strife that the whisperer or gossip has started.

Discontent and strife spread among brethren and neighbors, both. It is a contentious man or woman who is hard to please. They are apt to find fault in everyone and everything. They love a good argument and seek to spread the damage as far as possible.

Journalists today primarily act as tale-bearers or whisperers of lies or half-truths. Some know what they say is a lie, while others get instructions on teleprompters from their bosses higher up the chain of command. Seldom are the facts told or shared with the public. If they were, we would likely come to different conclusions. Therefore, strife gets spread among the citizens of this country. What can we do? Research what is said as thoroughly as possible, and turn off the TV and not read their posts.

December 26, 2022 Posted by | advice, Culture, Propaganda | , , , , , | 1 Comment

Boasting of Tomorrow


Death is unquestionable to all men as the fruit of sin or by the appointment of God. It has a fixed specific time, which cannot be exceeded, but no man knows of that day and hour. Therefore, he cannot boast of a moment of future time, tomorrow, or what he shall enjoy on a particular day. He has only today.

He cannot be sure he shall have the next. He cannot assure himself of health, honor, pleasures, riches, and friends. He may have health today and sickness tomorrow; be in honor today, and in disgrace the next. He may bid his soul to eat, drink, and be merry. After all, he has had much wealth and provisions for many years. But vainly, he says that each day will be the same with much more abundance. Yet this night, his soul may be required of him. Today, he may have his wife, children, friends, and relations about him. However, before another day comes, they may be stripped from him.

Riches are uncertain things; they may take wings and fly away. Nor should a man boast of what he will do on the morrow, either in civil matters, trade and business, or acts of charity. Whatever a man finds his duty to do, he should do it at once while he has an opportunity.

In things religious, a man should repent of his sins, amend his life, and hear the Gospel, the voice of Christ. All these things should be done today and not put off until tomorrow. Nor should true believers procrastinate the profession of their faith, nor should any duty or exercise of religion be postponed to another season. Men should work today and always abound in the work of the Lord and found so doing.

You don’t know what a day may bring. Time is like a pregnant woman. She knows not what she shall bring forth till the time comes. Will it be a son or a daughter, a dead or a living child? So are the events of time. They are the secret things that belong to God. The passage of time and seasons of things are in his power. We don’t know what the present day will bring forth. We still know less about what tomorrow will do. What changes will tomorrow produce in our circumstances, in our bodies, and in our minds? Therefore, we cannot be sure what we shall be, what we shall have, or what we shall do tomorrow, even provided we have one.

~~~ John Gill (1696-1771)

December 22, 2022 Posted by | advice, Bible, Death, Religion | , , , , | Leave a comment

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