Power

I suspect that any one of us can be in danger of falling to power. Most of us don't think we have any power, but most of us do have influence somewhere and or somehow. Influence is power. Each of us can have some degree of influence and power in our home, on our job, and in our community.

The devo's challenge to accountability is essential for me and (really) for all of us. Good honest accountability can help keep influence and power from going to our head. In fact, I think this relates to Romans 12:4-5, where we are challenged to not think more highly of our self than we ought. The Apostle Paul warns us about this because at times our gifts cause us to have extra influence and power and that can be dangerous.

We might fall into this danger in our relationship with an employee, our wife, our children or even a friend.

Jesus tells us that the greatest among us the the servant of all.

If we don't manage our own tendencies to fall to the danger of power, God will. "The arrogance of all people will be brought low. Their pride will lie in the dust. The Lord alone will be exalted!" Isaiah 2:17

Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up!

God bless you,
PJ

I'm back... think about burn out!

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long. I last wrote on October 06. I have been playing nurse for my wonderful wife who had surgery about two weeks ago and I have been a little overwhelmed. What a day to return and find the devo is about "burnout".

Today and tomorrow are about burnout. Today, deals with "What is burnout?" and tomorrow, "How can I avoid burnout?"

First of all... I found the definition very good; "when reality persistently falls short of our expectations." Very often I expect to accomplish more than I can realistically accomplish. I tend to be a workaholic and struggle with guilt when I don't go to work early, stay late and work on my day off. So, I struggle with some burnout issues.

So, what do we do? That is what we see in the devo for October 25, tomorrow. The three steps to help are; 1.) take care of your body, 2.) connect with other people, and 3.) do what you are supposed to do, today.

I am working on avoiding burnout and staying strong for the long haul. How about you? What makes you burn out? What can you legitimately eliminate? Are you taking care of your body? Are you feeding your soul?

I am working to do better at this, how about you?

Go back and reread Isaiah 40:30-31

God bless you!

Pastor Joe

Repentance

It seems to me that pride is the biggest obstacle to our repentance! Repentance requires us to say, "I am wrong!" You have probably noticed that most men fall into the category of refusing to ask for directions. We joke about it and laugh about it, but it is true! The reason it is true is because we have this fundamental sense of refusing to think we are wrong. Frankly, that is pride.

Repentance requires that I swallow my pride and say, "I am wrong!" We have to continue to swallow our pride and repent if we want to continue to grow in our relationship with Christ.

In reality, asking for directions from God and following his directions is like repentance... How are you doing for finding your way?

God bless you,

PJ

God's Anger

Wow, my life has been too busy. It has been a long time since I posted a devotional blog. Please forgive me! Because of recent travel to South America and hearing the stories of Christian women and men, this devotional today takes on a new perspective. Yes, God's anger will burn, certainly against the ungodly and God will be the one who judges. In Romans 12:19 declares that God will repay the evil. I think there may be a caution to suggest that if we are obedient that blessings will come. Yes, we do recieve the blessings of heaven and eternal life with God, however there are faithful Christians all over the world who are not recieveing the things we generally think about regarding blessings. While it is true that God removed his hand of Divine protection, that in itself and alone is not a sign of God's favor. Some of God's most faithful people have faced some of life's most unkind responses and yet God loved them very much. Hebrews chapter 11 informs us of faithful Saints who missed the wonderful blessings of this life... there real blessing was heaven. Yes, we need to stay faithful in our love and obedience because our reward is heaven not earthly blessings. I don't want to face the disappointment or anger of God, I am going to do my best to stay faithful. But earthly blessings are not going to be my measure for the favor of God.

God bless you!
PJ

Impatience

I suspect that you have been impatient before. I've paced the floor waiting impatiently for someone. I've also waited impatiently in the car before. I confess, I have been impatient. The writer of the devo today did not mention this, but I think pride has a great deal to do with impatience. I think my plan, my time and my way is more important, so I pridefully insist on it being my way and when it is not, I am impatient. God will allow us to learn patience by waiting and likely He will give us enough repeat opportunities to really get it. I am trying to practice patience and use such opportunities to help me grow in Christlikeness.

How about you?

God bless you,
Pastor Joe

I need more patience!

Wow, I have to ask everyone for patience with me. I have been delinquent in my devotions and blogging. Don't give you, keep returning to your devotions.

I really like the commentary from the devo; "patience and perspective go hand in hand... this allows you to wait patiently and learn when things don't go your way". Most of my impatience comes when I am most self focused.

God help me to see your perspective and stop measuring everything against my desires but to see what you want me to see and live for you!

What makes you feel impatient? Look for God's perspective and grow!

God bless you,

PJ

Joy... again

I reflected on the issue of "where joy comes from" yesterday. However, this is so very important to capture. Our joy comes from God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 4:7 (NIV)
7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

I choose God, therefore, I am chosing the "joy of the Lord". I know where it comes from! I choose God in all the hardships of life and therefore, I choose joy! How about you? The longer I serve Him, the more I get to know Him and the more I trust Him... the more joy I have in my heart.

God bless you,
Pastor Joe

Joy

Today is Labor Day! Most people find joy in that thought because they don't have to go to work. However, the joy of this devo is more about a heart attitude in spite of the external conditions.

I find great joy from the Truth of knowing Jesus has forgiven me of my sins and I have the promise of heaven. It is hard to not allow the things of this world to influence our joy, but when I stay focused on the eternal values and truth, I do live in joy.

I once heard someone say that there is a difference between joy and happiness. Joy is a peace filled attitude of the heart, regardless of what happens. And, happiness is dependent upon nice things happening.

I believe JOY is a choice and I am choosing JOY!

God bless you and Happy Labor Day!
PJ

Childlikeness

This is an amazing thought. My parents never said; "act like a child!" But, Jesus we are to have faith like a child. I want to follow Christ with the kind of faith of a child. They are amazing, they simply believe, even though they don't understand everything. It seems to me like we adults think we have to understand everything before we will truly believe.

The bible, in the book of Hebrews, tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. That sounds rather childish... and I want to be like a child in the way I have faith in God and recieve the love of God.

In fact, the Bible doesn't challenge us to be intellectual critics but rather people of childlike faith.

How amazing!

I encourage you to "act like a child"!

God bless you!

PJ

Character 2

Recently my mother was diagnosed with some type of Dementia that affected the way she thought and acted. Just last Friday she went to heaven at the ripe age of 92 (almost 93). Dementia is serious because it changes the way we act. Character affects the way we act like dementia affects the way we act. We, as a family, were glad that we knew her character from years before Dementia. Most of us cannot blame dementia, our actions tell about our character. If our actions are questionable, weak, ungodly, or embarrassing, then it is likely a reflection of our character. I am personally very concerned about my character because it is a part of the legacy that I am living and leaving.

My wife and I often quote the "fruit of the Spirit" as the character traits we want in our life. (Galatians 5:22-23).

What do you do to influence your character?

God bless you!
PJ

Character

I have heard people say, "He is quite a character" and it wasn't really intended as a great compliment. The character noted in this devo deals with who we are when no one is watching and or listening, even when we think no one will ever know.

God desires for us to be people in His image and reflecting His character, not for show, but as a basic of how we think, act and live all the time... in private and in public.

Our character is really revealed in the most private times of life. Everyone has a good performance for the public, what are you like in private... that will reveal your character.

"God send your Holy Spirit to work so strongly in me that it influences every area of my life, in private and public. So that I may be a person of Godly character."

God bless you!

PJ

Respect

This is a great word about respect! God is interested in how we treat others because we represent Him! I watch people ignore a person until they perceive the person is either important or wealthy, then they are shown respect. That is terrible hypocrisy and God hates it. God desires that we treat one another with respect, no matter who the person is. I am trying to show sincere respect for all people and in the process, be a witness to the great work of Jesus Christ.

How about you? Are you showing respect?

God bless you,
PJ

Respect

I have noticed this is an issue for many people. I have the opportunity to work with people from about every rank of life. I have often watched people turn on the respect and honor when they encounter a person that they believe is important and turn it off for others. I firmly believe we need to show respect for every person we meet.

This devo is a great reminder!

God bless you and show respect to others today!

PJ

Compliments

The closing verse in the devo is so impactful, if we do it! "Worry weighs a person down; and encouraging word cheers a person up." Proverbs 12:25

This is an area I am trying to consciously do more! I run into discouraged and defeated people who need guidance and encouragement daily. From my perspective so much of the media is extremely negative and many of us have caught the disease. I try to encourage others and I really thank the Lord for people who encourager.

If we think about it, we can compliment most people. Try it... it may be the best word that person will receive all day.

God bless you,

Pastor Joe

2nd day of Criticism

The devo is right... "no one likes criticism - even when it is constructive - we sometimes need it." All of us have faults or weaknesses that someone can criticize. The difference between judging and constructive criticism can be found in the "how" and "why". There are people who have criticized me and it was harsh and uncaring, but correct. I firmly believe their action was motivated by a judgmental spirit. I have also been criticized with a very caring spirit, that was gentle and constructive. There is a difference!

Now, I need to watch this in my heart and attitude as I observe others. Am I being judging or constructively criticizing? The "how" and "why" is essential.

Frankly, I believe that I should spend more time trying to encourage others than criticize.

God bless you,
PJ

Criticism

Great verse; "If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise."

Frankly, I don't like criticism! However, I have learned that it often carries, at least, threads of truth from which I can learn. I recall many years ago a man criticized me for saying I had a load of dirt dumped in my yard. He said, "it was soil that was dumped in my yard, dirt is what one removes from the vacuum cleaner bag." I thought that was so silly to nit pick so much... but the lesson was to learn and apply it in a constructive manner. God desires us to learn and grow from our critics.

Now I literally stop and pray, "God, is there something in this that you desire me to know and learn?" Very often I find something I can learn and apply. Sometimes I know it is false and unmerited. Either way, I am choosing to listen, learn and apply for growth in my life.

How do you handle your criticisms?

God bless you,
PJ

Perspective

Wow, this is such an important spiritual and life skill. Since the Bible informs us that "all things work together for our good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) then we need to get perspective, that is, a Godly perspective. A number of years ago there was a Christian singing group who had a song, "A New Point of View". It dealt with the idea of seeing life from a heavenly view point... that is perspective.

I don't know about you, but I begin to lose the Godly perspective when I focus mostly on me and stop reading the Bible. My ability to maintain a Godly perspective is closely related to staying close to God.

How about you?

PJ

Gossip

It seems to me like we have a tendency to suggest that females do this more than men. I am not at all sure this is true. Regardless of who does it more, it is wrong. I know for a fact that we can gossip under the disguise of "prayer requests". If we have a prayer concern about someone, we can pray for and about someone without telling anyone about what we know or think. Don't go around sharing it with others.

I think, when we hear gossip talk, we need to declare we will not participate and walk away. What do you do?

I love the verse at the bottom of the devo... "let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29.

Speak good and helpful words! That is God's plan!

God bless you,
PJ

dysfunction

At first glance, most of us view our families as normal. We will even view dysfunctional as "normal" because that is the only thing we know. Learning to be honest with self and identifying our dysfunctional or sinful ways is the beginning of our improvements. God's Holy Spirit and the Bible will help us identify the unhealthy elements in us and God will help us change.

When I do pre-marriage preparation I ask couples to identify unhealthy patterns in the home in which they were raised and honestly target those unhealthy areas so they will not carry them into their own marriage.

Most of us have some unhealthy, dysfunctional patterns that we learned from home. Target them and surrender them to God, asking His Holy Spirit to help you move beyond those dysfunctional patterns.

Tell someone about this and grow to be more Christlike!

God bless you,
PJ

Victory

Most of us men like to win! I either want to win or I don't want to play. While I have matured past that perspective and I will play games simply for the fun of playing, win or lose. However, I have embraced the win attitude spiritually and I want to play on the winning team. I know for a fact that Jesus Christ is the winner and I can be on the winning team. I also know that my spiritual victory is dependent upon me fighting the good fight and running the race with biblical help and wisdom. I stay away from temptations and sin. I know most of my losing actions and I must stay away from them. I also know what helps me be victorious... I try to keep them dynamically close and strong. My victory depends of staying close to Christ, He is the winner over sin and Satan. I stay close to Christ by reading my Bible, avoiding temptation, running from temptation.

How do you maintain your victory?

God bless you!
PJ

Holy

My first response is; God is, I'm not! However, that is a choice because God says we are to be holy and we can be holy. So, yes, I can be holy. In fact God is working in me to make me holy. Praise God, I need His help!

I am eternally grateful for the work and help of the Holy Spirit who works in me to help me become more holy everyday. I cannot do it by myself. I am daily dying to Joe and surrendering to God and His holiness. Staying in His Word, the Bible, is an essential to becoming holy. It is a challenge and a doable option, if we choose to do it. God says we can, I believe Him.

How about you?
PJ

defeated

My Dad always said I should not be a quitter. I remember playing football in the seventh grade and it was so hot as the season was starting and the long, hot, hard practices were getting to me and I quit. Football defeated me and I quit. This devo is good... there are some things we should quit and other things where we should stay focused and refuse to be defeated. There is an eternal reward in heaven and an eternal damnation in hell. I must refuse to be defeated by Satan and his schemes and I must never quit on God's plan.

Don't quit on devotions, bible reading, praying, and Godly living... don't let your failures defeat you and refuse to be defeated by Satan's plan.

I will not be defeated!

How about you?

PJ

That is so depressing!

I find the words of the devo encouraging to know, that our thoughts of depression are not sinful. My actions are the concern, they can become sinful. Have you ever heard of the "kick the cat" syndrome? That is when a person is feeling depressed about something and comes home and "kicks the cat". The cat didn't do anything... just happened to come and rub against the leg of the depressed person. How I respond or act when I am depressed the the big deal. I know when I am feeling depressed it rarely has anything to do with my wife... but if I am not careful I will take it out on her. So, I will tell her what is happening and I am not upset with her. This has been helpful for me and our relationship. Also, reading God's Word and listening to worship music is valuable for me.

How do you handle depressive times?

God bless you,
PJ

Discouragement 1 & 2

We read about discouragement yesterday and now again today. For most of us, discouragement returns more than we would like to admit. I had a very discouraging day this last week. I found a trusted confidant and shared my frustration and discouragement. They couldn't change a thing, but they could listen and show their care. We also prayed together. The devo is right... trust God! That is essential! And it tells us to not get tired in doing what is good... because we will reap the benefit in the future. (Galatians 6:9) When our hope is beyond the discouraging circumstances, then we can live beyond our discouragement.

What do you do when you are discouraged?

God bless you,

PJ

Change

Change is one of the hardest things for many of us. Changing our heart is the work of God, through salvation, by accepting Jesus into our life and receiving His forgiveness. Changing our thought process is a vital part of our discipleship. Romans 12:2 tells us to "...not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

The idea is that change requires that we fill our mind with the information that will lead us toward the change we want to accomplish. If I want to become a more Godly man, more thoughtful father, better employee, etc... I need to fill my mind with the things that will help me change.

What are you reading, watching, thinking about, etc... it all will influence your ability to change to become all that God desires you to be.

God bless you,
PJ

Desires

We have an amazing abiblity to justify our desires and do about whatever we want. This devo on desire is so good. This devo asks a good question; "How can I know if my desires match God's desires for me?"

One of the things my dear wife and I ask; "Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit?" Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

If my desires produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit, it is most likely that they are from the Spirit of God.

How do you measure the intent of your desires?

Test yourself!
PJ

Choices

Good devo today! I don't know how many times I have people ask me for my input regarding choices they are needing to make. I have made some selfish choices that were not for my better spiritual development. Godly choices are always for my good, they may not be easiest, but they are the best.

I like the advise that is offered through the devo..., here it is from a little different viewpoint:
1 God's voice through His Word, the Bible.
2 God's counsel through the wisdom of Godly Advisors
3 God's commandment, think of God and others first

If we can do this, we can find the right choice!

God bless you,
PJ

What next? Pray!

I believe that most of us throw up quick, "Oh God, I need your help" prayers when we don't know what to do. I want to affirm that it is right to pray in times of need. However, we need to be men who pray regularly, everyday, for God's divine direction in our life. We need to be interceeding for our own life and direction, protection and purpose. And we need to pray that same way for our wife and children. Intercession (or praying for life's needs) ought to be an everyday practice.

How about you? Have you interceeded (prayed) before God for your needs, your family, your church, your community, your nation, your national leaders, the world in which we live?

Men! Interceed! Start today... if nothing else... make a list and use your drive time to interceed (pray). God will give you direction.

God bless you,
Pastor Joe

Hang on!

I am running late today... late post for this devo.

However, great words of encouragement in the devo today! Life is difficult at best and our attitude is the most important factor in helping us through life's instability. Today the devo took us to Habakkuk 3:17-19; that is one of my favorite passages. I encourage each of you to look it up and mark it in your Bible. Even when life if tough, Praise God! We must remember, we are not really living for everything to be great here on earth, we are living for an eternity with God in heaven. Keep focused on the real, eternal goal and it will help give us stability in the difficult life today!

God bless you,
PJ

Can you see me now?

This devo is about seeing God in the circumstances of life. However, it certainly seems like there are plenty of times He is absent. Frankly, it reminds me of the times when I was a boy and I would ask my mother, "Mom, where is my _________." And she would seem to have this amazing ability to see everything and know exactly where it was. She would commonly say, "if it was a snake, it would have bit you!" As a mother of six, she had "trained eyes" for about everything you could imagine. Her trained eyes had enabled her to have a clear vision and see about everything in her domain.

We need trained eyes. The Bible informs us that God is there / here / everywhere and we need to learn to see Him and respond to Him.

God is at work, can you see Him,
PJ

Circumstances

This a great devo! It is really reflecting on Romans 8:28 as the answer to troubling circumstances. "all thing work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.". God may not be making the difficult circumstances. But He can work for the good in them.

I continually ask God; what do You want me to learn and how are You working in this? Then I choose to Praise God in every situation. Some times it is hard. But God is working and I need to praise Him.

How about you!
PJ

Change

This is an interesting topic for the devo. Some people like change and others do not. What about you? Our God, as a foundation of life is unchanging. However, we live in a world of constant change. I have found that when I am facing unwanted change, God is the rock solid place to turn. I read the Bible and pray to find strength and guidance through change.

Do you like change?
How do you respond?

God bless you!
PJ

Restlessness vs Patience

Sometimes I am restless and move on, into something or out of something, before I have a clear sense of direction from God. That comes from restlessness or impatience with God and His timing. How many times have we (you, me, anyone) become impatient with God? Acting Godly, doing the Godly thing and waiting on God is a challenge for me. I am learning to practice Godly patience and not be restless before God.

Yesterday, I mentioned the long traffic light in the middle of the night. I was restless, but it looks like God saved us from something very serious. Trusting God is the main antidote to restlessness. Trusting God leads to patience. Trusting God is essential when we can't see the end and what we do see is unpleasant right now. That is typically when I feel restless.

I like the old Christian hymn; "Trust and Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
What makes you feel restless with God?

God bless you!
Trust Jesus!
PJ

Time

Good devo today! The last few days, time has gotten away and I have not blogged. Then on top of that my office computer went on the 8$5*&#_-!4**(##, well I think that explains part of it.

Time. God created it! We all have the same amount of it! The thing that sets us apart from one another is how we use it. I am personally captured by the reality that when I include God into my time schedule He finds a way to help me make my time more productive. I seem to be reluctantly learning that including time for God is never lost time, nor could I say that I don't have the time.

The other night I was driving home from Dallas, TX and it was around 1:00 a.m. I was in a hurry and stopped at a traffic light in Okmulgee, OK and it did not turn green. It went through two cycles before we got green. I thought that was goofy. It mildly frustrated me. Instead we thanked God and traveled on. A short time later we came upon a multi-vehicle accident that had just occured. The time of our delay may have been what kept us out of the accident. My dear wife and I praised God for His timing. God is in control.

I join the author of the devo. Thank God for your time and give Him time daily in personal worship.

So, how much time do we have for God?

God bless you,
PJ

Poverty or Scarcity!

Some people think that Godly people will always have blessings and wealth here on this earth. I do not think that is a good reading from the Bible. While blessings and wealth might happen here. I believe that we must maintain an eternal viewpoint when we read verses about God always providing good and evil not defeating us. Sometimes evil wins here on earth. Just look around! But in the eternal, heavenly perspective, we will win. Poverty, sorrow, sadness, evil, etc... are all wiped out in heaven.

We must live this life well, but this life is not our goal. Heaven is our goal. We may live with scarcity here, but I want to invest my life in the eternal treasures of heaven.

Are you beginning to get the heavenly perspective?
God bless you,
PJ

Generosity

This devo today is a direct follow-up from yesterday! Understanding God's system of generosity requires an eternal viewpoint. Seeing life with heaven and God's great blessings and abundance as our goal.... not the here and now.

Is God generous to you? We typically look at the things we have "here and now". However, we need to look at our unmerited and undeserved forgiveness and our eternal home in heaven.

My God is generous to me... way beyond what I could ever deserve.

Think about the spiritual and the eternal. Yes, God is generous!

God bless you!
PJ

Abundance?

To understand this concept we must move from earthly thinking to eternal, heavenly thinking. Frankly that is quite difficult. We seem to be captured by the "here and now". We look around and see the person with the new (whatever) or bigger, faster, nicer, (whatever). We see someone with a better paying job, etc... and we begin to think we have been cheated.

Too often we miss seeing the abundance of God's eternal value system and we think we have been cheated. I like the sentence from the devo; "Instead, we should think of abundance as God does - as the marvelous gift of salvation and eternal life; the blessings of a relationship with the creator of the universe; the treasure of God's Word; and the wonderful character traits of godliness, truthfulness, wisdom, and a good reputation.

Sometimes I can get in the "poor me" because the "earthly" retirement for most preachers (me included) is rather meager. And then I watch people retire early and live luxuriously. Then, I am reminded of my "real" and eternal retirement in heaven. Hey, that is pretty high class, luxurious and abundant living. So, I say to myself, "Joe, get perspective!"

This requires an eternal perspective not a "here and now" viewpoint! Where are you viewing your life of abundance?

God bless you,
PJ

happiness, really?

God can make us happy! That is quite a thought. I have read that Godly happiness is not dependent upon happenings, it is dependent upon obedience. The happenings can be miserable but we can be happy in spite of our happenings or circumstances. I have learned that Godly happiness is dependent upon my obedience and, for me, it is a sense of contentment. I can remember as a young boy being assigned some task to accomplish and when Dad would come home I would be happy to show him my accomplishment and it made me happy to know he approved.

How does Godly happiness develop in you? What stirs Godly happiness in you?
God bless you,
PJ

Delight the Lord

What a great thought in today's devo! One that most men don't often think about. How can I make God look at me and say; "Wow, what a great guy!" In reality we can, but it takes obedience, honesty, integrity, worship, and faithfulness.

The bible tells us that obedient people can one day hear; "well done". We need to be men that work to hear that from our God. We need to choose to delight Him so that He takes delight in us.

Being a grandparent reminds me of this; "I take great delight when I hear my local granddaughter come running up to me and say, Papa!. And then jump into my arms. I take great delight to hear one of my grandson's who live in Texas get on the phone and say, "hi grandpa, what you been doing today?" I take great delight to see my grandson play in the school band.

God takes great delight in us when we live well for His glory and not just for a day or two, but consistently.

I want God to delight in me... how about you? What do you want?

God bless you,
PJ

superstition and prayer

Today's devo evoked interested thought for me. While I completely agree with the author, I find that many people use prayer almost like a superstitious response rather than a sincere form of communication with the Almighty God of the Universe.

Yes, pray. No, don't engage in some mindless repetition that is done like some superstitious formula. Personally take time to talk to God about the things of your life, family, work, etc... He is there to listen.

How is your prayer life? Have you prayed for your life circumstances today?

God bless you,
PJ

Friends and witnessing

This devo makes me think about being a good friend and witness to those around me. I get so busy with my schedule of working with church people that I do a poor job of making friends with neighbors in order to simply be their friend and help point them to Christ. I firmly believe that God's plan is for all believers to be friendly and invite friends to Christ and His church. I am challenged to be a better Christian friend and make an eternal difference in their life

How are you doing as a "Christian" friend?

God bless you.
PJ

I Can't

When I read today's devo I was reminded of the times that I said to God, "I can't". It was an admission of my perceived weakness and inability. Today I am reminded of the reality that God is my helper and He enables me to do what I think I cannot do. He is God and He is all powerful!

There are times I feel like I can't be the faithful witness for Christ. There are times it feels like I can't stand alone for what is right when it seems like so many are doing wrong. It feels like I can't turn the cheek when people wrong me or hurt me. It feels like I can't forgive when forgiveness is the right answer. It feels like I can't love my wife so sacrificially like the Bible says I am to do. It feels like I can't give as much as the Bible and God asks me to give. It feels like I can't... what would you say?

What is God speaking to your heart about doing or obeying? Does it feel like you can't do it? Then we must remember that "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (Phil. 4:13)

What are you doing alone? What are you doing with God's strength? What are you saying "I can't" about?

Just do it... God will give you the strength.

God bless you,
PJ

Tired

I would guess that most of us have found ourselves weary, maybe daily. I really appreciated Psalm 84:5-7 in the devo today. It states "when" we walk through the valley of weeping, not "if". All of us will be weary, we simply need to learn the best antidote for us. Maybe it is sleep. Maybe it is some alone time in God's Word. Maybe a nice quiet date with our spouse or girl friend. Maybe it is some good exercise to burn off some stress. Maybe it is some healthy food. Whatever it is that can help in our weariness, do it.

For me, getting some sleep helps immensely. I gain a new and healthier perspective when I am well rested.

What helps you when you are weary?
What did this devo speak to your heart? What action should you take?

God bless you!
PJ

I am free at last

What a great subject around the 4th of July. Freedom! However, there is a freedom even more important than our national freedom, our spiritual freedom. When Christ sets me free from sin and death in hell, I am free... free from the consequences of my sin. But I am not free to live like hell! Since God is the eternal Judge and perfect in judgment, we must use His standard for freedom and bondage or slavery. When we sin and continue to do sin, we are slaves to sin. When we are forgiven, we are free. If we are truly forgiven, then our heart is changed and we want to live for Christ. It doesn't mean that we are not tempted by the things that can put us in bondage, but we don't have to do them and God will help us overcome our sinful temptations and bondage. For me, the closer I get to Christ, the one who set me free from my sin, the more I feel free from the temptations that can normally feel so attractive.

Draw closer to Christ everyday and use that to find more freedom from your temptations and sin.

What sinfulness seems to capture you? Take it to Christ in prayer and scripture and surrender it to Christ. Let Christ, with the Holy Spirit's help, lead you to freedom.

God bless you,
PJ

Good and Bad

This is a great follow up on yesterdays devo. For many, we have a tendency to ask for God to bless those we like and we prayerfully ignore those we think are bad leaders. We need to pray for both. Reread the verses today, they are very good.

Remember God is using both good and bad leaders to work His plan to help bring about the return of Christ. Yes, pray for the leaders even if you don't like them. Ask for God's will to be done. Remember God is in control.
Stop and pray for the leaders now!

God bless you!
PJ

Patriotic prayer

I pray for the leaders of our City, County, State and Nation... And even the world. The issue is not whether I like them, it is a matter of obeying the Word of God and praying for those in authority over me, just like the Bible says. I pray for their salvation and that God will use them to work His Divine plan. Take time to pray for our leaders and our nation. Teach your children by example.
God instructed us to do this we need to obey. In addition, it needs to be more than the fourth of July.

Pray on!
God bless you
PJ

Rest again!

I find it hard to rest, I know I am a bit of a "work-a-holic" My wife says that using the word "bit" is kind of a form of denial. I even went through the Celebrate Recover 12 Step Study and really discovered that I am a "work-a-holic". The study was great for me and I think most of us would find tremendous growth by going through the study. However, I have to work at resting... how is that for an oxymoron?
Maybe I am just a moron.

When I really intentionally rest physically, mentally, and psychologically I will grow spiritually.

I want to challenge each of you men to find a time to get alone with God and rest. Discover what works for you. When you rest, talk to God, just talk to Him about whatever you are thinking about.

Take some time to rest!

God bless you,
PJ

Rest

Have you ever felt "so tired"? How many times have you said, "I'm so tired!" I have and it seems like I say it weekly. God set up a plan to rest... that is what the Sabbath is supposed to be about... rest and worship. Frankly it seems to me that we do little of either one. We live in a "rat race" of hurry and trying to do one more thing and when the "day of rest" comes we try to throw in an hour of worship and go out to play or work. I am guilty.

For the past five years we have accepted the invitation from friends to come to Hawaii and for Dawn Marie and me, it is our Sabbath rest. We read, pray, rest, read, pray, rest, etc... and in it is a sense of renewal. As a pastor there is no Sabbath rest. It is almost impossible to rest at home because of the demands of the ministry and life. We live life "too busy".

While we are away, we really truly rest and renew spiritually. This is not a hurry around to do tourist activities, it is a wait on the Lord time. It truly renews my inner being and physical strength. I am trying to creatively discover ways to incorporate some "Sabbath Rest" into my life at home. I find it really hard, but I can see how valuable this really is. I am amazed how God speaks to my heart during this time and I need it.

How about you?
God bless you and find some "rest"!

PJ

Did you ever feel guilty?

Today we were challenged to think about our conscience. I once had a person tell me about some really bad stuff they had been involved in doing and then they said; "I feel so guilty". The reality is that it was their conscience and they felt guilty because they were guilty. Funny how that works!

God put it in us and we can try to numb or desensitize the guilty conscience, but like the devo pointed out, God is the real judge and whether we feel guilty or not, if it is wrong, God will judge it. It is not the world to which I am to compare my sense of right and wrong. It is God and His Word. I am grateful for my conscience and how the Holy Spirit works to guide me to righteous living.

Thank you God for a conscience that is sensitive to Godly Truth!

How about you?
PJ

Unsaved Friends

The devo today deals with the idea of unsaved friends. It affirms the value of connecting with unsaved friends. It highlights a key thought; "You can learn a lot from them without being influenced to follow lifestyle choices that are contrary to God's ways."

To me, that is key! When our sons were young, we often asked the question; "who is influencing who?" God wants us to "go into the world" and show his love and mercy. The issue revolves around the question; "who is influencing who?"

If you have unsaved friends, and you should, are you influencing them for Christ? As a pastor, most of my connections are with people who know Jesus Christ as their Savior. I have to work at finding and making unsaved friends.

You might want to read Matthew 9:9-13. Jesus came for those who need him and Jesus wants us to reach out to them with mercy.

Now, ask yourself; "How am I bringing my unsaved friends to Christ?" Am I? What more can I do? When is the last time I invited an unsaved friend to know more about Christ?

Go do it!

God bless you,
PJ

Friends of a different kind

"BE CAREFUL" That is an important word for everyone of us men when it comes to friendship with a female other than our wife or girl friend. We need to keep in mind that we can get emotionally and sensually attracted to a female that is not our wife and it is inappropriate. Satan would love to wreck any one of our lives and not one of us is exempt from the temptation. Be on the guard and put safety rules in place to protect you / us / me!

Reread the cautions in the devo... they are good guidelines... maybe, as we consider them, we might need more. Do you best to protect yourself from friendships that can evolve into immoral connections. And remember, it starts in the thought life first. Guard your thoughts. Remember the old saying of one of the spiritual greats; "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can keep it from landing on your head and building a nest." This is about temptation.

We must conduct our life in such a way, with our female friendships, that we don't allow the bird to land and build a nest.

What are you doing to guard your heart, soul and mind against a friendship that could go wrong?

God bless you,
PJ

Friends again

We returned again to the subject of friendship. In fact, we have a total of five devo's on friendship.

The devo today is asking about men having close men friends. It is clear in noting the scriptural example of David and Jonathan (1 Sam. 18).

On Saturday I blogged about men have a tendency to develop friendships around activities. That is true... however, it is very valuable for men to engage in spiritual development with other men. Get into a Bible Study or Accountability Group with other men. Read the scripture together and talk about the things that trouble men. Yes, men can and should have that kind of relationship with other men.

This Fall, I will start another men's study. You are invited to be involved if you so desire.

Remember the Proverbs in the devo... it was good..."As iron sharpens iron, a friends sharpens a friend." Do you have anyone sharpening you?

God bless you,
PJ

Friends

For me, this is challenging! I love the idea of friendship with God. However, as a man, in fact a typical man... I find that friendship is built around the typical activities of men, like sports or work. True sharing, for men, is not so common. I think that affects our "friendship" with God. True sharing with God is not so common. I know God is there, ready, the problem is that I need to take time to develop the friendship with God. I am at fault... like always!

I want to be a friend of God. I guess it might start with the ideas of being honest, loyal and available with and to God. Just like friendship takes time with anyone, it takes time with God, too!

I hunt with friend, I golf with a friend, I shoot guns with a friend, I have coffee with a friend... all of that takes time. I can see that I must choose to take time to be friends with God.

I am choosing to take time to work on my friendship with God. In fact, this devo helps with that...How about you?

God bless you,
PJ

Plans

I have a tendency to like a good plan. I know God has one, I just want to know what it is... all the time. The devo mentioned Joseph doing what was right when he came before Pharaoh, but he did not know that was going to fulfill God's plan. When Pharaoh asked Joseph about what to do with the dreams, plenty and famine... Joseph had no idea his answer was going to fulfill God's plan. He just gave the most Godly answer he could think to offer. I think there is a great lesson in that. We don't know what we are going to do today to help fulfill God's plan, but we can be the most Godly we know how to be and believe that it will work into God's plan. In fact, I am confident that it will.

Daily, Godly faithfulness as a man, husband, father,employee, citizen and neighbor is all a part of God's plan. If I am faithful in the little things, I can fit into God's bigger plan.

Sometimes we worry too much about the "big" plan when we really ought to focus on being faithful in the everyday plan of life. God does have a plan and it starts with the little things... how are you working God's plan?

How about you?
PJ

Rebellion

When I read about rebellion, I thought; rebellion is for everyone. Some disguise it better than others! For me, I did not choose to overtly walk away from the things of God and take on the lifestyle of the ungodly! I did not choose wild living, no, that is too obvious. I choose to rebel through subtle, silent disobedience.

It is like the child who is told to go to the corner and sit in the chair for "time out". The child says, "I may be sitting down on the outside, but I am standing up on the inside." I think that many of us are rebellious in the more silent, subtle ways of our spiritual life. In fact, I think, that may be more dangerous because we can deceive our self and, by our outward appearance look OK, but our heart is in rebellion. OH, Wow, that is really bad! So ask; "God, what do you want me to do or be, say or not say, etc... that I am not doing?" God, I confess that is rebellion, I am sorry!

So, it is time for us (me)to say to God; "Search my heart and see if there is any rebellion in me. Give me the strength to obey and not rebel in every area of my life."

How are you doing?

God bless you!
PJ

Complaining

As I reflect on this devo, I am convinced that we are living in a culture of complaining. I find it tempting to join the culture and I am challenged by God and this devo to resist the temptation.

I complain way too often, I am convicted to reign in this sin! Oh, wow, yes, it is a sin and I must be honest about that and stop sinning!

How about you? How do you feel about your complaining? Do you justify it?

It is a bad habit and I I am convicted to stop!

So, stop your complaining!
God bless you,
PJ

Judgment

The concept of judgment is one that has always captured my attention. I was afraid of the judgment of my Dad and of the school teacher and of the Police officer. I am not sure if it was taught or just my nature, but the idea of someone watching and judging me has caught my attention. There are times where that is really valuable and times where it causes me to be crippled.

I know that it is very important to have a healthy fear of God and, with that, have a realization that God is the perfect Judge and he is going to judge me. Frankly, that helps keep me on the "straight and narrow." That is the same thing that keeps me from speeding! You can quickly see that such understanding can be healthy.

However, I sometimes feel like people are judging me and I feel like I need to please them more than God. It is important for me to remember that God is the final judge and His judgment is the only one that counts. And, He is the only one I must truly please.

I am old enough to remember the Rowan and Martin "Laugh In" show and the "Here Come Da Judge" scenes. (I wasn't supposed to watch that show!) While it was a spoof... I know that the real Judge is Jesus Christ and I must be ready to stand before Him and be judged.

How about you? Are you ready?
God bless you,

PJ

Giants come in all sizes

I have discovered that Giants come in all sizes. In reference to this blog and the daily devo, the word giant is a euphemistic term to identify a problem. From the devo we referenced the Bible story of the young boy David who faced the literal giant Goliath. The point is clear. Grasp reality not the distortion. God is our reality and power and help and the problem is a passing point. (Sometimes we want the problem to pass a bit faster). However, God is our absolute point of power to progress through and past the problem (giant). God will be with us in the middle of the battle with the giant and will enable us to battle the giant and help us through to the end of the battle with the giant.

For us men, these giant battles come in about every shape, size, style, weight, speed, on pages, through the internet, on the job, with a neighbor, or some other imaginable concept.

The real point for us men, will I turn to the real source of hope and help to strengthen me through the battle with my giant. For me, I must remember that God asked me to lead the way in helping build his church, even raise the money for the Family Life Center. That seems like a giant, but I have to remember, God is the power to slay the giant, I simply have to do what He asks me to do.

What is your giant? Are you turning to God?

God bless you,
PJ

Ouch, that hurts!

Bad news! We have to suffer... sometimes because life is difficult and bad and sometimes because we were.... well, it was my own fault.

Funny, even stupid, but it seems like in hardship (suffering) I have a greater tendency to turn to God and rely on Him.

I don't have answers that sound humanly palatable in regard to the suffering of the world. And frankly, our humanity will probably not be able to understand all the issues of suffering. But, I am very grateful that there is a heaven coming for me because I believe, know and follow Jesus Christ as my Savior and He does work things together for our good (Romans 8:28) and I do have a perfect option to this suffering and it is heaven.

I am hanging on, because the answer in Jesus Christ is better than any answer the world gives. I am willing to suffer for Christ, if it is my fault or not, just because I believe so strongly in the hope of heaven and eternal life with Jesus Christ.

I am hanging on!

God bless you,
PJ

Help, I blew it!

I am grateful that God does help me when I blow it! However, the sad reality strikes us in the face; we have to face the consequences of our failures. I agree with the author that our God uses our failures to teach us life lessons. My problem is me, sometimes I don't learn my lesson very well.

I am eternally grateful that God rescues me from my sinfulness and points me toward heaven. I am seriously pained by my own failures... I simply need to learn my lessons better so that I don't repeat my failures.

In a variety of 12 Step Healing programs they define insanity as: doing the same failure over and over and hoping for different results.

I am very grateful that God knows my heart and considers my human frailty and gives me the promise of heaven as long as my heart is repentant and broken.

Take a moment and ask God to rescue you from ______________________. Now listen to what He is telling you to do. Do it!

God bless you,
PJ

Fight On!

The Devo today identifies God as a Warrior God! I am really captured by the author's purpose of evil; "to defy God and to wear down believes until they are led into sin." Frankly, with that in mind, I do need a Warrior God to win victory over sin and Satan and help me do the same.

I recognize that a battle rages in the spirit world to try to destroy me, my family, God's church and even take the whole world. I must be keenly aware and wiling to fight in the battle.

I must watch carefully where I go, what I do, who I spend time with, my attitude, my thoughts, my actions, my plans,etc... just about everything ... because it is like satan has secret spies trying to bring me down.

Will you (we) listen to the Holy Spirit like a front line soldier is to listen to his Captain? We must! So, what is the Captain saying you should do and not do? What are you doing about it?

I need the Warrior God to help me! How about you?
God bless you,
PJ

The Powerful

God is powerful! He is amazingly awesome and full of power. Sometimes I think that we think we ought to be powerful and we try to show our power with others. It may be a physical showing, an authoritative display, or something. However, I must realize that God is all powerful and I need Him in His power to be my help and provision.

I believe God is in full control and all authority. While we may not, in our human position of viewing life, always agree with how God works, God has full power to do whatever He knows best.

He can make every wrong right and punish every evil, He is all powerful. One day, God will do that, but I don't have to try to do it.

Now... it is important for me to not try to play God with power moves on other people. I must humble myself before the all powerful God. He is the one with the power, not me! I must not try to play God, but, I must humble myself before the Almighty Powerful God and allow Him to be God in all of my life.

Think about allowing God to be the all powerful God and remember; it is not me!

God bless you,
PJ

Father

This coming Sunday is Father's Day. I am personally captured by the idea of being a good father. I am grateful that God, our heavenly Father, is the best father image I could have.

My father is 91 years old, he is hard of hearing, slow in response and his advanced age is leaving him very frail. He has tried hard and his best efforts are greatly loved and appreciated. Thanks Dad!

I have a Christian heritage because of the faithfulness of my father, but even so, God the father in heaven is the best example.

I chose to learn all the good I can from my earthly father, but the best example is my heavenly father. Give thanks for your earthly father and give praise to God for Him being your heavenly father.

Take time this week to show appreciation to your Dad!

God bless you,
PJ

Responsibility

I love this subject. My dear wife uses this idea to explain it; This subject simply requires us to respond in the most God honoring manner! As much as possible, as often as possible, I must make sure that I respond to life in a manner that pleases God. That is responsibility!

God is watching and listening. He knows if we are being responsible, even if no one else knows.

Be responsible!

Today is the 35th Anniversary for Dawn Marie and me. She is the joy of my life. I am grateful for her love and companionship. Over the next three weeks my blogging may be more sporadic than usual. Spending some extra time with my wife... that is a responsibility I have... and I will fulfill it with joy!

God bless you,
PJ

comparisons

Do you ever make comparisons? Like, my dad is stronger than your dad! Well, I have done that, but not recently about my dad. For me it could be something about how my church does this better than that church. God convicts me of those kind of comparisons and just about any comparison.

God has helped me to see that the pastor of the small rural church in some remote county is as important as the pastor of the largest church in the nation. Comparison is unfair for us. Why? Because of faithfulness to the obedience of what God wants us to be is most important thing, not how I compare to another person.

I should never compare myself to any human or human process. I should compare myself to what God desires of me! Who do you compare to?

God bless you,
PJ

I win! For Thursday, June 10

I don't know about you, but for me, there was a time when I hated to lose. It would make me mad. God really had to work on my attitude about winning and losing. Moving from the here and now to the eternal perspective helped me to get over the driving, ungodly competitiveness that would consume me from time to time.

Sometimes when we are too competetive we are inclined to miss opportunities to help others in the most important things of life. I like the following line from the devo; "Competition should bring out the best in you, not the worst."

Today, I am much less competetive. There are many things in life that aren't so important. I try to measure my competetive motivation agains what I call "eternal value". How eternally important is this issue? If it is eternally significant, I will become more competetive.

What drives you to be competetive, is it a healthy competetion, does it have eternal value?

God bless you,
PJ

Working!

I have to admit, I tend to be a workaholic, I tend to get my value from working. I know there can be good in it, but also it can be bad. In fact, this can be a habit that needs to be healed.

And as an employer, I can tend to expect more from others than I should. Keeping a proper Biblical viewpoint is so important for me.

I know that I must honor God by being a faithful worker for the glory of God. And do it in such a way that God is truly lifted up and I do my job with excellence.

Are you working in such a way that God is glorified?

God bless you,
PJ

The Boss

Most of us have probably had a lousy boss. While we cannot do much about a lousy boss, we can do something about what we do or how we act at a supervisory person. I recently listened to a person tell me how they had been treated very badly by their supervisory people. It did not produce loyalty or appreciation. In fact, it made the person feel like they did not want to work for that company at all.

I tend to want to be a "people pleaser" and sometimes that is hard as a supervisor. However, I always try to value those with whom I work. I am keenly aware that I could not do the work without them. I really think the verse at the close of the devo is so appropriate; "Do for others what you would like them to do for you."

I am trying to practice that verse with those whom I work! It is important for me to remember; God is watching!

God bless you,
PJ

My Work or Business

This devo really focuses day to day labor. Yes, God is very interested in our business or work. God wants to use our business or work as a launching pad for doing ministry for Him. I have a son who stuggled with the idea of being a minister but he really wanted to do something else. I told him to find something that He loves doing, where he can use his gifts and talents and do it for the glory of the Lord. He loves fitness training and he started his own fitness business. We talked about everything needs to be done in a way so that you can use it for the Glory of God.

God is interested in our work... and he desires it to be used or done in a way that can bring Him glory.

Great scripture today at the close of the devo!

God bless you,
PJ

Integrity

It seems like integrity is a moving target in a decaying society. Many of the old Biblical values seem to be disappearing. I am convicted to hold to Biblical integrity. Biblical integrity calls for me to hold to Biblical values in the way I live.

I just read an article about the Major League Baseball Umpire who missed the call at first base and cost the pitcher a "perfect game". The umpire realized his mitake and asked for forgiveness. The young pitcher responded with grace and was forgiving. Both acted with apparent "integrity" as they faced a serious problem in their profession.

How we respond when the heat is on. That tells about our integrity. I can put on a nice front, but how I respond in the face of pressure, problems, failures, hurts, fears, etc... really reveals my integrity.

I am going to consciously choose Biblical values and live them with integrity. Now, that means I must get into the Bible and know what the Bible says. I am committing to doing this no matter how hard it may be at times.

God bless you,
PJ

Fake

Hypocricy is a type of being a fake! It seems like those of us who grew up around church and the Christian faith can very easily fall into being a "fake". We learn the words, songs, actions and have a pretty good idea how this "faith thing" is supposed to work, but, we don't have it in our heart. It is head information and not heart transformation!

The devo says; "The only sure way to avoid hypocricy in your life is to faithfully serve God without contridiction." While I fundamentally agree, I believe I need to add that we must have a true heart transformation not just keep all the rules and regulations in our head and in our daily lifestyle. It really begins in the heart and then moves to daily action.

Is there any area of your life that has a touch of hypocricy? Be honest! It is important for us to do this examination and make faithful adjustments! What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you (me) about this one?

God bless you!
PJ

Example

I don't know how many times I might have heard; "Be a good example!" While, as a child and teen and young man, I might have grown weary of the admonition, it is right!

The way we live is an example. Our words, attitude, actions, reactions, etc... are all an example. We need to try to make them a good example.

More often than I like, I feel like I have some failures along the way. Not so long ago I had to deal with a person in a public manner and I kept thinking; "Do this in a way that will honor God!" When it was over, several people expressed thanks that I had set a good example of how to respond in a very awkward situation. However, one person thought the response was less than desirable and not as Godly as it should have been.

I acknowledged the cristicism and thanked the person. I expressed my desire to be a Godly example and stated that I would make an even stronger effort in the future.

What kind of an example am I? Well, I guess it depend on who is watching. That is when I remember God is always watching. I need to ask; "Am I the example God wants me to be?"

How about you?
God bless you,
PJ

Regrets

There are numerous regrets that I have. My issue is I must remember to embrace God's forgiveness, learn lessons and move on in growth and maturity. Phil. 3:13 "forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
When I live focused ahead, I do a better job of living above regrets.
Keep looking forward!

God bless you!
PJ

Forgive Me!

Wow, this is one of life's biggest challenges. As a Christian believer, it is my responsibility to forgive everyone if I am going to live in God's forgiveness for my life.

I really appreciate the statement from the devo; "Forgiveness does not erase the offense, but pardons the offender. Forgiveness is a choice, commitment to reflect God's love for us to others." Wow, that is good.

Even as a pastor, i have to deal with letting go of offenses and forgiving others. It is a choice and I am choosing to forgive.

It seems hardest when I feel like I have been offended by someone I think should know better. Even so, I choose to forgive.

How about you!
PJ

Memories can cripple

Memories can cripple forward progress if we are not careful! I have memories that are very inspiring and I have some that are embarrassing and, well, something I would not want to remember... but I do. I am really grateful for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

I really like Philippians 3:13 "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."

Instead of letting my memories cripple me, I focus on what Christ wants me to be and strive for that.

God bless you,
PJ

past

As I reflect on today's devo, I am compelled to learn lessons from the past and try to move on to a brighter Christ filled, Holy Spirit led future. I cannot change the past, but I can learn from it. The main concern is; will I learn from the past to improve my future. Sometimes I think I am a little too slow about learning from my past. At times I dwell on my failures and get stuck there. I need to remember Christ forgives the past and He can make good come from my past.

I like this quote from the devo; "Apply the lessons you learn, move forward, and help others to keep from making the same mistakes you did."

I like the Phil. 3:13 passage quoted in the devo... go back and reread it.

God bless you,
PJ

reputation

Most of us think about our reputation at some point or another. For most it has to do with what we think other people see and know about us and we try to control that information. We perceive that as our reputation... what others see and know about us. While others may see and know a limited amount of controlled information, God knows everything. He knows who we really are... our true reputation.

I want to live a life that is Godly and leaves a Godly reputation... I want to be sincere from the external that people see and know to the internal that God sees and knows.

I need to think about my reputation and do everything possible to make sure that I am sincere to the core and not just a fake.

Another thing I think about... most of the worldly things we are concerned about in relation to our reputation are not so important. The bottom line; "do I have a reputation that will please God?"

What about you?

God bless you,
PJ

It begins in the heart!

Honesty begins in the heart! I must be honest with myself before I will really live out honesty with others. I personally have to be honest about my sinfulness. I am a sinner and my only hope is through Jesus Christ being my Savior. I need Jesus Christ or I will be lost in my own sinfulness and I am eternally grateful that He died on the cross and saved me from my sins. I need salvation. For me, that is the beginning of honesty, recognizing my own sinfulness and confessing it to Jesus Christ.

Then I can begin to be honest about everything and with everyone. Frankly, if I am not honest about the fundamental base part of who I am, I am not honest at all. I want to be honest with God, myself, my wife, family, friends and community.

I like the phrase from the devo; "honesty creates trust". I want to do that!

God bless you,
PJ

You lazy bum!

People have said that little phrase for years; "you lazy bum!" But I don't think we typically think of it as sin. The devo today is a good challenge for me. I am a workaholic in some areas of my life and because I work so many hours for my job, I can tend to be a bit lazy about getting some of the personal home things done. I also can find it easy to get lazy about personal spiritual disciplines like devotions. This has been good for me to examine all the areas of my life. It seems like we can be somewhat strong and effective in one area and weak and inneffective in another area. We say we are good because of the strong area and have a tendency to ignore the weak area.

I am challenged to be better balanced and a hard worker in every area of my life: family, personal devotions, spiritual development, home management, and my job.

God bless you,
PJ

I'm proud of you!

When I was young I can recall times when my father would say, "I'm proud of you!" There are appropriate places for "appropriate pride". "It is appropriate when you feel a grateful satisfaction for what God is doing through you." (devo) I think most people struggle with how to have good pride and avoid bad pride.

Wrongful pride will sink us and appropriate pride is a blessing. Wrongful pride is self focused and appropriate pride is thankfully God focused.

Pause for a moment today and express an appropriate pride for something God has done and is doing in and through you.

God bless you,
PJ

Pride

An amazing thing happens with pride, we think we are not prideful and we are. It sneaks up on us almost without warning. Like the devo indicated, we really are forgetting about God. We think we are good. We think we can do it all. We think we will not have to be accountable. It is dangerous! Humility is the antidote!

Pride is our way of lifting our self up. When we humble our self before God, He will lift us up.

God bless you,
PJ

Welcome His examination

Today and yesterday are both about motives of the heart. I like the quote; "Remember that God alone knows your heart. You may be able to fool others and yourself, but you can't fool God. Welcome His examination." What great words of Truth.

I have found that it is hard to be truly honest with ourself until we fully understand and believe that we cannot fool God. The Holy Spirit is the best friend I have, He speaks to me about my inner thoughts and motives and reveals them to me.

The big question is; "am I willing to listen to the Holy Spirit?"

Let the Holy Spirit reveal your motives... be honest in your response!

God bless you,
PJ

Think on these things...

Many years ago, I worked at Phillips Petroleum Co in the computing department. In those days I would hear people say; "garbage in, garbage out!" They would even say gigo... short for that phrase. It literally meant you would get out of the computer whatever you put into it. I learned that one could apply that truth to one's mind.

It is very very difficult to allow wrong ideas into our mind and then think about them and not expect it to lead to wrong actions.

My thoughts affect my actions and I must discipline the things that go into my mind so that I can control my thoughts and consequently control my actions.

So, I close my eyes, turn off the T.V., look the other way, read a different book, refuse to visit that web site, refuse to listen to that joke and the list goes on. But I have to take action if I am going to control my thought life.

The Holy Spirit is a great help, He guides me away from the sinful thoughts and actions.

God bless you,
PJ

Stop the run-a-way!

The ability to discipline our thought life is one of the most important pieces of having victory over sin. It is like stopping a run-a-way! I remember a place where I was employeed when I was working my way through college. Some of the men would have pornography and show is around the work place. It was somewhat unavoidable, if they knew you didn't want to look, they took fun in surprising you with it. Frankly the circumstances caused me to think about the pornographic images and the extra curriculur activities that come along with the images. I had to learn to discipline my thought life! I literally wrote out the Philippian 4:8 passage and carried it in my pocket (that was in the devo today)... to retrieve and read through it to help discipline my thought life. I still use the same tactic because it works! Read Romans 12:1-2... if we can transorm our minds with God's Truth, it will transform the way we live our life daily.

Still stopping the run-a-way mind!
God bless you,
PJ

Get on and ride again!

One of my very dear friends spent much of his life training horses. I watched him get thrown one time and he got up and got right back on to ride and break the horse.

Many times when we struggle with temptations we have an inclination to repeat and fail and when we fail we have a tendency to give up! We think we are bad and unable to be victorious.

I have failed and everyone of us have failed. We must not let our spiritual failures keep us from God. We must get up and get back on the spiritual horse and ride, even if sin throws us. God loves us and desires for us to return to him and be faithful.

Jesus is forgiving and we must continue to return to Him and ask for forgiveness. It must be sincere and from a humble heart.

If you get thrown by sin... get back up and get on to faithfully follow God.

God bless you!
PJ

A way out!

It is important for me to KNOW that there isn't any temptation that is too great, but God has provided a way out. I don't have to give into the temptation. I don't know how many of you can remember the TV show where the character would say; "The Devil made me do it!" I have come to realize that the Devil may tempt, but he can't make me do anything. One of the most important things to remember is; I have a choice! The Holy Spirit helps me stay focused and aware... I have the choice to do what is right or do what is wrong. I have a way out!

You have a choice... what choice are you making? A way of escape or a way of entrapment?

God, place within me the strength and commitment to choose the right for eternity instead of fleating pleasure for the moment. It is my choice!

God bless you,
PJ

Temptation part 2

James 1:14 Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. For me, cooked cabbage is not tempting! However, there are plenty of things that my natural man finds tempting. I have to have the help of the Holy Spirit to help me guard my mind and heart to stay out of sin. If the Holy Spirit doesn't help guard my mind and heart, I will get into trouble. The devo says to beg God for the power not to give temptation a second look. I really believe that help comes form the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

God bless you,
PJ

temptation

I can't remember who is the author of this saying, but it is powerful; "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head but you can keep it from landing on your head and building a nest in your hair." This was spoken in reference to temptation and sin.

The whole devo is about the issue regarding temptation and sin. Is temptation sin? The answer is no... we just need the strength and wisdom to recognize the birds flying over and keep them from landing.

So, maybe we need to become the best ornithologists we can become... so that we don't fall into sin.

God bless you,
PJ

Words Matter

How many times have I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't really mean it!" I don't know. But, my words do matter. We can say, "I am sorry" and we should ask for forgiveness when we say things and hurt others, or lie, or.....

But, we should really get a hold on our tongue so that we don't have to go around trying to undo wrongfully spoken words. I was once hurt by a very close friend and the words they spoke stabbed deeply. Now the friend returned and apologized for their anger but the words continue to echo in my mind. While we have a great relationship, I find myself wondering if they really did mean what they said, even though they retracted the statement. Words have an impact!

The book of James is a great guide for the use of the tongue. I have come to realize that if I don't say it, I won't have to retract it.

I is vital to think before we speak! Words do matter!

God bless you,
PJ

Confession

For some people confession stirs a picture of a Catholic confession booth. One enters it, closes the door or curtain and speaks through an opening to tell a Priest about the things one has done wrong. There is value in that act, it typically causes the person confessing to feel some relief from their guilt. However, Jesus Christ is the one who truly forgives us of our sins and when we have hurt or offended another person we need to ask forgivenss from Jesus and the one we hurt.

Owning up to our own failures and confessing them is a vital part of our Spiritual development. When we deny that we have done anything wrong, we are liars and we simply add to our failures. Confession helps break the hold of pride in our life. I have to admit, pride often causes me to be reluctant to confess.

The good news is that God wants to forgive and He created us to practice forgiveness so that we have restored relationships. So, it is essential that I confess my sins, failures, pride, etc... and find myself restored with God and friends.

God bless you,
PJ

Motivation

The devo today is about how we can be better at obeying God's Word and way of life. It isn't enough to know. We must act on what we know. The devo reveals that the Holy Spirit helps us and praying strengthens us to be more faithful in obedience.

Think about it like this; when a child is permitted to be alone they have a greater tendency to do whatever they want, even disobey. But when the parent is near them, guiding them, focusing them, they are much more inclined to do what is right. It is a type of empowerment. The Holy Spirit does that for us! Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to be near you every day, empowering you to obey.

God bless you,
PJ

Obedience

I think that all of us in our base humanity have some struggle with obedience in some way or another. The real reason we don't obey is because we truly think we know better or have a better way of doing something. In addition, we are not at all convinced that our disobedience will have any significant consequences. God calls all of us to obedience and when we understand the eternal perspective of God in His Absolute Power, Love and Truth then we will readily obey. The more I comprehend a real eternity of heaven and hell and God's justice, I will more likely obey.

In reality, there is a clear analogy with parenting and child rearing! All the children think they have a better idea. When they are told to do something, they have to decide if there will be any consequences both immediate and long term. If they discover there are no consequences then rarely does the child obey. However, if they learn there are consequences for disobeying, the child becomes much for likely to obey. Frankly, as adults, we are the same.

So, how do you view God. Do you have a healthy, Biblical respect for God. If not, you will not likely obey. If yes, then you will likely obey.

Where are you on this issue?

God bless you,
PJ

All the Time!

The devo today is about making prayer a part of our life routine. Frankly, I think many people become apprehensive when they think they have to have a set time of prayer everyday. Now, don't get me wrong, I think that is a great idea, but, more important we need to make prayer a part of our everyday life, all the time. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray continually". The idea is that we be in a spirit of prayer all the time, throughout our life. That is the best routine we can establish. For example; many times when I am showering in the morning I will pray and ask God to wash my heart, soul and mind. I will give thanks for hot and cold water. When I drive to work I will often praise God for the infrastructure, roads, police protection, etc... When I hear a siren I will pray for whoever it might be needing the assistance. I use reminders throughout the day to help me remember to pray. Pray should be our daily lifestyle routine. Now, with that in mind, it is a good idea to establish some routine to a more formal prayer time with spouse and children. Try to consciously make prayer a part of your daily routine. It works and it is worth it.

God bless you,
PJ

Talk Story

We have friends who own a place in Hawaii and they have invited us to stay at their place for a rest and renewal time for the last several years. It is a great get a way for reading and relaxing. We have learned that in Hawaii people will say; "Let's talk story!" That is what you do when you share from your heart and the other person shares from their heart. I imagine that true prayer is "talk story"!

I have discovered that I need to listen to God in order to have good communication with God. That certainly requires that I do more than tell God what I need or want. I must say; "tell me what you want me to know". And then I must listen! Wow, that doesn't feel like prayer... but that is good communication and communication is what prayer is about.

Try to listen to God and use that to improve you communication with God.

God bless you,
PJ

Answers!

Too often we feel like God is not answering our prayer. The reality may be that God is just not answering our prayer the way we want it answered.

Think about this... God always answers prayer... He says: No! Slow! Grow! Go! (yes)

Sometimes we don't like the answer so we say; "God didn't answer my prayer!" That is a little like my grandkids thinking I don't love them and give them what they want when I say; "wait till after dinner to have ice cream."

Answers come in many forms... just not always the way we like.

Are you listening for the answer? Can you recognize God's answer?

What prayer have you prayed and, as you seriously reflect, you can see God's answer, even if it was different than you expected or desired?

Look for the answer: No, Slow, Grow, Go!

God bless you,
PJ

AWOL

Wow, I have been AWOL (absent with out leave). I fully understand the crazy demands of life that pull us away from good time alone with God. Too many days this week that have been very early morning to late at night. So sorry!

Devotions for the next few days deal with our prayer life. It seems like we think that God is not listening if He does not do things the way we desire for Him to do things.

God is listening and He loves us. We must keep on praying. God does listen and honor the humble heart that turns to Him. I firmly believe that God is Almighty, full of perfect knowledge and perfect in His decisions. If God is perfect, then I must believe with all my heart that God is listening and doing the best for me. I must also remember the best isn't always easy.

So, I take comfort to know that God is perfect and that He is listening and that He is working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28)

I like the sentence in the devo; "When you pray, be alert and watch for God's response, even if it isn't what you expected."

He is listening! What are you saying?

God bless you,
PJ

Dat's Scawy!

I once saw a little boy get frightened and he turned to his dad and said; "Dat's scawy!" That kind of fear is not the same as the fear of God. The fear of God is a sense of reverent awe of God in His majesty, power, wonder, creative ability, justice, mercy, and grace.

This kind of "fear of God" is what makes us say; Wow, God you are awesome!" We love Him and obey Him because we have a reverent fear of Him.

Frankly, I am as much in awe and fear of God for His mercy and grace as I am His power and justice. When I see the creative power of God, I am in fear of Him. When I see the natural power of God in the rush of the ocean, the movement of the earth in an earthquake, the explosion of a mountain in a volcano, the flash of a star on a dark night, the birth of a baby, the healing of a sick person and the miracle of a changed life and forgiveness of sins.... all of that makes me have the "fear of God".

When do you sense the "fear of God?"

God bless you,
PJ

consequences can cause distress

What an interesting devo today! How many times have I felt really bad about something that was totally my own fault. I complain that I have to suffer the consequences of my foolish or sinful action. I even get stressed about it. So, how can I stop feelings stressed or distressed over these situations? Stop doing the foolish or sinful thing.

I once heard a man say, "I went to the Doctor and said to the Doctor; "It hurts when I put my hand up over my head." The Doctor simply said, "Stop putting your hand over your head!"

Sometimes we face distress for our own foolishness and the best way out is to stop doing the foolish things.

What foolish or sinful thing are you doing that leads to distress in your life?
Stop doing it!

God bless you,
PJ

Power Hungry?

Missed a couple of days and now we jump into a manly subject. Men love power. Whether it is more power for the car, lawnmower, computer, or power of influence on the job or the power of money. It seems to have started by being captured with the super power of the super heroes. This has not changed over the years; from the mythological Greek characters with superpower to our current world of fictional super heroes. We long to be associated with someone of power.

God is the answer. It is not mythology, it is Biblical history and truth. Our access to the God of the universe is through Jesus Christ, His son.

When we recieve Jesus Christ into our life, we recieve the one who said, "all power and athority has been given to me" (Matt 28). We need to seek Jesus and God and find the power we need in them and through them.

I find it in the Truth of the Bible and the ever present help of the Holy Spirit and my trust in His Divine help and guidance.

The devo helps us remember that we are weak and He is strong. God desires to work in us and give us the power we need to be what we should be. Ask for God's power to help you today and everyday!

Live in His power!
PJ

You can count on me!

Have you ever said or had it said to you, "you can count on me"? Frankly many of us have faced that opportunity. Someone has said, "you can count on me". And we believe them because we know them and have a relationship with them. If we don't know them, we have a difficult time believing them. So it is with God. God says, "you can count on me!" We believe Him if we really know Him. We doubt Him when we don't know Him. I have found that the closer I get to God, through His Word and prayer, I find Him more trustworthy and reliable.

I find Him fully reliable to His character and Word. However, He doesn't always do what Joe wants. He does what God knows is right in light of eternity.

I am challenged to grow in my faith and trust in God's reliability.

God bless you,
PJ

extraordinary needs

God is my provider! He provides my needs. I seem to get troubled about my wants that go beyond my needs. I am eternally grateful that God provides me a way of salvation, acceptance, love, mercy, wisdom, daily assistance, a way of escape when I am tempted and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Wow! the problem is that I don't often ask for those things. I generally ask for more tangible, physical type of things, things that will not make it to eternity. When I step back and take an eternal view of God's provision for the eternal "real" and "lasting" things, then I can see that God really is my great provider.

I have to remind my self... "get your eyes on the right things!"

Thank you God for your provision!

God bless you,
PJ

Success!

Success is so elusive when our definition is worldy instead of Godly! I am trying very hard to make the Bible and Godly values be my standard of success. In fact, Biblical obedience is the foundation for success. I must know what the Bible declares as successful and ignore what the world calls success.

It is my goal to become successful from a Biblical, eternal value system. I am trying hard to not be caught up in the worldly standard.

What is your standard of success?

God bless you,
PJ

Give

It seems to me like most of us think we need to have God give to us so that we can have something for ourselves. However, God's real plan to give to us is so that we can be a channel of His blessing to someone else. Many times I meet people who say; "If I had more I would give". However, history has proven that generous people give from very little or very much. And greedy people are greedy with little or a lot.

It is always important for me to remember to "give and it will be given" to me... but it starts with me giving first.

What have you given lately?

God bless you,
PJ

Is There Ever Enough?

I am grateful for Gods provision of all my needs. (Phil 4:19) It is important that I maintain an eternal perspective. From a human perspective there are many things I want and I must distinguish between my wants and my needs. God will truly provide my needs. Frankly, I don't NEED very much. I just visited with a man, my age, who doesn't have a home, doesn't have a permanent job, doesn't have much of anything and he talked about having everything he really needed! He carried his Bible, believed in eternal life through Jesus Christ and was living satisfied with the little that he had.

I must remember that I am not living to accumulate more things for tomorrow or the next day... but simply to give God glory in who I am and how I live today, with much or very little.

My greatest need is eternal life in heaven. God has provided that through Jesus Christ, His Son! I have found that the eternal perspective helps me a great deal with being satisfied. Yes, God does care about my daily needs... through the light of eternity.

God bless you,
PJ

Stress and Trouble

I don't want to overreact, but, I feel like saying; "I hate stress!" Now, my Mom told me not to use the word "hate". But I really don't like stress! However, I can't seem to escape it. So, I am learning to become stronger and better because of it.

How do you handle stress? What do you do?

For me, I go to God, worship, listen to worship music, pray and read the Bible. That helps me! I also try to rest and seek counsel where it may be helpful. I really do like one of the phrases of the devo for today; "As you look for what God is teaching you in your stressful times, you will become better equipped to deal with other stressful situations."

I still turn to Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:4-8, both passages help me hold strong in the big stress times of life.

God bless you,
PJ

Trust and Obey

I grew up singing a church song called "Trust and Obey". Frankly the words of the song are great. However, the practice is harder. When we begin to worry about the problems of life, we panic. Trusting God empowers us to conquer panic.

I don't know about you, but, I have had some feelings of panic when life goes sour. I continue to apply the song: Trust and Obey! Trust God and obey the principles of God's word for how to live and what to do.

I challenge you to read God's Word, Pray, Praise God in songs and trust God to guide you. You will overcome or prevent panic!

What makes you panic? What do you do to overcome panic?

God bless you,
PJ

Advertisements!

Advertisements are the most productive way of advancing materialism. It seems to me that I want way too much and advertisements keep the ideas right in front of me. I grow weary of all the advertising! However, that isn't the real problem, the problem is me. I must daily die to my selfish desires to obtain and have more. All of this "stuff" here on earth is earthly and the eternal things are most important.

God once taught me a lesson about materialism... many years ago when our boys were small, I bought a "new to me" car. I was very pleased with it and I try to keep my cars nice and clean. The boys were eating in the car and dropped some food in the seats. I proceeded to be very harsh on them. God spoke to my heart and said that "the car would be in a junk yard in a few years and those boys are eternal. Be careful where you place your value!"

I am trying hard to make my focus on eternal values! Don't get caught up in materialism!

God bless you,
PJ

The elephant in the room!

Well, what do you expect from the Pastor. I support the Biblical ideas of tithing and generous giving. Why? Because it is a Biblical concept. This is like the elephant in the room. Nobody wants to talk about it, but everybody knows it is there. I struggle with wanting to be a "people pleaser". I want to be so careful that I don't say anything that will offend anyone. However, I have come to the point of saying. Read God's Word, the Bible and simply do what it says as it relates to your giving of money to God. I grow weary of men and women looking for exceptions, it is time we step up and demonstrate our love and obedience. We give to God because we love Him and we give to God because it is obedience to Him. How about you? Are you robbing God or faithfully giving to God?

I do know that when I pray and ask God to meet my needs, I want to be confident I have not robbed God and then asked for Him to bless me. The verses in the devo are great! Men, step up and obey, this is one of the most important and significant ways for you to show your love to God.

God bless you!
PJ

Give me the money and nobody gets hurt

The title line suggest some idea of a bank robbery. Actually many people feel that way. They are so compelled to have money and more money that the idea of money consumes them and drives them. In fact, with some, money owns them!

The issue of "money" is one of our most challenging spiritual points of growth and maturity. If we are not giving God His tithe and managing His money properly, we are not obeying God and being mature Christian believers. We need money to function in this world, but we don't want to be owned by our money. It is vital for me to simply imagine that I am taking care of God's money. The money is not mine to spend, but Gods money to manage.

Sometimes when I reflect, I don't think I managed God's money as well as I should have. I am committed to better management! What are you doing with God's money!

God bless you,
PJ

How much does it take?

Today's devo focuses us on wealth and contentment. I will never forget a time over 25 years ago when I was visiting with a man who made more than ten times what I made in annual salary and He simply could NOT find any contentment. He mistakenly thought that if he could purchase all those "things" he would be happy. He purchased them and he was not happy. It was a heart issue.

Several years ago Dawn Marie and I, with several friends, visited Mozambique Africa. We visited villages where families lived in huts smaller than our home bedroom. We also visited people in Croatia who lived in the bullet riddled remains of a home. In both cases we observed people learning to have contentment in spite of wealth.

In my pastoral responsibilities I have done a wedding that cost the father about $75,000 and the couple simply couldn't get enough. No contentment in possessions or life relationships. It was a heart issue.

Wealth doesn't make us happy or content. I have seen a content and happy heart in simple lifestyle and opulent lifestyle, because the happiness or contentment is in the heart.

It is vitally important for us to see our wealth as a tool to use for the Kingdom of God and not a prize for us to obtain and show off like a trophy.

Is your wealth a tool to use for God or do you see it as a possession to hold for yourself?

God bless you,
PJ

Advertising and Children

Contentment is difficult! Advertising is focused on making us feel like we need to have something new, different, nicer, bigger, smaller, faster, more eco-friendly, etc... and it is difficult to be content in our visual, media driven world. However, I think we see it in our children even before they are old enough to notice much advertising. Our discontent comes from within, my sinful nature. I really appreciate the two passages from the devo... I want to be appropriately content as I live among the things of this world.

I am trying to ask myself; "Do I NEED that?" Emphasis on need!

I just recently heard a story of a man who inherited his parent's estate. He invited all his children and family to come and choose whatever they wanted. One of the children noticed the Dad wasn't choosing anything and asked, "Dad, what do you want." The Dad responded something like this, "None of it will fit in my casket."

I want to be content with my needs being met as far as the earthly things are concerned. I want to have a holy discontent about doing eternal things.

God bless you,
PJ

I need courage!

The devo indicates that reading and studying the Word of God will help give us courage. I know that God speaks through the Bible and while reading the Bible. I know that many times, while reading the Bible, I have found the courage to do something that I struggled with or doubted.

I am grateful for God's Word, the Bible, and the hope and encouragement I gain that helps me be courageous. Bible stories of the courage of God's people inspire me. Sometimes it is like the Holy Spirit speaks to me and guides me, providing the courage I need to do the right, difficult, challenging thing.

How does the Bible help you gain courage?

God bless you,
PJ

Have you been scared to death?

I have heard people say, "I would die for my faith!" Some people have had to face some pretty scary things and die for their faith. That takes real courage. However, I believe it takes even more courage to live boldly for your faith. Frankly death has an end. When we have to live boldly for God, even in the face of persecution, it takes great courage.

Will you live courageously for Christ when people make fun of your faith or how you live out your faith? Will you live courageously when you stand up for Biblical Truth and people mock you? Will you live courageously when temptations come with friends and you need to turn them away?

God is looking for men who will live courageously for Him. I want to have that kind of courage. Remember... "be the one to take a stand so that othes will be inspired to follow."

Where have you had your courage challenged... how did you respond?

God bless you,
PJ