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And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 I was so excited to bring the cocoon I had just found to my 5th grade class. Ms. Blackmon put it in a well-ventilated container and placed it on the safety of a high window ledge so that we could all see the beautiful butterfly emerge. None of us wanted the butterfly to escape the cocoon on a weekend because we’d  miss all the action.  After every[…]

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28  Have you ever wondered how “Plan B or C” can become “Plan A?” It can make you ask yourself, was “Plan B” “Plan A” all along and I just didn’t know it? You may never know the answer to that question except to say that you have a Heavenly Father that knows how to work “EVERYTHING” out for your good. Only an all powerful, sovereign and loving God, can take something[…]

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 One of the things I enjoy most about living in a waterfront town is my early morning walks. It seems I take note of everything along the waterfront and as random as it may sound, most mornings I find myself counting the number of boats moored out in the river. And, one of the things I’ve recently noticed is the local sailing school boats lined up on their floating dock for[…]

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4  So what was it that impressed the Queen of Sheba so much in 2 Chronicles chapter nine, that she became breathless? The original language implies that she nearly passed out. It wasn’t just Solomon’s wealth alone, because she came from plenty of wealth herself. In fact she brought quite a bit of wealth with her to give as gifts to King Solomon.  So then what[…]

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 It must have been a scene! The Temple that Solomon built for the Lord was a marvel, as was the dedication itself. God’s glory had filled the Temple and now the Lord appears to Solomon and shares His heart with him about this magnificent Temple that had touched His heart. 1 Kings 9:3-4 says, The Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your petition. I have set this Temple apart to be holy—this place you have built where my name will be[…]

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Does seventeen, scared, stripped, shackled, mocked, abused, thrown in a situation and country where you know no one or their language and auctioned off by the slave traders sound like the picture of success to you? But that’s exactly how Joseph is described in Genesis 39:2, as a “successful man.” “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was[…]

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 Have you ever had one of those moments when everything in life was going good, and yet a “funk” was trying to hit you? I’m a pretty positive and upbeat person, but I had one of those moments just recently. The kids where well, business was good and there was nothing to dread or worry about, but yet this sly funk tried to creep in one recent afternoon. I wanted to pray, but as soon as I walked in the door of my[…]

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 There is probably no greater example of enemies loving each other more than that of the Civil War.  Men found themselves lining up on opposite sides of the battlefield, who had just previously enjoined the camaraderie of being students together at West Point and family members sharing meals together at the same table. In some cases brothers actually lined up against each other for the cause of[…]

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 As a young teenage boy Joseph had a dream and that dream almost cost him his life. Even after years of being misunderstood and even imprisoned, Joseph’s dream finally came to fruition. In the “fullness of time” God put it all together and this dream of Joseph’s propelled him to be the second in command of all of Egypt, thus[…]

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 I’ve heard it said, “If you’re going to pray, don’t worry and if you’re going to worry, don’t pray.” One of the definitions for the word “supplication” in Philippians 4:6 is “to that of childlike confidence, by representing prayer as the heart’s conversation with God.” Prayer, as it is defined in this verse is a “confident petition, with childlike faith.”  Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let[…]