Sozo Today

“Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:10 Bill and Bette had no idea what the farm they had just purchased would one day turn into. The year was 1953 and the young couple couldn’t wait to start planting sweet corn in the fertile soil of Southern New Jersey. Bill started selling that corn from the back of a wagon, and as the family grew, so did the farm.  Today,[…]

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 Some time ago I came across a book that I’ve known about for years, but something occurred to me that I had never thought about before. The book, “Think and Grow Rich,” was written by Napoleon Hill in 1937 which was the era our nation went through what’s known as “The Great Depression.” I’ve had the opportunity to talk to some folks who were around during those times, and from everything[…]

“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”  Philippians 3:14 If you’ve ever seen the movieSecretariat, you know how inspiring it is. One friend of mine has seen it so many times that he almost has every line in the movie memorized. Secretariat, a race horse that overcame incredible odds, set race horse records that still stand to this day, and in his time, he inspired Americans and the world with his tenacity to press on toward the finish line, often leaving his competitors far,[…]

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 I may have a few moves, but I wouldn’t consider myself much of a dancer. Dancing, however, has been around for ages and, in scripture, we even see dance as a means of worship that pleases God.  The “two-step” has been called the “most popular couples dance” in the US, and most dance authorities believe it’s because of its simplicity. With just two basic moves the two-step gives dancers the basis for a variety of different dancing genres. The more a[…]

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 An article in the New York Daily, recounting the history of the Brooklyn Bridge, sites that, “Emily Warren Roebling (1843-1903) succeeded her father-in-law, John Roebling, and her husband, Washington Roebling, as the field engineer aiding her disabled husband to completion of the Brooklyn Bridge.”Roebling was an accidental engineer. The bridge was the dream of her father-in-law, John Roebling. But three days into the construction one of his feet was badly[…]

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:17 “Get your helmet on,” the sergeant barked out, and I could tell his patience was wearing thin. I just wasn’t used to wearing it and it felt heavy and uncomfortable. As a brig guard, it was one of only two or three nights I had spent in the field while in the Marine Corps. However, “Every Marine a rifleman” was more than just a slogan and[…]

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”  Ephesians 5:2 NLT As a Marine Corps Pilot and flying for the legendary Blue Angels, Jeff was living his dream. In addition to being a top aviator, Jeff was also loyal, kind, compassionate and a loving father and husband. Life couldn’t have been better for Jeff as he had so much to live for. But, on one routine afternoon, his life was cut short. Not because someone took his life, but because he gave[…]

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”  Ephesians 4:16 You’ve heard the phrase, “running around like a chicken with your head cut off.” Well, it should have scarred me for life the day I saw that happen for real! As a ten-year-old boy I’ll never forget seeing my granddaddy grab one of the chickens in his back yard and chop its head off. That chicken, which we would later eat for dinner,[…]

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”  Ephesians 3:18 I was recently winding down for the day and watching some videos on my iPad. I couldn’t see the charging symbol because I was in full screen mode and was surprised when I finally noticed my battery indicator showed that my iPad was almost dead, even though I had my lightning cable plugged in the whole time. When I looked down at my power cord, it was plugged into the extension cord too. Thinking[…]