" 'EYE' can help you with that"

Reflection and meditation can be very insightful. Today as I reflected on my morning, I was reminded of an incident of where I had an eyelash in my left eye. The irritating experience of having a foreign particle in one's eye reveals our frailty and dependence on someone greater than ourselves. Is it not amazing that something so small can cause such discomfort? Even more amazing to me is the fact that sometimes I fail to ask God for his help in the smallest, most seemingly insignificant situations in my life. But I have discovered that there are no insignificant areas or compartments of my life. I need to be completely dependent on the Lord for everything because He sustains my life.

Acts 17:28 says "for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children'". The irony of this passage is that when the details of our lives are brought into consideration, it might be shocking to discover after careful evaluation that we sometimes bring the "big stuff" to God to solve and attempt to handle the "little stuff" on our own. Realistically speaking, I am not going to ask God to literally take an eyelash out of my eye. However, I am humbly aware that if he is not gracious in providing me with strength in my mental faculties and coordinating my bodily functions with my brain, then it will be a monumental task in removing that irritating eyelash on my own. God is honored and receives much glory when His children call upon Him. It deepens our relationship with Him and reassures us of His nearness to His children. What do you need help with today? Call on the name of the Lord and trust that he will come to your rescue.

Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'for we also are His children'"

Absent from the body


When I hear the cliche "out of body experience" it has to do with the things of this world and phenomenon that can hardly be explained. Today I thank God for waking me up one more day and if He did not I am blessed and satisfied that if I am absent from my body I will be present with Him. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 5:8 ⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

King of Hearts

OK, so you lived another day and once again your sitting at the table of destiny ready to play one more round of the game of life. What does your hand look like? Do you even stand a chance? Will the "poker face" be enough to get you through? Are the sunglasses sufficient to hide your truest emotions or heartfelt desperation? The metaphors may seem far fetched, but the reality of life's difficulties can at times be unnerving and unmistakably challenging. However, it is at these defining moments that we must be certain of whom we have placed our trust in. Is your trust in people, things, or is it in yourself? Life is fleeting and unforeseen circumstances can throw our lives into a tailspin. We cannot control every situation; but what we can control is how we respond to them. Material wealth can evaporate overnight and health issues can render us impotent; but God is the source of our strength and will lift up our heads. So whats in your hand is probably not as important as whose hand you're in. Nevertheless, evaluating who's at the center of our affection will provide a valuable perspective on how to navigate life's toughest challenges. Jesus Christ is the "King of Hearts" and without him you're not playing with a full deck.

Psalms 20: 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.

Who's on the throne of your heart?

The monarchical system was once a dominant form of government where one person had absolute rule and control. Historically, the notion of monarchy emerged out of tribal kingship with the Monarch bearing the title of King or Queen. Though this system of government is archaic and still exists in some parts of the world, the concept of dominance and absolute rule is also expressed in popular culture. Elvis was called the King of Rock n' Roll, Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, and NBA star Lebron James is called King James. In truth there are legitimate kings. There are those who rule kingdoms and subjects and there are self-proclaimed kings such as Elvis, Michael Jackson and Lebron James. But there is only one King of Kings and his name is Jesus Christ. The rule of all earthly kings, legitimate or self proclaimed must come to and end, but the Kingdom of Christ is eternal, ever existing. Who's on the throne of your heart? Whom have you proclaimed King? There's no one greater, no one more deserving of your loyalty and adoration than Jesus Christ. LIVE for HIM! Jesus is KING, Jesus is LORD.......JIKJIL!

Revelation 19:16 "On his robe and on his thigh is this name written: KINGS of KINGS and LORD of LORDS

Encourage Yourself

When all else fails, encourage yourself. Thank God for a new day and a new opportunity to show him my gratitude. Yesterday was very overwhelming and I felt completely out of sorts. My mind swirled about with thoughts about my life, family, present financial struggle, etc. So much was going on in my mind, but I remained hopeful. I am hopeful because things could be worse; and where I am is a temporary place. The strength and hope that I clutched onto for dear life was the word of God from 2 Corinthian 6:10. "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." Despite the challenges I face in my day to day, I am resolved to approach every situation with a grateful heart. Remember the story of David (See 1 Samuel 30: 6)? Even he had to encourage himself in the Lord because a group of people wanted to stone him. It has not gotten that bad..... yet. I don't think! So pat yourself on the back and encourage yourself.

Faith is NOT Lazy, Faith Works

What can we achieve without working? Some might be inclined to say that nothing is achieved or accomplished without work. But a closer look at this construct and idea of work will reveal that a lack of work also has its rewards in being unproductive. Did you know that our faith must be put to work? Firstly, faith is a gift that comes from God. Yes, Faith is a characteristic or character trait that emanates from God. When God created us in his image and likeness He gave us a gift, a character trait that is a reflection of himself and his abilities. This character trait is one of ACTION not inaction. Therefore, Faith does not sit back and expect something to happen. No, Faith makes or causes (action) things to happen. Consider the creation of the universe (see Genesis 1 & 2): God worked for 6 days and brought everything that exists into being. All of this he did before he rested on day 7. And with each segment of creation that he spoke into existence, God said "it was good". Faith is not satisfied with mediocrity; Faith pursues excellence until he/she grabs a hold of it. Good things and great rewards will not fall from the sky onto our laps; they are the byproducts of our labor and effort. Our dreams and our goals must be actively pursued until they are accomplished; and we must not rest until the finish line is reached. Righteous action is evidence of genuine Faith. Show me your faith without your deeds, and I'll show you my faith by what I do. Faith is not Lazy, Faith Works.

James 2 :17- 18 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

It's in the Shoes! Really?

Yep..it's throwback Monday. How many of you remember the original Reebok pumps? It seems like eons ago. However, if you recall the commercials showed basketball players grabbing the tongue of the shoes and squeezing it causing it to inflate. This was supposed to make that player play his best on the basketball court and be able to literally "jump" out of the building. Well we now know that this was not the case. In fact, the shoes did inflate but did not produce the type of results that were shown in the commercials. It was a marketing ploy at best. Well today's blog entry has been inspired by Galatians 5:16; "Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh". Jumping out of a building and staying alive is an impossible feat without the proper gear such as a parachute. And playing basketball with gravity defying skills is impossible without years of practice and dedication. Likewise, living a victorious Christian life is impossible without being empowered by the Spirit of God. God has given us the ability to DESIRE or to want (HIM). However, sin and our fallen nature has so corrupted our desires that we no longer want the things of God that are lasting. Instead we want the things that please our natural existence, those things which are temporal and has no sustainability. The power that we seek to overcome our impulsive desires (See Galatians 5: 19-21) reside in the Spirit of God. Yes it's in the Spirit. To "walk in" is a military term meaning to "walk in step with" or "to walk in line with". Christian character is produced by the Holy Spirit in "walking in step" with Christ (See Galatians 5:22-23). Do you desire to please God with your life? Without the Spirit it is impossible. "Walk in the Spirit".

Believing the Promise

God is still good........and his promises are not a lie (beLIEve). I am beginning today's entry with this declaration because with every breath- taking opportunity that I'm given I realize that gratitude must be my posture regardless of the situation in which I find myself. Yesterday, I had a follow up interview for a coveted position at a local finance company and felt very confident about my presentation. Also, I was one of  3 final candidates being considered for the position, but learned today that I did not land the job. However, I was not disappointed because the Lord had already prepared me with a comforting word from Psalms 27 in my devotional time 4 days ago. In addition, I am still confident that God's promise for abundance (see John 10:10) will be experienced in it's fullness while I have breath and strength. Moreover, I DO NOT WANT FOR MYSELF WHAT GOD DOES NOT WANT FOR ME. I am writing this declaration in bold type because I am firm in this regard. David expressed in the psalm that he almost gave up. The reason he did not give up was because he remembered and held tight to God's promise to bless his house (See 2 Samuel 7:28-29). God has made some promises to you. So open the treasure trove of his word and discover them. And when the times of challenge, discomfort, frustration and whatever else may come in your path you'll be able to hold your ground. The mighty oak tree today is the nut that held its ground yesterday. God is still good! Have a great weekend and be safe.

Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Embrace IT, Live IT, Wear IT

Integrity and Truth (IT). SOMETIMES these words speak for themselves, however the english dictionary defines them this way:

Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

Truth: a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like.

If when you look at these definitions it gets you thinking about how you handle your everyday life then you are on the right track. If you look at them and all you see are two words in the english language then I believe it is time for some introspection.

What we do and say when nobody is watching is how I would put it in layman's terms.

Job 31:6
Let me be weighed on honest scales,That God may know my integrity.

Finding Strength in Waiting

It is said that patience is a virtue; and waiting is synonymous with patience. But, honestly speaking--how many of us lack this basic quality that is absolutely essential for life? So many of our mistakes could have been avoided if only we possessed the courage to wait. That guy or girl to whom you said "i do" and eventually divorced, that business decision that went sour, the car that was repossessed, the friend who lied on you and is no longer your BFF, could have all been avoided if some time were invested to evaluate that person or situation. In a culture where we have been so conditioned to getting everything or most of the things we want, I've discovered that patience is almost extinct. In fact, i think it should be placed on the "endangered species" list.  When we encounter obstacles, setbacks and difficulties, it is God's way of saying "seek me for direction". It is not to deny you of your desires, because what God has for you is for you. However, these things occur and are necessary for developing your Christian character. How else would you be able to share the experience of God's power at work in your life? So don't be discouraged when things don't go as planned. Wait on the Lord!
Remember, waiting on the Lord allows us the opportunity to see the wisdom of God at work in allowing certain things to happen or disallowing certain things from happening in our lives.

 Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Fruit of My Lips

Did you you know that the gateway to your heart are your eyes and your ears? What you listen to consistently and allow your mind to process on a regular basis will have a monumental impact on what you affirm or speak from your own mouth. Lets consider these words Jesus spoke as he addressed a group of self-righteous, religious individuals. He says "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Our mouth is like an orchard or a vineyard that produces fruit. Every negative or positive affirmation that we've ever spoken (i.e fruit) has its origin in the orchard or vineyard of our mind. A good tree will produce good fruit; and likewise a bad tree will produce bad fruit. Are you always complaining instead of thanking God for the experiences and situation he has taken you through? Do you hang around people that are always negative, unfairly criticising others? I 've mentioned in a previous post that "words" are powerful and can change any situation. So ask yourself, what type of fruit are you producing? What are you allowing to influence your thoughts which then determines what you say? The fruit of your lips must be a SACRIFICE of praise in giving God thanks--in everything. That's not an ordinary praise. It's a PRAISE that cost you something in demonstration of your passion in pleasing God. It's a sacrifice. Be careful little mouth what you say!

 By him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  Hebrew 13:15

Prepare for Rain

During the last week I realized that Florida is called the sunshine state for a reason. It has been hot and extremely humid. For the past several months it has been unseasonably dry as the entire State has been experiencing a drought. As a result, water restrictions have been enforced; the ponds, lakes, and streams are at record lows and we have been desperate for rain. Moreover, I have been praying and wanting the skies to open up and rain uncontrollably. However, I wasn't prepared for what I prayed for. On Saturday evening I ventured out to the grocery store less than 1/2 mile from home; and before I was even finished shopping I heard the noise of thunder and what sounded like rain. Surprisingly as I made my way to exit the store I was greeted by a heavy shower of rain.Unprepared for rain and having no umbrella I ran to my car and got drenched. It was during this experience that I had an amazing discovery.
When we desire something and have prayed for it to happen, it is through our faith and in believing that we are able to see our prayers answered. However, if you've prayed in faith and are believing for an answer to your prayer, then you must be prepared to recieve it. You must be prepared to recieve what you've prayed for. Faith is not only expectation and anticipation, faith is preparation. The farmer does not wait for rain and then plant his seeds. No! He prepares his field by plowing it and getting it ready for planting. After he has prepared it, he then plants his seeds and wait for the rain. Have you prayed? Have you plowed? It's getting ready to rain!

James 2:18 But someone may say, "You have faith, and I have actions." Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions. International Standard Version

"Really" trusting God

Today I had an interview for a job opportunity that came available and was reminded of the movie "Facing the Giants". In the movie "losing" Coach Grant Taylor made a vow to the Lord that whether he won or lost his football games that he would resolve to trust the Lord. After watching the movie I also made a commitment to trust the Lord in whatever life situation I found myself. However, I realized today that when I initially made that vow and have since repeated it several times, I did not in all honesty believe in the true essence of the statement. In fact, I wanted to "win" and trust God. But, a new day has dawned and I can truly say that I've embraced the truest sense of that quote. "Lord, if I win I'll trust you; and if I lose, I'll still trust you". You ask--what changed? Well, it's an experience each of us must encounter. And when your understanding is enlightened in this encounter you will experience God's peace regardless of the outcome. It is then that you'll KNOW whether or not you are "really" trusting God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. NIV

A New Start

Are you ready for a brand NEW start? Maybe you've been where you are for too long without making any progress. Or is it that you have so matured that you have outgrown the things, conversations and the people around you. If the opposite is true and you now realize that some of your old habits and decisions have prevented you from achieving your goals then it's time to switch gears. It's time for a NEW start. New is the opposite of old, it could represent a way of thinking, a difference in your diet or workout routine. In fact, "New" symbolizes change. It is letting go of the past. Past hurts, failures, not relying on your laurels and accomplishments. What you've been and what you've done is past. It has helped to shape and mold you into who you are today.  But, if you are to grow and go to the next level of achievement a refreshed perspective is necessary.

Isaiah 42: 9 "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you". New International Version

Use it or Lose it

You've heard the saying "If you don't use it you'll lose". Yes it's true. Did you know that you have a unique gift that no one else has? Your creator has given you a gift that is exceptional from anyone else and he expects you to use it for his glory. Believe it or not, your gifts and talents have an expiration date because you will eventually die. But more importantly, you are responsible for this God given gift and you will have to account for the use, misuse or non-use of it. I know that we live in a consumerist culture where we are so programmed to asborb every thing around us. But God has given each of us the ability to CREATE not just consume. Our gift was an investment deposited in the human bank of life to generate a return for God's kingdom. If you have life and breath it's NEVER too late. Stand out from the crowd, take the road less travelled and make use of your gift. Use it or lose it!


Matthew 25:14-18
¹⁴For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
 ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
 ¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
 ¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
 ¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

A good laugh: "Dry Feet"

Hopefully your feet does not look like this. But, if youre honest you will admit that you've had dry feet. Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my wife and noticed that her feet were dry. And just as I looked up to make a comment and "crack a joke" I quickly glanced at my own feet and realized that they were dry too. Simultaneously, my wife looked at me and as if she read my thoughts like a book, before I even opened my mouth she laughed out and said "uh huh, look at your feet". I couldnt help myself as I burst into laughter.

LESSON: It is so easy for us to find fault in other's. Meanwhile, upon closer observation we could easily be guilty of the same thing or worse. Remember, love covers many flaws!

Matthew 7: 3&5 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye then you will see clearly to remove the speck of sawdust from your brother's eye.

True Friend(s)....What kind of friend are you?

A true friend is as refreshing as a running stream. Yesterday, my wife and I took an impromptu road trip and drove 2 1/2 hours to visit a couple who are our friends. We have not seen them in more than 5 months and really wanted to spend some time together. There is a difference between knowing someone very well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of true friendship is loyalty--being able to love at all times and available to help in times of distress and personal struggle. The most amirable character(s) in the Bible that demonstrated these qualities other than Jesus Christ was Jonathan and David (see 1Samuel 18-20). Jonathan demonstrated true friendship/loyalty by exposing his father's (Saul) intention to kill his friend David whom God had chosen to become King over Israel. Jonathan could have chosen to entertain personal aspirations of becoming King considering he was a potential successor. Instead, he valued his frienship more than his personal aspirations. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they are not getting anything out of the relationship. Today, think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Exercise wisdom and be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages. Go visit a true friend!

Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (New Living Translation)

The POWER of your words

Scientist harness the power of  the raging waters from a river, they ingeniously develop mechanisms to extract power from the sunlight and wind turbines generate electricity that can light a city, yet still all of these forces of nature pale in comparison to the power of the tongue. There are times when we speak without being aware of the sheer ability and power that we possess to change our surroundings, circumstances and situations with ONE word. Have you ever given any thought as to why you are in the situation that you presently find yourself? If one should examine very closely, the reality of our experience is due overwhelmingly to the things we have spoken in to our lives. I think that we sometimes forget that we possess traits of the Creator who effortlessly spoke everything into existence (See Genesis chapter 1). So instead of complaining, use your words to express gratitude. Instead of berating someone because of a disagreement or a difference in opinion bless them instead. Speak life into your surroundings and the difference will be unmistakeable.

Proverbs 18: 20-21 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
   with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
   and those who love it will eat its fruit. NIV

Change is coming!

Romans 11:33
O how deep is the wealth of the wisdom and knowledge of God! no one is able to make discovery of his decisions, and his ways may not be searched out.


Disclaimer: I am not an expert. In fact, I re-affirm as I recently heard again that "the more I know about God is the more I realize that I know nothing about God".

If you are living and breathing you must admit that transformation and change is constantly taking place around us. Seasons change, times change and people (must) change, but the eternally existent God and his word does not change. However, people must change. If you refuse to change you are already dead. Dead is defined as inactive or inoperable; not connected to a source of potential difference. The source and difference I'm referring to here is the agent of change-- God himself. If you are to become who God has purposed and designed you to be then you must embrace change. Change, transformation begins on the inside of your mind and when it occurs it affects your entire being. That is-- your perspective, outlook, personality, ideology etc. Therefore, if your sincerest desire is to know Christ in a more meaningful way, then you must embrace change. Change is coming!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

Spiritual Living

Recipe for a successful spiritual life:

1. Pray
2. Fast
3. Have mustard seed faith

In all things KISS - Keep It Simple Silly, the wheel does not need to be reinvented.


Ingredients: Pray - Luke 11: 1-13, Fast - Mark 9:29, Mustard Seed Faith - Matthew 17:20

Real "Dreamers" WRITE.

Building a successful business is not for cowards. Realizing a lifelong dream is not for the faint of heart. Whatever it is that you desire to accomplish will require work.  And lots of it. But it all begins with a plan. You must have a plan and it MUST BE IN WRITING. You've heard this before-"It's not a goal if it is not written down". Have a target date or an end goal in mind. Know what you want to accomplish and what will be required to get you there. Writing it down or mapping it out will provide a reference point for how far ahead or how far behind you've reached as it relates to your goal. Believe in your vision, dream, idea, etc. Remember sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart.

And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." 

—Habakkuk 2:1-3, King James Bible

A "good" laugh

It's good to have a "good" laugh. Breakfast this morning with the family was delicious. As I was on my way back to the kitchen after devouring my portion my 3yr old daughter said "daddy, daddy look". And with her fork stuck in a piece of french toast she held it up for me to see and said "look, chicken". I couldnt help myself as I exhaled with laughter. Enjoy life and laugh at the simple things.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22