🏋️‍♀️My Hope💪

 My hope is built on nothing less

When I was a young boy I remember going to church and hearing this song sung. 

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his lovely face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

His oath, his covenant, his blood

Supports me in the 'whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my hope and stay

It’s the hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less.” Written by  Edward Mote in 1834.

When I think of that hymn I not only have fond memories but I also understand that it tells of the great foundation of our Christian faith, Jesus Christ.

Webster tells us this about a Foundation: The basis or ground work, or any thing; that on which any thing stands, and by which it is supported.

What is the foundation of our Christian Faith? Jesus Christ! I got to thinking about my Christian Faith and its foundation. Webster says that a foundation is that which any thing stands, and by which it is supported. There are structures that are standing today that are dated back in the BC area. That’s a long time. Now, how in the world is that possible? It's the foundation! What is interesting is this, the most important things can not be seen with the natural eye. We know it’s there because of the standing structure. What is the foundation in our Christian lives? Some might say the Church. I will agree the Church should be important in our lives but it’s not the foundation. Jesus ask this question in  Luke 6:39 (KJV) And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Can a blind person lead a blind person? No! For they will both fall into a ditch, hole, pit. If I were to build something and told myself I really don’t need a foundation, nobody is going to see it anyways. Is this a wise or unwise decision? What do you think will happen? The Bible tells us what will happen. In Luke chapter 6 verses 48 & 49 we are told about 2 men and 2 houses. One is built on a foundation and the other is not. Storms come on both houses, one stands and the other falls. Which one do you think stood? If you said the one with the foundation you were correct. Where is our Christian’s Faith Foundation? My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Another thing about a foundation is that it holds the weight of what is built on it. A foundation that has nothing built on it really has no purpose. For years I kept driving by this lot where someone had taken the time to put in a foundation to build something but nothing ever was built. I have seen this happen in many Christian lives. They realize they need a Savior so they ask the Lord to save them. They even get involved for a time going to Church, wanting to read their Bible and pray. Then it happens, oh not all at once but just slowly they start missing one Church service which leads to another and then not going much at all to not going at all. Bible reading stops and prayer is next and everything is almost back to normal, except for the foundation. It’s there but nothing is built on it, the foundation is carrying no weight and is noticed by almost no one. Now put that in a Christian  perspective. The foundation in the Christin life is Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There is no other foundation that can be laid outside of Jesus Christ. Once the foundation is laid then there is something to build on. Have you ever noticed a construction site? People everywhere are working to construct a structure on that foundation. In other words it’s not a one man job. Neither should our Christian life, so get busy and start building on your Christian foundation. 

 

🎭Decisions 🧐

   Every decision you make reflects your evaluation of who you are.🫆

Have you ever stopped and looked back over your life and thought what if I would have made that decision instead? Went to college, moved to that state, took that job, bought that stock. We have decisions to make and wishing we had made those other decisions will never give us the right insight with today’s direction. Do you know why? Because we didn’t make that other decision. Moses raised in the Kings Palace had it made so to speak. Moses made another decision and this decision took him far away in another direction. This is what Moses said about that decision; Hebrews 11:24 (KJV) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Moses makes the decision to go with the people of God. What did Moses give up? The pleasures of sin, which only lasted for a season. Good decision Moses.  Moses estimated the value higher than the  shame and disgrace, greater than the treasures in Egypt. Greater treasures will never make one happy. Remember Ebenezer Scrooge? He had the treasures of this world and he wasn’t happy until he learned it wasn’t treasures that brought happiness. I have to stop and ask myself, am I happy? If I say I am then what would I say makes me happy? Well it’s not my wealth I can rule that out. Examine myself and this is what I find. First let me clear the air. I don't think it is wrong to have wealth. Some are gifted to have wealth, it is what they do with it. We read in the book of Luke chapter 12 of a man who had a great pay off for his work. He makes plans for the   barns to go to make way for the new barns that are to be built. Then he makes plans for the many years that are to come. He will take it easy, do what he wants to do, go where he wants to go and see what he wants to see. Sounds good, the only problem is he saw many years while he only had a few hours. Decisions we make without ever taking into account we may never see those new barns. Moses made the right decision and because he chose Christ he saw more than new barns. 

Hebrews 11:26 (KJV) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he (Moses) had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

What makes me happy? Just like Moses I have greater riches than this world can ever offer. What’s that? Christ! If you know Christ then you do also. Oh yes, plan for the future but remember you may not be here to enjoy the future so be happy in the present.

🏋️‍♀️Working Out💪

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

This week I talked with a man named Corey. Now Corey lifts weights almost every day. Corey goes to a certain place and pays a trainer to help him maintain. Corey has disciplining himself to do what it takes. As I talked with Corey he told me that his body hurts and if he doesn’t do his work outs that body begins to lose its firmness. I watched Corey workout for a minute as he worked his legs, his upper arms, the weight he lifted and the times he lifted those weights was nothing I could do. Why? Because my body was not conditioned to do what he was doing. There was another reason why and it was because I had no desire to do so. After thinking about what I saw and heard it got me thinking on spiritual basics. Corey wants that for his life and because he wants it he has disciplined his life and sacrificed things to get it. There is nothing wrong with wanting what Corey wants and is doing. The only thing I can see is no matter how much or how disciplined sooner or later he will not be able to maintain his present goals. Why? Because our bodies are not designed to live forever they get old and things don’t work like they used to. I’m all for staying healthy and taking care of our body. The Bible tells us that we need to exercise and we need to eat the right kind of foods. If we do all that the Bible still says life is short compared to eternity. Wouldn’t you think the same is true about our spiritual lives? Our relationship with Jesus Christ? I have to ask myself, am I disciplined about my spiritual life? Corey doesn’t work out once a week hoping that’s enough. No, it’s almost everyday. He is willing to go and willing to put forth the effort. He is willing to listen to his trainer. He is willing to pay for the help he is getting. So what do I want Spiritually? What’s my goal? Am I willing to go to a place that is designed to help me grow spiritually? Is my desire to grow spiritually? What’s my goal? Am I working toward my goal? If I am, it will be noticeable on the inside but also on the outside. There are some things I will have to put off. 

Ephesians 4:22 (KJV) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:23 (KJV) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Just like Corey I have a trainer and He is called the Holy Spirit. He lives on the inside and will help me “put off” how? Great question. By the renewing of my mind. There are words in my vocabulary. He will help me change. Then my “deceitful lusts.” In other words the Holy Spirit is instructing me. So to put it simple we start with 10 pounds and slowly work my way upward. The same as if you wanted to build your body muscle up. One can’t start at 400 pounds. One can’t put off without putting on. Ephesians 4:24 (KJV) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

What am I to put on?  

Ephesians 4:25 (KJV) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) Neither give place to the devil.

Those things don’t come automatically. I need help and help lives on the inside of me. I’m willing and desire to put the time in. Which will allow me to get great results spiritually. I usually go to the spiritual gym at least 3 times a week. I workout with my trainer almost every day. I can feel and see the difference. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

🤹A Real Friend Loves All The Time⏱️

 True friends are never apart, maybe in distant but never in heart.

Oh how true that is. I have a close friend that lives in Kentucky. Although he lives almost 500 miles apart, it doesn't affect our friendship. We met in the early 1990’s and became instant friends and because of our friendship it has led to other friendships in Indiana. I’m not talking about people we just know. Oh no, I’m saying that If me and my wife were to jump in the car and go to either state. We would have those who would and have opened up their home. We would sit for hours and talk as if we lived next door. Real friends that live miles away that we hardly see face to face. These are true friends that I could write about page after page úntil you would feel as if you knew them too. 

Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

We hear or may use the word friend loosely. A friend is described here as true, hearty, faithful loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity. Now these kinds of friends are few and far between. These are not your Facebook friends, you will never have 100’s of them, only 1 or 2 in a lifetime. This man or woman you call your best friend is the person in your life that never judges you. You feel safe that you can tell them anything and they will never share it with anyone. There was a man I worked with. He opened up his heart one time and said to me I’m not sure I’m going to heaven, I’m just not sure I have been saved. On that day a journey began as I began to show him what he already knew. Every Bible verse I would show him he already knew. It seemed like this journey would never end. I just couldn’t help him. Then one night he started talking with me again on this subject. On that night I didn’t say a word until he was finished. I didn’t interrupt, I didn’t say but the Bible says, I just let him talk. When he said all he had to say I looked him in the eyes and said that I believed him. I told him that his actions were telling me that it was true there will be no heaven for you. No Bible verses, no trying to explain, just you are right, no Heaven for you. On that night something happened, it was like a blind man being healed, God did something within his heart. After that night he has never said another word to me about that subject. That has been many years ago now. We are still best of friends although we don't work together anymore and He has been the Pastor of  a Church for years now. He called me not long ago and told me of a dream he had. He said I dreamed I was dying and I had this awful pain in my chest. He said I heard the voice of the Lord saying “it’s going to hurt but not for long” and then he woke up. After telling me of his dream he said oh how I want to see the Lord and that wonderful place called heaven. He and I and the Lord are the only ones who know about those nights we talked. Over the years we have told each other things we would never tell an average friend. Those kinds of talks are graveyard talks meaning that we will go to our graves never sharing a word. If you have that kind of a friend you know what I’m saying. Then there is your brother; “a brother is born for adversity.” Your biological brother could be one that will help in time of “adversity” An event, or series of events, which oppose success or desire; misfortune; calamity; affliction; distress; state of unhappiness.

Our brother or sister may be another that would be there when adversity hits our lives. Many times there is nothing they can do but listen but those words they say are so meaningful. They don’t change what has happened but they give so much comfort. There were at one time 3 women in my life that I listened to, my mother, my wife and my daughter. Because of our enemy death that has now taken my mother there are only 2. As I sit here and think of the real friends I have that I really trust there are only two. One of them lives close by and the other is 500 miles away. When I need a friend they are only a phone call away. I have never asked either one for money but I have told them things I would pay them money not to tell. Oh that’s called black-male which neither would do. Why? Because they are my friends.

🙆🏻‍♂️I Don't Want Those But’s😩

Happiness can be found in the darkest of days if we remember to turn on the light.

Proverbs 15:15 (KJV) All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

I know you know somebody that is “afflicted” The word means repeated pain, either of body or mind; suffering grief or distress.

Afflicted with some type of continual pain from some type of disease. One can be “afflicted” in the mind as suffering as they grief the loss of a loved one. I read of a man who buried his wife of many years. Coming home from her funeral sitting down in his recliner and dying himself. His grief was more than he could take. We all have suffering, grief and distress in this life. There is no escaping it, it’s coming. When I read that verse in the book of Proverbs I see a word before that word “afflicted.”

It is the very first word in that verse “All.” The word “All” gives me more insight “All the days of the afflicted are evil:” This makes me ask myself what type of affliction could cause me to be “afflicted” every single day?  Maybe a desire? King Saul had a desire to kill David. 

1 Samuel 23:14  (KJV) And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.       

King Saul sought after David every day. Was it jealousy? Was it fear? Was it paranoia? Was it because of David’s popularity or his military success? I’m not sure but every day King Saul, had getting rid of David on his mind. What is the answer to someone who thinks like King Saul. Every day all they can think about is how to get the next whatever….. Jealousy floods our mind because of…… Fear over takes us about……. We think everyone is looking at us, talking about us, and they know what we did. If that is the case then we have become paranoid. Look, there’s that word “but” we are about to be told about a different direction. “a merry heart…” What will that do for my jealousy, fear, and being paranoid? Proverbs 15:13 (KJV) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: Makes a cheerful face. Oh no there’s that word “but” again. but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The best way I know to keep the smile off my face is to have a heart that is broken. If the smile is gone then you might need some medicine. I know the best medicine you can take it’s  “A merry heart.” 

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: Well you might say “I just don’t feel like being merry today.” If that's the case get ready here comes another “but.” “but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

A Merry Heart will give you  “a  cheerful countenance.” “a continual feast”and “doeth good like a medicine” that’s what I want a “merry heart ” I sure don’t want all those but’s. 

😇What made the difference❓

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Proverbs 14:14 (KJV) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

In this verse we see the “backslider” and the “good man.” One can never slide backward if they aren’t  going forward. Look where the backsliding began “in heart” because it was “filled with his own ways.” Then we read something very interesting: “a good man.” A good man! I was under the understanding of what the Apostle Paul wrote in the book of  Romans 3:9 (KJV) What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

The whole human race under sin.

Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

How can that be? Genesis 1:21 (KJV) And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:24 (KJV) And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

Genesis 1:25 (KJV) And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Did you notice that everything reproduces after their kind? Plant corn and you get corn. Plant green beans and you get green beans. Plant an apple tree and you get apples. Depending on what kind of corn, green beans and apples there are different kinds but whatever kind you plant that is the kind you will get. Adam and Eve were human beings by the time they reproduced they had disobeyed God and had become sinners. When they had children they were of their kind, sinners. Just like the kind of corn, green bean or apple they had no choice of their own. There are those in Churches today that want to please God. They do good things. They attend regularly, they give of their time, talents and treasures. They look and sound and act great but then something happens. Their heart fills “with his own ways” not God’s way but their way. There was a song released in 1969 by the Isley Brothers named “It Your Thing” It’s your thing do what you want to do. To be honest I like to do what I want to do. The only problem with that is I don’t always get to do what I want to do. Have you ever wanted to just slap someone across the lips? You didn't get to do what you wanted to do. I know I enlarged what I wanted to do but you get the idea. Now let’s look for a moment at this “good man.” What makes him so good? Well the first thing I see is he is not working from his heart that is filled with his own ways. We read that he “shall be satisfied from himself.” He has kept himself from doing things his own way. What’s the difference? It’s not because you go to Church, give your time, talents and treasures to good things. It’s because God showed you that you were a sinner and you received the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The day one sees and understands that they are a sinner and they need a Savior. At that point ask Jesus to forgive them of their sinful ways. At that moment things change within their heart for eternity. See the difference of a heart “filled with his own ways” and “satisfied from himself.” What made the difference? Jesus Christ. Oh but there is a war that goes on everyday of our life. Even though we are forgiven and now want to follow our Lord and Savior we still live in the flesh. More times than we like we find ourselves doing things that are sinful. An unkind word, deed or action. We get unset then angry and we do or say things we wish we hadn’t. The fight against sin will never end here. Oh but one day it will when we open our eyes in another land called Heaven. Then we will be free from sin for eternity. Do I really believe that? Yes I do! Because of the proof that lives within me. If you have it you know and if you don’t you know. The Apostle Paul calls himself a wretched man the chief of sinners then Paul says this;  2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

It’s not what we do, it's what Christ did! Don’t get confused, we are not righteous and we can never do enough good to go to heaven. Nor can we be so wrong and bad that it will keep us out of heaven. We need to be forgiven and Jesus Christ is more than willing to forgive. Have you asked?

🫦Bite your Tongue👅

 What is said can never be unsaid! Be careful what you say. 

Proverbs 13:3 (KJV) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Have you ever heard or has anyone ever said to you “you just don’t know when to keep your mouth shut.” Whether or not anyone has said that to you we have more than likely, just as I have, opened your mouth and let unwanted words fly out. The phrase  “keepeth his mouth” or "bite my tongue" we might say. I have said more than once “I just had to bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut.” I had something happen to me a few years back. The doors were closed and three men were in a room, and I was the subject. I don't know what was said but I was asked to leave the room. I stood outside the door and heard my name more than once. What I heard was not words of praise but words of concern. Like I said I don’t know what was said. I decided to keep quiet and not say a word about it to anyone. Why? because what I thought was said had nothing to do with what was really said.

A few days later the one who had called the meeting came up to me. He said “I hope you don’t think we were talking about you.” As my dad said “hit dogs always holler.” At that point I said “since you ask, yes you were.” “Why else would you have me leave when I knew more about the meeting subject than anyone in the room.” His response was silence, not a word. I kept my mouth shut and only opened it at the right time. That was the end of the subject as far as I was concerned. “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life:” I could have gotten angry, opened my mouth and said words I shouldn’t have with a wrong attitude, which would have never solved a thing. That’s not the way to handle any matter; “he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Knowing when to keep our mouths shut and when not to is a fine line.

Proverbs 16:20 (KJV) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

What is said can never be unsaid! Be careful what you say at any time to anyone.