Category: November2018

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Let It Snow

Do you remember the first time you saw snow? I do.

 

It was Thanksgiving 1959, I was 6 years old and we were celebrating Thanksgiving dinner at our friends home in Espanola, New Mexico. The prayer had just been said and we were ready to eat when one of the older boys looked out the window and saw that it was snowing.

There was a mass exodus of children from the table. We rushed outside to play in the snow. It was magical. It was marvelous. It was absolutely amazing! There’s something about seeing the ground completely covered; no footprints, no tracks, just the glistening white. It makes everything look fresh and new. I guess this is where the saying, “fresh as the new fallen snow” comes from.

You know that’s how God sees us when we accept Christ. Fresh, new and no tracks to mar our lives.

“Come now, let us think about this together,” says the Lord. “Even though your sins are bright red, they will be as white as snow. Even though they are dark red, they will be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NLV

“See, You want truth deep within the heart. And You will make me know wisdom in the hidden part. 7 Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and happiness. Let the bones that You have broken be full of joy. ” Psalm 51:6-8 NLV

Whiter than snow!

We lived in Montana for ten years. The sun shine would reflect off the snow with a brilliance that was almost blinding. The white on the ground was luminous.  It was on one of those beautiful days that I took the picture above. I remember walking out the lane, camera in hand, wanting to capture the beauty. Dave was gone and I was feeling a bit lonely. That’s when I saw this barbed wire shaped heart on the fence line. The ice crystals sparkled like diamonds. I felt the warmth of the sun on my face but it paled in comparison to the overwhelming sense of God’s love that wrapped around me at that moment.

Our heavenly Father sees us as I saw the snow that day. We are cleansed from our sins and all that scarred our lives has been completely covered by what Jesus did for us.  Our Father sees us pure and free from sin.

“ He gave himself for us. He died to free us from all evil. He died to make us pure—people who belong only to him and who always want to do good.” Titus 2:14 ERV

I think I will make this picture my screen saver. It reminds me of God’s amazing love. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

 

 

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Thankful for Overflow

Have you ever cleaned up after a child, or adult, when they’ve filled the milk glass too full?

Perhaps it was a cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate that you were heating in the microwave. Did you see the mess or were you blessed by the message?

Our minds seem to be programmed to stop the overflow. When I’m filling my watering-pot to tend to my flowers, I try to turn off the hose at just the right moment so it doesn’t flow over. We do the same when we fill our gas tanks, a pot of water to put on the stove or our cup of morning coffee.

We have a tendency to see the overflow as wasteful or negligence. God calls it blessings!

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death,  but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

God isn’t worried about a stained tablecloth or a puddle on the floor. He wants us to know that He provides and when He does he isn’t stingy; He’s generous and his provision is more than enough.

A while back I did a morning blog on planting seeds and getting a harvest. We all realize that when we plant pepper seeds we won’t harvest green beans. Jesus was using this concept in his teaching on forgiveness, kindness and mercy.

“But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.

37 Jesus said:   Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:35-38 CEV

There it is again – overflow. The love, mercy and kindness that we give to others with come back to us in overflowing portions. That’s just the way God is.  In fact, one of the names that the Jewish people used for God, El Shaddai, meant “the God who is more than enough”.

One final thought on overflow. The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in the church at Corinth about a need in another church. He was encouraging them to help with their giving. Paul uses the same analogy as Jesus did, sowing and reaping.

“Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. 8 God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. 9 The Scriptures say, “God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right.” II Corinthians 9:7-9 CEV

We should never give from a heart that feels forced; not money, kindness, mercy, forgiveness. We should give from hearts filled with love. Why? Because that’s the way God gives to us.

Oh yes! My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for the love that God has shown to me.

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Thankful for Hope

Have you ever been in a tough place for an extended period of time and wondered if things were ever going to change? I have.

On those days, I am so thankful for the Scriptures verses that I have hidden away in the heart of my memory so that I can remind myself that God is here and my hope is in Him.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

“ I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. ” Psalm 121:1-3 NLV

“Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NLV

Circumstances come. They would like to destroy our hope and rob us of the inner peace that God gives but  no circumstance  is bigger than our God!

We have His promises that we don’t face the problems of life on our own. No, He is there with us and He is the one who brings us through victorious!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 CEV

The Lord  is faithful!

He provides for us as a good shepherd who looks after His sheep. I have studied Psalm 23 on several occasions. The verses of that Psalm touch me in different ways because of what  may be going on in my life at that particular time. The verse that I relate to most when I am in the midst of a particular struggle is verse 4.

“Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 ERV

I will fear no evil for you are with me! Yes, hope brings peace when we keep our eyes on the One who never leaves or abandons us. He walks with us through every situation.

“Everything that was written in the Holy Writings long ago was written to teach us. By not giving up, God’s Word gives us strength and hope.” Romans 15:4 NLV

We are not without hope. We have the Lord!

Thank you Lord that your Word gives us strength and it gives us hope.

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Thankful for Comfort

Those ten days we were gone brought cooler weather to our southwestern Arizona home.

Our community is higher in elevation than the bigger cities of Tucson and Phoenix so we don’t get the severe heat but we’re not as high as places like Flagstaff and Show Low so we don’t get as cold either.

However, the days are  getting chilly enough that we need to wear a polar fleece or a sweatshirt to be comfortable. It’s a chilly morning. Fall is here and winter is coming. Don’t you appreciate warmth? The coziness of a soft blanket; being able to cuddle into a fuzzy robe; a hot cup of coffee; sitting in front of a fire; a bowl of steaming soup or a soak in the hot tub. Awwww.

Comfort!

Comfort means different things to different people. To some it has to do with the weather; to others comfort is consolation because of a loss; and for still others it can have a financial connotation.

What does comfort mean to you? Where do you go to find it?

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady.
19 And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

“When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life. Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law. I find true comfort, Lord, because your laws have stood the test of time.” Psalm 119:50-52 CEV

Our true comfort doesn’t come from the external things in our lives but from the eternal – from God’s Word and His love. The externals – a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, a glass of wine, a piece of chocolate, financial stability, a shoulder to cry on – are nice but they only bring temporary comfort.

The promises we find in God’s word are eternal, they last forever. They stand the test of time. Jesus spoke plainly with His disciples the night he was arrested.

“ If you love me, you will do what I command. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper (Comforter) to be with you forever. 17 The Helper is the Spirit of truth.(Holy Spirit) The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you.” John 14:15-17 ERV

Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would bring help and comfort to all of us who believe in Christ.  This is true and eternal comfort.  The Apostle Paul also wrote of this love and comfort we receive.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.” Philippians 2:1 CEV

I am so thankful that the comfort I receive isn’t based on circumstances, situations, or locations. It is a heart peace that God desires to give to all of us.

My prayer is that you will be “Comfort-abled” today!

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Grateful for What Knots

Last night Dave and I were watching a show on television and one of the family members said, “We will plant vegetables and what knots”.

I looked at Dave with a smile and said, “I don’t think I have ever seen a recipe for what knots. I wouldn’t know how to cook one.” We both laughed and I knew then that I had the topic for this morning’s blog.

This morning I searched the Scriptures and was unable to find a verse about what knots but I did find some about “whatever”.

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

These whatever’s are very good. They are true, pure, right, holy, friendly, proper, worthwhile and praise worthy. These what knots are our thoughts. Have you ever stopped to think about this? Every action we do and every word we speak starts with a thought.  We don’t just act or react spontaneously without thought; action is guided by thought. Words never just come tumbling out of our mouths, they are formed by thought.

If we want our what knots to be good our thoughts must be good.

Here is another whatever that Jesus gave us. It’s the whatever of answered prayer. Jesus was speaking to His disciples right before He was taken to be crucified. These are some of His final instructions.

“Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. 14 I will do whatever you ask me to do.” John 14:13-14 CEV

“You are sad now. I will see you again and then your hearts will be full of joy. No one can take your joy from you. 23 “When the time comes that you see Me again, you will ask Me no question. For sure, I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive. Then your joy will be full. ” John 16:22-24 NLV

Jesus says in one verse to “ask me” and in a verse a few chapters later “ask the Father in my name”. Before Jesus was crucified his disciples asked and received what they needed from Jesus and this brought honor to the Father. After He was crucified, we ask the Father for what we need based on what Jesus has done for us. Jesus had honored the Father with His sacrifice.

The result is the same in both these verses. Whatever we ask for we receive because of who Jesus is and what He has done.  Does that mean we can just ask for any selfish or rebellious what knot we want?

“We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. 15 He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:14-15 ERV

We can ask for whatever we know pleases God and have confidence that He will give it too us. If we’re not sure if something we are asking for pleases God, all we have to do is search it out in His word. God is honest and He tells us what is pleasing to Him. His word reveals His will to us.

“Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God. 17 Whatever you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:16-17 NLV

I hope you have enjoyed this brief search for some of the what knots of Scripture. They are good for us and we can use them to help others.

I am grateful for the whatever’s of God’s word.

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Thankful for the Sparrows

I woke up this morning thanking God for His goodness and telling Him of my love.

Yesterday started out to be nothing special. Since we had been gone almost two weeks there were no groceries in the house and Dave had a couple of projects he needed to get to now that we were home. He made a list of things he needed and I made a list of groceries and out the door we went.

As we drove down the interstate we found ourselves counting our blessings. Did you do that too? Simple things – a good, dependable truck; no real traffic; our kids and grandkids; money to buy the groceries that we needed and our home.

Yes, it was a good day. At one of our stops we were able to help a couple buy their groceries. They were so embarrassed when they learned that they didn’t have enough money for the few groceries they were buying. The Lord put it on my heart to help so I told the clerk to add it to our bill and we would pay for it. They were so grateful and God got the glory. They walked out saying “thank God”!

What has all this got to do with being thankful for sparrows? Glad you asked.

“Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. 7 Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 CEV

The sparrows that sing each morning from our trees remind me that God is ever-present watching over me so there is no need to be afraid. Just like that couple in the grocery store; the Lord knew their need and provided for them. I love being used.

Those of you who remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on television may remember George Beverly Shea. He was a soloist who sang many of the special music numbers at the services. There was one song I can still hear him singing, His Eye is on the Sparrow.  If you’re a bit younger than me, you may recall  that Lauryn Hill sang the same song in Sister Act.

  1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
    Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
    When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

    • Refrain:
      I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
      For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
  2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
    And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
    Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

His eye is on the sparrow. I know He watches me! Oh…so much to be thankful for! He watches me. He cares for me, He provides for me, He loves me!!

“I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Has something got you worried – really worried? Take a look at the sparrows; they wake up each morning singing. No worries there, they know God has more than enough bugs to keep them fed.

Aren’t you worth more than birds? Yes,  yes you are and My Father cares for you! Now sing, sing because you know He watches over you.

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Counting Our Blessings

We’ve been gone from home for about two weeks. Got home yesterday afternoon and this morning I am enjoying the quiet of my own living room.

It’s good to be home and I am thankful for all of the Lord’s blessings. We had a wonderful time taking care of Sam and Kristine (a blessing) for nine days and then we had time with Mom (a blessing) before arriving back home.

Blessings:  1 God’s love    2  Family    3 Friends    4 Home    5 Food    6 Clothing…

And the list goes on. But there are some around us who have lost everything. I’m thinking specifically about those who have lost all their earthly possessions in the California fires. We need to pray for them and then find a good outreach ministry that is there giving aid and financially support them as well.

Jesus said when we have done a kindness for those in need we have done that kindness for Him.

“When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

40 “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:38-40 ERV

We need to be mindful of the many blessings the Lord has given us each and every day. Making a list is just one way of keeping our hearts centered on gratitude.

We’re only a week from Thanksgiving. We should make gratitude a part of our daily routine. While we’re  brushing our teeth or combing our hair, say thank you for three things.  Taking a sip of that first cup of coffee should be time to be thankful for two or three more. Arriving at work unscathed by traffic deserves a big “Praise God”.  Sitting at a desk or standing at a work station we need to be thankful, some people have no job to go too.

Yes, making a list of blessings is a great way to keep our lives filled with thanksgiving.

“Stand and shout praises to your Lord, the eternal God! Praise his wonderful name, though he is greater than words can express. 6 You alone are the Lord, Creator of the heavens and all the stars, Creator of the earth and those who live on it, Creator of the ocean and all its creatures. You are the source of life, praised by the stars that fill the heavens.” Nehemiah 9:5-6 CEV

There’s an old song in the movie White Christmas. The lyrics  say “when I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep then I fall to sleep counting my blessings”. The perfect way to begin and end any day is counting blessings and thanking the Lord for all He has done.

Lord, I love you and I thank you for the many blessings you have given me. Let me see the needs that others have and be used to help.

 

 

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Thankful for Mercy

Yes, this is a great time to be alive! History shows us how many times society has failed to respect and honor God but His mercy endures forever.

I was reading in Jonah this morning and so I had to find a picture of a great fish! I know some believe that the story of a great fish swallowing Jonah is a fairy tale and that others believe it is some kind of metaphor. I believe it is real. My God can do anything and if He needed a big fish to swallow Jonah I have no doubt that He was able to do that.

But that’s not the focus of this morning’s devotional. It’s an even greater miracle, the miracle of mercy.

God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and tell them that He had seen their wickedness and was going to destroy them. Nineveh was a big city. It says it was so large that it took a man 3 days to walk across the it.

After the fish spit Jonah out, he went there and preached what God had originally told him to say.

“Jonah obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh. The city was so big that it took three days just to walk through it. 4 After walking for a day, Jonah warned the people, “Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!” Jonah 3:3-4 CEV

The people of Nineveh repented. They declared a fast of repentance; everyone in the city repented. When God saw this He withheld His judgement and spared their city.

“When God saw that the people had stopped doing evil things, he had pity and did not destroy them as he had planned.” Jonah 3:10 CEV

This is where we find Jonah in the last chapter of the book. He is mad at God because God spared the people.

“Jonah was really upset and angry. 2 So he prayed:

Our Lord, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn’t destroy Nineveh. That’s why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don’t like to punish anyone, not even foreigners.” Jonah 4:1-2 CEV

Do you see what Jonah said to God? You are kind and merciful. You always show love, you don’t like to punish anyone. I am so thankful for that! Our God is so loving that He goes to great lengths to forgive us and draw us back to Himself.

How many times have I failed in my life of 65 years? How many times have I decided to do things my way and not God’s way? How many times have I decided not to be judgmental and then failed before the day was out?

Yet God who is rich in mercy…

“ In the past all of us lived like that, trying to please our sinful selves. We did all the things our bodies and minds wanted. Like everyone else in the world, we deserved to suffer God’s anger just because of the way we were.

4 But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) 6 Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.” Ephesians 2:3-7 ERV

God loves us!

Mercy is one of those religious words we use without thinking much about the meaning. We need to realize that mercy, God’s mercy, is defined as this: not receiving what we deserve for the wrong that we have done.

I’m not sure what areas of your life you need God to be merciful but I do know that all of us have failed and are unable to be “good enough” for God. He loves us still.

Let the words of Jonah bring us hope, joy and thankfulness this morning.

“You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don’t like to punish anyone, not even foreigners.”

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and Your grace!

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Thankful for Integrity

When our youngest daughter was in pre-school her teacher would give out certificates at the end of each week.

The certificates read: “Caught in the Act of Doing Good”, and then there was a line where the teacher would right what the student did. Our daughter was such a helper and there were always “Doing Good” certificates in her folder.

That’s integrity. Doing right because it’s right.

It’s not doing what’s right because someone is watching. Not driving the speed limit because there’s a patrol car behind you. It’s not cheating because the teacher is watching. It’s not stealing because you won’t get caught. It’s not gossiping because someone might be listening…

Doing what’s right because it’s right!

“Guard my soul and rescue me; Do not let me be ashamed or disappointed,
For I have taken refuge in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness protect me,
For I wait [expectantly] for You.” Psalm 25:20-21 AMP

Just yesterday we were talking with our oldest daughter and her husband about being on time. There’s integrity in that simple act. Being late is like robbing your employer; they expect you to be at work on time and pay you according. If someone is late 5 minutes a day or leaves early, calculate that out over a year, it’s a costly practice.

It’s important that we keep our word. If we say we will be somewhere at a certain time, we need to be there. It makes our word good, that’s integrity.

A few years back I read a book by Jon Huntsman, “Winner’s Never Cheat”. Honesty, true honesty, is greatly lacking in our world today and this little book shows how this very successful businessman gained his wealth. It was by never cheating. He never went back on His word.

What an example integrity sets for our children.

“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man? 7 The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].” Proverbs 20:6-7 AMP

Integrity is a blessing. It can be interchanged with the word character.

I am grateful for those in business who keep their word. They are someone I will go to again and I will also tell my friends about the quality of their character.

When we exhibit integrity in our dealings with others we are representing the Father. We are displaying His character through our actions. I desire to set an example of good character for my children, grandchildren and my neighbors.

Yes, I’m thankful integrity. May we all be caught in the act of doing good!

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Thank You for Your Service

I ask that you take time today to say a prayer of thanks for those who have fought in our nation’s wars and conflicts.

This is the flag that flies in our courtyard. We are a proud American family. Our family has served in this nation’s military and we desire to give honor to all those families who have loved ones who have served.

Veteran’s Day was first known as Armistice Day. It was originally a day to commemorate the end of World War I.

“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

President Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 changing the name to Veteran’s Day to honor all service members who had served in the United States military.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in the church at Rome and addressing issues that dealt with government, rulers and municipal issues. He said this:

“Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor.” Romans 13:7 ERV

We owe our military service members honor and respect. They commit their lives to protecting ours. They fight so that we can live in peace.

Join me today in thanking our military members for their service.

God bless each and everyone of you who have served or are serving now.

On a personal note I want to thank Austin, AJ, Hal, Dave, Lonny, Sid, Stacy, Henry and Steve.

 

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