“But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.”
1 John 3:8-9 NLT
We cannot PRACTICE sin. We cannot continue to partake in something day after day that we know to be breaking God’s law.
“Hiram sent experienced crews of sailors to sail the ships with Solomon’s men. They sailed to Ophir and brought back to Solomon some sixteen tons of gold.”
1 Kings 9:27-28 NLT
Many times we chase worldly desires only to find ourselves longing for more.
If we will allow God's spirit to lead us, he will lead us to true life and peace.
Solomon seems to have it all, but then....
Fathers, let’s take a stand. We are responsible for our marriages, our families, our children, our churches, and our nation. Let’s lead by example every day God gives us.
“And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.”
1 John 2:28-29 NLT
John urges believers to stay close to Jesus—to live in ongoing fellowship with Him—so that when He returns, we will meet Him with confidence, not shame.
Some people will fear Jesus’ return because they never truly knew Him. Others may be saved, yet feel ashamed because they lived distracted, worldly, or spiritually unfruitful lives. Instead of asking, “How little can I do and still make it to heaven?” we should desire to live in a way that honors Him.
The best way to prepare for Jesus’ return is simple: abide in Him. Abiding means Jesus is not just someone we visit occasionally, but the One we remain rooted in daily—through faith, obedience, His Word, and relationship with Him. When we truly abide in Christ, we are already living ready for His return.
John also says that those who are born of God will practice righteousness. This doesn’t mean perfection, but a changed life. Just as children often resemble their parents, God’s children begin to reflect His character. Because God is righteous, His children will increasingly desire to live rightly.
“When Solomon finished making these prayers and petitions to the Lord, he stood up in front of the altar of the Lord, where he had been kneeling with his hands raised toward heaven.”
1 Kings 8:54 NLT
What does our prayer posture look like? King Solomon was in front of all his people where he had been kneeling with his hands raised towards Heaven.
Our we too prideful to kneel? Are we afraid people will look at us during worship if he raised are hands?🙌
Not throwing stones at anyone. I came from a Church of Christ background. It's been a major adjustment, but I am learning.
Our posture is important, how we come to the Lord, how we praise the Lord and how we honor His Holly name... it matters.
We can be the example for others.
Pastor Allen was great as always Saturday night. Today I choose to forgive my father for any of the wrong that he did in my life and I honor him for all the wonderful memories.
I also ask my Heavenly Father to forgive me for the wrong I have done as a father and for any harm I caused my children because of those actions. I ask God to help me be a better father and example for other men.
Amen.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:9 NLT
Confessing our sins is so important, no matter how bad the sin. Satan wants us to keep it hidden, keep it in the dark with him.
Jesus desires us to drag that sin into the light and be freed of the shame and guilt that the sins binds you in.
Jesus will set you free from that bondage of sin. He will forgive you and wash you clean. Trust in the Lord.
“Solomon also built a palace for himself, and it took him thirteen years to complete the construction.”
1 Kings 7:1 NLT
God blessed Solomon with great wisdom, riches and fame. When we pursue God's will, He promises to bless us (Matt 6:33). We must trust God will bless us in ways that are best for us.
The Lord will help us to be content in all circumstances if we will honor him and truly make him Lord of our life.
Thankful for the beautiful weather and for my family.
“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 NLT
We are warned of false teachings and scripture being twisted and that we shouldn’t fall for it.
How can we prevent that? Read your Bible… DAILY!!
We are so blessed in this country, we have so many Bibles and translations that we can’t even decide which one to buy. Meanwhile other Christians around the world would give their lives just to have the chance to own a Bible and not be killed for it.
God has blessed you. Do not take that blessing for granted.
“Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.”
2 Peter 2:8 NLT
If we are not tormented in our souls by the wickedness that we see and hear every single day in this world then something is wrong with us. Our heart posture is not right.
As followers of Jesus Christ we should be sickened by the Godlessness that we see all around us.
At the same time, when we focus on God and fill ourselves spiritually… we will start to see good around us as well. Don’t allow your heart to be so hardened that all you see is the bad.