Peace on Earth

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!' " (Luke 2:1-14 NKJV) Peace, love, hope, and salvation for the world came into the world on a night long ago. Let each one of us be an instrument for carrying these forward every day. A change starts with just one person, just like it did hundreds of years ago! Love, Beau

What about Joseph?

"But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.' " (Matthew 1:20 NKJV) So many things are written about Mary and how admired she is...people seem to forget about Joseph. Granted, Joseph wasn't in the picture as long because he was older and probably had died before Jesus went through his persecutions and death. But, Joseph was also amazing. Think about it. The woman he was going to marry got pregnant and it wasn't even Joseph's. Can you imagine what he thought, and what his friends were probably telling him??? Then an angel comes to him and tells him who this baby is and for Joseph to be the human father. The pressure he must have been feeling. He hadn't signed up for any of this! It's enough he had to worry about how he was going to support his wife, but now he had to think of affording a baby as well, PLUS he had the added responsibility of trying to keep everyone, especially Jesus, safe from those who would be out to kill Him. It also had to weigh heavily on him that, because he knew Jesus' fate, that he probably wouldn't be there for Him and for Mary. But, despite everything, Joseph was the model of a man of grace under pressure. You never hear of him going nuts, losing it, or even getting angry (except that one time when Jesus stayed at the temple...but then he had to act the father). Joseph did what he had to do, and he did it with a cool head and with grace. Joseph was a good man, and should be seen as the male counter role model! Love, Beau

Following the Star

"So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:15 NKJV) Picture this: You're a shepherd minding your business watching your sheep on a quiet, star-filled night. All of the sudden, this angel appears telling you about this special baby named Jesus that was born, that you just HAVE to go see. Then the angel disappears. Do you question your sanity? Do you think you're so tired you're hallucinating? No, this shepherd, and two of his shepherd friends consult each other and decide to take a leap of FAITH, and make the trek to visit this baby. All they have to guide them is this amazing huge, bright start off in the distance that suddenly appeared. They start on their journey not exactly knowing where they are going in Bethlehem, or what to expect along the way. This took a lot of faith and trust. This is what we all need to have as we make our journey. Our life's path is our journey that ultimately leads to us meeting the baby Jesus someday if we follow the star. But, we too must have faith and trust as we follow the light that leads our path. If we do, we will reach the baby Jesus. Love, Beau

Bring YOUR Gifts

"For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:4-8 NKJV) In the Christmas song, The Little Drummer Boy, he didn't have anything to bring baby Jesus...so he did what he could, he played his drum. That pleased baby Jesus. God gave us varying talents and gifts that He wants us to USE for His glory. Each of us has thier own special talents and gifts, and that is what God wants us to bring. That is what pleases Him the most. This Christmas holiday season don't go buy the Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to take Him. Use the gift and talents He gave you. And, we are to have the spirit of the Christmas season ALL year so do it each and every day. This is what pleases the baby Jesus! Love, Beau

Of the Spirit

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16 NKJV) As followers of God, we are to act towards others as God treats us. We are to be ministers to one another, teaching and correcting one another, but we are to do it with the spirit of God in us...being compassionate, caring, loving, and forgiving. In other words, even though we don't always get along with others, we are told to have a spirit of kindness towards one another. Whatever we do, we are to do filled and moved by the spirt, including singing hymns of praise and thankgiving. In all things, we are to be of the spirt. Love, Beau

Give Thanks

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD!Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!" (1 Chronicles 16:8 NKJV) I did a search of giving thanks, in The Holy Bible. It gave me exactly 52 verses that said give thanks. I believe God planned that. He wants us to give thanks every single day and WEEK for our blessings, and His gifts to us. God wants us to take time to remember what all we have to be thankful for, especially in these times when there is so much negativity in the world. Mom has a big saying, and belief, that says, "If you don't take time to be thankful, God gave it to you and He can just as easily take it away from you." So, this week I want you to take just 5 minutes to think about 5 things you are thankful for, and then tell God how thankful and appreciative you are for them. And, one more footnote, the last part of this Bible verse states "make known His deeds among the peoples." Not only are we supposed to stop and be thankful, but we are also supposed to SHARE WITH OTHERS what God has done for us. This is called witnessing! So, go out and share after those 5 minutes! Love, Beau

Being Content

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:...be content with such things as you have." (Phillipians 4:11; 13:5b NKJV) Several years ago mom was watching a show on the picture box called The Amazing Race. On this particular show they showed some humans, in Africa, called the "bush" people. Mom has never forgotten these people and often tells me about them. These people have almost nothing but each other, including food and clothing, and are so skinny you can see their bones. But, despite this, mom said they were some of the most happy and joyful people she has ever seen. No matter what our circumstances, and or how little or much we have, we need to find our "happy place" inside of us, and find something to be happy about within ALL our circumstances, each and every day. We need to be like the "bush" people. It is God's way! Love, Beau

God of the Needy

"For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight." (Psalm 72:12-14 NKJV) God is not a god of the rich and powerful, of those who already have their life in perfect order, and don't need anything. God is a god for the poor and needy, those needing help, comfort, and relief. And, Jesus especially understands those. He was born in the poorest of circumstances. Jesus was born in a stable (or some speculate a cave) where animals were kept. So, it was probably dark, dingy, a little smelly, and not real clean. It was the barest of places. Those who have everything emotionally, physically, and spiritually together have no need of help. God sent Jesus to help those of us who need help, and the more help we need the more He's there for us. This means He's there for ALL of us, because none of us actually have everything perfectly together. We all have a need for Jesus to come and help us. And, like I said, the more you need Him, the more He's there for you. Just let Him in! Love, Beau

Quiii-eeeet!!!!

"Be still, and know that I am God;" (Psalm 46:10a NKJV) Have you ever been in a situation where someone was trying to speak, but it was sooo noisy you couldn't hear him/her? Or, when everyone was talking at once so no one was really listening? Well, God tells us to sit down, shut up, and LISTEN! He wants you to be quiet and still so that you can actually hear Him when He talks to you. What God is telling you, and or wants you to know, is THE most important thing you will hear that day...and you need to be paying extra close attention. What you hear could drastically change what you do that day, that week, that month. It could change your life. Whatever the response, God wants you to be able to hear Him, and you NEED to hear Him...so sit down, be quiet, and listen! Love, Beau

Keep On Praying!

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Ephesians 6:18; Phillipians 4:6 NKJV) God teaches us that we are to pray for without ceasing. We are to pray to ask God for directions in our lives; we are to pray for our friends, family, our leaders, and our nation; we are to pray for our wants and needs to be fulfilled; and we are to offer prayers of thanksgiving and joy, and for our hurts as well. God wants us to always be in constant prayer and communication with Him. This way He can lead us in the direction He wants for us, and He can help us through all the good, and bad, bumps in life. So, before you do anything, stop and take a prayer break! Love, Beau

God Feels Our Pain

"Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;" (Psalm 5:2-3a NKJV) Jesus knew the worst kind of hurt, pain, and rejection. The people Jesus tried to help the most turned on Him, mocking Him and ultimately crucifying Him. Jesus' closest friends and followers abandoned and denied Him just when He needed them the most. God hears, and knows, our pain. God felt pain when He watched His son die on a cross in a slow, agonizing way. God felt pain when the children He created and loved started ignoring Him, turning away then turning on each other. And, because God knows us better than anyone, He knows exactly how much we are hurting and the pain we feel...and He also hears our cries...then He wipes away our tears and holds us in arms. Because He's been there and knows how it feels, HE will be there for us when we need Him the most. God is our father, comforter and REDEEMer. Love, Beau

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Not Forgotten Forever

"For the needy shall not always be forgotten; The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever...For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he yearns." The words of the LORD are pure words," (Psalm 9:18, 12:5; NKJV) We all have trials, tribulations, and struggles. Right now, many of us are struggling with our green papers and trying to pay our bills. God promises us this is only temporary. EVERYTHING in this worldly life is only temporary. And, His promises are true and steadfast. I know it's really hard to have faith and stay strong. But. we WILL get through this and see better days. God has not forgotten us. We have to remember that this is also in God's timing and not ours. We have to be patient, have faith, and persevere. For when we do this, we not only please God, and eventually be rewarded for it, but we will see even better, more glorious, wonderful days when we get to Heaven! And, that is the best reward of all!! Love, Beau

Healing

"But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves....And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." (Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:23 NKJV) Jesus heals all kinds of illness from physical to psychological/emotional to spiritual. You name it, He can heal it. Jesus heals both humans and animals. He has amazing power to heal ALL living things. However, sometimes you have to ask for healing before He will do it...and, it's ALWAYS on His terms. Also, you have to be open to and for His healing. I can almost guarantee His healing will be different from what you expect! And it is always His timing not ours. Because of that, no one, not even the wisest of doctors, can tell you exactly when and how you will heal. (And honestly, even if a doctor gives you a death sentence, NEVER EVER lose faith and hope because, unless the doctor has actually gotten a direct quote from God, only God knows what your future holds...and prayer DOES create miracles and change results!) The good news is this: God has amazing healing powers, and He heals every living thing that request it and is open to His way of healing. God also says whenever 2 or more of you agree in My name, I will do it...so even if someone can't ask for onesself, others can ask for them!! God's healing is an amazing gift and a blessing, so just ask, be open, be patient, and wait. Healing is coming!! Love, Beau

PURL PLEASE EMAIL ME

God Exacts Less

"Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves." (Proverbs 11:6 NKJV) We are always harder on ourselves than others are. Why???? What good does it do for us to beat ourselves up, and berate ourselves over our mistakes on both things we did and or did not do. We can't change it...but we can change our present and our future. We are to be truly sorry, learn from our mistakes, move on and do our best not to repeat our mistakes. God teaches us that even He doesn't require as much from us as we require from ourselves, and that includes moving beyond our mistakes. Even when we do NOT deserve it, God shows us compassion and is loving, kinder, gentler, understanding, and forgiving. And, this is important, we are to be like God. This means we need to be kinder and gentler with ourselves. In turn, when we become kinder and gentler with ourselves we will become kinder and gentler toward others. This will have a ripple effect as well! I think we all need to post this Bible verse somewhere where we will see it every day to remind us of all this. I'm getting mom to put it somewhere for me! Love, Beau

Each Day is a Gift

"This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 NKJV) As we have said before, no one knows what is around the corner. There's a saying that says that yesterday is but a memory and tomorrow only a dream, and all we have is today. This is how we are supposed to live our lives...just for today. And, since we never know what will happen tomorrow each day is a gift from God. Many people with mom's handicap don't live to adulthood and mom has even lived 7 1/2 years longer than even she thought she would. She said it changed her perspective. Mom went from waiting to die to seeing each day as a gift. But, we shouldn't wait for something to happen to see life as a gift, we should see it as God giving us this wonderful gift of a day, filled with surprises, joys, and challenges that stretch us to becoming better. He made this day for us to enjoy and get the most out of it we possibly can. So, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Love, Beau

God Loves a Good Band

"Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." (Psalm 150:3-6 NKJV) God loves it when we sing and dance and play instruments to show our joy, and praise Him. He wants us to be carefree, and to be able to show our praise in whatever way we feel best shows how we feel. God created music, or at least He gave us the ability and talent to have music. Music is in our souls, whether or not we are good at it. It's a part of us and a natural part of worship to the singing of hyms, praise bands, and sometimes it is even a part of the scripture reading and or sermons. So, the next time you feel like bursting out with a praise song, or want to play an instrument for God, go ahead. And, do it loud and joyful. God will love it!! Love, Beau

Do-ers of the Word

"because you have listened to the voice of the LORD your God, to keep all His commandments which I command you today, to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD your God." (Deuteronomy 13:18 NKJV) God wants you to listen to His words. He also want you to not only to listen to them, but also to act on them. This is what is pleasing to Him. God is not just telling you something because it sounds good and it's a nice thought. He wants you to go out into the world and change it for the better! There's a reason He commands, not suggests. God tells us to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22 NKJV) The Holy Bible tells us many things to do and if we only do one new thing each day we will gradually change both the world and our lives for the better. And, that's an awesome thought!! Love, Beau

Simplicity

"You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s." (Exodus 20:3-17 NKJV) We make life way too difficult. For example, we try to figure out what we should do, how, and when we should do it. But, God already tells you that. All we have to do is read The Holy Bible for all our answers! It's like "God's Little Instruction Book." Mom even has a shirt that says, "When in doubt, read the instructions"...and has a picture of The Holy Bible in the center of the phrase. Mom also likes the fact the Bible is in the center, because the Bible should be the center of all that we say and do. AND, since it holds all our instructions, everything should point back to the Bible. The Holy Bible is now in every form to meet every need...large print, braille, audio tapes, different languages, etc. (note: it has yet to be translated into cat and dog, but we can listen to our humans' tapes.) So, instead of us all stressing ourselves out trying to figure out what do say and or do, let us all do the simple thing. Take a moment to breathe, open our Bibles and READ what we should do. Even better, let us memorize them so that we don't have to take the time to read. We will already know it in our hearts and minds. Love, Beau

Words for Good

"In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." (Proverbs 10:19 NKJV) The more one talks, the greater the chances of saying something that will either hurt someone, cause one to sin, and or make one look foolish. Humans are always in a huge rush, and that includes having conversations quickly so they can move onto the next activity. By rushing, one doesn't take time to stop and think about what he/she is saying, and therefore editing onesself. Words can build up or they can tear down. They can also confuse, which all of us furries know. All of us need to slow down, take time to think about what we are saying before we say it, and make sure that we are doing our best to build each other up, and not tear each other down, including ourselves....and isn't that what we all want in today's world?? Make our world a better place?! Love, Beau

Shout for Joy

"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." (Psalm 5:11 NKJV) We are surrounded by evildoers, tempters, enemies, and temptaions of our own making. But those who trust and love the Lord will be protected from harm, and defended, even if it's from ourselves. (After all, we CAN be our own worst enemy!) This is something that should bring one peace, and something to celebrate! So, let us rejoice, and "shout for joy." Love, Beau

Our Daily Bread

"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11 NKJV) Bread, is a basic food, especially in biblical times. It is often the core of any meal, and gives one sustinance. We "break bread" with friends and family, which also implies an emotional and spiritual aspect. Give us this bread...we don't ask to borrow, buy or trade for it. We humbly ask God just to give it to us. Humbling ourselves to the point of asking God to fulfill our basic needs teaches us compassion for one another, especially those who are less fortunate than us. Also we ask only for OUR daily bread, not the bread of others and only for what we need, and for no other thing...just what we need to sustain us. This verse also teaches to turn to God each and every day for our physical, spiritual, and emotional sustainence...and a reminder to be compassionate and caring towards others. God Himself describes His being with the bread and wine, in communion, that the bread represents his body...and when we take communion we are to remember his blood and body... and we need to take that one step further and remember that "our daily bread" is Christ, and ask for Him every day to sustain us and give us what we need. Love, Beau

Steadfastness of God

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever....Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will by no means pass away." (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35 NKJV) No matter what happens in this world, no matter how much one's world is turned upside down, shaken to the core, and ripped out from under you, God's word always stands fast and never fails. If God tells you He is going to always be with you and help you through things, He will. If He says that He will always be there to listen to you and to guide you, He will. No matter what is thrown at you in life, you can always turn to the word of God for comfort, for hope, for strength, for encouragement, and for peace. Those words always stay true and never change...and that in itself is comforting. Love, Beau

Priorities

"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-41 NKJV) Balancing priorities can be tricky sometimes...there's working, taking care of one's home and doing normal household chores, taking care of friends and family...the list is endless. And sometimes priorities have to be rearranged. In this case, Martha was busy with household chores and making sure things looked nice for Jesus, and in feeding Him. She was so busy she wasn't even paying attention to what He was saying. She failed to take time to see what Jesus' real needs were, which were more towards emotional and needing to be soothed. Mary saw what was needed and tended to His needs. We need not be so busy with our lives that we fail to see the true need of those around us; and, we need to be willing to drop what we're doing, rearrange our priorities, and to open ourselves up to minister to those around us who need us the most. This is what God calls us to do....serve God, and caring for others (which is also serving God). Love, Beau

Trials and Tribulations

"Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. ... so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure...." (Ephesians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:4 NKJV) Mom has been going through some very scary and serious medical stuff this past week, and it may get worse. But, God tells us not to lose heart (because He is in control, and looking after us), and to have above all else patience and faith. Under extreme circumstances this can be hard to do, but taking a leap of faith and trusting in him will not all bring you closer to God, make you stronger, but also it will be "your glory," and you will be raised among the church of God. I can't honestly tell you how to do this, it's just something you have to choose to do....and pray. Pray for strength, pray for courage, pray for faith and for endurance. Then believe in the word of God and He will hold you in the palm of His hand and be there for you. Love, Beau

Praise God Always

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1 NJKV) No matter what is going on in our lives, we are still to continually praise God. That means that even in the worst of times we are to praise God. That may seem crazy, but sometimes God blesses the most in the worst of times, and sometimes He uses those times to help us grow, become stronger, and grow closer to Him. For all these reasons alone, that is something to be praised. Also, it teaches us to look for the good in the bad, and to give praises for all those things. Lastly, God teaches us that no matter what state you're in to be content. (Phillipians 4:11) So, keep praising God no matter what!! Love, Beau

Pray and Let Go, Let God

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Phillipians 4:6 NKJV) God does not want us to take decisions lightly. He wants us to take time to think about them, pray about them, and talk them over with Him. God wants us to also to let Him know our wants, needs, desires, requests, and concerns. He wants us to "let go and let God." The problem most of us have is that once we turn things over to God, supposedly, we continue to worry and be anxious about them. This is keeping some control over these things. This is NOT what God tells us to do, or wants. God tells you, that once we turn things over to Him, we are to totally let go and be anxious for NOTHING. God has everything in control and once we allow Him to take over then He will work things out for our best interest (whether it's what we want or not). So, trust in God. He is in control. Love, Beau

Hiding in God

"You are my hiding place;You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah" (Psalm 32:7 NKJV) God is your hiding place. He protect us from all sorts of evils and protects us from bad things happening to us (to some degree). God delivers us when we get ourselves in messes, and when our enemies surround us and try to bring us down, God delivers us. However, sometimes we have to ask for His help. He doesn't always automatically do things for us, even though He can. God wants us to ask for His help. By having to ask for help, it creates a deeper and stronger bond between you and God, and THAT is what He wants more than anything. Hide in God and He will wrap His loving arms around you and protect you.
Love, Beau

In My Father's House

"For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:12 NKJV) Just as our human father raised us, so our Heavenly father trains us in the way we should live. God puts boundaries on us, and there are consequences to breaking those boudaries. God will discipline us and scold us when necessary, but at the same time He also loves us unconditionally. And, God only wants what is best for us. God also wants His children around Him. In fact, He is building a house for all of us to be with Him someday. Jesus says, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2 NKJV) So, honor your father (and mother) that it may go well with you and be sure to spend time with both of your fathers today! Love, Beau

Losing Your Life

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25 NKJV) If you gain the whole world, in homes, money, and other luxuries, and have all the popularity and fame you could ever want or hope for, you could lose your life. Not by common thieves, but by the biggest thief of all. Satan. He knows your weaknesses, desires, and passions, and he will use these to get to you promising and giving you anything and everything you want. However, if you get rid of all that weighs you down, stresses you out, can make you anxious, and basically just hurt and or harm you in general, then you make room in your life and in your soul for all the good that God can give you and pour into you...and He wants to give you the desires of your heart, but in a healthy, loving way that is good for you (unlike Satan). So cast away all the ways of the world and what man would have you achieve, and let God give you a better, more wonderful life. Love, Beau

Tested Words

"For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food." (Job 34:3 NKJV) Always be careful what you say and how you say it, because those who are listening will test your words for truth and genuineness. Also, those who are grounded in the Bible and know its teaching will be able to know if someone's words are also based on true religion, or if one's words are based only on their own understanding. And, "It is better to trust in the LORDThan to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8 NKJV) So, not only should you be careful with your words, but also to be careful as to whose teachings, thoughts, and or words you follow. Love, Beau

Filled Up by God

“The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. (Isaiah 41:17 NKJV) No matter how tired or stressed, depressed, anxious, or just worn out you are, God knows what your needs are and He will give you need. He will quench your thirst, soothe your soil, and fill you you up. God is like a lonnnng drink of water on the hottest summer day. God is your oasis when your soul thirsts.
Furthermore, God promises to supply all our needs and to fill you up. He even says I know your needs before you do, and I'm already working on it. So, the next time you spirit feels withered, dry, and empty turn to God and He will fill your soul. Love, Beau

Delight in Our Deliverance

"Then Hannah prayed and said: 'My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance." (1 Samuel 2:1) God gives us strength to war against our enemies and to be raised above those things which would harm us. He watches over us and gives us what we need when we need it. God also delivers us from evil and from our enemies. As Hannah did, we should boasts over what God has done for us and "delight in our deliverance." We should thank God for everything He does for us and for His ongoing, eternal protection. Praise to God! Amen!! Love, Beau

I Am With You

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:15 NIV) God is with us always , and He will guide and lead us. God promises us that He will be with us until it's time, for those who believe, for His second coming to take us home. God is with us until all His plans for the world, and for each of us has been fulfilled. The fact that God is always watching us even to the end of times is a comforting thought. Amen! Love, Beau

The Power of Grace

"And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage." (Ezra 9:8 NKJV) Grace isn't just a girl's name. It is something amazingly special and wonderful that God gives to us. God gives us grace when we screw up soooooo bad we don't deserve to be forgive, but He does. He says I love you so much, and want to be with you so much, that if you're truly sorry I forgive you and you can still be with me in Heaven. With God's grace we don't have to do anything. He gives us this gift because He loves us. Not only that God forgives us over and over and over again. This leaves always leaves us an opening to find our way back to Him when we stray...not only to be with Him in Heaven someday but also to reveal Himself, and His ways to us, and to renew us. And, not only can we receive God's grace, but we can give it as well. We are to be like-minded as Christ, so God wants us to freely give grace like He gives to us. What a special gift to give to someone!...forgiving them even when they don't deserve it, and giving them a second chance. This week try being a more GRACE-ful person! Love, Beau

Nothing Can Separate Us

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39 NKJV) Nothing can separate us from God's love...not even death. Jesus Christ died, and not only did He conquer death, but because He died for our sins and atonement, as long as we are in relationship with Him, we have also conquered death. AND, as long as we truly repent of our sins nothing we do, and no matter how far we stray from Him, we are not separated from Him. All we have to do is look, or turn, around and there He is, ready to greet us, take us in, and give us a big warm, loving hug. For this we can feel blessed...and eternally loved! Amen! Love, Beau

Judge Not

"Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37 NKJV) The Holy Bible teaches us that we are are not to judge others, lest we be judged. Only God, in His divine wisdom, and all knowing, can truly be the one to judge others. You see, we may not always know one's entire situation, and or what is going on with them, and or how they got to the point one is at. Also, no one, man nor animal, is perfect, except God. We ALL make mistakes! Many humans that are in prison can neither read nor write, and if they don't have proper skills, and no one willing to teach them, they often feel their only way of surviving is crime, even if only petty theft. Or, think of all the homeless pets who steal the food of others and kill for food. That is the only one they can survive. God says that if we judge, we will be equally judged, but if we forgive we will be equally forgiven. I don't know about you, but I know I'm far from perfect and I need all the forgiven and leniency I can get! So, I'm going to give that to others as well. I hope you will too! Love, Beau

Mustard Seed Faith

"So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20 NKJV) You can do anything if you have just even a little faith. Jesus says so! He says if you have the faith of a mustard seed (which is VERY small) you can move mountains. Mountains can be lots of things: problems at home, work, lack of job, bad boss, difficult partner, lack of faith, etc. Now, here's the thing. God didn't say the mountain would move immediately or quickly, He just said you could move it. God also didn't specify being able to move it by yourself. Sometimes one needs help. You "can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." (Phillipians 4:13 NKJV, emphasis mine) And, you need to be looking at the right mountain when it moves...but you CAN move it...you just need to keep that little bit of faith, keep your eye on your goal, and stay steadfast no matter what is going on around you...and that mountain WILL move! Love, Beau

Restored!

"This is the day the LORD has made;We will rejoice and be glad in it...But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word." (Psalm 118:24; Matthew 28:5-8 NKJV) Today is Easter and God has risen (for those of us who believe Jesus rose from the dead)!! Our sins have been forgiven and we have been atoned for! God has conquered death, and since Jesus died in our place, we who believe in God, shall have everlasting life! Hallelulah! We should show our thankfulness, and joyfulness, to God every day, through our actions and words. God has created this day just for us because He loves us and wants us to always be with Him. Amen!! Love, Beau

Cheers and Jeers

The Triumphal Entry "The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13 NKJV) When Jesus came into Jerusalem, He already knew what was ahead and that He was going to die. I have to wonder what Jesus was thinking when He came into the city to people waving brances of palm leaves and shouting Hosannas. Was he thinking about how they would turn on him in the next few days, or was he hearing jeers instead of cheers? Was He feeling wounded and mocked by false admiration? But then we also have to turn and look at ourselves as part of that crowd. Are we going to be in the crowd that turns on Him, are we going to walk away from Him when Jesus is hung on the cross, because it's too painful, too much to bear to watch, or our hope is lost...or, are we going to be like the women who stayed until the end, then took the time to properly bury him, visit His grave, and then in one glorious, miraculous moment know that it's not the end...just the beginning (as some religions, like mine, believe). What would be the loving response? That is what we are called to do, and to be? We are to love without ceasing, believing ALL things. Love, Beau

Let Me Introduce Myself!

God not only ask us to identify ourselves with Him, but throughout the entire Holy Bible, God tells us who He is. Some of those are: "I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward (Genesis 15:1 NKJV); I am the God of your father Abraham (Genesis 26:24); I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14);
I am the LORD (Exodus 6:8); I am gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29); I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever (John 6:51); I am from above...I am not of this world (John 8:23); I am the light of the world (John 9:5); I am the door, the good shepherd (John 10: 9, 14); I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11:25) The list goes on. God is many things to many people, but the main thing is that God is our saviour and redeemer, a father who loves us more than life itself, and God wants us to walk with Him and live with Him for all eternity. Love, Beau

Who Do YOU Say That I Am?

"Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times." (John 13:38 NKJV) When it mattered most, those of whom had been closest to Jesus turned their backs on Him, and denied they even knew Him. And, when He was taunted, persecuted, tortured, and then hung on a cross to die a slow, painful, agonizing death they did nothing. In fact, most of them left before He died on the cross. Yet, Jesus forgave them...and even loved them so much that when He came back to life (as some of us believe), some of the first people He revealed Himself to were those that had betrayed Him. Can we say that we would follow Jesus' example in this? Would we be willing to risk our lives to align ourselves with God? Would we be willing to forgive someone, and go on unconditionally loving them if they betrayed us, and or left us alone to suffer, die, and be in extreme pain (of all kinds)? Yet, God says that we are to follow the example of Jesus. That means doing ALL of these things. And, even more importantly this shows us that no matter what we do, no matter how much we ignore or deny God, He is ALWAYS going to still be there for us. All we have to do is stop and look around. God is always, and for eternity, there! Love, Beau

Taking Up Your Cross

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21 NKJV) God says we are to get rid of all our possesions first, then take up our cross and follow Him. At first glance it sounds like he wants us to be poor, take upon a lot of burdens, and then follow Him. But, that's not totally correct. What God wants us to do is for us to let go of all our worldly ways and ties to them, so that we can be totally free of our past. By doing so, this opens us to concentrate on completely following God and receiving our Heavenly rewards. In addition, when we give to others we get back more in return than we gave...joy, feelings of contribution, etc., to name a few. As for taking up the cross, most importantly it means that when we choose to follow God, we take upon the pain and suffering Jesus felt when He was hung on the cross and died for our sins. We become a part of Him, and therefore part of what He went through. It also means He wants us to take up HIS causes and what's important to Him, and not that of the world. God does want us to have wonderful and beautiful things, but in order to make room room for them, we must first rid ourselves of all our old ways and things. We must first "clean house!" Love, Beau

Being Disciplined

"For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:12 NKJV) Just like our parents when we were growing up, God disciplines us when we are "bad" and or make mistakes. He does this so we can get back on the right track and be led in the way that is best and most helpful, and healthful, for us. There are some parents that do not know how to discipline, and or think that is how to show one's love. But, the truth of the matter is that discipline builds character, teaches one right from wrong, and leads us in a more helpful, healthful way. It is a very loving thing to do. God wants the best for us, wants us to reach our full potential, and does NOT want us running ourselves off into a ditch somewhere. Therefore, He disciplines us and directs us in the way He wants us to go. This in turn brings us closer to Him, and to our eternal reward. God loves us and wants the best for us...and He wants to be with us for all eternity. So, the next time God disciplines you don't think of it as punishment, but as being refined, blessed, and how much God loves you. Love, Beau

Paying It Forward

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." (John 19:30 NKJV) For some, the religious season of Lent is upon us. This is the time that we give up something as a reminder that Jesus gave up His life for us, so that we might live. A lot of people give something up grudgingly thinking of it as a burden. If one is to give up anything, it should be done with great joy and thanksgiving for what Jesus has done for us. We should also take this one step farther. Giving up something should be about more than just giving up something. It should be about giving back as well. For example, we should give up some of our leisure time to volunteer at our local churches/synogogues/temples, community centers, working with the elderly, and or with children, etc. Lent should be a time when we feel renewed, blessed, and fulfilled...not burdened and like we "have to" do something. So, for the next 39 days, as you think about the meaning of Lent, also think about how you can pay that gift forward...not just through Lent...but every day from this point on. Love, Beau

Prayer is FREE

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,...and pray for one another" (1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:16a) In these hard economic times we all wonder what we can do for one another. Some people have high vet bills, high other bills, no job, etc...Some even have lost their homes. We want to help, but we are also financially struggling and don't have the means to help...or do we...? Even if you have no money to spare, no "room at the inn," no extra food or clothing, you can always pray for others. Prayer doesn't cost anything but a little time. AND, it's one of the most powerful forces in the universe and it changes things and creates miracles. God said whenever two or more agree, it is done. Prayer crosses all faiths and all religions. No matter what your faith or beliefs, prayer is a central part of the faith. So, not only is prayer free and powerful, but it universally unites each and every one of us and binds us together. So, the next time you don't know what to do for someone...get down on your knees, bow your head, and or look up to Heaven, and pray. You may never know the results of those prayers but the person(s) you're praying for will!! Love, Beau

Go In Peace

"And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way.” (Judges 18:6 NKJV) It could be said that peace is the opposite of anxiety and fear, because when you are not fearful and or anxious you can have peace. In these troubled times we are all anxious and fearful...for our jobs, security, finances, welfare, family, and futures. But, the Lord is with you "on your way" wherever you go. God is always with you. Not only that God has your back. He has the map of where you're going, how you're going to get there, and He has given all of us the tools we need for the journey. Not only that God has a backup plan, and a backup plan to the backup plan. He's totally prepared for whatever happens in our lives. We can rest assured that no matter what happens in our lives, no matter how bad things get, no matter how stressed and anxious we get, as long as we have God with us on our life's journey it's all going to work out okay...even if we can't see that at the time. And so, we can go in peace knowing all is well. Love, Beau

Patience Is A Virtue

"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11) Everyone experiences time of frustration, desperation, anxiety, etc., when we all need to have patience. But, having patience can be very hard sometimes. We want things to happen NOW, if not sooner. God says we are to have patience in ALL things, and that He does answer our prayers. However, God's timing is not our timing. What seems like an eternity to us is only a second to God. So, when we ask God for something, and or tell Him our needs, we need to remember God responds to us in His time, not our time. We also need to be open to how our prayers are answered...no expectations. God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we expect, or want, Him to. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes He says no, sometimes He makes us wait a little longer...and sometimes if we wait patiently enough our prayers are answered better than we could ever dream of! Waiting patiently for God's response is hard, but it is always in our best interest...and what God wants us to do. Patience IS a virtue! Love, Beau

Superbowl Sunday - God vs Satan

"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelations 12:7-9 NKJV) God and His angels, led by Michael are facing team Satan (aka The Dragon or The Devil). It's a fierce battle and they are in the fourth quarter. God's team tackles the Devil's team...they score....they win!! WOOOHOO!! Team Satan is defeated and sent out and back down to where they came from. And, instead of getting gold rings to wear, God's team receives eternal life and a kingdom made of gold and pearls.! And God's team includes ALL of His children and those who truly believe in Him and follow Him! AND, God's rewards are much better than a ring! Love, Beau

Love Is A VERB

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12, 13:34 NKJV) Love is a verb. It calls us into action. God loves us so much that He allowed His son to die a horrible death for us. God acted on His love for us. And, God doesn't just tell us to do the same, He COMMANDS us to love one another as HE loved us. God tells us that if we love another, then not only are we to act on that love, but act on it fully and completely...even if it means dying. Then God tells us that if we love another we have fulfilled His law. Loving is such a critical thing to God, that He tells us "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the GREATEST of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV) But what exactly is loving to God? God gives us a description of love. He says: "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Cor 13:4-7) At first this sounds like just a description, but when you go back and reread it you will see that the descriptions are also actions...being patient...being kind.... Conversely, when you do these things, you are being loving towards another. And remember, being loving is even more important, and bigger, than faith! So, remember to always uphold and sustain your words with actions! Love, Beau

Child of God

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16-17 NKJV) We are all children of God. And, as children of God we are all part of a royal family. God values each and every one of us as His children, and He does so equally. We all are hard on ourselves, and maybe others, at some point in our lives. Do not let anyone tell you that you are anything less than what you are in God's eyes. Don't buy into it and don't believe it. It's not true. And, don't sell your own self short. Each and everyone one of us, whether an animal or human, was created by God and is extremely special, valuable, and important to God. We need to remember that about ourselves and about each other. We need to treat each other as a valued and important person in high esteem, and just importantly we need to treat ourselves that way. We are all a child of God and dearly loved! AMEN!!
Love, Beau

Lean On Me

"But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;" (2 Corinthians 6:4-5 NKJV) God never said being a Christian, or even doing the right thing in general, was going to be easy. In fact, when you read The Holy Bible, many were persecuted, tortured, and even killed for doing the right thing. It takes patience, strength, fortitude, and reliance on God. But, the good news is this...God never said you had to go it alone. He say, "lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b NKJV) God is always there to lean on and be our rock and our pillar...He wants that! Hallelujah! Amen.!
Love, Beau

New Wine, New You

"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Luke 5:38 NKJV) Just like wineskins, when we give our life to God, the old and the new do not mix. One cannot put old wine into new wineskins. New wine has to be put into new wineskins. Otherwise the skin bursts. When we give our lives to God, the old life cannot be part of the new life. We are made brand new in God through Christ. God wants us to fully commit ourselves to Him. Otherwise, we are lukewarm Christians. God does not recognize lukewarm Christians because they are not fully commited to Him. In Revelations, God says of the lukewarm church, "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelations 3:16 NKJV) It is only when one fully gives onesself to God, can they truly be freed of their past and live totally for God and be preserved. But, what a relief it is to know you are no longer chained to your past mistakes and hurts! What a joy that is! Love, Beau