John 1:20 (NIV)

"He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, I am not the Messiah."

In an age where it seems that so many are striving to be an influencer working hard at building a "personal brand," John the Baptist shows us a radical alternative:

He knew who he was, because he knew what he was not. John had a powerful following. Crowds gathered. Leaders came to question him. He had every opportunity to take the spotlight, to soak in praise, to elevate his name.  When asked if he was the Messiah, he answered -"I am not." When asked if he was Elijah, He answered, -"I am not."  when they asked: "Are you a prophet?" Again, He answered "no." 

John sets an example for us all. John knows instinctually who he is. He also knows who he is not.  From this comes great freedom and liberation to be what he is, a messenger. John embraces his position with humility. God has imbued us all with our own unique gifts. Recognizing them and us as stewards of those gifts, is the first step in being truly authentic. What gifts has God gifted you with? Using them IS your joy, your liberation, and your purpose! 

John 1:20 (NIV)

"He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, I am not the Messiah."

In an age where it seems that so many are striving to be an influencer working hard at building a "personal brand," John the Baptist shows us a radical alternative:

He knew who he was, because he knew what he was not. John had a powerful following. Crowds gathered. Leaders came to question him. He had every opportunity to take the spotlight, to soak in praise, to elevate his name.  When asked if he was the Messiah, he answered -"I am not." When asked if he was Elijah, He answered, -"I am not."  when they asked: "Are you a prophet?" Again, He answered "no." 

John sets an example for us all. John knows instinctually who he is. He also knows who he is not.  From this comes great freedom and liberation to be what he is; a messenger. John embraces his position with humility. God has imbued us all with our own unique gifts. Recognizing them and us as stewards of those gifts, is the first step in being truly authentic. What gifts has God gifted you with? Using them IS your joy, your liberation, and your purpose! 

In this episode, we dive into Matthew 14 to explore how FAITH and TRUST can and will lift us above fear. Fear paralyses, Faith/Trust literally LIFTS us out of fear's suffocating grip! Even in the darkest storms of life, I urge you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep your focus on Him. This small act of faith has the Power to transform your thoughts. Discover the power of keeping your eyes on Jesus, stepping out of the boat, and trusting His presence during the "fourth watch"-when hope feels distant, but rescue is ever so near. When Jesus gazed into the Heavens during the Miracle of the Fishes and Loaves, he held the basket of fish and looking up, TRUSTED that it was enough! Oh, Holy Spirit enable me to grow my faith and Trust. Amen

The Word today is a reflection on Psalm 34:8 

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN HIM. 

Early in the Fall of 2025, I was diagnosed with A rare form of breast cancer. As I processed my way through the diagnosis, I naturally reflected on my life, and on my mortality. As I prepared for surgery, I had a distinct knowing that Jesus was with me, watching me, guiding me. I felt actually very good. The Lord was with me, and I approached each minute with trust. As the day of the surgery approached, I felt a real and sincere need to confess my sins. I needed to, I wanted to get right with the Lord! 

It was within those quiet moments of confession, that I absolutely knew that God saw me. The result was a spiritual lifting up within my being that stays with me today. 

Perhaps that glow I felt was what God is referring to when he says; Taste and see that I am good. He is.  It is because of the Lord’s mercy’s that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” 

Can we have the forgiveness of forgiven sin?   God answers any hesitation with his gracious invitation; “Taste and see that the Lord is good” 

The Word today is a reflection on Psalm 34:8 

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN HIM. 

Early in the Fall of 2025, I was diagnosed with A rare form of breast cancer. As I processed my way through the diagnosis, I naturally reflected on my life, and on my mortality. As I prepared for surgery, I had a distinct knowing that Jesus was with me, watching me, guiding me. I felt actually very good. The Lord was with me, and I approached each minute with trust. As the day of the surgery approached, I felt a real and sincere need to confess my sins. I needed to, I wanted to get right with the Lord! 

It was within those quiet moments of confession, that I absolutely knew that God saw me. The result was a spiritual lifting up within my being that stays with me today. 

Perhaps that glow I felt was what God is referring to when he says; Taste and see that I am good. He is.  It is because of the Lord’s mercy’s that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” 

Can we have the forgiveness of forgiven sin?   God answers any hesitation with his gracious invitation; “Taste and see that the Lord is good” 

The story of the Holy Innocents is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Scripture. Herod's fear turned to fury, and in his blindness, he lashed out at the most vulnerable-the children. It's a story drenched in sorrow, yet it mirrors what we still see around us today.

The world continues to echo with Rachel's cry. We hear it worn torn lands where children are displaced, starving, and orphaned. We hear it in neighborhoods where violence has stolen too many sons and daughters. We hear it in homes where despair, addiction, and neglect have torn innocence away.

But woven into this passage is also a call to action. Joseph obeyed immediately-he rose and protected what was sacred. He did not wait till morning. He trusted God's warning and moved in faith.

Today, we too are called o that same kind of obedience and protection. We may not carry the Christ Child, but we do carry his light-and that light needs guarding in a world that tries to snuff it out. Every time we protect the innocent, defend the voiceless, or act in compassion instead of fear, we are standing with Joseph. We are saying "The darkness will not have the last word".

Ask yourself: Where is God calling me to protect, nuture, or speak up for the innocent? 

Hold this truth close to your heart- even in the darkest chapters, God's light is both moving and powerful. Protect it. Cherish it. And carry it into the world.

The story of the Holy Innocents is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Scripture. Herod's fear turned to fury, and in his blindness, he lashed out at the most vulnerable-the children. It's a story drenched in sorrow, yet it mirrors what we still see around us today.

The world continues to echo with Rachel's cry. We hear it worn torn lands where children are displaced, starving, and orphaned. We hear it in neighborhoods where violence has stolen too many sons and daughters. We hear it in homes where despair, addiction, and neglect have torn innocence away.

But woven into this passage is also a call to action. Joseph obeyed immediately-he rose and protected what was sacred. He did not wait till morning. He trusted God's warning and moved in faith.

Today, we too are called o that same kind of obedience and protection. We may not carry the Christ Child, but we do carry his light-and that light needs guarding in a world that tries to snuff it out. Every time we protect the innocent, defend the voiceless, or act in compassion instead of fear, we are standing with Joseph. We are saying "The darkness will not have the last word".

Ask yourself: Where is God calling me to protect, nuture, or speak up for the innocent? 

Hold this truth close to your heart- even in the darkest chapters, God's light is both moving and powerful. Protect it. Cherish it. And carry it into the world.

Can you imagine the scene as told by Luke, the author of Acts 3? Peter and John go the temple around 3PM, the hour of prayer. There they encounter a man who has been lame from birth begging for money. The apostle Peter offers the man something much more valuable than the money he asks for. Peter offers him healing "in the name of Jesus Christ." Peter takes the man's hand and immediately the man HEALED! Walking, leaping and praising God. Now the crowd were astonished! They were amazed at what has happened. The Power Behind the Miracle is not Peter, who has healed by the man, nor was it John who was there with Peter, but through Faith in Jesus's name. Oftentimes we find ourselves in difficulty, but we are not just encouraged but commanded to put our faith in the assurances of Jesus Christ. Take heed dear ones, and remember that the Holy Spirit is within you, your constant companion, and is always guiding you. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to you as you journey through this life! Pray to the Spirit, ask Him to lead you out of your circumstances. Listen, and be at peace for the Spirit will show you the way. It could be direct as with the healing of the lame man, or as simple as Harvey and his wife in today's reflection where grace and healing was sent directly through friends. Like a stream carving its way over rocks, and forging its way to make its path, so does the Holy Spirit do for us. I am So Grateful. You?

The Word today is a reflection on Psalm 34:8 

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN HIM. 

Early in the Fall of 2025, I was diagnosed with A rare form of breast cancer. As I processed my way through the diagnosis, I naturally reflected on my life, and on my mortality. As I prepared for surgery, I had a distinct knowing that Jesus was with me, watching me, guiding me. I felt actually very good. The Lord was with me, and I approached each minute with trust. As the day of the surgery approached, I felt a real and sincere need to confess my sins. I needed to, I wanted to get right with the Lord! 

It was within those quiet moments of confession, that I absolutely knew that God saw me. The result was a spiritual lifting up within my being that stays with me today. 

Perhaps that glow I felt was what God is referring to when he says; Taste and see that I am good. He is.  It is because of the Lord’s mercy’s that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” 

Can we have the forgiveness of forgiven sin?   God answers any hesitation with his gracious invitation; “Taste and see that the Lord is good” 

The Secret to Unshakeable Peace

Today we are diving into Philippians 4, verse 7 

 A verse that promises something wonderful, marvelous, and incredible.” And the peace of God, which surpasses all your understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 

In this life we all face stress, worry, and uncertainty-this verse lifts us up and reminds us that God’s peace is not only available to us. It protects our hearts and minds in ways we don’t fully understand.  

Imagine your heart as a room. Anxiety and worries knock at the door, fear hovers in the corner- it can be overwhelming, but when we invite God in, His peace fills the room reshaping our thoughts and our day. What a gift He offers us freely. 

Know this: We need not understand how it works. We need to simply let it in. God’s promises are great and many indeed. Philippians 4, verse 7 promises that His peace will guard us-our hearts, our minds, our very beings. That is a promise and a gift we can experience right now.  

How blessed we, the children of God are.

Dear God, when I meditate on your words and your promises, I am lifted up away from my circumstances and transported to a place of calm and of peace. For this, I am deeply grateful and marvel at the immense goodness and love you have for your children. Help me to keep my focus on you. Amen.