Duct Tape for the Soul

In life, we use many filters in order to remove contaminants and deliver a clean product. HVAC systems use air filters to clean the air we breathe. Water systems have filters to purify the water we drink. Vehicles have fuel and air filters to deliver clean fuel & air to the engine. Internet filters block/remove inappropriate and immoral content. Proverbs 4:23 says: “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”  If the issues of life “spring” from our hearts and minds, then wouldn't it be important to use heart and mind “filters” to prevent contaminants from entering, and also to filter what is inside to filter out contaminants? Philippians 4:8: says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, … noble, … just, … pure, … lovely, … of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” If we ask God...

John 8:36 reads, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye are free indeed." 

I said it would never happen, but once Olly (the inside puppy) arrived in our home, everyone was smitten! Once he learned to climb out of the one pen, I purchased a taller one I knew he would never escape. I was glad that after several weeks of exhausted attempts, he finally gave up trying. When I packed the shorter pen for a family trip, my wife commented that the dog would easily jump out. I assured her he wouldn't even try because he had been convinced he couldn't. I was right! That is fine for a dog, but it is not for people. Most of us have past hurts and failures that have made us believe the lie that we can't grow past those experiences. Once we have exchanged our sins for the grace...

I recently had an abrasion on my left elbow that I didn’t discover for a few days, leading to an infection and the need for antibiotics. I have no idea what happened or how long it was there. Occasionally, I bump and rub against things as I help customers or work around the house. Scrapes and cuts are bound to happen. Sometimes, we bump and brush one another, causing abrasions to our relationships. Proverbs 27:17 states (paraphrased) As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. But, when iron contacts flesh in a relationship and isn’t dealt with quickly, it can lead to an infected relationship. Mathew 18: 21- 22 (KJV) teaches: Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not...

James 4:6 "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." How do we receive God’s grace, something we all need, through humility? Some other terms for humility are gentleness, meekness, modesty, of lower degree, and unselfishness. Humility is not passive, though. Living this out daily is a challenge because it goes against our nature. God promised He would give...

James 4:6 "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."  As we study the Bible, it often refers to pride as something God will not tolerate. Proverbs 16:5 "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD." Pride has many expressions; deep pleasure in one’s achievements, arrogance, envy, high-mindedness, boasting, or anything that...

This spring has been considerably dry for most of the region. We are now into summer with little moisture reserve, including a mild winter with very little snow. I and many others with great tenacity have been watering our gardens once to twice daily. The ground is super dry, and the plants are thirsty. When watering my garden, I had to think about A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness. Not only was the area in which he was very dry, but he was also experiencing a dry time in his life in loneliness and fearing his enemies. Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;..." (KJV)

As our plants anticipate water daily to grow, we as humans need water...

A few summers ago, my family and I went on a vacation. My daughter was pretty young and carefree at the time, so while we were hiking she accidentally stepped on a snake that was halfway in the path. Noticing the movement, I quickly grabbed her and got her out of harm's reach. In reality, I doubt I was the one fast enough to avoid a snake bite for her. I know that it was God who protected her.

I think we can all recall a time when a bad situation happened to us or someone we are close to. Maybe you didn’t literally step on a snake, but you may have walked into a bad situation. Without even realizing it, God may have reached for you and pulled you out of harm's way and back onto the right path. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He promises to never leave you or forsake...

Do you find yourself searching for rest or trying to escape life’s burdens? In Matthew 11:28 - 30, Jesus tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ Only Jesus can provide us true rest from our burdens, and we need to allow Him to take our burdens from us daily. Are you allowing enough margin in your schedule to rest in Jesus? It’s easy to fill our schedules with work, social media, fun activities, and entertainment and forget to spend time with the Lord. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 KJV...