I was reminded of a Mark Twain quote: “Man is the only animal that blushes…or needs to”. I can remember back to times when I did things that once revealed caused me to blush or be ashamed. When I’m ashamed of my own behavior I find it hard to look people in the eye. I can’t bare seeing the revulsion, and disappointment in their eyes because it confirms my own assessment of how bad I am. We have all done things that have embarrassed us or things we are ashamed of. When we experience these things our biggest need is not isolation but forgiveness.

When cowboys signed on to work with an outfit there were specific responsibilities they were expected to fulfill: 1 Caring for the land and animals that belonged to that ranch and it’s brand. 2 Respecting others and their property. 3 If trouble came to the ranch, everyone would be there to stand against it. 4 Keeping the water holes clear and clean and praying God would send enough rain to keep them full. 5 Giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. When you were given a job to do you did it to the best of your ability.

When you did these things, it was said that you were “Riding for the Brand”.

The weight of our stress becomes too much to bare. We pray to God for help, but nothing changes. It seems that our prayers get about as high as the ceiling only to fall back down again. We are forced to walk over and pick them up again, but now they seem heavier than before. We get up from our knees and face another day already tired because of the stress. There is no more helpless feeling in the world.

We have all heard those words ring out right after we had done something we shouldn’t have. But when it comes to our sin we can’t restore our soul to a sinless status. Jesus came to “Put it Back” for us.

We have all walked a dark path and wanted a light to shine out in front of us. The lights would light the path and illuminate the hazards that might cause us harm. A light would allow you to place your feet on the safe part of the path. The light would shine on dangers that would lurk in the dark. God’s Word is our spiritual light. Psalm 119:105. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Crossing that cable without a safety rope would not be wise. You may be able to cross but the consequences of a fall would be devastating. The person holding your safety rope protects you from a fall. If your feet were to come off the cable and you were not able to get back up, the person on the other end of your safety rope would lower you to the ground. In our spiritual lives we are all vulnerable to falls. Who has your rope?

At some point in our lives, we have all been depressed. Depending on our circumstances and mental health state depression can be a nuisance or a debilitating process. When people get depressed, they find getting out of bed is more then they can do that day. Depression is real. I know we can’t put it in a glass or measure it as a quantity but when you feel depressed no one can convince you what you are feeling isn’t real. God is bigger and stronger than the depression. Choose God.

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”

We live in struggle and effort every day.  The devil is constantly dragging us down. It is all we can do to stay aloft. We work as hard as we can using everything at out disposal but it doesn’t seem to be enough.  We need to learn what it means to “Struggle with all His Strength”. Our struggle is not against the world but to stay within God’s strength.

I have been teaching Justification by Faith Alone in Christ Alone for years as the gospel or good news. I have used the tickets to eternity as an illustration of justification. (see the home page The Good News) A person very dear to me pointed out that this version of the Gospel or Good News sounds transactional, like something you would do at a store counter. What I’ve attempted to explain is a spiritual rebirth. Justification is transfomational not transactional.

In our Christian walk we need to expect to struggle with our present evil age. Satan’s schemes are endless. We know the spiritual fight is coming and by ourselves we can not win. Paul says in verse 10 to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Do you expect to encounter God Today?

One of the hardest choices in the world is choosing which way you should go. Maybe you have to choose where to live or which job to choose. Which Way Should I Go?

Wanting what someone else has is a common wish we all share. At some point in our lives, we have seen someone that was more successful than we were or had more money and possessions. We wondered how they got there and wished we could trade places. Whose Blessing Do You Want?

When troubles come and won’t go away. We have all been here. Troubles come and start to build on each other. The weight of the stress becomes too much to bare. There is no more hopeless feeling in the world.

Transitions in life can be one of the toughest things we go through. The only thing constant is change and that is HARD!

The bad behavior that had been going on for years and was known by everyone was packaged up and put on one person. They needed a scapegoat. Jesus is our Scapegoat.

I believe the Gospel to be the most important thing to get right when sharing the Christian Faith. This site is dedicated to explain my understanding of how it works and an easy way to share it with others.