Sometimes the task of facing our inner “fears and inadequacies” causes us to delay looking into our spiritual mirror. We probably do this because we fear the reflection that will stare back at us. We do not want the reality of knowing that popular opinion, religious tolerance, or lack of self-control influenced us, thereby possibly influencing someone else. What is the remedy? Face yourself and look in the mirror, anyway! Ignoring that we have issues that need to be dealt with does not excuse the problems we must face.

Our blessed Savior is the prime example of how to look a problem right between the eyes and deal with it. Jesus knew His end and the excruciating torment he was about to go through. Yet with determined vigor and an unwavering devotion to His Heavenly Father, Jesus stood before His mirror. So, don’t ignore what is staring back at you, for the mirror of the soul casts eternal reflections.

Love & peace my friends…Stevo

Do you complain about thorns on the stem of roses or can you look past the thorns and be thankful for the beauty of the rose?
The current atmosphere in the United States is quite draining. Regardless of where you look or what you hear it seems that everything is coming up thorns instead of roses. When the country’s mood is so politically and socially toxic it can appear as if there is nothing to be thankful for. Yet, can we stop just for a moment and think about Psalm 9? King David wrote this psalm knowing he had personal enemies that would love to destroy him and his country but took the time to still be thankful. Why? The answer lies in the fact that David looked past the thorns and saw the rose.
•David could look past the thorns to see the rose was because of his relationship with God. David could see God!
• David could be thankful because God will judge the wicked.
• David could be thankful because God could be trusted in times of oppression.
• David could be thankful because God showed mercy to His people.
Does the same not hold true for us IF our relationship with God is not one sided? We can be thankful that a relationship is even possible with God because of His Son Jesus. We can be thankful that God is righteous in His judgments, assures us that He will never leave us alone in a dark cruel world, and that His mercy will always be available to us because of what Jesus of Nazareth accomplished. Regardless of our situations in life, we can be thankful that salvation is real and attainable. So may we also learn to look past the thorns and see the beauty of the rose.

Love & peace my friends…Stevo

Do you know the phrase “safe place?” We may be told to find this “place” by TV meteorologists when storms are headed our way. Possibly you have such a place in your house or close by. But another type of storm has been on my mind recently and that is the “storms of life.” We don’t always see these storms approaching, but they come regardless. No one is immune to storms either, such as hardships, temptations, sufferings, and the like. Where is your “safe place” for these kinds of storms?

If you do not know God by name, I suggest you get to know Him. David presents God as Yahweh (Jehovah), the eternal protector. Jehovah is able to lift us above life’s storms and sustain as we travail thought them. Once you know Jehovah in all His glory, you will find the confidence to trust Him in all matters.

Seek him and find out!

Love & peace my friends…Stevo

The resolve to not stay spiritually parked takes effort.

The pursuit of spiritual treasure worth searching for takes initiative.

The passion for spiritual things that lacks knowledge is a tank of emotions that will eventually run empty.

The knowledge of spiritual things that leads to obedience is a clear path to authenticity.

And when all hypocrisy and showmanship is set aside, the teaching of God’s word will change hearts.

Seek – Do – Teach

The order matters!

Love & peace my friends…Stevo

Remember in school when you tried to write an essay and you got your paper back with “The Red Markings of Doom?” The memories are vague for me, but I know I got my fair share! So, you would edit and revise to the satisfaction of the teacher. Sometimes it seemed hopeless! But I love the fact that when I take God’s word into my heart, I am digesting spiritual food that is perfection! The Bible is flawless. And then in a grand, ironic twist, I see before my eyes “words in red.” And it is those words that inspire, rejuvenates, and strengthens my resolve to keep going. Thank you Jesus for every word you spoke. Because your words truly do revive my soul.

Love & peace my friends…Stevo

I have had mornings where I woke up late because I failed to set my alarm. I have had days where I woke to go to school and my truck failed to start. I have had days when I arrived in my classroom and the internet failed to launch. I have even had days where I showed up for an early tee time feeling so good about my golf game, but my golf game apparently failed to have its morning coffee! (IYKYK)

But I have NEVER started a day where God’s love, mercy and faithfulness was not waiting to greet me with a hearty “Good morning!”

And neither have you.

Love & peace my friends…Stevo