Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Living in Perilous Times

I Can Only Imagine - Discovery Eye Foundation
Once upon a time we could “agree to disagree”. Sadly we can’t seem to do that anymore. It only takes a few minutes on social media to see how divided we truly are. Unity is hard to find. Even a choice not to be political is being political.

I’m tired of politicians regardless which side they are on. We had one recently who had a big block party to celebrate the start of his time in office.  He hasn't even done anything yet.  Have a party after you have accomplished something first.

I’m done with talk and parties and promises. Hype doesn’t get the job done. Action is what matters. I remembered last summer that someone stood for hours addressing congress. Why?  Words without actions are just words.

Where is the integrity? I try not to make a blanket statement over every politician but most get elected and seek money and power. The greed lures them to be out of touch for how the rest of us really exist.

Fake news? Yes there is a lot of it - both ways. Who can you trust? One news person talked about transparency and being like Walter Cronkite. If you have to tell us that then that is already a red flag.

There was a time when we couldn’t figure out how the Anti-Christ would be able to deceive people but with the reality of  artificial intelligence (A.I.) and slanted news it is eerily possible now.

Scary times.

I fear where we are headed but the Bible warned us about this. There is one verse which warns us about “perilous times”.

The Apostle Paul's warning to Timothy was that these last days will be filled with “perilous times.” The Greek term translated “perilous” is chalepos. Its basic meaning is “stress” or “fierce,” coming from a root word meaning to “reduce strength.”

Those times are here. More than ever before.

I worry when I walk the streets when I see how many people are looking at their phones. Slaves to the technology which can easily be used to track us. With every software update, I have to disable settings which surrender more of my privacy. I can see how our phones could play into the plans of what is to come.

Conspiracy theories? Perhaps but the fact remains that we must be vigilant.

To be vigilant means “to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.” Vigilance requires action. A vigilant person actively pays attention to what is vying for their attention and what affects the heart and mind. We must keep a clear mind as we vigilantly keep watch over our lives and the world around us.

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Be Like Bezalel & Oholiab

Bezalel & Oholiab are two obscure characters in the Bible but they played a vital role in God's plan to design the Tabernacle in the Old Testament.  This dynamic duo appears in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 31 & 35) as spirit-filled craftsmen who were chosen by God.

Bezalel's name meant "in the shadow of God" and was filled with the Spirit of God granting him wisdom, understanding and skill in all crafts to design and execute the complex plans for the Tabernacle. He was gifted with doing metalwork (gold, silver, copper), stone work, wood carving and other detailed design work which was crucial for the Tabernacle.

Oholiab's name meant "father's tent and was divinely appointed to serve as the deputy architect for the Tabernacle. He crafted the details for many sacred items as well as working with fine linen and threads.

When I studied about these two men, I wondered if they were already talented or if the Spirit of God gave them this ability. I haven’t found an answer for this. I guess it doesn’t matter. God still recognized that this duo fit into His divine plan and gave them the opportunity. God either anointed these two skilled craftsmen or He supernaturally gave them the ability to do what He needed them to do.  That's pretty exciting don't you think?

However it happened, they certainly took it and they ran with it.   Can you imagine how these two felt about this amazing holy honor in building the Tabernacle where God would reside and meet with His people?

God can do the same with us if we are willing.  He can even empower us in our jobs.

I often pray that God would make the complicated things about my job easy for me and to grant me favor - and He has many times!  God can use anyone at any time that He chooses.  It's exciting to know that He can use us in this way.  I used to make the mistake in thinking that I had to be divinely called into some ministry in the church but I have learned that God's purpose in our abilities are not just limited to the church walls.  

In whatever we do we are encouraged to "Do all things for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).  I think this is captured perfectly in the song "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman when he sings:

You're picking up toys on the living room floor for the fifteenth time todayMatching up socks, sweeping up lost Cheerios that got awayYou put a baby on your hip, color on your lips and head out the door
While I may not know you, I bet I know youWonder sometimes, does it matter at all?Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you'Cause He made you to doEvery little thing that you do to bring a smile to His faceTell the story of grace with every move that you makeAnd every little thing you do
Maybe you're that guy with the suit and tieMaybe your shirt says your nameYou may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgersBut at the end of the dayLittle stuff, big stuff, in between stuffGod sees it all the same
While I may not know you, I bet I know youWonder sometimes, does it matter at all?Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you'Cause He made you to doEvery little thing that you do to bring a smile to His faceTell the story of grace with every move that you makeAnd everything you do
Always be open and ready for God to use what you do for His purpose.  You don't have to be a preacher and you don't always have to preach a sermon to use your talents and abilities for God.  Just as these two obscure men in the Old Testament answered the call, we too must be ready for His call.











Sunday, January 11, 2026

Keeping the Flame Burning

Silhouette of a man holding a torch in a dark cave | Premium AI-generated  image

Being a believer isn't always easy, especially when you don't get much encouragement to do so.  It is a lonely road at times.  You wonder sometimes if you are going to make it or not.  I will admit that I have wondered that about myself many times.  I am determined to finish this race.

I remember an old song many years ago "Keep the Flame Burning" sung by Debby Boone and Phil Driscol.  It has always been an inspiration for me.

Here are some of the lyrics:

Lord, I find myself needing You
Like I never have before
In all of the darkness around me
Every day, my hunger's growing more

It's clear to me now, You are my only refuge
My port in the troubled sea
Help me to give my life completely to You
And make me only what You want me to be

Lord, just keep the flame burning in my heart
Light my way with the fire of Your spirit
Keep the flame burning in my heart
And let it spread to whoever comes near it
Lord, just keep the flame burning in my heart

Children, He knows what you're going through
He suffered more than you'll ever know
Well, He's drawing us closer and closer to Him
He'll be back soon
You've got to get ready to go

Well, there's no time for complacency
There's no room for compromise
Just walk straight and strong
'Cause it won't belong
'Til we see Him split the eastern skies

Lord, just keep the flame burning in our hearts
Light our way with the fire of Your spirit
Keep the flame burning in our hearts
And let it spread to whoever comes near it
Lord, just keep the flame burning in our hearts


Such a powerful song to express how it feels sometimes.  There are times I don't really know if anyone cares if I am a believer or think that I might be misguided in some way.  I can tell you that this is the only way I know to be.  To believe in God through his Son Jesus Christ.  It may seem silly to others but it has been my life for so many years.  To know me, you have to accept that is how I am.  I won't debate it with you and I won't force you to believe that same as I do.  I just live my life the best I can everyday.  I'm really not sure if I am even making much of an impact in anyone's life.  I'm not a preacher with a pulpit and I have no ministry other than to write.  I can only do what I feel like I should do.  I can't do God's part for Him.  

Most of all...I want to keep that flame burning.  The desire to keep going and to keep the faith.  When I was young I may have wanted to make a name for myself or find satisfaction with success in some type of ministry.  Today I want my life to be faithful to the God that I serve and to be content with my life today.  I don't seek the spotlight.  I simply want to make it.  Most of my years are behind me now so I want to keep the flame burning in my heart that was ignited many years ago and has kept me on this journey.