Kintsugi and Life

We are like this fragile teacup, broken and yet with value. Our life is a story of broken pieces and healing opportunities. I went to a Christian adoption group meeting a few years ago, and one of the leaders spoke about an ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi. Those who attended the gathering were able to take a mug or ceramic teacup and reflect on their lives regarding places of brokenness and the need to turn our lives over to God for restoration and healing hope.

Kintsugi, a Japanese art mends broken pottery with gold lacquer making the repaired piece more beautiful for having been broken. The message of using our broken stories, mistakes, trials, and pains, for good, resonated with me.

Why do I see broken experiences as loss? Why do I see mistakes as failures? Why do I see trials as punishment? Do these broken stories mean I am forever broken? Who gave me this pessimistic thought? Should I stay in the negative or choose instead to see the other side? That is the choice I must make no matter which road I choose to journey.

As I purposely broke the creme-colored teacup, I pondered the long list of my challenges with myself and others. I pondered the mindset of the negative and the need to trust God with unbelief. I reflect on how in my infertility I found God. I reflected on the stress and fears of adoption, awaiting God’s blessing, and I felt His presence again. I thought, about how each one of my children came to my husband and me at just the right time, God’s time, His Presence, and His blessings to me. Why is that surprising and yet inspiring? The trials brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus. I had to trust Him with the unknown.

As I have watched each stage in my children’s lives, I am reminded yet again, God is refining me as the epoxy and gold flakes reconnected the broken pieces of my teacup. The bond of strength in this cup is stronger, and the gold shimmering edges of the cracked pieces are more luminous. The beauty of the teacup is changed and more meaningful to me now than if the teacup hadn’t been broken.

When I was breaking the teacup, I thought in the back of my mind how amazing it would be if there was a small irreparable opening. I reflected if that opening appeared it would be a reminder of how the Lord God Himself has shown Himself through the cracks of my life. It would remind me I am not meant to go through repair without His Light.

Interestingly enough, the small opening in my creme-colored teacup did appear, I carefully dabbed on gold-dusted epoxy in the opening. Surely, I will remember He is steadfast in all trials, joys, and steps of life. May I be the example to those who watch the step-by-step journey of His Light shining through the cracks. Refined, remade, richer, and Luminous!!!

Kintsugi feels so relevant for current times. May it encourage and remind you we all have broken parts. The world seems to be fracturing between nations. We all need peace and unity with our Creator. Our cracks can be healed and patched up by time meditating on His Word and letting Him be the Light that fills the dark places of our past. Let Jesus provide the glue and wisdom and let His Light shine through the cracks.

He contends for His

What does it mean to “contend”? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of ‘contend’ states: to maintain, assert, and strive. Synonyms for contend; to battle, to face off. What a thought our God contends, faces off, battles for His children! We do not fight our battles alone (unless we choose not to accept Jesus). In our action step, we must call out to God, believe He is able, and go to Him as the Commander in Chief who directs His Army for His children. Let me say that again, first, we choose Him, we communicate to Him in prayer, then we align with His promises for our lives and our children.

We must put on the Armor of God ( Ephesians 6; 10 -18), and we read about the importance of each piece of the battle armor. Covering our mind is the helmet, covering our chest ( heart) is the breastplate, God’s truth is represented in the belt, walking in the shoes of peace that have spikes on their bottom to secure the soldier on the battlefield. A fellow Sister in Christ shared this truth regarding spikes on the top and bottom of a soldier’s feet in ancient times. Powerful visual that our foundation must be grounded in our God and faith in Him. The shield of faith is our belief that the power of the unseen God covers us with His protection, the Sword of the Spirit is the Bible, and His Word is alive. Prayer is a mighty weapon, when done unceasingly it is solid gold power. We must share this with our family, friends, and whoever God brings to our minds.

Isaiah 49:22-26 NIV
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips. [23] Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." [24] Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? [25] But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. [26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Declare: Father God, we are in awe of you, we are not worthy of Your love, yet you give it freely, You see potential in your children, You are a patient Father God. You provide all we need, we minimize your gifts and promises. Forgive our unbelief, our own self-focus takes us from the Illuminated Beauty of being in Your Presence. You are Elohim, the Almighty One, You are Jehovah Sabaoth, You are Jehovah Shalom, You are El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, the God of the Mountains! You are Adonai, My Great God!

John 1:1-5 NLT
In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

YHWH is the symbol for the Hebrew name of God, God you are “I AM”, The Self-Existent One! You never change, save us all! In awe and reverence, the Jewish people whisper His Name.

Father, the nations need Your hand, we wait on Your action, and we hope in You alone, Lord of heaven’s armies ready for battle, Your Word is truth as Isaiah 49 shares, You are our protector, contend for our children and us!

You are amazing God, bring Your Light to this darkness attempting to cover our world. Lord, your children need You, alone!

Love God: He is for Every Nation

Can you imagine what it will be like when every tribe, tongue, and nation will bend its knee? Every Soul connected to the Holy Spirit seems a mystery and not possible. I love the letters of Paul and Timothy who wrote to the church at Philippi, great words of wisdom for an attitude like Jesus.

Philippians 2: 1- 11     Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort 
from his love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, 
and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than 
yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

God loves His children! He loves all of His Children. He extends His hand, and He seeks the child ( sheep) who hides past mistakes or is lost too. We are the sheep of His pasture ( Psalm 100:3).

Psalm 100:3      Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
 He made us, and we are his.
 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

He really calls His sheep to abundant life with Him. He died the sinner’s death on the cross for our sins. What love He has for us!!

Declare: I am a child of God, I may never feel worthy of Jesus’ love yet You extend it anyway. Help me Jesus to open my heart, mind, and soul to Your amazing Love. I want to experience all of You. Amen.

This song by Lindy Conant is so precious, I feel the amazing grace and mercy of God. He calls His children, including all of us, as His adopted Children into His family! We are His!!

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9   “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

We must Love God with all our Heart, Soul, and Strength. We must share God’s wisdom with our children. It can break generational curses and bring generational life-changing futures.

Don’t be troubled

C. S. Lewis in his book ” The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, shares an interaction between Mr. Beaver and Susan, a young woman. It is a wonderful example of trusting without knowing the future. Aslan, the Lion, is the character that saves the kids and animals in this mysterious world. He speaks and acts for truth and against evil. He is powerful and gentle just like Jesus. I love the powerful message found in this conversation between Mr. Beaver and Susan, Mr. Beaver shared, “Aslan is a lion, -the lion, the great lion”. “Ooh”, said Susan, “I thought he was a man, Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”… “Safe,” said Mr. Beaver, “… who said anything about safe? ‘Course, He isn’t safe, but he is good. He is the King.”

We must trust our King Jesus. We must discover who He is, He is the Lion of Judah! He is for us not against us. He is safe and good. Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb.

John 14:1-4,6-7,10-11,30-31 NLT
[1] “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” [10] Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. [11] Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. [30] “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, [31] but I will do what the Father requires of me so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is preparing a place for you with our Father God. No matter what your eyes see, no matter what the world tells you, no matter how you feel about the future.

Our mind can not conceive what the future holds, however, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

Even when Jesus walked the earth, there was unbelief. His disciples struggled to understand the wisdom Jesus shared in parables and sermons.

In the midst of trials, it can be hard to trust in something unseen. I have been there, however, I am amazed that I witnessed Jesus move in my detours and He kept me safe even in conflict, or at peace when I felt alone.

Jesus was in the midst of my life. I had to reach for the Lion. I am baffled yet intrigued by awe at the power of my Savior Jesus.

Lion is a powerful battle cry worship song by Chris Brown and Brandon Lake. This live version of “Lion”, is so Holy Spirit driven. I would be surprised if you don’t feel awe as you listen, then a prompting to sing as you join the chorus, Our God is amazing, He is the Lion of Judah. He can break through and save you from unbelief, fear, and your past. Let the Lion Roar and gain a beautiful perspective of hope, breakthrough, and acceptance as a child of God.

Revelation 5 5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Sometimes we have to gain faith in the unseen things, repeat our belief in the Power of God loudly, and hold onto Jesus! I don’t know the future but I know who does, He can be trusted with your life. All Hail the Lion of Judah! He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and power, forever!!

Stepping up into your calling

Step into your calling photo by Mary Mesikapp

Do you know God commissions His people to a specific calling? It may take years or a lifetime to discover our purpose. But the same God who set the stars in place, can be trusted to set your life in place.

Psalm 47:1-9 MSG Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! GOD Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean. He crushes hostile people, puts nations at our feet. He set us at the head of the line, prize-winning Jacob, his favorite. Loud cheers as God climbs the mountain, a ram’s horn blast at the summit. Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our King, sing praise! He’s Lord over earth, so sing your best songs to God. God is Lord of godless nations- sovereign, he’s King of the mountain. Princes from all over are gathered, people of Abraham’s God. The powers of earth are God’s- he soars over all.

He set us at the head of the line, sing songs to Him! Seek His plan for your sphere of influence. You may not feel prepared but He will prepare the way if it is His plan.

Comfort zones are okay when you are feeling weary at times, however God wants to give you an opportunity to step up and into your calling. It’s scary to move beyond your safe place. But God is a sanctuary of safety. Praying for revival can be stepping into our calling. Sometimes we called not to wait but to take steps forward in faith. Seeking His direction not knowing the future. It does not mean titles for positions inside a building. It means a supernatural in filling by the Holy Spirit and trusting God to bring awareness, and direction. If He is over all the earth and in authority of all things He will complete the work He starts.

Kim Walker Smith sang Fresh Outpouring years ago, it is a powerful song that reminds followers of Jesus to ask for a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit! We can’t do this life alone. He prepares those who humble themselves before Him.

Jesus prepared His disciples, they were a group of men from multiple spheres of impact; fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers, prostitutes, sinners like us who were molded into who Jesus knew they could be. There impact spans for thousands of years and we can make an impact for His Kingdom too.

Fresh outpouring Jesus Culture

Let Jesus pour into your life, His wisdom, His power, His authority by His blood. Receiving life purpose through the Holy Spirit will transform not only you but those whose lives you intersect. Glory to God!

Gray hair and toddlers

Proverbs 16:1-3
We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

Our way may not be the best way, however, being human means to learn the process of seeking wisdom. This is a life long process, to stop being a toddler stamping feet, screaming “No, I can do it myself!” Instead, we must stop and take deep breaths, count to ten as we tell our kids and pause. The Lord will give a better Word and the best directions.

The fruits of the Spirit( Christs’ character traits) are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self control. They are found in Galatians 5.

Galatians 5:22-26 AMP
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. [25] If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. [26] We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.

Pride, challenging provocation to debate or even fight and jealousy are tools the devil uses to divide us. A Follower of Christ should be able to speak for injustice after they filter their response with Godly wisdom. We are all created in the Image of God. The devil hates us. He will insight us to hate each other. But God is love.

The Holy Spirit and our commitment to walk with Him are the keys to gaining impulse control and showing the character traits of Him to those lives we intersect. Personal integrity and moral courage do not come by our strength. Love isn’t always easy.

As a child of God I am able to see situations where I need extra help to respond as Jesus, He and His warring angels are my rear guard. I don’t have to be led as people pleaser but instead as a child covered by Jesus. New perspectives and responses can abound in better communication.

As we strive to make changes in our responses, words and actions, we can expect plenty of experiences that challenge our success to change and grow more like Jesus.

However, I remind my kids and myself, God is not finished with us yet. Everyday, we get a chance to reconnect to our Savior Jesus and recommit to letting His plan for our life to unfold. Seeking accountability from likeminded women and men can keep us growing in faith and character.

So take a deep breath, say “Jesus I need you, mold me and make me into who and what You know I can be. Thank you for loving me and dying for my sins, forgive me for my sins, and I want Your best for my life. Guide and teach me, in the precious Name above all Names, Jesus,”

Someone asked me once as they observed my increased gray hair, “will you color it or keep it real.” I replied,”Every gray hair is a reminder to me of a life lived and when I found this scripture it confirmed my emotion,” I hope it resonates with you. May we all reflect more Jesus and less of ourselves.

Proverbs 16: 31-33 31] Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. [32] Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. [33] We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

What is the value of truth?

I was mindlessly channel surfing on my car radio this morning, Chuck Swindoll, a well known Christian writer, pastor was discussing the value of truth. I had just discussed this topic with someone I love. I turned up the volume and share this 2023 pearl of wisdom.

We have so many potential sources of truth being thrown at us daily. Whether we listen to liberal or conservative ideas, pop culture, music or the latest trends on YouTube or TikTok. It can feel like a tornado or sound like a freight train with wind blowing smoke into our conscious and unconscious minds.

So what is the value of truth? According to Mr. Swindoll, there are 4 points to consider, they all point to the absolute truth in the Bible:

1. If we’re led by the truth, we don’t let feelings rule us but instead we go to God‘s truth.
2. Absolute truth of the Word stabilizes us in times of testing. No matter the trial when we seek Him first, the wisdom is there.
3. We can handle the Bible correctly because we discover where to look in scripture for the wisdom.
4. Truth of God equips us to detect and confront error. It could be error in the way someone else speaks,it could be just as feeling that we get when we know what someone is saying is not the same as the Word of God. We base our truth on what aligns with God’s Word.

We need truth to live, to survive, to share with those we love.

Truth never changes as the Word is unwavering. When Moses was gathering the tablets of stone to direct the Israelites. God encouraged Moses.

Exodus 34:6 AMP
Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);

We are not passive in our seeking truth, we listen or read truth and then we must obey the commands of our Creator God for our best lives. The Lord shared more directions in the scriptures that follow.

Exodus 34:7-10 AMP
“keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].” [8] Moses bowed to the earth immediately and worshiped [the Lord]. [9] And he said, “If now I have found favor and lovingkindness in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord, please, go in our midst, though it is a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your possession.” [10] Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do wondrous works (miracles) such as have not been created or produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live shall see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful and awesome thing that I am going to do with you.

If we choose to ignore or blind our eyes, ears and minds from the wisdom of God, we are held accountable even done through our children’s and their children’s generations. God is loving and just.

There have been crazy weather patterns across the country. This past week we had sleet, snow, subzero temperatures, more snow, and fog so thick you couldn’t see far ahead of the car. Trusting God and His wisdom is like continuing to drive through fog so thick you have to trust what is on the other side. It is a straight stable road when your trust is in Him. There is light on the other side and wisdom for the journey.

So where is the value of truth? It is where it has always been with the Lord. We must give all authority to Him, He will never betray or leave us. New year new steps to His truth, one step at a time!

Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

His Words are truth

Youversion scripture photo Bible.com

This is just an add-on to my post, Charisma or truth, there are no other words to say! Let God equip you for every good thing.

Charisma or truth

Matthew 7: 15-16 MSG   “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.

Charismatic people can blind us with their antics, boldness and charades. Scam Alert, are you being played?

I have heard the statement regarding truth, “Check anyone who speaks wisdom from the Lord to know if their teachings align with the Bible.” It is even more important today, in Matthew, we are reminded as the second coming of Jesus gets closer, there will be false teachers. Those who speak with a puffed-up stature, bold and prideful, they will be called false prophets. Their purpose is to do the will of the enemy and draw the Lord’s children, created in His Image, from the King, Jesus.

There is NO King but Jesus!

Here’s the question, who will we follow for wisdom? How do we know what is truth?

Proverbs 12:15  Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
   wise people take advice.

The Bible is not just a book of stories. It has stood for 2 thousand years. There are prophecies that were spoken about in the Old Testament that came to pass in the times of the New Testament. The pearls of wisdom can carry from the times of Adam and Eve regarding families, joys, and hardships that show conflicts similar to current times. There are stories of evil and good people who struggled to believe they were called to a purpose, who sinned, yet God still used them for great things.

Abraham was the father of many nations, yet he lied to a King saying his wife was his sister because he worried about her safety. Abraham and Sarah took the process of having a baby into their own hands having Abraham’s slave be a surrogate mom to Ishmael. Hagar was a single mom treated unfairly yet God blessed her with Abrahams’s son, and even came to her at her lowest grieving time in a desert and made Himself known, He is El Roi “the God who sees.” Ishmael, Hagar and Abraham’s son, was blessed and became a nation in conflict, his lineage is in many Arab countries. We may step away from seeking God’s truth and still with our return for His wisdom, God has been known to bless.

Teachers of the Bible are called to a higher standard. Scary proposition.

James 3: 1-2 Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.



3-5 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

God uses all people even us sinners as He did Abraham and Sarah, Adam and Eve. However, first, we need to seek wisdom from the only Source of wisdom, The Lord God Himself. Here are other words to describe Him: Elohim, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords!

James 3: 13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

So how do you know a person is honest and of integrity? Check out what Proverbs tells us:

Proverbs 12: 16 - 19,23
16  Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;

    the prudent quietly shrug off insults.



17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,

    but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims,

    but there is healing in the words of the wise.



19 Truth lasts;

    lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

23 Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;

    talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

I may share little nuggets of wisdom that I am learning, however, always seek to know Jesus for yourself. You will not be disappointed by the time you spend soaking up His wisdom. Our Source of Truth is important. Because the wisdom we find can direct our lives not only today but reach into our future. Charisma is overrated but truth is essential.

Who is on first?

When I consider the phrase, “who’s on first,” I think of the trio of comedians from the 1920s golden age, Abbot and Costello. The comedians fed off each other with witty humor during a depressed time as the stock market crashed, and many were in financial crisis with food shortages.

This same phrase “who’s on first”, could be a phrase from a softball or baseball game. It covers two teams: the offense as the guy on first base from the opposing team or the defender who covers first base preventing a successful hit at bat.

Here’s the comparison to our faith life, “Who is on first in your life?” Where is your focus? Is it on seeking wisdom in culture, the stock market, being a sports fan or is your focus on God?

Sure, there are many little g gods contending for your attention. I struggle with this same conundrum. It’s okay to find a temporary pleasure in watching your favorite sports team, comedian or participating in a hobby. As a parent, We must teach our kids to choose wisely who we keep as our focus.

The trouble erupts like a volcano when we are off balance in our daily life by not seeking God first for wisdom. Instead, we may purge another little g god. Our favorite Netflix series can calm and distract our stressful life. I have been guilty of this same idol. In the end, we still need to gain insight about stress management, coping with life struggles and seeking productive solutions. These issues do not disappear as we click on episode 10 of our current obsession on our movie channel.

So here’s my question for you: “Who is your first?” If it is not God/ Jesus, maybe it’s time to change the priority to the big God who can guide and support in unfailing love. His wisdom comes when we seek Him first. We have to turn off the other distractions.

Matthew 6:25-33 NLT
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? [27] Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? [28] "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, [29] yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. [30] And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [31] "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

This song, “First things first” by Consumed by Fire, pierced my heart, mind and soul yesterday. I felt a healthy conviction to my soul. Not condemnation ( that’s from the devil)! It was as if my best friend Jesus was whispering, “Am I your first?” I felt drawn back to my priority of time with Jesus. I repented saying aloud, “Forgive me for stepping away, I choose you, Jesus.”

Jesus is your offense and your defense when you let Him coach your life. Even more significant at Christmas time, we can get back to the awe of Jesus, his name means “God with us.” We can choose Him for the first time or return to Him for a do over.

Romans 10:9-13 NLT
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. [11] As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." [12] Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. [13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

Don’t let another day go by without saying aloud, Jesus I am a sinner, I need you, I repent ( turn away from my past sins) Please forgive me of the past sins and guide me into the future. I choose You, Jesus. I believe You are my Savior, be the Lord of my life. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, Amen!

May today be a day of celebration, welcome to the family of God, I rejoice with you. Make Him First! He will bring abundant hope even in trials.