Death By Worry

I wonder what the death toll is for worry. The stress caused by fretting a possible outcome can be overwhelming. I remember times in my life where I was worried about something. Many of those times I worried for nothing. Has that ever happened to you?

Before my mom passed, she used to frequently say, “If you’re going to worry, don’t pray, but if you’re going to pray, don’t worry.” I like that reminder. 

When we pray, we are yielding everything to God. However, when we allow ourselves to worry about the very thing we prayed, we limit what God can do in our lives and especially for that situation. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 6:25-27

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 6:25-7:14; Proverbs 2:6-15

When You Fast

On today’s Word Wednesday podcast episode I talk about Biblical fasting. I encourage you to go listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. 

I love that this passage is what we’re highlighting this morning. Fasting is popular this time of year. Many church bodies will do corporate fasts to encourage unity and focus in the body of Christ. 

I want to bring your attention to the words, “when you fast.” The key word is “when.” Fasting is not optional. Additionally, Biblical fasting is abstaining from food. 

Although fasting other things are good, to fast in the manner Jesus taught, we must abstain from food for a period of time. The body needs food. In a real sense, when you fast you are relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to solely fuel you in the time of fasting. 

Another key to Biblical fasting is secrecy. Telling “the world” that you’re fasting is not something you should do when you’re fasting. People should think you’re having a “normal” day. 

Finally, when you fast, listen for the voice of the Father. Seek Him during the fast like never before. He is faithful. 

Every time I fast, God shows up and points me in the right direction. If He does that for me, He will do it for you. He does not have favorites. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 6:16-18

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 6:1-24; Proverbs 2:1-5

No Fear Of Harm

Most people would prefer a life void of harm. Yet, far too often we neglect wisdom to live our lives the way we want to, risks and all. 

This passage helps us to focus on the wisdom of God.  It is by listening to the Lord and obeying Him that we can live a life in which we can have no fear of harm. Be mindful that we’re talking about eternal harm, not physical harm. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 1:32-33

32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 5:27-48; Proverbs 1:29-33

Manage Your Expectations

Who wants to be insulted, ridiculed, or disrespected? If your thoughts are like my thoughts, your answer is a loud, “NO ONE!” Yet, Jesus said that these things would happen if we are His disciples. 

A piece of advice I once received and now freely give is, “learn to manage your expectations.” This means, when you know a certain outcome is inevitable, don’t get upset when what you expected to happen happens. How we respond to things goes a long way in helping to keep our bad stress levels down. 

When you find yourself being persecuted because of your faith in Jesus Christ, remember that Jesus says you’re blessed when that happens. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 5:11-12

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 5:1-26; Proverbs 1:24-28

At Once They Left

In 1998 I met a young man named Cris Buck. He was a part of the youth ministry I was allowed to lead. He rapped and became the “headliner” of our performing arts ministry. 

A line in one of his raps was something like “answer on the count of one don’t wait for the count of three.” As I read this passage, I was reminded of that rap. His message was, when Jesus speaks, act don’t wait. 

This is what we see Peter, Andrew, James, and John do in this passage; at once they left they left their nets and followed Jesus.

What about you? How many times does the Holy Spirit have to nudge you to get you moving in the right direction? Let the words to Cris’s rap remind you to move on the count of one, don’t wait for the count of three! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 4:18-20

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 4:12-25; Proverbs 1:20-23

Produce Fruit

Jesus and his cousin John gave us the same message, “produce fruit.” Jesus goes on to teach that anyone who does not produce fruit will be cut off. That’s clear. 

Are you producing fruit? Take time today to ask God to show you the areas in your life where you are producing fruit. If there are none, you better get busy about His business. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 3:8

8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 3:7-4:11; Proverbs 1:10-19

Morally Deficient

The word used for “fool” in this passage and in other parts of the Old Testament is a Hebrew word that means “morally deficient.” Since the writer is using an antithetic style here, we know that being morally deficient is the opposite of fearing God. This person does whatever they want without regard to what God would have them do. 

Does this sound familiar? I can admit that there have been times in my life when I was an absolute “fool.” You could not tell me a thing. Even though a part of me knew I was doing wrong, I still powered through. Take it from me, that is a dangerous way to live. 

There are thousands of preachers and teachers who say, “Once saved always saved,” which preaches really well to a person who lives a compromised life. But that theology takes away the consequences of the free will God has given us. 

I encourage you to read and meditate on what Jesus said in Matthew 24:9-13.

Don’t be a fool. Live for Christ. Seek wisdom. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 1:7

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 2:13-3:6; Proverbs 1:7-9

Faith Like A Joseph

As I read this passage in Matthew, I thought about Joseph of Genesis and I thought about my friend Joseph of Ohio. I noticed a pattern. Each of these Josephs have demonstrated faith in front of me. 

How could I ever allow my faith to waiver when I’ve seen people face the challenges these three Josephs have faced and yet they kept their faith? The simple answer is, I can’t. Therefore, I will continue to fight the good fight of faith until the Lord calls me home or He returns to bring us home. 

How do you plan to spend your 2026? I pray you’ll join me in fighting the good fight by getting out of your comfort zone and making disciples. That’s what Jesus called us to do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 1:24-25

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angelof the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 1-2:12; Proverbs 1:1-6

Continue

At the beginning of 2025, God put a word on my heart. The word is “Continue.” As I read this final chapter of Revelation, this section jumped off the page as it was my reminder to continue in what God has given me to do. 

As we prepare to start a new year, let us be mindful that what God is doing in and through our lives must continue. Yesterday I learned just how difficult people have it and, by default, how good I have it. There is much good work I need to continue.

As you walk into the new year, purpose in your heart to count your blessings, then share those blessings with the less fortunate. Our ministry, Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship, is praying for people, feeding people, and, with the support of David Radsick and Dreamer Outfits, clothing people. If you want to join us in what we are doing, contact me and I will gladly give you more information. 

Let’s continue to do the will of the Father as we enter this new year. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 22:10-11
 
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 22

Open Gates

This verse caught my eye when I read it. On the surface, it seems like no big deal. However, there’s quite a bit here. 

The gates of a city were vital to its existence. Commerce took place there. Judgement took place there. Control of who or what entered took place there. And at night, these gates were closed for survival purposes. Gates were critical to safety. 

However, at the times described in this chapter, the gates will never close. Why? Because El Shaddai and the Lamb will be present. There is no threat that can overcome them. There will be no night!

For me, that’s encouraging! So here are the questions of the day: Will you be there? Is your name written in the Book of Life? If you are not sure, send me a private text and let’s talk about it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 21:25

25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 21

Too Late

This passage clears up a myth that is believed wholeheartedly in the United States. There’s a belief that everyone dies and goes to heaven. In fact, there are some people who believe that if God does not allow them into heaven He’s not a good God.

Those people are in for a rude awakening. This passage makes it clear that there will be people who will be thrown into the lake of fire with the enemy. The question is, will you or I be one of them. 

Take time today to ask the question, “Have I accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sin.” If you have not, I encourage you to do it before it’s too late. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 20:11-15

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small,standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 20

Believe It Or Not

When I was young, there was a show that came on tv, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Although the creator wanted everything he presented to be true at some level, some of his claims were sensationalized or made up.

Because of that, people were able to choose what they believed and what they did not. Unfortunately, many people use this same mindset when it comes to the Bible. 

This passage is a reminder that God is real. The “claims” of the Bible are all true. This passage will be the fate of people we know and love. Why? Because they have chosen not to believe. 

I, for one, am not okay with that. My heart’s desire is to share this gospel and live it out in such a way that the people in my sphere of influence have no choice but to say, “I believe.” I realize that I have no control over the beliefs of others, but I can control living an obedient example of a Christ-like life. So that’s what I’m doing. Will you please join me? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 19:19-21

19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signson its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 19

Swift And Final

Living a life that dishonors God will not end well for anyone. In the United States, we have convinced ourselves and one another that we’re okay because, “God knows my heart.” That could be the biggest lie we tell ourselves. 

God does know our hearts. He knows when our hearts are full of deceit, to the level that we have successfully deceived ourselves. Be careful. 

This passage shows how swift and final God’s judgement is. Take time today to spend it with God. Ask Him to bring to light, parts of you that are in disobedience to Him. When He does, make the necessary changes! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 18:8 & 17

8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 18

Called, Chosen, And Faithful

I love when the Bible provides a clear message. This passage is one of those. 

As believers in Christ who have accepted His sacrifice on the cross, we become the called, chosen and faithful followers. These are the people whom the Lamb will have with Him when He destroys the enemy in the end times. 

That begs the question, are you a called, chosen, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. If you say yes because you go to church or read your Bible, or you’re a good person or any number of similar reasons, I encourage you to take time out of your day and sit quietly with God and ask Him to confirm that you are His through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Many people are fooling themselves. They are convinced that they have a right relationship with God based on their works. Please do not be one of them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 17:14

14 “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 17

Seeing, Feeling, But Not Repenting

As I read this chapter of Revelation, I noticed the commitment to sin the worshippers of the beast have. To be tormented the way they will be and yet continue to refuse to repent and turn to God is crazy to me. 

The sad part is many of those same people have a chance to repent now and refuse. One day our beliefs will be irrelevant. The truth of God will be on full display and at that time it will be too late. 

Take time today and seek the Lord that He may be found. Give yourself the best Christmas gift ever, eternal life with God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit the Helper. It’s the greatest gift ever. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 16:8-9

8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 16

God Is Real

Since September 5, our ministry, Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship Ministry, has been doing what we call prayer walks. 

We go to “random” places, walk the area, and ask people if we can pray for them. We have a 100% prayer rate; not because everyone says yes, but because even when people say no, we walk a few steps away from them and pray anyway. Why? Because we’re not praying TO them, we’re praying FOR them. They do not need to be a part of the prayer. God placed them on our heart to pray for them. We are going to be obedient to Him.

Last night, Jayden and Emmy stopped a man and asked if they could pray for him. He said yes, then shared that he had been listening to sermons that morning trying to “hear from God.” Nothing worked. That is until God met him outside the Family Dollar store. 

After the prayer we could see the real joy of the Lord on this man’s face. He made some statements about why he was still out there, grabbed his bike, and said, “I’m taking myself home.” As he walked away, he declared, “GOD’S REAL! GOD’S REAL!”

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, I pray that you will be reminded that God’s real! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 2:10-12

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 15

Patient Endurance

Consider every bad thing you’ve ever faced in your life. The struggle is real. But given all of that, one thing you’ve yet to experience is The Wrath Of God! 

The last place you ever want to be is in the midst of God’s wrath. As we read this passage we see that many will experience this wrath. However, those who have patient endurance in keeping God’s commands and not following the beast will not experience God’s wrath. 

If we, like Paul, fight the good fight and keep the faith, we will receive the crown which has been laid up for us in glory. 

Now wouldn’t that be a better experience than God’s wrath? 

Spend time with God today. Ask Him to show you areas in your life in which your faith is weak or non-existent. He is faithful. He will point them out. When He does, change it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 14:9-12

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 14

Is Your Name In The Book

When I was growing up, there was a series of movies that led many people, including myself, to read Revelation 13. Our focus was verse 18 and the number 666. 

I cannot keep track of the numerous ideas of what 666 meant and who was the beast. Some said one of our Presidents was the beast because each of his names had six letters. It was interesting times. 

Now that I’ve matured as a believer and read the Bible for myself, I understand things a little better. The most important thing to note from this chapter is those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will not worship the beast. That’s the group I’m in. What about you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 13:8

8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 13

God Is Stronger

I love reading the Bible. No matter how many times I’ve read a passage, God will show me something I missed. Maybe saying I missed it is less true than saying it stood out. Today is another one of those times something stood out. 

The devil being cast out of heaven is something I’ve known for years. But what I never noticed before were the words, “But he was not strong enough…” Those words encouraged me greatly. 

John writes in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” We see in Revelation 12:17 that the devil is waging war against those who believe in Christ. Read that again!

People who do not believe in Christ are not in the enemy’s crosshairs, only those who believe. 

SO WHAT!!!!!

Speak these words over your life and press on in Jesus Christ; “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” Revelation 12:8 confirms that for you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 12:7-9; 17

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan,who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 12

WAIT WHAT

As I read this passage, I imagined what the people will think who will be celebrating the death of the two witnesses. It will probably be a jolt to their logic center. 

“WAIT WHAT?!?!” will be heard throughout the land. Then to see them taken to heaven before their eyes, wow! And even with that before them, people are still not going to choose Christ. 

As you consider your walk with Christ, ponder this: Have I surrendered every part of me to Christ? If you have not, begin to surrender those parts of you that need to be given to Christ for Him to guide. You will never regret that decision. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 11:11-12

11 But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.”And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 11