​Like so many of the stories in the Bible, we tend to read them flippantly and then just move on. I have treated the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) in much the same fashion. It dawned on me recently while reading it that it provides some prominent lessons in those few short verses.

​I chose the word “dawned” intentionally because it represents the feeling of a sleeper awakening. I do not know about you, but I sometimes think that I walk through this life in a perpetual slumber while right before me is the abundant life that Jesus referred to. The words of life and the life conveyed through Him can be experienced right here and now if we would only take the time to learn the lessons.

The story of Blind Bartimaeus teaches us that persistent faith, bold humility, and a readiness to change are the keys to experiencing God's transforming power. Bartimaeus did not let his circumstances or the crowd stop him from seeking Jesus. 

For Bartimaeus, it was a hope he had never had before. The prospect of being healed stirred up excitement and anticipation. He immediately began trying to get Jesus’ attention. He started yelling for Jesus to have mercy upon him and called Him by His prophetic name, “Son of David.”

Jesus, a week away from His own sacrifice, was, as always, completely selfless and focused on the needs of another. Upon receiving notice that Jesus was calling for him, Bartimaeus abruptly arose, “throwing aside his garment,” and went to Jesus (v. 50). When he came before Jesus, Jesus said to him, “‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” 

It was this last sentence that got my undivided attention, specifically the verbiage, “he received his sight, and followed Jesus.” 

So, I have one question for you, have you ever received your sight from Jesus?

Make Every Day Count!

​Many of us long for the freedom of breaking an unhealthy coping mechanism or secret pattern of sin. When we are honest about it, most of our “bad habits” are more than quirky quirks. They are sins like gluttony, gossip, covetousness, and greed.

A bad habit as a Christian refers to any recurring behavior, thought pattern, or speech that contradicts biblical teachings or hinders your spiritual growth. These often include gossip, dishonesty, or neglecting regular prayer and scripture reading. Such habits can damage relationships and distance a believer from their faith.

Specific examples of common unhealthy habits that Christians often strive to overcome include:

• Gossip and Slander: Discussing others negatively behind their backs.
• Neglecting Prayer: Failing to maintain a consistent conversation with God.
• Consistent Complaining: Focusing on negativity instead of practicing gratitude.
• Unforgiveness: Holding onto resentment and refusing to extend grace to others.
• Idolatry of the Heart: Prioritizing money, status, or relationships above God.
• Bible Neglect: Going extended periods without reading or meditating on scripture.
• Hypocrisy: Acting differently in private than you do in public or at church.

Breaking unhealthy habits as a Christian combines reliance on the Holy Spirit with practical, behavioral changes. Lasting transformation is achieved by renewing your mind, addressing your core triggers, and pairing your spiritual disciplines with strong community accountability.

Learning to look beneath the surface of the symptoms to the root cause of our unhealthy habits unlocks the key to change. Jesus can heal and change us from the inside out as we surrender our spirit of “flesh” to the Spirit of God. Are you ready to break and replace the unhealthy habits that are holding you back from God’s best?

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Be like Jesus! Great statement, but it is so hard. Change is not always fun. We want to, but something always gets in the way. Spiritual development resembles physical development – as a Christian matures and grows, the stronger their faith becomes and the more they develop into who God made them to be. We are to become like Jesus, who models!

Some people do not like change. But being a true Christian requires change. These days, the idea of ‘necessary change’ is not popular. There are many who want to claim Christianity without having to live a Christ-like lifestyle. 

It is not enough to just claim to believe or say that you are a Christian. There must be a change. There should be evidence in your life that you truly follow Jesus. You must be transformed.
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Jesus transforms (changes) our minds. Romans 12:2 makes it clear that transformation (change) is necessary. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Whether we like it or not, our thoughts are shaped by the world we live in. Our cultures and communities influence the way we think. Now, that is not always a terrible thing, but there is a risk of being influenced by attitudes and societal ‘norms’ that have no place in a Christian’s life.

Jesus transforms (changes) our desires. Most people know and love Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

We all want God to grant us the desires of our hearts. However, when we follow Jesus, He has a way of transforming our desires. Somehow the things we thought we wanted, we do not want anymore. Material things become less important. Recognition, status, position, fame, and fortune… they are not important considering the Kingdom of God and eternity.

Jesus transforms (changes) our relationships. Have you ever noticed that without Jesus, there is a lot more drama in our relationships? Jesus has a way of transforming the way we interact with others, from our family members to total strangers.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus commands us to love one another the way He loves us. In Matthew 26:37-38, He tells us that loving our neighbor is the second great commandment.

Jesus transforms (changes) our purpose. One of the amazing things about being a follower of Jesus is that the purpose of living is transformed into something so fulfilling! No longer are we just working to make ends meet or climb a social/economic ladder. No longer are we seeking our worth and purpose in empty places or relationships.

Instead, we know that we are called to be a part of something bigger. We are working in His Kingdom. We are living in a way to bring God glory. We are serving others. We are making disciples.

My challenge to you is this: If you call yourself a Christian, then take a close look at your thoughts, desires, relationships, and purpose. Have you allowed Him to change you? The process might be a bit painful, but it is worth it!

Let Jesus transform (change) your life!

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Have you ever stopped and thought how your perspective would be different if you saw yourself the way others see you? But more importantly, how does God see me? I have talked with people over the years, and I have heard people say, “Most of my life I have never felt quite enough; not pretty enough, not outspoken enough, not listened to enough, just not enough, always feeling less than adequate.” 

Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis. They know they are saved, but they do not really know what to think about themselves. Let us take a little test. Do you consider yourself a sinner saved by grace or a saint who occasionally sins? Both statements are true, but the first one dwells on your past identity, whereas the second focuses on the Lord’s view of you.

Do you realize that Satan has many different tools he uses to get you to think wrong? One of his tools is the opinions of other people. Your parents said things about you. Your peers have said things about you. Your partners have said things about you. Enemies and friends have said things about you. Some of them were true; some of them were not true. But they were all trying to mold you into their image. People all your life have been trying to get you to be what they want you to be, not what God wants you to be. Satan uses the opinions of others to keep you from the true you – what you were meant to be by God.

But the number one tool that Satan uses in your life to cause your identity to be stolen is to get you to repeat what he has told you. Because he will plant an idea in your mind, a seed, then he does not have to mention it ever again. Satan wants to keep us focused on being a sinner because he knows that the recognition of our sainthood will lead us to live like saints.

Jesus did not come just to save you from hell; He wants to live His life through you. In Christ, you have a new identity which has replaced your old one. If you will focus on who you are now, your actions will follow, and you will experience the enjoyment of a victorious Christian life.

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​As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have put themselves in the line of fire for our freedom. They are our protectors, our guardians, the embodiment of patriotism and courage. Their sacrifices are steeped in a love so profound it mirrors Christ’s love for humanity. They have laid down their lives for us, in a testament to their love for their country and their fellow man. 

List of Casualties…

• In the Civil War, 500,000 died.
• In World War I, 116,000 American soldiers died.
• In World War II, 407,000 died.
• In Korea, 54,000 died.
• In Vietnam, 58,000 died.
• In Gulf Wars, 8,000 died.

More than a million Americans have died in our wars, each one loved by someone.

But as we remember them, let us not forget the greatest sacrifice of all – Christ laying down His life for us. It is a sacrifice that transcends the physical realm and reaches into the spiritual, granting us not just earthly freedom, but spiritual liberty. It is an act of divine love, a reminder that freedom does not just lie in our rights as citizens but also in our salvation as children of God.

This reflection is a call to remember, to honor, and to cherish. To remember the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to honor their love for our country, and to cherish the freedom they have bestowed upon us. And at the same time, to remember Christ’s sacrifice, to honor His love for us, and to cherish the spiritual liberty He has granted us. Let us raise our flags high and honor our fallen heroes; let us also bow our heads in gratitude for the spiritual liberty we have been given. 

John F. Kennedy once said, “Let every nation know. Whether it wishes us well or ill.... that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of LIBERTY!”

On this Memorial Day, let us celebrate our freedom, both earthly and divine. Let us remember that freedom, in all its forms, comes at a cost. And that cost, whether paid by the brave soldiers or by Christ Himself, is always a testament to a love greater than we can comprehend. Because in the end, freedom is not just a right—it is a gift of love, bought with the highest price, and meant to be cherished.

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​Stir my heart, Lord. What comes to mind when you hear the word “revival”? A widespread movement sparked by a prayer meeting or a sermon? Outdoor services held under a tent? An emotional experience?

In a world filled with chaos, division, and strife, the concept of revival often seems like a distant dream. We long for change, for renewal, for a fresh start. What if the key to revival lies not in pointing fingers at others, but in looking inward and examining our own hearts first? If we were to draw a circle around ourselves and focus on everything within that circle, what would need to change?

Reflecting on the inward parts of ourselves challenges us to take responsibility for our own actions, attitudes, and beliefs and prevents us from rushing to judge or criticize others. It requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront our own shortcomings and areas in need of growth.

To help you honestly examine your need for revival, ask yourself the following questions:

• Was there a time in my life when I placed all my trust in Jesus Christ alone to save me?
• Do I love to read and meditate on the Word of God?
• Are my personal devotions consistent and meaningful?
• Do I apply God’s Word to my everyday life?
• Am I quick to admit when I am wrong?
• Am I willing to give up all sin for God?
• Is my conscience clear with every person?
• Does my schedule reveal that God is first in my life?
• Does my checkbook reveal that God is first in my life?
• Do I love what God loves and hate what God hates?
• Am I allowing Jesus to be Lord of every area of my life?
• Am I devoted to Jesus, filled with His joy and peace, and making Him the continual object of my affection?
• Am I more concerned with what God thinks about my life than with what others think?

Revival is not only for the unsaved, but it is for the children of God who have drifted away from following His Word. It is also for believers who have become allured and ensnared by lust and worldly pleasures. It is for the self-righteous, the ignorant, the rebellious. It is for you, and it is for me. We cannot content ourselves with simply praying for revival for the masses. Revival begins with the reflection you see in your mirror.

Make Every Day Count 

​The heart of a woman in the Bible is depicted as a "wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23), designed to reflect God’s image through strength, dignity, wisdom, and a gentle, quiet spirit. Biblical women are portrayed as crucial, faithful agents of God’s plan, nurturing, leading, and operating with deep faith amidst adversity.

​What does the Bible say about women? Scripture says it this way:

What my mother taught me: “Just wait until your father gets home!” Our moms taught us about logic when they said, “Because I said so. That is why.” Moms also taught us about prayer when they said, “You better pray this will come out of the carpet.”

Seriously though, mothers play such a vital role in our society. Mothers not only impact their children, but they also impact their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. Some impact generations even after they are in heaven because of the truths they passed on.
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Paul wrote about the impact Timothy’s mother and grandmother had on his life. In 2 Timothy 1:5, he said, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” It shows us the importance of a godly heritage.

Sometimes as moms you might feel like you did not do your job all that well. In fact, you may have young children today, and they are . . . a project. They are a work in progress. Just understand you need to keep praying and never give up because your impact is greater than you may realize.

Our first president, George Washington, said, “The greatest teacher I ever had was my mother.” And President Ronald Reagan said, “From my mother I learned the value of prayer, how to have dreams and believe I could make them come true.”

If you have been a godly mother and you have done your part to raise your children in the way of the Lord, you are a treasure and a blessing. Your value is “above rubies,” as Scripture would say.

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Years ago I discovered that the answers to my troubles or struggles in life are found in Jesus. His words are the truths that can change how I see life; His perspective helps me make the right choices in everything I do.

WOW! This just blows my mind, what about you? Are you reading God’s Word daily? God has given us the Bible for the purpose of knowing His promises, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son. As we study God’s teachings and apply them to our lives, we live by the Word that shall never pass away. Today, let us follow God’s commandments, and let us conduct our lives in such a way that we might be shining examples to our friends, to our families, and, most importantly, to those who have not yet found Christ.

The most obvious source of godly wisdom is the Bible. You cannot think of a question or life circumstance about which God’s Word is silent. His principles for right character, conduct, and conversation apply to every situation and decision confronting human beings.

Make Every Day Count!

​Jeremiah wanted to quit his ministry due to severe persecution and frustration, but he could not stop because God's message was like a "burning fire shut up in his bones.” The specific verse detailing this inner struggle is Jeremiah 20:9, where he explains that holding in God's word was impossible, preventing him from resigning.

​Jeremiah was not a quitter, but there were days he wanted to quit. Read what he lived through over the course of his forty-year ministry, and you will understand why he wanted to resign. God gave him one of the toughest ministry assignments ever. The people and leaders of Judah routinely ridiculed his messages. Family members and friends from his hometown of Anathoth plotted to kill him. He was brutally beaten up and imprisoned at the bottom of a filthy cistern. He lived through the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. Near the end of his life, he was force-marched to Egypt, where, as best we can tell, he died in exile. No wonder he’s called the “weeping prophet.” No wonder he wanted to quit.

While Jeremiah’s words about being tricked into service accurately picture his feelings, they do not accurately represent the facts. God had not deceived him about how hard his ministry would be. In fact, God spelled things out clearly when he called Jeremiah into service: “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:19). Jeremiah would be attacked; his ministry would be a fight.

As your pastors, we too must acknowledge God did not camouflage the cost when calling us into ministry. We have read Jesus’ warning to expect hostility (John 15:18) and Paul’s admonition to soldier up (2 Timothy 2:3–4). Still, there are times when we feel the cost is more than we can afford to pay. While we do not want to be a quitter, at times—like Jeremiah—we want to quit.

While I have not preached as long as Jeremiah or experienced anything approaching his trauma, I have known the same grace that sustained him in ministry. When I was ready to quit—when painting seemed preferable to preaching—God’s presence and mercy sustained me. His Word both comforted my soul and toughened it up. In subtle and sometimes stunning ways, he changed my situation or provided enough support to keep me going and renew my hope. I am deeply thankful God listens to our prayers when we feel like quitting. Even more, I am thankful his sustaining grace never quits on us.

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​What if you could pray the way Jesus did? In John 17, often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus pours out His heart to God just hours before the cross. He is not just praying for His disciples—He is praying for you, me, and every believer who follows Him. This prayer is more than words; it is a blueprint for how we should pray and live, with God’s mission to reach the world at the core.

Jesus lived with a clear priority: the mission first, others second, Himself last. I once read a leadership book called, "The Mission, The Men, Me." It was not Christian, but it reminded me of Jesus’ selfless approach. In John 17, He prays for us to join His mission, united, shining His glory to a world that needs Him. 

In John 17:1-5, Jesus starts by praying for His Father’s glory and the fulfillment of His plan. He is focused on what matters most—God’s purposes. When you pray, do not just list your needs. Ask God to make His name known through your life, your family, and your community. Pray for His will to guide your decisions, aligning your heart with His mission to save people and bring honor to His name.

Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus praying to God the Father. John records His most extended recorded prayer. Picture the moment. Jesus knows His death is imminent. Before entering the Garden of Gethsemane, He makes petitions to God the Father for Himself, His disciples, and future believers. In His prayer, we hear the love of Jesus Christ and find comfort and encouragement.

Prayer obviously played a huge part in the life of Jesus, the question we need to ask, "Is prayer a huge part of your life?”

Make Everyday Count!