Legalism is a quiet killer of the Christian faith. It sneaks in subtly, often dressed up as devotion, discipline, or piety, but its effects are deadly. Legalism shifts our focus from a living relationship with God to a rigid adherence to rules, traditions, and checklists. It burdens believers with the weight of performance, elevates man-made…

Alright, let’s dive into one of the most talked-about, debated, and, frankly, abused topics in church history: tithing. For centuries, the concept of tithing has been at the forefront of religious obligation, often pitched as a non-negotiable ten percent that you owe God—or else. But here’s the kicker: while tithing has its roots in the…

Who do you think God is? That question might seem simple, but how you answer it shapes everything about your faith, your worldview, and how you live your life. For many, God is a distant figure, an abstract concept shaped by personal experiences, culture, or even popular misconceptions. We often imagine God as a creator…

From the beginning of time, division has been one of the most effective tools of the enemy. It’s a subtle weapon, often disguised as something harmless or even righteous, but its impact is devastating. Division pits us against each other, erodes trust, and tears apart the very fabric of community that God intended for us…

In a world where people are often overlooked and forgotten, there’s a mission field that sits hidden in plain sight: the prison system. Behind bars, millions of men and women are left to face their mistakes, their regrets, and their brokenness, often without hope and without anyone to remind them of their worth. But here’s…

We live in a world obsessed with the chase. Everywhere you look, people are running after something—money, pleasure, power, status, relationships, and even empty religious rituals. It’s a never-ending pursuit that promises satisfaction but often delivers emptiness. The problem isn’t just that we’re chasing the wrong things; it’s that we’re chasing anything at all, believing…

From the moment we draw our first breath, we’re on a journey—a journey from dust to glory, from the fleeting nature of this life to the eternal promise of heaven. The Bible paints a vivid picture of this journey, one that starts in our earthly bodies but is destined to end in the presence of…

Alright, let’s get something straight: this whole idea of race? It’s a joke—a human-made joke that’s tangled us up in knots for centuries. Everywhere you look, the world is obsessed with dividing people based on skin color, culture, language, or whatever else we can find to set us apart. But here’s the kicker: God never…

Let’s dive straight into the issue that’s got so many of us tangled in guilt and fear. Somewhere along the way, the church became a place where we were told that every mistake, every slip, every missed opportunity is a one-way ticket to eternal damnation. Missed church? Didn’t watch the sermon later? Skipped for your…

How important is that achievement? How crucial are those goals? So you worked hard, got that raise, bought a new home, purchased that new car, started that new business or earned that degree. These are all great things for one’s life and I know that God blesses us in this life. I know that we…

Sitting in a hotel in Adrian waiting on my wife to get ready so yup have plenty of time to reflect lol. Been thinking about the last year and the more I pay attention to the details of my current life I realize just how much God is blessing me. And contrary to all those…

Seen a “memory” pop up from one of my cousins that had a photo of my dad in it. Still trying to come to terms with his death. Death is a given for all of us. What really eats at me is I have always believed in God, I just failed to follow Jesus for…

Went and sat through Sound Of Freedom again so two more of my kids could watch it. If anyone tells you that you shouldn’t take your kids I disagree wholeheartedly. The movie is not graphic but the story is so important. One of the most disturbing statistics is that the United States is at the…

There are so many “quotes” I have heard over the years that I thought were truly God’s wisdom when in fact they were just feel good words regurgitated over and over by people such as myself that truly had not read scripture. In fact to believe such statements as “biblical” borders on idolatry in my…

Been seeing some news reports about various church denominations lately and it blows my mind. God does not change and has not changed. God loves all but is also just. Just because people in society think something should be “right or wrong” does not change God’s position on what is right or wrong. God’s creation…

So often throughout my life I have heard people claim they don’t trust the bible because it has been interpreted and reinterpreted and couldn’t have remained accurate. I heard it so much that I regurgitated the same garbage myself. Now that my eyes are open and my mind is full of desire to understand I…

One thing I cherish as a person and as a business owner is loyalty. There is nothing more rewarding to know that people trust you and return time and time again for your services. It not only speaks to my work but it inspires me to always continue to do better. When I think about…

For years I felt fortunate to still have my dad as I would see memes that said things like “to all those Dad’s in heaven.” I couldn’t even fathom what that loss felt like. I just knew my dad was a phone call away or a short drive down the road. But as is the…

My knowledge and faith continue to grow. I work hard every day just as I always have but now I do take time for scripture. I take time to hear other’s experiences through video and books. And I lean on this faith in everything I do now. My new challenge is a challenge I have…

God is not religion. Religion uses God. Read the book of John and realize the sacrifice He made for us and the promise He has made. Each of us has the opportunity for salvation. You do not have to change your lifestyle but hang on because Jesus will change it for you and you will…

There are so many things happening in life that can easily provoke anger and resentment. It is such an easy emotion to give into and a very difficult emotion to set aside. And the crazy part is that the anger does nothing to remedy, nothing to calm, nothing to bring peace to yourself. It solves…

Why does a loving God “allow” bad things? Why is life still so hard even when I recognize and acknowledge my Creator? I asked those questions so many times throughout life. Sometimes in a very angry and even condescending way. I felt I had a right to question the motives of God even though I…

For many years I judged others to be good or evil. I felt when someone wronged another they were simply an evil person. As I study scripture and understand the fight for our souls I realize now that people are not evil but rather influenced by evil even unbeknownst to them. They may think they…

I wish I had taken the time to understand scripture sooner. I wish I had paid more attention to the “nagging” questions that I would ignore regarding my purpose and God’s intent. I wish I had known more so that I could raise my kids knowing more. I fear those missed opportunities. But perhaps this…

2 Timothy 3:16 teaches us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Life can be fun. Spending time with family and…

I watched a sermon by Greg Locke where he made a very valid point. We have a two party political system in which to be democrat diminishes being republican and being republican diminishes being democrat. A very obvious division. Now look at religion. We don’t have two denominations. We have hundreds of denominations. To be…

It saddens me sometimes watching how we treat one another. I swear it’s like when someone likes you they leave you alone but if they dislike you they go out of their way to try and tear you down. I seen this playing out this last week with an individual and it just turns my…

So many believe we don’t really know what happens after death (as did I not know.) Yet as I read and explore that which I avoided for so long I am finding so much evidence that we do know. The Bible has been proven by science and by historical documentation. Eye witness accounts that have…

I am not where I want to be but I know I am where God wants me to be. I struggle day to day but remain thankful for what I have and most importantly where I am going. The world seems to be falling apart yet I am content knowing that the decline in society…

Some days end rough. Some days end without the result I anticipated. Some days just drive me crazy and frustrate me. But then the day ends. I go home, sit in my recliner and take a deep breath because when I awake the next morning I get to try again. I won’t lie…some of those…

God gets us! He understands every struggle, every doubt, every stress and every thought. Let Him in! Hand over your trust and let Him embrace your difficulties. The only person that keeps God out is you!

This was a very inspiring testimony. I have watched dozens of testimonies from people just like this and the more I listen the more excited I am to face the day. I pray for success each day but I know without a doubt in my mind that when I am done going through the motions,…

Anger is probably my biggest personal struggle. Every day comes with complications whether it’s family issues, financial issues, or business issues. I know that these struggles are short term and of little relevance to my salvation and that is reassuring but it is difficult to not be affected by my wordly desires. I am leaning…

I pursue my goals in a way that I aim to please God. I praise Him for all I have and all that is to come. But most importantly I praise Him for His promise of salvation and peace after all this hard work is done.

This passage from Romans resonates so much to what we see and hear these days from society. What in the world are we doing? We see the truth about God all around us. Our own existence, the beauty of nature, the awe of the world and beyond…all in perfect order yet we seem to want…

HE IS RISEN! Let the sacrifice of Jesus touch you to the core of your soul for He gave all so that you may live. Seek His guidance and follow Him for your own eternal salvation and as an example to your loved ones. Will you spend eternity in Heaven with your children, your parents,…

Today should be a day in which we are all humbled yet all excited. Nearly 2000 years ago our creator, God, experienced life as man through His son, Jesus. “Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations.…

1,990 years ago Jesus Christ laid down His life for us…even those who refuse to believe. He paid the wages for our sins so that we may have eternal life. Denial does not change fact but denial is rejection of the free gift of salvation. Think about your life beyond this world. Recognize your existence…

I had a good conversation with a friend the other day but he said something that really concerned me. He is doing fairly well in life right now and enjoying his pursuit of success. His attitude is full of optimism. But he made a statement that literally gave me chills. He stated that he is…

I would guess that the majority of us contemplate death often. We live our lives seeking joy and happiness all the while knowing in the back of our minds that we do not know if we will even have tomorrow. And I suppose knowing that we try not to think about it but it is…

Many of us spend our lives chasing dreams and providing for those that mean the most to us. We chase these dreams as if the rewards will last forever and if we fail in those desires then our life is less satisfying. This had been my mindset for a long time. I felt that my…

Snuck out of work early to watch His Only Son. Ready for a short break and some scriptural inspiration.

Anxiety is an annoying emotion that seems to creep in daily for me. We all carry heavy burdens and I am certainly no exception. Running a business, leading my family, creating revenue that supports my employees, being an example for my kids, providing the best service possible for my customers and the list goes on.…

The challenges of life are much more difficult when you have one foot in the world and one foot in faith. There is so much “information” out there that our minds are easily deceived. Some things may be desirable to our own beliefs as to what is important but often times those beliefs revolve around…

Some try to deny the Bible by suggesting there is no scientific proof. They are quite frankly suggesting that everything was created by nothing…a scientific impossibility. I can tell you from my readings of recent that I believe those that suggest there is no evidence have simply not read it. One thing I always questioned…

I have a challenge for everyone Read this (I’m sure many are hearing about this in the news) https://www.kitco.com/…/Half-the-world-to-dump-U-S… Then watch this And lastly read this (written around 68 AD…for those not sure this is 2023 AD) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2013%3A16-18&version=KJV Share your thoughts if you would like.

I believe we each have a purpose in this world. I believe those purposes vary based on the skills that God has blessed you with. Whether you are one to teach, to help others, to donate generously, or to be part of another’s support structure. God designed us to love one another and to help…

There is a short told episode in the bible (Mark 10:46-52) in which Jesus is traveling and comes across a blind man named Bartimaeus. The man hears that Jesus is coming and he shouts out for Him. The crowd tries to quiet the man so he shouted louder. Jesus called for the man to come…

Even as I walk in my faith more and more each day I struggle with doubts. Doubts regarding my decisions, doubts regarding optimism. I question and then question again everything I am doing in my life right now. And while trying to make decisions that are beneficial to my livelihood I think of my dad’s…

“So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper. So I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrew 13:6 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew…

How will you spend your day today? A short road trip to visit family? A relaxing day watching sports on television? Maybe a nice dinner at home while spending the day cleaning up around the house after a busy week at work? Will you make time for God? Will you attend a church service? Will…

As I continue to study scripture I have come to a conclusion. We use a misnomer when referring to the bible which I believe has led to a widespread misunderstanding. The misnomer is calling lessons in the Bible “Bible stories.” The oldest known textbook, lessons for life, purpose, and creation is not full of “stories”…

“It’s been a hard year So many nights in tears All of the darkness Tryin’ to fight my fears Alone, so long, alone” “I’ve started breathin’ The weight is lifted here With You, it’s easy My head is finally clear There’s nothin’ missing When You are by my side I took the long road But…

For years, as an entrepreneur, I have read many books that offered guidance and instruction. The books were written by others whom had walked the line from starting out to succeeding. And sometimes I would implement what I learned but that line that needs walked is not always the same for each of us. Over…

Patience has never been a strong point for me. I know what I want and I push as hard as I can. And sometimes I will admit the old saying “haste makes waste” rings true. And now that I have a more firm grasp on God’s plan and purpose for us I now find myself…

9-11 was just a horrifying day. I remember it vividly. I can remember where I was, what I was doing and even whom I spoke to. Some time later and as of recent there are stickers, posters, and now memes that say “Never Forget.” Yet 22 years later there is a whole generation that really…

Today begins a new chapter. Tami begins managing our second location in Tecumseh, Amanda has returned to our main location in St. Helen. I truly believe God has provided a path out of the constant struggles. Opportunities that I was not expecting that not only benefitted myself but also one of my loyal employees who…

Are you a good person? Definition of good-the dictionary says that which is morally right; righteousness. Answer these honestly… 1. Have you ever told a lie? 2. Have you ever stolen something? 3. Have you ever looked at someone with lust? 4. Have you ever take the Lord’s name in vain (used His name as…

I have come to see just how serious this is. It is not an easy thing to look past our wordly views. But for me once I opened my mind, questioned purpose and started seeking answers it was like a switch being flipped. For me it is still a struggle. Some things are so much…

Aren’t these emoticons fun? With a quick simple click you can share your reaction. When Facebook added this emoticon did they intend it for your reaction to something comedic or funny? I would hope that was the intent but as I scroll through Facebook I see it as a tool for mockery, degradation, and judgement…

If you are like me, you tend to go through life thinking you have to face your battles alone. Whether it is your relationships, your finances, your losses or your misunderstandings of reason and purpose. As I continue my journey of truly trying to understand life’s purpose I am drawing closer to God and the…

What is it about these gracious requirements and gifts that cause some to turn away? None of these are bad or evil. None are impossible feats. None will harm the essence of your own well-being and the quality of your life. Perhaps you fear a change in desires? Is the fulfillment of your desires truly…

Short on words today though deep in thought. Again please keep the Silva Family in your prayers today as they lay their son Tyler to rest. My daughter is home for her friends funeral and lives near Lansing. Much to our dismay we must send her back as soon as the service is over as…

Today my problems and struggles seem very minor as I watch others face much larger trials. Join me in prayer for the parents of Tyler Silva, his siblings, his wife and child and his many family members and friends. The fragile nature of our hearts are revealed when a life is lost so young. And…

I know my posts of late still boggle some of my friends and families minds. Some see me as out of character. I hope that my over enthusiastic display of faith does not create a discomfort that pushes you away from open mindedness. I believe many of us reject God and His law because we…

This image I have attached really hit me this morning. We are studying the book of James through our Men’s Ministry group at church. And just like in school I skipped ahead. The conclusion of James speaks of a saved person wandering from their faith and another bringing him back. This is to me the…

Sometimes it feels like this could be an all day conversation with Jesus. Heart is full. Mind is spinning. These often times seem to be the days of overwhelming odds.

Studying the Word of God each morning has been so enlightening. I am finding so much information regarding truth. It is amazing how much is taken out of context when we share individual verses and read them as we like rather than read the context around that verse. How important is giving for you? Giving…

I have shared this verse a couple of times now and having read further into the context I have found that I, like many others, have taken it out of context. This verse in it’s full context is regardinga believer being in the presence of a non-believer and trying to explain God’s existence, purpose and…

WOULD YOU WATCH YOUR DAUGHTER NAKED ON A MOVIE SCREEN? Have your attention? Did that sound offensive? Good… I just watched a movie called Power of the Air. It is entertaining but wow is it thought provoking! Please read this. In the movie a pastor makes some huge points. He states that the media is…

I am spending much time in God’s presence through prayer. I speak to Him with thanks for His blessings in my life (family, friends, opportunities, resources, etc), I seek His guidance in my life’s decisions through understanding, clarity and deliverance, I praise Him for my salvation and the promise of everlasting life in Heaven. I…

This was a very good movie and based on a true story. Huge shout out and thank you to the leadership team at LifeChurch StHelen for treating us today. It was definitely worth the time to see. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Life can be so hard to understand at times…often times perhaps. Especially when life leads to unexpected death. A loss so hard to comprehend that we simply look to God for blame. We ask why? Why now? Why so soon? Why like this? These are the times we truly want answers from God. We call…

Each day comes with it’s troubles, concerns and burdens. There is no easy way through life but I know with God I will achieve His will. I may not get all of the worldly glory I desire but I will make it through each situation through His grace. That is a comfort that shields me…

Life can be such a rollercoaster of emotion. One moment things can be going your way and like a light switch it can go sideways. I think it would be valid to say that one of my biggest hang ups in life is my anger. Whether it is with myself or with others it is…

I have much on my mind this Sunday morning. There is so much to be done. My plan was to travel down to Tecumseh today to start setting up the new location. However, I feel compelled to not miss church this morning. I know that baffles some people but that is okay. Each of us…

This is all the peace I need to begin each day. I feel like there are a hundred different things happening at once yet I feel motivated to just begin. The next 2 weeks will be jam packed with tasks to complete from the work at the shop here to getting things prepared downstate. It…

Not everything in the Bible makes me smile. But then again we all have the common sense to know we don’t get to take one penny with us when we die. Sometimes we have to do what we must and know that God will provide. Spending some time with scripture after a very long day.…

Think I’m crazy? (ya I have heard that a couple times now) What if I’m wrong about the scripture (which I am absolutely sure I am not). What if we came from nothing and exist for nothing and end as nothing? Will I be disappointed? Obviously not as I will be nothing. But what if…

Yesterday was a long day but another victory. My store manager, Tami and I spent about 5 hours driving…pulling a trailer in some fierce winds. All that time driving to just spend about an hour at our second location in Tecumseh. We delivered some displays and hung the new sign. We also took a few…

This is a difficult post to write but I feel a burden in my heart to say something…to share my thoughts and understanding. I share in the anger and hurt for the people in Lansing and the families beyond that are affected. So much hate exists and that hate leads to confusion and anger. Some…

Alot happening…needed to see that pop up on my phone. Everything is coming together. Marriage has improved, business has picked up and opportunities have presented themselves. Stress is up but not with the anxiety but rather it’s really a driving force. So thankful the work started coming in. It’s about a month early compared to…

Believe me it is true!

Highly recommend this movie. https://www.facebook.com/doyoubelievemovie/

Thank you for the prayers yesterday. Carrie Marshall, Tami Friday and I traveled downstate to look into an opportunity for the growth of Scotteez Apparel & More. We did not make any final decisions but we do believe the opportunity is feasible and advantageous. There is more work to do before making any decisions or…

Are Christians pushy? I have shared a lot of scripture these last 2 to 3 weeks. I have done so knowing that some on my page simply do not believe and may even hate what I post or think I am crazy. Does this mean I have some agenda to “cram” my “belief” down their…

To say you have faith is easy…its just words. To say you believe is easy…again just words. To live with faith and show it in all you do is the true challenge of faith. To recognize that your actions should coincide with God’s law. To take the high road and not serve your own angers…

Power… Power of peace of mind. Power of confidence. Power of ambition. Power of love. Power of forgiveness. Power of clarity. Power of optimism. These are just some of the “powers” I have experienced. Sun is out, a small warm up coming. Have a blessed day.

We have finally been blessed with a small abundance of work so regardless of the weather we will be open today. If you are out and about please do so safely. Looking at the forecast for the next week its going to get a little muddy but definitely a worthwhile sacrifice for some warmer temps!…