Live As Free People

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. — 1 Peter 2:16

God sent Jesus to set us free from sin.

Therefore, we should live as free people, not as those tied to sin and darkness.

Living in freedom means having the ability to make right choices.

To live in God's will.

As slaves of God.

Not trying to cover up our evil ways.

But to confess them and to turn away from sin.

To turn toward God.

Live as free people.

By Doing Good

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. — I Peter 2:15

Yesterday I had the day off for Veteran's Day.

I met a friend and we hiked down to Mission Trails from our house.

By the end of the walk, we had both worked up a sweat.

While we were heading down Mission Trails toward the dam, we ran into Mari, another friend.

She was walking her neighbor's dog.

Mari is an example of someone who does good.

She stops to pray for anyone who looks like they are worried or in need.

She told us that in Mexico, even strangers are very receptive when she offers to pray with them.

We Have an Advocate

We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. — 1 John 2:1-2

Today I get the day off for Veteran's Day.

Poor Abby has to work.

Today we remember the veterans who have sacrificed for our country.

They act as our advocates for our countrymen.

We have an advocate with the Father in His Son, Jesus.

He is the atoning sacrifice for my sins.

And not only for my sins but also for the sins of the whole world.

Since we live in a broken world, it's a huge comfort to know that Jesus is our advocate.

God's Voice Thunders

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. — Job 37:5

God's voice thunders.

It fills the skies.

He does great things.

All that He does is beyond our understanding.

Here's the pool we swam in at Caesar's Palace.

God provided a beautiful day for us to enjoy the outdoors.

He does great things.

A Royal Priesthood

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9

On Friday, my wonderful coworkers took me out to lunch.

Here we are at UTC - most of our marketing team plus a friend who drove over from another building to join us.

A beautiful afternoon in sunny San Diego.

God has blessed me with fun coworkers who enjoy having a good time together.

We are a royal priesthood, a chosen people.

As Christians, we are a holy nation, God's special possession.

Called to declare His praises!

Fear the Lord

 Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. — Joshua 24:14

On Thursday we drove over to Las Vegas for the weekend.

We had a great time with 11 of our friends who drove and flew over to join us.

Here we are at dinner Saturday night before going to hear Sting.

This is one of our tables - the other was in the next room.

We had a delicious dinner and fun conversation.

So blessed to have such a great group of friends.

All of whom serve the Lord and fear Him.

We Will Serve the Lord

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. — Joshua 24:15

Today we drove back from Las Vegas.

After a fun weekend of laughter with friends.

We stopped at the Black Bear Diner in Barstow.

And we got an apple cobbler to bring home.

Very tasty.

We had a huge lunch with our friends Brad and Peggy.

I had birthday cards and gifts waiting when we got home.

Then we watched Sidekicks together and shared popcorn in the evening.