Smokey_Mountain_Armory

We should all take a minute and actually think about this!!!!

One Nation Under God

Galatians 5:13
YOU, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
WERE CALLED TO BE FREE.

The United States was founded on a solid Christian desire for One Liberty and One Nation Under God. Or said another way by Ronald Reagan, "If we forget that we are 'One nation, under God', then we will be one nation gone under."

As I was reading through different founding leaders' and presidents' quotes and speeches about God's role in our country, I stumbled upon this quote by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. I was surprised by how applicable it was almost 150 years later.

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven… But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."
The United States is not great on its own accord, nor is it blessed because of its people. We must always remember that this great country was ordained on God's principles and grace.

Instead of separating our beliefs from our nation, we must insert them into our country with prayer, praise, and Christian participation. Our duty is to be involved and help our country to grow toward God, rather than away from Him.

So, I encourage you when you celebrate the United States this year, remember that this country was founded, rooted, and established on Christian principles.



Credit: Lee Arnold

Had Your Cup of Worry Today?

Psalm 23:2
HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS

Have you had your cup of worry this morning?

I ask because lately, most of us wake up each morning, stumble into the kitchen, and pour ourselves a big steeping mug of hot worry. We allow it to trickle down our throats and sit like a rock in our stomachs for hours on end. And if we ever find ourselves getting to the bottom of our cup, don’t ‘worry,’ bottomless refills are available and waiting.

Over the years, Jaclyn and I have had plenty to fret over. We have several companies, many hats we both wear, and to top it all off, we have three kids who depend on us for love and guidance. Anything, at any time, could go wrong.

One of the best things we have done in our marriage is to lay our cup of worry at God’s feet. We choose not to allow that cup to runneth over and instead give it to God.

We’re by no means perfect at it. I sometimes find myself taking back the cup and gulping it down one mouthful at a time. I forget God’s words in Matthew 6:27: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” or Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Despite this, I know that worry is one of the most significant barriers to a relationship with God. Each time I take back the burden of worry, I find that I’m further away from God’s plan. I have divided my time and mind. I’m no longer looking toward God but instead looking inward, trying to figure out how I’M going to fix it. However, when I give it over to God, I find that the fixing is done for me, and the concerns are lessened.

So, this week, I encourage you to unpack each worry and hand it to God in prayer. Worrying won’t fix your life, but God can do miraculous things if you allow Him to.




Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

The Battle Begins in Our Minds
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
As Christians, we are called to bring our thoughts under the submission of Christ. This means that we must actively and intentionally guard our minds against any ideas, beliefs, or attitudes that contradict the truth of God’s Word. In doing so, we can be confident that we are living in obedience to God and that our actions and decisions will be aligned with His will.
For professionals, this principle can be applied in many ways. In the workplace, we may encounter ideas or practices that conflict with our faith or moral values. We must be intentional about recognizing these conflicts and taking steps to address them in a way that honors God.
This may involve speaking up against unethical or immoral practices, seeking guidance from Godly mentors or colleagues, or even making difficult decisions to walk away from a job or business opportunity that compromises our faith.
Additionally, we must be vigilant in guarding our minds against negative or destructive thoughts such as pride, envy, greed, or selfishness. These attitudes can easily take root in our hearts and influence our actions and decisions in harmful ways. By bringing these thoughts captive to Christ, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from living in alignment with His will.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to actively guard our minds against any thoughts or beliefs that conflict with God’s truth. This applies to all aspects of our lives, including our professional pursuits. By seeking to align our thoughts and actions with Christ, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life that honors Him.
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FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE. SHARPER THAN ANY DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD, IT PENETRATES EVEN TO DIVIDING SOUL AND SPIRIT, JOINTS AND MARROW; IT JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART.
HEBREWS 4:12

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

The Mouth
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our words. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to heal or to hurt. We must be mindful of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others.
As we meditate on this verse, let us pray for God’s help in guarding our mouths. May we speak words that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. May our words be filled with love, kindness, and encouragement. May we resist the temptation to gossip, criticize, or speak harshly.
Let us also remember that our words are a reflection of our heart. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Therefore, let us seek to cultivate a heart that is pure, loving, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Finally, let us recognize that we cannot guard our mouths on our own. We need God’s help and the help of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask God to fill us with His Spirit, to guide our words, and to empower us to be a blessing to others.
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LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART BE ACCEPTABLE IN YOUR SIGHT, O LORD, MY STRENGTH AND MY REDEEMER.
PSALM 19:14

Credit: Lee Arnold

Nothing Is Too Hard
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Jeremiah 32:17
God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and that He did so by His great power and outstretched arm.
• Take a moment to consider this and praise God for His sovereignty and majesty.
• Consider the challenges and difficulties in your life. What problems or situations are you facing that seem insurmountable? Write them down and bring them before God in prayer.
• Remember that nothing is too hard for God. Whatever obstacles or challenges we face, God is able to overcome them. He is bigger than our problems and has the power to intervene in any situation.
• Ask God to help you trust in His power and sovereignty. Pray for the faith to believe that He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.
• Consider how you can apply this truth to your life. How can you live in light of the fact that nothing is too hard for God? What steps can you take to trust Him more and rely on His power in your life.
• Close your devotional time by thanking God for His greatness and for His willingness to help us in our time of need. Remember that no matter what challenges we face, we can trust in His power and rest in His unfailing love.
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HE IS THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, THE SEA, AND EVERYTHING IN THEM-HE REMAINS FAITHFUL FOREVER.
PSALM 146:6

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Riches of Wisdom
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Romans 11:33
This verse is a powerful reminder of the greatness and majesty of our God. It reminds us that His ways are beyond our understanding, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
When we think about the wisdom and knowledge of God, we may be tempted to think of it as something abstract and distant from our daily lives. But the truth is that God’s wisdom and knowledge are intimately connected to our lives. They shape and guide our paths, and they are the source of all true wisdom and understanding.
As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged and humbled by the greatness of our God. We can be inspired to seek His wisdom and knowledge, knowing that they are the key to a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. And we can be comforted by the fact that even when we don’t understand the ways of God, we can trust in His goodness and His faithfulness.
So let us take a moment to marvel at the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Let us acknowledge His greatness and His majesty, and let us seek to know Him more deeply and to understand His ways more fully. And let us trust in His goodness and His faithfulness, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
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HOW MUCH BETTER TO GET WISDOM THAN GOLD, TO GET INSIGHT RATHER THAN SILVER!
PROVERBS 16:16

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

No Worries
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?
Matthew 6:25
Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about their lives – what they will eat, drink, or wear. He reminds them that life is more than just these basic needs and that worrying about them will not add a single hour to their lives. Instead, he encourages them to trust in God, who provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, and who will surely provide for his beloved children.
As we read this passage, we may be tempted to think that Jesus is asking us to be careless or irresponsible. But that’s not the case at all. Jesus isn’t saying that we should neglect our physical needs or ignore the realities of life. Rather, he’s inviting us to trust in God’s loving care and provision for us, even in the midst of our worries and anxieties.
When we worry about our lives, we become preoccupied with the things of this world and lose sight of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We forget that He is the one who sustains us, provides for us, and cares for us with a love that never fails. We forget that we are His beloved children, and that He has promised to meet our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
So instead of worrying, Jesus encourages us to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all these things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33). When we make seeking God and His will our top priority, everything else falls into place. We can trust that God will take care of us, just as He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.
As we go about our lives, let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25 and trust in God’s loving care and provision for us. Let us seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, knowing that all these things will be added to us as well. And let us rest in the peace that comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father loves us and will always take care of us.
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THEY WILL HAVE NO FEAR OF BAD NEWS; THEIR HEARTS ARE STEADFAST, TRUSTING IN THE LORD.
PSALM 112:7

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Love…
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5
Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the goal of Christian living. He explains that this love is not superficial but comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
Here are some practical applications of this passage in our daily lives:
• Cultivate a pure heart: A pure heart is essential for experiencing the love that comes from God. We should regularly examine our hearts and ask God to help us identify and remove any impure motives or attitudes. We can also guard our hearts by avoiding negative influences and cultivating healthy relationships.
• Develop a good conscience: A good conscience is the result of living in a way that aligns with our values and beliefs. We can develop a good conscience by regularly examining our actions and attitudes in light of God’s word, confessing any sins, and making amends when necessary.
• Cultivate a sincere faith: A sincere faith is one that is authentic and genuine. We can cultivate a sincere faith by regularly reading and studying the Bible, praying, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives. We can also seek out opportunities to serve and help others, which can help us grow in our faith and experience God’s love in a tangible way.
• Make love the goal: As Christians, our ultimate goal should be to love God and others. We can do this by living in a way that reflects the love of Christ, being kind and compassionate to those around us, and showing grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged us. We can also seek out opportunities to serve and help others, which can help us demonstrate God’s love in a practical way.
As we seek to live out the principles of 1 Timothy 1:5 in our daily lives, let us remember that the goal of our faith is to love God and others. Let us cultivate a pure heart, develop a good conscience, and cultivate a sincere faith, so that we can experience the love that comes from God. And let us make love the goal of all that we do, as we seek to reflect the love of Christ to the world around us.
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CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME.
PSALM 51:10

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

The Word of Christ
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17
This passage reminds us of the importance of letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. We must make a deliberate effort to study and apply God’s Word to our lives, and to let it shape our thoughts, words, and actions. When we do this, we are better equipped to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and to offer encouragement and support to those around us.
The passage also encourages us to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God. Music has the power to uplift and inspire us, and it can help us to connect with God on a deeper level. When we sing with thankfulness in our hearts, we are reminded of all that God has done for us, and we are filled with gratitude for His love and faithfulness.
Finally, the passage encourages us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. This means that we must live our lives in a way that honors God and reflects His love and grace to the world around us. Whether we are at work, at home, or in our community, we must strive to live in a way that brings glory to God and points others to Him.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:16-17 reminds us of the importance of letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly, of singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God, and of living our lives in a way that honors Him. When we do these things, we can experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from a close relationship with God, and we can be a blessing to others.
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IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD,
AND THE WORD WAS GOD.
JOHN 1:1
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Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Are Your Words Salty?
Words are funny things, they can bring great joy, hope and peace or they can rip into you like a knife. Have you ever been on the receiving end of painful words? Have you ever said something hurtful to someone? I believe most of us have been in that very situation, that as soon as the words escaped your lips you wished you could redact them! One of the Scriptures posted in a prominent place by my desk is:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Psalm 141:3
Whenever someone approaches my desk, I look at that Scripture and whisper it as a quick prayer. I don’t want my words to hurt anyone, and they so often can do just that.
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,
that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6
Looking at Colossians we understand that we need to speak with grace, grace is graciousness. How we speak when we allow the love of the Lord to permeate even our conversations. Seasoning our words with salt is the idea of preserving and purifying, which is what salt was used for in biblical times. Sharing with others truth from God’s Word is a great way of preserving eternal value in your words.
I pray we are all sharing encouraging and truly seasoned words with those around us each day!
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“YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, BUT IF SALT HAS LOST ITS TASTE, HOW SHALL ITS SALTINESS BE RESTORED? IT IS NO LONGER GOOD FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT TO BE THROWN OUT AND TRAMPLED UNDER PEOPLE’S FEET.
MATTHEW 5:13

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Feast on God’s Word
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16
Jeremiah took in God’s Word and used it for nourishment, are you ingesting the Word? Does your Bible require a search and rescue party just to find it, because you can’t remember the last time you opened it or perhaps it is covered by a layer of dust?
Our spiritual nourishment is found in the Bible. This is the foundation upon which our lives as Believers are based upon. When we are feeling weak or malnourished, we should run to God’s Word!
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, seen below, tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God. The Bible is also complete and able to equip each of us for every good work. Take time daily in God’s Word so that you are fully equipped for each day!
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ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

To Live Unburdened
Your Heavenly Father invites us to lay all of our burdens at His feet. Many of us carry these burdens, not bothering to take them to the Lord. We carry these bundles of burdens until we become overwhelmed by tragedy and then we offer up a quick and desperate cry for help. The burden of carrying these things with us and neglecting time in prayer with the God who loves us can lead to discouragement.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
We are not designed to carry the burdens of this world. God created us for relationship. To praise God for all of His goodness, relinquish our burdens to Him, and to pray for His will in our lives. Are you communicating with your Heavenly Father? Do you praise Him for who He is and what He has done?
Heavenly Father, I praise you for creating me to have relationship with you. For your amazing love that you have shown us in the grace and mercy that we see in Jesus going to the cross and rising again conquering death and the grave. Help me Lord, to give you my burdens daily and not to carry them until my breaking point. I trust you Lord with everything, and I desire to live an unburdened life by walking in faith. In Jesus name, Amen.
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CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU; HE WILL NEVER LET THE RIGHTEOUS BE SHAKEN.
PSALM 55:22

Credit: The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing