Chats with Chaplain Anthony

What is motivating you today? Why do you perform as well or as poorly as you do? Today, consider every task to be for the Lord. The way you lead your family, the way you order your coffee, the way you love someone; consider it your opportunity to serve Jesus and not man. I hope your level of effort rises to the great purpose that you now have.  Colossians 3:23-24 ESV 23  Whatever you do, work hear...

The little changes you make today can greatly impact your devotional life across a decade. Attempt to take one baby step closer to daily communing with Christ. Allow the word of Christ to dwell in your everyday life. Consider adjusting one piece of media intake into a devotional act with God. It will pay off and bring you closer to the Lord.  Colossians 3:16 ESV 16  Let the word of Christ dwell in...

Abound in thanksgiving every day because of what Christ has done. Walk the journey. Enjoy the sights that he is taking you past. Each moment and day is an opportunity to grow and deepen your spiritual foundation in Christ Jesus. Appreciate the moments ahead of you.  Colossians 2:6-7 ESV 6  Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7  rooted and built up in him and establish...

Trials will come, but our faith should speak back. Remaining Godly and hopeful may seem impossible but with God nothing is impossible. Have that in every hard season that God is working on you and through you. Even when I failed to see the trials as a joy, I look back and realize God was still leading me through the trials. Now I can look back on those times with a smile and gratitude.  James 1:2-...

Everyday is an opportunity to see God work in your life. But the first thing we must do is to abide in Him and His Word. He is always speaking and active. We must slow down and listen for what He is doing among us. Then we will begin to see the fruit he is producing in our life. You are the most able person to reach those nearest to you. But first, focus on abiding.  John 15:4-5 ESV 4  Abide in me...

If God is worth pursuing in scary moments, let's pursue Him even in mundane moments. Learn to trust God during the quiet times, and we'll be more confident and quicker to trust Him in the harder moments of life. I promise that God listens and cares even when the rest of the world might not.  Psalms 119:76 ESV 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Followin...

Our life is full of hustle and bustle. We strive to do, perform, and achieve. But the Lord sustains. A night's rest is more than the body catching up with all of the doing the day before. Sleep is more than just a preparation for a day to come. The waking and sleeping are sustained by God himself. In 2023, let's learn to thank God for sustaining us another day. It is another opportunity to praise...

As of recent, my life has encountered real loss and heartache. But even in the face of these difficult seasons, I have an anchored hope because of what I believe Jesus has done for me. This episode's topic was to share the hope I have in Christ. The Gospel is present and ready for you to accept and live in and under.  Romans 10:9-10 ESV 9  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord...

A temporary sacrifice is worth enduring when you know what the end goal is. Consider this for your own personal and professional goals but don't forget the goodness of God you're going to experience in eternity. These minor setbacks today are palatable because you know of the future glory you will see.  Romans 8:18 ESV 18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth compa...

Many of our dreams might not be accomplished in our day and that's okay. Have you ever thought about how a passion of yours could be achieved by the next generation? Our planning often stops at 18 minutes or 18 months. We don't often think about the long game but Godes. Consider how this lesson might apply to your life.  1 Kings 8:16-20 ESV 16  ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of...

Our God is able to empathize with our strongest temptations. This is because he suffered under temptation without ever giving in. For this reason, he knows the greatest strengths of temptation while we give in at lower weights of its pressure. Trust in his strength and ability to help you through your toughest times.  Hebrews 2:18 ESV 18  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is abl...

We all want to be the main character in the story. There is something exciting about getting to be the one (or seventy-two) that God has chosen for a task. It's about us and it's about glory. And if we don't see our life going the same route as the hero-figure; we will feel as though we are not doing God's will. I offer you the idea that God could still be using you as a person of peace. Don't neg...

You never know how a small act will be taken into God's plan for someone's life. I encourage you to be faithful and trust God's work in the details. Commit your plans to Him and you'll be free to love people as God has equipped you to love them.  Proverbs 16:3-4 ESV 3  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 4  The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked...

It's good to memorize key verses and tenets of the faith but your mastery of God's love ought to be your first ambition. Giving yourself to walk as Christ walked will lead you to know the Truth and have a solid foundation of faith. Commit to loving God first and the intellect and wisdom will follow as gifts from God.  Matthew 22:37-39 ESV 37  And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God w...

For me, I love the very center of a cinnamon roll. It's the sweetest, gooiest, and best part of the delicious treat. But more than that bite, I love my wife and if she wants that piece then I'll give it to her. This is a small picture of what God's love can look like for us. He puts in all of the work and we get the final piece and get to lift our arms in victory after the race. Love God, love you...

The New Year has kicked off, and you have already failed your resolution. It's okay. It's time to get back up and pursue the more fantastic future ahead than dwell on the minor setback behind you. Remember that God is holding your hand through this next season.  Join this Bible in a Year plan: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/29244 Psalms 37:23-24 ESV 23  The steps of a man are established by t...

Evangelism can be easy to approach if you have the correct perspective. It does not have to be a big show with tears every time you share. Instead, see it as an opportunity to share with a friend. Do not force or expect a decision. Simply trust God, share, and have a conversation.  Psalms 96:2 ESV 2  Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Following Jesus and enjoy...

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a blessed day, hug a loved one, and enjoy your favorite dish. Don't forget to give thanks to God on this day. He has blessed you, is blessing you, and will continue to bless you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV 16  Rejoice always, 17  pray continually, 18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Following Jesus and enjoying...

If you have ever encountered a difficult conversation around your faith, take heart. Your knowledge and imagination cannot see or explain every facet of what God is doing. Your unknown moments are the perfect place for your faith to activate. Allow it to do so with confidence and then be okay to look up things you are unsure of. There are many areas in life where our knowledge can grow while anoth...

Every season has a reason (not just Christmas). But are you giving yourself permission to feel the joy, the pain, the loss, the hope? I would challenge you to see how Jesus is still walking with you up the hills and through the valleys.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV 1  For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the...

As soon as Judas walks out of the room, Jesus drops one of the most important lines for our Christian faith. Imagine the air in that room. How wonderful would it have been to see that moment in history. Today, we reread these words and remind ourselves the importance of living that very simple truth..love one another. It's by that love that the world will know that we are His disciples.  John 13:3...

That's a big promise, especially during Pumpkin Spice Latte season. Think about how many life changes you make in order to find satisfaction, peace, joy, and fulfillment. Now remember that you have a relationship with the creator of the universe. Your ultimate fulfillment can come straight from Him and through Him. Allow yourself to dwell and meditate on how God's love can quench your thirst and s...

Are you striving on a daily basis for food, love, acceptance, or purpose? This piece of the Psalms appears to have a stark challenge to the way that you and I live life. God created nature to exist and be not strive and stress. I challenge you to lay down your stress today in order to grab hold of God's provision in your life.  Psalms 104:21 ESV 21  The young lions roar for their prey, seeking the...

This one is a little different. My family would appreciate your prayers as we walk together through this tough time.  "Highlands (Song of Ascent)" - Hillsong United Oh, how high would I climb mountains If the mountains were where You hide Oh, how far I'd scale the valleys If You graced the other side And, oh, how long have I chased rivers From lowly seas to where they rise Against the rush of grac...

Today's podcast should give you a sense of peace and confidence. As a Christian, you did not earn your salvation. If you're unsure of how to attain salvation then I hope this message also gives you some insight into how you can be saved by God and not yourself. And lastly, the good news is that God has created you on purpose and with a purpose.  Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV 8  For by grace you have been s...