Daily Word of God - Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

From the ends of the earth,
    I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

Daily Word of God - Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 3:6

Proverbs 3:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Daily Word of God - 1 John 2:17

1 John 2:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 11:25

Proverbs 11:25 New Living Translation (NLT)

The generous will prosper;
    those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Mid-Week Message - Father Knows Best

A father was sitting with his little boy in church.  When the boy stood up on the pew, the father told him to sit down.  The little boy shook his head.  He was told again to sit down,  Again he shook his head.  This went on for a few minutes then, finally, the father picked up the tot and sat him down on the seat.  The boy looked up at his dad and said, "I might be sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing up on the inside!"  

Parents can definitely relate to this attitude.  Children have their own ideas about how things should be done and are often defiant when those ways are challenged.  With our daughter, cleaning her room was the biggest difficulty we had with her.  We wanted everything put away.  Everything in its place. However, she liked having everything around her.  We even found out later that there was a fear factor at work. We never discovered why, but she felt that if she had everything on the floor, she was safer.  

Adults face this as well, not only with the rules, or laws, of this world, but in our relationship with the Lord.  Sometimes, we acquiesce on the outside but remain defiant on the inside.  We reluctantly obey without changing our heart.  Addicts white-knuckle through giving up their chosen substance.  Physically, it appears that they are doing well.  A mental or emotional examination though would show that the dependence is still alive and well and simply waiting for a time to reappear.  

So what do we do?  How do we bow before the Lord with pure hearts, truly ready to exchange His will for our own?  The pull of this world is stronger than we can handle on our own.  We do not have the strength to walk away from harmful attachments and addictions.  The first thing we have to do is to admit that we are powerless and that we need His intervention.  We have to ask Him for the willingness to allow Him to work in our lives and to make the necessary changes.  We need His touch and His direction to be able to honestly ask that His will become our will.  

We also need to believe that He is Who He says He is and to seek His forgiveness for living life on our own terms.  He promises to change us from the inside out, to mold us into the beings that He created us to be in the first place.  Jeremiah 24:7 says this, "I will give them a heart to know me, for I am the Lord, and they will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with their whole heart."  What beautiful words!  If we are willing, and if we desire, He will change our hearts into hearts after His own. We will desire Him above all and want His best for our lives.  This will enable us to leave the destructive things of the world behind and allow Him to lead us in the future He has for us.  

We all face rebellion in one way or another.  We all have that little child inside that is determined to do what we want to do when we want to do it.  However, there comes a time when we have to grow up and admit that our way is not the best way and to realize that we still have a Father who knows best.

Daily Word of God - 2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Daily Word of God - Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 24:5

Proverbs 24:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

The wise are mightier than the strong,
    and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

Daily Word of God - Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Daily Word of God - 1 Chronicles 29:11

1 Chronicles 29:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 37:39

Psalm 37:39 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord rescues the godly;
    he is their fortress in times of trouble.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Doing What Jesus Would Do

Years and years ago, people started wearing rubber wristbands with the simple acronym of “WWJD”. WWJD stood for “what would Jesus do”. It was a great marketing campaign to get people thinking like Jesus. There is more to it than thinking like Jesus. We need to be acting more like Jesus. Words and cute slogans and buzz phrases are great, but when it is time for actions to speak louder than words, are we truly ready to put those slogans, acronyms and phrases to the test and act on them? Too many times, we find ourselves in analysis paralysis mode and we over think and ask too many questions. In most cases, we already know the answer. The Holy Spirit has placed a plan of action on our heart. But, we still question it. How should we handle this? Remember, we have been given a spirit of boldness.

Daily Word of God - 1 John 3:4

1 John 3:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.

Daily Word of God - Romans 2:3

Romans 2:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?

Daily Word of God - Psalm 69:13

Psalm 69:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 But I keep praying to you, Lord,
    hoping this time you will show me favor.
In your unfailing love, O God,
    answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 118:24

Psalm 118:24 New Living Translation (NLT)

This is the day the Lord has made.
    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 12:15

Proverbs 12:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 33:4-5

Psalm 33:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

4 For the word of the Lord holds true,
    and we can trust everything he does.
5 He loves whatever is just and good;
    the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

Daily Word of God - 1 John 3:16

1 John 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Daily Word of God - James 1:4

James 1:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Mid-Week Message - Running Barefoot

I've been wondering about Heaven lately.  I do from time to time. Do you?  Maybe I'm thinking about it right now because a sweet friend went there the other day.  She was ready and had been wanting to go for years.  What did she do when she saw Jesus? What did she do when she was reunited with loved ones that had gone on before?  

Before he passed away, my sweet father was weary.  You could see it in his eyes.  In his 77 years he had worked harder than anyone should ever have to.  He was a loyal husband who took care of my ailing mother for years.  He never complained, until a few months before he died.  One day as I was taking him to the barber shop for a haircut, I mentioned how tired he looked.  His response was that he wished he could get in his van and just start driving and never turn around.  That was heartbreaking for me to hear.  One day I asked him about Heaven and he said he was eager to go.  He just didn't have the energy to go on much longer.  I was curious as to what he wanted to do when he got there and he told me that when he was a little boy, he ran everywhere, barefoot. He was looking forward to running barefoot through the streets on high. I wish I could have seen it.

Scripture tells us in Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  Just this is enough for me to know it is a place I want to be!  Jesus told us in John 14:2 and 3, "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."  There is our promise that He will come back for us. 

We never know when the day may come that our earthly life will be over.  If we believe that Jesus is who God tells us He is in His Word, have asked Him into our hearts as our personal Savior and follow Him, we can claim that promise and rest assured that Heaven will be our forever home.  

How about you?  Do you think of Heaven?  Do you know without a doubt that one day you will be able to run barefoot on the streets of gold?  I sure do hope to see you there.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 133:1

Psalm 133:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

How wonderful and pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in harmony!

Daily Word of God - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 3:3

Proverbs 3:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 30:18

Isaiah 30:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
    so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
    Blessed are those who wait for his help.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 19:14

Matthew 19:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

Daily Word of God - Luke 19:10

Luke 19:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Love of a Father

In today's Praise & Worship message, Chaplain Jesse will be discussing the love of a father and that everyday they express that love through their dedication to their family. God is our Heavenly Father and we get a glimpse of His love that He has for us through our fathers as the men in our lives that mentor, teach and love us enough to help us grow spiritually.

Daily Word of God - Mark 5:36

Mark 5:36 New Living Translation (NLT)

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith."

Daily Word of God - Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

Daily Word of God - 1 Corinthians 14:33

1 Corinthians 14:33 New Living Translation (NLT)

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 31:8

Deuteronomy 31:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 60:1

Isaiah 60:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.
    For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you."

Daily Word of God - Matthew 26:41

Matthew 26:41 New Living Translation (NLT)

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Daily Word of God - James 4:8

James 4:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

Daily Word of God - 1 Corinthians 1:9

1 Corinthians 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mid-Week Message - All Will Be Fine

Life has its ups and downs.  Some days are wonderful, some are awful.  One day everything works and the next brings mistakes and accidents.  Periods of prosperity are followed with periods of want. Waking up each day is an adventure in itself because we never know what the day ahead will bring.  

I broke something today.  I didn't mean to but it happened anyway. My first impulse was to see if I could fix it so that no one ever had to know about it.  That would save me from embarrassment. Upon realizing that it was out of my expertise I began thinking of who I could call to come and take care of it.  Again, this would be to protect myself from the feelings that are inevitable once my family discovers what I have done.  Having anyone upset with me for any reason is terrifying to me for very personal reasons.  However, it has happened before, it will happen this time, and it will happen again in the future.  

Being human means being tainted by sin.  Sin brings about unwanted consequences.  One day we will be in Heaven and joy will abound.  Today, though, often brings worry, sadness, anger, fear and pain. Jesus died so that we could have forgiveness of sin but that forgiveness doesn't necessarily free us from enduring the consequences.  If we break an earthly law, even though we ask and receive forgiveness from the Lord, we may still have to pay a ticket or spend time in jail.  

How comforting to know that no matter what we are going through at any given moment in our lives, there is One that we can turn to that will always respond to us in love.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  While we were still sinners!  What a beautiful verse!  Think about it.  He knew everything about us.  He knew we would sin.  He knew and still His love for us was so strong and so deep and so perfect that He chose to allow Himself to be accused, beaten, humiliated, spat upon, jeered, and ultimately nailed to a cross to die.  How humbling is that?  Everything pales in comparison.  Yes, I broke something today - something of some value here on earth.  I'm not happy about it and I would really prefer that my family didn't find out.  But they will.  And I'm sure there will be tears and hurt feelings.  I also know that Jesus will be there with His arms open wide, and because He loves me and has given my family love for me, all will be fine.  

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 10:23

Hebrews 10:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 5:11

Matthew 5:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers."

Daily Word of God - Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Daily Word of God - 1 Peter 5:10

1 Peter 5:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

Daily Word of God - Jude 20-21

Jude 20-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 150:2

Psalm 150:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

Praise him for his mighty works;
    praise his unequaled greatness!

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - God’s Truly Pure Wisdom

In today's praise & worship message, Chaplain Jesse will be examining James 3 and how God's pure wisdom can help us enjoy of life of peace, love and humble service to God and His children.

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 3:20-21

Ephesians 3:20-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Pray for the Persecuted - Shuangmiao Christian Church

Violence broke out in Shanggiu in Henan province after 300 police officers and officials demolished the Shuangmiao Christian Church—which was under construction. 

Officers dragged out around 40 Christians with one worshipper comparing the brutal scenes to the Japanese invasion of China during the Second World War, according to charity China Aid. 

Eight Christians remain in custody following the incident amid a crackdown on churches by the communist regime. 

Click here for the full story.

1 Peter 4:12-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

Daily Word of God - Revelation 19:16

Revelation 19:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 10:10

Hebrews 10:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 16:5

Psalm 16:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.