✟ Evil Is Alive and Well: A Warning Against Complacency

There are moments in our lives when we would like to believe that evil is far removed from us—that it only exists in stories of the past or in faraway places. Yet Scripture reminds us that evil is alive and well in our world. It creeps in through deceit, tempts through subtle compromises, and ensnares those who grow complacent. The Apostle Peter gives us a vivid picture: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

As followers of Christ Jesus, we cannot afford to ignore this reality. To pretend that evil is not actively at work in our world today is to give the enemy room to operate in our lives.

The greatest danger of evil is not always its force but its subtlety. Evil often dresses itself in attractive clothing, whispering lies that sound like truth. Paul warned the church in Corinth of this very danger: “But I am afraid that, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3 NLT).

Jesus Himself described Satan as “a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NLT). Every deception—whether small or great—finds its root in him.

One of the most dangerous traps for Christians is complacency. When we let our guard down, the enemy finds opportunities to plant seeds of sin. Paul exhorts us: “So be on your guard; not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded” (1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT).

Evil seldom overtakes a believer all at once. Instead, it begins with small compromises. James describes this progression: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14–15 NLT).

Though the enemy schemes against us, we are not defenseless. God has provided His people with the means to resist evil and live victoriously. Paul instructs us: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).

This armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and constant prayer—is sufficient to guard us against any attack. James offers us this assurance: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT).

Evil may be strong, but our God is stronger. Paul gives us a clear charge: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21 NLT).

The Christian life is not passive. It is a call to active faith, to shine Christ’s light in the darkness, to resist deceit with truth, and to overcome temptation with obedience. We are called to be vigilant, courageous, and steadfast. As Paul reminds us: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NLT).

Evil is indeed alive and well in our world, but so is the power of God’s Spirit at work in those who believe. We must not grow complacent, for complacency is the breeding ground of temptation and sin. Instead, let us stand vigilant, fully equipped with God’s armor, and conquer evil by living out the goodness of Christ Jesus in every thought, word, and action.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ Lay It Down: Trusting the Lord with Your Burdens

There is a weight that so many carry each day—one not always visible to the eye, but felt deeply in the soul. Worry. Fear. Anxiety. These burdens come in many forms: the uncertainty of finances, the strain of health challenges, the heartbreak of broken relationships, the unknown of tomorrow. Though our shoulders may not sag outwardly, our spirits often do. Worry wraps around the heart like a heavy chain, robbing us of joy, disrupting our peace, and diverting our focus away from God.

But in this one powerful verse, Psalm 55:22, God offers a divine alternative. He beckons us not to shoulder our burdens alone but to lay them down at His feet. This sacred invitation comes with a promise: not only will He take care of us, but He will also ensure that those who walk with Him are upheld.

Let us look closely at the first part of the verse: “Give your burdens to the Lord…” This is not merely a kind suggestion—it is a clear command. The Hebrew word used here implies casting, as if one were hurling a heavy load off their back. It means to relinquish full control, to surrender what weighs us down and place it into God’s hands.

Too often we attempt to carry life’s trials ourselves. We think we are being strong or responsible, but the truth is, we are exhausting ourselves. When we refuse to release our burdens to the Lord, we are choosing to rely on our limited strength instead of God’s unlimited grace.

Jesus extended the same call in Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT):

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

There is rest in His presence. Peace in His promise. Strength in His sufficiency.

God doesn’t leave us burdened once we surrender. His Word says clearly: “…and He will take care of you.” This is divine reassurance. The Lord does not simply receive your worries—He lovingly manages them. He tends to your needs. He provides in His timing. He sees the whole picture of your life when you only see today.

Peter echoes this truth in 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT):

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

This care is not passive—it is deeply personal and actively involved. Our Heavenly Father is not distant or disengaged. He is intimately concerned with every detail of our lives. When we hand Him our burdens, He handles them with the wisdom of eternity and the compassion of a loving parent.

I remember countless times in my own life when the load felt unbearable. Moments when my heart cried out under the pressure of uncertainty and sorrow. But each time I laid those concerns at the feet of my Lord, I found the peace that surpasses all understanding. Not always immediate answers—but always divine care.

The final part of the verse gives us this great assurance: “He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” This does not suggest that believers will never experience hardship. Rather, it promises that those who are devoted to God—those who walk in righteousness—will be upheld by His hand.

Psalm 37:23–24 (NLT) affirms this:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

There will be times when we feel shaky. Times when the path is slippery and the hill is steep. But the Lord is our firm foundation. He will not allow us to be overcome. He will steady our feet, lift us up, and walk with us every step of the way.

Dear friends, you do not have to live burdened. You do not have to be crushed by anxiety, fear, or sorrow. The Lord is extending His hand and asking you to lay it down—to surrender every weight, every care, and every worry. You were never meant to carry it alone.

This very day, make the choice to release it all to the Lord. Cry out to Him in prayer. Write your burdens down and speak them aloud to God. Unload your heart into the loving arms of the Savior. He is strong enough to carry you, and kind enough to care for every concern.

As you entrust your burdens to the Lord, I encourage you to also look around you. There are many who are silently suffering—your neighbors, co-workers, even your family members. Share this message with them. Offer a prayer. Be a listening ear. Let them know that there is a Savior who can lift the heaviest load.

And please consider making a donation to your local food pantry or ministry that serves those in need. In times of hardship, we must not only speak of God's love—we must live it out in practical ways. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:45 (NLT):

“I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

Mid-Week Message - Reacting in Kindness

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it."  1 Peter 3:9 (TLB)

The teenage years are hard.  So many changes are occurring physically and mentally that young people have a difficult time knowing how to handle life day to day.  This is a time when they are trying to fit in, to be accepted by those around them.  They find approval this way and base their self-esteem upon it.  When my daughter was this age she was attending a private Christian school and unfortunately found herself on the receiving end of unkind comments and actions from many of the other girls.  She was bullied.  As her mother, I found it incredibly disturbing because I was bullied at that age as well so I knew the feelings she was experiencing.  

When we know that our children are being mistreated by their peers, we want to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.  We often tell them to ignore the mistreatment, however, there just isn't any way for them to close their ears to the ridicule they are hearing or their eyes to looks they receive. What they need to know is that there is always a place where they can find absolute love and will be openly welcomed and accepted for who they are.  They need to know of the all-encompassing love of the Lord Jesus and have a relationship with Him so that they always have someone nearby to turn to.  

It is natural for us to want to return meanness for meanness.  To come up with a biting retort when someone speaks ugly words to us.  Our human side desires to inflict pain on those who have inflicted pain on us.  However, scripture clearly teaches that we need to pray for our enemies and to be kind to those around us.   Jesus experienced ridicule.  He experienced physical, mental and emotional violence.  He could have slain his abusers with just a thought, after all He was God in the flesh.  But He returned His attacks with forgiveness, kindness and love.  I can only imagine that the human side of Him must have made every attempt to argue back, yet He did not give in to human impulses.  

We are bombarded daily with opportunities to either show love or disdain.  Disgruntled people will often take their frustrations out on the first person they see.  Sometimes that is you or me.  Life is stressful and the choices made to handle that stress aren't always positive.  Road rage is rampant here in the Atlanta area, as I am sure it is wherever you are as well.  Sometimes we forget that the person on the receiving end of our outbursts also has feelings and is going through difficulties of their own.  We can't control other people, but we can control ourselves.  By following Christ's example we can react in kindness rather than anger.  In this way we honor Him and bless others.  Just think what would happen if, one by one, people decided to react with love rather than rage.  

Our children learn to handle life by observing how those around them handle life.  Parents can have a tremendous influence for good if the example they set for their offspring is one of godly reactions.  If we can have them in the habit of forgiving and being kind before they hit the turbulent teens, then maybe it will not be quite as traumatic for them.  In that way, they can pass on the example and touch the hearts of others their age.  Great change happens one person at a time.  This week, let's determine to be that one person.  God bless you.

Mid-Week Message - Reflecting Our Lord

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."  1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

It was a horrible dream.  In it, I was standing beside a broken down car on a dirt road.  I was waiting and hoping for someone to come by to help.  From a distance I saw a young man in overalls walking toward me.  Over his shoulder he carried a pole with a heavy bucket hanging from the end.  As he approached I was feeling more hopeful of having my car issue resolved and being able to continue my journey.  He was smiling as he neared however the smile disappeared when he drew closer and he swung the pole suddenly and hit me in the face with the heavy bucket. 

I have had the opportunity to work in several Christian organizations.  One of the things that I have noticed there (and in churches) is that Christians can be very unkind to each other.  Now, I realize we are all human beings with faults.  None of us are perfect and those imperfections will creep into our professional and personal relationships occasionally.  What I am referring to though is a general attitude of altitude.  You know what that is.  Because one position is technically higher than another, those in the higher positions begin to see themselves as more important.  They view their "calling" as more valuable than those with lesser titles and forget that a functioning body needs gifts of all kinds in order to be cohesive.  

1 Corinthians reminds us that a body has many parts.  The hand is not more important than the foot nor the eye more important than the ear.  Each of us has skills, abilities and talents given to us by our Creator that are unique to us.  When we all come together and combine those gifts we are able to accomplish great things. How then do the divisions occur?  Simply, we get caught up in ourselves.  We begin to align ourselves with others that have the same function and in so doing shut out all others.  To them this feels like they are being looked down upon, or counted as less valuable.  

No matter where we find ourselves in life, we as believers are to be loving and compassionate.  Jesus said that loving God and loving others were the two greatest commandments.  When we fail to do that we cease being ambassadors of Christ and appear the same as unbelievers.  Everyone we come in contact with should be able to see the reflection of our Lord in our words and deeds.  It needs to remain uppermost in our minds in each and every activity we engage in.  At work, at play, with family or with strangers.  Because if someone knows we are a Christian and we fail to treat them kindly, then it can be like being hit in the face by a heavy bucket.  Those wounds leave scars that may never heal.  

As we go about our week, let's watch our actions and reactions toward others.  Kindness and compassion, in the world or in our Christian circles, leave behind a sweet aroma and touch hearts in ways that we may never know.  God bless you. 

Mid-Week Message - Always in His Sight

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer..."   1 Peter 3:12a  (NIV)

I can still see the look in his eyes.  When my daughter was four years old, we went to Texas City, Texas to visit my parents and my aunt and uncle.  One of the things I wanted to do was to take her to Galveston to see the beach and the ocean.  On the evening that we chose to go, my father, who never wanted to miss a moment with his first grandchild, decided to ride along.  

Before we got to the beach, she spotted a roadside carnival and began asking if we could go there after the beach.  She liked the sand and all the water, but she was most excited about stopping to have some fun on the way home.  Being that I also always loved carnivals, we stopped.  

She rode the Merry-Go-Round and a couple of other rides meant for young children.  We played a couple of the games and had some cotton candy.  She was curious about the Ferris Wheel so I asked the man who was running it if it would be safe for me to take her for a ride, as I was concerned about my weight causing a problem.  After giving me the history of the wheel, he assured me it was more than sturdy enough.  

Now my father had never liked this particular ride.  He didn't trust it and he surely did not want his daughter and granddaughter on it.  He told me he didn't think it was a good idea and he asked me to please reconsider.  However, by this time my daughter was excited and, frankly, so was I.  After taking our seat and as the wheel started moving, I looked at my father and saw distress.  He was so worried.  

When I recalled this incident the other day, I began thinking about our Heavenly Father and how diligent He is to watch His children.  Psalm 139 tells us that He is always aware of what we are doing, so I wonder what the look would be in His eyes when we put ourselves in danger or engage in sinful activities.  

The look in my dad's eyes came from his love for us.  If our parents love us that much, just think how incredible the love of God is!  I didn't honor Daddy's request and it hurt him because he was trying to keep us safe.  When we fail to follow the Lord's leading, we have to be aware that we are choosing our own path rather than staying under the protected cover of His wings.  

Thankfully, nothing happened to us that evening.  Were I to have the chance to relive the moment, I would take my father's advice because now I understand that, in his wisdom, he knew that I was putting both myself and my daughter in avoidable danger.  With age comes a deeper understanding of the frailty of life.  I am so grateful for his deep love and that the Lord chose that precious man to raise me.  And I am astounded by what the Father has taught me about Himself through my time with my dad.  

Lord, thank you that your eyes are always on us.  How I'd love to see the look of love that you have for each of your children.  

"I sing because I'm happy.  I sing because I'm free.  For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."  💓

MId-Week Message - Built By the Master Artist

 "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.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now  you have received mercy."  1 Peter 2:9-10  (NIV)  

As the school secretary for a new Christian school, it was important to me that the students there had their memories to look back upon just as they would in a public school via a school yearbook.  I enlisted the help of parents and teachers to take pictures throughout the school year, then, in the spring, I took those pictures in all the formats that I received them, and compiled them into a yearbook.  It was a lot of work as I had never handled such a large scale production before and I did it all alone.  It was also fun doing it alone because everyone, students and staff alike, were able to have fun discovering what was in them when we had our signing party.  The theme and title of the book for the first year was "Brick Upon Brick."  

Just as with building blocks or Legos, our lives come together one step, or brick, at a time.  I am not an artist, but those who are have told me that they follow the ideas that are in their heads.  If something doesn't work, they make changes, but before any work of art takes shape, the initial mark or stroke or lump of clay has to come first.  

If you are familiar with 1 Peter 2, then you know the verses that precede the ones I have chosen today speak of the cornerstone.  I did some reading about why a cornerstone is important in a masonry building.  That stone orients the entire creation.  It is the first stone laid and sets the direction.  Before it is laid, a lot of very careful planning is done so that there is no mistake made.  After that, one brick is laid upon another until the façade is complete.  

Just like in a building, our lives need a cornerstone.  We need a strong foundation that supports and directs us.  In scripture, Jesus is that Cornerstone.  When we receive Him as our Savior and Lord, align ourselves with Him and follow His teachings, then the spiritual "bricks" come together.  Our Father knows which "bricks" to allow into our lives to form us into the people that He has created us to be.  Just as an exquisite work of art begins with one stroke of a paintbrush, so He begins with one cell and continues building physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually until we become His masterpiece.  We may not be able to see what is happening, but the Master Artist is sure and confident in what He is creating.

I have been following several things that are happening in the lives of friends and family that would at first cause me to question why.  Sometimes it seems that some of those who live their lives most sincerely for the Lord experience hardships that are dumbfounding.  Perhaps you or your family are encountering times of difficulty or suffering as well.  My encouragement to you would be the assurance that there is One in charge who is fully aware of the burden you have been given to carry.  He doesn't ask you to carry it alone rather He desires that you turn to Him and ask for His help.  I cannot tell you why you are encountering this trying time, but I do believe that He will use it for His glory and to strengthen you.  Stay close to the Creator.  He knows what He is doing.  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - A Lesson From a Ferris Wheel

  "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer..."   1 Peter 3:12a  (NIV)

I can still see the look in his eyes.  When my daughter was four years old, we went to Texas City, Texas to visit my parents and my aunt and uncle.  One of the things I wanted to do was to take her to Galveston to see the beach and the ocean.  On the evening that we chose to go, my father, who never wanted to miss a moment with his first grandchild, decided to ride along.  

Before we got to the beach, she spotted a roadside carnival and began asking if we could go there after the beach.  She liked the sand and all the water, but she was most excited about stopping to have some fun on the way home.  Being that I also always loved carnivals, we stopped.  

She rode the Merry-Go-Round and a couple of other rides meant for young children.  We played a couple of the games and had some cotton candy.  She was curious about the Ferris Wheel so I asked the man who was running it if it would be safe for me to take her for a ride, as I am always concerned about my weight causing a problem.  After giving me the history of the wheel, he assured me it was more than sturdy enough.  

Now my father had never liked this particular ride.  He didn't trust it and he surely did not want his daughter and granddaughter on it.  He told me he didn't think it was a good idea and he asked me to please reconsider.  However, by this time my daughter was excited and, frankly, so was I.  After taking our seat and as the wheel started moving, I looked at my father and saw distress.  He was so worried.  

When I recalled this incident the other day, I began thinking about our Heavenly Father and how diligent He is to watch His children.  Psalm 139 tells us that He is always aware of what we are doing, so I wonder what the look would be in His eyes when we put ourselves in danger or engage in sinful activities.  

The look in my dad's eyes came from his love for us.  If our parents love us that much, just think how incredible the love of God is!  I didn't honor Daddy's request and it hurt him because he was trying to keep us safe.  When we fail to follow the Lord's leading, we have to be aware that we are choosing our own path rather than staying under the protected cover of His wings.  

Thankfully, nothing happened to us that evening.  Were I to have the chance to relive the moment, I would take my father's advice because now I understand that, in his wisdom, he knew that I was putting both myself and my daughter in avoidable danger.  With age comes a deeper understanding of the frailty of life.  I am so grateful for his deep love and that the Lord chose that precious man to raise me.  And I am astounded by what the Father has taught me about Himself through my time with my dad.  

Lord, thank you that your eyes are always on us.  How I'd love to see the look of love that you have for each of your children.  

"I sing because I'm happy.  I sing because I'm free.  For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."  💓

Mid-Week Message - The Scars of Life

 "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By his wounds you are healed."  1 Peter 2:24  (NLT)

An old friend of mine was in a terrible car accident when we were in high school.  She ended up with gashes in her face and many, many stitches.  I remember, once the stitches were removed, the reminders of that accident in the form of scars. Although they have faded with time, the traces remain.  

Parents do everything they can to safeguard their children from falls and accidents.  Sooner or later though, a head hits a table, a knee is scraped when falling from a bicycle, or a child needs a surgery that leaves a scar.  Aside from keeping them bundled up in bubble wrap, there isn't much we can do to totally prevent our little ones from injury in one form or another.  

There is a scene in the movie "Jaws" where the men on the boat are sitting around a table and comparing the proofs of their past hurts.  It is quite funny but it also points to the fact that as we age we have more and more evidence of things that have happened to us in life.  A history.  A physical, mental and emotional "photo album,"  if you will.  The marks of a lived life and the healing that occurred after the pain.

When Jesus was crucified, nails were driven through his hands and feet and a spear was thrust into His side.  These wounds left eternal scars on our Savior.  John 20:24-27 tells us that Thomas said he would not believe that the other disciples had seen Jesus (after His resurrection) until he could actually touch the wounds.  Eight days later, Jesus appeared before them and He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at my hands.  Put your hand into the wound in my side.  Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!"  

There are those who walk among us who bear physical scars obtained by acts of love such as the mark left behind after donating a kidney or the burns on the father who ran back into a burning house to rescue a child.  Lifelong reminders of sacrifices that would be made again should the same set of circumstances be presented.  We bear pain out of love without thinking about the marks that will be left behind.  

The love that Jesus showed for us is insurmountable.  The agony of all He withstood before He even was placed on the cross, unimaginable.  Yet, He withstood each blow, each insult, each rejection  because He understood that without His sacrifice there would be no forgiveness of our sins.  The scars that He bears belong to each of us.  

No matter what we experience in life, no matter the depth of pain we may deal with, when we observe the scars left behind, let's remember the One who came to rescue us for eternity.  One day, when we meet Him face to face, we will have the chance to kiss those nail-scarred hands.  What a day that will be!    

Mid-Week Message - The Carnival

 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer..."   1 Peter 3:12a  (NIV)

I can still see the look in his eyes.  When my daughter was four years old, we went to Texas City, Texas to visit my parents and my aunt and uncle.  One of the things I wanted to do was to take her to Galveston to see the beach and the ocean.  On the evening that we chose to go, my father, who never wanted to miss a moment with his first grandchild, decided to ride along.  

Before we got to the beach, she spotted a roadside carnival and began asking if we could go there after the beach.  She liked the sand and all the water, but she was most excited about stopping to have some fun on the way home.  Being that I also always loved carnivals, we stopped.  

She rode the Merry-Go-Round and a couple of other rides meant for young children.  We played a couple of the games and had some cotton candy.  She was curious about the Ferris Wheel so I asked the man who was running it if it would be safe for me to take her for a ride, as I am always concerned about my weight causing a problem.  After giving me the history of the wheel, he assured me it was more than sturdy enough.  

Now my father had never liked this particular ride.  He didn't trust it and he surely did not want his daughter and granddaughter on it.  He told me he didn't think it was a good idea and he asked me to please reconsider.  However, by this time my daughter was excited and, frankly, so was I.  After taking our seat and as the wheel started moving, I looked at my father and saw distress.  He was so worried.  

When I recalled this incident the other day, I began thinking about our Heavenly Father and how diligent He is to watch His children.  Psalm 139 tells us that He is always aware of what we are doing, so I wonder what the look would be in His eyes when we put ourselves in danger or engage in sinful activities.  

The look in my dad's eyes came from his love for us.  If our parents love us that much, just think how incredible the love of God is!  I didn't honor Daddy's request and it hurt him because he was trying to keep us safe.  When we fail to follow the Lord's leading, we have to be aware that we are choosing our own path rather than staying under the protected cover of His wings.  

Thankfully, nothing happened to us that evening.  Were I to have the chance to relive the moment, I would take my father's advice because now I understand that, in his wisdom, he knew that I was putting both myself and my daughter in avoidable danger.  With age comes a deeper understanding of the frailty of life.  I am so grateful for his deep love and that the Lord chose that precious man to raise me.  And I am astounded by what the Father has taught me about Himself through my time with my dad.  

Lord, thank you that your eyes are always on us.  How I'd love to see the look of love that you have for each of your children.  

"I sing because I'm happy.  I sing because I'm free.  For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."  💓

 

New Year's Eve Message - Don't Forget

Over the past couple of days, I have heard so many people say the same thing about 2020. Most of them would prefer to simply forget that the year even existed. Their calendars would go from 2019 to 2021 and make no mention of the year that shall forever be nameless. Some lost their jobs due to the shutdowns. Others had loved ones in the hospital from COVID-19. A few lost loved ones and friends to the pandemic. In addition, we saw riots and civil unrest. Many were injured or even killed. We mourn the untimely passing of individuals. Add in all of the other issues we faced and we see a year that is seemingly better forgotten. In short, 2020 is a year that will forever be remembered as the year that should never have been.

But, even in the times of struggle and strife, we should always remember that Father God is always with us and blesses us. Each day we are alive is yet another opportunity to serve Him as well as His children. Instead of concentrating on the good, we prefer to look at the bad. If each of us sat down and began to make a list of everything that went wrong in 2020, we could, within minutes, fill a sheet of paper. If I asked each to write down the good things, it would take longer to even think of one good thing to write down. In short, we tend to concentrate on the bad and often forget the good things.

As 2021 rapidly approaches, we should not look at 2020 as being a year to forget, but, rather, look at it as a year of learning and growing. I can easily say that I have grown spiritually. I, like most, began to concentrate on the bad and almost refused to look for the good in life. Each day seemed like just another day of problems. I turned on the television and there were still more problems facing the world. But, I began to do something else. I stopped watching the news. I just caught the headlines to know what was going on, but I refused to just see the bad. When I began to do that, I felt as if a weight were lifted from my shoulders and I stopped worrying about things that I could not control.

Jesus, in chapter six of the Gospel of Matthew, tells us, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father provides for all of our needs and that we don’t have to worry about what to eat, drink or wear. We don’t have to worry about shelter. God always provides for all that we need. All we have to do is have faith in that fact and allow God to direct our steps. Faith marries belief and action. We have to take the first step which is believing that God loves us and will provide. The action is moving past the constraints of this world and putting your trust in God.

When we do that, we can see God working the miracles in our lives and providing for our needs when we least expect it. As I faced a lot of uncertainty in my life, I witnessed many miracles and was able to overcome the struggles not by relying on my own strength, but, rather, relying on the everlasting arms of our Father. As we see those wonderful miracles, we must thank Him for His strength and the gift of His miracles. When we see more struggles and fear begins to creep back into our lives, we must stop and reflect on all the other times that God saw us through trials.

Peter, in chapter of five of his first epistle, writes, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

As our Father, God loves and cares for each of us and we, as His children, have the ability to go to Him in prayer. The one word that we should always remember is “all”. We don’t have to worry about anything. We can give all of our worries and cares to Him. God wants us to enjoy our lives and live each day in worship and not live in fear, uncertainty and doubt.

David, in Psalm 103, writes, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” 

This psalm should be our song at the end of the year. We should reflect on all that the Father has done for us and all of the blessings that He has showered upon us. We shouldn’t be concentrating on the bad and simply ignore or forget the good. Our lives are too short to worry and lament about our past struggles. God provides for our needs when things seem their darkest. The joy of the Lord indeed is our strength. 

So, as we come to the close of 2020, don’t allow your heart to be troubled with the struggles we endured, but, rather, praise God for all that He has done for you. Lift up your voice in praise and remember all of the good things He has done for you. When you do that, I can guarantee that you will finish 2020 with a light heart and look forward to 2021 with optimism and the ability to stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Share Your Story

My undergraduate degree is in English. In the four years that I was attending school, I read a great number of books and stories as well as wrote a great many papers and stories. However, there were moments when I would experience “writer’s block”. It is a term used by individuals to describe that moment when they just can’t find a stream of thought that would allow them to easily write a story. During those moments, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t seem to put the right words together. Sometimes, I would doodle and just let my mind wander a bit. Other times, I would take a walk or get a cup of coffee and hope that something would just pop into my head that would start my story.

As I reflected on those moments, I quickly realized that the story and words were right there in front of me, but I was trying to create a literary masterpiece. When I try to use flowery language and impress others with my command of the English language, that is where things begin to bog down and cause me to experience “writer’s block”.

Many years ago, I was asked to write down my testimony and deliver it to the congregation. I thought about the request and figured that I could easily put into words what had happened in my life that led me to my relationship with the Lord. Well, it was harder than I expected.

I sat quietly in my study staring at a blank computer screen with a flashing cursor waiting for my first word. Each time I started to write, I immediately deleted the few words that I managed to type. They just didn’t seem right. I even tried using the standard children’s book approach and started with “Once upon a time”. To make matters even worse, I added, “in a galaxy far, far away”. Yes. I tried everything. I walked around the house, went outside, put it aside for awhile and used all of the tricks and techniques of writers to take that first step in writing my story.

As I sat, once again, in front of my computer, I thought of the other times when I had to write my story. Everyone has, while in school, been given the opportunity to write about himself or herself. Think back a bit. There was that one assignment given to you by your teacher to write your autobiography. To make matters even worse, you had to read it aloud to the rest of the class. Remember how you felt about it?

I felt the same way about writing my testimony and reading it to the entire congregation. We all want our stories to be exciting and filled with great moments and events. We imagine that our stories would be turned into a movie of epic proportion sort of like “The Ten Commandments”. 

As we begin to think about the events in our lives, we soon realize that not all events are dramatic and full of fireworks and marching bands. We, for the most part, have very simple lives that don’t have a lot of pomp and circumstance. We do experience moments of turmoil and ordeal, but when you average all of the ups and downs, our lives are uneventful. Most of the time, we lead very simple and smooth lives.

If we were to compare our lives to flying, we would soon realize that most of it is boring, but there would be moments of terror.

The great American military pilot, Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, said this about flying, “Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror.”

When you think about what he said about flying and compare it to life you begin to see that there are moments in our lives that are filled with sheer terror. It is during those moments that our faith comes into play and helps us cope. Those moments are the ones we need to share. Because of them, our relationship with the Lord is strengthened and we begin to realize that God’s grace is truly sufficient in all cases.

When I thought about my life in that context, I began to tell my story of how I had lost my way because of anger with God and how I didn’t want to have a relationship with Him. As I relived those moments, I realized that my testimony is special not only to me but also to others who are or were going through a similar situation. By sharing those moments of sheer terror with others, we help strengthen them and build stronger relationships with God the Father. It is not enough to just share the great moments. We must share all the moments, good or bad, that make up our lives. 

As believers we are called upon to share our testimonies with others in order to tell them about God’s love and plan of salvation for all. We must, at a moment's notice, be prepared to share our stories and how we faced those moments of terror.

Peter, in chapter three of his first epistle, writes, “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”

There are a couple of key elements that we need to use when we give our stories to those who ask about our faith. The first is to be ready. I encourage each of you to think about your faith and write down your reason for accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord of your life. The other is to be gentle and respectful. Remember, no one saves another. God is the only one who gives salvation freely to those who accept His son as their Savior. All you need to do is plant the seed. If the ground is fertile, the seed will sprout and grow. If someone doesn’t want to hear what you have to say, that is fine as well. All you can do is be respectful. If they speak out against you, don’t return evil with evil. Let your good life speak for itself.

It might take a little time for the seed to sprout and grow, but you, at least, sowed the seed by sharing your story of love and salvation and how you were able to overcome your moments of sheer terror.

By being ready to share your testimony in a gentle and respectful way, Father God will provide you with the opportunities to share it with others. He will see your work and reward you for it. Just be ready and always stand firm in His grace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Mid-Week Message - Stand Up!

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."  1 Peter 3:13-14  (NIV) 

We can all remember times when we were tempted to do something that we knew was wrong.  Peer pressure is a mighty force, especially in our youth.  In order to be accepted, we will consider doing things that otherwise would never cross our minds.  That is why gangs become so powerful.  They draw young people in with the promise of acceptance and loyalty.  For those coming from broken or troubled homes, this is almost to much to resist.  

We are currently witnessing actions in this country that are riotous, violent and even deadly.  What one or just a handful of people would not do on their own escalates because of the sheer numbers of individuals willing to participate.  The fervor that ripples through the crowds encourages those involved to attack ideas, structures, automobiles and the lives of law enforcement officers and anyone else that they perceive is standing in the way of whatever they take on as their goal.  The destruction left in their wake is frightful at best.  

I have to wonder how many that are taking part in these riots claim to be Christians.  I would love to think that none of them would but I personally know some who have.  I do not understand how they reconcile this in their minds and hearts as they have witnessed the actions being taken by these crowds.  I am aware that we all have our own political and social opinions.  I simply do not understand how impacting our communities through destruction and pain becomes acceptable.

Beloved, this world is changing for the worst, just as we have been warned of.  2 Timothy 3 tells us, "But mark this:  There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to the their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God".   We are seeing this in real time as we watch the news reports and see the things being done, the words being spoken and the pain it is causing in so many lives.  

It is time to stand up for what is right.  There are many who wish to transform this country into a place where our Lord is not welcome.  We have already seen bans on Bible studies in public places, scriptures removed from signs and buildings, prayer banned in schools and the attempt to take the scriptures away from our military.  Even now there are those who want stained glass windows removed from churches, nativities disallowed, and statues of the Cross or Jesus torn down.  We need to pray like we have never prayed before but we also need to be vocal and be active in reaching out to those around us.  Many are confused.  Many are scared.  We have Jesus to share!  

This isn't the type of message I normally write, but if I am going to urge others to stand up for what is right and good and holy, then I must be willing to do so as well.  1 Peter 3:15 admonishes, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect".  

My prayer for each of us is for confidence in our relationship with the Lord and boldness to reach out, speak up and stand firm.  In His grace and mercy, God bless.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Restoring Those Who Have Wandered

Even with all of the modern devices of GPS and cellular phones equipped with map software, we can still find ourselves lost. As cities repair roads or bridges, travelers may find themselves lost while trying to follow detour signs. It doesn’t take much for us to get lost in a major city or even out in the country. Getting back on the right path may take help from those who are familiar with the area and can offer their guidance to those that have taken a wrong turn or two.

Many years ago, while I was traveling for one of my clients, I thought I knew exactly where their sales office was located. I made sure that my GPS (Global Positioning System) device had the latest map updates. The night before I had reviewed the directions to the location and felt very comfortable with my journey. However, I soon found out that the directions as reported to the mapping software were incorrect. I was driving around and around in circles while I tried to find the street and ultimately the building. Finally, I had to give up and call the contact at the office.

After a brief conversation, I soon received the right directions. The sales manager of the office greeted me and I thanked him profusely for his help. He told me that the GPS directions have been incorrect for over three years and that he had tried repeatedly to get them changed.

In our conversation as he was helping set up for the class, he said, “Everyone gets a little lost from time to time. I am just glad I could help you.”

Those words have always stuck in my mind and heart, because no truer words could have been spoken when it comes to our spiritual lives. We all, from time to time, get off the path and wander away from the Father. We are tempted and fall prey to the “wiles of the devil”.

When we listen to the words of that deceiver, we often find ourselves lost and wandering around in the wilderness. We listen to his directions and follow his lead. In time, we finally realize that we are lost and need help.

In my case, I finally decided to call for help. Instead of berating me, the man on the other end of the phone gave me wonderful directions and made me feel better. I was very fortunate to have someone who understood my problem and helped me get back on the right track.

As Christians, we are called upon to help others not only with their physical needs but also with their spiritual needs. Part of addressing their spiritual needs is to help when they go astray and wander away from the Father.

In chapter five of his book, James writes, “My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.”

We should work to restore that individual and do it with gentleness and without judgment. It serves no purpose to judge or ridicule that individual for the decision that was made to depart from God’s true path. We should act in love and with the desire to rejuvenate their spirits and guide them back on to the righteous path.

Paul, in chapter six of his letter to the Galatians, writes, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”

It is equally important to remember that the deceiver prowls like a hungry animal seeking to devour the souls of all those he ensnares. While we are trying to help, we, too, could fall prey and find ourselves equally as lost and wandering in darkness. We should always be on our guard and at the ready.

Peter, in chapter five of his first epistle, says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Satan loves nothing more than to ensnare two for the price of one. Be on guard and constantly vigilant as you help to restore those who are lost. It doesn’t take much for Satan to whisper in your ear and lead you away. His words may, at first, taste as sweet as honey, but you will soon find it souring in your belly. His poison will soon be spread throughout your soul and you could find yourself struggling to return to the righteous path.

I cannot stress enough, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, the absolute need to remain watchful as you work to restore anyone who has strayed. As you work with that person, God will see your efforts and will rejoice with you as the lost sheep is returned to the fold.

Listen to the words of Jesus, as recorded in chapter fifteen of the Gospel of Luke, “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

Jesus called upon each of us to love one another and build each other up spiritually. We truly are the keepers of our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We look out for one another and help those who are in need no matter what the need is.

 

As you through this week, realize that each of us can be tempted to take a detour and leave the straight and narrow path that God has for us. We can easily find ourselves wandering far from the Father and need help to return back to the light.

Our words should always be the same as those of the sales manager. When we help those who are lost, our Heavenly Father sees our efforts and rejoices in that one lost sheep returning to the fold. By restoring those in need, we know that we are doing God’s will and are able to stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Mid-Week Message - Brick Upon Brick

"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.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now  you have received mercy."  1 Peter 2:9-10  (NIV)  

As the school secretary for a new Christian school, it was important to me that the students there had their memories to look back upon just as they would in a public school via a school yearbook.  I enlisted the help of parents and teachers to take pictures throughout the school year, then, in the spring, I took those pictures in all the formats that I received them, and compiled them into yearbooks.  It was a lot of work as I had never handled such a large scale production before and I did it all alone.  It was also fun doing it alone because everyone, students and staff alike, were able to have fun discovering what was in them when we had our signing party.  The theme and title of the book for the first year was "Brick Upon Brick."  

Just as with building blocks or Legos, our lives come together one step, or brick, at a time.  I am not an artist, but those who are have told me that they follow the ideas that are in their heads.  If something doesn't work, they make changes, but before any work of art takes shape, the initial mark or stroke or lump of clay has to come first.  

If you are familiar with 1 Peter 2, then you know the verses that precede the ones I have chosen today speak of the cornerstone.  I did some reading about why a cornerstone is important in a masonry building.  That stone orients the entire creation.  It is the first stone laid and sets the direction.  Before it is laid, a lot of very careful planning is done so that there is no mistake made.  After that, one brick is laid upon another until the facade is complete.  

Just like in a building, our lives need a cornerstone.  We need a strong foundation that supports and directs us.  In scripture, Jesus is that Cornerstone.  When we receive Him as our Savior and Lord, align ourselves with Him and follow His teachings, then the spiritual "bricks" come together.  Our Father knows which "bricks" to allow into our lives to form us into the people that He has created us to be.  Just as an exquisite work of art begins with one stroke of a paintbrush, so He begins with one cell and continues building physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually until we become His masterpiece.  We may not be able to see what is happening, but the Master Artist is sure and confident in what He is creating.

I have been following several things that are happening in the lives of friends and family that would at first cause me to question why.  Sometimes it seems that some of those who live their lives most sincerely for the Lord experience hardships that are dumbfounding.  Perhaps you or your family are encountering times of difficulty or suffering as well.  My encouragement to you would be the assurance that there is One in charge who is fully aware of the burden you have been given to carry.  He doesn't ask you to carry it alone rather He desires that you turn to Him and ask for His help.  I cannot tell you why you are encountering this trying time, but I do believe that He will use it for His glory and to strengthen you.  Stay close to the Creator.  He knows what He is doing.  God bless. 

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Stray and Lost Sheep

Many of us in the United States have been ordered to shelter in place and, if we go out for essential items like food or medicines, we must make sure that we exercise “social distancing”. I am not going to tell you whether or not these policies work or not or discuss their merits. That debate will continue to go on and on and on until the end of time. When we look back at all of the events that have led up to this moment, what questions will we ask ourselves? Will thoughts of toilet paper shortages and canned meats and beans fill our heads? Or, will we think about all of the other things like not being able to go to bars and restaurants?

Although I am not pleased with some of the inconveniences of COVID-19, I do find it a great opportunity for me to look at society and myself and think about our spiritual response to all of this. Under certain jurisdictions, people are unable to go to church to worship. During Holy Week, many people could not attend services at their local churches. Churches provided “virtual services” to their congregations by live streaming their messages. The pandemic of 2020 has changed many things and has allowed us to examine our culture and the way we interact with one another. We can no longer take things for granted. Even the simplest things we do like shake hands or hug one another are being viewed as things that people used to do. Touching elbows and even “fist bumping” are now being considered unacceptable due to the close proximity of individuals.

We have a lot of things to think about and an ample amount of time to reflect and process. What will the “brave, new world” look like when we emerge from our shelters? We will find that we prefer the distance limitation and run back to our little holes like scared rabbits? Earlier this week, I read an article about a study looking at whether people would be too scared to return to work or even wanting to go outside. Every time a doctor or another expert answers a reporter’s question, we are not only flooded with additional information but we also have to deal with all of the commentary from other doctors and experts. Each day It seems like we are flooded with more and, at times, conflicting information. Our hearts are filled with fear, uncertainty and doubt. We are literally drowning in a sea of information and we are desperately trying to figure out what will happen next.

As we ponder the next steps of a society that is facing a pandemic, I think it is time for each of us to ponder our next step. I am not talking about wondering if going to the store will be safe. What I am talking about is our spiritual steps. Have you thought about your life and each step that you have made? Have you wandered away from and rebelled against your Shepherd and guardian of your soul?

Peter, in chapter two of his first epistle, writes, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.”

Notice what Peter says at the end of the scripture. He reminds us that each of us were like sheep. We strayed away or got lost and wandered from the gentle hand of the one and true Shepherd. Instead of staying close, we put our trust in other things. We worshiped other things like money and fame. We allowed our vanity to get the better of us as we strayed further and further away from the Shepherd. 

Even now, other shepherds preach to the flock and lead them away with promises of wealth and health. Some sell trinkets and so-called cures for all those things that ail you. These shepherds speak of things of this world and play to your pride. They tell you things you want to hear as you shelter in place and hope that things will return to normal.

Do not listen to them or be fooled by them. Their words are sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the belly. Their words and their voices only lead to destruction, death and damnation. They will tell you what you want to hear and have you following them. There is only one Shepherd and Guardian of your soul. You know this and you know his voice.

Jesus, in chapter ten of the Gospel of John, says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”

Although no one can snatch the sheep away from the Good Shepherd, his hand will not stop them from wandering and straying away. We have a choice. We can either stay with the Shepherd who provides us green pastures and living water or follow the other shepherds who preach a doctored up gospel full of gimmicks, junk and cons that lead you further astray.

Each of you already knows his voice. You know that “his law is love and his gospel is peace”.

The prophet Jeremiah reveals God’s message to His people in plain language. In chapter ten, Jeremiah writes, “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. All who found them devoured them. Their enemies said, ‘We did nothing wrong in attacking them, for they sinned against the Lord, their true place of rest, and the hope of their ancestors.’”    

We know where our true place of rest and peace is and where our hope is grounded. We belong to the one true and Good Shepherd. Jesus is that Good Shepherd who willingly gave his life for his sheep.

Take this time while you are sheltered in place to listen to the voice of the true and Good Shepherd. Listen to his words and follow his example. He came to serve and not be served. He came to save and not condemn. He came to love and not hate. He was the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. He died a criminal’s death upon a cross for our sins and iniquities. Isn’t it about time that you live your life as God intended in fullness and in love and not in fear, uncertainty and doubt?

Jesus, in chapter eleven of the Gospel of Matthew, says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Don’t allow the time that you have been given to slip through your fingers. Use this time to listen to that voice that you already know so very well. It is the voice of the Good Shepherd that leads his flock to the still waters that restores their souls. Find that rest and peace that you so desperately seek and desire. When you return to him, you will be strengthened and can face tomorrow with boldness, certainty and confidence by standing firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Use Your Gift According to His Will

As I continue this series on chapter twelve of Paul’s letter to those in Rome, I will be looking at the different gifts given to each of us by God, not only to serve Him but also to be used to serve others. Paul, in this chapter, discusses how to live as a sacrifice to God. Each day, we have an opportunity to do something that brings glory to the Father and, in the process, we are able to use those gifts to serve others. As we use those gifts, we must always remember where they came from. They did not magically appear or just pop out of nowhere. These gifts come directly from God and need to be used to glorify Him and to serve those around us. We should not use our gifts as a means of generating worldly profits. 

In chapter six of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul writes to the young, budding preacher there at Ephesus, “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

Money, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. Using our talent to provide for our daily needs is one thing. But, it is entirely different when you use your God-given gift to line your pockets at the expense of God’s people. The evil part of money comes when it becomes our one and only desire and our passion. We are no longer interested in glorifying God with the gift given to us by Him. It is our perversion of that gift that causes issues. The love of money only leads to ruin and destruction. When we spend more time selfishly working to milk the gift for all of its worth, we begin to wander away from the true faith.

For example, SFIHG Ministries does not sell items for donations. All of the donations that we receive goes into furthering God's work by sharing the Good News with all. My wife and I have given Bibles and crosses in the name of the Father to those who desperately need the Word. What little money that is left is used to build the ministry and grow it to reach more people. Websites and tools are not cheap, but providing the Word of God without cost is the first priority of our ministry. We have been very blessed by those who have become partners in sharing the Gospel and love of God to all. Over the years, our ministry received gifts from those who desired to give of their abundance to us to help those in need and provided them with Bibles without charge. No one should use his or her gift from God to profit from it. 

Starting with verse six, Paul writes in Romans, “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

There are a couple of key points that Paul makes regarding the gifts we receive from God. The first is that all gifts come from God and through His grace. That means that the gifts cannot be earned or purchased. He gives them to us in accordance to His will and we are to use them to glorify Him and to serve those around us.

James, in chapter one of his epistle, writes, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

Because of God’s very nature, whatever He provides is good and perfect and it comes directly from Him. So, the gift we receive must be used for good only. It should never be used to further our own selfish desires or passions. 

The other thing to consider is that we are not to squander our gifts but to use them well. Look closely at what Paul writes. He reminds us to use our gifts well and not to just “phone it in”. If we serve others, we must do it well. If we teach, we must do it well. The gift must never just be taken for granted or lightly. The use of our gifts should always show those around us where they came from and who is glorified by it. 

Peter, in chapter four of his first letter, puts it this way, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”

Peter drives the point home very well. When we use our gifts as intended by God, the outcome of their use is always the same. God, not us, is glorified. God supplies us with everything that is needed to use our gifts to their fullest potential.

When we realize that what we received from God are truly gifts from His bountiful hand, we are able to fully understand how we are to use those gifts. The use of all gifts should do two things. They should glorify God and should be used to serve others. 

As you continue your walk with the Lord, seek His will in everything you do. Use the gift you received from God in accordance to His will and in keeping with the example of His son, Christ Jesus. As you act as God’s living sacrifice daily, you can rest assured that you will always stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Thanksgiving Message - He Hears and Responds

During the harsh first winter in the New World, the Pilgrims had to endure disease and hunger. I am sure that each prayed for a miracle and hoped that the next morning would be the beginning of better and easier times. When that morning didn’t come, it would have been so easy for each to simply give up and stop praying. Some would even wonder whether or not God was even listening to their prayers and hearing their cries for help.

It is so hard to have rock-solid faith when it seems that God is not listening and answering your prayers. When you see a loved one going through a medical or financial issue, you pray for the miracle that would immediately lift the burden off of that person’s shoulders. We all want the miracle and prefer not having to endure all of the pain and suffering.

For me, it has been almost two years since my initial illness. To this day, I continue to suffer from it. I look back at all of the things that were done to me. I endured surgery after surgery. Doctors and specialists could not guarantee the outcome. But, we all knew there was only one great physician who could bring healing with just a touch or a spoken word. Our faith in Jesus guided every decision and next step in my recovery.

Many have asked whether or not I am cured. No one can guarantee that. According to other specialists, I have a twenty percent chance of having to go back through the entire ordeal. If it were to happen again, the surgeons have already told me that the next surgeries would be extremely radical. One specialist referred to the entire process as “going commando”. 

There were so many times when I prayed and asked the Lord to heal me completely and give me back my health. My wife listened to me weeping and crying out to the Lord for mercy. I would be on my hands and knees before the Lord. Tears would be streaming down my face and falling to the floor as I asked the Lord to take this cup away from me. But, in the end, I realized that His will comes first in my life.

There are those who will tell you that God is a divine vending machine. If you put enough money into the donation plate or box, He will give you what you want. Nowhere do those individuals talk about faith as being the only thing that you need to have. When they ask for money and donations, faith is absent from their messages. If they do mention the word, faith, it is often in passing and is only there just to add something extra to the divine formula of prosperity.

If you don’t get what you want or desire, that’s when those individuals talk about your lack of faith and tell you that you didn’t give God everything. They even have the nerve to ask for more money, because that really shows your faith in God.

Some will quote Peter’s first letter by reminding us that God “hears us whenever we ask for anything”. But, they conveniently leave out the next part of that verse.

Peter, in chapter five of his first epistle, writes, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

Do you see what most leave out? They skip or skim over the portion of the verse about pleasing Him. God does hear and respond to our prayers, but our requests must be in keeping with His will. 

As I continue to deal with my illness and its aftermath, I am humbled by the whole experience. I learned that it is only by faith that I was able to get through the valley of darkness. God heard my prayers each and every day. He heard them change from prayers demanding a miracle to prayers for guidance, wisdom and love. He gave me the strength that I needed during my times of weakness. Jesus stood there holding my hand when I was enduring the medications, procedures and countless tests. He stood with the specialists and helped them see clearly and guided decisions in my treatment plan. I learned that He was there with me and that I was not alone.

Late at night, when my last round of medication was done and I had a quiet moment, I prayed for each of the people who were there in the hospital. I asked the Lord for a miracle for each. In just a short period of time, I saw people walking who thought that they would never walk again. 

Because of my experience and my daily struggle, my prayers are different. I thank God for His love and for His son, Jesus. I thank Him for those who are in my life and their love for me. I pray for those who are in need and thank Him for my opportunities to help those in need.

In Psalm sixty-six, the psalmist writes, “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.”

While I was in my hospital room for weeks, I had time to think and reflect on this one psalm. Each time I read it, I gained a better understanding and my faith grew with each reading. God never withdrew His love for me. He watched over me every moment of every day. He cradled me gently in His loving hand and guided my next steps. 

John, in chapter sixteen of his gospel, records Jesus’ words to his disciples. He tells them, “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus knew that the Father was with him every step of his life and that nothing could prevent that. We need to be more like Jesus in our faith. We need to remember that the Father is always there and is listening to our prayers and providing answers. Although we may face times of trouble and trial, we, like Jesus, can overcome the world by fixing our eyes on Him who can hold us up in victory.

As the Pilgrims of old, we need to remain grounded in faith and know that God is listening and loves us. If you feel alone and that your faith is waning, I ask you today to look deep into your soul and examine it. Have you just given up and feel that all is lost? Think of how the Pilgrims felt when another day of death and hunger came. They prayed, but the miracle didn’t come. 

In the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, the author writes, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

We must remain in faith and continue to rest assured that God is listening. Things will change in time. Just like the Pilgrims, we will have our season of bounty and harvest and sit at the table prepared by God for us. But, that season will only come when it is time. When we patiently wait on the Lord, we can definitely stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Simple, Sage Wisdom

As I get older, the two things I cannot stand in my life are complications and complexity. For me, those are the two things that get under my skin. When you think about it, everything that annoys us can be traced to these two things. The more things we have and money we make lead to complications, for example, in figuring out our taxes. Instead of “rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s”, we spend hours and hours trying to figure out our taxes. If we don’t figure them correctly, the Internal Revenue Service is there to help us and teach us a valuable lesson regarding our taxes. If we can afford to, we can hire someone to handle our taxes for us which requires us to earn more money to pay for those services which leads to more complications and complexity in our lives. As we continue to make more money and buy more and bigger things, we experience a lot more complications and complexity in our lives.

My father was a very simple man and lived his life in a very simple way. He believed in God the Father and that his salvation came through the blood of Christ Jesus. When I reflect upon his life, I realize that my life is nowhere near the example of my father. My life is cluttered and full of things that just complicate my life and add layers upon layers of complexity to it. My father grew up during the Great Depression and he knew the value of a day’s work and that every person has an opportunity to not only better himself or herself but also provide for the next generation. He believed that God was his provider. There were times in his life that he looked to God for wisdom and guidance. If I could say one thing about my father, he truly was a man after God’s own heart. 

The apostle Paul, like my father, was a man who provided those around him with God’s wisdom that was imparted to him. In many instances, that wisdom was very simple and direct. There was no complexity or complicated ideas. The wisdom that he provided was more than just a series of words. They were heart-felt and came directly from God. Those very words should resonate with the spirits of all believers.

In the sixteenth chapter of his first epistle to the believers in Corinth, Paul writes, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

If you think about his words, you can easily see that what he tells those there in the church of Corinth to do are simple things. Although they are simple in nature, they are the most profound actions any believer could do.

The first thing Paul tells them and us is that we must be on guard. When it comes to Satan, he truly is the accuser. He can easily seduce the sympathetic ear and heart into doing things that are contrary to God and His will. It is so very easy for us to become disobedient. He, like a roaring lion, is looking for souls to devour.
Peter, in chapter five of his first epistle, tells us the same thing, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Paul tells us to stand firm in our faith. If we are on guard and alert, we can easily see the enemy advance towards us. How will you react? Will you stand firm and prepare for the devil’s onslaught and attack? 

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. If we are to stand on faith, we must prepare for spiritual warfare daily. It is not enough to say we are ready. We must be fully prepared. We have every weapon in God’s armory at our disposal. 

Paul writes in chapter six of Ephesians, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”

Notice that Paul mentions the same words. He tells us to “stand firm” and to “stand your ground”. If we remain faithful and true to God, we can easily, after every battle, stand firm in our faith. Any soldier will tell you the same thing. You do not go into battle without all of your equipment. If you take the field, you must be fully prepared and equipped to do battle. If you fail to put on just one piece, there is a weakness and the enemy will seek it out.

Paul gives us the same words that the Lord gives to Joshua. Joshua, who becomes the leader of the Israelites, is given some of the best words of encouragement that anyone who is asked to lead needs.

In the first chapter of Joshua, the Lord charges Joshua with the leadership of the Israelites by saying, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Notice how many times in just this short passage that God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” Like Joshua, we need to be reminded constantly that we have nothing to fear. We allow this sinful, fallen world to tear us down spiritually. We fail in standing firm in our faith when we are not on guard and alert. When the enemy senses that we are complacent or sleeping on watch, that is when he attacks. As long as we are alert and have on our full armor, we are ready and do not have to be afraid or discouraged. God is always with us no matter where we go or what we face. As long as we obey, we will prosper and succeed in all that we do. That is God’s promise to each of us.

Lastly, Paul gives us the most important words of wisdom. We are to do everything in love. Early in his letter, Paul tells us about the greatest of all gifts, love. 

In chapter 13 of what is often referred to as “The Love Passage”, Paul writes, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

Of all of the gifts that we have received from our Heavenly Father, the greatest is love. That love is summed up so eloquently in the Gospel of John. It is a very short passage in the third chapter. 

John writes, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

God showed us His love for the entire world and we are to do the same. We must act in love just as Jesus acted in love for us when he gave his life so that we could have salvation and no longer live under the burden and requirements of the law. The required payment and sacrifice for being disobedient was paid not only through the blood of Christ Jesus but also through his love for us.

As you reflect on this, remember the last command that Jesus gave his disciples. In chapter thirteen of John, Jesus tells them, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

When we act in love, we show the world what true love really is. 

The words and wisdom written by Paul are very simple. They are not complicated or complex in nature. Do not add or take anything away from the message of faith, hope and love. If you remain grounded in this simple, sage wisdom, you can easily stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.