Mid-Week Message - Choosing His Path

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all sin."  1 John 1:7 (NLT)

One evening when my daughter was about four years old, I was preparing dinner while waiting for my husband to arrive home from work.  She was at the dining room table coloring in her coloring book with markers.  Or at least, I thought that was what she was doing.  When my husband walked in the door she said to him, "Look, Daddy! I changed colors!"  I spun around to find that my sweet little darling had colored her face, arms and hands orange.  Thankfully, the markers were washable.  After a quick bath, we sat down and had our dinner.  

I find great humor in telling that story.  However, it reminds me that even as adults we can find ourselves taking on the hue of the world.  It is so easy to drift into situations and lifestyles that can change our appearance before others and our Lord.  It is vital that we use godly wisdom as our guide as we make everyday decisions.  

1 Thessalonians 5:22 admonishes us to, "Stay away from every kind of evil."  The more we involve ourselves with words or activities that we know are not pleasing to the Lord, the more used to them we become and we start to think of them as acceptable.  

Not long ago in the history of this nation, men were careful of what they said around women.  It was considered disrespectful to use foul language in the presence of ladies.  Somewhere along the line, that ceased.  Now that language is considered "normal" and is used by men and women and even some of our children.  It is prevalent in movies and is heard more and more in television shows.  We have been desensitized by hearing it so much.  

The same can be said about sexual depictions and innuendo that are also rampant in our media and literature.  We don't even seem to blink our eyes anymore when we hear or see off-color representations of what God created to be holy.  

Christians are to be reflections of our Savior, Jesus.  For this to happen, we need to align ourselves with Him, rather than the world.  I have mentioned only two ways that the world influences our behavior.  However, the list is endless.  The only way to avoid mirroring the evil of the world rather than the holiness of Jesus, is to spend plenty of quality time in the scriptures observing His actions and reactions and then deciding to turn our backs on situations that lead us away from what we know would be unacceptable to Him.  

When I am called home to Heaven, my hope is that whatever memories of me remain point to Him.  The Christian music group named Casting Crowns has a song titled "Only Jesus".  One of the lines in the song says, "I don't care if they remember me, only Jesus."  We were created to bring glory to the Creator.  Out of His great love He sent His only Son to die on the cross to cleanse us from our sins.  It is my desire, and I hope yours as well, to glorify and honor Him by keeping myself clean in a world of muck and mire.  He gave us free wills.  We have the privilege of choosing which path we wish to take.  I choose His.  God bless.  

Being Healthy to Serve God

As we arrive at the fourth and final pillar in our “Four Pillars of a God-Centered Life” series, we come to a truth that is often overlooked in discussions of spiritual living, yet it is one of great significance: being healthy in order to serve God. Over the past several weeks, we have reflected on the importance of keeping God as our focus, nurturing our families with love and faith, and simplifying our lives to make space for what matters most. Each of these pillars has helped us realign our lives with God’s purpose. Now we turn to the vessel through which all ministry, service, and worship is carried out—our physical bodies.

Scripture teaches us that our bodies are not our own. They are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased with the precious blood of Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” These verses are not simply about avoiding sin—they are a call to sacred stewardship. Our health—physical, mental, and emotional—plays a vital role in our ability to walk in obedience, to lead our families, to love our neighbors, and to serve God with energy and joy.

This message is not about worldly fitness or appearance. It is about faithful readiness. It is about recognizing that when we neglect our health, we may also limit our ability to carry out the good works God has prepared for us. Let us now explore what it means to live a life that honors the Lord through our bodies, and how we may be strengthened—not for self—but for the glory of God and the service of His Kingdom.

The body, though physical and temporal, plays a sacred role in the believer’s spiritual life. It is the vessel through which we speak words of encouragement, extend hands of compassion, and walk the paths of obedience that God has set before us. Our bodies are not incidental to our faith—they are instruments of worship and service. As such, they must not be neglected or abused, but rather cared for with the reverence due to something entrusted by God for His divine purposes.

In Romans 12:1, Paul makes this appeal: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This offering is not symbolic—it is practical. It involves how we treat our physical selves, how we rest, how we nourish, and how we preserve the strength God has given us so that we might be useful in His Kingdom.

Even the simplest acts—cooking a meal for a neighbor, teaching a child, standing in worship, or going where God sends us—require the cooperation of the body. When we neglect our health, we limit not only our comfort but also our capacity to serve. Our physical vitality, when rightly stewarded, becomes a tool for ministry. And in honoring our bodies, we honor the Lord who designed them and dwells within them through His Spirit.

It is a truth we must confront with both humility and hope: when we neglect our health—whether through inaction, poor habits, or the relentless busyness of life—we often limit the very vessel God has entrusted to us for His service. A weary, burdened, or broken-down body can hinder the joyful execution of ministry. Fatigue steals energy meant for compassion. Poor choices weaken the strength needed for obedience. And unresolved stress clouds the clarity of God's calling.

We do not speak of perfection, nor do we speak with condemnation. Rather, we speak with the understanding that a healthy body is a gift that equips us to love, serve, and glorify God more fully. When we care for our health in the spirit of stewardship, we are not chasing vanity—we are choosing vitality for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

The importance of this truth becomes even clearer when we look to the example of our Lord in John 2:13–17. Upon entering the temple courts, Jesus found them filled not with reverence, but with distraction—money changers, merchants, and exploitation. In righteous indignation, He cleansed the temple, declaring, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” He was not just restoring order—He was reestablishing sacred purpose.

In much the same way, our bodies—temples of the Holy Spirit—can become cluttered and misused. We may fill them with unhealthy habits, neglect, stress, or indulgence. Yet the Spirit of Christ calls us to cleanse and restore this sacred space—not with violence, but with discipline, repentance, and reverence. We are invited to reclaim our bodies for the purpose for which they were created: to be vessels of worship and instruments of holy service.

Let us be willing to examine our lives, to cast out what distracts and defiles, and to rededicate these earthly temples to the glory of the One who bought us at a price.

When we embrace a simplified life—as we explored in the previous message—we open our hearts and homes to the gentle order of God’s design. That same simplification, when applied to our health, allows us to steward our physical well-being with greater clarity and intention. Simplicity is not merely about having less—it is about living with purpose. And that purpose includes caring for the body God has entrusted to us.

When our lives are overfilled with commitments, stress, and distractions, our health often suffers. Meals are rushed or skipped. Rest becomes secondary. Exercise is postponed. We push our limits until fatigue becomes familiar and illness is quietly accepted. But when we simplify, we reclaim time for things that nourish—not just the soul, but also the body. We are better able to eat mindfully, rest intentionally, and move regularly—all acts that support our ability to serve with strength and joy.

As with every other area of our lives, health is a matter of stewardship. We are called to manage our time, our resources, and our relationships for God's glory. Our bodies are no different. They are not to be neglected, nor idolized, but cared for in a way that reflects gratitude to our Creator. Just as simplifying our possessions helped my wife and me refocus on what truly mattered, attending to our health becomes an act of honoring the Lord—giving Him our best, so that we may be fully present, ready, and able to do His will.

In this way, the third and fourth pillars stand side by side. A simplified life prepares the way for faithful stewardship of the body. And a healthy body, in turn, supports a more focused, fruitful, and God-honoring life.

When we speak of honoring God with our bodies, we are not merely discussing wellness—we are bearing witness to our faith. Every act of care we extend toward our health becomes a quiet testimony that we believe our lives are not our own, but belong fully to the One who redeemed us. Stewarding our physical health with diligence and humility proclaims to the world, “My body is a vessel of worship, a tool for service, and a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.”

This testimony is most powerful when it is lived out in the everyday—when we choose to rest instead of overextend, to eat with wisdom instead of indulgence, to move in strength instead of remain idle, and to approach each day not with self-centered goals, but with a desire to be ready for whatever God may call us to do. In this way, caring for our bodies becomes an extension of discipleship.

It is not about perfection, nor is it about appearance. It is about readiness. A healthy body allows us to minister without hesitation, to serve without fatigue becoming a constant obstacle, and to be present for our families and our fellow believers in meaningful, lasting ways. It means we are able to pray longer, stand stronger, endure more, and love better. Even in times of sickness or physical limitation, our willingness to honor God through how we care for ourselves can be a beacon of hope and a model of faithfulness.

In a world that often seeks health for self-glory, we seek it for God's glory. That is the difference. That is the witness. Our bodies, though temporary, are sacred. When we care for them in reverence and gratitude, we show the world that we serve a living God who is worthy of every part of our lives—even our physical strength.

As we bring this series to its final message, I pray that these four pillars—keeping God as your focus, nurturing the family, simplifying life, and being healthy to serve—have not only spoken to your heart, but have also offered practical direction for your walk with Christ. Though today’s message marks the end of this particular series, it is by no means the end of the journey. In truth, it is the beginning of a renewed way of life, built upon the firm foundation of God’s truth, love, and purpose.

In the weeks ahead, I will be prayerfully seeking how the Lord might lead us to build further upon these truths—perhaps through expanded messages, devotionals, or even a published work that gathers the fullness of these teachings into one unified volume. However the Lord leads, my prayer is that you will continue walking forward, applying these pillars not as distant ideals, but as daily, Spirit-led practices.

The strength of a God-centered life is not measured in grand moments, but in quiet obedience—day by day, choice by choice, step by step. May you be encouraged to live that kind of life, shaped by God’s Word and sustained by His grace.

Beloved, as we close this message and complete our journey through the Four Pillars of a God-Centered Life, I urge you to prayerfully consider the stewardship of your body as an offering to the Lord. Just as we are called to honor Him with our hearts, our time, and our resources, so too are we called to honor Him with our physical selves. This is not a call to vanity or self-reliance, but a call to readiness—to be fully present and able to serve God with joy, strength, and endurance.

Ask yourself today: Am I honoring God with the way I care for the body He has entrusted to me? Are there habits, patterns, or neglect that hinder my ability to serve Him and others? What one step can I take this week to restore this temple and prepare it for His service?

Perhaps it is getting more rest, taking a walk, preparing a healthier meal, setting boundaries that protect your peace, or seeking medical or emotional help where needed. Whatever that step may be, let it be an act of worship. Let it be a declaration that your body belongs to God, and that you desire to be a faithful steward of every part of your life.

Let us not wait until our strength is gone to offer ourselves to the Lord. Let us offer our best today. And in doing so, may our lives be a living sacrifice—holy, pleasing, and wholly devoted to His glory.

As we conclude this message and bring the Four Pillars of a God-Centered Life to a close, let us do so with the sobering and empowering reminder found in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8 (NIV):

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober... putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

These words remind us to live alert, intentional, and prepared—not only spiritually, but also physically and emotionally. A God-centered life is not a passive existence. It is a deliberate, daily commitment to walk in the light of His Word, to guard the sacred gifts we’ve been given, and to use every part of our lives—including our health—for the glory of the One who has redeemed us.

You are not your own. You were bought with a price. Therefore, let your whole life—heart, soul, mind, and body—be a testimony of gratitude and reverence.

May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.

Living in Harmony and the Power of Gratitude

In today’s message, we turn to Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, a letter filled with encouragement and practical wisdom for the Christian life. Paul, deeply invested in the spiritual growth of the Thessalonian church, wrote this epistle to guide and strengthen the believers in their faith. After founding the church during his missionary journey, Paul had to leave abruptly due to persecution, but his heart remained with the young believers. Concerned for their well-being, he sent this letter to encourage them to remain steadfast in the face of trials, offering counsel on how they should live in harmony with one another and faithfully follow Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-19, Paul presents a series of exhortations that emphasize the importance of respect for spiritual leaders, encouragement within the body of Christ, and the power of joy, prayer, and gratitude.

As we explore these verses, we are reminded that the Christian life is not lived in isolation but in community. Paul’s instructions are timeless, showing us how to foster peace, support one another, and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, even in the midst of challenges. Let us open our hearts to these divine principles as we seek to live in accordance with God’s will, continually rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in every circumstance.

Paul begins this portion of his letter by addressing the relationship between the congregation and their spiritual leaders. He urges the Thessalonian believers to respect those who labor among them and lead them in the Lord. This respect is not merely about acknowledging authority, but rather recognizing the hard work and dedication that come with spiritual leadership. Paul calls for believers to hold their leaders in the highest regard, not out of obligation, but out of love, because of the significant work they do for the spiritual well-being of the community. Moreover, he encourages the church to live in peace with one another, fostering unity within the body of Christ.

This message is just as relevant for us today. We are called to honor those who serve us through ministry—pastors, teachers, and all who work tirelessly for the spiritual growth of the congregation. Their guidance and leadership are essential for maintaining the health and unity of the church. Let us consider how we can show appreciation for their efforts and support them in their service, understanding that this is a reflection of our love for God and His people.

In the next part of his exhortation, Paul turns his attention to how believers should interact with one another within the church. He gives specific instructions for dealing with different members of the body of Christ, understanding that not everyone is in the same place in their spiritual journey. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to "warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient with everyone." Each of these actions reflects the diversity of needs within the church and highlights the necessity of approaching one another with love, understanding, and compassion.

Paul’s message is a call for active engagement in the lives of fellow believers. Whether it is through admonishing those who have become complacent, lifting up those who are discouraged, or providing assistance to the weak, we are to support and nurture one another in love. Most importantly, Paul emphasizes patience, urging believers to bear with one another’s shortcomings as they grow in Christ. This is not a passive patience but a deliberate act of kindness and forbearance, showing grace to others as Christ shows grace to us. In our own walk, we are reminded that the Christian community thrives when we build each other up and walk together with patience and compassion.

Paul continues with three profound instructions for living a faithful Christian life: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances." These verses encapsulate the essence of a heart that is fully surrendered to God, regardless of external circumstances. To "rejoice always" does not mean we ignore the challenges or pain we experience in life, but rather that we maintain a deep sense of joy rooted in our relationship with Christ. This joy is not dependent on our situation but on the unchanging faithfulness of God.

"Pray without ceasing" emphasizes the importance of constant communication with God. This is not limited to formal prayers but includes a continuous attitude of dependence on and communion with Him throughout our day. It reminds us to seek God’s presence in all things, trusting in His guidance and care.

Lastly, Paul instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances." Gratitude, especially in difficult times, is a powerful expression of faith. When we give thanks, even in hardship, we are acknowledging that God is sovereign and that He works all things together for good. Paul concludes by reminding us that these practices—joy, prayer, and gratitude—are God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. As believers, we are called to embody these principles in our daily lives, trusting that they reflect God’s perfect design for our well-being and spiritual growth.

Paul concludes this series of exhortations with a strong warning: "Do not quench the Spirit." The imagery here is vivid, likening the Holy Spirit’s work to a fire, one that can either be nurtured or extinguished. To "quench" the Spirit is to suppress or hinder His active presence and guidance in our lives. This can happen through disobedience, neglect, or a hardened heart. When we ignore the promptings of the Spirit, whether in matters of personal conviction or in the exercise of spiritual gifts, we limit the power and work of God in our midst.

For the early church, and for us today, this is a critical reminder of the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. The Spirit empowers us for ministry, guides us into truth, and transforms our lives. By remaining open and responsive to the Spirit, we allow God's purposes to unfold both in our personal walk and in the life of the church. On the contrary, quenching the Spirit diminishes our ability to live out the fullness of God's calling.

This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. Are we resisting the Spirit’s work through complacency, fear, or pride? Or are we nurturing His presence through prayer, obedience, and an openness to His guidance? As we reflect on this, let us commit to keeping the flame of the Spirit alive in our lives and within the church, allowing God’s transformative power to move freely among us.

As we reflect on Paul’s exhortations in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-19, we are reminded of the practical yet profound principles that guide our Christian walk. We are called to respect and honor our spiritual leaders, to foster a spirit of unity and peace within the body of Christ, and to actively encourage and support one another. In addition, we are instructed to rejoice always, maintain an unceasing attitude of prayer, and give thanks in every circumstance. These are not just suggestions, but God's will for us in Christ Jesus—an invitation to live a life filled with joy, gratitude, and faithfulness, regardless of our circumstances.

Moreover, we are warned not to quench the Spirit but to remain open to His work in our lives, allowing God to lead and empower us for His purposes. These are timeless truths that speak to the heart of Christian living, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey but are guided by God’s Spirit and supported by one another.

As we go forth this week, let us take these teachings to heart. I encourage each of you to find ways to show appreciation for your spiritual leaders, to offer encouragement and support to those around you, and to commit to a life of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. Let us remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, nurturing His presence in our lives, and allowing God to work through us for His glory. Together, let us live out these principles, trusting that in doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and experience the fullness of life that He desires for us.

Mid-Week Message - Keep Praying

 "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP)

Since the time I was a little tiny girl, my greatest ambition was to be a wife and mother.  Playing house was my absolute favorite thing to do.  When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same.  A mommy.  So of course as I grew I assumed that as soon as I graduated I would get married.  

High school was a difficult time for me as I have told you before.  I didn't have a boyfriend so all ideas of marrying right after high school went out the door.  Fine.  There was always college.  I had always wanted to go to college.  I still didn't worry about marrying after graduation because surely God would never give me that desire if He wasn't going to fulfill it.  However, I had no boyfriends in college either so after graduation, I worked.  

Several more years passed during which I prayed regularly for the Lord to bring into my life the man I was meant to spend life with.  I was edging closer to the age of thirty and I was starting to get a little concerned that it wasn't going to happen for me.  However, by the age of thirty-three I was growing weary of asking and trusting.  I began to convince myself that it just wasn't going to happen.  Within two weeks, I had my answer.  

What I didn't know was that God was doing many things that I didn't know about.  I had lost the job that I had worked at for several years and been hired by Dell Computer Corporation.  Little did I know that the man the Lord had chosen for me was working about twenty feet away from me.  We met, had our first date, were engaged a month later and married three months after that.  My Father in Heaven had heard all those prayers after all.

I used this story because it is the incident in my life that taught me the importance of praying continually.  Even though I had begun to think that my prayers were going nowhere, God was putting things together that I couldn't even imagine.  Now, when I am praying over any situation and I feel like the answer will never come, all I have to do is look at my husband to be reminded that prayer is never fruitless.  It may take longer than we want it to and the answer may not be what we had hoped or it may be something better, but our Father always hears the cries of His children. 

When dealing with hardships and uncertainty I have clung to this verse.  "Be unceasing and persistent in prayer."  The other part is to "be thankful and continually give thanks to God."  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is listening and moving whatever mountains need to be moved to cause all things to work together for our good.  He loves us enough to send His Son to die for us.  Why would He do anything less?

Are you searching for answers today?  Have you prayed until you think you can pray no more?  Have you just about decided that He isn't listening?  I beg you not to give up!  Talk to the Lord.  He loves to hear your voice addressing Him.  He is faithful, true and trustworthy. I can't tell you when the answer will come but I know it will.  I know because it always does.  Don't give up!  God bless you! 

Mid-Week Message - Evil Prowls, Prayer a Must

"Be unceasing and persistent in prayer;"  1 Thessalonians 5:17  (AMP)

Today (Tuesday) an unspeakable tragedy took place in Uvalde, Texas.  A teenage young man walked into an elementary school, took aim, and opened fire.  As I write this, they are reporting 19 second, third and fourth grade children have lost their lives, as have 2 adults.  This does not count the shooter, who was killed by law enforcement.  

As the parents who have not yet located their students await news, we are all horrified, and hopefully, lifting them up in our prayers.  In the coming days these mothers and fathers will be planning for the burial of their slain young ones after which they will struggle in grief to come to terms with the smiles they will never again see, the goodnight hugs and kisses that will never again take place, the Christmas stockings that will never again be filled and the futures that have been taken away forever.  

I wish I could write that this is a one time occurrence, however, sadly, it is not.  Our children have been targets for years.  Whether in schools, on the streets or in their own homes, hearing of young lives lost due to violence has become a regular report on the daily news.  

And we ask God why He didn't prevent this from happening.   

Because we were given free will, there will always be those that will choose evil.  They will fail to see the value of human life and will think nothing of stealing life from those who treasure it.  Just as He will not take away my choices, neither will He take away theirs.  When we do anything against His will, when we sin in any way, our actions will affect others.  Unfortunately. this was a sin that ended the lives of precious children and has forever changed the lives of countless others.  

Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  

So, what can we do?  First and foremost, we have to commit to prayer.  This world, its leaders, each and every child and adult, needs to covered by prayer.  The power of going before the Father on our knees is greater than any other power that exists.  Second, we have to be serious about sharing the Gospel.  We must be vocal about the need for Jesus in this world.  Although we may think everyone knows, they don't.  I'm not talking about church-life, I'm talking about a relationship with the risen King of Kings.  

My heart is aching for parents that will not take their children home this evening.  I am beseeching the Comforter to wrap His arms tightly around them and walk with them through all that is coming.  I can't imagine the devastation they are feeling but I know that their Creator knows and cares deeply.  As I lift them up in my time with Him tonight, I lift each of you as well.  

I pray that His goodness, mercy and grace will surround us all.  

Mid-Week Message - A Day of Thanksgiving

 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever."  Psalm 136:1  (NLT)

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day in America.  It is the day that we carry on the tradition begun by the Pilgrims in 1621.  On that day, they gathered together with their new native American friends to thank the Lord for taking care of, providing for and protecting them.  

As I write this morning, I can't help but wonder what was on their minds that day.  Those that had survived had seen days of near starvation and truly understood that the food that was before them was directly from God's hand.  As they worshipped Him, they did so with hearts that were filled with gratitude for His faithfulness and goodness.  

Four hundred years later, as we shop for our turkeys, potatoes, cranberries and all the other edibles that will be upon our tables, are we remembering that our provision still comes from the Lord?  Or do we grumble because of the inflated prices and stress as we wonder how we are going to get all the tasks accomplished by the time our family and guests arrive?  Is our focus on giving thanks or on parades and football games?  Does this day, specifically set aside as a day of praise, mean to us what it should?  

We have been through a lot in the last couple of years.  Grief and uncertainty have surrounded us and we have found ourselves asking a lot of questions about what might come next.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 admonishes, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."  

It doesn't say to be thankful FOR all circumstances.  It is hard to be thankful when we are standing at the grave of a loved one, or when we worry how we are going to pay our rent or mortgage.  Yet, each breath we take is a gift from above.  Each morsel of food we swallow is provided by His hand, even if we have had to work hard for the money to pay for it.  And we can be thankful for each second we had with those who have passed.  

If we are blessed to take our place at a heavily laden table tomorrow, or if we only have enough for one meal, let's turn our thoughts toward acknowledging where each item originated.  Our loving Creator has chosen to bless us with what it takes to sustain our lives. 

 As we trust Him to supply what we need in the future, we can praise Him for the moment we are in. No matter where we find ourselves, or what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can, as Paul did, learn to be content.  And as the Pilgrims did, we can be thankful for His hand of protection and His provision.  God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - Hairballs and Spiders

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4  (NIV) 

One morning when I was a student at a Bible college in Texas, everything seemed to go wrong.  My alarm didn't go off.  There was no hot water for my shower.  I was late to class and in my hurry I had confused the day and brought the wrong books.  Everything that could go wrong, did.  Each morning we had a chapel session just before lunch.  This particular day, flustered as I was, I was really looking forward to that time because I thought it would change my focus and improve my attitude.  As we did in each chapel service, we first sang a couple of hymns.  When the song leader told us to turn to page one, I started laughing.  My hymnal was missing some pages and began with page 51!  I will never forget that day because it helped me to understand that my relationship with the Lord wasn't something that was confined to a schedule nor did it require me to be perfect. 

Some days are like that.  This past Monday began with me being awoken around six in the morning by the sound of my poodle, who will be fifteen next month, throwing up.  I woke up my daughter because she could get to him more quickly.  When she came back she said he had thrown up a hairball!  I didn't know dogs did that.  I got up to go and check on him and when I turned around I saw a large spider on my bathroom drawer.  So, that is the way the day started.  Thankfully, the rest of the day was much better. 

I know the experiences I just mentioned were very minor and that we all go through trials that are much more challenging and, sometimes, even devastating.  I have friends that are fighting deadly diseases, grieving the loss of loved ones and suffering staggering financial problems.  Some are taking care of parents with dementia or Alzheimer's, or desperately praying over wayward children.  There are also those who are fighting addictions or depression.  The list of what we can be affected by is endless.  How can we be joyful during these things? 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".  Today's verse admonishes us to "count it joy" when we experience trials.  In order to be joyful, we have to be grateful.  I want to point out that the verse in 1 Thessalonians does not say to give thanks FOR all circumstances.  It says to give thanks IN all circumstances.  I, like you, would find it incredibly difficult to be thankful for some of the trials I encounter.  However, when I recognize the Lordship of Jesus and ask Him to guide me and to use whatever circumstances I find myself in for His glory, then I can be thankful and I can find joy.  As long as my focus remains on Him and I realize that He loves me and is navigating my journey with me, then I can keep myself from falling into despair.  

There is so much going on in this nation and this world that most of us thought we would never see.  Depending upon where you live, you may be seeing much more than others of us.  All of these things, along with the battles we must face in our personal lives, can leave us feeling fearful and  defeated.  I want to remind you that the Bible ends with the assurance that the battle here on earth has been won.  Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly.  Evil has no power over Him.  Though we may feel that we are walking through the darkest storm, He is the light and if we will seek Him, we will find Him.  We are never alone.  If we are still and call upon Him, we will feel His presence and we will be strengthened by His great love.  

I pray that whatever fight you are in right now will quickly pass and I am asking our heavenly Father to surround you with holy protection, power and mercy.  Relief comes in many forms and I pray that it comes for you soon.  Until then, I know that His outstretched hand is ready for you to grab onto, and once you take it, He will never let it go.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - I Choose His

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all sin."  1 John 1:7 (NLT)

One evening when my daughter was about four years old, I was preparing dinner while waiting for my husband to arrive home from work.  She was at the dining room table coloring in her coloring book with markers.  Or at least, I thought that was what she was doing.  When my husband walked in the door she said to him, "Look, Daddy! I changed colors!"  I spun around to find that my sweet little darling had colored her face, arms and hands orange.  Thankfully, the markers were washable.  After a quick bath, we sat down and had our dinner.  

I find great humor in telling that story.  However, it reminds me that even as adults we can find ourselves taking on the hue of the world.  It is so easy to drift into situations and lifestyles that can change our appearance before others and our Lord.  It is vital that we use godly wisdom as our guide as we make everyday decisions.  

1 Thessalonians 5:22 admonishes us to, "Stay away from every kind of evil."  The more we involve ourselves with words or activities that we know are not pleasing to the Lord, the more used to them we become and we start to think of them as acceptable.  

Not long ago in the history of this nation, men were careful of what they said around women.  It was considered disrespectful to use foul language in the presence of ladies.  Somewhere along the line, that ceased.  Now that language is considered "normal" and is used by men and women and even some of our children.  It is prevalent in movies and is heard more and more in television shows.  We have been desensitized by hearing it so much.  

The same can be said about sexual depictions and innuendo that are also rampant in our media and literature.  We don't even seem to blink our eyes anymore when we hear or see off-color representations of what God created to be holy.  

Christians are to be reflections of our Savior, Jesus.  For this to happen, we need to align ourselves with Him, rather than the world.  I have mentioned only two ways that the world influences our behavior.  However, the list is endless.  The only way to avoid mirroring the evil of the world rather than the holiness of Jesus, is to spend plenty of quality time in the scriptures observing His actions and reactions and then deciding to turn our backs on situations that lead us away from what we know would be unacceptable to Him.  

When I am called home to Heaven, my hope is that whatever memories of me remain point to Him.  The Christian music group named Casting Crowns has a song titled "Only Jesus".  One of the lines in the song says, "I don't care if they remember me, only Jesus."  We were created to bring glory to the Creator.  Out of His great love He sent His only Son to die on the cross to cleanse us from our sins.  It is my desire, and I hope yours as well, to glorify and honor Him by keeping myself clean in a world of muck and mire.  He gave us free wills.  We have the privilege of choosing which path we wish to take.  I choose His.  God bless.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Proper Living

Several months ago, I began to research the housing bubble of 2008. As many of you know, this was the time when the entire world slipped into a recession that lasted longer than any other. The recovery from this recession took a lot longer than it took for the Great Depression and previous recessions. Millions of people in the United States were unemployed. I remember the time so very well. I saw many of my dear friends struggling to make their mortgage payments, apartment rents and loan payments. Some even lost their homes. Everything that they had worked so hard for was gone in an instant. One day they were on top of the world and looking to buy a bigger home and the next day they were struggling to make their daily bills and financial obligations. It was a very tough time for all.

As I continued to do my research, I read article after article that listed the players in this tragedy that was euphemistically referred to as “the financial meltdown of 2008”. Banks, insurance companies, mortgage companies and a whole host of other financial organizations played fast and loose with a system that had been deregulated for years and “grey areas” of the remaining laws and regulations were exploited all in the name of greed. 

While so many suffered, others enjoyed a massive payday. These individuals and groups made billions of dollars off of the misery and pain of others. When I began to look for those to blame for all of this, it would have been easy to assign that blame to financial institutions and the “fat cats” of Wall Street. But, in the end, I placed the blame squarely on all of us. We all had a part in the meltdown. Many bought houses they couldn’t afford, because they thought that nothing could happen. When I talked with people who lived through that time, they all told me the same thing. Mortgage companies told them that real estate was the safest investment anyone could make. Each were given examples of properties that sold for two and three times what they were originally purchased for. Everyone was getting rich.

Just like the children’s game, Musical Chairs, the music was getting slower and slower and soon people were going to find themselves without a chair. Many literally lost their chairs when the banks foreclosed on their homes as the music stopped. The good times were over and everyone was looking for a way out.

While I was doing my research, I ran across a passage in Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians. In chapter three of that letter, Paul talks about proper living and how we should always conduct ourselves.

Paul writes, “For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.’ Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.”

Let me be clear here. Paul is not telling us that we turn our backs on those in need. We are commanded by the author and perfecter of our faith, Christ Jesus, not only to help those in need but to also love them.   

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in chapter twenty-five, says, “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

As Jesus tells us, we have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters who are in need. During the early days of the church, believers sold their homes and possessions to help those in need, especially the widows and orphans. Jesus even went further to tell us that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. 

However, if there are those who are idle, they need to heed the words and commands of Jesus’ faithful servant. Paul is quite explicit in his words. He states, “We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.”

Later, Paul praises those who follow the words and teachings of Jesus and tells them not to get tired of doing good. We should always do our best and do good for all. During the meltdown of 2008, the ministry that my wife and I started with the generous donations of our faith family helped those in need. We helped with medication, utility and rent payments, bought food, clothing and gifts for those in need and loved all who needed a shoulder to rest or cry upon. When parents didn’t have enough money to buy Christmas gifts for their children, the ministry was there to help and provide.

Each day my wife and I thank Father God for the opportunities that He gives us to serve His children. Everything that we receive is a gift from His hand and we do not deserve it. It is out of His love for us that He provides for our daily needs and gives us that daily bread that feeds us spiritually.

With the holiday season coming up quickly, I urge everyone to live the words of Jesus and Paul. Do not remain idle. Always work hard in the Kingdom to help those in need. Counsel those who are idle and help them to see the righteous path so that they, as Jesus tells us in Matthew, “will go into eternal life.”

When we do what we are commanded to do out of love not only for our Heavenly Father but also for those around us, we know that we can keep a strong grip on the righteous teachings of Jesus and stand firm in His grace.

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

Daily Word of God - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 New International Version (NIV)

Living to Please God

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you,for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 Or learn to live with your own wife; or learn to acquire a wife
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:6 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 New International Version (NIV)

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Live a Simple Life

Over the past five years, I have learned a great many lessons through my studies and preaching of God’s word and studying the life of Christ Jesus who is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith”. None has been so important than the lesson of living a simple, quiet life. In this day and age of instant gratification and amusement, this one lesson is the most difficult to learn and to put into practice.

As I reflect on my life and my desire or, better put, obsession to gain more and more, I realize that my life is not simple or quiet. It seems that the more I have; the more time I spend doing other things. Rather than spending time quietly meditating on His word, I spend my time trying to improve my station in life by pursuing things of this world. Instead of pointing to a pile of money and possessions and asking myself, “What more do I need,” I should be asking myself, “What have I sacrificed to gain worldly possessions that will rust, fade away or be eaten by insects.” 

Think about all of the “stuff” you have in your life and how you sacrificed to achieve or purchase something. We have all done it in our lives. We are conditioned since birth to pursue and purchase those things that are supposed to be the symbols of success and prestige. Deep down inside, we want people to envy us and to be called “successful”. Instead of feeling fulfilled, we continue to pursue and purchase more things to complete the facade of success that we want the world to see. When we get what we want, we are content for the moment and then we look again for something else to pursue and purchase.

The world that we live in is a world of fool’s gold. One of my favorite aphorisms is "all that glitters is not gold". The value of everything we possess is determined directly by the amount of resources and effort we put into acquiring it. Think of it this way. If you buy a car for $25,000, what is the real value of it? Look at all the time you must spend at work to make the monthly payments. Consider all of the added expenses associated with the new car, insurance, maintenance, fuel and the list goes on. I see people literally become slaves to their possessions and, in some cases, the possession slowly becomes their obsession and the center of their life to the exclusion of all else.

Since the 1950s, our televisions have been the prophets of our prosperous lifestyle. We have been brainwashed into believing that we need something to make us someone. Instead of our faith and deeds of kindness making a statement, our possessions speak for us. What message are we sending the world? Are we truly God’s children who worship and respect God and love and care for others like Jesus taught us? Or, are we children of the world only looking for the next thing that will give us the satisfaction of knowing that others envy us?

Paul, in the fourth chapter of his first epistle to the Thessalonians, writes, “11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

By living a quiet, simple life devoted to working with our hands and hearts, we tell the world that we are not to be counted with the masses. We have been called out to be not of this world. Remember, when we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord of our life and followed him in believer’s baptism, we died to this world and arose to walk in newness of life. 

In chapter six of the second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul describes exactly how we are to be, “17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”

We are to separate ourselves from those who are unbelievers and the things of this world. If we are to be welcomed by the Lord, we must not touch filthy things or continue to be a part of this sinful world.

I am not saying that you give up driving cars and start living in tiny homes. What I am saying is that those things should not be our statement to the world. Our love for one another and, most importantly, our desire and purpose in life to serve, worship and love our Heavenly Father just as Jesus taught us to should be our testimony to the world that we are different and that we no longer hold on to the things of this world.

In Mark 8, Jesus calls out to a crowd that has gathered around, “34 If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? 37 Is anything worth more than your soul?”

Jesus asks a great question, “Is anything worth more than your soul?’

That question is something that each of us must answer. We must be willing to put aside the things of this world and live a life devoted to self-sacrifice and a life of service to God and to those in need and to those who are thirsty for the living water. 

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells the multitude who have gathered to hear him speak, “16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

When God blesses us with prosperity, it is not a testament to our hard work. It is a testament of God’s love and desire to provide for His children. We are, and will always be, nothing without Him in our lives. He is our Father and all that is good can only come from Him.

As you go through the week ahead, I ask each of you to examine your life. Are you doing as you are being commanded to do or are you hanging on to the old ways of this world? Do you live for Him or do you live for the things that will rust, fade away or be eaten by insects? In the end, what will people say about you when, as Shakespeare put it, “shuffle off this mortal coil”?

By living a simple, quiet life, we live a life like Jesus lived which is a life devoted to our Heavenly Father and to loving and caring for those around us. When we live this sort of life, we can easily and most definitely stand firm in His grace. 

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

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 New International Version (NIV)

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Never Stop Praying

As I look back over the last twelve months of my life and the shared memories of my family, I reflect on the events that changed my life forever. From the moment of my initial diagnosis and the desperate race to save my life to the painful struggles to recover, I realize that my family and I could not have made it through any one of those moments without prayer. Some of those prayers were prayers of thanksgiving. Others were prayers asking God for the grace to make it  from one minute to the next, literally. Other prayers were expressions of fear, frustration and fatigue. There were times when one step forward led to taking three steps back. Each victory seemed to turn into a defeat within moments. Once again, the only thing that got us through those painful, trying times was prayer.

When I think back to those moments, I realize that I was at the end of my rope, patience or strength. Everything that I desired in my life took a backseat to one thing, the struggle to stay alive. Early in this nightmare, I had a care team that started with twenty-five people. Heads of departments and their combined teams literally working around the clock to save my life. My case became the centerpiece in every discussion over the two weeks I was in the hospital. Thousands of pages of notes, test results, lab notes and imaging documents filled my file. 

Even though I was sick and found it difficult to go on, I would spend time in my hospital room praying for each member of my care team. I thanked God hourly for each one and asked Him to watch over them and take care of those in their care. I prayed for the nurses, the nurse technicians, the lab technicians, food service people, facility team members, housekeeping technicians and many more. When I got up from my bed to walk the ward for exercise, I prayed for each patient in the ward. 

Around midnight to about 2AM, I finally had moments of peace. I had no more treatments, blood tests or medications to take. It was during those moments when my prayers were for my family and myself. I asked God for guidance and to provide me with direction as I continued to take each moment one at a time. I never knew if the next moment would even come. The specialists who handled my case did not hide or keep anything from me. They expressed their fears and let me know that anything could happen. I was never out of the woods. Each day would bring another struggle from sunrise to sunset. I did not know whether or not I would live to see the next day. All I could do was thank God for the gift of that day and the blessings I received.

Prayer is simply a way to talk to the Father. Many will try to make it the most difficult thing in the world. When the disciples asked Jesus about how they should pray, Jesus gave them several key points. He not only provided them with a simple prayer that would later become known as the Lord’s Prayer but he also gave them instructions on how to pray.  

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us, “5 When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

The moment we share with the Father is not one to be filled with excessive or fancy words. We are not to ramble on endlessly. Our “words” can be just simple moans and groans. There were times when I prayed when all that would come out were squeaks and tears. I sometimes did not have the strength to verbalize my prayers, but I knew that God was listening to me as I poured out my heart to Him. There were even times when I was on my hands and knees with tears pouring from my eyes and falling to the floor. I was spent and played out. There was nothing left.

No matter what was happening in my life, I found time and had the spiritual need to have a little talk with the Father. When you look through the Bible, everyone found time to pray even if it meant death. Remember the story of Daniel. Even under penalty of death, Daniel still prayed to God even after finding out that King Darius had signed a law prohibiting anyone from praying to anyone, divine or human, other than him. In Daniel 6, we read, “10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.”

We all know the rest of this story. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den and God saved him by closing the mouths of the lions. Daniel’s desire to pray and share that special moment with God could not be squashed or hindered. He was going to pray no matter what.

Paul, in his first epistle to the Thessalonians, gives them one simple instruction when it comes to prayer. He writes in 1 Thessalonians 5, “17 Never stop praying.”

It is a simple and easy imperative statement to understand and carry out. We are never to stop praying. Nothing in our life is too big or too serious to stop us from praying. It is our moment with the Father and we should not let anything or anyone interfere with that private and sweet moment of prayer.

My words to you are as simple as Paul’s. Stay focused and spend quality time in prayer with the Lord. Close the door and push the world and its problems away from you. Never allow those things to creep into your place of prayer. Do not just babble and repeat words over and over. The best prayers are the ones that are simple. There have been times when I have just said, “Lord, I am here and listening.” Let God speak to you and fill you with His love and grace. When you do that, I can assure you that you will feel the joy of the Lord deep in your soul and know that you can stand firm in His grace. 

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