Mid-Week Message - Stand Up For the Truth

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17  (NLT) 

One of the very first things I remember learning about the Bible was that the Word of God is to be treasured.  I must have been about seven or eight years old.  The place was South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas.  It was an evening class right before the evening service.  I had laid my Bible on the window ledge and put something else on top of it.  My sweet teacher instructed me that the Word of God is precious and to be treated with respect.  She told me never to place other things on top of it.  

Now, I don't necessarily think the Bible must always be on top of a physical stack.  But I do believe it is to be esteemed above any other book or item we have.  It contains our "love letter" from God.  His words, delivered over the ages, preserved through time so that we can hear directly from Him.  He uses them to teach us, to guide us, to comfort us and to assure us that He is intimately involved in our lives.  

Sometime ago as I sat and watched the news, I saw a report about a Bible being burned in the street.  After my shock and anger came incredible sadness and I wept.  In my mind, I saw Jesus on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  I wondered if, at any time in their lives, these persons involved had ever personally cradled a Bible in their hands, opened it and been exposed to the powerful truths contained therein.  

We are witnessing large groups of individuals who are turning their backs on morality and attempting to rewrite the rules of society.  They want nothing to do with obedience to the law, with patriotism or any other system that directs behavior.  Instead they want to do what feels good to them even if that means destroying the life of another.  God's Word stands as a beacon of truth which directs us to forego our own will and desires and to follow Him.  It stands to reason that they would lash out at it as well.  

It is vitally important that those of us who believe in Almighty God and the Bible as His inerrant Word, be willing to stand up for what we know to be right.  It is time for churches to return to preaching God's Word rather than tickling ears with "feel good" messages.  Some of what God has to say is hard to hear.  We don't want to be confronted about the sin in our lives.  We want to follow the world's excuses and blame our shortcomings on anyone or anything besides ourselves.  But until we encounter Jesus and admit the truth about what we have done we will not find forgiveness. 

We must be willing to speak God's truth.  We are seeing more and more vitriol being directed at Christianity.  It will only continue to worsen.  This is not the time to hide our heads but to boldly stand in the name of Jesus.  Our children need to be raised in true Bible believing and teaching churches and what they learn there needs to be modeled by parents and reinforced at home.  We need to be fully aware of what they are hearing as "truth" at school so that we can make sure they are not deceived and led away.  

I know how difficult it is.  It is frightening to speak out.  We could encounter disapproval, criticism, mocking or even worse.  But in this day of kneeling to lies, we must be careful to kneel only before our Lord.  He left Heaven, came to earth and died a torturous death for us.  What are we willing to do for Him?   

Thoughts from the Heart - 2 Timothy 1:7

In his second letter to his young protégé, Timothy, Paul writes, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

2 Timothy 1:7 is a powerful and inspiring verse in the New Testament of the Bible that offers encouragement and hope to all who read it. This verse reminds us that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. In a world filled with uncertainty, this verse is a source of comfort and strength for those who seek to live their lives with purpose and meaning.

The first thing to note about this verse is its message. The idea that God has not given us the spirit of fear is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can overcome fear. Fear can often hold us back from pursuing our dreams and reaching our full potential, but this verse encourages us to overcome fear and to live boldly and courageously. The message of this verse is one of hope and strength, reminding us that we are not defined by our fears but by the love and power of God.

The idea that God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind is also a source of inspiration. These qualities are not only desirable, but they are essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. The power of love can heal relationships, bring people together, and inspire acts of kindness and generosity. A sound mind can help us to make wise decisions, stay focused on our goals, and maintain a healthy perspective on life.

This verse reminds us that God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, and that we are capable of overcoming fear and living our lives with purpose and meaning. Whether you are facing difficult challenges or simply seeking to live a more fulfilling life, this verse is a source of inspiration and encouragement that can help you to overcome fear and to live with power, love, and a sound mind.

Mid-Week Message - Standing for Truth

 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17  (NLT) 

One of the very first things I remember learning about the Bible was that the Word of God is to be treasured.  I must have been about seven or eight years old.  The place was South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas.  It was an evening class right before the evening service.  I had laid my Bible on the window ledge and put something else on top of it.  My sweet teacher instructed me that the Word of God is precious and to be treated with respect.  She told me never to place other things on top of it.  

Now, I don't necessarily think the Bible must always be on top of a physical stack.  But I do believe it is to be esteemed above any other book or item we have.  It contains our "love letter" from God.  His words, delivered over the ages, preserved through time so that we can hear directly from Him.  He uses them to teach us, to guide us, to comfort us and to assure us that He is intimately involved in our lives.  

A week or so ago as I sat and watched the news, I saw a report about a Bible being burned in the street.  After my shock and anger came incredible sadness and I wept.  In my mind, I saw Jesus on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  I wondered if, at any time in their lives, these persons involved had ever personally cradled a Bible in their hands, opened it and been exposed to the powerful truths contained therein.  

We are witnessing large groups of individuals who are turning their backs on morality and attempting to rewrite the rules of society.  They want nothing to do with obedience to the law, with patriotism or any other system that directs behavior.  Instead they want to do what feels good to them even if that means destroying the life of another.  God's Word stands as a beacon of truth which directs us to forego our own will and desires and to follow Him.  It stands to reason that they would lash out at it as well.  

It is vitally important that those of us who believe in Almighty God and the Bible as His inerrant Word, be willing to stand up for what we know to be right.  It is time for churches to return to preaching God's Word rather than tickling ears with "feel good" messages.  Some of what God has to say is hard to hear.  We don't want to be confronted about the sin in our lives.  We want to follow the world's excuses and blame our shortcomings on anyone or anything besides ourselves.  But until we encounter Jesus and admit the truth about what we have done we will not find forgiveness. 

We must be willing to speak God's truth.  We are seeing more and more vitriol being directed at Christianity.  It will only continue to worsen.  This is not the time to hide our heads but to boldly stand in the name of Jesus.  Our children need to be raised in true Bible believing and teaching churches and what they learn there needs to be modeled by parents and reinforced at home.  We need to be fully aware of what they are hearing as "truth" at school so that we can make sure they are not confused and led away.  

I know how difficult it is.  It is frightening to speak out.  We could encounter disapproval, criticism, mocking or even worse.  But in this day of kneeling to lies, we must be careful to kneel only before our Lord.  He left Heaven, came to earth and died a torturous death for us.  What are we willing to do for Him?

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Nothing in Return

Between the pandemic, hurricanes and social unrest in the world and in our nation, there are some bright spots that occur. We see individuals taking it upon themselves to share whatever they have with those who are in need without expecting anything in return. When I look at those individuals who do great things for others without the expectation of some sort of reward or recognition, one word pops into my head - selflessness.

The news outlets don’t cover those types of stories very often or, if they do, they are relegated to the back page or used to fill the remaining time of a newscast. In short, those stories are just fillers and fluff to be used to fill space or time. News organizations prefer the sensational stories that draw audiences. They believe that people would rather see dead bodies strewn all over the television screen or splashed across the front page of a newspaper. The heart-warming stories, they believe, are those items that just don’t grab audiences and elicit morbid curiosity.

Let’s look at the COVID-19 pandemic. I talked with many individuals about their viewing habits during this event. A vast majority of people confessed that they watched and read almost everything they could to find out about the virus and its spread. When I asked them about the death rate and rate of infection numbers, almost every single one of them could accurately quote the numbers for that particular day. 

In a couple of weeks, I followed up with those same people to find out if they were still following the stories. In many cases, they not only followed the stories but also began to read and watch even more. They added social media and video sites to their constant diet of horror. Each could quote and list programs, stories or snippets that they had read that day with total accuracy.

When asked about other events going on in the world, they had no clue about any of them. They were completely consumed with the desire to follow the pandemic. For them, there is nothing but the pandemic to concentrate on. The interesting thing about these informal interviews was that they couldn’t tell me anything about the selfless acts of nurses, doctors, EMTs, police officers, firefighters and a whole list of others who put their lives at risk daily to do something good for those in need.

I, for one, prefer the heart-warming stories of those that give without the expectation of reward or recognition. They prefer not to be in the limelight and prefer to remain in the shadows quietly doing what they do best: devoting their lives to serving others.

Theirs is a thankless job filled with long hours and very little pay, but they do what they are called to do without even a second thought. They give when others can’t or won’t and do it with a smile. Sometimes, their actions are lauded and they are recognized. 

When asked to speak about that moment of service, they often say the same thing, “I don’t think I’m a hero. I’m just doing what I love to do.”

As Christians, we are called upon each day to do those things which bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father without the expectation of reward or recognition. We help those who are hurt, hungry or thirsty regardless of their race, color, creed or sexual preference. Each has been created in the image of God and we minister to their physical needs without looking for a reporter to take a picture or tell our story. 

Jesus, in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, tells us, “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

What we are called to do each day is to love and help those who are in need even if that person is our enemy. By accepting Christ Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, we took up our crosses to follow him. By doing so, we acknowledged the fact that we could be persecuted, cursed at and mocked for our faith. None of those things that can be inflicted upon us can excuse us from our daily duty as followers of Jesus to serve. In short, we are to love and provide for each other. Our true reward rests in heaven and, as Jesus put it, it will be great.

To be sure, just as there are those who do good to all for the sake of doing good, there are those who will give to those in end for selfish reasons. They are noisy gongs or clanging cymbals. They do nothing unless it benefits them in some way, form or fashion. They prefer the praise of men and love to hear their names called out. 

Paul, in chapter three of his second epistle to Timothy, writes, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

There will always be people who, as Paul, put it, “will act religious”. They will beat their chests and call themselves followers of Jesus while elevating themselves and telling all those around them what they have done. Their reward is here on earth and here it will remain. Do not fall prey to the limelight and the words of men. They are fleeting and carry no weight. Do good for the sake of doing good without the expectation of reward or recognition. Realize that some will persecute, curse or mock you when you do. Their words and actions may sting for a moment, but, in the end, they have no victory over us. Like Jesus, we must overcome the world through love and our duty to help and love those in need and expect nothing in return.

When we do all those things to the honor and glory of our Heavenly Father, we are truly followers of His son and children of the Most High who can stand firm in His grace.

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

Mid-Week Message - Standing For Truth

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17  (NLT) 

One of the very first things I remember learning about the Bible was that the Word of God is to be treasured.  I must have been about seven or eight years old.  The place was South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas.  It was an evening class right before the evening service.  I had laid my Bible on the window ledge and put something else on top of it.  My sweet teacher instructed me that the Word of God is precious and to be treated with respect.  She told me never to place other things on top of it.  

Now, I don't necessarily think the Bible must always be on top of a physical stack.  But I do believe it is to be esteemed above any other book or item we have.  It contains our "love letter" from God.  His words, delivered over the ages, preserved through time so that we can hear directly from Him.  He uses them to teach us, to guide us, to comfort us and to assure us that He is intimately involved in our lives.  

A week or so ago as I sat and watched the news, I saw a report about a Bible being burned in the street.  After my shock and anger came incredible sadness and I wept.  In my mind, I saw Jesus on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  I wondered if, at any time in their lives, these persons involved had ever personally cradled a Bible in their hands, opened it and been exposed to the powerful truths contained therein.  

We are witnessing large groups of individuals who are turning their backs on morality and attempting to rewrite the rules of society.  They want nothing to do with obedience to the law, with patriotism or any other system that directs behavior.  Instead they want to do what feels good to them even if that means destroying the life of another.  God's Word stands as a beacon of truth which directs us to forego our own will and desires and to follow Him.  It stands to reason that they would lash out at it as well.  

It is vitally important that those of us who believe in Almighty God and the Bible as His inerrant Word, be willing to stand up for what we know to be right.  It is time for churches to return to preaching God's Word rather than tickling ears with "feel good" messages.  Some of what God has to say is hard to hear.  We don't want to be confronted about the sin in our lives.  We want to follow the world's excuses and blame our shortcomings on anyone or anything besides ourselves.  But until we encounter Jesus and admit the truth about what we have done we will not find forgiveness. 

We must be willing to speak God's truth.  We are seeing more and more vitriol being directed at Christianity.  It will only continue to worsen.  This is not the time to hide our heads but to boldly stand in the name of Jesus.  Our children need to be raised in true Bible believing and teaching churches and what they learn there needs to be modeled by parents and reinforced at home.  We need to be fully aware of what they are hearing as "truth" at school so that we can make sure they are not confused and led away.  

I know how difficult it is.  It is frightening to speak out.  We could encounter disapproval, criticism, mocking or even worse.  But in this day of kneeling to lies, we must be careful to kneel only before our Lord.  He left Heaven, came to earth and died a torturous death for us.  What are we willing to do for Him?  

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 - Don’t Be Afraid

My wife and I have been sheltering in place for almost an entire month. She and I venture out only to do those things that are allowed or are necessary. Shopping for food, picking up medications or fueling our vehicles are about the only things we do outside of our community. Most of the time we find ourselves walking our two little dogs and enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of a cool breeze. In just a short period of time, life has changed for all of us. Things like eating in a restaurant, shopping, going to the movies, meeting with friends and a host of other things that we have taken for granted and accept as usual and common have become almost a distant memory.

As I walk through grocery stores or stand in line while observing appropriate social distancing rules, I hear people talk about the “good ol’ days” when we could just enjoy a root beer float or an ice cream cone while chatting with neighbors and friends. Today, we can’t even shake hands for fear of contracting COVID-19 and possibly passing it on to our loved ones and friends. I find it so interesting listening to the words used by those in line talking about those wonderful days when we could do whatever we wanted or desired. The people speaking make it sound like going to a restaurant was something done generations ago. It has only been a month or so, but, for some, it seems like a far distant memory of the ways things once were.

The word, “fear”, creeps slowly into the conversations. People say that they are afraid of this or something else. They talk about how they have to wear masks and are afraid of those who don’t. I see them wearing latex gloves and spraying everything with disinfectant and then opening a bottle of hand sanitizer to wipe down their gloves. When they see a person without a mask, I can see their faces react in horror as they quickly duck and move away. Our whole world has changed and many are scared and don’t know what to do next.

I read in news article after news article that prescriptions for antidepressants and anxiety medications have grown more than thirty-three percent. Liquor and alcohol sales have increased by fifty-five percent. Divorces and incidents of domestic violence have also significantly increased. Cases of animal abuse have even increased. Many have proclaimed that Judgement Day has arrived and that we are living in the end times. Some televangelists are using this situation and the fear that many are feeling to their advantage and asking for more donations.

As a chaplain and cybervangelist, I am not here to scare you or tell you that the end is near. Many will claim that everything is pointing to the end times. Some have even said that this year is the year. But, remember what Jesus said about the end times.

In chapter thirteen of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

God is the only one who knows the day and time when the second coming of the Messiah will occur. Until that moment, we are to be watchful and vigilant in our faith. We aren’t supposed to be afraid and hide in cellars or shelters with our stockpile of beans and toilet paper. We are to enjoy life and to minister to one another in love. We are to feed the hungry and give drink to those who are thirsty. 

While in the depths of the Great Depression, many were afraid. The lifestyle that many knew became a far distant memory. Unemployment was at an all-time high. Many families went without. My own father lived through that time and told me stories of those who were without and how fear became the master over all.

In his First Presidential Inaugural Address in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

When we allow fear to grip our lives and take control, we are truly paralyzed. We retreat into ourselves and accept defeat as the “new normal”. I have heard so many people accept this and call it the “new normal”. We must endure as those who came before us. They didn’t allow sickness, war or financial difficulties to become the “new normal”. They had faith that there would be a revival and that there would be prosperity.

It is only through and by faith that we are able to overcome even the most devastating of tragedies or hardships. We must endure and live for more than beans and toilet paper. We are far, far better than that. We must not live our lives in daily fear and dread. We must shake off this moment and look to God. He is truly our strength and our refuge.

In chapter forty-six of the Book of Psalms, the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”

No matter what happens in our lives, we know, without a single moment of doubt, that God the Father is our refuge and strength and is there to help in all times of trouble. By knowing that and having a faith that is rooted in His word, we have nothing to fear.
Think about all of the times that so many have endured so much. We have had World Wars, financial collapse and calamities, epidemics and pandemics and countless numbers of weather disasters. We have seen wildfires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and pestilence wreak havoc to towns, counties, states and whole countries. But, there is one thing that those things cannot take away. They cannot and should not take away our faith and our love for our Heavenly Father.

Paul, in chapter one of his second letter to his brother in Christ Jesus, Timothy, writes, “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

When you feel afraid or uncertain about something, fan the flames of your faith and remind yourself that God didn’t give you a spirit of fear or timidity. You have a spirit filled with power, love, self-discipline and life. We truly have nothing to fear. Fear is just a word and has no place in your life. God is your strength and refuge. By knowing that and having an unshakable faith, you can easily stand firmly in His grace.       

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Wolves in the Fold

Over the past couple of months, I have heard many say that we are living in the end times and that the day of judgement is at hand. In almost the same breath, after scaring everyone, many ask for donations and hawk their wares to all those who will listen to their pitch of paradise and perdition. Many, who can ill-afford it, will gladly give them money to buy or exchange their money for some sort of bucket of food or cure for COVID-19. Each claims to speak their message in soft, but persuasive, tones to “tickle the ears” of those who fall victim to these “wolves in sheep’s clothing”.

Jesus says, in chapter seven of the Gospel of Matthew, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”

Each day seems to be worse than the last. More scammers and those who profess to preach the Good News prey on those willing to listen to their messages. Some will fall victim to these charlatans and gladly give them their money. Instead of praying for those in need, they “prey” on them. These wolves look for the weak and those who are desperate only to give them false hope and continue to bilk them until they have nothing left to give.

Just as you work to protect yourselves from the virus, you should also work to protect yourselves from those who would swindle you out of your money with empty words. Beware of these individuals who are only interested in lining their pockets through the fear, uncertainty and doubt of others.

In chapter twenty-three of his book, Jeremiah writes, “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD!”

Many will claim that they speak for the Lord or that God has placed a message upon their heart. The messages and words have a fragrance of sincerity, but you will soon find that the closer you listen to their words, that same fragrance turns into the stench of death. Their words are empty and bring no hope.

In his second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.”

Even during the days of the early church, there were those who preached in the name of God only to further their own agenda of filling their earthly coffers and building for themselves earthly wealth. Have you no eyes to see what those who have called out, “Lord, Lord” have done? Some have preached a false gospel designed only to tickle the ears of those who would listen while slipping in a message of deceit and deception.

Jesus, in chapter thirteen of the Gospel of Mark, said, “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!”

In chapter four of his second letter to his brother in Christ, Timothy, Paul writes, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.”

What Paul observed then, we also see now. Many flock to those who preach a gospel filled with love and hope to entice those who long for those things. Their empty words will lead only to disillusionment and sadness. Many will no longer believe and become sullen. Some will have their hearts hardened and become skeptical of those who preach the true Gospel of the Lord.

Many have asked why I have not written books. I respond, “The free gift of God is love and salvation through His son, Christ Jesus. Likewise, His Word is free.”

The key word is free. I cannot improve on the words of the Lord or embellish upon them. I can only preach the Word as it was given by God the Father. Each word, written by men of God, inspired and given life by the breath of God.

As we continue to go through this valley of darkness called “pandemic”, let us test every word spoken by those who profess to be God’s messengers, His prophets or apostles of Christ. Examine each word against the entire content of the Holy Scripture. Be in prayer daily asking for God’s word and love to fill you with wisdom and discernment. Do not allow those who prey on others to fill their pockets with earthly treasures a foothold in your life. 

 In chapter four of his first epistle, John writes, “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”

There are many false prophets who claim that they speak with conviction and authority. Question every word. If they say that the Bible says this or that, read the scripture to truly determine the real meaning. When you do these things, I guarantee that your daily walk with the Lord will be a blessing even during the roughest of times. Rest assured that you will be standing firm in His grace daily as you follow His words and not the words of those wolves in sheep’s clothing and false prophets.     

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

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 1:8-11

2 Timothy 1:8-11 New International Version (NIV)

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 2:1-7

2 Timothy 2:1-7 New International Version (NIV)

The Appeal Renewed

2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnessesentrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 3:10-17

2 Timothy 3:10-17 New International Version (NIV)

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Footnotes:
2 Timothy 3:17 Or that you, a man of God,

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

2 Timothy 1:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 1:5-7

2 Timothy 1:5-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Be Strong

This past week, I experienced yet another medical setback and was hospitalized for a week. It has been a very challenging 2018 and my faith has been challenged every single minute of every day. There are problems that pop up from out of the blue. Situations that just seem to get worse over time. Other problems are those that just seem insurmountable. Yes, 2018, for my family and myself, has been more than just a minor series of bumps. We are truly walking through the darkest valley. It seems that Satan himself is taking great delight in challenging my family's and my faith from one moment to the next. There are times when we cry and ask God, "Why have you forsaken us?" We do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. All we see is darkness all around. There are times when we wonder even if God is listening. If someone were to ask me, "Where is your God now?" I would find it very difficult to answer that question like I should.

Everyone goes through these moments and situations where there seems to be no end to them or that they continue to pile one on top of the other. Holding on to your faith becomes more and more difficult and you just feel that you cannot go on any longer. You know the promises of God and what He is able to do, but it seems that He has forgotten you.

As I write this message, I write it with tears in my eyes and know that it seems that I am almost to the point of giving up. But, I write this message as a message of hope not only for you but also for myself. Darkness is all around us. Evil sometimes seems like it is winning. But, that cannot be further from the truth. God is listening and He has a plan for each of you. When it seems like Satan has won, he hasn't. You need to declare out loud that you remain in your faith and, like Jesus casting out demons, you must have the faith and courage to do the same. Cast out Satan from your life and declare the victory that God has given to you through His son, Christ Jesus. 

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes in chapter 2, "Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus." Later he tells him, "Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Just as Timothy is to be a good soldier, we must also be the same. We must continue the mission and understand that there will be challenges and obstacles all along the way. There will be pitfalls and the enemy will strike at us from all sides. The enemy will set snares and traps to trip us up and cause us to fall. We cannot and should not act like victims and wonder where God is. 

We, as Christians, know where our God is. In Psalm 115, which is my favorite Psalm, the psalmist tells us where our God is and that He is a living God. Starting with verse 3. "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."

Our God is truly an awesome God and He reigns forever on His throne on high. He loves and listens to His children. When they face those toils and snares, He will provide the grace to get through each of them and a path out of the valley of darkness. Life will never be easy and sometimes it does get harder and harder as the years go by. We must, however, endure as good soldiers in the army of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds them in chapter 5, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." Instead of breaking down in tears of fear, uncertainty and doubt, we should rejoice in the victory that we have already achieved through the blood of Jesus. That wonderful salvation that God has provided even when we were still sinners.

I remember the words of an old, old hymn from my childhood, "There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains." Yes, we have the blood of Christ Jesus that has washed away the stains of guilt and sin. When we immerse ourselves into that crimson flow, we are clean as the driven snow. Once you have received that gift of salvation, you now have the power by and through the name of our Savior Jesus Christ to cast out Satan from your lives. You can rejoice even when times are tough and know that God gives us the grace that is sufficient to meet our needs. 

But, for us to do these things, we must be strong in our faith. We must suffer just as the saints of old. By doing these things we develop endurance and the strength to go on through the valley of darkness. As we go through that valley, we must rejoice in knowing that our God is in Heaven and that He reigns supremely over all things. He will give us the grace that we need to make it through all of the traps, pitfalls and obstacles that the enemy has set before us. We may feel the slings and arrows of the enemy's assault, but rest assured that we can stand firm His grace which will see us through everything.

May God richly bless each of you and may His face shine upon you.

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 3:12

2 Timothy 3:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

2 Timothy 1:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Sunday Praise & Worship - Stirred Up

Just the other day, I was talking with a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ. We were talking about Christians and how things have changed over time. Mighty men and women of faith have allowed their faith to grow lukewarm and are no longer ministering to the needs of people. It is becoming increasingly evident that society is putting more pressure on Christians. However, as Christians, we must exercise our faith and put it into action. We must love our neighbors as well as our enemies. We must be the example of a Christ-like attitude and must work in the kingdom constantly to help those who are lost. The harvest is large, but the workers are few.

We need to not only grow our ranks but also fan the flames of our faith. If we fan those flames, all those around us will see the light of the world and our belief in the existence of God and that He provided for our salvation through His son, Jesus Christ.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Right from the Start

Several weeks ago, I talked about getting ourselves right with the Lord. The question is how does that happen? We all know that we are to follow God’s will and the teachings and example of His son, Christ Jesus. If it is that simple, why do we find it so very hard to do? The children of Israel thought that all they had to do was follow the laws given to them by God and all would be right with the world. But, even that proved to be too hard for them. The children of Israel, God’s chosen, would, over time, go back to their old ways or adopt the ways of their neighbors. In time, they would slip back into their sinful lives and live disobediently and contrary to God’s laws and will. So, when you think about it, everyone suffers from those moments where we slip back into our old sinful lives. It is only through our faith that we are able to go back to the Father and ask for forgiveness. By doing that, God makes us right in His sight. At that point, we are righteous and able to live a life of faith that results in eternal life.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Doing What Jesus Would Do

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