🌾 The Third Kernel: Friendship and Family – The Blessing of Shared Fellowship

Scripture Reading for this message:

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT)

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

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As we continue our journey through the Five Kernels of Corn, we arrive at the third kernel — a symbol of Friendship and Family. The Pilgrims, having endured the storms of hardship, gathered to celebrate not only the bounty of the harvest but also the blessing of one another. They had learned that survival was not the result of individual strength but of shared faith, compassion, and unity.

They broke bread together with the Wampanoag people, giving thanks to God not merely for food, but for fellowship. Around that table, hearts were knit together in gratitude and mutual respect. It was there that they understood one of the greatest truths of all — that God often reveals His presence through the love of others.

The third kernel reminds us that relationships are not random blessings; they are divine provisions meant to sustain us through life’s seasons of joy and sorrow alike.

From the dawn of creation, God declared, “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18). He designed humanity for companionship — for friendship, for family, for community. He knew that hearts flourish when they are connected and wither when isolated.

The Pilgrims understood this truth as they supported one another through the harsh New England winter. They shared what little they had, prayed together when death and sickness darkened their colony, and found strength in the bonds of unity. Each family stood not alone, but together — sustained by faith and friendship.

We, too, need others to help carry life’s burdens. God, in His mercy, gives us people — parents, spouses, children, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ — to share our laughter, bear our tears, and remind us of His presence in every moment.

I have learned this truth personally. Through every trial my wife and I have faced, I have seen how the Lord works through the love of family and the encouragement of friends. Their prayers, kindness, and quiet presence have often been the very voice of God speaking comfort into our hearts.

The beauty of fellowship lies in its reflection of God’s very being. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit dwell together in perfect love and harmony — three Persons, one divine essence, united in purpose and joy. When we love one another, we mirror that holy relationship.

Jesus Himself gave us this commandment in John 13:34–35:

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

This love is not conditional. It is not measured by convenience or likeness. It is the self-giving love of Christ that forgives, endures, and restores. When we embody this love within our families, friendships, and churches, we reveal to the world what it truly means to belong to the family of God.

Our world today is filled with loneliness. Many dwell among crowds yet feel unseen and unheard. The third kernel reminds us that the Church — the body of Christ — is God’s answer to isolation.

The early believers in Acts 2:42–47 exemplified this truth. They shared meals, possessions, and prayers. They rejoiced together and bore one another’s burdens. Their unity was not born of similarity, but of shared devotion to Christ.

We are called to the same fellowship. Each time we open our hearts and homes, we extend God’s love. A simple meal, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement can become a vessel of divine grace. True hospitality is not about perfection — it is about presence.

As Thanksgiving approaches, consider those who might spend the holiday alone. A single invitation, a seat at your table, or a note of encouragement can remind someone that they are loved by God and valued by His people.

The third kernel gleams with the warmth of connection — a reminder that no one walks alone who walks with God and His people. It is through family and friendship that we see His heart most clearly. In every shared laugh, every helping hand, every prayer lifted in unison, His presence dwells among us.

As you give thanks this season, remember to thank God for the people He has placed in your life — those who walk beside you, encourage you, and share your burdens. Cherish them. Pray for them. And if reconciliation is needed, let this be the season to extend grace and restore love.

For when we walk together in unity and peace, we bear witness to the One who first loved us.

Let this week be one of intentional gratitude.

Reach out to family members you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reconnect with old friends. Forgive where hurt lingers, and bless where love is needed.

And if this ministry has touched your heart, consider becoming part of the family of faith that sustains SFIHG Ministries. Your prayers and donations help us share God’s Word around the world, reminding others that none of us walk this road alone. To give, simply click the “Donate” button on our website.

So, I say to you,

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

Brother Jesse

Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain, SFIHG Ministries

Christ at the Center: Strengthening Marriages through the First Pillar

Marriage, in its truest and holiest form, is not a human invention nor a mere social contract. It is a sacred covenant ordained by the Almighty in the very beginning. Genesis 2:24 (NLT) declares, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This union, this divine mystery, was not meant to be navigated by human strength alone. It was always meant to be guided and sustained by the hand of God.

In today’s world, marriage is often subjected to the pressures of culture, career, convenience, and even compromise. But when we reflect upon the First Pillar—The Importance of God and Keeping Him as Your Focus—we find the foundation upon which every godly marriage must be built. If God is not the cornerstone of a marriage, then the structure, no matter how beautifully adorned, is inherently unstable.

The challenges that married couples face—miscommunication, unmet expectations, financial stress, the distractions of worldly pursuits—are not unfamiliar to God. He designed the covenant, and He sustains it. Therefore, it is only by placing Him at the center that marriages can thrive in both peace and purpose.

As we explore this message, I invite you to look deeply into your own relationships and examine whether the Lord truly stands at the center—or has He been quietly pushed to the side? Let us journey together to rediscover the sacred strength that flows from a marriage rooted in the First Pillar.

Many couples enter into marriage with a strong desire for emotional and physical closeness, and rightly so. These are sacred and beautiful elements of the marital relationship. Yet, far too often, they are pursued while spiritual intimacy is overlooked or even neglected altogether. But herein lies the profound truth: when a couple grows together spiritually, every other area of their relationship is strengthened and sanctified.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of setting our sights on the realities of heaven. When both husband and wife turn their eyes toward God, they are no longer journeying separately but are drawn together, step by step, on the same divine path. The more each spouse seeks after Christ, the more their hearts converge in unity, grace, and mutual understanding.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) offers this timeless wisdom: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” That third strand—often overlooked—is the very presence of Christ in the center of the marriage. He is the strength that binds, the grace that restores, and the peace that steadies.

Spiritual intimacy takes root when couples:

• Pray together, inviting God into both their joys and struggles.
• Read and reflect upon Scripture together, allowing the Word of God to shape their hearts and decisions.
• Worship together, acknowledging the sovereignty of the One who sustains them.
• Fast and seek guidance together, particularly during times of uncertainty or transition.

In our own marriage, my wife and I have discovered the immeasurable blessing of setting aside time for spiritual discipline. Each morning, we begin our day with a devotional, grounding our hearts and minds in God’s Word before we face the world. Each evening, we return together in prayer, lifting up our burdens, our thanks, and our petitions before the Lord. These moments are not hurried obligations, but sacred appointments—time we gladly and reverently dedicate to our Lord and to one another. In doing so, we not only draw closer to God, but to each other, building a bond that is strengthened daily by grace and truth.

When spiritual intimacy is nurtured, a marriage becomes a testimony to the world: not of perfection, but of perseverance, transformation, and divine partnership.

It is one thing to know that God should be the center of a marriage—it is another to live that truth daily, intentionally, and with unwavering commitment. The First Pillar—The Importance of God and Keeping Him as Your Focus—is not a one-time decision made at the altar; it is a daily, deliberate act of faithfulness, surrender, and obedience.

In our hurried and often chaotic lives, spiritual habits must be cultivated and protected. A Christ-centered marriage doesn’t just happen by accident; it is built over time by two hearts fully submitted to the Lord.

Here are several ways couples can embody the First Pillar each day:

Pray together with purpose. Prayer doesn’t need to be long or poetic; it needs only to be honest and united. Begin the day by inviting God to lead, and end the day by giving thanks and lifting up each other’s burdens.

Read and reflect on Scripture together. Even a short passage read aloud can open the door to rich conversation and shared understanding. The Word of God acts as a lamp to your path—not just individually, but as one flesh.

Attend church and serve together. Worshiping in community reinforces your spiritual foundation and models faithfulness to those around you, especially children and younger couples who look to your example.

Set spiritual goals as a couple. Whether it’s memorizing Scripture, reading through the Bible in a year, or taking time for fasting and reflection, shared spiritual goals unite hearts and align them with God’s will.

Guard your time and your hearts. Cancel what doesn’t bring you closer to Christ or each other. Replace distractions with disciplines. Reclaim dinner tables for conversation, living rooms for devotionals, and moments of stress for supplication.

My wife and I have made it a daily practice to begin each morning with a devotion and end each evening in prayer. These are not simply habits—they are lifelines. In those quiet moments, we invite the Lord to dwell among us, to shape our hearts, to guide our thoughts, and to strengthen our union. This commitment has not only deepened our relationship with God but also enriched our love and respect for one another.

When couples anchor their lives to God, their marriage becomes more than a relationship—it becomes a ministry. It reflects Christ’s love to the world and brings glory to the One who joined them together. It becomes a beacon of hope in a culture that has forgotten the sacredness of marriage.

The First Pillar reminds us that God must not merely be included in our marriages—He must be enthroned. He must be the center, the source, and the sustainer. When we keep our focus fixed on Him, our marriages are strengthened against the winds of adversity and the erosion of time.

May your marriage be a living testimony to God’s faithfulness—a place where love is sacrificial, forgiveness is swift, and joy is abundant because Christ reigns supreme in every word, every decision, and every moment.

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

The Simplification of Life

As we continue our journey through the “Four Pillars of a God-Centered Life,” we now turn to a pillar that challenges both our hearts and habits—the simplification of life. In previous messages, we reflected on the necessity of keeping God as our central focus and the sacred responsibility of nurturing our families. Today, we consider how the condition of our spiritual lives is often reflected in the condition of our physical and emotional surroundings. A cluttered life—whether filled with possessions, noise, or obligations—can cloud our vision and pull us away from the peace God longs to give.

Over the past two weeks, my wife and I undertook the task of decluttering our home. It began as a practical effort but soon became a spiritual exercise. We uncovered items stored for years—things that once met temporary needs but had since sat unused, benefiting no one. As we sorted and reflected, the Lord laid it on our hearts to donate these items to Goodwill so that others might be blessed through what we no longer needed. It was a humbling revelation to see how many things we had accumulated in moments of convenience or want, only to forget them with time. This process opened our eyes to the deeper truth: we often carry more than we need, and much of it hinders us from drawing closer to God.

Simplifying life is not about living with less for the sake of minimalism. It is about living with purpose, with focus, and with a heart set on what truly matters. As we explore this third pillar, let us ask the Lord to show us what needs to be released—not just from our closets or calendars, but from our hearts—so that we may walk more freely and faithfully in His presence.

The world around us often celebrates excess—more accomplishments, more possessions, more connections, more noise. Yet Scripture calls us to something far more enduring and life-giving: simplicity rooted in godly contentment. This is not about denying ourselves joy or comfort, but about aligning our lives with the gentle rhythm of God’s design. Simplicity is not merely a lifestyle choice; it is a spiritual discipline—a deliberate act of surrender that says, “Lord, I need You more than anything else.”

The wise words of Proverbs 15:16 speak directly to this truth: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” In other words, a life marked by humble reverence for God, even if lacking in material abundance, is far richer than a life burdened by the anxiety and distraction that often accompany earthly gain. In Ecclesiastes 4:6, we read, “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” These verses point us to the heart of simplicity—not just having less, but embracing what matters most.

In its truest form, simplicity draws us nearer to the Lord. It clears away what is unnecessary so that we may hear His voice more clearly. It opens space in our hearts and schedules for prayer, reflection, and worship. It loosens our grip on what is passing so we can take hold of what is eternal. Simplicity is not loss—it is gain in its purest and most liberating form.

A cluttered life is not merely an overfilled closet or an overcrowded schedule—it is often a reflection of a restless heart. When we seek fulfillment in possessions, accomplishments, or constant activity, we unknowingly distance ourselves from the stillness where God speaks most clearly. Clutter is not just physical; it can be emotional, mental, and spiritual. It distracts, divides, and dilutes our devotion.

There was a season in my life when my wife and I found ourselves caught in what I now recognize as a spiritual hamster wheel. We prayed earnestly for better jobs, for more income, and for greater provision. But those prayers, though sincerely offered, were often rooted in a desire to acquire more—to purchase what we didn’t truly need, to fill our home and our lives with things that only served us for a season. We asked for more, only to find ourselves praying again for even more. It became an endless cycle, and in time, the Lord graciously revealed the truth to us: we were not being good stewards of what we already had.

We had received blessings, but we had not always honored the Giver. We had wasted much while asking for increase. We had pursued abundance while neglecting contentment. In hindsight, we see how this pursuit weighed down our lives and crowded out our sense of peace. It was only when we began to let go—both physically and spiritually—that we discovered what true freedom and simplicity in Christ really meant.

The Lord does not oppose provision or growth. But when our desires outrun our gratitude, and our prayers become demands rather than petitions, we lose sight of the Giver and focus only on the gifts. Jesus Himself warned us of the “deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world” (Mark 4:19), which can choke out the Word and render our spiritual soil unfruitful. The danger of a cluttered life is not just the mess—it is the missed opportunity to abide in the presence and sufficiency of our Savior.

At the heart of simplification lies a question every believer must ask: What truly matters? Not what appears urgent, impressive, or comfortable—but what holds eternal value? In a world that constantly demands our attention and encourages endless accumulation, we must return to the quiet wisdom of God’s Word, which calls us to walk humbly, live purposefully, and treasure what draws us nearer to Him.

True simplicity is not about poverty or deprivation—it is about prioritization. It is about placing eternal things above temporary ones. Jesus gently yet firmly instructed Martha in Luke 10:41–42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...” Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, while Martha was caught up in the busyness of service. Both were doing something good, but only one chose what mattered most in that moment: being with the Lord.

When we simplify our lives, we make space for worship. We clear out the noise to hear God’s voice. We relinquish our grip on the temporal to embrace the eternal. This means evaluating every area—our time, our finances, our possessions, our relationships—and asking: Does this draw me closer to Christ or pull me away from Him?

For my wife and me, this process began with sorting through physical items, but it quickly led to deeper spiritual inventory. As we made space externally, we found clarity internally. We discovered we had more time—time to focus on the things that truly matter. We began setting aside intentional moments in the morning and evening to pray, read devotionals, and share in the Word of God together. We also found joy in simple, meaningful experiences—like going out for ice cream and simply sitting together in conversation. These moments, small as they may seem, have become sacred, drawing us closer to one another and to the Lord.

We made the decision to cancel our cable service, recognizing that hours once lost to television could now be redeemed through worship and connection. In its place, we began playing worship music and hymns—sounds that now fill our home with peace and keep our hearts aligned with the first pillar: keeping God at the center. Our conversations, enriched by this spiritual environment, have also deepened our relationship as a couple, drawing us back to the second pillar: the importance of family.

By simplifying, we have not lost—we have gained. We have reclaimed time, space, and attention for what matters most: God, one another, and the purpose to which He has called us.

As we bring this message to a close, we now look ahead to the fourth and final pillar in this spiritual framework: Being Healthy to Serve God. Just as simplicity clears the path for greater focus and fellowship, so too does it open the door to intentional stewardship of our physical and emotional well-being. When our lives are free from unnecessary burdens and distractions, we are better positioned to care for the bodies God has given us—not for vanity, but for vitality in service to Him.

Health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is often overlooked in discussions of discipleship, yet it plays a vital role in fulfilling our calling. When we are fatigued, overextended, or physically unwell due to poor habits or neglect, our ability to serve with strength and joy is diminished. Simplifying our lives gives us the margin to rest, reflect, and make healthier choices—not only for ourselves, but for the people God has called us to love and serve.

As we prepare to explore this final pillar, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how the three we have already discussed—focusing on God, strengthening family, and simplifying life—all contribute to a life that is ready and able to serve the Lord with energy, clarity, and devotion.

Beloved, I invite you now to pause and reflect: What in your life is weighing you down or pulling you away from the presence of God? Are there habits, possessions, obligations, or distractions that consume your time, your energy, or your peace? The Lord is not calling you to a life of constant accumulation, but to a life of purpose, freedom, and fellowship with Him. Simplifying is not about deprivation—it is about devotion. It is a spiritual act of faith that says, “Lord, I trust You to be my portion and my provider.”

I encourage you this week to prayerfully examine one area of your life where the Lord may be calling you to let go. It may be something physical, like a possession you’ve been holding onto unnecessarily. It may be something mental or emotional, such as a worry, a pressure, or an unhealthy commitment that burdens your spirit. Release it into God’s hands and ask Him to fill that space with His peace and presence.

Start small but start intentionally. Choose one step—perhaps setting aside time for evening prayer, turning off the television to read Scripture, or reconnecting with a loved one through undistracted conversation. Let that simple act become an open door through which the Lord may pour out His wisdom, peace, and joy.

Do not be afraid to live with less if it means living with more of Christ.

As we conclude this message on the simplification of life, let us take heart in the still, reassuring voice of our Heavenly Father, who gently calls us to lay down the heavy and unnecessary burdens we have picked up along the way. In Psalm 46:10, we are commanded with loving clarity: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness, in the letting go, in the quieted heart—there we rediscover the wonder of His presence.

Let us not fear simplicity, but embrace it as a sacred invitation to walk more closely with our Creator. Let us choose what is better, as Mary did, and sit at the feet of our Savior, unburdened by the many distractions of the world. May your home, your schedule, your mind, and your soul find peace in the presence of the Lord.

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

Mid-Week Message - About Death

"The day one dies is better than the day he is born!  It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals.  For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time.  Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.  Yes, a wise man thinks much of death, while the fool thinks only of having a good time now."  Ecclesiastes 7:1b-4  (TLB)

A while ago I was reminded again of the brevity of life.  A dear sweet young friend passed away.  This was a young lady who had fought a lifetime of battles that most of us will never be able to conceive of.  Her life was filled with miracle after miracle and she was a living testament of the power and love of Almighty God.  I rejoice for her as she celebrates with Jesus though my heart is broken for her family and others close to her.  

When my father died in 2007 I thought I wasn't going to be able to go on.  He had been my greatest supporter throughout my life.  He was the one I turned to for advice and understanding.  He wasn't a perfect man, but the Lord couldn't have chosen a better man to be my dad.  I can remember every second of that day and I doubt seriously that I will ever forget.  His death deeply impacted me and changed the way I thought of life.  The person I counted on to always be there suddenly wasn't and I found myself considering the difference of how death is viewed on earth versus how it is viewed in Heaven.

When someone dear to us is no longer with us on this planet, it can be devastating.  We find ourselves clinging to their last words, their favorite material possessions, songs that remind us of them and anything else that makes us feel close to them.  The last thing we want to think about is that we won't see them again.  As we go through the stages of grief we experience denial and anger long before we reach acceptance.  We cry more tears than we thought possible and beg the Lord to explain to us why they had to go.  The pain of losing a loved one causes our hearts to physically ache and our minds to question life.  

However, what is perceived as an ending here is a homecoming in Heaven.  No longer is there any separation between our loved ones and Jesus. It is the culmination of our creation!  We see life as temporary, but our Creator made us to be eternal beings.  Life doesn't end at death.  It continues where we were meant to be all along.  In Heaven we will be free from illness, from sorrow and from danger.  Joy will rule our hearts as we witness in person the magnificence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We will join with the Heavenly choir in singing praises.  Any infirmities that we had before will be gone forever and we will be able to place our hand in the hand of the One who bore the penalties for our sin and made it all possible.  

Here we grieve but there they celebrate.  That is why today's verse admonishes us to ponder the end of our earthly lives.  For those that place their faith in the Lord Jesus death is simply the closing of one door and the opening of a much better one.  Life doesn't cease, it is perfected.  Our grief is for ourselves because we will miss those who go to Heaven before us.  One day, though, not too long in the future, that door will open for us as well and we will step across the Heaven's threshold and wrap our arms around our Savior.  

Mid-Week Message - Life and Death

 "The day one dies is better than the day he is born!  It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals.  For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time.  Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.  Yes, a wise man thinks much of death, while the fool thinks only of having a good time now."  Ecclesiastes 7:1b-4  (TLB)

Night before last, my little bird passed away.  I knew her time was near so I was holding her and keeping her warm, making sure she knew she was loved.  I didn't want her to die alone in her cage.  She was a little fussy and I knew that if she was in the dark she would calm down so I laid her down on my chest and covered her with a blanket, head and all.  After about thirty minutes she started trying to flap her wings.  She came out from under the blanket and I caught her in my hands and she was gone.  My husband said, "It's like she just flew away."  I was reminded once again how quickly life can be over.   

When my father died in 2007 I thought I wasn't going to be able to go on.  He had been my greatest supporter throughout my life.  He was the one I turned to for advice and understanding.  He wasn't a perfect man, but the Lord couldn't have chosen a better man to be my dad.  I can remember every second of that day and I doubt seriously that I will ever forget.  His death deeply impacted me and changed the way I thought of life.  The person I counted on to always be there suddenly wasn't and I found myself considering the difference of how death is viewed on earth versus how it is viewed in Heaven.

When someone dear to us is no longer with us on this planet, it can be devastating.  We find ourselves clinging to their last words, their favorite material possessions, songs that remind us of them and anything else that makes us feel close to them.  The last thing we want to think about is that we won't see them again.  As we go through the stages of grief we experience denial and anger long before we reach acceptance.  We cry more tears than we thought possible and beg the Lord to explain to us why they had to go.  The pain of losing a loved one causes our hearts to physically ache and our minds to question life.  

However, what is perceived as an ending here is a homecoming in Heaven.  No longer is there any separation between our loved ones and Jesus. It is the culmination of our creation!  We see life as temporary, but our Creator made us to be eternal beings.  Life doesn't end at death.  It continues where we were meant to be all along.  In Heaven we will be free from illness, from sorrow and from danger.  Joy will rule our hearts as we witness in person the magnificence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We will join with the Heavenly choir in singing praises.  Any infirmities that we had before will be gone forever and we will be able to place our hand in the hand of the One who bore the penalties for our sin and made it all possible.  

Here we grieve but there they celebrate.  That is why today's verse admonishes us to ponder the end of our earthly lives.  Death is simply the closing of one door and the opening of a much better one.  Life doesn't cease, it is perfected.  Our grief is for ourselves because we will miss those who go to Heaven before us.  One day, though, not too long in the future, that door will open for us as well and we will step across the Heaven's threshold and wrap our arms around our Savior.

Thanksgiving Message - He Hears and Responds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Godly Friendship

As I stare at the third kernel of corn and ponder its meaning of friendship, I realize that it is not just having friends that makes a difference to others. What really makes the difference is being a godly friend to those around us. When you think about friends and friendship, many immediately think about how many friends they have through social media and how many instant message buddies they have. Should the number of friends make a difference in your life or should the quality of each be the defining criteria for each relationship.

The noted American author, Alice Walker, once said, “I don't need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends I can be certain of.”

When you look back at the Pilgrims who came to this new world in search of religious freedom, they ran into heartache and hardship at almost every turn in their collective lives. Crop failures, harsh winters, death from starvation and disease and so many other tragedies filled their lives daily. However, things changed for them when God, in His infinite love, provided to those early settlers help in the form of Native Americans. 

Those new friends helped the Pilgrims get back on their feet and, in time, those same folks who endured heartache and hardship alike were able to sit down at a table and behold the bounty and blessings of God and share those same blessings with their new friends, the Native Americans.

As we think about the friendship between the settlers and the natives of this land, we must look at the quality of that friendship and at ourselves. The Native Americans came to the aid of the Pilgrims in their dire need. Would you do the same for your friends? If a friend’s spouse were in the hospital fighting for his or her life, would you come to the aid of the spouse? Would you sacrifice for them just to help take that person to the hospital to visit their dying loved one? Would you bring a meal to the house?

I have seen first hand the generosity of the few that would come to the aid of those around them. I have seen a few climb up on rooftops during storms to patch a leaky roof. I have seen those who have walked miles to feed those who were stuck in their homes during ice storms. Those are individuals that exemplify the definition of a true friend.

In chapter eighteen of the Book of Proverbs, the author writes, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

True friendship means that we stick together closer than a person’s family. As friends, we should come to the aid of our friends even when it is inconvenient. We all have our own lives and things to deal with, but, as true friends, we should be willing to help whenever and with whatever is needed. My father said that friendship does not keep hours or have a schedule.

I used to think it was an odd thing to say until my wife and I received calls from our congregation either late at night or very early in the morning. Since we served a retirement community as pastors, my wife and I were on call all the time to lend a shoulder of comfort or strength. Sometimes, we wept with someone over the passing of a spouse or a dear friend. Other times we worked to bring joy into the lives of those we served.

No matter the situation, we were there for each and we helped wherever and whenever we could. God gave us the blessings of a flock to care for and watch over. 

In chapter ten of the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

For me, friendship is the same as being a good shepherd. A true friend will stand shoulder to shoulder with his or her friend and not let any harm come to that friend. The greatest gift you can give someone is being a friend who will not run when things get rough.

When I first became the pastor to our congregation at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community, I met the activity director. Dave, a former pastor, charged me with one thing. Those words that he said have always guided my life and I thank God for him and those words.

He said, “Take care of the flock. Watch over them. Be the ‘good shepherd’.”

The words of my earthly father and those words of my brother in Christ, Dave, have directed my actions and taught me how to be that friend who is closer than a brother. As friends, we should always and, without question, share in the burdens of our friends.

The author of Ecclesiastes writes in chapter four, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

A true friend will always lift you up and help you with your burden. Lending a hand in the worst of times is the true sign of a deep friendship that transcends everything.

When you look at the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, they barely had an understanding of each other’s culture or language. I am sure that it was very difficult at times and probably frustrating. But, each was willing to give and receive for the sake of the other.

Friendship is built upon that give and take. At some point, we may need help from a friend while, at other times, we may need to give to our friends. No matter what the situation is, we always give and take with kindness, love and humility.

Paul writes in chapter three of his letter to the Colossians, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

As you ponder the third kernel of corn and thank the Lord God for your friends, remember the lesson from this message. Be a godly friend to those you know. Help wherever and whenever you can. Lend a hand or shoulder to those who bear great burdens. Weep with those who mourn. Be joyful with those who celebrate. When you live Paul’s words and clothe yourself in love, you can truly stand firm in His grace. 

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

Mid-Week Message - About Death

"The day one dies is better than the day he is born!  It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals.  For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time.  Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.  Yes, a wise man thinks much of death, while the fool thinks only of having a good time now."  Ecclesiastes 7:1b-4  (TLB)

This weekend, I was reminded again of the brevity of life.  A dear sweet young friend passed away.  This was a young lady who had fought a lifetime of battles that most of us will never be able to conceive of.  Her life was filled with miracle after miracle and she was a living testament of the power and love of Almighty God.  I rejoice for her as she celebrates with Jesus though my heart is broken for her family and others close to her.  

When my father died in 2007 I thought I wasn't going to be able to go on.  He had been my greatest supporter throughout my life.  He was the one I turned to for advice and understanding.  He wasn't a perfect man, but the Lord couldn't have chosen a better man to be my dad.  I can remember every second of that day and I doubt seriously that I will ever forget.  His death deeply impacted me and changed the way I thought of life.  The person I counted on to always be there suddenly wasn't and I found myself considering the difference of how death is viewed on earth versus how it is viewed in Heaven.

When someone dear to us is no longer with us on this planet, it can be devastating.  We find ourselves clinging to their last words, their favorite material possessions, songs that remind us of them and anything else that makes us feel close to them.  The last thing we want to think about is that we won't see them again.  As we go through the stages of grief we experience denial and anger long before we reach acceptance.  We cry more tears than we thought possible and beg the Lord to explain to us why they had to go.  The pain of losing a loved one causes our hearts to physically ache and our minds to question life.  

However, what is perceived as an ending here is a homecoming in Heaven.  No longer is there any separation between our loved ones and Jesus. It is the culmination of our creation!  We see life as temporary, but our Creator made us to be eternal beings.  Life doesn't end at death.  It continues where we were meant to be all along.  In Heaven we will be free from illness, from sorrow and from danger.  Joy will rule our hearts as we witness in person the magnificence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We will join with the Heavenly choir in singing praises.  Any infirmities that we had before will be gone forever and we will be able to place our hand in the hand of the One who bore the penalties for our sin and made it all possible.  

Here we grieve but there they celebrate.  That is why today's verse admonishes us to ponder the end of our earthly lives.  Death is simply the closing of one door and the opening of a much better one.  Life doesn't cease, it is perfected.  Our grief is for ourselves because we will miss those who go to Heaven before us.  One day, though, not too long in the future, that door will open for us as well and we will step across the Heaven's threshold and wrap our arms around our Savior.  

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 5:2-3

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 New International Version (NIV)

2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
    and many words mark the speech of a fool.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 9:17

Ecclesiastes 9:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
    than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 9:12

Ecclesiastes 9:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 10:4

Ecclesiastes 10:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

4 If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit!
    A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

17 Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person
    than the shouts of a foolish king.
18 Better to have wisdom than weapons of war,
    but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Tears in All Seasons

The great American author, Washington Irving, wrote, “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” He could not be more right. Each tear that we shed marks a page in our life’s journal. We weep for joy when we share the marriage of two people and witness the birth of a child. We weep in sorrow when we are saddened by the passing of a spouse, family member or a dear friend. When we are happy or sad, we shed tears. They are the outward signs of how we feel on the inside. Each tear is different from the other. Medical doctors tell me that the composition of tears are different depending on the mood of the individual. When a person is sad or depressed, the chemistry of those tears differ from those shed during times of joy or excitement.

No matter what the case or situation, tears are not a sign of weakness. They are signs of power and expression of our feelings. When you look throughout the Bible, you will see strong individuals called by God to serve who weep. In Chapter 11, John records that Jesus wept after he heard where Lazarus’ family had put him. In fact, verse 35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, “Then Jesus wept.” Jesus later tells Martha, Lazarus’ sister, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” It saddened Jesus to hear that they believed more in the power of death than that of life. He wept for them. 

As I continue my journey of recovery, I have wept tears of joy for each milestone that God has guided me to. I wept bitter tears when I experienced setbacks and cried out to the Lord and asked Him why. I, however, quickly remembered the words of Jesus that I have to believe in order to see God’s glory expressed in my life. During those moments of setback, I remember the teachings of Ecclesiastes 3. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” In our lives, we experience the winter of discontent and the spring of joy. We express moments of triumph and trial. There will be seasons when, as the psalmist tells us in Psalm 126, we sow in tears, but we will soon reap a harvest with shouts of joy. 

There will always be times when we weep bitter tears, but we must learn to persevere and move forward not only in our lives but also in our faith. Paul tells us in Romans 5, “And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Endurance does build character which in turn strengthens our faith in that glorious hope of salvation. As we go through that valley of darkness, we will shed tears. We will cry out to the Lord and ask to be delivered. Those tears and cries for mercy will give way to victory. Just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, we, too, will be raised up from the darkest of times to experience the light of victory. 

When I was in high school, I broke my right leg while ice skating. I had never been ice skating before in my whole life. My dad told me stories of how he would skate in the winter on the frozen ponds in Pennsylvania. I figured it would be easy. So, I tried it. I went out on the ice with a couple of friends and in the process, I broke my leg. I thought I had sprained my ankle badly and decided not to go to the hospital. The next day my leg had swollen up and I was unable to put any weight on it. My dad took me to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center located at Fort Hood, Texas. The emergency room doctor took one look at my leg and knew I had broken one or more of the bones in my lower right leg. He sent me immediately to the orthopedic unit. While there, they performed a series of x-rays and determined that I had broken one of the two bones in my lower right leg. Back then, it was a simple task. Cast the leg, set it and then x-ray it again to make sure everything was aligned properly. If you have never experienced the pain of having a broken bone set, you have missed out on a really painful experience. It is more painful than the breaking of the bone. While I was on the table with my leg in wet plaster, the orthopedic doctor, Major Greene, set my leg. As he was doing that, I began to well up with tears. The pain was excruciating to say the least. Each twist and move was a whole new experience in pain the likes of which I hope I never ever have to feel again. My dad seeing my eyes fill up with tears leaned down and said, “Real men do not cry.” I immediately stopped and endured the pain.

Although I loved my dad dearly, I would have disagreed with him on the weeping. Real men do weep. Jesus wept. Paul wept. The strongest men and women of the Bible wept in joy or sorrow. But, no matter what they wept about, they knew one thing. Tears shed in sorrow will give way to victory. James tells us in chapter 1, “12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” By persevering in our trials and living through each test, we will ultimately have that victory and receive the crown of life. There will be tears along the way, but, as Washington Irving points out, tears are “the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” During those moments of stress and setback, we realize that we do not have the strength within us to go it alone. We must turn to God and allow His grace, mercy and love to become our strength. 

The psalmist tells us in Psalm 34, “19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!” That truth was, is and continues to be God’s promise to His children. The Lord always comes to the rescue when He hears our cries or sees our tears. He will not allow His children to go it alone. He will remain there with us and see us through the darkest of times so that we will be that testament of God’s unfathomable love and glory.

If you walk in darkness and feel that all is lost, you can receive God’s gift of salvation and know that He has you in the palm of His hand. When you feel utterly alone, He will embrace you with His mighty arms and shield you from all harm. He loves His children and will send His angels to watch over you and protect you. In order to receive this gift of salvation and peace, all you have to do is accept Christ Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. He will lead you to the Father and provide you with all that you need to enjoy victory when all seems lost.

As we go through this week, always remember that no matter what happens, we can stand firm in His grace and know that, as is written so beautifully in Revelation 24, “4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. 
~ Numbers 6:24-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 5:2

Ecclesiastes 5:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 Finishing is better than starting.
    Patience is better than pride.

9 Control your temper,
    for anger labels you a fool.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 9:1

Ecclesiastes 9:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 10:2

Ecclesiastes 10:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

A wise person chooses the right road;
    a fool takes the wrong one.

Daily Word of God - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Ecclesiastes 11:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Worth the Trip

There is one day every year in our lives that causes us to reflect more on our past experiences and causes us to wonder about the future. We wonder what is in store for us during the course of the year ahead. Many would say that day is New Year’s Day. We often think about the events of the coming year and briefly reflect on the past year. However, for some, the day that causes the most amount of reflection on the past as well as the future is our birthdays.

As we grow older, our minds are consumed with things that happened or should have happened. We reflect on the victories but seem to dwell on the defeats. We think about the future, but fear the coming day. Why is it that we look at the journey we call life and feel that we have not measured up to our dreams and feel that those very dreams that we had when we were children just never became reality. 

If we continue to look at our life as a journey we realize that there will be lows and highs. There will be starts and stops. It is the end of the journey that counts and how we see our lives.