✟ Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness

The Apostle Paul’s words to the Galatian believers remind us of an unchanging truth: God’s justice cannot be mocked. Just as a farmer reaps what he plants, our actions—good or bad—will produce a harvest in due time. This principle is not only about avoiding sin; it is also about faithfully doing good, even when the world offers no applause.

In our fast-paced, results-driven culture, we are often tempted to look for immediate rewards for doing good. Yet, the Kingdom of God operates on a different timetable. The seeds we plant today in kindness, generosity, and compassion may not yield an instant return, but in God’s perfect timing, they will produce a harvest far greater than we can imagine.

Paul draws a sharp contrast: those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will reap decay and death, but those who live to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

When we sow to the flesh, our efforts are self-serving. They may produce temporary satisfaction, but the end result is emptiness. Conversely, when we sow to the Spirit—living in obedience to God’s Word, motivated by love and humility—the harvest is everlasting.

Think of it this way: if a farmer plants weeds, he cannot expect a field of wheat. Likewise, if we plant selfishness, we cannot expect a harvest of righteousness.

Paul knew the human heart. He understood that doing good can be exhausting, especially when it seems unnoticed or unappreciated. But here’s the key: we are not doing good to impress others; we are doing it to honor the Lord.

Our reward is not determined by public recognition but by God’s promise—“at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” The timing of the harvest belongs to Him, and His timing is always perfect.

This is where the story of the poor widow speaks so powerfully. In Luke 21:1–4 NLT, we read:

“While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.’”

The widow’s act was not grand in the eyes of men, but it was precious in the eyes of the Lord. She gave without expecting anything in return, purely out of devotion. That is the heart of doing good—it’s not about the size of the gift, but the sincerity and sacrifice behind it.

Paul concludes with a call to action: “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

This is not a selective kindness; it is a consistent, Spirit-led lifestyle.

• Doing good to everyone means we show love to friend and stranger alike, even those who have wronged us.
• Doing good especially to the family of faith means we bear one another’s burdens, support one another in times of need, and strengthen the witness of the church.

Opportunities to do good are everywhere if we are willing to look for them. Sometimes it is a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a meal for someone in need, or a quiet prayer for a hurting soul. Other times it may mean sacrificial giving, much like the widow’s offering—hidden from the crowd, but seen by God.

The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a lifelong planting season. Every act of kindness, every prayer lifted for another, every selfless deed is a seed planted in the soil of eternity.

We must not let discouragement stop us from doing what is right. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT). You may not see the harvest today, but God has promised that in due season, it will come.

So, let us go on doing good—not for applause, not for personal gain, but because it is what honors Christ. Like the widow, let us give all we can—not just from our surplus, but from our hearts—trusting that the God who sees in secret will reward in His time.

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

✟ Clothed in Compassion: Restoring, Not Condemning

As followers of Christ, we are not called to mimic the world’s harshness, bitterness, or divisiveness. We are called to something higher, something nobler. The Apostle Paul reminds us of our sacred identity when he writes, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NLT). These words are not merely an invitation—they are a divine summons to a lifestyle that reflects the heart of our Savior.

Being chosen by God does not elevate us above others; rather, it binds us to a holy responsibility. We are not called to boast in our standing but to serve in humility. Yet in today’s world, it is a grievous truth that many who claim the name of Christ do not walk in the virtues Paul outlines. Instead of mercy, there is meanness. Instead of kindness, cold judgment. Instead of humility, pride. Instead of gentleness, harshness. Instead of patience, condemnation.

Too many wield religion as a sword to wound rather than as a balm to heal. Their actions drive the broken away from the church, when the church ought to be a sanctuary for the weary and a refuge for the fallen. But Paul’s exhortation is clear—we must clothe ourselves not in superiority, but in sanctified compassion.

Our lives, then, must be adorned daily with the spiritual garments of Christ. These are not optional accessories, but essential vestments for anyone who professes faith in Him. Let this verse be a mirror and a map—a reflection of who we are and a direction toward who we are called to be.

Let us take a moment to reflect more deeply on the attire of grace that Paul outlines in verse 12. These are not mere personality traits—they are manifestations of a transformed heart:

• Tenderhearted mercy speaks of a compassionate soul moved by the sufferings of others. It compels us to lift up rather than tear down.
• Kindness and humility walk hand in hand, reminding us that every person is made in the image of God and deserving of dignity—not condescension.
• Gentleness and patience guide us to endure offenses with grace and to correct others without arrogance.

The Apostle Paul calls us to clothe ourselves with these virtues. Much like we dress our physical bodies each morning, we are to clothe our spirits with these divine qualities, presenting ourselves not as judges, but as servants of grace.

Romans 3:23 serves as a sobering reminder: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” If we all fall short, then who among us has the right to sit in judgment over another? We must cast off the garments of pride and self-righteousness, and instead wear the humility of Christ, who washed the feet of His disciples.

Paul continues, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13, NLT). These words are not a suggestion, but a command rooted in the example of our Savior.

The measure of a believer is not how well they speak of grace, but how generously they extend it. Forgiveness is the outflow of a heart touched by divine mercy. To withhold it is to forget what has been done for us on the cross.

I have witnessed individuals leave churches in tears, not because of the convicting power of the Word, but because of the condemning spirit of the congregation. Their faults were magnified, their struggles broadcast, and their hearts left wounded rather than restored. But Paul calls us to make allowance for one another—to recognize that spiritual growth is a process and that we are each on a journey.

Christ's forgiveness was not earned; it was given. And if we have received it so freely, then we are called to give it freely in return.

Paul elevates the conversation in verse 14: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Love is the ultimate garment, the crowning piece of our spiritual wardrobe. Without it, all other virtues fall apart.

Love does not expose weaknesses—it covers them (1 Peter 4:8). Love does not puff itself up—it humbles itself. Love does not cast out—it draws near.

The Church should be known for its love—not for its legalism. When we look down on those who have stumbled, when we refuse to walk with them toward healing, we defy the very nature of the Gospel.

In John 13:35, Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not our eloquent sermons. Not our theological knowledge. Not even our moral record. But our love.

Let us then put on love as the belt that holds all the other garments of grace together, uniting us in harmony rather than dividing us with judgment.

Paul concludes this powerful exhortation with these words: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, NLT).

Peace does not dwell in a heart consumed with superiority. It cannot coexist with spiritual pride. The peace of Christ rules only in hearts surrendered to His lordship and softened by His love.

We are called to live in peace—not merely coexist, but thrive together as a unified body. And this peace is nurtured by a spirit of thankfulness. When we remember what Christ has done for us, we are moved not to judge others, but to bless them.

Gratitude humbles the soul. It reminds us that every gift we possess—including salvation, wisdom, and righteousness—is from God. And from that wellspring of humility, peace flows like a river, washing away arrogance and replacing it with unity.

There was a time in my life when I had to confront my own tendency to judge. I had forgotten how deeply I once needed grace—how at twelve years old, I encountered the life-changing love of Christ Jesus and was baptized under Reverend Joe Broadway at Eastwood Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas. That moment shaped my life. And yet, there came seasons when I was tempted to look down on others who were struggling.

But the Lord gently reminded me: “Were it not for My mercy, where would you be?” I have since ministered to many individuals who were ready to walk away from their faith, not because of God’s Word, but because of God’s people. They felt excluded, shamed, judged.

Let us never be the reason someone walks away from the Church. Let us instead be the reason they come back.

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians is echoed in Galatians 6:1 (NLT): “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” Gently. Humbly. With the garments of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

We are not spiritual law enforcement. We are spiritual caregivers. The church is not a courtroom; it is a hospital. Let us tend to the wounded, not interrogate them.

As you go about your week, ask yourself: Am I clothed in mercy, or covered in pride? Am I lifting others up, or tearing them down? Reach out to someone who may be struggling in their faith. Let them know they are not forgotten. Help them rise again in the strength of God’s grace. Be the one who restores, not the one who rejects.

Let us put aside the garments of judgment and adorn ourselves with compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. For these are the true garments of Christ.

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

Thoughts from the Heart - Galatians 5:16

Galatians 5:16 NLT says, "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves."

This verse is a powerful reminder that as Christians, we are not meant to live according to our own desires and impulses. Rather, we are called to surrender our lives to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Spirit to guide us, we are empowered to resist the pull of our sinful nature and live a life that is pleasing to God.

This can be a difficult thing to do, as our sinful nature often leads us down paths of selfishness, greed, and pride. But when we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these temptations and walk in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Christ.

So, I encourage you to take this verse to heart and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life. Trust in Him to lead you down the path of righteousness and resist the pull of your sinful nature. May God bless you as you seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Mid-Week Message - Regarding Our Divisions

"So in Christ you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3:26-28  (NIV)  

Siblings can be brutal with each other.  If you have brothers or sisters then you know what I mean.  They fight like cats and dogs, say horrible things to each other, call each other names and occasionally pull a few punches.  But, let someone outside of the family try to same thing and those same siblings stick up for each other.  There is a oneness shared by family that isn't easily intruded upon.  

I bring up this topic because of something I saw on social media a couple of days ago.  We know of the Supreme Court decisions that have created a stir in this country and the division in opinions that is raging.  I saw a meme that asked this, "Do you really love Jesus or just the republican Jesus?"  

I haven't been able to get that off my mind.  The reason it has stuck with me is that Jesus cannot be identified by earthly designations.  He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is far beyond any labels that we use with each other. 

So how do we fit our relationship with Him into our mindsets and opinions?  Simply put, we don't.  We cannot measure Him by what is happening on earth.  Rather, we must weigh what is happening here on earth by what is taught in the Word of God.  Any opinion or viewpoint that we have that has not been bathed in the truth and teachings of our Savior should never leave our mouths.  Only insomuch as the Holy Spirit leads can we dare offer our thoughts as aligned with Him.  

We have become a nation divided, segmented into so many little groups that it is hard to know where we stand anymore.  The two greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus in Luke 10:27 were to, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." 

Because of my relationship with the Lord and because of what I read in His Word, I have very firm beliefs regarding some of the discussions and uproar in this land of ours and I will be vocal and active when I feel led by the Spirit to do so.  But it must be done through His love so as to not alienate anyone from Him.  The goal must always be to share the Gospel.  Only in doing so will others realize their need for Jesus.  

Those who have been adopted into the family of God misrepresent Him when we battle with each other.  Rather than allowing ourselves to be divided by the world, we need to come together as one in Christ Jesus so that He will be honored and the world might seek His will.  

May your week be showered in His grace and mercy.  God bless.  

 

Mid-Week Message - What or Who?

 "My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Galatians 2:20  (NLT)

Every child gets asked the same question at some point in their life.  "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Do you remember?  What was your answer?  

From the time children are very small, we begin preparing them to take a role in society.  Attempting to ignite ambition in their lives, we introduce them to the various professions such as fire fighters, police, doctors, nurses, teachers, etc.  Schools have career days when various professionals visit to describe what their job is like.  We want our children's lives to be fulfilling and for them to contribute something positive to the world.  

What did you grow up to be?  Did you stay true to what you wanted to be as a child or did you change your mind and go into another field?  

The big question I have for you is this, "Are you fulfilled?  Is your life what you thought it would be or what you wanted it to be?"  

I believe we are emphasizing the wrong idea.  Rather than focusing on WHAT our children are to become, we need to concentrate on WHO they should be.  

Paul was a tent maker.  Now, I don't know if he wanted to grow up to be a tent maker, but that was his profession.  However, as you read the Scriptures, how often do you read about how happy he was with his job?  No.  Paul's mind was on Christ and who he was in Christ.  He knew that as a follower of Jesus, he was to take on Christ-like qualities.  His mind, his body, his focus was to be in line with his Savior.  

We all have a place in life that God has chosen for us to occupy.  The bulk of my working years were spent as a school secretary in a Christian school.  I did all the duties that were required, but I looked at my position as a ministry.  I was once told by a superior that my first obligation was to the job I was hired to do.  My reply was that I believed God had placed me in that position to minister to the young souls and their parents that frequented my office.  I saw very early on that hearts were more important than paperwork.

This world needs police, teachers, plumbers and electricians.  Certainly we should choose our vocations wisely, using our talents and interests as guides.  My point is that the only way to be truly satisfied in what we choose is to allow the Lord to be present and active so that, besides doing the job, we reach hearts and souls for Him.   

Are we teaching our children to pursue their own goals or are we pointing them to their Creator and encouraging them to get to know Him and to follow where He leads?  True fulfillment comes through the work of the Spirit.  If we want the best for them, then we need to school them in the qualities that truly matter - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  God bless.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Restoring Those Who Have Wandered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - New Normal

In almost every new article or segment that I read or listen to, I hear the same term, “new normal”, used over and over. It has become the new buzz phrase that has come to symbolize this new decade. New social practices such as distancing and reduced capacity are now becoming the new norm. There have even been discussions and suggestions regarding the handshake. Some doctors feel that the accepted and traditional custom should be eliminated from our daily interactions. 

Everything we do from now on will be scrutinized through the lens of the new norm. Although I am not a fan of the term, I believe that we should embrace a new way of thinking and feeling towards one another. As we continue to deal with COVID-19 and its impact in our lives, we should also take a moment to look at our lives through a spiritual lens.   

Last week, I talked about having a new heart and a new spirit. When we accepted Christ Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, we received the free gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father through the blood of His son, Jesus. As we received that gift, we received a new heart and a new spirit. Our old stony, sin-filled heart was removed and a new one was placed into us. Our old spirit of disobedience was ripped away and a new spirit of love for our Father and for others was put in its place.

After receiving our new hearts and our new souls, we are called to walk with the Lord daily and dedicate our lives to serving Him and to loving one another. There is a new norm for us as Christians. We are no longer to walk in darkness and act disobediently. We have been transformed and we should reject that old, sinful lifestyle by living a life of worship and love.

In chapter two of his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, “But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”

In this passage, Paul tells us that there is no way for us to satisfy the requirements of the law. No matter how hard we try, there is no way that we could, on our own, meet the requirements of the law and avoid spiritual death. Our salvation can only come through the blood of Jesus poured out as an atonement for our sins. When we accepted this gift, we were given a new life and a new way to live. 

The grace that we receive has a deep meaning for us. Just like that beautiful song by Isaac Watts, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”, you cannot help but be humbled by the value of that gift of salvation. The son of God the Father came from his throne on high to live among us and show us the way back to the Father. When it came time to lay down his life for our sins, he walked the Via Dolorosa to die upon a cross. While on that cross, Jesus suffered for each of us and bore the world’s sins upon his broken body. When the moment came, the skies grew dark and the stone moaned as Jesus took his last breath and gave up his spirit.

In chapter nineteen of his gospel, John records that final moment of Jesus, “He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

It is through that act of love for each of us that Jesus made us right with God the Father. As a child of God, Jesus lives in you and walks with you daily. His lessons and his life are ours to guide our daily steps. We are no longer part of the old norm, but, rather, a part of the new norm.

As we walk daily in that new life, let us always remember the life of Jesus and his sacrifice for us and live our lives in accordance to his teachings. This new norm means that we live our lives with a Christ-like attitude daily and devote ourselves to God. 

Paul writes, in chapter two of his epistle to the Philippians, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.”

Don’t let Jesus’ sacrifice become meaningless in your life. Live a life dedicated in love and service to the Lord and to those around you. Act in a way that is Christ-like and hold firmly to the word of life. Don’t let anything come between you and that new norm. As you continue your daily walk with the Lord, you will soon find that this new norm will strengthen you for the days ahead and that you will stand firm in His grace. 

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Choose What is Important

Now that the holidays and 2019 are behind us, we look forward to the new year and what is in store for us. Some look forward to a future with hope while others only see dread and doom in the days to come. If we see only the dread and doom in store for us, then we choose a path that leads to sadness. We worry about so many things that really should not matter in our lives. We, as human beings, are the only species that is conscious of our own mortality. We literally can worry ourselves into an early death if we continue to see only the gloom and doom of life. 

I, like many of you, sometimes fall into this rut and only see the negative aspects of life and it takes something profoundly amazing to snap me back to the beauty and blessing of living a life dedicated to loving God and serving others. 

Earlier in the week, I watched many videos of Australians who risked their lives to save animals trying to survive the brush fires that are ravaging the country. Each time I watched a video, I prayed for all who lost their homes and for those who risked their lives daily to save lives, homes and animals from the fires.

When you watch a tragedy unfold, everyone who survives with only the clothes on their backs say the same thing, “I’m alive and that’s all that matters.”

I read articles about people who risked life and limb to come to the aid of their neighbors. It seems that tragedies, no matter what the size or situation, bring out the best in people. Each, out of love for one another, gave all that they could not only for people but also for animals. People opened their homes and hearts to those in need. It didn’t matter whether they walked on two legs or four. All were welcome. 

When you begin to put things into perspective, you begin to realize that life is really beautiful and we are truly blessed. Even after losing everything, we can truly say that life is wonderful and we are alive. It is all in what we choose to see and how we choose to move forward in life.

We can either choose a life filled with nothingness and fear or we can choose a life that is full of wonderment and love. We can concern ourselves with what will we eat, drink or wear. Or, we can trust that our Heavenly Father will provide all that we need. 

Jesus, in chapter six of the Gospel of Matthew, tells us, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

If we choose what is important and gives our lives meaning, we don’t have to worry about anything. The Lord God will provide our every need. Instead of looking for more of the things of this world, we should be seeking the Kingdom of God and living righteously in service to God and those around us. Those who seek things of this world will be disappointed. The treasures of this world are fleeting and disappear like the morning fog. They are briefly here and quickly gone.. 

Our Heavenly Father has given each of us a life filled with love and beauty. It is our choice how we wish to view it. We can lament each moment and demand that we should have more or we can say, like those who survive a tragedy, “I am alive and that’s all that matters.”

In chapter ten of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus visited Mary and Martha for dinner. While Martha worried about the big dinner that she was preparing, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his words. Martha was very upset and thought it was unfair that she had to work hard while Mary just sat and did nothing. In fact, Martha asked that Jesus tell Mary to help her.

Jesus responds to Martha, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

While Martha worried about the details of a dinner, Mary was interested in only one thing, the living bread provided by Jesus. Mary knew what mattered most and didn’t worry about the details of a meal. She was being fed by the Word.

When you choose what truly is important, you will not be disappointed. Choosing the things of this world will only bring disappointment and the desire to demand more. The things of this world will not satisfy you or fill that void in your life. What you receive in this life is temporary and will just fade away in time. The things of this world will not matter to us once we have, in the words of Shakespeare, “shuffled off this mortal coil”.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, in chapter two, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

By choosing salvation, Jesus lives within us. We do not live for ourselves or our desires. We live by trusting fully and completely in the Son of God. He gave his life for us so that we could have eternal life with the Father. It is strictly our choice.

You can choose a life devoted to the details of this world or you can find rest at the feet of Jesus. You can concern yourself with the things of this world and worry about everything or you can put your trust in the Lord and know that everything you need will be provided. The choice is really up to you.

Jesus said, in chapter twelve of the Gospel of Luke, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”

If you choose to put down your worries and concentrate on what is truly important, you won’t be disappointed at all and will live a life where you can stand firmly in His grace.

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Let the Spirit Lead

One of the most difficult things for me to do is to allow the Spirit to lead me. Since I am a control freak and a type-a personality who must be in total control of everything, I find myself slipping back into my worldly ways and wrestling control of my life away from the Lord. One of my professional skills is project management. Although most, if not all businesses, prize that sort of skill, it means nothing when it comes to my Christian life and my desire to serve the Father. I have tried very hard to allow the Lord to guide and direct my steps. As I start to feel stress and pressure in my life, I, almost instinctively, snatch back control of my life from the Lord and try to manage whatever situation I am facing. It is only after making a mess of things when I realize what I have done. Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, I go back to the Father and ask for forgiveness. I relinquish my control of my life back to Him and let Him guide my steps, actions and thoughts.

For many, like myself, it is so easy to take control of our lives and just tell God that you have everything under control. But, do we really have things under control? Early this week, I was sitting in the middle of rush hour traffic. In just a few short minutes, things changed for the worse. Traffic came to a screeching halt and I sat motionless for almost four hours. Later I found out that someone tried to cross I-20, one of the busiest highways, at six in the morning and was hit and killed by a motorist. That accident started a chain reaction that resulted in a ten-car pile-up that shut down I-20 for hours. Ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and several other emergency vehicles swarmed to the location of the accident.

Each person probably woke up that morning with no clue or thought of being in an accident. Each person stuck in the middle of the gridlock didn’t believe that they would be late to work by hours. No one could have guessed that, within a few seconds, a single misstep by a man trying to cross the busiest highway in Atlanta during the early morning hours would change the lives of hundreds if not thousands of people.

In chaos theory, a branch of mathematics that studies random events and how those events could come together to cause a bigger series of events that cascades into even bigger series of events, there is a very interesting term for how all of these random, small events could add up to bigger and bigger events which affect more and more constituent elements of a system. It is called “the butterfly effect”.  

The butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state. Put simply, imagine a butterfly that lands on the nose of a cow. The cow is spooked and it runs. That scared cow starts a stampede that results in a herd of cattle running towards a man on horseback. His horse gets spooked and throws him off and he is killed. That man might have created a miracle cure for cancer. 

This example is a gross exaggeration of the butterfly effect, but you get the point. One thing can lead to another and so on until it finally ends with a big impact to a lot of people. Our lives are the same way. One thing outside of our control can lead to disaster or devastation in our lives in just a short period of time.

So, thinking that you can control everything and not rely on God to give you peace is a true expression of arrogance. As God’s children, we must rely on Him daily. He provides for our needs and watches over us. 

Think of how Joshua may have felt when Moses called him to be the new leader of Israel. Joshua would be taking the place of Moses. Those are some big shoes to fill. But, Moses gives Joshua the best advice and words that any leader passing on the mantle of leadership to someone else could give.

In the thirty-first chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Let us break this down a bit. Moses first tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and that God had made a promise to His people. Because God keeps His word, Joshua has nothing to fear or worry about. God will be there with him personally.

God tells you the same thing daily. Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry about anything. The Lord has everything under control. Just like the Israelites, we, too, will go through some hardships, but, in the end, everything will work out and the glory will be God’s. So, don’t try to do things on your own. Give it to God and He will lift you up in victory at the right time.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul, in chapter 5, writes, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”

Paul tells us that in all aspects of our lives we should follow the Spirit and not be conceited or jealous of one another. It is so easy for us to follow our own sinful nature and try to control things. If we solve our problems on our own, we take credit for it and do not give glory to God. We begin to move God out of the center of our lives and replace him with our own abilities. We no longer look to God for help or guidance. We no longer follow the lead of the Spirit. 

But, we must remain true to God in our actions. He has promised us so much and continues to bless us daily. He showers us daily with His blessings and gifts. His biggest gift is eternal life which He gave us through His son, Jesus.

As you go through this week and face problems, always remember that you have a choice. You can choose to allow God to direct your life through the leading of the Spirit or you can snatch back control and try to do things on your own. The choice is yours to make. But, if you allow God to take control and be master of your life, you can definitely stand firm in His grace.

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

Mid-Week Message - Heavy Burdens

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"  Matthew 11:28-29  (NLT)

When something heavy needed to be moved in our home when I was younger, I was the child that was called upon to help.  I had an older brother but he never quite seemed to be around when these things needed to be done.  I became quite good at moving television consoles, couches, dressers and anything else that was more than a one person job.  I learned how to move most things on my own even, if I needed to do so.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  

Heavy physical burdens are quite familiar to me.  As I have dealt with obesity for most of my life, I know what it feels like to be weighed down and to be so overwhelmed with weight that I have found it difficult to move at times.  One of my favorite things to do is to float in a pool.  The feeling of being weightless is sheer joy!  

The physical weights we carry are easy compared to the other burdens that life places upon us.  All of us encounter times of trouble that drive us to our knees.  In the last few years, two of my closest friends have had to endure the death of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that has been for them.  As a mother myself, I can think of nothing worse.  Carrying that grief was crushing for them.  They made it through by crying out to the Lord and understanding that they were not alone to bear the sadness alone.  He was with them in the valley they had to traverse.  

Today's verse refers to a yoke, which is a crosspiece that is laid across the shoulders of two animals to lighten a load for each of them.  We are not meant to bear the burdens of life alone.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  We are to come together to help each other.  When we do not have the strength to continue on our own, we need to be able to reach out to those around us. 

Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall."  We have been created by a loving and caring Creator.  He never desired for us to feel alone.  He wants to be actively involved in our lives.  He cares about everything we encounter.  When we are weighed down, He will be there to lighten the load, to walk with us and to support us.  He can bring healing to the deep wounds that the pain of this life brings.  And He reminds us that a time is coming when we will be free of that pain for eternity.

What are you carrying today that is weighing you down?  Illness?  Financial problems?  Wayward children?  Whatever it is, ask Him to help you through it.  He is faithful and true and will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He adores you and is delighted when you turn to Him. God bless. 

Daily Word of God - Galatians 2:19-21

Galatians 2:19-21 New International Version (NIV)

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”[a]

Footnotes:

1. Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.

Morning Scripture Reading - Galatians 5:16-18

Galatians 5:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Footnotes:

1. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Serve with Love

When asked by the Pharisees which commandment in the law of Moses is the most important, Jesus, in Matthew 22, replies, “37 ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

When you think about Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, all of the laws of Moses rest on the two principles of relationships. The first principle is to love God with all your heart, soul and mind. That means that we withhold nothing and we give ourselves over to Him completely and without reservation. The second principle is that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. 

As you think about all of the laws of Moses, each deals with one of these basic irrefutable principles. For example, look at the Ten Commandments written on the tablet by God’s own finger. The first four commandments deal with our relationship to God. The last six commandments govern our relationship with one another. Once again, keeping in mind the words of Jesus, we see the two principles reflected in the Ten Commandments. 

Look at what Jesus says later in that passage, “40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

All the laws given to us by God and recorded in the holy scriptures and their demands are based on and fulfilled by our following of those two basic principles. Many will over-complicate the scriptures and push their own agenda. The Bible, especially the words and teachings of Jesus, is quite clear and requires no degree in biblical studies to understand. These simple words of Jesus carry the full faith and credit of God’s word and His will for our lives. It is man who tends to read more into those words. 

As we come to the conclusion of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, let us always remember the freedom that we as Christians enjoy. It is the freedom from sin that we have through the blood of Jesus and his sacrifice for our sins. It is through that freedom from sin that we are able to do so many wonderful things. We are able to go to the Father in prayer. The curtain that separated us from Him was torn in two from top to bottom. We have free access to the Father through the blood of His son, Christ Jesus. 

In Hebrews 4, we are told, “14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

We can only boldly go to the throne of God to receive mercy, love and grace because of Christ Jesus. It is because of him that we can do these things. Our works and good deeds cannot buy our way to the throne. It is only through Christ Jesus that this is possible.

Once we establish our relationship with the Father, we must also establish our relationship with those around us. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to become our “brother’s keeper” and to take care of the widows and orphans. We are to love one another even if it means laying down our lives for others. The relationship with our neighbors must be as strong as our relationship with the Lord.

Paul writes, in his epistle to the Galatians in chapter 5, “13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”

If we continue to follow the example of the world, we will bite and devour one another. We will grow to distrust those around us and suspicion will become our religion. We will no longer exemplify the love of Jesus and our Father to those around us. We will, once again, become a denizen of a sinful world.

When I reflect on the words of Paul, especially the warning he gives about destroying one another, I think about a book that I read while in college, The Lord of the Flies. This book, written by William Golding in 1954, tells us a story about young boys stranded on an island. They work to establish laws governing their relationship with one another. Later, their society breaks down and they turn on one another. They become like animals resorting to savagery and ultimately murder. 

What if they had remembered the words of Jesus and Paul and practiced love for the Father and love for one another? I believe things would have been so different. They would have served each other in love rather than falling from grace and returning to the ways of a fallen, sinful world. 

At the end of the novel, the boys are rescued, but their rescuers are shocked by the actions of the boys. The British naval officer who discovers the boys could not believe their actions and their behavior towards each other. How could this happen? 

When we lack the love of the Lord and the love for our neighbors, including our enemies, we will slip back into our old ways and become savages and sinners. It is so very easy for us to say that it cannot happen, but it can. If we do not remember and heed the words of Christ Jesus and the apostle Paul, we can soon find ourselves separated not only from each other but also separated from the Father. Disobedience will soon snake its way back into our lives. 

As you go through this week, I ask that you think about the words of Jesus and the apostle Paul. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us, “43 You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Strive to live a life that is Christ-like in all respects. When you do that, you can stand firm in His grace.

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

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Galatians 2:19-21

Galatians 2:19-21 New International Version (NIV)

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”[a]

Footnotes:

1. Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Morning Scripture Reading - Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Appointed to Serve

Over the past couple of months, I have been reflecting on the Lord’s call and how He appointed me to serve. It was ten years ago this month that my wife and I began our ministry at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community in Cedar Park, Texas.

In just five years of serving, I learned so much about my relationship with the Lord and my responsibilities as a pastor, friend and counselor for the community. The activity director, Dave, gave me the best advice that a first-time pastor could ever hope to receive. He said, “Jesse, feed and take care of the flock.”

Those words have always remained with me and even to this day are the words that guide my every action and remind me of why I serve in His kingdom. Although I was not prepared to fully take on the responsibilities of being a pastor, I knew that God would lead and provide me with the wisdom and words. I learned that I had to rely on Him and follow His lead no matter where my path would go.

After serving five years, God moved us to another location and we began to wonder why we were led to Georgia to serve. After all, my wife and I knew no one here. Our ministry in Cedar Park was growing and we were very happy to serve there. They were and continue to be our faith family. Each Christmas, my wife sends cards to all those who are still there and we remain friends via Facebook and email. Each time we receive an email, we treasure it as gold and thank God for the opportunity to have ministered there. 

While in Georgia, we wondered why He led us here. We moved into a new home and restarted our lives in a new place. My wife began to meet new people and to make friends. As for me, it was difficult and I constantly asked God for our new mission. Within a few years of arriving here, things changed not for the better but for the worse.

My illness, financial problems and so many other problems started to wear very heavy on my faith and my family and I began to question God. Our faith began to wax and wane a bit. While I underwent my treatment and recovered from my illness, things seemed to get worse and worse. My medical bills began to increase. In just a little over one year, our bills added up to over half a million dollars. We began to run through our savings and all the money we had went to doctors’ visits, treatments, medication and so many other things. Just making our bills proved to be very difficult.

As my wife and I continued through this nightmare, we grew closer together. There were many nights where we just talked and shared what was our on our hearts. We both began to wonder about God’s plan for us. I often found myself reminding Him of how content we were back in Texas and serving a wonderful congregation and faith family. I began to ask Him the big question of why.

I found myself in my prayers asking Him over and over the same question, “Why, Lord? Why is this happening to us?”

Each time the Lord provided me the same answer that He gave Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, “9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

He also provided me with another answer. Once again, it was the same one that He gave Paul in Philippians 4, “13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

As I allowed His words to minister to my soul and spiritually feed me, I began to realize that I was not just called but, rather, appointed to preach the word of God to all those around me and those who would listen to the Word and to my story. My illness, in and of itself, is a miracle. Several of the doctors said the same thing over and over, “You were within hours of dying.”

I thought about what they had said to me and the other things that were said. My symptoms were non-existent and no one even suspected the nature of my illness. I was a walking miracle and no one could explain how I was even standing or talking. Most even admitted that they did not even understand how I was still breathing. I should have been dead a long time before even reaching the hospital.

God, throughout the Old and New Testament, calls and appoints people to serve in a particular role. God tells Samuel, as written in 1 Samuel 16, to anoint David to serve as king of Israel. Saul, while while on the road to Damascus, is selected and appointed to be an apostle. In Galatians 1, Paul wrote, “15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.”

As I continue to ponder all that has happened to me and God’s hand upon me, I realize that God appointed me to do something that He chose me to do even before I was born. I never thought I would be preaching the Good News to others from a pulpit or ministering to thousands of people every month through our ministry website. 

God does work in mysterious ways and there is no way for us to comprehend the fullness of His divine plan for our lives until it unfolds in accordance to His plan for our lives. Each day is a new opportunity to minister to those in need and to share the Word with all those who are in desperate need of comfort and love.

My wife and I are embarking on a change of season in our lives. Although things have changed in a very big way for us, we realize that we were appointed to live our lives as His servants. As the words of the old hymn, “Where He Leads Me,” tells us, “I can hear my Savior calling, ‘Take thy cross and follow, follow me.’”

There are times when we find it difficult to follow. Our human nature kicks in and we begin to question God and His plan for our lives. When that happens, we reflect on our call to ministry to those at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community and God’s words to Paul. We, once again, take up our crosses, follow Jesus Christ and serve the Kingdom.

As you go through this week, I ask each of you to think about God’s plan for your life. Has He appointed you to do something special? Each of us serve Him in different ways. Some of us are called to preach and teach. Others are called to provide to His children. No matter what you are called or appointed to do, you can rest assured that you can stand firm in His grace and know that His grace will get you through that valley of darkness.

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