🌾 The Fifth Kernel: Faith – The Foundation of Thanksgiving

Scripture Reading for this message:

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

As we gather on this Thanksgiving Day, our hearts return once more to that humble meal where the Pilgrims bowed their heads in gratitude and placed five simple kernels of corn upon each plate. Each kernel carried a story, a lesson, and a truth. The final one—the fifth kernel—represented Faith, the unseen hand that guided them across an uncharted sea, sustained them through the bitter winter, and carried them into a season of abundance.

When the Pilgrims set sail from England, they had no certainty of success. They did not know what awaited them beyond the horizon. Yet their hearts were anchored in faith—faith that the God who called them forth would not abandon them. They trusted in His promises, not in their own strength.

And so, as we come to this final kernel, we are reminded that everything we celebrate—God’s love, His provision, the blessing of fellowship, and the gift of freedom—all spring from the fertile soil of faith. Without faith, thanksgiving would be shallow. But through faith, gratitude becomes the very song of the soul.

Faith is not tested in seasons of plenty; it is tested in seasons of lack. The Pilgrims knew hunger, loss, and hardship more than most. Yet even as they faced days when their rations were only a few kernels of corn, they did not curse God. They prayed. They believed. And they waited upon His timing.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT):

“For we live by believing and not by seeing.”

Faith calls us to trust God when circumstances seem impossible—to believe when the evidence is yet unseen. It is the quiet confidence that whispers, “God is still good,” even when the harvest is small or the night is long.

There have been moments in my own life when I could not see the path ahead—when uncertainty clouded every decision. But I have learned that it is often in those moments, when our sight fails, that faith grows strongest. For faith is not the absence of struggle; it is the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of it.

When we hold the kernel of faith, we hold the very seed of hope.

Faith is not simply what we profess with our lips—it is what we live with our lives. The Pilgrims’ faith was visible in their endurance, their compassion, and their thanksgiving. When they gathered to give thanks, they were not celebrating ease; they were celebrating faithfulness.

James 2:17 (NLT) reminds us:

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

Faith that is alive expresses itself in action—through generosity, forgiveness, and love. The Pilgrims planted not only crops but also seeds of faith that would grow for generations. We, too, are called to live in such a way that others see our trust in God and are drawn to Him.

This Thanksgiving, as you sit around your table and count your blessings, let your faith shine forth as a living testimony. Let it speak louder than words. Let it be seen in your gratitude, your compassion, and your willingness to serve others.

One of the greatest responsibilities we hold is to pass on our faith to those who follow. The Pilgrims taught their children the story of the five kernels—not as a tale of survival, but as a lesson in trust. Each kernel pointed back to the faithfulness of God.

Psalm 100:5 (NLT) proclaims:

“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

Thanksgiving is not merely a holiday—it is a legacy. When we share the story of God’s goodness, we sow seeds of faith that will bloom in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Around our tables today, let us not only share food but also share the stories of how God has provided, guided, and strengthened us.

Let prayer and gratitude fill your home, for faith grows strongest when it is nurtured in remembrance and praise.

The fifth kernel completes our journey. The first kernel reminded us of God’s love; the second, of His provision; the third, of the blessing of family and friends; the fourth, of the gift of freedom. But the fifth—faith—is the thread that binds them all together.

Faith is the reason the Pilgrims survived. Faith is the reason we endure. Faith is the reason we give thanks. It turns scarcity into sufficiency, despair into hope, and life’s trials into testimonies of God’s glory.

So on this Thanksgiving Day, may your heart be filled not only with gratitude for what God has done, but with faith for what He will yet do. For even when we cannot see tomorrow, faith assures us that the same God who sustained us yesterday will guide us today and forevermore.

As you reflect upon your blessings today, take time to express your faith through acts of love and service. Reach out to someone in need, offer a prayer for the hurting, or share the story of God’s faithfulness in your life.

If this ministry has strengthened your faith, please prayerfully consider helping us continue to share the Gospel across the digital mission field. Your donation—made through the “Donate” button on our website—helps us reach those who are still searching for the light 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.”

Brother Jesse

Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain, SFIHG Ministries

✟ Be Strong and Courageous: The Lord Goes Before You

Deuteronomy 31:7–8 (NLT)
"Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched he said to him, '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.'"

Life is filled with moments when the path ahead is unclear. We may feel as though we are standing at the edge of a wilderness, uncertain if we have the strength to take the next step. For Israel, this was not a theory but a reality. Moses, their long-time leader, was preparing to leave them. The man who had spoken with God on Mount Sinai, who had lifted his staff and parted the Red Sea, was not going with them into the Promised Land. Instead, Joshua—a new leader, younger and less experienced—was chosen to guide them forward.

At this pivotal moment, Moses gives Joshua a charge that still speaks to us today: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.” When life feels uncertain, when resources feel scarce, when tomorrow feels daunting—this is God’s word for us as well.

Moses tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous!” Strength and courage were not optional—they were essential. But this strength was not to come from Joshua’s own abilities or Israel’s numbers. True strength flows from reliance on the Lord.

The Apostle Paul later echoes this truth in Philippians 4:13 (NLT): “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is choosing to trust God in the presence of fear. Joshua would have moments of doubt and fear, but his courage was anchored in God’s presence, not in his personal qualifications.

So too for us. We are not called to muster courage from within but to lean on the One who strengthens us. When we face challenges beyond our control, God reminds us: “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”

The mission before Joshua was daunting, but it was grounded in God’s promise. The land was not Joshua’s idea, nor Israel’s achievement. It was God’s sworn covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua’s role was not to manufacture success but to faithfully lead God’s people into what God had already prepared.

This is a powerful reminder for us. God’s plans are not dependent on our resources or ingenuity. His promises are sure, and His Word never fails. We may not see how provision will come, but our security rests in the certainty of His promises.

When God calls us to walk forward in faith, we can step boldly, not because we have all the answers, but because He holds the outcome. Our confidence lies not in what we can see, but in the God who has spoken.

The heart of Moses’ charge comes in verse 8: “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.”

This is the anchor for every believer in seasons of uncertainty: God Himself goes before us. He does not simply send us into the unknown with a pat on the back; He leads the way. His presence is constant—before us to guide, beside us to support, behind us to protect. He will not fail. He will not abandon.

These words are echoed throughout Scripture:

• In Joshua 1:9 (NLT), God tells Joshua directly, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• In Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), we are reassured, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

What greater security can we have? Even when earthly resources are thin, when human support feels shaky, when tomorrow looms uncertain, God’s presence is the unshakable foundation of our hope.

Though we live centuries removed from Joshua and Moses, the truth of this passage remains the same. The God who went before Israel goes before us today. The Lord who provided manna in the wilderness provides for His children in every season. The Savior who calmed the storm still whispers peace into the hearts of those battered by life’s winds.

Trials refine our faith. They strip away self-reliance and teach us to cling to God’s promises with both hands. In times of transition, in times of need, in times of uncertainty, we discover anew that He is enough.

The words spoken to Joshua ring just as true for us: “Be strong and courageous… 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.”

So, dear friends, when you face the unknown, hold to this truth: you are never alone. The God who called Joshua to lead, the God who parted seas and toppled walls, is the same God who walks with you today. Be strong. Be courageous. Step forward in faith, knowing that He has already gone ahead of you.

This week, as you encounter challenges, speak God’s promise aloud: “The Lord goes before me. He will never leave me nor abandon me.” Write it down. Pray it over your life. Share it with someone who needs encouragement. And when fear whispers in your ear, answer with the unshakable truth of God’s Word.

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

Mid-Week Message - Life's Changes

"Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)  

My favorite month of the year is October.  The days and nights become cooler and the leaves on the trees begin to take on the fall colors of yellow, orange and red.  I long for this time of year all summer.  It is a time that brings me joy and although some years it seems to take its time arriving, it is a transformation I can count on.  

Normally, I am not a big fan of change.  I find it stressful in many situations, as I am sure you do.  It is nice to have some idea of what is coming next, if all goes as planned.  Unfortunately, life doesn't send out memos to announce interruptions in our life plans.  Job losses, recessions, illnesses, deaths, accidents, problems in relationships or financial upsets can come at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.  

In 2018 my husband almost died.  By the time he saw a doctor who realized how serious his condition was and sent him to a hospital, his life was in grave danger.  We were told after emergency surgery that he had come within hours to days of losing his life.  After spending two weeks as an in-patient, he returned home only to find out that his job had been eliminated during the time that he was hospitalized.  Our world was turned upside down.  Suddenly we found ourselves dealing with a health situation that was still not completely remedied and no steady income.  To say that we spent some time in tears and anguish would be an understatement.  

Everyone, at some point, will face trials that seem insurmountable.  During those days it is so easy to feel isolated and to wonder why God would allow such hardship in our lives.  I have friends who considered themselves to be happily married who suddenly found that their spouses wished to end the marriage.  Others have received diagnoses of cancer or Alzheimer disease.  Sometimes it happens that way.  We go to bed secure and wake up to find that our world has totally changed.  

When my beloved and I found ourselves staring into an unknown and uncertain future, we reached for what we knew would never be threatened which was our relationship with our Savior.  The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus never changes.  He is the same person now that He was when walked with his disciples.  His love is constant and endures no matter what happens in our lives.  He always loves us, always protects us, and is always there to listen to and encourage us.  Romans 8:34 tells us that He advocates for us before the Father.  How precious is that?  He personally takes our plight to the throne of the Creator and pleads for us.  

What changes are you either anticipating or currently going through?  Might I implore you to go to the One who endured the greatest pain that ever existed out of His mighty love for you?  I can promise you that He is ready and willing to hear all you need to say.  Express your fears, your frustrations, your questions and your sorrow to Him and allow Him to be as personally involved in your life as He wishes to be.  He doesn't intend for any of us to walk difficult roads alone.  If tomorrow comes and no one else seems to be around, He will always be the one that you can count on.  Nothing will change that.  Ever.  All you have to do is reach out for Him.  Nothing will ever separate you from His love.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Faith

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1  (NIV)

"Just what makes that little ol' ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?  Everyone knows an ant can't, move a rubber tree plant.  But he has high hopes..."  Do you remember that song?  It is the one that was playing in my mind when I awoke this morning.  

I wasn't feeling well yesterday and before I went to sleep last night I was concerned about what I would write today.  I guess maybe the song was God's gift meant to direct me.  Thank you, Lord!  

We all have difficult times and uncertainties to navigate.  Just like the little ant that had to move that plant, we encounter situations that we feel inadequate to handle.  Illnesses, financial issues, problems with our children, job loss or a host of other troubles can knock us to our knees both physically and spiritually.  But we need not feel alone.  Our Father is always there to call upon.  Indeed, He delights when we recognize His love for us and place our faith in Him.  

However, it isn't always easy to "let go and let God", as the saying goes.  It is within our nature to want to control things.  Having faith in God means allowing Him to be the One in control.  This means trusting Him to do the right thing, even if it doesn't match our vision of what should happen.  

I have been praying for several people and several situations for awhile now.  If you are like me then you know that the longer you pray about something, the more you being to wonder if that prayer will come to fruition.  I believe that God answers every prayer.  Sometimes His answer is a resounding yes, which is very exciting!  But, sometimes the answer is "not yet" and sometimes the answer is no.  God's timing is different from our own and because He sees all of history in one glance, He knows what is best for us even though we may not see things the way He does.

I have always loved to hear life stories from older Christians.  Many of them fought in wars, went through the depression and have had tremendous struggles.  But what each of these folks will share is how Almighty God carried them through these times.  They will tell you that He is always trustworthy and that His love is mightier than anything else.  

Whatever you find yourself dealing with, I urge you to take it to Him.  Pour out your heart then trust Him to do what is best.  This time will pass and He will see you through.  God bless.

Easter Sunday Message - Why Are You Crying?

In chapter twenty of the Gospel of John, we see Mary Magdalene standing outside the tomb that was the final resting place of her teacher and Lord, Jesus Christ. She had gone there early in the morning to properly prepare his body as was the custom of the time. What she discovered was the large stone that sealed the tomb rolled away and it was empty. She ran back to tell the disciples. All came to see the tomb empty and the only thing remaining were the linen strips that wrapped the body of Jesus.

As the disciples went back to where they were staying, Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb and wept. She looked over at the tomb and saw two angels robed in white seated where the body of Jesus had lain.

The two angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

She explained that someone had taken the body of her Lord away and she didn’t know where his body was taken.

Then, a man appeared and asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

She, thinking that he was a gardener, answered, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

The man then called her by name. It is at that moment that she realized that the man she thought was the gardener was Jesus.

As I prepared for this Easter Sunday message, I began my study in John. The question asked by the angels and by Jesus caught my attention. I had read the passage repeatedly over the course of decades, but the question never really sank in until I felt the Holy Spirit moving inside me.

Human beings are one of the few animal species that weeps when they are sad. According to an article in the December, 2017 edition of the Smithsonian Magazine, human beings are the only species that weeps when expressing emotion, such as grief or joy. It is the one thing that makes us human and expresses our deep humanity. We weep when we are happy or sad. Our tears are the outward sign of the pain or joy we feel inside. I have often said that tears are the blood of the soul. When we are injured, our spirit bleeds tears.

The question is even more profound today. As we endure each day of the pandemic, we see the increase in the number of the dead. According to the Presidential taskforce, we all, in time, will be touched in some way by this ravenous foe called COVID-19. Friends or family members may die from it and we will weep for them.

But, just as Mary realized that the gardener was Jesus, her tears of pain and sadness soon turned to tears of excitement and happiness. In just about the blink of an eye, things changed from grief to gladness and from sorrow to serenity. 

We, too, weep for those who have succumbed to this fearsome foe, but, in time, our grief will change as we see our loved ones again. That moment came to us in the gift of salvation from the hand of the Father through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, as an atonement for our sins. 

In chapter twelve of the Book of Hebrews, the author, speaking of Jesus, wrote, “But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Under the old law, we would have to offer up sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice to satisfy the law and atone for our sins. When you consider our sinful nature, there aren’t enough animals in the entire world to offer up to cover the sins for just one individual.

Jesus came into the world to save it and gave his life as our one and only sacrifice for all time. We weep for the moment when he commended his spirit into the hand of His Father. But, as we witness the miracle of the resurrection, our tears turn from grief to gladness. Because of his sacrifice, death no longer has a sting or the grave...a victory over our lives.

It is only through the blood of Jesus that we are able to face tomorrow and it is only through his sacrifice that we have the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Our lives were never meant for this world. We live to serve and to preach the message of the Good News. We are here to share with those who walk in darkness the joy of a peace that surpasses all understanding.

When Jesus asked Mary Magdalene why she was crying, Mary paused for a moment and realized that she did not need to weep in sadness. Her tears became tears of joy. It was that question that got her to think and remember the words that he had shared with all. 

Paul, in chapter fifteen of his first epistle to those in Corinth, writes, “So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.”

Don’t concentrate on the moment of death and let it consume your life. Look to the moment when we will all, like Jesus, be raised from the dead. We will be transformed from perishable to imperishable in that moment.

We will then behold the face of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and he, as written in the Book of Revelation, “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Let us each day express our joy in the Good News and weep in joy for those who have gone on to be with Jesus. In Jesus’ last moments on the cross, one of the criminals asks him to remember him in paradise. Jesus looks over to him and assures him that he would be with him in paradise. Although there was probably no one there to weep for him, we, as his Christian brothers and sisters, weep tears of joy for him knowing that he was saved in that moment by realizing Jesus as his Savior.

When we share the precious gift embodied in this Easter Sunday, we give each person we minister to a gift that will allow them to stand firm in His grace.

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Motivate and Encourage Others

As we begin a new year, many of us have made resolutions or set new goals for ourselves. For most, the resolutions and new goals revolve around eating less and exercising more. Yes. It is the same resolution that millions make every year. We dedicate ourselves to losing weight. 

Since the beginning of this year, I have heard so many people say the same thing, “I need to lose the weight I gained over the holidays.”

We spent our time with friends and family eating, partying and doing more eating. In time, the lack of exercise and the more than ample caloric intake has caught up with us all. It is now time to do something about it. We need to lose that extra weight.

Nutritionists and dietitians alike will tell you to lower your intake of junk food and increase your activity. It took time to add the extra weight and it will take time to take it off. In order for us to do that, the best way is to find someone who will help us by motivating and encouraging us along our weight loss journey.

By having someone who not only motivates and encourages us but also holds us accountable for our actions, we will be successful in reaching our weight goals and continue to live a healthy lifestyle. Many organizations that sponsor weight loss programs will work to help you find someone who can keep you on the straight and narrow path. That person, who is often trying to do the same thing, will be there for you as you try to avoid temptation and will remind you to exercise more. 

Our spiritual lives are the same way. In order for us to continue our daily walk with the Lord, we need to be motivated and encouraged along the way. We come together as believers to pray for one another during the hard times and praise God for the victories in our lives. We share in every moment not because we have to, but because we want to. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and children of God the Father.

In the tenth chapter of Hebrews, the author writes, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Using the example of weight loss. If we completely dedicate ourselves to the task of losing weight and believe that if we eat right, reduce our intake of junk food and exercise more, we will be successful in our resolution. It seems simple enough, but, when you think about it, the tasks that get us to losing the weight may cause us to simply give up.

In our spiritual lives, we must have an unwavering hope in God and know that He keeps His Word. It is not enough to simply mouth those words. We must be wholeheartedly committed to Him and know, without a doubt, that our Father will keep His promise to His children. Like losing weight, we sometimes slip back into our old ways. We tell ourselves that this little cheat won’t hurt and that we will get back on the wagon. It may work for weight loss, but it doesn’t work for our spiritual lives. We must remain obedient to God. Any deviation from that straight and narrow path will lead to sin and, ultimately, destruction.

Going back to the example of weight loss. When you have someone who is there for you when you have a moment of weakness that can talk you through the moment, then you will be successful in your resolution. That person who was there for you may also need help. In short, you are there for each other and hold one another accountable.

Look closely at what the author of Hebrews writes next, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

As we grow in our faith, we should always keep in mind that we are to follow the example of Christ Jesus and lead lives dedicated to serving others. We should do things out of love and the desire to do good works not because they lead to earthly praise and recognition. We do good things in the name of God the Father to bring Him honor and glory. We are nothing without Him and with Him leading us, we can do so much in His name. By motivating and reminding others to do good things out of love, we help each other grow spiritually and live up to our desire to become more like Christ Jesus. 

In the fifth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

When we do those things that are a pleasing aroma to God and follow the example of Christ Jesus, we can truly live a fulfilled life overflowing with love. Each day we live is a blessing and an opportunity to reach out to those who walk in darkness. Each day is another day to serve not only God but also others. By putting others and their needs ahead of our own, we not only follow the example of Christ but also live our lives guided by his words.

Once again, using the example of weight loss, if we come together to meet and share, we are able to encourage one another and celebrate the loss of weight. If someone is having problems staying the course and experiencing moments of weakness, we encourage that person and offer more support.

We should be doing the same in our churches. We meet to build each other up spiritually and help when times are tough. There will be moments when the things of this world will beckon to us to return to our old ways. It is during those moments when we need to be encouraged and reminded. 

When we motivate and encourage others, they will do the same for us. When we, in harmony and love for one another work to imitate God and follow the example of Christ Jesus, we can truly and without doubt stand firm in His grace.

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

Christmas Eve Message - Salvation

This past weekend I ventured out to watch the crowds that waited patiently for the last-minute deals and mark-downs. I went out early in the morning to see how many would be braving the elements to buy their last gifts. As those individuals filled the stores that I visited, each had one thing in mind. They all wanted to find and buy the perfect gift for someone. I observed many of them picking up shirts and holding them up to make sure they would fit. Others looked for specific colors and styles. Once again, each person looked and shopped with a singular mission in mind, find that perfect gift.

On Christmas Day, children and adults alike will wake and head to the Christmas tree. Under its branches and twinkling lights, there will be presents. Each wrapped and ready for the big event. Some will start their Christmas dinners while the children pick up presents and shake them, each hoping that they got what they wanted. Even the adults will be doing the same thing. Each wanting that perfect gift that they had been hinting for during the prior months leading up to this moment. Yes. Christmas has finally arrived for each home.

While we open our gifts and prepare for the big feast, we somehow forget about the one gift that isn’t under the Christmas tree. It is sometimes overlooked or pushed out of mind. It sits quietly and waits for those who are truly looking for that one perfect gift. It is the gift of salvation that came into our dark, sinful world in the form of a baby. This baby would grow up and become the Savior of the world and provide redemption in one selfless act of dying on a cross for our sins.

That child would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. He would be given the name of “Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us”. Later in his life and his ministry, a young man, Peter, would stand up and declare in a loud voice, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

It is through this one gift, given by God the Father, that we receive the greatest of all gifts. There isn’t a gift that is more perfect or pure. It is the gift of salvation. This gift provided a way back to the Father and allowed us to be made right by God.

Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, writes in chapter five, “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

The essential part of this gift for us is that we, after being made right with God through His Son, Christ Jesus, are now Christ’s ambassadors who must share this gift not only on Christmas but also all year long. This gift continues to be given to those who have and those who have not. The gift is perfect no matter what time or occasion it is shared. It never goes out of style, breaks, needs batteries or requires any assembly. It remains perfect for as long as we live and beyond. You couldn’t ask for a better gift. 

In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The gift that we receive is freely given to us. All we have to do is accept it and enjoy it for eternity. It is through Christ Jesus that we are reconciled and made holy by our Heavenly Father. 

In chapter ten of the Book of Hebrews, the author writes, “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.”

So, while you and your family celebrate the magic of the season, I ask that you and those you love take a moment to remember the small child who came into this world to love and save it from sin and the punishment of death. Over the course of the next year, I ask that you give this gift to others. When you do, you can stand firm in His grace.

On behalf of our ministry, we wish all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your support.

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - God Provides for Us

During the course of a weekend afternoon, I visit various local stores and businesses to take care of my errands and chores. With Thanksgiving coming up quickly, there are organizations that are taking donations to feed the less fortunate in the community. Many of the businesses are sponsoring food drives to provide meals for families who would not have a meal or much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. My family and I make it a point to help wherever and whenever we can. 

If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that God always provides for our basic essential needs. My wife and I have seen firsthand the blessings of the Lord. When we faced the unknown, He was there for us. Just like the Israelites, we knew that He would lead us to green pastures and to the Living Water that would restore our souls. But, there were times when we just didn’t see the blessings. Our minds became entangled in the realities of life. Our faith was challenged and it became more and more difficult to see the promised land of milk and honey.

We, like the children of old, felt that we wandered in the desert only to face more problems and heartaches. But, just when we were ready to give up, God provided us with exactly what we needed at the right time. The lesson was to always have faith in Him.

In Hebrews, the author, in chapter eleven, writes, “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, ‘Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.’ Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.”

When you think about the words, you can see that it is only by faith that we are able to receive the blessing of God’s promises to us. Even when we feel that we are facing the worst thing in our lives, we should always remain faithful to the Lord, because we know that He will provide a way for us every single time.

In the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of his son, Isaac, Abraham remained faithful and did not question God’s command. He knew that God would do what He promised and would not go back on His word. His promises are eternal and unchanging. Abraham had no doubt in his mind or heart. He knew that God would keep His promise.

As many of you remember the story, Abraham did not sacrifice his son on the altar and that God provided a ram as a sacrifice. In Genesis 22, Abraham “called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’” In Hebrew, it is one of the names of God, Jehovah-jireh. 

In order for us to truly receive what the Lord will provide to us, we must have faith in Him. We cannot just have a faith of convenience. Abraham knew from the very moment that God asked him to sacrifice his one and only son that God would provide. He remained faithful. 

When we face situations in our lives, are we strong enough to remain faithful and follow the Lord wherever He leads us? Once again, look at the life of Abraham. The Lord asked him to pull up stakes and go where He directed him. Speaking for myself, I know it would be so difficult to do so. I would question God repeatedly before taking the first step. In time, I remember the promise of the Lord. 

In the twenty-ninth chapter of Jeremiah, God tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you.”

As a child of God, you should never doubt the promises of the Lord. He will not only provide you what you need but he will also provide you with what you need most. Look closely at the words of the author of Hebrews. He tells us that Abraham knew that God was able to bring Isaac back from the dead and, in a sense, did when He provided the ram as a sacrifice.

So, God not only provides us with our daily bread but He also provides us with the spiritual bread that gives us spiritual life. In short, God provides everything that we, as His children, need daily. There is nothing for us to worry about. The Lord will always provide.

But, it doesn’t end there. Just as God provides for us, we must, in turn, provide for those around us. We must give comfort just as God gives us comfort.

Paul writes in chapter one of his second letter to the Corinthians, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

Just as we receive blessings from God, we are to, in turn, bless those around us and provide for their needs. God is the source of all comfort. God has blessed us and those blessings will also bless others. As we receive, so shall we give.

During this holiday of Thanksgiving, I urge each of you to remember the lesson of the second kernel of corn and remind those around you that the Lord provides for everything and that is only by faith that we can receive. As recipients of His blessings, we, out of love, must provide for those who are in need of more than just food but who also need the true gift of life eternal with the Father. When we receive by faith and act in faith, we are able to stand firm in His grace. 

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

Mid-Week Message - Changes

"Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)  

It is nearing the end of October.  Where I live, the days and nights are cooler and the leaves on the trees are beginning to take on the fall colors of yellow, orange and red.  This is my favorite time of year and I long for it all summer.  It is a time that brings me joy and although some years it seems to take its time arriving, it is a transformation I can count on.  

Normally, I am not a big fan of change.  I find it stressful in many situations, as I am sure you do.  It is nice to have some idea of what is coming next, if all goes as planned.  Unfortunately, life doesn't send out memos to announce interruptions in our life plans.  Job losses, recessions, illnesses, deaths, accidents, problems in relationships or financial upsets can come at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.  

Last year, my husband almost died.  By the time he saw a doctor who realized how serious his condition was and sent him to a hospital, his life was in grave danger.  We were told after emergency surgery that he had come within hours to days of losing his life.  After spending two weeks as an in-patient, he returned home only to find out that his job had been eliminated during the time that he was hospitalized.  Our world was turned upside down.  Suddenly we found ourselves dealing with a health situation that was still not completely remedied and no steady income.  To say that we spent some time in tears and anguish would be an understatement.  

Everyone, at some point, will face trials that seem insurmountable.  During those days it is so easy to feel isolated and to wonder why God would allow such hardship in our lives.  I have friends who considered themselves to be happily married who suddenly found that their spouses wished to end the marriage.  Others have received diagnoses of cancer or Alzheimer disease.  Sometimes it happens that way.  We go to bed secure and wake up to find that our world has totally changed.  

When my beloved and I found ourselves staring into an unknown and uncertain future, we reached for what we knew would never be threatened which was our relationship with our Savior.  The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus never changes.  He is the same person now that He was when walked with his disciples.  His love is constant and endures no matter what happens in our lives.  He always loves us, always protects us, and is always there to listen to and encourage us.  Romans 8:34 tell us that He advocates for us before the Father.  How precious is that?  He personally takes our plight to the throne of the Creator and pleads for us.  

What changes are you either anticipating or currently going through?  Might I implore you to go to the One who endured the greatest pain that ever existed out of His mighty love for you?  I can promise you that He is ready and willing to hear all you need to say.  Express your fears, your frustrations, your questions and your sorrow to Him and allow Him to be as personally involved in your life as He wishes to be.  He doesn't intend for any of us to walk difficult roads alone.  If tomorrow comes and no one else seems to be around, He will always be the one that you can count on.  Nothing will change that.  Ever.  All you have to do is reach out for Him.  Nothing will ever separate you from His love.  God bless.

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 7:23-25

Hebrews 7:23-25 New International Version (NIV)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[a]those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Footnotes:

1. Hebrews 7:25 Or forever

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - How is Your Spiritual Eyesight

With summer soon turning into autumn and then into winter, there are certain tasks that we will be reminded to do. If you are like me, you receive notifications from your doctors that the end of the year is coming and you need to get a flu shot, checkup or have an examination done. Most have already reached their medical deductibles and the cost of their procedures will be greatly reduced. One of the important examinations that you will be asked to complete is to have your eyes checked. As you get older, your eye doctor will always remind you to get examinations scheduled and completed.

As I got older, I noticed that my vision began to change a bit. Things I could normally read were a little blurry and I found myself squinting and struggling to read fine or small print. When I visited my eye doctor and mentioned it, he looked at me and just reminded me that I am getting older and that my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be. He suggested that I consider using magnification reading glasses to help me with reading the small, fine print.

Our spiritual eyesight sometimes gets a little out of whack and we start to focus on things of this world again. From time to time, it happens. It is so easy for us to look closer at things that are shiny. Our attention quickly shifts from God to other things especially when difficulties come into our lives. We quickly look to other places and begin to concentrate on those things that, we believe, should be our focus.

To paraphrase a line from William Shakespeare’s play, “Merchant of Venice,” all that glitters is not gold. Things that seem too good to be true often are. We quickly find ourselves losing focus on God and wandering off for various reasons. After a while, we begin to look around and discover that we have lost our sight of God. 

Paul, in chapter 4 of his second letter to the Corinthians, writes,”So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

When we begin to focus on our troubles, we tend to look for solutions on our own. We see something glistening in the distance and believe it is the answer to all of our problems. We s quickly fix our sights on whatever it is and begin to pursue it. We begin to lose that all important focus on those things that “cannot be seen”. 

It is at that moment that we need to stop and check our spiritual eyes and realize that we need a little help to see better. We may need spiritual readers to help us see more clearly and to focus on our Heavenly Father. 

Faith is our spiritual reader and that helps us see things we cannot see. Paul later writes in chapter 5, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 

As we go through life, our spiritual sight must be clear so that we are able to focus and see the things that God has for us. In the world we live in, we can be easily distracted. Our focus changes to those things that we see in this world. But, it is faith that keeps our spiritual eyes clearly focused on Him. 

By maintaining our spiritual eyesight and regularly checking it, we rely on faith to see us through all the difficulties that come into our lives. In chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews, the author writes, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

It is by faith that we receive our spiritual sight and are able to clearly see those things that are most important to us. Believing in God and accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord of our life is the first step in building our spiritual sight. The next step is acting as a follower of Christ Jesus and putting into action all of his teachings. When we do that, we have faith. Faith is an action just like focusing with our eyes. If we don’t focus, it is easy to lose our way and stumble.

John records in chapter 20 of his gospel a conversation between Jesus and one of his disciples, Thomas. After rising from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples. Thomas doubts the news of Jesus’s resurrection and says to the others, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

Eight days later, Jesus appears to the disciples including Thomas and says to him, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

Thomas, after seeing the wounds, immediately believes in the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus says to him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Because of our faith that helps our spiritual eyes to see what we cannot, we can focus only on the things that matter most in our lives, the relationship we have with our Father and His son, Christ Jesus.

How is your eyesight today? Have you recently had it checked to see if you are focusing on the right things? Are things a little blurry for you and you are wandering around and bumping into things that you shouldn’t?

When we focus on the things of this world, we will be disappointed. They are like mist and will soon disappear. The things not of this world are eternal and we should not lose our focus on them.
If you are, maybe it is time to make an appointment with Him. All it takes is a moment and a prayer asking for help in regaining your spiritual sight so that you can focus clearly on those things that will keep you standing firm in His grace.   

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

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 6:13-20

Hebrews 6:13-20 New International Version (NIV)

The Certainty of God’s Promise

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”[a]15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priestforever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Footnotes:

1. Hebrews 6:14 Gen. 22:17

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 13:8

Hebrews 13:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 3:1-6

Hebrews 3:1-6 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Greater Than Moses

3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,”[a] bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Footnotes:

1. Hebrews 3:5 Num. 12:7

Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 13:15-16

Hebrews 13:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Hebrews 4:12-13

Hebrews 4:12-13 New International Version (NIV)

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

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.