Mid-Week Message - Childlike Faith

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."  Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV) 

"Do, Lord, oh do, Lord, oh do remember me!"  This is the song that was on my mind when I awoke this morning.  It brought back so many wonderful memories.  I learned it in Sunday School as a young child.  I can remember singing it in Vacation Bible School and even belting it out at school during recess.  As I grew older, I sang it to the children I babysat and, eventually, taught it to my own daughter.  It is such a simple little song but its verses remind us of the close relationship we have with our Lord.  

Childhood.  Young minds are open and accepting of what they are presented.  If we teach truth, they learn truth.  If we teach lies, they learn those lies as truth.  As we grow older and encounter the good and bad of life, we handle what is thrown at us with those early teachings as our foundation.  Jesus knew that it was easy for children to believe He was who He said He was.  He took the opportunity to speak words of blessing to them that they would carry for their entire lives.  They hadn't yet begun to question what they were taught.  They took it on simple faith.  

Wouldn't it be wonderful to return to that time when we didn't have to question everything that we see and hear?   Unfortunately this world is filled with those who lie to us and hide their motives for what they do.  Because of that, many of us have become analyzers.  After each encounter we go off and rethink everything that was said and done and develop our own opinions about what was meant.  The problem with that is that our Creator did not give us the ability to know what is in someone else's heart or mind.  Even worse, our habit of analyzing can often bleed over into our relationship with the Lord to the point where we find ourselves questioning His Word as absolute truth.  

In the Lord's presence, we need to allow ourselves to get beyond the walls that the hurt in this world has caused us to build.  God does not, cannot, lie.  In all that He does and says to us we can be assured to find nothing but truth.  We can sing songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and allow that childlike spirit within us to dance in the simplicity and joy that it brings.  We need not fear Him.  Like the children in today's verse, we can feel free to climb upon His lap and know that we will find nothing but pure love.  Simple faith is within our grasp.  Reach out and grab it and don't let go. 

The Simplification of Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Render to God What Belongs to God

Many people are familiar with the words of Jesus in Mark 12:17: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” This verse is often quoted in discussions about government, taxes, and civic responsibilities, as though Jesus were simply affirming the duty to pay taxes. However, when we look more closely at this passage, we discover that Jesus was teaching a much deeper truth—one that extends beyond financial obligations and speaks directly to the heart of our devotion to God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day attempted to trap Him with a politically charged question, hoping to force Him into making a statement that would either anger the Roman authorities or turn the Jewish people against Him. Yet, as always, Jesus responded with divine wisdom, shifting the conversation from politics to something far more profound: the question of ownership and allegiance. The real challenge presented in this passage is not just about paying taxes but about recognizing what belongs to God. If the coin bore the image of Caesar and rightfully belonged to him, then what bears the image of God? The answer is clear—we do. Created in His image, we belong to Him, and our ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly authority but to the Lord Himself. As we explore this passage, we will move beyond the surface-level interpretation and seek to understand what it truly means to give to God what is rightfully His.

As Jesus continued His ministry, the religious leaders grew increasingly desperate to discredit Him. In this passage, we see an unusual alliance form between the Pharisees and the Herodians—two groups that were typically at odds with one another. The Pharisees, who were staunchly opposed to Roman rule, resented paying taxes to Caesar, while the Herodians, who were loyal to Herod and aligned with Roman authority, supported the taxation. Yet, despite their differences, they united with a common purpose: to trap Jesus in His words. Their approach was deceptive, as they began with flattery, acknowledging Jesus as a man of integrity who spoke the truth without partiality. However, their praise was insincere, designed only to set Him up for their trick question: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”

This question was a calculated attempt to force Jesus into a no-win situation. If He affirmed paying taxes to Caesar, He would risk losing favor with the Jewish people, many of whom viewed Roman taxation as oppressive and unjust. On the other hand, if He spoke against paying taxes, He could be accused of sedition and rebellion against the Roman government, which would give the authorities grounds to arrest Him. The leaders believed they had placed Jesus in an impossible position, where any answer He gave would work against Him. However, as we will see in the next section, Jesus was not so easily trapped. Rather than falling into their snare, He responded with a wisdom that not only silenced His accusers but also revealed a deeper truth about our obligations to both earthly authorities and, more importantly, to God.

Seeing through their deceit, Jesus did not immediately answer their question but instead asked for a Roman coin—a denarius. This was significant because it forced His challengers to acknowledge that they were already participating in the Roman economic system by using the currency. As they handed Him the coin, Jesus posed a simple yet profound question: “Whose image and title are stamped on it?” They responded, “Caesar’s.”

With this response, Jesus delivered His famous statement: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” On the surface, He addressed their question about taxes—affirming that Caesar had a legitimate claim to what bore his image. However, Jesus’ response went beyond politics and taxation. He masterfully redirected the discussion from a debate about civic duty to a much deeper spiritual truth: If the coin belonged to Caesar because it bore his image, then what belongs to God?

This was the crucial implication of Jesus’ words—one that His opponents failed to anticipate. While acknowledging the obligations of living under a government, Jesus subtly emphasized a higher responsibility: giving to God what is rightfully His. In doing so, He exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who were more concerned about earthly power and influence than about true devotion to God. The brilliance of Jesus’ answer left them speechless. Rather than being trapped by their question, He turned the moment into an opportunity to reveal a foundational truth about allegiance, identity, and the ultimate authority of God over all things.

Jesus’ response not only answered their question but also carried a far greater spiritual implication—one that often goes unnoticed. If the coin bore Caesar’s image and thus belonged to him, then what bears God’s image? The answer is clear: we do.

From the very beginning, Scripture teaches that humanity was created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-27 declares, “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.’” Just as the denarius was marked by Caesar’s likeness, every human being is stamped with the image of the Creator. This means that our very lives, our souls, our thoughts, our desires—all of who we are—rightfully belong to God.

By stating, “Give to God what belongs to God,” Jesus was not simply making a secondary point; He was making the primary point. While paying taxes is a duty of earthly citizenship, offering ourselves fully to God is the duty of divine citizenship. Too often, people focus on their civic and social responsibilities while neglecting their spiritual obligations. But Jesus reminds us that our first and highest duty is to the One whose image we bear.

This also confronts us with an important question: Are we truly giving to God what belongs to Him? Are we living in a way that reflects His image? Do our priorities align with His will, or have we given our hearts over to worldly concerns? The Pharisees and Herodians were obsessed with politics and power, but Jesus redirected the conversation toward what really matters—our allegiance to God. His words challenge us to move beyond religious formalities and truly surrender our lives to the One who created us.

Jesus' words challenge us to evaluate not just our financial obligations but the entirety of our devotion. If we are made in God's image, then our lives belong to Him. The question we must ask ourselves is not merely whether we are fulfilling our civic duties, but whether we are truly giving to God what is His. We can apply this simple principle in three areas of our daily lives.

Since we are created in the image of God, our identity should be found in Him rather than in worldly things. Too often, we define ourselves by our careers, achievements, possessions, or social status. However, these things do not ultimately belong to us. We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and our purpose is to reflect His glory. To render to God what is His means that we must submit our entire being—our thoughts, actions, and desires—to His will.

Just as the denarius bore Caesar’s image, signifying it belonged to him, everything we have—our time, talents, and resources—bears the mark of God's provision. We are stewards, not owners, of the gifts He has given us. Are we using our skills and resources for His kingdom? Are we honoring Him with our finances, not only by giving to the church but by using our money in ways that glorify Him? Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Every aspect of our lives should be an offering to God.

Jesus' response in Mark 12:17 reminds us that while we live in this world and have earthly responsibilities, our highest priority must always be God. This means that His commandments and His kingdom should shape our decisions, our relationships, and our daily lives. We must ask ourselves: Are we giving our best to God, or are we reserving our time and energy for lesser things? Are we more concerned with politics, wealth, or personal success than we are with growing in faith and serving others? Jesus calls us to realign our priorities, ensuring that we do not merely offer God our leftovers but the very best of ourselves.

When we understand Jesus' statement in its full context, we see that it is about far more than taxation—it is about total surrender. Giving to Caesar may require a coin, but giving to God requires a heart fully devoted to Him. The challenge before us is clear: Will we give God what is rightfully His?

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Herodians was not just a clever way to escape their trap—it was a profound call to examine our allegiance. His words force us to ask: Are we giving God what rightfully belongs to Him? The world will always have its demands—governments, responsibilities, and obligations that require our attention. However, our ultimate devotion must belong to God alone. The coin may have borne Caesar’s image, but we bear the image of the Almighty. That means our hearts, our minds, our bodies, and our very lives belong to Him.

It is easy to become consumed with the affairs of this world—politics, finances, personal ambitions—but Jesus reminds us that these are secondary to our responsibility to God. We must be mindful not to give so much of ourselves to earthly concerns that we neglect the One who gave us life. Our first and highest calling is to love and serve the Lord with all that we are.

So today, let us take a moment to reflect. Are we truly surrendering to God what is His? Are we living in a way that reflects His image? If not, let us make a renewed commitment to offer Him our lives—not just in words, but in action. Let us give Him our time, our talents, our worship, and our obedience. The world may ask for what is temporary, but God desires what is eternal—our hearts.

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

Mid-Week Message - Active and Alive

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."  Mark 12:30  (NIV)   

Each year after Christmas I urge my readers to leave something out that will be a reminder of the miracle of Christ's birth all year long.  Although that time of year is set aside to celebrate His coming, the fact that He left Heaven to be with us on earth is something that should never be shoved into a box and stored in an attic.  

Likewise, Easter is when we praise Him for His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection.  But sadly, once the weekend has passed, we tend to return to the normality of our lives and store away whatever decorations we have used in order to prepare for the next holiday.  

Unlike Santa Claus and the Easter bunny, Jesus is no fairy tale.  The stories recorded for us in the Bible of His existence are real.  He was with God before creation and is with Him now.  Because of the time He spent on Earth, because of what He gave of Himself to accomplish the will of His Father, we have total forgiveness of our sins available to us if we choose to accept it.  Once we believe in Him as the Son of God, receive Him as our Lord and Savior and repent of our sins we have the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven.  

How it must grieve Him to be put out of our thoughts as easily as we store away snowmen, wreaths and candy filled eggs.  After all that He went through for our sakes, even as He pleads for us before our Father, once our calendar-planned holidays end, too often so do our praises. 

At any time, Jesus could have said no.  He could have called legions of angels to wipe out those who tortured Him.  Although fully human, He was also fully divine and the nails through His hands and feet held no control over Him.  But He didn't say no.  Philippians 2:8 tells us, "...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross."   Even for Him, obedience was a choice and he made that choice out of His love for you and for me.  

Our remembrance and our praise should be alive and active just as our Savior is alive and active in our lives.  Our hearts, minds, souls and strength need to remain focused on Him at all times.  All that we do, think and say should be influenced by His example as we allow Him to mold us to become more like Him.

Nothing happens in our lives that He is unaware of.  He is always by our side, ready to take our hands and walk us through whatever conflicts, heartaches, fears or tragedies we encounter.  He promised never to leave us and His promises can be believed.  His death and resurrection didn't take away the hard times in life, but they did give us the assurance that we will never be alone and that death, sorrow, pain and sadness will cease when we join Him in Heaven.  

His love and power cannot be boxed away.  Grab His holy hand and walk with Him today.  God bless.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Doing Good Starts with You

In chapter ten of the Gospel of Mark, a man appears before Jesus and asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus, as part of his answer to this man’s question regarding salvation for himself, takes the opportunity to remind us that only God is truly good. This was not meant as a deflection or to pivot to another topic. Jesus wanted to remind us all that God and only God is truly good. By His very nature, He cannot be anything else. 

Right after this statement, Jesus replies to the man, “But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

The man, without hesitation, responds that he has obeyed all of the laws and commandments since he was a small child.

If we were to look at his statement from the perspective of Mosaic Law, we would simply stop here and say that he has achieved salvation and that he is square with God. Seems simple enough right. Using today’s language, we would say that Jesus was asked a “softball” question.

For those who aren’t familiar with this term, it means that someone is asking you an easy to answer question that requires no real thought. In fact, the answer is so obvious that even a small child could answer it. A good example would be asking a politician a question about his or her favorite flavor of ice cream instead of asking a question about policy or stance on a particular issue.  

It is evident that this man is sincere and would like to know what he must do to have eternal life. If given the opportunity, we, too, would ask Jesus the same or similar question. It is only natural to want to know whether or not we are on the righteous path.

So, Jesus could have easily said to the man, “You are doing everything you are supposed to do. Have a good day.”

But, he doesn’t. 

Jesus tells him, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Just obeying laws and commandments or saying that you are Christian isn’t enough to truly inherit eternal life. It starts by believing and then by acting in a Christ-like manner. You can’t call yourself a follower of Jesus and a child of God simply by saying that you are and refusing to help those in need.

In chapter two of his book, James writes, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Believing is not enough. We must each day of our lives devote ourselves to feeding those who are hungry or giving water to those who are thirsty. It is not enough to simply say that you will be praying for them and that the Lord will provide. The Lord has provided for the needs of others by putting us exactly where we need to be at the exact moment. We are given opportunities daily to minister to the physical needs of others and also to their spiritual needs. As His children, we must demonstrate to the world that we are doing good in His name and that any honor or glory is done in His name.

Let’s go back to the story of the man asking Jesus about eternal life and what he must do to receive it. 

The scripture tells us that, after hearing Jesus' command of selling all of his possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor and following him, his face fell and he went away sad. I am sure that he felt that what he was doing made him righteous. After all, he was obeying the laws of Moses.

As the man departs, Jesus tells his disciples, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

If we truly are Christians and follow the example of Christ Jesus, we, when presented with the opportunity to help, should do so without hesitation. Doing good in the world starts with us. We must share our blessings with others and overcome our desires for possessions. If we desire more of what this world has to offer, then we are possessed by it. When that happens, we are seduced by this world and begin to turn away from the Lord. Evil begins to infect us and darkness fills our souls.

Paul, in chapter twelve of his epistle to the Romans, writes, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

When we allow our possessions and greed to get the better of us, it is so easy for evil to work deeper and deeper into our lives. Conquering evil in the world starts with us conquering the evil in our own hearts and the only way to do that is to do good by helping those in need. 

Remember the words of Jesus to the man. When you sell your possessions and give the money to the poor and follow the lead of your Savior and master of your life, Christ Jesus, you will have treasure in heaven.

Don’t simply call yourself a Christian, but show the world that you are truly a follower of Christ Jesus by serving one another and by giving food, drink and shelter to those who are in need. 

Remember the words of Jesus, in chapter twenty-five of the Gospel of Matthew, when He says “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

As you go through this week, be an example to the world. Show the world the goodness of the Father by doing good to those in need. When you do that, you will stand firm in His grace. 

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Serve the Lord

As I continue to witness the civil unrest that has beset our blessed nation, I cannot help but be saddened by all that has gone on. After praying for God’s message for His people, He laid these words upon my heart to share. It is a very difficult message, but we, as His children, need to hear the truth and answer the same question that Joshua asked his people when they began to wander from their faith.

Joshua, in chapter twenty-four of the book that bears his name, says, “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” 

We, like the Israelites, have a choice to make. We can either choose to put aside our differences and work together for the betterment of all or we can choose to turn our great nation, given to us by God and blessed by His hand, into a den of thieves and cutthroats. The choice is completely up to us.

As for me, the choice is very clear and easy. My answer is the same as Joshua’s. My family and I will continue to love and serve God. We will continue to humble ourselves before Him and toil daily for the Master. Whatever He commands us to do, we will do and it will be done for His glory and His glory alone.

Each day we hear the stories of those who have lashed out in anger and who have even killed others to further a cause. Each person has the right, as guaranteed under the United States Constitution, to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for redress of our grievances. These rights are guaranteed under the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. 

Our Founding Fathers believed that every citizen of this nation should be guaranteed their voice and be heard. The First Amendment does not give people the right to lash out in anger and burn down businesses, hurt others, or, worse yet, murder innocent people.

Instead of coming together, we are choosing to go down a path of civil unrest and destruction. We have failed to heed the words of Jesus, a man who spoke of peace and love.

In chapter twelve of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus, when asked by the Pharisees about the most important law, said, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

In chapter five of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus takes the love of one’s neighbor a step further by saying, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 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. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

We should not just confine ourselves to loving those who are friends. We are commanded to love everyone and work together for the betterment of each other. It is so easy to love those who love us. It is entirely different to love those who hate and despise us and remain truly God’s children.

Over time, things will change, but change can only happen if each person begins to change. If we don’t begin that gradual change, we are doomed to destruction. We will continue to riot and hurt one another. Instead of seeking peaceful solutions, some have chosen to take up arms and use violence to change the world. This is not the way. Violence begets violence. 

But, what happens if we choose the path of violence and destruction? We will suffer for it. There are always consequences to our actions. 

In chapter nineteen of the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus weeping over Jerusalem and saying, “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

Unlike the Israelites, we haven't quite gotten to the tipping point. With each day of violence, we get closer and closer to that point of no return. The blessings that we received from our Heavenly Father will be withheld. Just like the Israelites, we will be given over to our enemies and be crushed into the ground. 

The question that you must be asking yourselves right now is how can we return to God and live our lives as He intended?

In the same chapter of Luke, Jesus goes into the Temple and finds that it has been turned into a place of commerce. It was no longer a “house of prayer”. 

After He clears out all of the merchants, Jesus says,  “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

As the first step back to God, we need to clear out those thoughts of violence and love one another and, most importantly, love God and serve Him. Unless we are willing to do this, we will remain in this “den of thieves”.

God, in chapter seven of Second Chronicles, says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.”

Don’t let yourselves and our nation fall into ruin. Through God’s strength and love, we can overcome all things. Don’t let the ways of this world be our path. That path only leads us away from God and, ultimately, to destruction. We should do as Jesus did and commanded: clear out all those things that are not righteous, love one another including our enemies and, most importantly, return back to God with a heart of service. It is not too late for us to return to peace. But, we must take action now.

When we do all those things, God will reign supreme in our nation and we can stand firm in His grace.

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

Mid-Week Message - What the World Needs Now

"When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Silence!  Be still!'  Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was great calm."  Mark 4:39  (NLT)

One set of my grandparents loved to go fishing.  Sometimes when they would come to Austin to visit, they would go to a nearby lake, rent a boat, and be out on the water for hours.  One time, they asked me if I wanted to go with them and I was so excited.  When we began, the sun was warm and the wind was calm.  As evening set in though, the weather conditions began to change.  A slight breeze arose which turned into a moderate wind and the small boat began to rock.  Neither of my grandparents seemed bothered by it, but I was beginning to be a bit afraid.  Although I could see land, I couldn't see the lights beside the piers.  Gradually, the ripples on the water became small waves and my feeling of safety was gone.  When my focus shifted from the experience of my grandparents to my own perceptions of what could happen, fear took over. 

We know the story that leads to today's verse.  There was a mighty storm and the disciples were sure they were going to perish.  Meanwhile, Jesus was sleeping.  When they woke Him, he commanded the wind and the waves to be still and they obeyed.  Like me, they had forgotten who was in charge.  

At times, it seems that our lives consist of one struggle after another.  We barely get through one trying time before another sets in.  We may feel that we are in a fight we can't possibly win and wonder if we should just give up.  Like sailors battling to keep an endangered ship afloat, we do everything we can think of, but sometimes it just isn't enough.  The winds keep building and the waves grow higher until there is nothing else we can do.  Just when we think all is lost, the clouds begin to pass, the sun peeks through and we cautiously draw a deep breath of relief.  

This year has been a reminder that we are not in control.  First, the COVID-19 virus arrived and our way of daily life was greatly altered.  When it seemed that finally we were going to be allowed to return to our normal schedules, protests and riots broke out in our cities.  Most of us watch the news while shaking our heads in disbelief.  Much is being said and done that we never thought we would see in our lifetimes.  Politicians play their political games while people's lives and livelihoods are being lost to the violence.  This is a storm most of us have not experienced and we waffle between confusion, anger and fear.  

Now, more than ever, our focus needs to remain on the One in charge.  While this may have caught us all by surprise, He has always known these days would come and already knows the outcome.  Rather than kneeling in the streets, we need to kneel before our Father in Heaven, acknowledge His power and ask Him to calm the winds of discontent and heal the hearts that are being ripped apart.  He loves each of us, no matter where we come from or the color of our skin.  Sin destroys but His perfect love heals and restores.  As we witness the images on our television screens, rather than comment and criticize, maybe we should be praying for the people we see and asking Him to calm this storm.  

In 1965, a song was released entitled "What the World Needs Now."  Sung by Jackie DeShannon, it reminded us that the world needs love.  I woke up this morning with this song on my mind.  The world does need love, God's love, and it is our task to carry it wherever we go.  My hope is that each one of us will pray for those who are hurting and reach out to those we come in contact with.  May you be blessed with His peace and protection.  God bless.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Don’t Be Afraid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Friday Message - Truly the Son of God

As I was preparing for this Good Friday message and reading the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, I came across a passage that struck a chord in my heart and soul. As I read the story in each of the Gospels, I felt something move in my soul. I began to pray for wisdom and the words to express what I was feeling inside. My mind was awash with thoughts and words and they made no sense. They were more like images that quickly flashed and disappeared. It was like a surprise camera flash that leaves you almost blind at the moment and then, as your sight returns to normal, you see floaters and ghostly images floating in your field of vision. For days and hours, I had these images pop into my mind and quickly disappear. For a while, I thought that I was suffering from some sort of weird symptom of the coronavirus or some other malady.

The image I kept seeing was that of a Roman soldier, specifically an officer standing in front of Jesus as he fought for each breath. Streams of blood running down his face. A huge crown of thorns digging into his flesh. When Jesus gives up his last breath, I hear the Roman officer say, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

There are many stories and legends associated with this soldier. In one story, he is given the name, “Longinus”. According to legend, he was a blind centurion who thrusted his spear deep into the side of Christ Jesus. As Jesus’ blood flowed from the wound, a few drops fell upon the soldier and he was healed of his blindness. Later in time, he converted to Christianity. In one version of the story, he helped clean the body of Jesus when it was removed from the cross.

No matter what the story, it still inspires and causes anyone who hears it to stop and think about that moment. During that period, a Roman Caesar was often referred to as “the son of god”. It would have been a major offense to use that same phrase when describing Jesus. A soldier heard uttering those words to describe a Jewish criminal would be tried for treason and possibly put to death on a cross.

 As I read the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I began to imagine myself there at the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion. I could hear the crowds screaming at him as the soldiers carried out their orders to execute the criminals. As I close my eyes, I find myself standing next to this Roman officer who is probably in charge of the detail. His men are very well trained and know exactly what they are to do. They have probably carried out similar orders many times before and really never gave them much thought. For them, it was just another execution to carry out.

But, something happened inside one of them. He heard the crowds crying out for the blood of the Nazarene. He saw people shaking their fists at him and spitting on him. Some probably ran up to Jesus as the soldiers prepared to nail him to the cross to slap or strike him. Each blow was just another insult.

I am sure the officer began to wonder why this execution was so much different than the others. In the past, no one cared much or even showed that much attention or emotion to the others that he had executed. He tried to push the thoughts out of his head by giving orders and reading the decree regarding the execution. He could see some of the local Jewish officials pushing their way through the crowd to get a better view of the proceedings.

As each step of the process is completed, he feels something going on in his gut and chest. There is a tightness in his chest. He feels very uneasy. His hand clutches the pummel of his sword. Something doesn’t feel right to him. The officer is no stranger to this uneasy feeling. It feels like someone is watching him. He looks all around to see who is looking at him. But, everyone seems preoccupied with other things. No one is looking at him or, at least, that is what he thinks.

Finally, the moment arrives. Jesus’ cross and the crosses of the other two criminals are lifted into place. The soldier thinks to himself that all of this will be over in a few short hours and things will just go back to normal. Hour after hour passes and his uneasiness seems to get worse. I watch him pace back and forth like a caged animal waiting for some anticipated moment to occur.

In order to hurry things along, he finally decides enough is enough. The Nazarene just needs to die so that things can return back to normal. He takes a spear from one of his soldiers and thrusts it into the side of Jesus. He thinks to himself that the Jew will surely die quickly, but, more important, that feeling he has will end quickly enough as well. 

The officer’s feelings get worse and they begin to stir themselves into a frenzy. Just as the feelings reach their height, something happens. He looks up and realizes he is beholding his Savior and Lord. At that moment, he recognizes that Jesus was, is and will always remain the Son of God.

Although this story is fictionalized and huge liberties were taken with the narrative, that moment is the same for all Christians. We try for so long to deny the conviction and feeling in our hearts and the stirrings of our souls. We fight those feelings and stirrings tooth and nail every step of the way. We go as far as to ridicule him and even push him away, but he doesn’t leave us. Then, finally, one moment, we stop and look up and, just like the Roman officer, we see our Savior and realize what he did for us out of love on that cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.

The legend of Longinus tells a story of a Roman soldier who became a Christian and devoted his life to living the teachings of his Savior, Christ Jesus. There are no accurate stories of how he continued to serve in God’s kingdom, but I know that he served with humility and love, the same love and humility that he witnessed on a hill just outside Jerusalem by a man who people rejected.

I ask you to think about the man and the moment of his salvation. Realize that you, like him, fought hard to reject the teachings and love of a humble man who was truly the Son of God. Go and tell your story to others and help them to stand firm in His grace.

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

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Wolves in the Fold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Word of God - Mark 9:38-41

Mark 9:38-41 New International Version (NIV)

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Mid-Week Message - Simple Faith

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."  Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV) 

"Do, Lord, oh do, Lord, oh do remember me!"  This is the song that was on my mind when I awoke this morning.  It brought back so many wonderful memories.  I learned it in Sunday School as a young child.  I can remember singing it in Vacation Bible School and even belting it out at school during recess.  As I grew older, I sang it to the children I babysat and, eventually, taught it to my own daughter.  It is such a simple little song but its verses remind us of the close relationship we have with our Lord.  

Childhood.  Young minds are open and accepting of what they are presented.  If we teach truth, they learn truth.  If we teach lies, they learn those lies as truth.  As we grow older and encounter the good and bad of life, we handle what is thrown at us with those early teachings as our foundation.  Jesus knew that it was easy for children to believe He was who He said He was.  He took the opportunity to speak words of blessing to them that they would carry for their entire lives.  They hadn't yet begun to question what they were taught.  They took it on simple faith.  

Wouldn't it be wonderful to return to that time when we didn't have to question everything that we see and hear?   Unfortunately this world is filled with those who lie to us and hide their motives for what they do.  Because of that, many of us have become analyzers.  After each encounter we go off and rethink everything that was said and done and develop our own opinions about what was meant.  The problem with that is that our Creator did not give us the ability to know what is in someone else's heart or mind.  Even worse, our habit of analyzing can often bleed over into our relationship with the Lord to the point where we find ourselves questioning His Word as absolute truth.  

In the Lord's presence, we need to allow ourselves to get beyond the walls that the hurt in this world has caused us to build.  God does not, cannot, lie.  In all that He does and says to us we can be assured to find nothing but truth.  We can sing songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and allow that childlike spirit within us to dance in the simplicity and joy that it brings.  We need not fear Him.  Like the children in today's verse, we can feel free to climb upon His lap and know that we will find nothing but pure love.  Simple faith is within our grasp.  Reach out and grab it and don't let go.  

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Not Far from the Kingdom

While I was doing some reading in the Gospel of Mark, I ran across a passage that had me thinking for weeks on end. As I continued to think about the conversation between a religious teacher and Jesus, Jesus’ last words began to really sink into my heart and soul. 

Jesus said to the teacher in Mark 12, “34 You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

Let us look at the context of the entire conversation. A religious teacher asks Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus replies that each person must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.” Jesus is referencing the Book of Deuteronomy, specifically chapter 6:4-5. Almost in the same breath, he adds that it is equally as important to love your neighbor as yourself. He then adds, “No other commandment is greater than these.”

The teacher responds, “This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law.”

After saying that, Jesus then tells him that he is not far from the kingdom of God. These two simple commandments are the ones that should be the basis not only of our faith but also of our teachings.

When we have an opportunity to share the word of God in its purest form, there are no fancy words or need to begin a dissertation on any other points in the Bible. The truth is the truth and, as Jesus states in John 8, “31 You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

As that teacher proclaimed those words of truth, he realizes that no amount of burnt offerings or sacrifices are as important as those two commandments.

When we accept those truths for ourselves, we free ourselves from the ideas of men and truly live as God intended for us to live which is to live in love not only for God the Father but also for our neighbors. 

Remember what Paul writes Timothy in his first letter in chapter 1, “4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.”

Look closely at the two commandments that Jesus talks about. What do they have in common? The answer is very simple. It is love. Our love should come from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith when it comes to God and our neighbors.

Our lives should not be shrouded in endless discussions regarding religion or what things are more important. Jesus has already given us the lesson. Our place in the kingdom is to teach the Word as it was given to us.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in chapter 5, says in his Sermon on the Mount, “19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” 

In order for us to maintain our great place in the Kingdom of Heaven, we must obey all of God’s laws and teach them as given to all others. We teach the truth, the simple truth given to us in the words of Jesus. We do not add or detract from the Word of God. It is plain, simple and the truth.

Early in the passage, Jesus says, “17 Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

Jesus talks about accomplishing their purpose and achieving their purpose. The purpose of the laws is to help us with our relationship with God the Father and our neighbors. The truth that Jesus reveals to us is the guide to reaching the Kingdom of Heaven.

By following the teachings of Jesus, understanding and applying the Word and teaching others the truth, we are closer to the Kingdom just as Jesus stated when the teacher realized the truth revealed in the words of Jesus. We should never engage in myths and spiritual pedigrees. When we do this, we detract from the Word and push our own ideas and agenda on others. We are not here to do that. We are here to speak the truth as it was revealed to us.

As you continue your walk with the Lord, always remember what we are to work towards. We are to keep God’s law by loving Him without condition or reservation and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we do those things, the other laws are easy to follow and their purpose is achieved and accomplished. It is not enough to hear the words. We must live those words daily by showing them in action.

If you do not have a relationship with God the Father and feel that there is something missing in your life, I ask you to read the words of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. John writes in Revelation 3, “20 Look! I (Jesus speaking) stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

All it takes is a simple knock and opening that door to allow Jesus to come into your life. It is a simple act and response to a simple truth. 

Think about the words of Jesus and the purpose of the laws, especially the ones Jesus tells us are the most important. When we understand those laws, we are a step closer to the kingdom and able to stand firm in His grace.

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

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Mark 12:32-34

Mark 12:32-34 New International Version (NIV)

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Live a Simple Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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