Let’s Ride Hard For God

This morning we began our day quite early, so it allowed me to ponder on a thing or two while I was puttering around getting ready. Many times my wife has taught me (by example) that a smile so early in the morning can change the direction of even the most daunting of days. I am reminded of a gospel song entitled “One Day At A Time” which allows us to focus more on the present and less on an uncertain future. As a Christian I also remind myself that I am not alone nor ever will be in this time of uncertainty. Each day that passes by I tell myself that perhaps today will be the day that Jesus returns and takes us home to Heaven. All the signs of His return is centered around Israel yet we can’t help but see the signs even here in America as we fall farther and farther away from God. The Lord Jesus is faithful to the end and it is to Him we must return. We are constant in reminding ourselves of the past while all along God has placed them in the sea of forgetfulness. We are constant in our concern for the future yet God says now is the acceptable time for Salvation. Folks, if you are a Christian it’s time to hop back in the saddle and ride hard for God. The Lord we serve has never failed us so let us not fail Him in this race of life. May God bless.

Let God Handle It

This morning I would let to share something that's on my heart. I listened this morning to someone who spoke a little bit about the story in scripture where Peter had fished all night long and caught nothing. Fishing was not a new thing for Peter as he had done so all his life. They say that fishing at night is the best time to fish and that's exactly what Peter had done. I'm sure he had become frustrated as the night progressed because not one fish had been caught. This was a big thing for Peter for he probably had big plans for all those fish he though he would catch. Yet as the story goes he caught nothing. Nada. He was empty handed. Early in the morning Jesus comes along and actually enters Peter's boat and urges Him to thrust out a little from land so as to teach the people. And Peter may have been frustrated with the night of fishing but he obeys the Lord and launches out. After Jesus had finished speaking to the people, Jesus tells Peter to launch out in the deep waters and cast out his net once again. In perhaps what might be Peters frustration speaking, he tells the Lord that he's been fishing all night long and has caught nothing yet at His command to cast his net, he'd do so. Again I say that it was a big thing to Peter that he has been out there all night long fishing and has caught nothing. What happens next is not because of the expert ability of Peter's fishing, but it was the miracle working power of God. Peter caught so much fish that his boat as well as another boat were as though they would sink. Yep, Peter Caught A Bunch Of Fish That Morning! Folks, sometimes our efforts in this Christian walk seems useless as well as time consuming. Yet it is times like these when we just need to let go of our ability and seek Gods. It doesn't matter how good we think we are in this life, sometimes we just need to take the net and drop it on the other side of the boat. Whatever the case may be... make sure God is leading you to do it. GodBless

Absence Make The Heart Grow Fonder

Their is proverb that says “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Many times this has proven to be true when two hearts are reunited after a lengthy time apart. Perhaps a soldier returns home from war or a family member returns home from a business trip. Oh to miss a loved one so much that you just can’t wait to see them again. So many examples can be used to express that “absence makes the heart grow fonder“ but can we say that when it comes to spending time with the Lord. Does our heart yearn for His presence so much that unless we get back in His Word or until we spend time in prayer as we ought we’re not satisfied. This is evidence that a person is truly saved because they can’t stay away from the Word of God too long without missing it or they can’t wait to talk to the Lord in prayer. If a Christian misses church attendance then they just can’t wait to assemble again with the saints of God. I had to miss church tonight and I felt so out of place because I wasn’t there. Yes for sure “absence makes the heart grow fonder” indeed and that includes God’s people. I often wonder what it’s going to be like when we get to Heaven where we will never have to say goodbye. We’ll be forever with our loved ones in Glory. We’ll always be in the presence of the One Who died for us. NO MORE SEPARATION!! I get excited just thinking about it. I hope you know the Lord as Savior of you life today and if not I hope today you’ll ask Him to come into your heart and save you. May God Bless!!

Fear Not

I’ve never taken time to count them but it is said that 365 times you’ll see the phrase “fear not” in the Bible. That’s one for everyday of the year. Their is so much that happens over a period of a year that you’ll never know what you will be faced with from one day to the next. We can only wish that everything will be sunshine and roses but that’s not the way life is. One day you’re on a mountain top experience and the next day the world is crushing in around you. I’m glad to report that God says “fear not”. What an ever present God we serve and He is never too late. Martha and Mary had to wait four days after their brother Lazarus had died for Jesus to arrive yet I say that Jesus was right on time. Jesus is the one who calms the troubled waters of your soul. I have more good news for you because Jesus can still give peace to a troubled heart even today. Where is your heart right now? What are you trusting in right now as you read this? Remember, that standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find the Lord Jesus. There is nothing too hard for God to accomplish. I say you can trust God for whatever you are facing.
FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU!
I believe Jesus is tenderly calling people to Him today. Is He calling you? If He is speaking to you, will you accept Him into your life and be saved today? I hope and pray that you will. God bless!

When God Says No

From a very young age, perhaps as an infant, we are taught to pay much attention when we hear the words “yes” or “no”. In many cases we know as parents it could be a difference between life and death.
Not too long ago I heard a profound truth that stuck with me so I’d like to share it. Of the many times our parents said to us “yes”… or said “no”, it is our response to be word “no” that shows what kind of character we are made of. It also shows how mature we are in our response to “no”.
In the Christian walk this is true when God speaks to us as well. When God seems to give us a positive command we are apt to go for it much easier and quicker than if God says no. Once again when we respond to God negatively as He says “no”, we immediately present to those around us bad character and a lack of Christian maturity. Above and beyond that, it displeases God even if no one else notices. His eyes are not blind in His sight toward us and His arm has no problem in reaching us if He needs to get our attention.
How has God directed us in life and how have we responded? If we were to stand before God in just a few minutes, would we hear Him say “well done?”…

I encourage you in the Lord to let’s make our calling and election sure. This might be the day Jesus takes us home. May God bless.

Everything Is Running on Time

As I write this blog my heart is full as I consider how close it must be for coming of the Lord. I told the Sunday School class this morning that everything is continuing on just the way God said it would. The earth is still rotating from the west to the east and the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west. It’s a though God has an invisible thermometer stretched out over the eastern sky. The sun moves northward for 6 months to bring in the warm and moves southward for 6 months to bring the cold. As God has said these things shall be that’s how they are continually. So many things have changed along the way but God’s Word has never changed.

Not too long ago we made a comment that this world is leading itself down a dark smokey road to destruction. This earth and what’s in it won’t last forever yet God’s Word is forever settled in Heaven. With all the mistakes I’ve made in life I feel the least qualified to talk about the goodness of God and His Love so abundant and free. Yet it has nothing to do with my accomplishments but has everything to do with what Christ has done. All we had to do was look away from sin and look to the Savior of the world The Lord Jesus Christ. Just believing that He died on that old rugged cross for us, was buried and on the 3rd day arose from the dead victorious over death and hell and the grave. I don’t have faith in man to get me to Heaven. When I see my past all I see is defeat and failure so I can’t trust myself to get me to Heaven. But I can have Faith in God in all things because He will see me through. Yep, I’m Heaven bound with the hammer down…. Now how about YOU. God bless.

Beyond That Horizon

Have you ever stood at the seashore and looked out over the water as far as the eye could see from one direction to the other? The horizon seems to be endless as the sky meets the sea. Perhaps if you stand atop the tallest building around and view in every direction, the vastness seems too great to see it all at one time. Beyond every horizon is more than we can see with the natural eye. We are as a spec in the center of it all and our humanity only allows us a small glimpse of what’s before us. Folks, that’s why Christ needs to be the center of our lives for He sees beyond our horizons and everything in between as well. We may not see all that’s going on in our lives but God does and we can trust Him. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again to just “Have Faith in God.” I hope you know Him as Lord of your life today. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you right now please listen to Him, for Jesus is coming soon and we need to be ready. It perhaps might be today. God Bless You!!

It All Started With God

Colossians 1:16
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

One interpretation of this verse goes like this:

"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible,... everything got started with Him and finds its purpose in Him."

We definitely live in a world where everyone thinks of themselves. Everyone is out to find what their purpose in life is. Folks will go to great lengths to find out why they are here and will do whatever necessary to get an answer. No amount of money will be enough to find out what destiny lies before them. Some people are looking to the stars while others are looking at fortune cookies, and some of them have lotto numbers to gamble with. People have had their palms read in hopes to know the future and even more keep up with their horoscope.

If you'll look back at the verse I started with, it plainly tells you that God created each and everyone of us by His own Hand. God did not create us just to flounder around aimlessly with no purpose in life. We were created by God... (Now Watch This)… and for Him.

God has a purpose for each and all of us. As Jesus did all that He did to please the Father, we should always have in our hearts to please our Heavenly Father. Remember that it's not all about us but it IS certainly about Him. Let's take time and pray and ask God what His plan for our life might be. God will show us the right way. May God bless!!

The Joyful

Their is an old gospel favorite that has been sung down through the years that says: “We have heard the joyful sound Jesus saves Jesus saves; Spread the tidings all around Jesus saves Jesus saves.” It was recorded in scripture that the majority of mankind would end up in a place called Hell. It says that wide is the gate that leads to destruction and many their be that find it. The Bible also says that narrow is the gate that leads to eternal life and few their be that find it. Folks, it goes back to what makes you happy. Their is a joy in just doing your own thing in life even if it means pushing God aside to get it. I pray you will not push The Lord Jesus aside to find happiness in your life, for the only true peace you’ll ever find is in Him. This world and what it offers is temporary but what Jesus offers is eternal. If you don’t know Christ as Lord of your life then ask Him into your heart today. He is waiting...

May God Bless!!

God Has A Purpose

With everything going on around us, if we could look deeper into the shadows we WILL find Jesus. Humanity seems to demand answers to why things have become the way they have. One thing is certain, God is not slack concerning what’s happening in the world today. He most definitely knows every minute detail of what’s going on. In the most darkest time in history God Has A Purpose for it all. God’s desire is for ALL men to come to repentance of sin and even now seek Him while He may be found. Jesus is getting ready to take His church out and when He does then this world will see a time of sorrow never witnessed before. Nothing is hid from the All Seeing Eye Of God. The Lord is tenderly calling souls to turn to Him daily in repentance. Are you ready to go to Heaven today? If you don’t know The Lord Jesus as Lord of your life then will you ask Him into your heart today. Don’t wait another moment for now is the acceptable time of Salvation. Call on Him even right now and your never regret it. May God bless you real good.

A Workman That Need Not Be Ashamed

There was a time that in order to discover what the Bible said about a certain matter, you would have to read it for yourself. There was a time when technology was not as it is now and you would have had to find in it scripture for yourself. Now, with every tool in hand to prevent you from picking up the Bible, you can speak to Alexa and she will read out loud what you want to hear from scripture. I began to take a hard look at myself only to find out I was caught up in it as well. Some might say that nothing is wrong with this as long as you hear the Word of God, but nothing is as sweet as holding the precious Word of God in your hand and reading it for yourself. Sometimes I like to bring the pages of scripture to my nose just to smell the sweet aroma it gives. Rest assured that God is pleased with the worn pages of His Own Word. May God Bless!!

Gonna Stand By Me

I woke up this morning with the words to this song on my mind “Gonna Stand By Me.” I can just hear that song being sung over and over to myself even before I got up. Over the years I’ve witnessed those that I thought would always be there, well... they’re gone. It seems so hard to find someone you can trust to be there. Someone that no matter what life throws at you, will be there to help share the load you may be carrying. And oh how the weight of this world can press you down. It’s as though the sight around me is completely black in some places. BUT as I look around me and am about ready to give up I see something in the shadows. As I get a closer look... I can see Jesus standing right there looking back at me with eyes that tell me He was there all the time. That’s my word for this morning that you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. And His name is Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. I hope you know Him today.

Give It To God

You’ve heard the expression “If God brings you to it then He will bring you through it.” This is so true yet so many have not witnessed the Truth of this because of their lack of faith. It’s easy to believe God when things really aren’t that bad, but when life gets overwhelming then we tend to forget God’s promises toward us. Promises that say He would never leave us or forsake us. Surely the trying of your faith worketh patience just as the Bible tells us. Nothing is too hard for the outstretched arm of God. We can trust God not just in certain things... but all things. The Lord brings us through paths we don’t understand but He has a purpose in it all. My declaration to you today is to keep your eyes on the Lord. You can always be assured that standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus. He loves you and me with an everlasting love. A love that nothing of this world is able to separate us from. So with that I say to you “Have Faith in God”

May God Bless!!

A Child is Born

Imagine how special it must have been for the Christ Child to be born. The words to that special Christmas song we hear each year "Oh Holy Night." And oh what a Holy Night it was for sure to witness every detail of that special night. The Star, the wise men, the shepherds or perhaps to hear the angels sing Hosanna to the Highest. I just get a little excited just thinking about it. But God had it all planned out so perfectly, even to the very night of Christ's birth.

Galatians 4:4
4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

So many in that day were not ready for the Messiah to come, though scores of prophetic scripture said He was coming. Folks, it's been 2000 years since Christ went back to Heaven. He said He is coming back to get us and for us to Occupy Till He Comes. Let's keep busy for the cause of Christ. This very day may be when Jesus comes to take His Bride back Home. May He find "US" Faithful and may He find "US" Watching and Waiting with an expectant heart. He Who said He Will Come... Will Come!! So Let's Be Ready! God Bless!!

Deliverance

How long has it been since you‘ve had to ask God for deliverance? The world has much to offer when it comes to needing deliverance from something, except the world leads us toward the problem instead of away. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have read scripture where Israel was surrounded by the enemy with no possible way of escape but then.... God Shows Up! Is that the way it is with you right now? Do you feel like you have been met with impossible odds? Well I have goods news for we still serve a God of impossibilities. Nothing is ever impossible with the outstretched arm of God. God does want to show up in your life today! I say to YOU Have Faith in God for He will make a way for you even this very hour if you’ll trust Him completely with all your heart. He is a God who is always there and will not fail you. He loves you and you can Trust Him. You Can Trust in Jesus Name. And with that I say May God bless you real good!!

Are You Rapture Ready?

Their is an excitement in my heart as I think that this could be the day Jesus returns for His Church. Nothing is left to be fulfilled according to Scripture except the Rapture of the Church itself. Yet in the midst of my excitement is an ever growing sadness for those ones who know not the Lord as personal Savior of their lives and will be left behind as witnesses of the Tribulation Period. When we look back over the last several months around the world, we see what a pandemic with a 90 some % survival rate can do to change the normality of life as we know it. Needless to say it has not turned out well. Yet what we have witnessed through all of this is nothing compared to what will be during the Tribulation Period. Folks, we need to be ready when Jesus returns to receive His Church. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart? No better time than today to get things right with God. Perhaps you are saved and have things between you and the Savior that ought not be there. We serve a God of a second chance, so let’s make it right today. Jesus could return today, are we ready if He does? Today is the acceptable time for Salvation. Turn to Him today as He is waiting for you.

Depression

If our eyes could be opened to know those around us who are depressed and are good at hiding it, I believe it would totally shock us. So many of us have become very knowledgeable about how to cover up what we don’t want seen. But that doesn’t change what is felt inside, so we just deal with it the best we can. Depression affects you mentally, emotionally, psychologically and it affects you spiritually. It affects how you are when you are awake, when you are asleep (if you go to sleep). It affects how you interact with others which leads to how they interact with you. I could go on and on but I believe you get the picture here. I personally believe that what affects you spiritually will spiral out amongst these others and be a hindrance to your happiness in life. Even though life seems to be full of unhappy thoughts, God has told us where to turn to even if it seems impossible. God wants His people happy, so you can believe that.
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalms 30:5 - For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.
Psalms 9:9 - The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Folks, standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus. Look to Him today and live. God bless You this day!!

Even On The Darkest

This morning I sat on the front porch drinking my coffee. The sun had not come up and it was still a bit dark outside. I began to realize how strange it was for the sun to be rising as it always does this time of the morning yet it be so dark still. I then begin to remember those several verses in the Bible that tell us that the darkest hour is always before dawn. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalms 30:5 which says: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Isn’t life so much like that? I’ve seen it so it many times in my life and unfortunately in many of those times it was me who started it. Yet in my Christian walk I’ve seen over and over again God restore the light amid the darkness that was placed around me. Folks, we don’t deserve the goodness of God in our lives but He does so because He loves us. How much do you love Him today? Are you living in darkness right now and are just waiting on a little sunshine? I tell you this morning that Jesus is still the light of the world and YOU can still look into His beautiful face this morning. Have Faith in God and again I say Have Faith in God!!

May God bless you this morning

Don’t Be a Fake Christian

You've heard the expression that birds of a feather flock together or if it sounds like a duck then it probably is. So many expressions and they're nothing less than warning signs to keep us safe. In our spiritual lives it's not all that easy and if it wasn't for the presence of God in our lives then where would we be? The song we used to hear as a child that reminds us that the devil is a sly old fox yes a sly old fox is he. No matter what the situation is in life, the devil can dress himself up to look like everything we would ever want. Yes he IS a sly old fox and he wants to not only pull a fast one on you but yet pull you as far away from God as he can. He knows how to disguise himself in order to make a little white lie look like nothing else but the truth. The majority of the world is following his disguise and are being led down this long dark smokey road of destruction. The bible teaches of only two ways to follow in life with one being straight and narrow and leads to life eternal with God or the other is a wide yet crooked path that leads to eternal separation from God. Which way have you been led toward today? Don't be deceived by the devil and his evil tactics. I'm glad to report that God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. No longer do I live in the bondage of sin but I live in the Righteousness of Christ Who lives inside of me. Jesus died for you, do you know Him as Lord of your life? If not then ask Him into your heart today so I can see you Heaven too. God bless!

We’re Never to Forget

All of our lives we’re forever changed on 09/11/2001 when four planes were hijacked by foreign terrorists and crashed into both of the twin towers in New York, the Pentagon and one crashing in a field in Pennsylvania probably headed to the White House. Nearly 3000 people died in lieu of those attacks on that day which drove a nation into grief and despair. From that day on much of our joy, happiness and song of praise as a nation we’re stripped from us. Our hearts were held captive from that time on as our promise to ourselves was never to forget what happened on that dreadful day.
I am reminded of Psalms 137:2 which says “we hung our harps on the willows.“ This reminds us of when Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, in 597 BC, attacked Jerusalem and took them captive. Many Jews were killed on that day and many more were taken prisoner and held captive. The Jews had lost their will to sing and to rejoice as they could not worship their God. Folks, they were in bondage to someone else. They took their harps of music and set them aside because of the hurt in their hearts. God had not forgotten His people the Jews and God has not forgotten us in this day and hour. God was waiting on His people to turn back to Him back then and He is waiting for you today. Have you hung your harps of faith on the willows of your soul or are you ready to turn to the Master today in obedience to Him? Jesus is waiting for you my friend. May God Bless!!