Writing On Eagles Wings

(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” and when it starts to play on the radio stations, I get excited! Christmas is coming!! As a child, I remember seeing the first signs of the approaching holiday near Thanksgiving, and my heart would overflow with joy! Store windows started to have Christmas displays, and churches had nativity scenes on their lawns. Even the streetlight poles had decorations on them! The signs of the season were everywhere!! Christmas was coming, and I could hardly wait!

As an adult, I confess I feel the same excitement when the Christmas season nears. I love to decorate my home, attend the special church services, go shopping for gifts, and bake those delicious Christmas cookies that are so much fun to decorate, especially when I do it with my grandchildren! Each December day brings me one step closer to the 25th of the month when my family remembers and celebrates the birth of Jesus, God’s precious Son, by reading of Luke 2 together on Christmas morning. Later, we exchange gifts, and then we feast on a delicious meal together, enjoying the day with extended family and special friends. I love Christmas, and each year, around November, I start actively looking for the signs of Christmas because I know the moment I see the signs, the holiday will soon be here.

You know, the Bible also has an event coming to which I am looking forward with great anticipation and the signs are everywhere! That event is the return of Jesus Christ to rapture His church! There are over 1000 prophecies in the Bible, and approximately 500 deal with the return of Jesus have been fulfilled! There are NO MORE that need to be fulfilled before He returns! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 states, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (The other 500+ prophecies will be fulfilled after the Christians are taken back to heaven by the Lord.)

Like Christmas, there are” signs of the times” all around us that seem to shout that “Jesus is coming soon!” Matthew 24 records Jesus as stating that the world would be similar to how it was in the days of Noah when He comes back. Genesis 6:5 states, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Mark 13:7 states, “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.” Whether in a newspaper or a television news broadcast, there are always reports of wars and the possibilities of others. And the wickedness of the world is blatantly paraded for all to see! It doesn’t take a scholar to see that the descriptions in Genesis 6 and Mark 13 could easily be a description of our world today.

On December 24th, everything is set for the arrival of Christmas morning. There is nothing left to be done. That is how it is with the next Biblical event, when Jesus returns for His bride, those who have trusted Him as their personal Saviour. There is absolutely nothing left to be done except to wait for the shout and the sound of the trumpet! I can hardly wait!

Jesus is coming to earth again, what if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign, what if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride, All the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide, what if it were today?

(from “What If It Were Today?” by Leila Naylor Morris)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3

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Are you listening for the trumpet?

 

More than 350 million Christians live in places where individuals are persecuted simply due to their faith in Jesus Christ. This translates to 1 out of every 7 Christians globally who fall into this category (OpenDoors.com).  More than 50 countries have severe restrictions on the possession of the Bible, ranging from a total ban on the book to having merely one page of the Scriptures.

As I thought about this, I had to ask myself, “Do I know enough of the Bible to sustain me if it was taken away and my church was forced to close?” “Could I teach my grandchildren the basic doctrines of Scripture that would lead them to salvation and eternal life through Christ?” “Could God use me to share His precious gospel with the lost souls in my family and/or neighborhood if I had no Bible?”

Do I even need to worry about this? After all, I live in America. Many would argue that this type of persecution would never happen in a country founded on Biblical principles, one where every individual has certain inalienable rights as our Declaration of Independence states. It couldn’t occur in a country whose Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, could it? Frankly, there have been many things happening in our country in recent years that I never imagined would happen in our nation. Things that violate the very document that was put in place to protect the individual rights of every citizen. If the Constitution is ignored today and lawmakers assume they know best for you and me, what will that look like tomorrow?

So, the compelling question in my mind is, “How much Scripture have I ‘hidden in my heart’?” I cannot imagine my life without the holy Word of God, yet as I see things unfolding here in the United States and around the world, I know I don’t have as much of the Bible committed to my memory as I would like or as I would need.

So, what do I do? Interestingly enough, the answer is found in the Bible itself. Here is what God Himself tells me to do.

1. Memorize as many verses in Scripture as I can.
   1. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16
   2. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:” – Deuteronomy 6:6

2. Teach the Scriptures to children.
   1. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
   2. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16

3. Live according to God’s Word
   1. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22
   2. “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” – Philippians 2:16

It is my prayer that America never becomes a Godless nation, and that Bibles are never taken away from us. However, as the hatred for anything remotely Christian escalates, the future is uncertain. Therefore, I will strive to hold fast “… the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” – Titus 1:9

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

(from “How Firm a Foundation” by G. Keith and R. Keen)

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

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Would your life be any different without the Bible?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

I have heard people say they don’t attend church because they can worship God in any place. While that is true, it is so important to know that church is so much more than a place… in fact, the church is truly not the physical place. It is the gathering together of others who love the Lord, having fellowship with them, singing and praising God and learning more about Jesus together! My church is also the place where I receive solid Bible-based teaching from God’s Word from those whom the Lord has called to instruct the body of Christ. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

Here is one of the messages my pastor, Tim Campbell, shared in his online devotions. With his permission, I am sharing it and hoping you are as encouraged as I was upon reading it.

“It is clear that the culture in the world is bearing down upon those who follow Christ. Of course, the antagonists lump together anyone who uses the name of Christ as a Christian without looking at their true life and testimony. But nonetheless, the pressure is on. Jesus taught His disciples that this would come, and that this should not deter them from the essential mission of preaching and propagating the Gospel. Israel was an example of that in Egypt. They lived with the principles of Godly leadership, started by Joseph, for 400 years in Egypt. When the Egyptians forgot Joseph and Pharaoh began to fear and oppress them, they continued to thrive. It was as if the more they were persecuted, the more they grew. That was because they endured the afflictions and looked to God. In the end, God sent a deliverer to take them out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

It appears to me that there is a great lesson for the real Christians today who stand for Christ. We should expect adversity because Christ told us it would be so and because Satan is relentless in His attempt to stop the Gospel. Some in the church, have cowered to the adversity and tried to appease the humanistic crowd. Some don’t want to wear the name of Christ. Some don’t want to be identified with the local new testament church and fulfill its mission. But the Christian who will thrive no matter what is a “so much the more” Christian. When the pressure comes, they stand taller and proclaim the message clearer. When they began to contrast more against the wickedness invading society, they don’t chameleon but greatly rejoice that they shine more for Christ. When others began to neglect to serve the Lord at church, they say, count me in! When the character of their associates at work declines, they stay true to God and shine in their business. When families began to criticize and say church worship is no longer important, they make sure their whole family is in the house of God and His presence so much the more.

What area of your life needs “so much the more”? Worship, church, Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, service, witness…? Take it to the Jesus level and say ‘so much the more’!”

You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,

It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;

When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,

And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,

I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!

Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,

For I’m part of the family, the family of God.

(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13

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Are you a “so much the more” Christian?

“They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22

The most famous geyser in the world is undeniably Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park with over a million eruptions since its discovery in 1870. It is aptly named because its eruptions are fairly predictable at every 60-110 minutes. However, Old Faithful’s “faithfulness” only has a 90 percent confidence rate, which means that while it puts on a dynamic show every 60-110 minutes, its schedule of eruption is not completely reliable. The time of each eruption is influenced by the duration and height of the previous eruption.

As I thought about this geyser’s dependability in eruptions, I reflected upon the faithfulness of God, and I rejoiced that God doesn’t operate with a 90% confidence rate. Can you imagine what it would be like to depend upon a God whose faithfulness was NOT 100%?

Imagine the impact with a few familiar verses if God had a track record as “faithful” as Old Faithful.

1) Deuteronomy 7:9

1. 90% – “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the 90% faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”
2. 100% – “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”

2) 1 Corinthians 10:13

1. 90% – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is 90% faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
2. 100% – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

3) 1 Peter 4:19

1. 90% – “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a 90% faithful Creator.”
2. 100% – “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

4) 1 John 1:9.

1. 90% – “If we confess our sins, he is 90% faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
2. 100% – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

5) Revelation 21:5

1. 90% – “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And hesaid unto me, Write: for these words are true and 90% faithful.”
2. B) 100% – “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

A 90% confidence rate is great if you’re a geyser, but not if you’re the God of the universe!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be!

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

(from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm)

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:9

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I am so glad that I serve a 100% faithful God! What about you?

 

 

“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” – Psalm 25:5

In this chaotic world that we live in, it is easy to get overwhelmed. With the exponential increase of technology… social media, cellular networking, even microwaves, and so much more, we live in a world that’s on the fast track! Trying to keep up with our obligations and responsibilities is almost impossible, yet we struggle daily to do exactly that! It IS overwhelming, and often we find ourselves drowning! So what can we do to alleviate the increasing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness?

My pastor, Tim Campbell, wrote this devotion that addresses this exact issue. With his  permission, I have reposted his devotion here in my blog. I hope you are as blessed from it as I was.

“Overwhelmed is a word that we have redefined over the past couple of years. When something happens over which we have no control, the natural tendency is to lower our attitude and spirit and become overwhelmed.

King David had been in times like that when he was running for his life or facing overwhelming odds against an enemy set on destroying him. But in those most helpless times, David set his heart to trust in God. He chose to rise higher and reach out to the Rock of his salvation. As a shepherd, David knew every high rock in the region where he had grown up. From the high rock, he had learned that his view of things was much better. He could grasp the big picture. He could see where the enemy was and see the places where he could stand or hide!

We have the same Rock in the Lord, our Shepherd. He will always lead us in the darkest times to the Rock so that we might have hope and a different perspective from those that do not know and trust Him. Whether it be a consequence of sin, the challenge of your life, or a catastrophe that overwhelms your soul, cry out to the Lord and ask Him to lead you. It is amazing how in a time of trouble, the touch of a leading hand can bring great comfort and courage.

Take the Lord’s hand today. Follow Him to Higher Ground and stand on the promises of Scripture. You will see highways of faith and God’s plans for your life. You will see beyond the situation to a Savior who loves you! Overwhelmed today? Move Higher!”

O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
Alone I would perish, undone would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

(from “Hiding in Thee” by William O. Cushing)

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings...”- Psalm 17:8

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Jesus truly is our Rock in a weary land!

Today, my church’s associate pastor, Doyle Jackson, preached a message that really spoke to my heart. With his permission, I am sharing the notes I took, which are a blend of his sermon plus a few of my own thoughts woven throughout as the Holy Spirit moved me. I hope this is a blessing to you as much as it was to me.

Paul is in prison and close to his last day on earth. In the end of this last letter to Timothy, Paul continues to be focused on doing God’s work, and he is encouraging Timothy to remain strong and courageous and continuing preaching the gospel, so he sends him this letter. While this was a letter to Timothy, a young preacher that Paul thought of as a son in the faith, it is also part of the Word of God that the Lord inspired Paul to write for generations-to-come to read and study long after he and Timothy had finished their work on earth.  It is this Bible, that we have in our hand today, and it is truly a love letter from God! Just as we would reread love letters, we should reread the Word of God and allow Him to speak to us every day! Here is what this portion of God’s love letter says to us today.

1) First… the charge from the man of God. “Charge” means to assign a responsibility or a duty. Paul reminds Timothy he has a divine responsibility. He tells Timothy to not forsake this calling from God. One day, our lives here on earth will be over, and we will give an account to God of what we have done with our lives. God is the judge, and one day we will stand before Him. Are you ready? Are you saved? Is there a day in your life when you asked the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you? A time when you understood that you were a sinner and could not save yourself, but chose to believe that Jesus died on the cross to provide salvation and the assurance of a future home in heaven? Did you call upon the Lord and ask Him for His forgiveness of sins and to save your soul? Salvation through faith in Jesus will guarantee eternal life in heaven one day. The authority of the Bible guarantees that if you make that decision to accept God’s Son as your personal Lord and Saviour.

If saved, are you surrendered to the Lord? Have you allowed God to take control of your life and do what He wants to do with you? Are you willing to do what God directs you to do? God has a plan for each life. There is no greater satisfaction or joy in life than doing what God has prepared you to do. Additionally, whatever God calls you to do, He will equip you with the knowledge, skill, and ability to do it! There is no need to fear what God asks of you! One future day, we will give an account to God of what we have done for Him. The Lord called Timothy to preach the Word of God because the world he was a part of desperately needed the hope that only Jesus offers. The world today is also full of idolatry, sinfulness, and wickedness. We need to share the gospel with all we encounter! Why? The good news of Jesus Christ is the only answer to the problem of sin and its impact in our world. No matter what the circumstances are, no matter if people mock or reject you, we must be faithful to get the Word of God out to a lost and dying world. It is not just a preacher’s or Sunday school teacher’s responsibility; it is the duty of every single child of God to share the good news of the gospel… the truth of the Bible! There is no doubt that our world urgently needs it! Why is that? Because Jesus is coming soon. The evidence of this next event on God’s calendar is clearly spelled out in Scripture. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel of Christ! We must be fervent in our work for the Lord before the trump of God sounds! (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). Imagine where you would be if no one shared Jesus with you!

2) Second… the condition of the man of God. Paul is in prison because he chose to live for God. He committed no crime. He simply chose to be a faithful minister for 30+ years of his life. If you were in a dungeon or jail and knew you were going to be executed for your faith, what would you be doing? Paul was in this very situation. However, he realized there was still much work to do for God. He was “content” (Philippians 4:11( in his circumstances and refused to quit. He realized that God was sovereign and in complete control of his life. He also knew that in his last day, God would take him home to be with Him forever. Paul never abandoned his calling despite the fact that living for Christ was not easy. He didn’t quit; he finished his race (2 Timothy 4:7), and he finished it well to the glory of God. Paul knew there was a reward in heaven for him and all those who live for the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:10), and that was reflected in his testimony. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

3) Third… the concern of the man of God. Paul writes about those who have abandoned him. His heart was probably broken because a fellow-laborer, who was a trusted man, fell in love with the present world. He had pursued the temporary of this earthly life and forsook that which was eternal. Many Christians do that today. They live their lives for things… material things… not realizing those things would one day be left behind. 2 Timothy 3:4 states that people would become lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Sometimes even believers can get off course as Paul warns about in the end of this letter to Timothy. We need to ask ourselves, “Is there anything I love in my life more than I love God?” When you ask yourself this question, be honest with the answer. If you find there are things that mean more to you than doing God’s work, it is time to seek God’s forgiveness and help to make things right.

4) Lastly… the confidence of the  man of God. In verse 17, Paul writes about how God has been with him and strengthened him. He writes about being “delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” His confidence was not in himself… it was in God. That’s encouragement, and Paul needed that at the end of his life. And oh, how God encouraged him! The strength that Paul received from God enabled him to bring glory to the Lord despite facing his execution!. Hebrews 13:6 reminds us, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” No doubt this was forefront in Paul’s mind.

How is all this applicable to us today? What can we glean from this conclusive letter from Paul to Timothy… from God to us? Here is what we must do:

1) Allow God to have His way in your life.

2) Choose faithfulness to God regardless of what anyone else does.

3) Live for the eternal; live for that which really matters.

4) Enjoy daily the Lord’s presence… find a time to be alone with Him every day.

5) Remember, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus

Life’s trials will seem so small, when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race, till we see Christ. 

(from “It Will Be Worth It All” by Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14

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For whom are you running your race?

 

 

 

 

There’s a heat wave hitting a large part of the country right now. Where I live, it’s pretty miserable outside. Temperatures are in the high 90s and low 100s, and the humidity is above 55%. When the afternoon thunderstorms roll in, the humidity rises even higher, and the heat is stifling. Anything I can do to avoid the heat is what I do, and most of the time that involves being in an air-conditioned environment. Can you imagine what it would be like to never have respite from the torture of unbearable heat…ever? I know of a place where that is a reality.

That place is hell. We don’t seem to hear a lot about hell these days. Maybe you’ll hear someone joke about going there with all their friends, or you might hear “hell” used as a word of emphasis or worse. But for the most part, people don’t enjoy talking or hearing about a place of eternal suffering and damnation, and many people don’t believe such a place exists. I suppose it’s easier to deny the existence of hell than face the prospect of possibly going there one day.

The denial of something or someone unpleasant seems to be the cultural norm nowadays. For example, if we tear down monuments or refuse to teach our children about the difficult events in history like the Holocaust or slavery, its easier to pretend they never happened. The reality is that destroying a memorial to Confederate soldiers or removing all references to the Holocaust in school textbooks doesn’t make what happened untrue. It just hides the horror, and no one benefits by past atrocities and mistakes being brushed under the rug, for that, as the old adage states, leads to repetition of heinous behaviors.

Regardless of whether we deny the existence of hell or refuse to preach/teach about it in our churches, hell still exists. The Bible has over 150 verses that reference hell in the New Testament alone. Here is just a small sample of what the Scriptures say about hell.

1) Hell is a place of torment.

*Luke 16:23-24 states, “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

2) Hell is a place of unquenchable fire.

*Mark 9:45 records, “And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:”

3) Hell is reserved for unbelieving sinners.

*Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

4) Hell is a place of eternal punishment.

*Matthew 25:46 records Jesus as saying, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

5) Hell is a place of unmeasurable suffering.

*Matthew 13:42 states, “And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

There are many other verses in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, that reference hell. None of them sound fun and exciting, and none would make someone want to go there. Originally, hell was prepared by God for Satan and the angels that sinned. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” (2 Peter 2:4). Later, when mankind sinned, hell became the place of eternal punishment for them as well. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15).

Hell is a place forever without God. While we cannot fully comprehend what that will be like in this life, we will all know one day, without a doubt, that God exists and what He said in His Word is absolutely true. For those found guilty of their sins, there will be no second chance to beg for God’s forgiveness. God’s judgment at that time will be final. “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). While that sounds harsh, God is merciful and not willing that any should die in their sins and go to hell. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” He is waiting to give the world time to come to Christ for salvation, but according to the Bible, that time of waiting will soon end.

Ever wonder why some Christians work so hard at sharing the gospel? It’s because we know what the future holds for believers and non-believers. We know that without the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord of your life, your sins will not be forgiven by God, and that denial will condemn non-believers to a Christ-less eternity in hell.

I am so grateful that I belong to a church whose leaders do not shy away from preaching and teaching all aspects of the Bible, even the parts that are difficult to hear. A person must know what they are being saved FROM in order to seek God’s salvation. If not, they will never see a need to come to Christ, confess their sins, and accept His forgiveness.

The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal damnation is found in the pits of hell with no access to our Heavenly Father, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the sweet Holy Spirit of God. But when a person truly repents of their sins, believes on Jesus, and seeks His forgiveness, everlasting life is the outcome! A glorious everlasting life in heaven with God forever!

One day, the invitation that Christ extends to “Come unto Me” (John 6:37) will end. No one knows when, but it will happen, and from the signs listed in the Bible, that time may be much sooner than many want to believe. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The day is soon approaching when God will send His Son back to earth to gather all those who have accepted His free gift of salvation and take us back to heaven forever.

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart
Why don’t you let Him come in
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart
What is your answer to Him?
 
Time after time He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you’re willing to open the door
Oh how He wants to come in.

(from “The Savior is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”- 1 Corinthians 15:52

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Will you be going with us? If you are not sure, I would love to share with you how you can know for sure you are going to heaven. Just reach out!

 

 

 

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

This week is one of the most exciting weeks of the year for me! This is the week of Vacation Bible School! I have been privileged to teach a class of first-grade boys for several years, and despite the fatigue that creeps in every night after they leave for home, working with these young ones fills my heart with incredible joy every year!

Last night, the Lord led me to share the gospel story, and several of the boys accepted Christ as their Saviour! (Do you think I was on a spiritual high last night? Yes, indeed! All to the glory of God!) Witnessing a child open their heart to the gospel is such a blessed experience. Children are so sweet and trusting, and so accepting of the message of Jesus. When they ask questions, they are genuinely seeking answers, and they respond enthusiastically to the love and truth from God’s Word! They are so eager for what God has for them! And then, when they pray, their words are simple, pure, and from the heart. It is such a blessing to work with children!!

Last night, each boy stated that they knew they had sinned (done “bad things” in their lives) and wanted Jesus to forgive them. Their sweet prayers were simple and direct. There were no specific words they had to pray… no special formula. Each one, in their own special way, asked Jesus to forgive them, and then afterwards, each one stated to one of the workers in our class that they were going to be in heaven one day! This is what VBS is all about! There was great rejoicing in our classroom that night as we cleaned up!

Salvation should never be a process in which an individual has to jump through hoops to become part of God’s family. The Bible specifically states that there is nothing we can do to merit God’s forgiveness; it is a gift from Him. Titus 3:5 states, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” These boys were not guaranteed eternal life in heaven because of baptism, communion, church attendance, giving of tithes, or even coming to VBS. Their eternal security came simply from trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour and accepting His forgiveness of their sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Salvation is solely a GIFT from GOD. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Not sure about that? Think about the thief on the cross. When he asked for Jesus to remember him, the Lord did not say, “It’s too late. You’ve never been baptized; you’ve never gone to church; you’ve never served me sacrificially.” Instead, our Saviour assured that repentant criminal that because of his faith, he would be with Jesus that very day in paradise.

What about the age of my boys? Isn’t 6 or 7 years old too young? It isn’t the number of years that determines one’s readiness for salvation, it’s the understanding in the heart that is the determining factor, and that is not what anyone can judge. We are merely the tools that God uses to help children come to Christ. If the Holy Spirit is working on the heart of a first-grade boy, who am I to say that child is not ready for salvation? My heart’s prayer is, “Lord, use me to help this young one understand your love for him and his need for Jesus.” Maybe I am simply to plant the seed. Maybe I am to water a seed that has been previously planted. Maybe… just maybe… I am to lead that child to Jesus for salvation! It doesn’t matter how God chooses to use me; my responsibility is to be ready and available for His use!!

Jesus admonished his disciples when they stepped in to stop parents from bringing their children to him. He wanted the little ones to come to him. May I never stand in the way of anyone who is seeking Jesus, no matter the age, social status, past history, race, gender, or economic status. Jesus went to the cross for each one of us.

Some of the greatest joys in my life have been the times when God has allowed me to lead someone to Christ. Maybe you’re not sure what to say? Allow the Holy Spirit of God to work through you. Luke reassures us that God will enable you in any situation. “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12) The easiest way to share Christ is to share what He has done for you! Philemon 1:6 reminds us, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

Think you could never lead someone to Christ because you never went to Bible college or even taught a Sunday school class? Jesus chose common people to spread his gospel throughout the entire known world. Some were fishermen; one was a bill collector; one was a tent maker; some were shepherds… this list goes on. Be assured that whosoever God will call, He will also equip to accomplish His will. All He asks is that you be willing to share Christ with others. God promises He will do the rest!

Jesus calls the children dear, “Come to Me and never fear,

For I love the little children of the world; I will take you by the hand,

Lead you to the better land, for I love the little children of the world.”

 

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

(from “Jesus loves the Little Children” by C. Herbert Woolston & George Root)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4

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There’s a world out there, both children and adults, that desperately need Jesus. Won’t you share Him with someone today?

 

 

 

Genesis 8:22 – “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

When God created the world, He also established seasons, and He promised that as long as the earth was here, there would be spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own story.

*Autumn is a time of change.

*Winter is a time of barrenness and preparation.

*Spring is a time of rebirth.

*Summer is a time for bearing fruit and embracing the abundant     life that surrounds us.

Just as every natural summer has a story, so does every spiritual summer. As with the natural seasons, we each will also walk through spiritual seasons many times. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Summer is a season known for cultivating and bearing deliciously good fruit. I know many people who look forward to the summer bounty that includes strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, cantaloupe and watermelon! However, before we can enjoy these, they must be skillfully cultivated until they are ready for harvest. Only then, will they will look beautiful and taste delicious!

Like the natural summer, our spiritual summer can also yield a bounty of amazing fruit! What kind of fruit? Our spiritual fruit is described in Galatians 5:22. This verse states,  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” And like the natural fruit of summer, spiritual fruit must also be carefully cultivated by our spiritual gardener, the Holy Spirit.

How is this accomplished? He uses the Word of God to prepare us to bear good fruit. Jesus told us in John 15:4-5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” The Holy Spirit helps us ABIDE in Jesus.

How do we abide in Jesus?

1) First and most importantly, you must be born again. What does that mean? Has there been a time in your life when you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become the Lord of your life? That is the first step because like a natural plant needs water to flourish you need the living water that Christ has to offer. John 4:10 records, “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

2) Second, a plant needs good soil to gain the nutrients and minerals for growth. We get our spiritual nutrition from the Word of God, the Bible.  1 Peter 2:2 states, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” If we do not spend any time in the Bible, the Holy Spirit cannot remind us of the rich nutrients in God’s Word that enable us to grow in our faith. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

3) Thirdly, a plant needs the attention of the gardener. The gardener inspects the plant and its environment for anything that may hinder healthy growth. He then removes weeds that could eventually choke out the young plant. Through prayer, we ask God to help us grow strong by cleansing us from the sins that threaten to destroy our relationship with God. Additionally, it is through prayer that we seek our “spiritual gardener’s” help by asking for forgiveness of the sin in our lives or by showing how us how avoid the temptations in our life.1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,   and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Additionally, 1 Corinthians 10:13 records, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

We must yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit of God and allow Him to work in us in order for fruit to be manifested in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of what is in our hearts. What kind of spiritual summer fruit are you bearing? Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the fruit we have as we abide in Jesus.

1. Love – “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Do we love others as Christ loves?

2. Joy – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). Do you spend time in the presence of God? Does your life reflect the joy of your salvation? When others look at you, do they see the joy of the Lord?

3. Peace – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Our peace comes through Jesus. We must have a relationship with Him. Not simply a moment or time of salvation, but an ongoing relationship.

4. Longsuffering – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Do you trust God enough to wait for Him to answer, lead, act?

5. Gentleness – “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2). How do we relate to others?

6. Goodness – “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). Forgiveness… is it easy for you to forgive others or do you harbor bitterness toward them?

7. Faith – “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). How is your faith being demonstrated? In other words, how are you serving the Lord?

8. Meekness – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). Why do you serve the Lord? Is your underlying motive one of pride or humility (meekness)?

9. Temperance – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:9). Are there areas of your life in which you feel you are out of control or overindulging? Eating habits, social media, tv watching, relationships?

If we want healthy spiritual fruit in our lives, we must examine ourselves carefully and honestly. Ask yourself these questions:

A) First, are you saved?

B) Second, are you regularly in the Bible, listening to God speak to    your heart

C) Thirdly, do you spend time talking to God?

If you are lacking in any of these areas, it’s time to let our spiritual gardener, the Holy Spirit, do a little weeding and pruning.

Christ is the vine, and we the branches are.
Without him, we no fruit can bare.
For of ourselves, we cannot grow,
He must both power, and life bestow.

Lord, thou has chosen us that we
Should bear well-pleasing fruit to thee:
O make us fruitful to thy praise.
Preserve us from all barrenness.

(from “Christ is the Vine” by John Swertner  and Johann Muehlmann)

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”- John 15:8

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It is your choice to bear fruit. What kind of fruit are you bearing?

 

 

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” – Romans 13:7

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It is a time to reflect upon those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. My dad, my father-in-law, and John’s dad served their country during WWII and the Korean conflict. They came home to become husbands and fathers. So many did not. Those who died made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberties we enjoy today here and around the globe. This year, many will go to the final resting places of those who died, and in their honor, will place American flags or flowers on the graves. Sadly, some never made it home for even a burial, and are remembered only in the hearts of their surviving relatives and friends. But these are not the only ones to remember this Memorial Day.

In addition to the servicemen and women we honor this day, we must also reflect upon those whose names we will never know. Men and women who worked in classified areas of our government… those in fields that are considered “top secret”… who remained anonymous to most of the world for reasons of safety f0r themselves and their families, yet they labored for our freedoms as well. Some of these individuals have no graves for family members to visit, and they received no acknowledgment or accolades of service. We must honor these men and women as well on this Memorial Day for they also gave their lives for our country and our freedoms.

I am also reminded of another individual who gave all, so that others could live. His name is known well by most of the world although many do not honor him or even acknowledge his divine existence. His name is Jesus, and He is God’s only beloved Son, who sacrificed everything to reconcile God’s most special creation to Himself. He willingly left the glory of heaven… think of it… a place with no sorrow or pain, a place without wars or famine or disease. This is what Jesus chose to leave to come to a world filled with every conceivable sin…hatred, violence, greed, lust, pride… the list goes on and on. Philippians 2:6-8 states, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus, who had existed throughout all eternity past without an iota of sin in Him, chose to become sin for us and then pay the penalty for that sin by dying an agonizing death on a rugged Roman cross nearly 2,000 years ago. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Why? Because He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and yearns to reconcile us to God.  Jesus wants a personal relationship with each one of us so much that He sacrificed Himself to make a way. When Jesus rose from the grave three days after His crucifixion, He proved He alone was the Saviour of the world; the only One with the power to forgive sins and give everlasting life to all who believe on His name! May we always remember and honor the sacrifice Jesus made for all mankind.

But on this special day set aside to remember the fallen, may our nation never forget the brave men and women who courageously gave their lives so that we could continue to be “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Let us honor Memorial Day this weekend; count our blessings; and thank God for those who gave everything for the cause of liberty and the right to be free.

He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be
, that Thou, my God, should die for me!

(from “And Can It Be?” by Charles Wesley)

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

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All gave some; thank God some gave all.