Pastor’s Notes — Thoughts for the day

March 6, 2023

There is nothing sweeter or more precious than the love that Jesus has for those who belong to Him. He truly is the good Shepherd. His love and concern for His sheep is demonstrated by His actions and words. At His betrayal and while He was being mocked, Peter denied Him three times. After his third denial Luke records

Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (62) And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

I am sure Peter felt low and unworthy of Jesus love and probably believed that Jesus could never love him after he had done denied Him three times.

However, consider what Jesus does in

John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Everything Jesus says and does is for a purpose. Here Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to express is love for Him three times, which is the exact number of times Peter had denied Him. While we can never go back and undo our offenses against our Lord, He seems to always find a way to let us know we are forgiven and gives us the opportunity to honor Him. Jesus allowed Peter to be brought before the very same people that he feared so greatly which caused him to deny knowing Jesus.

Act 4:5-10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, (6) And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. (7) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; (10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This time Peter boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus before them. Jesus had specifically worked things so that Peter would be the one to proclaim Him before the very same council that condemned Him. Praise God that He fully restores those who stumble when they repent. He also often places them in a similar situation that made them fall, but with the power to excel in victory and praise for their Lord.

Beloved, if you have fallen take heart, Jesus’ love for you is unfailing and His plans for you are just as unchanging as they were for Peter.

March 5, 2023

This has got to be one of the most solemn truths that God has given to man. God is not someone to mess around with.

2Th 2:3-12 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Christ’s return for His church could happen at any moment. This warning is specifically for those who have heard the Gospel yet “they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (v10) God in His mercy and grace admonishes “Let no man deceive you.” Jesus said

Mark 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (37) Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

There is nothing in this world that is worth condemning your soul for eternity. Especially when God offers eternal life with Him by repenting and receiving Jesus, the One who demonstrated His love for you by suffering and dying on the cross to pay your sin debt.

March 4, 2023

There is a tendency in all of us to resist change. This is particularly true when it comes to changing our minds about some belief that we have had, especially if we have held that belief for a long time. We can be very closed minded about something and unwilling to even consider any other possibility. A factor that plays a significant role in our resistance is our own personal likes or dislikes and whether we want to believe something or not. God tells us in

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Once we are set in our ways or beliefs, then there is a tendency to not even consider any other way or belief. If someone starts to offer a different opinion, there is a tendency to immediately go into defensive mode. In a conversation not long ago, I was trying to explain to someone why a belief they had was not consistent to what God says, and it causes unnecessary division and discord among God’s people. However, they accused me of attacking them personally. A person should always be ready to examine what someone says under the light of God’s word. But often what happens is someone is happy with what they believe and will not even consider that they may be believing an error or false doctrine. This is in reality a manifestation of pride in the heart. The Christian should always be ready to listen carefully and try to understand what the other person is saying and why they have come to their conclusion about what they believe. Rather than focusing upon ourself and our own opinion, there should be a focus on the preeminence of God’s word. Christians should always be like those who Paul writes in

Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Even if we are in strong disagreement with what someone says, we should always be ready to listen carefully to what they are saying. This demonstrates that we respect them and their opinion. It allows them the opportunity to explain why they believe what they do. Sometimes we may find that we misunderstood what they were saying. If we have shown respect for them, and listened to them, then they will be more willing to listen to us. This then gives us the opportunity to explain to them from the Scriptures, why we may believe differently. This should also be our attitude and approach when sharing the Gospel with someone.

March 3, 2023

God is so good, so glorious, so awesome, so wonderful, Praise His Holy Name! Oh, how I pity those who do not know Him. How sad it is to realize that there is such a magnificent, infinitely merciful and gracious God, yet so many who will never enjoy the peace and joy of having a personal relationship with Him; of having His Spirit dwelling within; of experiencing His great love and closeness deep within the heart. I praise God and thank Him for all the ways He has blessed and watched over me and my family, but none of that compares to the blessed fellowship He has with me. If I had a thousand tongues and a thousand years and knew all the languages of Earth and Heaven, words would still fail to express the glory and wonder of the God I know.

Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Feb 27, 2023

Pastor’s Note for February 27, 2023

Ever wondered why there are so many who profess to be Christians but who do not act like it. Why there are so many in churches that are doing and saying all the right things, yet are very judgmental of others? Two key evidences of a true Christian is humbleness and love for one another. there has been a lot of damage done among Christians by false Christians. Jesus warned of these when He talked about the tares among the wheat and wolves in sheep’s clothing. A significant source of false Christians come from a watered-down Gospel. This was the topic in last Sunday’s message on what “receive Jesus” means.

John 1:11-13 He came unto his own, and his own RECEIVED HIM NOT. (12) But as many as RECEIVED HIM, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Salvation comes by receiving Jesus as Lord. Those that do will experience the new birth and will be born of the Spirit of God. They will become a new creation with a new divine nature. That is true salvation. But too many times the Gospel is presented as simply asking Jesus to save you. Nowhere does the Bible say that. Salvation is the result of recognizing Jesus as Lord and receiving Him by calling upon Him.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Too many have asked Jesus to forgive their sin and save them, but have never received HIM. They may or may not then start to attend church and do things Christians are supposed to do, but there has not been the new birth. They will be among those to whom Jesus speaks in

Mat 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus tells us clearly what He would have us do in

Mat 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Many have asked Jesus to save them, but have never received Him as their Lord. They may or may not try living a “Christian” life, but they are still lost. Salvation only comes to those who repent and receive Jesus as their Lord. Are you truly saved? Is Jesus truly your Lord? Have you truly received Jesus by calling upon Him to be your Lord? If you have doubts about what I have shared here, I would encourage anyone to watch the sermon on either Ragged Mountain Bible Church FB page or my own. Or you can private message or email me.

Feb. 21, 2023

My Bible reading this morning included John chapter 9 in which Jesus heals the man that had been born blind. This man probably prayed all his life and yet he remained blind until Jesus healed him. I say this because of what he says to the Pharisees in
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
That statement should leave no doubt in our minds that he believed God answers the prayers of those who worship and obey Him. What Jesus told His disciples also testifies that this man believed and was practicing what he said.
Joh 9:2-3 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? (3) Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:
Jesus’ statement does not mean they were sinless, for none is, but that both he and his parents were living a righteous life in worshipping and obeying God. So even though he trusted God and was living right God had not answered his prayer to be healed. But God had a reason for delaying his healing, as Jesus revealed in the closing words of verse 3 … but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
God is always true to His word, but He always does things according to His divine plan. This man’s faith and prayer were rewarded according to God’s timing. We can have the same confidence that this man did if we are meeting the conditions of what he said in

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Feb. 19, 2023

I thank God for the sweet communion we can have with Him. Not only is it possible, it is what He desires. Each week I pour my heart out to God earnestly desiring that He make clear exactly the message He would have me share in our Sunday morning service. Sometimes He answers quickly, and I begin studying and meditating upon the appropriate Scripture. Usually, however, it is not until midweek or later that He reveals His will for the message. Either way I spend a lot of time in prayer, communing with my Lord, on the sofa in the living room or in my other “prayer closet” which is my bedroom. I can think of no greater responsibility than ministering God’s word with His people, as well as those who do not yet have a personal relationship with Him through the miracle of the new birth. I feel the weight of that responsibility, and the responsibility to speak the truth constantly when I am preparing a message. I know I will one day stand before God and give account to Him for every word that I preach or teach. I know too well the tendency for preachers to preach on their “hobby horse” and have seen it often. This is one reason why I cherish the prayers of others for me. I am so thankful for all those who hold me up in their prayers before God throughout the week. I am often amazed at the messages God has given me to share and recognize it was the hand of God at work in my heart and mind, His Spirit that gave it life and that He was answering the prayers of our church and other faithful brothers and sisters. Thank you all. Keep up the good work and pray that God will continue to patch up this broken vessel, fill it up with mana from Heaven and distribute it to those who are hungry for it.

Feb. 18, 2023

One of the precious passages which I have memorized over the years is

Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (6) Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. (7) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

These are the words from king Solomon to his son. I have shared numerous times that when a Hebrew wanted to put special emphasis upon what they say, they would use the same word, or a form of the word twice. We see this with the Lord Jesus when He said, “Verily verily” or “Truly truly”. In verse 7, Solomon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, takes this concept to the highest degree by, not only repeating the word “get” but says “with ALL thy getting get understanding.” He begins also by saying “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.”

The extreme emphasis placed on wisdom and understanding ought to impress upon our hearts, the great need for these in our lives. The source of both wisdom and understanding is the Word of God and the means by which these are effective in our lives is by the operation of the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is imperative that we are in God’s word daily with a surrendered heart and calling upon God’s Spirit to enlighten our understanding of what it says. I believe this is the reason why so many Christians, and especially pastors and church “leaders” today, seem sorely lacking in understanding the Scriptures and void of Spiritual discernment.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Jan. 31, 2023

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

This is a passage that we as Christians love to quote, but I fear that too often when the Lord puts us in a situation so that He can demonstrate this truth in our lives, we fail to claim it. How many times have we missed opportunities to see God do according to this promise because we trusted in our selves and not in Him.

In a recent conversation with another Christian, they were talking about the importance of forgiveness. They suggested that forgiveness is a process and that it takes time for us to really forgive. That is absolutely true many times if we are trusting in our own willingness and desire to forgive. After a while the hurt from someone’s sin against us may subside and eventually we may find it in our hearts to really forgive them. But I do not believe that is what God’s word teaches. That is the result of trusting in ourselves, in our emotions and in our desire to be obedient to what God’s word says. However, we fall short of what, I believe, God intends for us. We serve a God who delights to do the impossible in our lives. By God’s grace, He demonstrated this in my own life. Someone close to me had sinned wickedly against me and deceived others about me. I had never felt so hurt and that hurt went deeper than anything I had ever experienced before. To be betrayed so by someone close is very devastating. I knew God wanted me to forgive them, and I told the Lord that I would, but I did not have the power to overcome the bitterness I felt at what they had done. I knew God said

Mat 18:35 …, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

I knew I could not be right with God in my heart until and unless I was right in my heart with every brother or sister, without exception. So I confessed my weakness and inability to God. I asked Him to forgive me my sin of not having forgiveness “from my heart” for that one and called upon Him to do that in me which I could not. Praise God! He did! He worked a miracle in my heart and not only took all bitterness away, but restored the love in my heart for that one completely. God helped me understand that they had been used and that satan was the one that deceived them and used them as pawns for his purposes. Satan is always striving to cause division and discord among Christians, but God is always working to bring harmony and restoration among them. It is when we find that we do not have the power or strength in ourselves to do what God says, that we call upon Him to do that work in us for His glory. When He does, then we experience the power of God working in us and that is when He will “shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” It is when we are discouraged and our strength and determination fails that we need to do what God tells us and have confidence in His faithfulness. Then God gets all the praise and glory for it, as He should.

Jan. 29, 2023

Heb. 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

What a great word of comfort and assurance this is for all who faithfully minister God’s word. It is a blessing to my heart that God knows our hearts and our service. Satan seems to always have those who will seek to discourage us. He especially likes and often uses our fellow Christians. I have often said that “Christians are satan’s favorite people – to use for his purposes in causing divisions among brethren and hinder God’s work in the church and in the world.” Knowing this, and knowing that we all have the same sinful nature, helps to keep us from doing likewise and helps us to know how to pray for those who are being manipulated. May God help us to keep a watchful eye on the things we do and say, especially towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Psa 19:13-14 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Jan. 28, 2023

As you read the following passage, try to imagine being there as one of the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 5:23-26 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; (24) And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. (25) Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. (26) For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

They heard the very voice of God speaking to them personally. They saw the shekinah glory as fire enveloping the top of the mountain which was the manifestation of the Holy Righteousness of God the creator and Ruler of all. No wonder there was fear in their hearts as they realized their own sinful thoughts and tendencies. Imagine being in the very presence of the all righteous, pure and holy God of creation and knowing that He knows your innermost thoughts. Every one of us will have that experience one day. Thank God for His great love for us, that He would give His own Son Jesus to pay for our sins and clothe us with His pure righteousness, that those who have received Jesus as Lord might one day be able to stand before Him uncondemned.

Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jan. 16, 2023

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

I was talking to a fellow Christian last evening and she was saying how blessed it is to spend time alone with God and His word. I am sure that is true for all who have taken the time and prepared their heart to do so. I would say it is one of the closest things to Heaven, but it is actually a bit of Heaven here on Earth. She was saying that there is really no way to describe what it is like and she is right. How can anyone describe how God works in the heart through His word while His Spirit gives discernment and draws our hearts and minds closer to Him? Or how can anyone describe what it is like to know at that moment our hearts and mind are perfectly in tune with our loving Creator and Saviour? The depths of that peace, and joy and love cannot be described. I read the testimony of a Christian who had been severely persecuted, starved and thrown in isolation because of his faith in Jesus. He had been in isolation for quite some time. Yet he continued to stay close to the Lord in prayer and dedication. One evening as he was praying, meditating on scriptures he had memorized, and worshiping God, he was so filled with the wonder and the love that God had for him that he just began shouting and singing praises to God. When the guards heard the noise, they were afraid he was going insane. So they brought him out of solitary and gave him some fresh food and clean water to drink. No power on Earth can rob the Christian of the peace and joy of knowing the Lord personally or the sweet fellowship found in Him. The only one that can do that is the Christian themselves if they stop trusting Him and His plan and will for them.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Jan. 13, 2023

The following two verses in the Bible (probably others also) when taken together speak of a very powerful yet I believe, often overlooked or underestimated truth.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

It is interesting that the next verse in both cases add to what is spoken in these verses.

Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

All things that God brings into the lives of His child, both the blessings AND the trials, are part of God’s plan and purpose to help in the process of them being “conformed to the image of his Son.” If the child is yielding and trusting Him, they will help His child in being “transformed by the renewing of (their) mind, that (they) may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God for themselves in particular. When ALL THINGS are recognized as such, they will be giving thanks for them and will “Quench not the Spirit” or the work He is doing in them.

It took me years to fully understand this. I used to say “Lord I don’t see how this could possibly work out for good, or for the furtherance of your will and plan, but I trust and believe your word that it will. (I was really powerless to do otherwise anyway. But I could still give thanks to Him; tell Him how much I loved Him; and continue in the work He had called me to do.) Looking back, I can see how God had strengthened me by those things. How He ultimately turned satan’s works and purposes completely around and brought a blessing upon me where there was a curse. (God’s blessings far surpass satan’s curses.) My only regret and concern is for those who had yielded themselves as “instruments of unrighteousness” for they can never undo the evil they did. Imagine the shame they will experience when they appear before God. This is true for any of us and can act as a solemn deterrent when we find ourselves tempted to wrong others.

Jan. 12, 2023

In Numbers chapter 33, Moses recorded the names of all the places where the Israelites camped during their 40 years wondering in the wilderness. Why would he do that? What difference does it make? I believe part of the answer that God had him do it was to show that the Bible is not just a book about religion, but an historical account of God’s chosen people. Through the years the Bible has been attacked and one form of that attack is to try to say that it is not historically accurate or that it is allegorical and not actually historical. However, there have been many instances where the Bible was used by archaeologists to locate places mentioned that had disappeared. God has provided plenty of evidence for the validity of the Bible so that in the end, those that deny it will have no excuse other than their unwillingness to accept its truths. The only reason for anyone to refuse to believe its teachings is because of the sinful nature and the unwillingness to admit they are a sinner in need of a Saviour. As Jesus said in

John 3:16-19 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. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

This life is short, and death is sure. It is so foolish to condemn your soul for eternity in order to enjoy the fleeting lusts of the flesh.

Repent, surrender to the eternal God who loved you and sent His Son to pay for your sins and call upon Jesus to be your Lord.

Jan. 10, 2023

Today’s note is an excerpt from Sunday’s message “Have You Heard the Great News”.
Praise God for the power and willingness of Jesus to lay down His life for you and me.
Jesus voluntarily sacrificed Himself to bear our sins according to the Father’s plan.
1Co_15:3 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Gal_1:4 Who gave himself for our sins,
Heb_1:3 he had by himself purged our sins,
1Pe_2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree
Rev 1:5 who …loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost
By His death on the cross
Jesus had won the greatest battle ever fought.
He had defeated the greatest enemy of mankind.
He demonstrated the greatest love ever known
He secured forever the greatest future for those who put their trust in Him.
He fulfilled the greatest promise
He made possible the greatest salvation
Jesus said “I have power to lay it down,” but Praise God He continued by saying “and I have power to take it again.
Even at the point of death, Jesus knew what he had to do and was working all things according to His Father’s plan.
By His death on the cross Jesus destroyed the work of separation from God, that work of isolation from the fellowship of the loving God of creation and He made atonement for all those who will receive the free gift of salvation by repentance and accepting Him as Lord.
Eternal life is offered to all who acknowledge and repent of their sin, believing Jesus died on the cross to pay for them and surrender to Him, calling upon Him to be their Lord. Those who do will experience complete forgiveness and the new birth by the Holy Spirit.

Jan. 2, 2023

If Does Not Work in Confession or Repentance

I found this out the hard way (as I have many things, unfortunately) many years ago. I had done or said something that offended someone. They had come to me to discuss how I had offended them, and my opening response was “I am truly sorry if …” Later in the conversation I did indeed acknowledge that I had offended them and asked their forgiveness, and at that time they said they had forgiven me, and all was right between us. However, their actions and words revealed that they had not really forgiven me and had ignored my repentance. While they were completely wrong in what they did afterwards, (and before as I found out later), I believe part of the problem was that I had used the word “if” earlier in our conversation.

Unlike many other languages, English does not have a subjunctive form for nouns or verbs. Instead, it is indicated by the use of the word “If”. The subjunctive relates to or denotes a mood for verbs, or a case for nouns, which indicates a condition or action that “is imagined or wished or possible.” When we say “I am sorry if I offended you.” Or “I am sorry if I hurt you.” We are not actually confessing or owning up to the fault but only to the POSSIBILITY of it. It implies or reveals that we are either not convinced of the offense or not willing to admit to the reality of our guilt. When someone comes to us with a complaint against us, we should first try to get a clear understanding of exactly how we had offended them. If we disagree or have a question about it we should say as much. But if they are adamant in their belief, then the Lord gives us specific instructions about being reconciled with a brother offended in

Matthew 5:24-25 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (25) Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him”.

Note the importance God places on being reconciled with our brothers and sisters. This is why Jesus say “Agree with thine adversary quickly”. It is more important for us to have peace and unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, than to have a condition which satan can use to cause division and strife among God’s people. This will go against our pride, but God will use it for His glory, and it will be a testament that we desire to put Him first and honor Him, even if it seems to be to our hurt. God always honors faith and faithfulness and He will work all things out in the end. Praise God I have seen and experienced the reality of this and can personally testify to His faithfulness.

If Does Not Work in Confession or Repentance

Dec. 31. 2022

As I was reading my Greek New Testament this evening it struck me how important it is to understand the parts of speech. I learned more about language and the parts of speech when I was studying the original Bible languages than I did in twelve years of studying English in gamma school and high school. Understanding the purpose of the parts of speech and how they are used just was not that important to me. However, they are vital in communicating and especially when trying to understand writings in a foreign language. What struck me in my reading this evening was understanding the difference between the definite and indefinite article. In sentences like “A boy hit a ball” or “A car went down the road.” The word “a” is an indefinite article and the word “the” is the definite article. In the one case it does not specify a specific boy or ball or car. However, in the other case it is specifying a specific (definite) road. An example of a passage where it is helpful to understand the use of the definite article is John chapter 1 verse 1.

John 1:1 εν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον

In beginning was the word and the word was with the God

και θεος ην ο λογος

and God was the word

Notice that the word order at the end is slightly different than in our English translation, but the meaning is exactly the same.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I love reading and speaking the Bible in the original language for I am reading and speaking the very words which “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Pe 1:21) They are the very words which “God breathed” and has preserved them specifically for us as He promised. When I say τετελεσται, it is the very last word Jesus spoke when He died on the cross and means “it is finished.” He had paid the full price for our sins. He had fulfilled all the requirements of the law in order to be our substitute and satisfy the justice of the all righteous God. Now we can be made right with God by repenting of our sin and accepting Christ as our Lord.

Dec. 24, 2022

Praise God for the evidence that is manifested in the heart of those who have been truly born of the Spirit of God. Over the years it was discouraging to see so many “Christians” that were doing a lot of religious things, but there was little or no real evidence of Christ in their actions and attitudes towards other Christians when it really counted. It took the Lord a while to help me understand what the problem was. Jesus says there will be “many” who will come to Him calling Him Lord, but who really are not His. How could that possibly be? They were doing many things that Christians were supposed to be doing. The distinction between the true and the false was their attitude and actions towards other Christians. Those who are born of the Spirit of God will have compassion for their brothers and sisters which will be evident by the things they say and do. This brings me back to my praise. It is natural to think well of those with whom we have not had any problems or issues, but what about those are out of favor with ourselves or have been involved in sinful activity. That is when the Spirit within will manifest itself. When we have been hurt greatly by someone who has sinned against us and yet have repented and confessed their sin then the Lord commands us to forgive them. The true child of God will do so. In fact, the Lord Jesus tells us this in

Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

There are no exceptions as to the person; the greatness of the sin; or how many times they have sinned against us. Jesus tells us in

Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Jesus makes it clear that there is no time for delay or hesitancy, or “to pray for them until you can forgive them.” As some claim. If our offender repents and asks our forgiveness, the true child of God will forgive immediately. However, those who may think they are saved but do not have the new nature, will not have the desire or the power to forgive. Thus Jesus goes on to tell why we must do so in Matthew 23 to 35 and what the result will be if we do not.

Matthew 18:34-35 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. (35) So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Recall also what Jesus said in

Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

These words are from the lips of our Lord Jesus Himself and must be taken as such.

Someone might say, “Wait a minute, I thought a Christian was completely forgiven for all their sins?” That is true for the true child of God, but remember God’s word says

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Though the child of God may stumble and sin at times, they will respond to God’s word as King David did when Nathan the prophet confronted him with his sin.

That is the evidence of someone who has been born of the Spirit and has the new nature. Do not trust in a prayer, those who have truly surrendered their hearts to Jesus accepting HIM as their Lord will have the evidence by the response of their hearts to God’s word. If that evidence is not in your heart, I pray you would confess your lost condition, repenting of your sin and invite Jesus to be your Lord. Those who do will experience the power of His Spirit working in them and giving them victory to obey Him in all things.

Much more could be said and perhaps the Lord will have me do so later. As always, if anyone has a question or comment, they are always welcomed.

Dec. 22, 2022

We must always be sure that we are willing to honestly reevaluate what we say or think to make sure it is according to the truth of God’s word. I tend to be very analytical in general and especially when it comes to studying the word of God. When I teach something, it is usually after I have searched it out to make sure it is what the Bible says or teaches. I take it very seriously when someone challenges something I have said. I will stand before God one day to give account to Him personally. So, when someone I respect challenges what I said, I go back and prayerfully reevaluate the Scriptures asking the Lord to give me understanding. This happened recently in a discussion about to whom specifically is Christ referring when He tells John to write to the angels of the seven churches in Asia as described in

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (20) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

He goes on to say

Revelation 2:1-2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (2) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

I had shared that the word ἄγγελος, pronounced ang’-el-os translated “angel” in the Bible means messenger. It sometimes refers to spirit beings and sometimes human messengers. To determine which is being referred to requires looking at what is said and consider the context. This includes who is speaking or writing and who is the intended audience or recipient of the message, in this case.

The reality is that the Apostle John is writing to seven literal local churches. Greek was the common language of that day, so John is writing to them in Greek. In fact, that is the language from which our English Bibles were translated. Those who received John’s writings would be reading and understanding them in Greek. So when John writes “2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;” they would understand it as “Unto the messenger of the church of Ephesus write.” This would be the normal understanding of what John wrote. It should be obvious even just from that statement that Jesus would not be telling John to write to a spirit being. However, consider what Jesus is saying to that individual v2 “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience,…” Jesus goes on to say to that individual

Rev 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

It makes perfect sense for Jesus to be saying these things to the pastor of the church who would relate them to his congregation. It is ludicrous to consider them to be in reference to anyone or anything else. The pastor, as His under shepherd, is the person God will hold responsible for the actions of the church body.

I have known someone who refused to accept that Jesus was writing to the pastors of those churches, but it turned out that they had an ulterior motive for doing so. They thought that by accepting that these “angels” were the pastors, it would mean that their English translation was wrong. However, that is not the case at all. According to Webster’s Dictionary of 1828, the English word angel includes

“ 1. Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information from one person to another at a distance.

A spirit, or a spiritual intelligent being employed by God to communicate his will to man. Hence angels are ministers of God, and ministering spirits. Hebrews 1:4.”

I would challenge anyone to read Revelation 2:1-5 aloud 10 to 15 times and allow God’s word to speak for itself, asking God to help them not interject any preconceived ideas.

Dec. 17, 2022

Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The Apostle John is describing what God had revealed to him when the Lord let him behold things which were happening in the future. They are just as much a reality as anything heard or seen happening today. This chapter describes the battle that will take place just prior to the Lord Jesus setting up His thousand-year reign. Jesus came to the Earth the first time as the suffering servant to give His life and to pay for the sins of all mankind in order that all those who will repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and the payment He made for their sins, might be born from above of the Holy Spirit, receive complete forgiveness for all of their sins and inherit eternal Life with Christ. However, the next time He comes to the Earth, He will come as a conquering King to destroy all the ungodly and wicked rebellious peoples of the world and set up His kingdom ruled with righteousness. It will be too late for those who have rejected Him and they will face the eternal flames of God’s righteous judgment. God has revealed these things to us in His word because of His great love and desire that all might be saved. Jesus told us plainly

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

All have an opportunity now to be completely forgiven and to have a personal relationship with the Lord who loved them enough to suffer in die for them. But the time is coming when that opportunity will be no more.

Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Please contact me if you have questions or want to talk more.

Dec. 14, 2022

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Satan an expert at stirring up divisions and discord among brethren. He especially loves using those who are very religious. We need only to listen to the world news to see the truth of this. The sad truth is that he does this within the “Christian” community as well. There are many who not only claim to be Christians, but actually believe that they are indeed. They are very dedicated in doing many things that Christians are supposed to do. However, in reality, they tend to pick and choose the things they want to do and ignore the things which are the real evidence of a child of God who is being motivated by the new nature and led by the Spirit of God. This was really impressed upon me when I saw how easily satan can use backbiting to discredit true Christians and destroy relationships. Every Christian knows that those who backbite are an abomination to God, but many “forget” or ignore this when it comes to either telling or hearing when someone is assassinating the character of a brother or sister in Christ. There is usually some hidden agenda people have for doing this. What is disturbing is that there are so many who lack the Spiritual discernment and conviction to rebuke the talebearer. In speaking of the last days Jesus said

Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

The reason for the problem is indeed a lack of love for one another, but the root of the problem is a lack of the new nature which produces that love. There is a lack of the sense of family where members look out for each other and care for each other. If one member stumbles, instead of coming along side and help them get back to where God would have them, there is criticism, ridicule, and rejection. Even among conservative Christians there seems to be more of an attitude of the Pharisees than that of Christ. Many of the things Jesus says to the Pharisees apply perfectly to them. It is ALWAYS God’s plan that there be unity within the body of Christ and there will be for those who are truly born of His Spirit, but there are many tares that have also been sown among the brethren. They may appear righteous outwardly, but Jesus says

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The Apostle John also says

1Jn 3:10 In THIS the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The tares will not seek out that repentant brother or sister. They will not put their arm around them and confirm their love for them, nor will they help them be restored to that function within the body of Christ for which God specifically designed and equipped them. The tares will not do those things because it is beyond their comprehension and contrary to their sinful and proud nature. There will be no “bowels of mercies” only the coldness of the law.

Dec. 13, 2022

Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

I recently experienced the truth of this verse in a discussion with another Christian. My intent was to share with them my understanding of a certain passage in God’s word which was different from theirs. However, my opening remarks seemed to them like I was talking down to them and that I was finding fault with them personally. Thus, it was no surprise that the conversation would not be very fruitful. I reconsidered what I said and understood how I could have phrased things better to avoid this misconception, but that was no help in our conversation because the damage was already done. I, in no way, meant to insult them and in fact I have a high respect for them. I thought they knew me well enough to know that I would never purposely put them down in any way. I have a fault of getting tunnel vision when discussing something from God’s word and my focus was on helping them in understanding what the Bible passage was saying. I felt terrible that I had inadvertently offended them and I apologized to them for it. However, once we have offended someone, intentionally or not, it will be almost impossible for them to be open or receptive to anything we have to say. This is especially true if they feel like they have been attacked personally.

Because “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” We should always take care in the way we say things. It emphasizes the need for us to be very sensitive, not only in what we say, but in how we say it. I believe that too many times the truth of God’s word is presented in a harsh and arrogant way with no sensitivity to those hearing it. The Lord emphasizes the need for us to love one another and that love should be conveyed by the words we use.

As a side, this also brings up another important factor when dealing with someone with whom we have a difference. We should always try to deal with them as privately as possible. Doing so can go a long way in helping them realize that we have their best interest at heart. Even if the issue is not resolved, unless it is an issue that must be delt with quickly, we should give the Holy Spirit time to work in their hearts. This is particularly true when dealing with people who might be emotionally upset at the time.

Dec. 9, 2022

One of the great blessings of being a child of God is waking up in the morning knowing the reality of the presence of God with you and immediately greeting Him. My first thoughts are usually “Good morning, Lord” or “Good morning, Father”. I know I do not need to speak the words aloud because we communicate on a spiritual level. I know His response is “Good morning my son, I love you” I may not always express my love for Him, but I know His love for me is constant and great and never changing. That love that my Father displayed for me when He sent His perfect beloved Son Jesus to suffer is beyond my comprehension. Oh what love is this, that the perfect Son of God would endure such great shame and humiliation; the beatings; having his beard torn from His face; having His back ripped to ribbons by the whip; having the nails driven through His hands and feet; struggling for every breath for hours as He hung on the cross suffering such anguish for such a wretched and unworthy sinner as I am. God’s love for me kept Him on that cross. There is nothing I could have done to earn or deserve such love. That is still true today. I pray that I would never forget the fact that just as I could never do anything to deserve becoming His child, there is nothing I could ever do to deserve being His child. All I could do is obey His command to repent of my sin which Jesus had paid for and surrender my heart to Jesus as my Lord. The true child of God has eternal life because of who they are not because of what they do. The things they do are the result of who they are. There is no room for pride in their heart only gratitude, humbleness, and thanksgiving. It is God who has done great things for us. It is God who has gifted us with those things which we need to perfectly fulfill the function He has designed us for within the body of Christ. Our success is not do to ourselves but our obedience and surrender to His calling upon us.

1Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Is Christ your Lord? Have you repented and accepted Jesus to become a child of God and experience the miracle of the new birth? If not, and the Holy Spirit is drawing you right now, salvation and new life is yours for the asking. “Lord Jesus forgive me and be my Lord”

Dec. 8, 2022

One of the hardest lessons that I have learned is the reality of what is said in

1John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

It is so hard to accept the idea that some of those who we once thought of as one with us in the Gospel, would turn out not to be so. In one sense it is good, for now their true identity is known and we are no longer fooled about who they really are and really serve. So we now know how better to pray for them. However, it is especially sad to see how effectively satan can blind their minds, so that they may still think that they are Christians. It seems like in recent times they have become even more bolder in their backbiting and false accusations and are in total self-denial that they are doing anything wrong. They are also totally ignorant of the fact that while they are tearing down those who truly know and are serving the Lord and seeking to discredit them, they are having an impact on the minds and hearts of those around them including their friends and family members, both saved and unsaved. In future years they may well wonder why perhaps some of their own family members have turned away from “Christianity”. This of course is all part of satan’s plan for them and is what can happen when someone accepts the doctrine of Christianity, but who has never truly accepted the Christ of Christianity. Unfortunately, they are all about religious works because it makes them feel good and often seek to be in positions to influence others in their church. However, there will be a lack of real spiritual fruit in their lives. Common earmarks are their tendency to backbite about others; a real lack of love for all Christians, and a true burden for lost souls. The Apostle John writes about them also in

1Jn 3:10-11 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

People may claim that they love a brother or sister in Christ, but the things they say about them or to them reveal the reality.

1Jn 3:18-19 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

Nov. 28, 2022

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

This is the verse that was the primary focus in the message Sunday. While it contains a great truth, I believe that most people overlook the fact that it is a conditional statement and I suspect that many are not meeting a critical condition for the statement to apply to themselves. Note that it states, “to them that love God”. As was brought out in the message Sunday, the Apostle Paul used the present active participle form of the word “love”. Participles are used extensively throughout the original New Testament writings as inspired by the Holy Ghost. Understanding their use can help us understand more clearly the impact of what is being said.

A participle is a verb that is being used as an adjective. They are used to describe or modify a noun. By doing so they define a characteristic of the noun and in this case, it is the person. The statement that “all things work together for good” only applies to the “actively loving ones” of God. Those who are not actively loving God do not meet this condition, which would be the unsaved and those Christians who are not right with God in their hearts. Oh, how important it is for us to examine ourselves, including our words, our actions and especially our attitudes to be sure we are continuing to love God on purpose.

Nov. 24, 2022

As we are continuing in Luke during our Wednesday morning Bible study, the focused was on

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus Himself. All three of the verbs are in the present active imperative form. The present active means they are to be constantly in practice and the imperative means they are not suggestions but are commands. Jesus commands not to do the first two, judge and condemn. However, He commands to do the last one, forgive. Jesus knows that these must be commands because they are things that the flesh will do due to its sinful nature.

The word forgive, ἀπολύω –means to free fully, to pardon completely, to forgive or to set at liberty. What a marvelous concept. We love the idea, that God can and does forgives us our sins when we follow what He says in

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, it goes against our nature to forgive someone who has sinned against ourselves or someone close to us. Yet it is exactly at those times when it becomes obvious that God is at work in us.

When a person understands that they are a sinner; that the wages for their sin will be eternity in the judgment flames of the lake of fire; but God loves them and sent Jesus to die and pay for their sins and if they repent and accept Jesus as their Lord they will be completely forgiven and given eternal life. The miracle of the new birth takes place, and they are born spiritually of the seed of God. They have a new nature which desires to please God in all they do. They also have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling them. The combination of these two things enable them to do things which before would be impossible.

It is that combination which not only enables them to completely forgive but to have a completely different attitude in their hearts towards the one forgiven. Instead of desiring revenge or mishap, they find that they desire reconciliation and sweet fellowship with God and between themselves. This is not normal and goes completely against the desires of the flesh. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit working in the heart of the child of God. This is a miracle that bears witness of the new birth and the indwelling Spirit of God. The greater the offence and the deeper the hurt, the greater the realization that it is Christ in us that has performed the wonder.

This is not just a hypothetical theory or thinking. Many of us, as God’s people, have experienced this wonder and it testifies to the reality and greatness of the Holy Spirit and His presence within God’s child. We may sometimes wonder why God would allow other professing Christians to sin against us. However, it is only through those events and in those times that this wonder becomes a reality as He changes our hearts towards that one. We are thus filled with praise and thanksgiving for such a God that could use an evil to reveal a great wonder and His intimate care for us.

Nov. 22, 2022

During the Sunday evening service, Pastor Scearbo at Olivet Baptist Church presented three excellent questions to ask someone who might be wondering if they are saved. They are

What did you believe to be saved?
When did you believe?
How do you know if you are born again?

That last question is just as important as the first two. A new birth results in a new life with new desires because of the new nature. The Lord led me to touch on that in a sermon a couple of weeks ago. The following is an excerpt from that

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

How is this done and the method He uses are both His working.

Rom 8:13-14 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

That Spirit is God’s Holy Spirit that is in every child of God. It is that Spirit, in them that guides and directs God’s child. It is the new heart, or nature, that motivates the child of God to always desire to please their Heavenly Father, but it is the Spirit that directs them in the things they should do as He enlightens them to the truths spoken by God in His word. This is why it is vital that we be in God’s word, daily.

Note how involved the Spirit of God is, in the things that are spoken in

1Cor. 2:9-16 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

God’s Spirit “Beareth witness” that is, He testifies how our actions are either consistent with God’s words or inconsistent. In the latter case He will bring conviction if the person has the Spirit indwelling. Emotions may and often are involved, but it is not just emotional it also involves knowledge. When I first repented and received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, my heart was filled with peace and joy knowing that all my sins had been paid; I was totally cleansed and had been made perfectly right with God.

It is our heart’s response to what Jesus tells us that testifies if His Spirit is in us.

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Anyone can claim that Jesus is their Lord, and they are a child of God, but it is what their thoughts and the things they do that reveals whether that is a reality or a wish. Wrong or sinful thoughts can and will come into our minds at times, but it is what we do with them that reveals our heart. Thinking right thoughts and doing right things will never get us into God’s family, but if we are indeed a child of God, the new nature that is in us will cause us to react and do that which is pleasing to God.

No change in desires indicates no new birth. This does not mean that the child of God will never sin. What it does mean is that when the child of God sins, their spirit within them will have no rest until it is confessed and forsaken.

Nov. 20, 2022

I just read the article “Something is wrong with Einstein’s theory of gravity”. In it the author was describing the problems of reconciling the cosmic theories involving “dark energy”, dark matter”, Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, Plank’s Quantum Mechanics Theory, the Hubble Constant and others, with what is being observed in the accelerating expansion of the cosmos. Interesting that they still referred to the “Big Bang” when they fully know that has been found to be a completely faulty hypothesis. While some astrophysicists have come close, they would stand a much better chance of understanding and developing the right mathematical expressions if they would start with what God has revealed about the cosmos in His word.

Job 26:7 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Four times God’s word mentions that He is stretching out the heavens. While the peoples in Biblical times would have only a partial idea of what this is saying, modern astrophysicists would have a better starting place in their hypotheses if they started with the premise that the heavens are being stretched, instead of being pushed apart by “dark matter” and “dark energy’, which by the way, they say makes up over 90% of the universe.

Two passages came to my mind as I read the article. One speaks of those who are fooled by their own logic, thinking of themselves as being wise. The other is

Psalm 19:1 …“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork”.

Nov. 17, 2022

God gave the Apostle John a look into the future. One of the awesome things about the Bible is that it is like a time telescope through which we can see not only events which happened in the distant pass, but also some that happened in the distant future. God has a wonderful purpose for all that He reveals to us. One of the things that John saw happening is described in

Rev 20:11-12 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Imagine how horrible it will be when one sin after another is announced and knowing that they have no excuse and will confess that they are guilty and God is righteous and just in His judgment. They will stand there knowing that they will experience that same just punishment as the one who had deceived them

Rev_20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. …(15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

No annihilation as some claim, no stopping of time, but continued burning in the just flames of judgment through each day and then through each night for ever and ever.

Oh that souls might realize that the reason God reveals these things is so they might understand the tremendous wickedness of their sin; that they might repent; accept Jesus as their Lord; receive complete forgiveness of their sin; experience the miracle of the new birth and inherit eternal life as a righteous child of God. That is my earnest prayer as I send this note.

Nov. 16, 2022

If you have listened to a backbiter, then you have had the experience of knowing a servant of satan face to face. No matter what they may appear to be otherwise, backbiters always seek to discredit and cause division and discord among brethren. They are of those of whom David writes in

Psalm 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

God calls them an abomination

Pro 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him… and he that soweth discord among brethren.

The Apostle Paul warns about them in

Titus 1:15-16 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient…

Such actions reveal that they have not the Spirit of God in them and they will not be among those who dwell with God no matter what they may profess, for God’s word says

Psalm 15:1-3 A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Knowing these things should make us avoid at all costs being a part of such action and pray as David did

Psalm 141:3-4 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. (4) Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity:

Nov. 15, 2022 follow up

One pastor asked what I was looking for from my last “Pastor’s Note” and another responder thought it was “very vague”. So here is a follow up that I hope will make things clearer.

The point I was trying to make is that there is a right and wrong way to defend the accuracy of the KJV and what the Bible says about the Scriptures. One is good and honoring to God, the other is making false claims and dishonoring to God. The right way is to show where other English version contradict, distort, or weaken what God’s word says or teaches. You and others and myself also have done this by showing side by side wordings of the KJV compared to other versions such as the ASV, NIV and others. However, some claim that there are no longer accurate copies of the original wordings of the Scriptures and that the KJV is more accurate than any Greek or Hebrew copies of the Scripture. That is a direct denial of what God said in Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Those words were neither spoken in English nor were they in reference to English words which were not even in existence at that time. It was referring to the words which were spoken by “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Pe 1:21 ). God did what He said He would do and I have copies of those very words which I use in my studies and ministering His word to His people. Part of the beauty of those words, and one reason I believe that God used them, is that the meanings of those words are unchanging, unlike English and other “living” languages.

There are also those who attack those who study and use the very words which God spoke rather than to recognize that they are doing exactly what God says in studying to show themselves approved unto God. While God may not lead or gift all to study the original languages and culture, it is divisive and wrong to criticize those that do. Rather than being a help and encouragement, they only serve to hinder the work of God. The KJV would not exist if it were not for those who studied the original languages and culture to provide the KJV for the English speaking people of the world.

I always appreciate and welcome responses and comments on the things I post. They are the only way that any misunderstandings can be cleared up.

Nov. 15, 2022

Even if you disagree, please read this to the end and message me if you can show me by God’s word why you disagree. My earnest prayer is that the Holy Spirit of God might work in the hearts of those who read this to give them understanding and be willing to acknowledge the truth of what is said here. Every person will stand before God and be answerable for the things they said and taught. This is a very sobering reality and has been a guiding principle throughout my life as a Christian. It is what my Lord used to move me to quit my job; take my wife and two small children and travel to Florida to attend Trinity Baptist College. God gave me a strong desire to learn the Bible languages and cultures because well-meaning commentators often contradicted one another. It is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS wrong and dishonoring to God and His word to add to His word or make claims about His word which God does not say or that are not true or factual. While I believe that God has blessed us with an excellent English Translation, which I have always used and is the only English translation that I use to memorize English Scriptures, it is wrong to deny the fact that it is a translation (despite some claims, it is not the 1611 translation). We must never let our personal prejudices or preferences as English speaking and proud Americans lead us to make unbiblical claims. Anyone can say “I believe” but that does not make what they believe true, even if they mean it in all sincerity and with the best of intentions. Any claims must be examined by God’s Standard. That Standard is as Jesus said “ παντι ρηματι εκπορευομενω δια στοματος θεου” (Matthew 4:4 every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.) Those words were not English words and to claim otherwise is a blatant lie. Rather than honoring God and helping the credibility of God’s servants and their words, they unintentionally dishonor God and bring discredit upon His servants by their un-factual and deceiving claims. They also cause unnecessary division among God’s people. I pray that they might see their error, acknowledge the truth, continue to use the translation they love, but cease to make unbiblical claims and unnecessarily condemn those who recognize the KJV for what it is. The devil loves to use dedicated Christians for his purposes, especially to cause divisions and discredit God’s servants and word.

Nov. 11, 2022

In the midst of all that is happening in the world and in our country, it is easy for us to overlook the tremendous gifts God has given to us that will never change.

Romans 4:18 “For what saith the scripture?”

There are not now, nor has there ever been, any writings that can compare to the Scriptures. The words contained in the Bible are unlike any other. They contain the greatest wisdom, the greatest truth, and the greatest story ever told. They reveal the greatest need, the greatest love, the greatest evil, the greatest good, the greatest place, the greatest God and the greatest gift. They are a collection of 66 books written over a period of about 1500 years and penned by the hands of about 40 men, and yet they had one Author and that is God; one message, Jesus saves; and one purpose, the salvation of souls. They are our teacher of eternal truths; the condemner of our hidden sins; the lifter up of our downtrodden hearts; our light to show us the path of life; our final judge when our life here is over and much, much more.

Praise God for this incomparable gift! Do not overlook this great treasure that the loving God of creation has provided for your good and true prosperity.

Nov. 9, 2022

Psa 116:12-13 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? (13) I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

My heart is saddened to see some dear Christians going through severe trials and know there is nothing physically that I can do to lighten their loads. It seems almost at times that God is not fair. These saints are so much better than I, yet God continues to bless me so mightily in all ways. It seems also, like the Lord blesses some in this world more than others, but it should always be remembered that He says {Luke 12:48) For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

This is true for both physical and spiritual things. Everything that God gives us is for a reason and for His purposes. Our responsibility is to seek what the will of the Lord is in all things and in every aspect of our lives. The Lord also tells us that if we are faithful in little, He will commit more to our trust for we are His stewards. It is a blessing to see how the Lord has done this and continues to do it. Trust God and trust His word; be faithful in what He entrusts to your care and then be ready to be amazed. However, be warned. Do not do things in a way to be seen but do them privately and as much as possible for the eyes of the Lord only. The Lord teaches us this in regards to giving, praying and fasting, but it really applies to all things. This can be difficult and not always possible or warranted in some cases. There will be those who will misjudge you, but what God knows about you is what really matters “and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:4, 6 and 18)

Nov. 4, 2022

The passage I read this morning as I continue to read through the New Testament was

1Thessalonians 4:6-9 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. (7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

It is interesting that the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to use the word defraud in this passage. In general we think of the word in relation to cheating, often through deception, someone out of something, usually money, that rightfully belongs to them. It also can mean denying someone the use of something to which they have a right as in 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Notice that God says “That no man…defraud his brother in any matter.” There are certain things that every child of God has a right to because they are a child of God. They have a right to be loved and respected, to be upheld and encouraged, to be supported and prayed for. All our actions and words to and about them should reflect these things. If not, then there is a problem, and it is not in them but in ourselves. Too often people allow there personal feelings to control them and their words and actions rather than the word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Notice also, the dire warning that is also spoken of here. “because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. “ God takes very seriously the actions and words that we speak and do to every one of His children and He says that He personally will avenge them. Those who mistreat a brother or sister for any reason will bring God’s judgment upon themselves. This often involves their family as well. Many who profess Christ bring severe hardships upon themselves and their families because of their words and actions against their brothers and sisters. Those who choose to neglect what God says will always bring trouble upon themselves and their families. Pay attention Christian, this is God’s warning.

Thus the Apostle goes on to remind us what God’s will is for us towards each other.

(9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Nov. 2, 2022

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

While it is sad to know that there have been those who have been my enemy, in that they have sought to hurt me, my testimony, my witness and/or the ministries in which my Lord has entrusted to me to serve over the years, yet God has taught me much through each of those experiences. Nothing happens by chance in the life of a child of God. Their Heavenly Father always has a purpose for the things He brings or allows in their life. In the end, what counts is how they respond to those attacks. I thank God that He has given me the discernment, the strength, and the wisdom through the working of His Holy Spirit within me, to not respond according to my flesh, but have always sought to respond with love and in a way that would bring peace and unity between myself and the offender. It is not easy when people lie and deceive others about you, but the best defense is to just keep on living and serving in a way that honors the Lord and let Him take care of the rest. In this verse, the Lord Jesus says “and your reward shall be great.” He does not say what that reward will be, but I can personally testify that part of that reward is the peace and joy that comes from seeing His Spirit work and enable you to do exactly what He says and knowing that satan’s attempts to turn your heart against someone have completely failed. Jesus continues by saying “and ye shall be the children of the Highest.” Here again, there is a thrill that comes from knowing how frail and weak you are and yet, because of being born of His seed, you have conducted yourself as a true child of the most high God. The way that we find ourselves responding to such trials and the lack of bitterness towards those “enemies” in our hearts, are a powerful testimony and witness to ourselves to the reality of Christ in us. Perhaps this is one reason our loving God allows these things to happen.

Oct. 29, 2022

As I was finishing the notes for the message the Lord gave me for tomorrow, I was reminded of the danger of extrapolating upon what God’s word actually states. Even with good intentions we can end up adding something to what God’s word teaches or even drawing wrong conclusions from what He has said. God’s word is perfect and complete. This does not mean that we do not expound or explain further what is taught for clarity or to demonstrate how those truths should affect or apply to our lives. God gives us stern warning

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

The phrase the Lord gave me for this is “Extrapolation must never replace or contradict Inspiration.”

Oct. 21, 2022

Rick Mears is a long time pastor friend and was a fellow classmate when we were studying for the ministry at Trinity Baptist College many years ago. Rick often posts Bible verses on facebook and yesterday he posted

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Whenever I hear that verse, I immediately think of verses 15 and 16 where Jesus goes on to say

(15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God used. these verses to speak to my heart today. I had just been praying for some who had sinned against me through deception about me and praying that God would not hold their sin against them. I do this regularly because I know how angry God is towards those who sin against His child and servant and how often He allows satan to chastise them through physical illnesses and even death. While I recognize how evil it was for them to sin against me and how deeply it hurt, the attacks were satan’s attempts to discredit me as a witness for God and as a minister of His word. God’s Spirit in me does not allow me to wish evil upon any in any way. In fact, I wish only God’s good and blessing upon them. However, I wondered why God allows such attacks upon His people and upon me specifically. God gave me the answer in these verses.

We honor God by abstaining from sin but that does not really identify us as Christians because there are lots of people who strive to live lives that are outwardly holy, such as the Pharisees. The real test comes when others deliberately sin against us. How we respond reveals what is in our hearts. The carnal way would be to strike back in some way such as through back biting, which is all too often the case, even among professing Christians. However, those who are being led by the Spirit of God in them, will respond according to God’s word. Examples of which are:

Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Luke 6:27-29 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (28) Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (29) And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

It is when we put these things into practice during adversity that the light that is in us shines forth. Grumbling and complaining about the wrongs others have done is no different than those who do not have Christ dwelling within. Thus, these adversities and our response to them are the only way others around us truly see Christ in us. Thus we can truly be

Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Oct. 17, 2022

The following is a slightly modified excerpt from Sunday’s message “How to Pray Like Jesus”

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

I have heard many say, “I don’t know how to pray.” Others have said “Praying is easy. It is just talking to God.” There is a great need for Christians to pray, but many Christians realize that they do not really know how to pray effectively. If we take to heart what Jesus says in these verses, and put into practice these things, it will have one of the most dramatic influences in our lives. Praying like Jesus involves more than words. It involves a hearts attitude and a conscious recognition of who we are praying to and who we are in relation to Him.

Lord teach us to pray – This disciple had undoubtedly heard Jesus pray many times. He realized that his own praying was lacking as he heard Jesus praying to His heavenly Father. So, he asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Imagine praying like Jesus did. Jesus was not talking to Himself as some might imagine. While there is just one God, that God exists in three persons. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Father are three distinct persons. Praying like Jesus involves all three of the Godhead. Jesus as the Son is our example and has given us the example of how we should pray to our heavenly Father. These are the Lord Jesus’ own instructions to us on how we should pray. We would do well to prayerfully ask God to help us to read and carefully consider every detail of what Jesus has said in Luke 11:1-4.

Oct. 13, 2022

My sister Joan and I had a nice visit with my mom today. Sometimes she has a hard time realizing who we are but that was not the case today. In fact, I had no doubt that she knew which son was visiting her when she said, “you were quite the hellion.” However, she did say that with a smile, so I knew all was well. She also kept pressing my hand to her cheek and telling me how much she loved me. I thank God for these years that I have had to be a help and a blessing to her. I also praise the Lord for His mercy and grace and His power, as Jesus said (Act 26:18), To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Praise God for the new heart He gives us when we are born of the Holy Spirit by repenting of our sins and receiving Jesus as our Lord.

Perhaps knowing the great grace it took for God to forgive and save me, helps me to show grace towards those who have wronged me.

Oct. 3, 2022

Mat 5:44-45 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

This passage came to my mind as I was praying this morning. I regularly pray for those who have wronged me. I pray especially that God would forgive them and watch over them and protect them. This was really impressed on my heart years ago when someone close to me began backbiting against me and deceiving others about me. God gave me the wisdom, grace and the heart not to defend myself in any way or speak one word against them. God does not take it lightly when anyone seeks to wrong or harm one of His children in any way, whom He loves dearly. We should always realize that when someone, especially another Christian, sins against us, it is really satan who has stirred them up. Satan is a master at causing division and discord among brethren. We should also recognize that satan is trying to cause us to be bitter against that one who has sinned against us. Instead of letting bitterness rise in our hearts, we have the opportunity to honor our Father by showing love and kindness towards that one. There are many passages that come to mind that apply to this. If we keep in mind that it is always God’s will that there be unity, peace, and love among His children, then all we say and do should tend to support that end. Jesus tells us in this passage “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” That is, that we may be conducting ourselves in a manner consistent with being a child of God. When our focus is on God and not on self, then this should be natural, especially when we are being led by His Spirit. I know that God is extremely angry with those who sin against us, so I constantly intercede on their behalf that their sin against me might be blotted out completely. God always blesses obedience, especially when it goes against our flesh. So in a way, we should be thankful for those who sin against us for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our love for God and faithfulness to His word. This results in His many blessings upon us. It also brings personal satisfaction to know that satan’s attempt to sour my heart against those who have wronged me has failed, as God through His Spirit which dwells withing has given the victory to His praise and honor. I realize this will make no sense to those who do not know God.

Sept. 24, 2022

When God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because they had wholly given over to sexual perversion, Abraham pleading with God in an attempt to save those cities on behalf of any that were righteous living in them. Abraham said (Gen 18:25) Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? God is Holy and just and must deal with sin or cease to be Holy and just. There are several wonderful truths that we see in this incident such as God’s willingness to listen to those who are righteous and grant their request and also His readiness to show mercy. These same truths were seen when Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites. However, because of who He is, God must and will always do right. Anytime God does or allows something to happen to anyone, be assured that He is doing right. We may not understand the particulars of the why, but we can trust that His actions are right and just. In fact, because He is just, He must act accordingly. Sometimes people, even Christians, forget this. They forget that, while He totally forgives the repentant sinner, sin always brings consequences. Ethan told David that his sin was forgiven, but David’s actions brought much harm and heartache upon him. It is the same with every one of us and something we should keep in mind before doing or saying anything that will bring harm or hurt upon anyone in any way. Justice demands it and it will come to pass. God had completely forgiven Paul, even though Paul had caused much hurt and pain to many Christians, but God also said to Ananias speaking of Paul
Act 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
God never abandons His servants, even when they have done wrong. He will continue to use them in the service He has called them, but they will suffer in some way which God in His wisdom will determine. It will be for God’s glory and it will always be just. We must refrain from seeking or doing harm in any way to those who sin against us. If we do, we will bring trouble upon ourselves. Many Christians can regrettably testify of this truth.
1Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Our reaction to what others do will result in our inheriting a blessing or a curse. Be assured it will be one or the other.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Bill

Sept. 14, 2022

The following is an excerpt from the message this last Sunday and contains a powerful truth that every Christian needs to understand and practice.

John 17: (21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

It is this unity that satan is diametrically opposed and is constantly seeking to destroy. Oh that Christians would recognize this. Oh that they might realize that this is why satan puts it in the hearts of others, especially Christians, to sin against us, to speak against us, and to turn the hearts of others against us. Oh how it grieves the heavenly Father when He sees His own children being used so easily by satan. If you cannot look on another Christian with love in your heart towards them, if there is anger or bitterness in your heart towards a brother or sister in Christ, then know that satan was at work behind the scenes to cause that. That is the fruit of his work, and the person he used was only a blind puppet in his hands. Rather than despise them, we need to pray for them. Rather than be bitter against them, we need to forgive them. Rather than to seek or desire their shame or hurt, we need to love and encourage them in the Lord. Rather than speak against them, our words ought to bring unity and peace between ourselves and others. This goes completely against the flesh but it is not only possible by the power of the Spirit of Christ in us. It is by this that we bring glory and honor to our Lord when we do. This is how we display the reality of what Christ meant when He said

Sept. 13, 2022

1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

What is beauty? What makes something or someone beautiful or handsome? I am sure that most of us have had the privilege of knowing or seeing someone who was beyond pretty. Who were awesomely beautiful. Why is that? What is it that makes one person beautiful and another not so much? Studies have shown that those things and people that are the most appealing have a certain ratio called the Golden Ratio or the Divine Ratio. It is found throughout the natural world around us and in so many things that are appealing both in man-made creations such as art and music and throughout God’s creation. We can only try to imagine how glorious Heaven will be, but I am sure that we cannot even come close. The things that those who will have the privilege of beholding and experiencing in heaven will be so fantastic that we will be blown away every moment of every day by the wonder of them. The greatest of them all will be God Himself. We will know and understand Him far greater than we can now and our hearts will be filled to overflowing with love for Him and our joy in Him.

Sept. 12, 2022

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

On that evening in 1969 while serving my country, I repented of my sin and received Jesus as my Lord by simply surrendering my heart and calling upon Him. Something happened to me that evening that changed my life. I was overwhelmed with the knowledge that all was well between me and the God who loved me so much that He sent His beloved Son to die and pay the penalty for my sin. My heart was not just changed, I had a new heart with new desires. I was born of God and had His Spirit within me. Ever since then I have been inwardly aware of His presence. However, I have found that it is as I stive earnestly to obey Him in all things that He somehow reveals Himself even more to me. I cannot explain it, but it is like I am more aware of His loving arms about me and more conscious of His power strengthening my soul and enlightening my understanding of Him and His word. I believe it is the outworking of what Jesus is telling us in this passage. I would not trade the sweet relationship and fellowship I have with my heavenly Father for anything. I wish there was some way I could better convey the wonder, the joy and the miracle contained in this verse. My heart is filled with sorrow for the many, including some close to me, who know the cold truths of the Bible, and even of the Gospel, but are not experiencing the great peace and love that flows within those who practice in their lives what Jesus teaches. I wish I could exchange, even for just a short time, what is in my heart with others. I am sure it would change them forever. 1Samuel 3:21 says “ the LORD revealed himself to Samuel” I will forever thank and praise my Father that He did this also for this poor, wicked and blind sinner.

Sept. 8, 2022

Act 3:19-26 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (20) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: (21) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (23) And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (24) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. (25) Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. (26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

There is a gospel that is being preached by too many which says “Believe that Jesus died for the payment of your sin and you will be save. However, that is only part of the true Gospel message. As this passage clearly states, there is no salvation without repentance. Repentance was also the message that John the Baptist and the Lord Himself preached. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person, but that relationship is based on the person repenting, that is, turning away from their sin to serve the living God as Paul wrote in I Thes. 1:9 and Hebrews 9:14. Believing that Jesus died for your sins is a good start but salvation and the new birth only comes by repenting of your sin and receiving Jesus as your Lord. Else one day you will hear Him say as in Mat 25:41 Then shall he say …, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Sept. 5, 2022

Seeing as God sees. The message this last Sunday was focused on the need to be a converted Christian. The miracle of the new birth is wonderful, but there is the need to learn to think and look at things as God does. There are many who never learn to do this, and it has led to much trouble and strife between Christians and in the church as a whole. Part of seeing things as God does is how we look upon sin and each other. Satan would have us focus on the faults and shortcomings of our brothers and sisters in Christ and even on their past sins which they have confessed and forsaken. God would have us focus on the fact that they are a chosen vessel of God whom He has specifically called and gifted to serve a special function within the body of Christ. God’s word makes this plain when He says specifically

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Christians may stumble and fall at times, but God’s purpose and calling upon their lives never changes. He did not call them because of who they are. None is worthy or has earned the calling and the gifts which God has bestowed upon them. We need to recognize this and love and support every believer and ever remember that they are a chosen vessel of God and a fellow laborer in Christ. God never needs to change His mind about who He has called and the gifts He has given because He knows the end from the beginning. He has a purpose for choosing each one which demonstrates His infinite grace, mercy, love and power.

August 18, 2022

Gen 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

Recently I was reminded of this verse and it brought back thoughts I have had about it for many years. The phrase “Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field” has always caused me to wonder. We now understand that a serpent is a creature that slithers along the ground. But this is the result of the curse, which indicates that it did not travel on its belly before the curse. Couple this with the fact that God says “thou art cursed above all cattle” would indicate that the serpent was originally part of the cattle family.

The word cattle be-hay-maw’ refers especially to large quadrupeds, that is cattle. It is different from the word translated beast which is khah’ee which refers to living things in general.

Thus the serpent was a quaudruped, that is, it had four legs before the curse.

The word for serpent is naw-khawsh’; a snake or serpent. It is derived from naw-khash’ which is a verb which means to hiss, or to whisper.

The origin or words is a fascinating study. Many words for things are derived from their most prevalent characteristic. Whether that were some physical appearance or action exhibited by the object or thing.

Thus the prominent characteristic of the serpent, even before the curse was to hiss or whisper. I find it interesting that the word whisper or whisperer is only used thrice in the Bible.

Psa. 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Isa. 29:4 And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.

Pro.16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

It is disturbing that so many who name the name of Jesus, so often behave as serpents. May we ever be on guard against saying things about others that we would be ashamed of them to hear or that would hurt them in any way.

July 17, 2022

God warns us of the deceptiveness of satan. He is expert at deception and his favorite people to use for his purposes are Christians and those who profess to be Christians. In fact, except they be extremely careful and cleave to all of what God’s word says in all things, especially with regard to attitude, relationship and treatment of others, satan has and is using those who consider themselves dedicated Christians. In fact God warns us in

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

We must never let our devotion to defending the faith and standing for what we believe to be true, to override our love for and of our brethren. Satan loves to use our differences in understanding of the Scriptures and what they say to cause divisions and even attack one another. I praise God for all my brothers and sisters in Christ, even though their understanding in some things differs greatly from mine. We must always keep in mind that every child of God is precious in the eyes of the LORD and treat them with love and respect and refrain from attacking them or seeking to humiliate or disgrace them in any way because they do not agree with us in some matter. It is far more productive and honoring to God if we try to understand why they believe what they do and try to share with them why we believe what we do. We must also be aware that it can be difficult to accept that something believed and perhaps even taught might not be right. We must always be teachable and our love for God and His truth must always come first. We must never let our pride keep us from admitting that we have been wrong in our understanding.

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

July 16, 2022

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Oh how great a blessing it is to have the peace of God deep down in the heart. That peace becomes greater and sweeter as we draw near to God. This was impressed upon my heart as I have been praying to God and meditating upon His word today. His presence and peace envelopes us as we immerse ourselves in His word and our desires are focused on His will. That deep peace sustains us when attacks come whether physical or emotional. “Nothing shall offend them.” They will not stumble when trials come. They will not give in and react as the enemy desires because they know that they are loved greatly by the God of their salvation and are held dear in His heart. They have a heart to obey and please God and recognize that those who satan uses to attack or discourage them are mere blinded servants of the devil. Thus they turn the other cheek and seek peace rather than retaliate. They will agree with their accuser and suffer wrong and humiliation to quench the fiery darts through their faith that God will work all things for His glory. This is especially true when the adversary is a professing Christian. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers” and I have found this to be true for God has and continues to bless me mightily and the ministry He has called me to. The greatest rewards are for all those who seek to draw nigh to God with their whole heart.

July 15, 2022

Our New Testament reading today included Matthew 27:33-37 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, (34) They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. (35) And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. (36) And sitting down they watched him there; (37) And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

So many times, we read in Matthew’s Gospel the words “that it might be fulfilled…” Matthew was writing to the Jews who would be very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. Imagine the impact it must have made on them as they read over and over again how that the things that happened to Jesus and the things which He said and did perfectly fit with those things which were prophesied hundreds and even over a thousand years before by the prophets. There are over 200 prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament that reference a specific detail about Jesus, like where he would be born (Mic. 5:2). There are many more that make allusions to his life in general that brings the number to about 400. One of those hast to do with verse 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. Compare this with what was written over 1500 years before in

Psalm 69:19-21 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. (20) Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. (21) They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Those Roman soldiers that gave Jesus the gall and vinegar had no clue that they were exactly fulfilling these words which were written over 1500 years earlier. Yet this was only one of about 400 prophecies that Jesus would fulfill when He came the first time. He is coming again and there are many more prophecies which He will yet fulfill. Every word of God is true and it would do well for each of us to read and take heed to them all.

July 11, 2022

The message the Lord laid on my heart for this past Sunday was on outward versus inward Christians and the text was Mathew 7:15-23. Jesus said in

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Their words do not attack God, the Bible, the church or the Lord Jesus. In fact they call Jesus Lord and think that their actions and words are honoring to Him. However, as Jesus said “inwardly they are ravening wolves. It is the sheep that they are causing havoc with, and their actions and words tend to discourage and cause discord among them. They are expert at influencing other Christians to think and be like themselves because they think they are acting righteously. They are prone to criticize and find fault with others, especially Christians and think nothing of backbiting or exposing the faults of others rather than seeking to help them overcome them. They are lost themselves but do not realize it. They think that the way to be right with God is through good works. As I mentioned in the message Sunday

“There are many who profess Christ who do not actually know Him. Note that this is the same conversation where the Lord says that many will come to Him calling Him Lord and telling Him all the good things that they had done. Jesus does not contradict them or say they were lying. So they were indeed very dedicated and religious people. The problem is in the heart which is the motivator for the things they were doing. Many are outward Christians but not inward Christians. While being careful to maintain good works, outward Christians are motivated to appear righteous in their own eyes and in the eyes of others but are really servants of the devil. The sad truth is that saatan has deceived them into thinking that they were righteous by the good things they did and therefore acceptable to God. A distinguishing factor is that outward Christians are motivated to do righteous things in order to be “Christian”. They are careful to support their local church by their faithful attendance and financial giving and serving. They know all the right words to say and are careful to say them. However, they are the same as the Pharisees in the days of Jesus. It would never enter into their minds that they were not right with God. A key difference between the outward and inward, or true Christian, is that the inward Christian does the things they do because it is the way of their new nature. They do not do the things they do in order to be right with God, but rather, because they are right with God in their hearts. They truly love God and love doing those things that honor and please Him. They do not do them for recognition or reward. They also have a heart for all those who belong to God. While they rebuke those that are in sin or not walking as they should and do not make excuses for them, they also do not deem themselves as better than they. Thus they fully receive them back into fellowship and rejoice with the erring one when they repent and forsake their sin. They do not focus on past failings of their brothers or sisters in Christ as Paul states in II Corinthians 2:7 – 11. They confirm their love for them and seek to encourage and support one another. They recognize that they themselves are sinners by nature and it is only by God’s grace and mercy that they have not fallen into similar sins. It is because they are of the same heart and the same Spirit and are motivated by the same desires that they have a true love and concern for all those who belong for Christ. Thus the Apostle Paul writes

June 22, 2022

Recently Pastor Scearbo expounded on Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

He tied this in with what the Lord Jesus taught about how to conduct ourselves when a brother or sister sins against us in

Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

The clear idea is that we keep it private between ourselves and them. If we do that then “thou hast gained thy brother.” However, seeking reconciliation is only the goal of a true Christian not a false. Seeking to expose the “wrong” that we might believe someone has done towards ourselves without even trying to talk to them in private reveals a heart that is not right with God. This will also be a great hindrance in any reconciliation since it reveals an insincere heart and unrighteous motive.

This teaching is so needed in our churches today. Satan is having a heyday causing divisions among brethren because so many do not seem to know or understand the evil caused by not following what the God says. When I was first saved, many years ago now, it would have been unthinkable to spread rumors about another Christian. They would have been soundly and rightly rebuked by other Christians as Proverbs 25:10 says. Perhaps it is a sign of the times we live in. God’s word has not changed. Too many people let their hurt pride lead them to sinning against God and their offender by poisoning the minds and hearts of others and causing division among brethren. God states plainly His appraisal of all those.

Pro 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

There are many false Christians who profess to know Christ as Lord, but their actions reveal that they really are serving satan and undermining the work and purpose of Christ.

June 18, 2022

God gave John a look at events that are going to occur in this world. As we read these things it is like we are looking through a time telescope. The events we see are just as real and as sure as those we see in the past. They are also just as sure as those we would observe through any telescope today. Perhaps even more so. As you read these things, allow your mind to really comprehend what is being described.

Rev 8:6-13 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. (7) The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. (8) And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; (9) And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. (10) And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; (11) And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. (12) And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. (13) And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

The events described will take place after Jesus comes and takes His church out of this world. It will be the time when God judges all nations and peoples who rejected the great news of the great gift and the provision which Jesus provided by His sacrifice for our sins on the cross.

Heb 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

June 9, 2022

1Peter 3:8-12 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: (11) Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. (12) For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

There is much good to consider here and I want it to be read in the context in order that we might see how it all ties together.

Verse 12 contains both a fantastic truth and promise ““For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:” However, it also includes another truth and dire warning “but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” These words were written to and are a warning Christians. God takes very seriously what is said and done to each of His children whom He loves very dearly. The context makes it clear that God is talking specifically about actions towards one another. No matter what we might think of one another, we would be wise to consider each as a precious and cherished treasure belonging to the God of creation, who controls all that happens to us and those that are close to us. Thus, we should take special heed to what God has said in the beginning verses

June 4, 2022

One thing that can be a huge hindrance; in our prayer life; in our walk with our Lord and His working in our lives; is having disharmony in our hearts towards a brother or sister in Christ. This can often be the result of them wronging us, or perhaps someone close to us in some way. The solution to this is found in the instructions Jesus gives us in “the Lord’s prayer”. When the disciple asked the Lord to “teach us to pray”, Jesus began with “our Father”. I have shared before how that He uses the plural throughout this prayer. Our petitions should not be just for ourselves but for our brothers and sisters as well. The effect I have found that this has on my own prayer life is that I include those who have offended and sinned against me as well (especially those who have not repented).

Thus my prayer might be “Give (so and so) and me day by day our daily bread. (4) And forgive (so and so) and me our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead (so and so) and me not into temptation; but deliver (so and so) and me from evil.” (or the evil one)

This helps me to remember that they are just as much a child of God as I am. They are loved by my Father just as much as I am. God desires to use them and bless them just as much as He does me. I have found that, not only does this give me complete victory over any bitterness I might have had towards them, but I also have complete peace in my heart towards God, knowing that He is honored by this attitude and desire in my heart. I have also found that God then gives me a true love for them and a true desire for their good and a desire to be a blessing to them.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another

May 23, 2022

Few things bless a pastor’s heart more than to see how people in his assembly help and bless others in their church. I have said this before, God has blessed me with the best congregation any pastor could ask. It is humbling to see how God is working in Ragged Mountain Bible Church. I know the enemy does not sleep and greatly desires to attack and tear down the work God is doing in Danbury, but our God is the One who is doing the work. We trust that He will continue to watch over us and keep that precious love for one another that is so evident in our assembly as we continue to grow.

Isa 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

May 20, 2022

There is a tendency among some “Fundamental” circles to criticize those whom God has led to study the original languages and cultures of the Bible. Yet those same individuals overlook the fact that they use the tools provided as a result of those studies in order to help them understand their English translation.

There is value in studying the original languages. As a new Christian I would use references like Strong’s Concordance when I had questions about what a word means, but even then I found that most words have more than one meaning. I also read what commentators wrote about a passage and they were helpful at times. However, many times I found that either there were differences of opinions about what a passage meant, or they would completely skip over the verse or word. This is one factor that the Lord used to lay on my heart to go to Bible college. I wanted to make as sure as possible that the things I preached and taught were the truth and not someone elses ideas about what the Bible said. I praise God for that and for the understanding that He has given me in the original languages and in the Hebrew culture that have been a great help to me in understanding the word of God. I thank God for our English translation and that we can understand all we need to get right with God and lead a life pleasing to Him. However, understanding the original languages and culture can help clarify the meaning of many passages that have been misunderstood and expose false teachings. One example is

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

There are those who teach that once a person becomes a Christian they never sin again, and they use this verse as a proof text. However, when one looks at the original Greek words that the Apostle John wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost, the meaning becomes clear. The verbs “abideth” and “sinneth” are in the present active indicative form which means they are describing continuous action not a singular act.

The first part means that those who are abiding in Christ will not be living a sinful life. The second part means that those who are living in sin have never seen Him in the sense of experiencing Him, neither have they ever known Him personally.

While God has not gifted all with the ability to be able to understand other languages and cultures, He has gifted some with these abilities in order to meet the needs of His church as He tells us in

Eph 4:8-13 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. … (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

May 7, 2022

Our New Testament reading is Galatians 5 and 6.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

The word that is used for restore means to repair or adjust and carries with it the idea of setting a bone or putting a joint back in place. When a Christian has given in to some sin, our dealings with them should be for the purpose of getting them back into a right relationship with God in order that they might be restored in the function for which God specifically gifted them within the body of Christ. Many commentators point out the fact that this should be done with love and care as a physician would do in restoring a limb. Unfortunately, many times there is an attitude of condemnation of the fallen brother or sister. While the sin should be condemned, the goal should be repentance and confession so that they might be brought back and restored as a fellow laborer for Christ. God has given us examples of this with David in the OT and the man in Corinth who was put out of the church in the NT for whom Paul says

2Co 2:6-9 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

It is vital for us to remember that God has a purpose and function for every believer and that does not change when a believer commits a sin. If that were the case, none of us would be serving and that would be well pleasing to the enemy who is called “the accuser of the brethren”.

I know there are some who hold a different view on this topic and I would welcome, as always, any questions or comments.

April 30, 2022

A few years ago I prepared a message on the Lord’s Prayer for one of the churches where the Lord would have me minister. As I was praying and meditating on that passage the Lord showed me something from that prayer that I had not considered.

Jesus said “Our” Father – Throughout this prayer Jesus uses the plural. He does not say my Father as He did at many other times. In fact, this is the only time Jesus says “Our Father”. Every word of God is significant. Jesus could have said My Father, but He uses the plural in this instance for a specific reason. When we come before God in prayer, our focus should not be on just ourselves. God is the Heavenly Father of every Christian. When we pray, we should be focused on the needs of all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thus, He says “give us this day”, “forgive us”, “lead us not”, “deliver us”. This ought to be, and must be the desire we have for all our brothers and sisters. We ought not to be thinking merely about our needs, but on the needs of each and every other child of God. This reminds us and helps us to put our minds and hearts in a right attitude. Just before His betrayal and crucifixion in John 17 Jesus prayed to God for us and three times He said “that they may be one”. Are we one in our hearts with every other child of God, or is there a division between ourselves and a brother or sister in Christ? If so, have we done everything possible to seek to resolve the issue in order that sweet fellowship might be restored? That is God’s desire. That is always God’s will.

April 29, 2022

2Co 4:3-5 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Verse 4 says “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not” – Life in this world is difficult enough and has plenty of challenges, due to our own sinful nature. However, as we know, mankind has an enemy, “the god of this world”, that is, the devil. He is actively seeking to destroy us all. There is a spiritual war going on in this world for the souls of men and there is no tool or weapon that he will not use against every one of us. He is a master of deception and easily deceived Eve and used her to get Adam to sin even though they both knew God personally. This powerful enemy is indeed “the god of this world” and is an expert at using and manipulating circumstances and people to keep the truth and the need of the Gospel hidden from those that are lost. In fact, they are completely helpless against him. This is why it takes the word of God and the Spirit of God working through that word to bring understanding and salvation to the lost.

Notice that the verse says that the devil “hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” It is no accident that the unsaved cannot see the truth of the Gospel. It is not because it is too difficult to understand or that it is not logical. It takes blind faith to believe that the perfect order of the creation that surrounds us just happened. It takes blind faith to believe that all the matter and energy in the universe just suddenly came into existence without anyone creating them. It takes blind faith that the wonder of our human body with all its organs and systems and its ability to heal itself, just evolved from lifeless matter without someone designing those systems and to work the way they do. There are 2932 carbon atoms, 4724 nitrogen atoms, 828 hydrogen atoms, 840 oxygen atoms, 8 sulfur atoms and 4 iron atoms in just one hemoglobin molecule. The number of possible three-dimensional arrangements of those 9336 atoms is beyond the capacity of all the computers in the world to calculate, it is so large. The probability for them coming together in the right arrangement to form just one molecule by chance is zero. Yet there are approximately 280 million molecules of hemoglobin in just one red blood cell. Any reasonable person would admit that those 9336 atoms just don’t combine in that arrangement by chance, they are deliberately arranged that way and they do it billions of times in each body. The absurdity of thinking that this happens by chance testifies to the fact that there is an active enemy blinding the minds “of those that believe not.”

The command that Jesus gave the Apostle Paul when He saved him is applicable for each of those whom Jesus has given the grace to save

Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

April 15, 2022

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

This seems to be a truth that is lost among many, if not most, church members today.

I have never met anyone who regretted saying or doing something good or encouraging to or about someone else. However, what about those actions or words done or said to cause someone pain or to hurt them in some way. Those actions or words can never be undone. Probably most of us, yea probably all of us have said or done something which we sorely regret. By taking to heart passages like these and being careful to make them a part of our everyday practice, we will avoid much trouble, both for the one spoken against and for ourselves. Especially when we stand before the Lord to give account of ourselves.

I have been accused on occasion of being mean, but I believe that is an unfounded charge. I do and have spoken out strongly against sin and sinful attitudes, but I always try to do it in such a way that others might see and understand the wickedness of it without revealing or tarnishing the reputation of a brother or sister in Christ. If I have an accusation against an individual, I always try to talk to them in person and never expose their identity to others. This comes from a heart’s attitude of love and respect for all my brothers and sisters and the realization that I am just as big a sinner as anyone else. Even more importantly, it is because it is what God tells us in His word.

Anytime a person is spreading gossip or talebearing against another they are sinning against God, against that person and against their own soul as well. There is a deception that I fear too many have bought into. It is the thinking that since Jesus has paid for all their sins, then there will be no eternal consequences for their sins against others. We should all realize that none of us can outsmart or outwit God. He has revealed to us that the problems and harm that we cause others will result in far more damage for ourselves. If we really want to be smart, then we should know and trust that what God says is true. Our best course and attitude are to, not only, avoid doing anything that will do harm or cause trouble toward anyone, but seek earnestly to be a help and a blessing towards all. The following verse was written to Christians.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

All our relationships and actions in this life should reflect those which will be a reality in that eternal life to come.

April 9, 2022

Hello Father. I am not calling upon you because I have a need or because I want something from you. I just wanted to talk to you and tell you how much I love you. I cannot imagine how my life would have been these many years without you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for interceding in my life and saving my soul. Thank you for Norman Slagle and for using him and Jack Edge to help me hear the Gospel. Thank you for Jesus and for His willingness to suffer the punishment for my sins. Thank you Jesus for the beatings you took for me. Thank you for the mocking you endured and for the nails driven through your hands and feet for me. Thank you for loving me and dying for me. Thank you for the peace I have deep in my soul because of the knowledge of you. Thank you for your presence here now with me. Thank you for the everlasting life that you have freely given me that I might enjoy your presence forever. Lord, you know the longing that I have to be with you, but while I am here, I ask that you give me what I need to serve you and your people, for your glory. Oh Lord, I pray that others might grow to know you as I do and enjoy that sweet fellowship that blesses my soul. I love you Lord.

Psalm 116:11-13 I said in my haste, All men are liars. (12) What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? (13) I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

March 29, 2022

I read one of the most disturbing passages in my devotions this morning.

Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. (11) But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. (12) But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. (13) Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

The reason it bothered me so was that it reminded me of what I experienced in the past. It is so sad how that some of our “familiars”, those who are supposed to be close to us, can so easily turn on us and seek our harm. They say “we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.” This is so often the attitude of someone who is convinced we had wronged them. However I have also seen how the next part is also true. “But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper.” While going through such an attack there will be confusion and hurt, yet the LORD sustains us and “they shall not prosper” in their attempts to cause us permanent shame or harm. How thankful we are for the “LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart.” At the time it seemed like the floods of opposition would carry me away like a flood. However, I found that they were actually cleansing waters sent by God to purge me and make me a better vessel for His service. Thus I can say with Jeremiah “Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.”

God has a way of making things right in the end. Our responsibility is to trust Him to do so and not to let the actions of others turn our hearts bitter towards any. By not rendering or even desiring “evil for evil”, we emulate God’s actions and desire towards us and thus honor Him as we should.

March 27, 2022

1Jn 3:9-10 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his (God’s) seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

In the original Greek, verse 9 reads

1Jn 3:9 πας ο γεγεννημενος εκ του θεου αμαρτιαν ου ποιει οτι σπερμα αυτου εν αυτω μενει και ου δυναται αμαρτανειν οτι εκ του θεου γεγεννηται

This is one of those rare passages where it is imperative to understand what original language words were that the writer wrote.

The word for commit her is ποιει which is the present active indicative form of the Greek verb ποιέω. It is a present and continuous action which is being done or committed. The idea is that those who are truly born of God will not continue in their sin. Every person is capable of giving into a present temptation and yielding to sin. However, those who are born of God, will not continue in sin. In fact, this verse goes on to say “and he cannot sin” και ου δυναται αμαρτανειν. Δυναται is the word from which we get the English word dynamite and means power. So this phrase literally translates as “and has no power to continue in sin”.

This verse is telling us that those who are born of God are incapable, that is, they do not have the power to continue in sin.

The reason given is that “his seed remaineth in him”. The word remaineth used here means – abide, continue, dwell, be present, remain.

The word seed is σπέρμα sperma, seed or offspring.

That is, God’s seed indwells them. They are the spiritual offspring of God. It is that which came into being when they were born of God, as described in

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

It is that new creation that is born of God and has His righteous nature. While it is possible for a child of God to sin, it is not possible for them to continue in sin because of their righteous nature, that nature which is fully devoted to God and loathes the flesh.

Youngs Literal Translation says 1Jn 3:9 every one who hath been begotten of God, sin he doth not, because his seed in him doth remain, and he is not able to sin, because of God he hath been begotten.

As long as we are in this flesh, we have that carnal nature which will lead us to sin. However, because we are begotten of God, we have the righteous nature of our Father and that nature is incapable of sinning or continuing in sin.

Praise God for the new life, that new nature that is the child of God.

March 21, 2022

Proverbs 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

When I first read the phrase “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour”, I immediately thought it was speaking of some unjust wicked person who hated his neighbor without cause. However, as I continued to memorize and meditate upon the passage and asked the Lord to help my understanding of it, I realized that my initial thought was not right. By assuming that it was talking about some unjust and immoral person, I did not think it could be talking about a devout child of God. Looking at the overall picture painted by both verses, the Lord showed me that there was good reason for this person to despise his neighbor, for it ends by saying “he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” In other words, the matter was something done that was shameful and wrong and probably done against the person God is addressing. Thus he had good reason, from a fleshly view, to despise his neighbor for the wrong done against him. When someone has sinned against us, it is easy and natural for us to feel resentment towards the person and for bitterness to rise up in our hearts against them, even after they have confessed and repented. Thus we all need to take heed to what the Lord is telling us. Notice that the Lord says “a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” Of what understanding is the Lord talking? Primarily it is that mentioned in verse 13, namely “he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” When someone has sinned against us and yet confessed and repented of it to us and have asked our forgiveness, they know that they do not deserve any kindness or mercy from us. Thus, for us to resist shaming them before others for their sin, demonstrates a kindness and faithfulness to them that is purely of grace. The result of that will be to earn their respect and help build a bond of friendship between us that is even stronger than before. How much better and God honoring is that and wiser on our part, than for us to be backbiting against them which only creates divisions, dishonors God, and prevents bringing union and serving God together.

There is also another aspect of “a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” We are all sinners. Even as Christians we still commit sin and we still have that totally depraved sinful nature that Paul describes in Romans 7 and that will only be rid of when we go to be with our Lord, when “this corruption shall have put on incorruption.” We are just as capable of sinning against others as they were in sinning against us. In fact, a major determinant between someone committing a sin or not is the circumstances surrounding the situation. Brother Lester Roloff used to preach a sermon with the theme “The Deadly Sisters, Temptation and Opportunity.” There may be temptation but no opportunity or there may be opportunity but no temptation but when they both arrive at the same time, then there is the real danger of a fall. Thus, “a man of understanding” knows that often it is only the grace of God delivering us from temptation that has saved us from sinning at times. Being a man of understanding means that we know we are of the same carnal nature as those who sin against us. We are no better than they and thus are in no position to justly despise them any less than we despise our own flesh. Thus, we forgive them, thank God for Him bringing them to confession and repentance, and praise God that fellowship between us has been restored

March 20, 2022

This Pastor’s Note from Mar. 20, 2021 is worth sharing again today because of the importance of the question.

I received the following insightful comment and question in response to yesterday’s Pastor’s Note

“I had a question on this topic: how do you distinguish between tale-bearing and marking those “which cause division and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.” Romans 16:17? Paul makes a point of warning people about certain others who had come into the church and were doing evil, such as Hymenaeus and Alexander in 1 Tim 1:20 and 2 Tim 4:14.

We know it is the responsibility of elders in the church to warn the sheep of false teachers, “for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Hebrews 13:17. And of course, a part of both 1 and 2 Corinthians had to do with discussing a wayward brother who was committing open sin in the congregation and Paul called him out.

I think confusion about this distinction is probably one of the biggest reasons why Satan is able to deceive so many in the Body of Christ to engage in talebearing, when they think they are exhorting, warning or sharing a burden with others in the church.”

All sin and false teaching should always be dealt with swiftly. Any sinful action or falsehood said or taught in a public setting, such as a church service or meeting should be addressed quickly and soundly.

We see this with Paul’s dealing with the Apostle Peter when they were in Antioch as he related later in his letter to the Galatians. (Galatians 2:11-14) Under the OT law it was not lawful for Jews to eat with Gentiles, Peter had eaten and had fellowship with the gentile Antioch believers before Jewish believers came down from Jerusalem. However, Peter became afraid of ridicule for eating with these uncircumcised Gentiles, so he separated himself from them. This was wrong, once a person became a Christian there is no more separation. So Paul confronted and corrected Peter before them all.

Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

This is an example of how all false teaching should be handled. Because it had to do with correcting false teaching, Paul writes about it in his letter to the Galatian church lest there be other Jewish believers who might come to them with this same error. If the Apostle Peter had fallen in error and had to be corrected, then certainly there was no one of any higher authority who could deny the truth that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile believers.

The first action against false teaching should always be to expose the error and try to get the person to realize their error as Paul did with Peter. However, if they refuse to receive instruction then that is when Rom. 16:17, I Tim 1:20 and 2 Tim 4:14 come into play. Warning against false teachings and false teachers is not talebearing.

Any ongoing sin should also be dealt with quickly.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

This should be done discretely in private if possible, but it should be done. The hopeful result is that the offender will realize their error and repent of it. If not Jesus goes on to explain the steps that should be taken in Matthew 11. Once the offender has repented of their sin that should be the end of it and to repeat it or reveal it to others is talebearing.

However, if the sin has been committed openly and in public, as with the man in Corinthians, then the confession and repentance should also be done openly and in public so that all may know that it has been dealt with properly. Once it has been dealt with, that should be the end of it and it should not be discussed further. No good for Christ or His church would be accomplished and in fact, rehearsing it or spreading it further would only serve to stir up grief and tend to cause divisions and poisoning hearts and minds against the individual, which is exactly what satan wants. I believe this is why Paul never mentions the man’s name in Corinthians. Ongoing or unconfessed sin should never be covered up, but once it has been confessed and forsaken, then that is the end of it. This is also consistent with what John writes in

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God’s plan and design is always reconciliation and restoration. Satan’s plan is always discouragement and division. God’s desire is for us to love and encourage one another. Satan’s desire is that we despise and distrust one another. Talebearing is a very effective way to fulfill satan’s plan and desire and to destroy God’s plan and desire among His people.

1Pe 3:8-10 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

March 11, 2022

A verse from our reading through the New Testament for today is

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

One of the great joys and blessing about being an older Christian, is having the experience of studying and meditating upon God’s word for many years. This coupled with the daily presence of God walking and abiding with us through many trials and temptations, results in a growing knowledge and love for Him. It also tends to increase our awareness of His very Being, not only present with us, but in us. The reality of our body being the very temple of the living God, in which He constantly abides, becomes more prominent in our consciousness. If those around us could look upon us with spiritual eyes they would behold a Presence within us whose glory outshines the sun. It would be greater than the high priest entering the Holy of Holies in the temple and beholding the shekinah glory dwelling above the mercy seat.

How might our words, actions and attitudes be different towards one another, if we physically saw a glimmer of that glory emanating from every Christian we know? Although we cannot see Him, God’s presence indwells every Christian and our interactions with them should reflect this fact.

March 10, 2022

The greatest privilege as well as the greatest blessing is to know God. Not just to know about Him, but to know Him personally. There is nothing that can compare to having a vital, living relationship, with the creator and sustainer of all creation. To know Him intimately, in the very depths of our being and to be in constant communion with Him, is a wonder that goes beyond description. How is it possible, that the all righteous and holy God of Heaven would even allow, let alone desire to have such a relationship with any mortal man? This can only be explained by His unsearchable love for us. The knowledge of this personal love, revealed to us by the scriptures and experienced by us in the new birth is the source of all joy and peace. As Paul wrote in

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John tells us the source of this understanding in

1Jn 5:19-20 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

The phrases “we are of God” and “we are in him” are expressions of the reality of our most intimate relationship. Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being;

What joy and peace are ours as the full reality of God’s constant and close presence with and within us is realized in the depths of our hearts and by His Spirit manifesting Himself in us.

March 8, 2022

In our New Testament reading today we read

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

The truths of this verse are often overlooked by people, especially Christians. There are many people, including Christians, who have prayed to God when they were in trouble expecting and hoping that God would answer their prayer and deliver them from some calamity, but He did not. The answer for that is clearly stated in this verse. This healed blind man made this statement based on what God had said many times in the Old Testament. We love to quote verse like

Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

However, God has also said

Proverbs 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

While God will and has shown mercy when we do not deserve it, we must never forget that He is a just God and will render evil for evil. While all of us are far from perfect, we ought to be striving as best we can, and calling upon our Lord for His help and strength to live and walk before Him in truth and honor. If we are, then we can pray with confidence. Then we can claim verses like

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Prayer is powerful and God delights to answer the prayers of His people, but only if they are His people in deed. Else they will be as described in

Psalm 18:41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

God could not make it any clearer. Those who are not walking in His truth daily, those who are not seeking to serve and please Him above all else, are not in a place where God will hear them. Rather, God says

Isa 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear…

God even instructs those who are walking rightly before Him, not to pray to God for their deliverance as He instructed Jeremiah

Jer 11:14 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.

Oh that all people today might take heed to what God says through His prophet Isaiah

Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

May each of us consider carefully what the supreme ruler of the universe has said

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Feb. 28, 2022

In today’s New Testament reading we read

Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

This was their response as Jesus expounded the Old Testament Scriptures which spoke about Him, His betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion and resurrection. Few things will bless the heart more than when God gives us understanding of the scriptures. It is amazing how we can read the same passages many times over the years and then one day God gives us the full understanding of a passage and we see for the first time its full impact and the full sense of what is spoken.

The word fire is καίω and means to be set on fire. The idea is that the heart is so aroused that it causes action. When God’s word affects us like this then we have no choice but to act upon that knowledge or to share that word as Jeremiah found in

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

David speaks of this in

Psa 39:1-3 … A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, … I will keep my mouth with a bridle… (2) I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. (3) My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

This is the prayer and desire of every minister of God’s word, both for themselves and for those whom God has called them to lead. Oh, that our prayer today might be according to

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, eb. 21, 2022

Ever since the night in 1969 when I repented of my sin and received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I have been aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. I knew that something strange and wonderful happened that night. I was changed. Both my mind and heart were different. Although I did not fully understand it at the time, I had been born again by the Spirit of the living God. I was a new creature; a new creation, created in Christ Jesus as God tells us in Ephesians 2:10. The changes in me were those described in

Eph 4:24 … the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

True righteousness and holiness are not something that we can manufacture, they are part of the creation of God and by God as a result of the new birth. They are part of the nature of “the new man.” We can no more take credit for them or boast of them any more than a flower can boast of its fragrance or beauty. The Christian is a special creation by and for God. It makes no difference what kind of a person we were before, God has deliberately chosen to create us out of His Love and mercy for us and for His glory. This was all made possible by Christ going to the cross to suffer and die to pay for our sins.

1Co 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Feb. 15, 2022

Pastor’s Note for Feb. 15, 2022

Have you ever felt like a failure? I have. In fact, the truth is I am a failure. There is no possible earthly reason for God to use me at all. Satan and his servants are always ready and eager to remind us of our failings and they do a good job at it. There are at least a million other people, with no exaggeration, that could do a better job in serving God than me. This knowledge has brought me very low some days. However, God reminds me that there is also another fact; another reality that is just as true. It is God Himself who has chosen me and put me into the ministry. It is the all-holy and righteous God of Heaven who has ordained me to preach His word and minister to His saints. He has not done this because I have earned it or deserve it in the least, for I do not. He has done it according to His Sovereign will. It is He Who sustains me; it is He Who equips me, it is He Who empowers me for the work He has for me. Praise God I do not serve in my own strength or in my own wisdom, or in the power of my own righteousness. While we seek with all our hearts to walk uprightly and honestly before all and especially before God, that is not the source of our strength nor our confidence. I look to my God and trust in Him to do that which is pleasing and honoring to Himself as I serve Him in the calling He has given me. The results are up to Him no matter what that may be. Our responsibility is to stay true to God no matter what or who may rise up to oppose or hinder or discourage us.

Please pray for me “ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12

Feb. 12, 2022

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

There is nothing sweeter than spending time with God alone and communing with Him and He with you. Realizing that any known unconfessed sin would make any real communion impossible, leads us to examine ourselves and our hearts for anything that would be offensive to God. While we acknowledge that we are infinitely far from being perfect and that we could be better and improve in so many ways in our lives, yet we rejoice that our Lord receives us where we are. If our heart’s desire is right towards God, and He knows we are seeking Him with our whole heart with a willingness to accept any change He would have in us or in our service, then we can have complete confidence that He hears us. As we spend time in His presence communing with Him and as He speaks to us through His Spirit bringing His words to our mind, the reality of His presence is so great that even if He were to reveal Himself physically, we might not even notice the change.

Feb. 10, 2022

I shared these thoughts last year, but they are well worth repeating.

We are in the book of Luke in our reading through the New Testament. One of the chapters we read this week was Luke 4. Connsider the power of the words of Christ.

Luke 4:38-41 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. (39) And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. (40) Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. (41) And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Verse 39 says He rebuked the fever. This says to me that even the bacteria or virus that was causing the fever obey Christ. Elsewhere we read how the winds and waves obey His words. In the book of Hebrews we are told that the word of God is quick, that is alive and powerful. There is life and power in God’s word because it is God’s word. It is unlike any other. It is able to bring alive those that are spiritually dead. It is able to empower those who take it in. Thus God tells us first in Deut. 8:3 … that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Jesus repeats this truth to us in the New Testament.

This is why I have sought to encourage all my Facebook friends to read the New Testament with me. It can change your life, whether you are a Christian or not. It is one of the most important and powerful things you can do. There are so many things which the Bible reveals about God’s word. Please ponder the truth of Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Feb. 1, 2022

My pastor’s note today is of a personal testimony. Last year at this time I was about to undergo open heart surgery. God in His great grace and mercy watched over me during that surgery and I have recovered well from it. However, I would like to share my thoughts and comments from that time as an encouragement to others that might be facing a severe trial today. Here is what I had written

“Here are a couple of my initial thoughts about my coming heart surgery. The first concerns the idea that, while I do not believe that this is the time for me to leave this world, I could be wrong and die during the open-heart surgery. My biggest concern is for my wife. I love her dearly and would not want her to go through the agony and concern of losing her husband of 50 years come this August. She is and always has been my greatest love in this world. I thank God that He gave her to me to be my life partner. While I have sought God’s wisdom in providing for the needs of my dear wife when I am gone, I know I would no longer be there to watch out for and care for her. Another concern is that I have also been watching out for and helping the needs for my 100 year old mother and be an encouragement to her. There are also those whom God has given me the wonderful privilege to minister to and encourage in the things of God.

However, if God does want to take me home, I can think of few better ways to leave this world than to go to sleep under the anesthesia and the next thing that my eyes see is the glorious face of my Lord Jesus, whom I love dearly. The times and fellowship that I have with Him daily now, as great as that is, cannot be compared to what it will be like when I am with Him in glory. He loved me enough to take the full punishment of my sins upon Himself. He loved me enough to save my soul and make me His own dear child when I had no interest in God. He loved me enough to choose me as a vessel to serve and honor Him and anoint me as a pastor to minister His word to His people. He loved me enough to allow and empower me to witness to many and see souls come to the saving knowledge of salvation through faith in Christ. I can hardly wait for Him to put His loving arms around me and welcome me to glory.

I cannot lose either way. Either I will be with my glorious Lord or He will continue to use me for His glory in this world. This is all because of the great mercy and grace which my Lord has deliberately chosen to pour out upon me. My heart overflows with love for my Lord and my soul is rejoicing in Him.”

Jan. 31, 2022

In reading through the New Testament this half of the new year, we just read Mark chapter 9. There are certain verses or phrases in God’s word that I find extremely powerful. One of those is just five words found in Mark 9:19. It is where Jesus says “bring him unto me”. A father had brought his demon possessed son to the disciples to be healed, but they could not heal him. Praise God, there is no failure with Jesus. Not only did Jesus heal all that were brought to Him, but He also broke up every funeral He ever attended by raising the dead back to life again. Praise God we have a Lord who both loves us so much He suffered and died to pay for our sins and also has the power to meet all our needs. Not only did Jesus meet the need of the son, but, just as importantly, he also met the need of the faithless father.

Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Jan. 29, 2022

A thought from Heb. 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

What a great word of comfort and assurance this is for all who faithfully minister God’s word. It is a blessing to my heart that God knows our hearts and our service. Satan seems to always have those who will seek to discourage us. He especially likes and often uses our fellow Christians. I have often said that “Christians are satan’s favorite people – to use for his purposes in causing divisions among brethren and hinder God’s work in the church and in the world.” Knowing this, and knowing that we all have the same sinful nature, helps to keep us from doing likewise and helps us to know how to pray for those who are being manipulated. Oh that God would help us to recognize the evil of backbiting and that by engaging in it is to be walking in the steps of the “accuser of the brethren”.

Rather than backbiting, we should be in prayer for those who have fallen and seek to be an encouragement to them an for that which God has created and gifted them to do.

Jan. 28, 2022

Too often as we read the events recorded in the Bible it is easy for us to miss the impact of what is being said. Try to imagine being there as one of the children of Israel as you read the following verses.

The children of Israel heard the very voice of God speaking to them personally. No wonder there was fear in their hearts as they realized their own sinful thoughts and tendencies. Imagine being in the very presence of the all righteous, pure and holy God of creation and knowing that He knows our innermost thoughts. One day each one of us will stand before that same Holy God who is well aware of our every thought and every action. Thank God for His great love for us, that He would give His own Son Jesus to pay for our sins and all we need do is turn to Him, repenting of our sins and receive Him as our Lord. We are then clothed with His pure righteousness and can stand confidently in God’s presence; not relying on our own righteousness, but in the wholly pure righteousness of Christ.

Jan. 23, 2022

Every Christian should be a healer.

Jesus is often referred to as the great Physician, but in a sense every Christian should be a healer. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

There are many in this world and even many around us who are suffering the consequences of sin. There is only one cure and that is Jesus.

The “medicine” that the Christian has is God’s word and the method of application is the Holy Spirit. The medicine is applied to a wound but it takes the wonder of God’s working for the wound to heal. How important it is for us to be the dispensers of healing words both for the unsaved and the saved.

These thoughts came to me as I meditated on Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Jan. 19, 2022

I received the following note from a friend today.

“Hi, I have a question. I saw a clip about Jesus talking to Nicodemus about salvation. How did people get into heaven before Christ? Lambs blood?”

This is a good question which probably others might have as well. Before Jesus was sacrificed, and ascended to Heaven to present that sacrifice, no souls could go to Heaven. However, those who had repented of their sin and trusted, God did go to a place called Paradise. Jesus referred to it as Abraham’s bosom in Luke chapter 16:20-26. It was a place of comfort to all those who had repented of their sins and put their faith in God and His word. The blood sacrifices that were made in the Old Testament were a demonstration of their repentance and faith as well as a picture of the Lord Jesus and the sacrifice He would make on the cross. Recall that Jesus said to the thief on the cross “Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” He did not say Heaven because He had not yet presented the sacrifice of Himself. Once Jesus presented the sacrifice, all those who were in Paradise, and Paradise itself was brought to Heaven. This is why the Bible says in

Ephesians 4:8-9 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, … (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

This is referring to all those Old Testament saints who were waiting for the sacrifice of Jesus to be made so that they could ascend into Heaven.

Jan. 18, 2022

This memory from 5 years ago came up on face book today.

“Something very unusual happened today. While writing on what God says about repentance, my wife said, “we have company”. I look up and could see them through the window walking up our driveway. As many of you know, we live in a rural town and we live in a rural area of our town. The people who are on foot on our road are usually a few who are getting their exercise by walking or jogging. Since we had a snow storm last night and our driveway wasn’t plowed yet, I thought perhaps it was someone interested in plowing or shoveling. As soon as I opened the door I recognized that it was someone that had done some work for me last summer. He was going to be doing some work for a neighbor (that’s where his vehicle was) and had walked over just to say hello and ask how we were doing. So I invited him in and asked if he had time for a cup of coffee.

We had a nice conversation and among other things, he shared with me about some health problems he had recently. The Lord was able to use that to allow me to share the gospel with him and his need for salvation. He said he understood and believed what I said and showed him from my Bible and that he would think about it. I told him that I would be praying for him and hoped that he would receive Jesus soon. As he left, this man who I hardly knew, wrapped both his arms around me and gave me a hug and I hugged him back. He knew I was genuinely concerned for him. My prayer is that God’s holy Spirit might work in his heart as only He can to bring him to salvation.

God has given me the honor to share the gospel with many people. I have had the privilege of seeing some respond to that witness and receive Christ as their Savior, including my step father and mother in law. However I was thinking today, that if this man was the only one to receive Jesus, then my life was well worth living.”

God did answer my prayer and this man did receive Christ as His Lord and Saviour. Although we had no way of knowing, I would be preaching at this man’s funeral before the end of the year. God. in His great mercy looked down upon this man, knowing He had just a short time to live and gloriously saved him from eternal damnation to eternal life with God his Saviour.

Jan. 17, 2022

Today’s Note is excerpted from the message I preached yesterday at Ragged Mountain Bible Church.

The life of a Christian is not just a jumble of haphazard circumstances. There is a divine purpose and an active working of Christ in them. The life of every Christian is a living example of a holy and infinite God working out His divine plan in this world. Think about that. Let that truth sink down in your heart. EveryChristian is unique. Every Christian is a specific work of God. The life of every Christian is a revelation to the world of the work of God. Thus the Apostle Paul wrote

2Corinthians 3:2-3 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (3) Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Did you catch that? Paul said “written… with the Spirit of the living God.” That is true for every Christian. Each one is being written by the Spirit of the living God.” If you are a Christian, then the life that you are living, is being written by God. I pray that that reality might be impressed upon the minds and hearts of every Christian here today. The infinite God Himself, is actively doing a work in your heart, right now at this very moment. Each Christian, every Christian, without exception, is a part of the big picture of God’s work in this world through the Spirit of Christ that is in them. We are all part of something big. Having a good understanding of this is vital if we are to have a right kind of relationship with one another. As brothers and sisters, Christians are all part of the same story. We are all involved in the same work which God is doing in this world. There is no room for envying or fighting or backbiting or jealousy. It is God who has molded each one of us for our particular function within His body and within His plan. His desire is that we all work and serve together as members of His divine family. I fear that too many times there is a tendency to view one another as individuals and a lack of understanding that we are all connected by that same Spirit. We are individuals and God has made each one of us unique, yet we are all part of one another.

Understanding this reality will have a considerable influence on how we interact with one another. This is especially true when dealing with a brother or sister with whom we have had a falling out or one who has fallen into sin. If we understand that God is working in them and they are part of the same family and the same plan that we are, then we will have an attitude and desire to help them get back on track. This is part of the evidence that differentiates the true child of God from the false. The false with not have the Spirit of Christ in them, there will not be that sense of close kinship. Thus, there will be an attitude of judging and condemning rather than empathy and encouragement. This is also evident when dealing with someone who has sinned against us. The child of God will be focused on being reconciled, while the hypocrite will be focused on their own hurt pride. This is why people have a problem with resentment and forgiveness. The true child who has been born of the Spirit and has the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them, will desire to forgive as Jesus forgives, even though they may have feelings of anger at the offense. This is all part of the work of Christ in the heart of the child of God which is absent in those who do not know Christ.

Understanding this big picture of how Christ is at work in the hearts of every child of God, and that each one is contributing to the work and witness of God’s great plan in this world, will help us to have the right kind of attitude and actions towards are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jan. 15, 2022

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (32) But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

The timing of these words Jesus speaks to Simon Peter are after Jesus had been with him and teaching him for about 3 ½ years. Peter had been walking and fellowshipping with the Lord Himself. He had seen with his own eyes the miracles Jesus performed. Peter was with the Lord on the mount when Elias and Moses appeared with Him and spoke with Jesus about His departure. Peter heard the very voice of God speak to him personally out of the cloud above him. All of these personal experiences would have contributed to the faith and confidence he would have in Jesus and in God the Father. Yet Jesus says to him “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” This should testify to the fact of the tremendous power of the attacks of satan on those who trust in God. Satan is our most powerful enemy, and he knows how to use people to attack us in the most effective and damaging way. There are important lessons that we should learn from this. First, we have no strength of our own to match against the attacks of the devil. The doubts and fears that we experience when enduring his attacks are real and they can destroy us and our faith if we fail to trust in God and His strength. It is during those attacks that we must remind ourselves of what God tells us and promises us in His word.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

It is imperative that we stay close to the Lord if we are to survive those attacks. Trust in the unfailing love and faithfulness of our Lord and know that He will strengthen and give us the victory in the end.

Hebrews 13:5-6 … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Jan. 14, 2022

Matthew chapter 13 records many parables which Jesus spoke. Jesus makes this extraordinary statement (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (15) For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

The attitude of our hearts is so important when it comes to understanding spiritual truths. If we read God’s word with a humble heart and ask God to teach us, then He will help us in our understanding. However, if we approach it with a heart that is not open to it, then it will do us little good. The wonderful wisdom in God’s word is only available to those whose ears are open to receive it. Oh that God might grant us an open and seeking heart and that we might say as David did in Psa 63:1 … O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Oh that all those who know not God might take hold of the promise in Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jan. 10, 2022

Luke 6:27-28 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (28) Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

As I was praying this morning, the truths of this passage came to mind. The Lord had laid this upon my heart many years ago and I have tried to be faithful to practice it. This helped me to forgive from my heart, those who have sinned against me. However, as I have continued to pray for them, the Lord has shown me that they have done greater sin against themselves than they have to me. God is the One who forgives and strengthens those who are truly repentant. Those who sin and refuse to repent do great damage to themselves and their relationship with God. I have pity for them and true sadness that they will never know the sweet closeness and fellowship with my heavenly Father that He gives to me every day. How my heart longs for them to know that joy and peace and I pray earnestly that God would open the eyes of their understanding and that true unity might be restored between us.

Jan. 4, 2022

Isaiah 57:15-18 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (16) For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. (17) For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. (18) I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

Isaiah continues his prophecy with these marvelous words of comfort and mercy from the Holy God to those who had fallen into sin and would suffer the consequence of God’s chastisement upon them. The almighty God “whose name is Holy” and dwells “in the high and holy place”, yet He is also the God of mercies. He loves His people, and while He will chastise them, His desire is that they might repent and turn back to Him. God knows that without His mercy all would perish. Thus Isaiah writes

v16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. (17) For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.

Yet God’s purpose is not just to chastise, as He goes on to declare

v18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

As I shared in the message this past Sunday, God’s desire is always restoration, because of His great love for each one of us. He knows we are weak and will stumble at times, but He is aways ready to forgive and receive us back into full fellowship with Him. There is nothing greater than that sweet fellowship and peace that a repentant and humble Christian can enjoy with the God of His salvation.

2Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Jan. 1, 2022

My Old Testament reading this morning was Isaiah 54. Israel had sinned greatly and turned from following Him, so God would bring up a nation to destroy their cities and they would become servants to another people. However, God would deliver them when they had repented and turned back to Him. In Isaiah 54 God is telling them what He would do after they had been chastised for their sin.

Isa 54:7-17 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. (8) In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

(10) For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee

(15) Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

(17) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

God reveals how He deals with His people even after they have sinned.

He will not chasten forever but will show everlasting kindness and mercy towards them and restore them.
Those whom God allowed to chastise His servants, He will judge and they will suffer His wrath upon them.
Every tongue that shall rise against them will be condemned.
“This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
God will chastise us when we have sinned, but He will forgive and restore us fully when we repent. He will also judge all those who rise up against us.

This is not only a comfort for us but also a warning of how we are to treat other Christians even when they have sinned. They still belong to God and are greatly loved by Him and He will restore them back into His grace and blessing.

Dec. 29, 2021

I am inviting all my friends to join me again in reading through the New Testament for this half of the year. The schedule is not very demanding and only takes a few minutes a day. We will start on January 1st and finish on June 31st. I will again give a small award for those who complete it with me. I hope many of you will join me even if you have done it in the past. I am confident that you will be glad you did it and blessed by it especially if you have never read through the entire New Testament in the past. Several who have done it with me in the past have shared that it has been a blessing and encouragement. So please join me. Here is the schedule for January 2022. I will be happy to send a little reward to you if you complete it with me. God bless you and keep you.

Jan. 1 Matthew 1 to 3

Jan. 2 Matthew 4

Jan. 3 Matthew 5

Jan. 4 Matthew 6, 7

Jan. 5 Matthew 8, 9

Jan. 6 Matthew 10

Jan. 7 Matthew 11

Jan. 8 Matthew 12

Jan. 9 Matthew 13

Jan. 10 Matthew 14, 15

Jan. 11 Matthew 16

Jan. 12 Matthew 17

Jan. 13 Matthew 18

Jan. 14 Matthew 19

Jan. 15 Matthew 20

Jan. 16 Matthew 21

Jan. 17 Matthew 22

Jan. 18 Matthew 23

Jan. 19 Matthew 24

Jan. 20 Matthew 25

Jan. 21 Matthew 26

Jan. 22 Matthew 27, 28

Jan. 23 Mark 1

Jan. 24 Mark 2, 3

Jan. 25 Mark 4

Jan. 26 Mark 5

Jan. 27 Mark 6

Jan. 28 Mark 7

Jan. 29 Mark 8

Jan. 30 Mark 9

Jan. 31 Mark 10

Dec. 28, 2021

The hardness and arrogance of man is revealed so many times in God’s word. In numbers chapters 22 and 23, when Balak asked Balaam to curse the children of Israel, Balaam prophesied how God was going to bless and prosper Israel. Yet, instead of taking heed to what he was told, he again brought Balaam to a third place and asked him to curse Israel from there. This resulted in God revealing the prophecy of the Messianic King that would come out of Israel in the distant future.

Num 24:17-19 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (18) And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. (19) Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

This connection of a star associated with a coming king of Israel (another name for Jacob) and spoken to this Midianite ruler was probably one of those which the wise men read, of which we read in Mat. 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

These wise men were most likely from Babylon, where Daniel had prophesied of a coming king of Israel over 500 years earlier, in Dan 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (14) And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Thus Baalam prophesied of the coming Messiah about 1500 years before Christ was born

Dec. 27, 2021

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (24) And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

David knew how deceptive the flesh is. The prophet Jeremiah also knew it and wrote.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (10) I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

No matter who we are or how long and well we have known the Lord, we must never lose sight of the fact that our hearts are deceptive, and we still have the sinful nature present within us. In one sense, this fact testifies to the truth of what God has revealed to us. No matter how strongly we desire to be pleasing and honoring to our Lord, we still will have thoughts come into our minds which do not honor Him. This is a source of discouragement to any Christian and is why the Apostle Paul wrote

Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

The fact that there is that struggle deep within us between the flesh and the spirit, testifies to the reality of Christ in us. Falling down in shame before our God “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” bears witness to the new man that is born of the Spirit of God. We must not let the struggles against our flesh discourage us but rather realize that they are evidence that we are not of this world, and we seek another wherein dwelleth righteousness. Recognizing and confessing our own spiritual struggles will also help keep us from thinking too highly of ourselves.

Dec. 21, 2021

It is sad to see how much effort that has been made to exclude Jesus from Christmas. Even if people do not believe the facts around Christmas, it is still an awesome story of love and kindness. Sharing the story of a man going about delivering presents to children on Christmas eve is acceptable but talking about the origin of Christmas itself is not. why would anyone have a problem with a story about a loving God sending His own dear Son into the world in order to save mankind from sin and death and bring peace and everlasting life? Is it not strange that there would be such fear about sharing the story of the birth of a baby? Why is it considered improper to talk about the origin or the greatest holiday our nation celebrates? If it were just a story there would not be such opposition. Why would a nation or society that puts such a high value on freedom of speech seek to suppress the greatest story ever told? The answer is that there is an evil one who does not want people to know the truth. The great enemy of mankind who blinds the eyes and minds of people lest they should believe and have their understanding enlightened and become the children of a holy God. Why would anyone want to suppress the greatest message of all time?

Luke 2:10-12 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Dec. 17, 2021

1Peter 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Our adversary is devious and ruthless. He often does not attack directly or openly, but subtly and behind the scenes. He is a master of using people to accomplish his goal. This usually results in making enemies of those he uses to attack us. This gives the devil a double win by turning our hearts against them. However, those who are led by the Spirit of God will recognize that those who satan uses are mere blinded slaves. While they are and will be fully accountable for their actions, the desire of the Lord is that they be freed from satan’s power and influence. The response of a Christian to those who attack them will aid in the work of Christ (Act 26:18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Our carnal nature will want to strike out and retaliate against their wickedness, but praise God for His Spirit and for the new nature. The old nature will demand retribution and to retaliate in kind but “greater is He that is in you.” It is that new nature which will overcome the carnal and react in a way to obey and honor Christ. Who we are inside is manifested during times of adversity.

Dec. 10, 2021

Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

It is amazing how intelligent people can look at the facts of history and yet completely fail to understand and accept the reality of what they show. PBS had a special on last night about Noah, the ark and the flood. They showed how that there have been various archaeological discoveries which not only speak about a great flood, but also of a great ark which was built which saved a man and his family. There were major differences in these other writings to what the Bible says, but that is understandable. The thing that is amazing is how creative these professors were at coming up with an alternative explanation of the facts. Even though the fact is that Moses wrote the book of Genesis around 1800BC, and the Babylonian captivity did not happen till about 500BC, these “Scholars” were proposing (out of pure speculation and without any evidence) that the children of Israel “borrowed” and changed the story. Their claim was that, while in captivity in Babylon they would have heard the story of a great flood and changed it. This makes no sense at all. There would be no reason for it, because it is not about the children of Israel. They ignore the fact that the Genesis account predates the captivity by over 1200 years. This means that that they must deny the history of the Hebrew people and claim that Genesis was not written by Moses but by someone who lived after the Babylonian captivity. If that were true, those Israelites would know that the writers were lying and would not accept them as credible. It is hard to believe that the “Scholars” that were on PBS could actually believe what they were saying. Their deception is deliberate because they refuse to believe the truth. Their minds have been blinded by the wicked one and they will stand before God one day condemned and knowing that they deliberately deceived people.

Dec. 6, 2021

Psalm 34:1-3 A Psalm of David, … I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (3) O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

During this time when there is so much fear, when so many are afraid to assemble together, it is awesome to see how the Lord continues to bless and work among His People. This past Sunday we had the second highest attendance at our church since we have been there. There were no special promotions, no special programs or advertisements, just God’s people coming together to praise and worship and hear the message from His word. It is awesome to see God’s Spirit working in the hearts of His people. He has blessed me with privilege of ministering to as great an assembly of His children that I have ever known. One thing I strive for under the leading of God’s Spirit is to be an encouragement and blessing to our people. However, they have been and are more of a blessing and encouragement to me personally. It is exciting to be a part of what God is doing in our community and I look forward to how God will use Ragged Mountain Bible Church to bring the light of the Gospel to hearts that are now in darkness. Thank you for all your prayers and for the encouragement you have been to me as I serve our Lord for His glory and Kingdom.

Dec. 3, 2021

There are two very simple principles that every Child of God should know and practice. One is that the Holy Spirit NEVER leads a child of God to do or say contrary to God’s word. Every thing that we say or do ought to be according to

Romans 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (18) For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. (19) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

The second is, that if our words or actions tend to cause divisions and discord among God’s children, then they are not serving Christ and His Kingdom, but they are serving satan and his purposes.

Imagine how much greater would be the witness for Christ if each Christian made a covenant with God to consistently follow and practice the things in just these two passages. The truth is that 1 John 3 reveals the reason that many do not.

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

(The “ETH” ending on these verbs means continuos action or practicing. We all sin occasionally, but the true child of God will repent and forsake it.)

Nov. 29, 2021

One of the passages that the Lord led me to use for last year’s message on thankfulness was Gen. 3:6 – 24

As I meditated and studied this passage, the Lord impressed on my heart a reality that struck me concerning His great love and care for us.

This passage describes the first sin and the fall of man and the consequences of that sin. God then pronounces His judgment upon each of those involved. He also reveals the first reference to Christ as the seed of the woman and we see here how God made the first a sacrifice for sins. Then we see something that is truly remarkable, which I hope you will all fully grasp and that it will impact your heart as it did mine.

God would have been just if He had wiped them from the face of the Earth for their rebellion against Him and their deliberate sin. Instead we read

Verse 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

How glorious is our God? He could have said “You have done very wickedly, but I have made a way for your sins to be taken care of and have provided skins for you to be covered. Here put these on and cover your shame.”

No, He does not say or do that. Instead we read (21) Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, AND CLOTHED THEM.

Those three last words reveal a world of wonder and love. The picture we see here is that of the loving Heavenly Father, coming to the aid of His fallen children personally and individually tenderly clothing each of them. God mentions them both individually. God is a personal God and desires tender personal relationship with each of His children. When we receive Christ as our Lord and Saviour, God tenderly wraps the robe of Christ’s righteousness around us and draws us close to Himself. While the text does not say it, knowing how great and tender God’s love for His child is, I believe that as He wrapped those skins about them, He gave each one a gentle hug.

I say that because I know personally how that when I was in the depths of shame because of an offense against another, God not only forgave me, but I sensed His reassuring arms around me which lifted me up out of my shame and raised up praise in my heart for my God and His great mercy.

Nov. 28, 2021

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

This verse seems so appropriate as I look out my window and see everything covered in snow and just having celebrated the thanksgiving holiday. One of the greatest gifts God has given us is that of forgiveness. Where would we be without it? We would be lost without hope. We would be permanently separated from God with no chance of reconciliation. Even among ourselves and our family members, there would be divisions due to past offences which could never be healed. Thank you, God, for your great forgiveness of our sins. Thank you for demonstrating the reality of forgiveness by sending your own Son Jesus to the cross to die for those who have done great wickedness towards you. Thank you Father for forgiving the wayward and the unworthy and receiving us back into your loving arms.

Nov. 24, 2021

Our New Testament reading this morning included the following

James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. … 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

The tongue is probably the most powerful part of the body. It can be used to bring great joy and peace or it can be used to bring much pain and destruction. The choice is up to the possessor. This passage warns that it is “full of deadly poison.” Those who are wise will recognize this truth and take care not to use it to poison hearts and minds. The toxicity that we see evident in our nation today is clear evidence of this truth. Unfortunately this toxicity has seeped into the church as well. Those who are led by the Spirit of God will have the “wisdom that is from above” which is manifested as described in

James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Nov. 16, 2021

What an awesome treasure God has given in His word. Romans 4:3 begins with the words

“For what saith the scripture?”

Praise God for this incomparable gift!

Nov. 12, 2021 I had a conversation with someone in the medical profession who asked “How can you talk to someone who is highly intelligent and educated about faith in God?” There is a general impression in our society that somehow faith and intelligence are at two different extremes. However, this is a relatively new idea and nothing could be further from the truth. All of the major scientific discoveries and ideas that form our basis for understanding the creation around us were made by people who realized that God is and that He is the one that created the universe and all that there is in it. Copernicus, Galileo, Bohr, Newton, Einstein and Planck are perhaps the best known. This is not to say that they were all Christians, but they did all recognize that there was a great Designer. In fact, it was the belief that the world was created by God and that He was a God of order, that led to the abandonment of the idea that the things that were observed were just haphazard chance. It was the belief that things observed were following some specific rule or law that led to the discovery of the principles describing things like the movement of the planets, or the makeup of matter.

However, while observing the wonder of the order of God’s universe can bring admiration and appreciation of the heart of the believer, no one has ever been saved through argument. Argument can explain the facts seen, but salvation is always a matter of hearing and believing the word of truth through faith and the supernatural working of God’s Spirit in the heart of the individual. Someone once said “Wise men still seek Him”

Romans 10:16-17 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Nov. 5, 2021 Today’s New Testament reading included

2Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

It is interesting how God, through the Holy Spirit repeats the same warnings or gives the same instruction in different ways throughout His word, if we are paying attention and allowing His Spirit to speak to our heart.

The context of this verse is the Apostle Paul writing specifically to the Christians in the city of Thessalonica. However, God is always just. He loves every one of His children with a love that is beyond the greatest we could ever imagine. We can identify in a small way, the indignation and anger that fills His heart when He sees anyone causing trouble for His dear child. Thus, He will recompense tribulation upon them. We must always take care that we are not that one who is the object of His anger. This can happen if we are upset with a brother or sister in Christ. It is sad to see so many failing to understand or taking heed to what God tells us in His word. How many times do those who claim to know Jesus as their Lord, act contrary to what His word says? There is an old Sunday school song that says “You can talk about me all that you please. I’ll talk about you down on my knees.” If we strike out to hurt or cause trouble for someone with our words or actions, God will take notice and He will act. It is important to recognize that even the bad things that happen to us are things that God has allowed for His purpose in our lives. We will either respond in the flesh or respond according to His word. One leads to tribulations the other to blessings. God always honors and blesses those who honor Him.

This is a practical application of the command that Jesus gives to us.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Nov. 3, 2021

A pastor friend was bemoaning how some pastors seem more interested in fleecing the sheep than they are feeding the sheep. Unfortunately, that is far too common and even the unsaved recognize this.

It is interesting how many ministries fall back into the same type of thinking that was prevalent in the days when Jesus was on the Earth. Then, righteousness was all about appearances. As long as you appeared righteous you were in good standing with the religious leaders. However, the Bible tells us that God looks upon the heart. Real Christians do what they do because it comes from their heart. False or carnal Christians do what they do to impress men. To many pastors and church leaders, what “they” see in the “offering” plate determines how spiritual the person is. This reveals the carnal hearts of these individuals, for Jesus said the things we do should not be for show.

Mat 6:3-4 But when thou doest alms (giving), let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms (giving) may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

It may seem unimaginable, but some pastors actually encourage their congregations not to do this. There are all kinds of schemes which have been devised in which members are to sign up and declare what they are giving. No where in God’s word is that taught and it goes against what God does say. They seem totally ignorant (perhaps deliberately) of what Jesus said.

Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men:…

As might be expected, these kinds of activities lead to other spiritual problems. Pastors tend to promote those who give more and overlook other things which might not be right in the person’s life. Those involved in keeping the giving records tend to judge the members based on the dollar amounts they see. This can, and has, often led to divisions amongst members within the church. Knowing how much they think someone is giving will always influence their attitude and actions towards their member. Those members who follow what Jesus says about giving in secret may well find themselves held in low esteem in the eyes of the leadership of such ministries. It is amazing and troubling that Jesus warned against these things, yet many churches condone and encourage them. Then we wonder why churches seem to be struggling spiritually.

A pastor’s responsibility is to preach and teach the word faithfully and to trust that the Lord will work through His Spirit working in the hearts of the hearers. If they do that, the results are in the Lord’s hands and He always blesses faithfulness. Praise God for those pastor’s who depend on the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of His people and not on schemes and gimmicks to coerce or shame people into doing the things they want. The offerings in the churches of faithful pastors may not be as high, but their rewards will be much greater.

Nov. 2, 2021

The following passage is from our reading for today as we read through the New Testament this second half of the year.

These are not hypothetical things. Do we demonstrate these things to all, or to just some? Every child of God is the elect of God and are holy and beloved. These things should be a part of every Christian as a result of being born of the Spirit of God. It would do well for all who claim to be a child of God to consider each of these things carefully and ask the question “If I were to ask those who know me to give 1 point for each of these as they relate to me, what score would I get? Then ask themselves “If I know of someone who would not give a point in any one of these, why is that? We will be looking at the answer to that question in this Sunday’s message at Ragged Mountain Bible Church.

Oct. 29, 2021

Eph 4:29-32 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Oh, that every Christian would set these words before their eyes every morning. That they might take a few moments each day to meditate upon them. These are such easy things to understand yet too often neglected. That they might realize that to neglect them is to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Oh, that each would set their minds to speak only “that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Oct. 12, 2021

When I woke up this morning, the first words I prayed were “Father, I am such a mess.” It seems like so many times, I do not know what is the right thing to do in a situation. Even though I have been through many trials and have learned much by them, and many situations that I needed the Lord to help guide me, yet it seems like there is always a new one that comes along that I need to seek the Lord’s will. As a pastor and a Christian for many years, I would like to think that I have learned enough to handle most situations. It is humbling to know that I am still totally dependent upon my Lord for His guidance. That is probably why the Lord allows me to be in situations that I do not know how to solve. When we think we can handle a situation on our own, that is a dangerous time. I am reminded of Joshua when they were going up against AI, or when the Gibeonites came and pretended they were from a far country in Joshua chapter 9. Joshua was far more wiser, spiritual and had far more faith than I do, yet he failed to seek God’s guidance in both situations and the results were not good. We are the most vulnerable and likely to fail when we think WE can handle things and do not take the time to humbling seek and ask God to show us what HIS will is.

Pro 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes:

Oct. 9, 2021

1Co 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

This is quite an indictment against these Corinthian believers. Paul declares that these church members were not spiritual but carnal. The evidence he presents is that “there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men.”

It is never God’s will that there be divisions among His church. Paul had said earlier in

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together

The natural tendency of our carnal nature is to think of ourselves better than others. This always leads to “envying, and strife, and divisions.” As a part of that also is the tendency to set ourselves up as judges even though God’s word tells us that there is only one judge. None of us has any moral authority to judge for we are ALL condemned as sinners. Rather, the Apostle Paul tells us in

Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

That is where the Holy Spirit would have us to focus towards others. Those who are not knit together in love for their brothers and sisters in Christ are missing out those riches. Rather than criticizing and finding fault we ought to be thankful for one another and praying for God’s leading, protection and blessing upon them.

Psa 133:1 … Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Oct. 8, 2021

There are numerous ways in which we can study and explore God’s word. One of those is through word studies. By comparing how the word is used in different passages it helps in understanding of what is meant. For example,

Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) 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.

Notice that the word power is found in Jn.1:12 and Isa. 40:29. In both cases it is talking about how God gives power to those who have none. In Jn. 1:12 it is the power that God gives to us to become a child of God. This idea is also brought out by Paul in Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. We see this same idea in Isa. 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. We have no might to save ourselves.

There are numerous other examples where we the need God’s power such as when Jesus tells His disciples in Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Not only does it take the power of God in the miracle of the new birth but also, we need the power of Jesus in sharing the Gospel. Often, if we try doing it in our own power it does not go well and we can get discouraged.

I believe it is significant that these word connections for “power” in the King James Translation of the Bible and in the original languages from which it was translated is missing in almost all of the modern English versions. No other versions such as NASV, NIV, ESV have preserved it except the MET. All of them substitute the word “Authority” in both John 1:12 and Matthew 28:18. Thus they do not convey the need for God to enable us both to be saved and to be His witness. Two other places where it is very clear that same word for power in the original Greek is used are

Revelation 9:3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Revelation 9:19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

It should be clear in these verses that the word ἐξουσία exousia means power in the sense of ability, enablement, or empowerment.

Oct. 6, 2021

Our New Testament reading this morning was Romans 15 and 16.

Rom 15:5-7 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (6) That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

We see in these words Paul’s continued emphasis on how Christians should be treating one another. Notice he says “the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus” Why would this be something that God through the Holy Spirit, want us to note? It would seem obvious that Christians, because of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them, would naturally be like minded towards each other. Yet here it says “the God of patience and consolation grant you” That word translated patience also means cheerful endurance. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ will not be as mature as those who have been walking and growing in the Lord for many years. Yet our attitude towards them should not be distain or disgust. Lord willing they will grow in their understanding and relationship with our common Lord just as we have. Yet our pride can make us believe that we are better than they, when the reality is that they are just at a different stage in their walk with the Lord. It does not mean that they are less dedicated or do not love the Lord just as much if not more than we. Therefore God tells us, and His Spirit should be leading us, to have an attitude of cheerful endurance towards them.

The other word that is used here is consolation, which means to comfort or encourage. Just as God’s attitude towards us is one of cheerful endurance and He seeks to comfort and encourage us, we are to be doing the same towards EVERY ONE of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This will be true if we have the Spirit of Christ in us. God emphasizes the reason why we should do this back in

Rom 15:2-3 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (3) For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Oct. 3, 2021

About a month ago I shared how my heart was moved to help a brother in Christ who had a financial need. I wanted to send him some money but then I learned that my car needed repairs estimated to cost about $300. Knowing how my Lord works and answers prayers, as my dear pastor friend Roger Margerison recently mentioned, and knowing how His heart is moved when our hearts are moved to help others, I also shared how I believed that the Lord would somehow provide enough money for me to send to help His servant. Praise God He answers prayers as my dear pastor friend Roger Margerison mentioned recently. God often does more than we ask. The Lord just blessed me by providing enough money to send $500 to help that brother, which was more than I originally had in mind. In addition, it was also enough to completely cover the cost of the repairs to my own car. I normally would not reveal the actual amounts involved, but that is an unusually large amount of money to suddenly come in.

Eph 3:14-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Sept. 30, 2021

Matthew 21:28-30 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. (29) He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (30) And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

There is a lesson here which I believe is often overlooked. The first son told his father that he would not do what he said. However, notice that the father did not respond in any way to him for his refusal. The father could have immediately dealt with his son’s refusal, but he chose not to. We tend to be quick to react when people do not do what they should. Sometimes we should give people time to think about their response and give them the opportunity to change their minds on their own. If we force or coerce someone into doing something, it can, and often does, result in resentment. However, if we give them time to change their minds after they have thought it over, it can result in appreciation and respect. While some situations require immediate action, there are many others that do not. The Lord Jesus was using this as an illustration of how God deals with sinners. We should all be thankful for the patience God shows towards us and be ready to show that same patience towards others.

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Sept. 27, 2021

I want to thank all those who sent or said remarks to encourage me after my last post. That was not the purpose of my post but you certainly blessed my heart. I could also tell that there were a lot of prayers to God on my behalf. I felt the best I have since my heart surgery and seemed to have more energy during our Sunday morning service. Seems like it was an example of

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: …

Someone asked me privately of whom specifically were the ones I was referring. However I have not and would not do that. Whenever a brother or sister is doing or speaking against us it is because they have been deceived by the devil. He is a master at using our carnal nature to incite us against a brother or sister. I praise God for the wisdom He has given me by His grace to realize this. I have seen in the past where those who were at odds with each other later were reconciled by God’s grace. If we speak out and disgrace or discredit another, it will make it far more difficult for reconciliation to take place and even afterward there could easily linger hard some hard feelings and resentment. How very wise is our Lord when He instruct us in His word in

2Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

That should and must be the desire of our hearts for it will please our Lord; defeat satan’s purpose; and be to the glory of our Lord.

Sept. 24, 2021

Standing for and speaking the truth can feel pretty lonely at times. It seems like the devil is focused on those who are actively serving the Lord. He is constantly on the attack to discredit and discourage those who are faithfully preaching and teaching God’s word. I must admit I have been feeling a little battle weary these last couple of days. It can be very discouraging to see the hardness of “Christians” and to endure the attacks from an unfaithful and unwise “brother” or “sister”. I am more than ready to go home to my precious Lord, but God is not finished with me yet. He still has more for me to do. As hard as it sometimes is to serve Him and be faithful to Him, there is no alternative. There is no other way for joy, peace and true fulfillment and satisfaction. It is specifically for times when we might be feeling a little discouraged that Jesus said

Mat 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

There are those who would like to shut me up, have me quit the ministry, and wish that I would just go away, but that is not what God wants and it is not what He has anointed and ordained me to do. Those who have sought and seek to discourage and discredit me in the eyes of others will one day soon stand disgraced and ashamed before my God. We will never be ashamed of being an encouragement to others and showing kindness, grace and mercy, but woe to us if we seek to discourage, discredit or shame those who are seeking to serve God.

Sept. 15, 2021

Lev. 4:13 – 20 is talking about a sin offering. The animal was to be put to death with blood applied to the horns of the altar and the rest of the blood poured out at the foot of the altar. In the New Testament we read that the wages of sin is death and that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.

As I read and meditated upon this passage, two thoughts came to me. One was that all the blood was poured out at the foot of the altar indicating that it was a complete sacrifice with nothing withheld. The whole life force was poured out with nothing held back. I believe this symbolizes that that animal which bore the sins of the people had to be completely destroyed with no drop of it withheld. When we confess our sins it must be completely and not half hearted. Our whole heart must be involved.

The second thing that struck me was how easy it was for the sin to be completely cleansed. Once the sacrifice was made, they were completed cleansed of it. They did not have to bear the punishment of their sins themselves. Nor did they have to endure suffering or pain for their sin. The total punishment fell upon the sacrifice. Their relationship with God was completely restored and they could be totally confident that they stood in perfect fellowship with the most Holy God. So often I feel so totally unworthy to have a personal relationship with the all righteous God of Heaven. I must remind myself that my relationship is not based upon my good works but upon the Sacrifice that Jesus made on my behalf. The wrath of the Holy and Righteous God towards my sin, was poured out, not on me, but upon Jesus. Thus I can say as Mary did Luke 1:46-47 … My soul doth magnify the Lord, (47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

The only sacrifices I can make are those described in Ps. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

As I meditated further upon the passage from yesterday in John 21:15-17, I was impressed by today’s reading of Acts chapter 1, where the Lord begins to mightily use Peter as a leader, even after Peter’s public denial of being a follower of Jesus. I thought how this exposes the wrong ideas of those who sadly do not understand how our Lord works in the lives of His people. Even among some “Fundamental” preachers and teachers, they teach that once a Christian sins, God cannot use them as He once did. However, both David in the Old Testament and Peter in the New Testament are clear examples of how this thinking and teaching is false (also the detailed teaching in passages like Galatians 6). They unknowingly are teaching falsehood. While some may honestly misunderstand what the Bible teaches, there are others, who are so filled with religious pride and are focused on how “Good” and “Righteous” they are compared to others, that they could never see the error of their thinking. In fact, they cannot help themselves from “sharing” the sins of others, because it feeds their own pride. Thus they also have a tendency to backbite against others, especially those that the Lord is actively using, which only serves satan and his purposes. The ones God cannot use are those like king Saul who made excuses for his sin and was more concerned about his own position than truly repenting as David did. I pray that our Lord might help those caught up in error to understand the marvelous grace God shows towards us, and that we ALL sin and we ALL need God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Sept. 6, 2021

The following passage is part of our reading for today as we are reading through the New Testament this second half of the year.

John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Our Lord always has a reason for everything He does. Sometimes the reason is obvious but often the reason only becomes clear as we read and meditate upon His word. Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times? Recall that it is recorded that Peter denied the Lord three times on the night of our Lord’s betrayal. I believe that our loving Lord was giving Peter the opportunity to declare clearly three times “Lord thou knowest that I love thee”. Jesus knew that these words and this testimony from Peter would be recorded and preserved throughout history. Our loving Lord knows that we may mess up at times and our faith may fail temporarily. While we can never undo the wrong we have done, our loving and gracious Lord gives us opportunities to repent and to demonstrate our love and devotion to Him.

August 27, 2021 The text that the Lord has laid on my heart to preach about this coming Sunday is Galatians 6:1 – 10. I thought I would be preaching on the seeds that we are sowing which the Lord speaks on in verse 8. Thus I had a title selected that reflected on that. However, As I have been praying and studying the passage, there are some other truths in the preceding verses that I believe the Lord would have us consider before we get to that one. In the preceding verses God is dealing and instructing us in how to handle the situation when we become aware that a brother or sister has been “overtaken in a fault” We will look at what that phrase means, how to approach the erring one, and pitfalls to watch out for. The title of the sermon for this Sunday is “Beware of The Misguided”. It addresses an all too prevalent problem in churches and among God’s people.

August 23, 2021

I woke up one morning with the words “for we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus” going through my mind. As I lay there, the Lord blessed me with the truth and reality of those words. Even before I was born, God had formed me in my mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13 – 18) as a vessel for Him to dwell in. He had a purpose for me which He had planned even before He had created the Heavens and the Earth (Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:) God perfectly forms and prepares each of us as chosen vessels to fulfill the functions He has for us within His body and in the world according to His will and for His glory. This was part of the message God had me share yesterday. As we go through this life, we will stumble and fall, but His purpose and will for us never changes. Our life and purpose in this world are not our own. 1Co 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

This started me thinking of others I have known. Sometimes a child of God may feel like God cannot use them because of some sin they had committed. Unfortunately, Satan (as the accuser of the brethren) will often use self – righteous and misguided individuals to reinforce this believe. (Sadly, I also had been guilty of this in the past to some extent.) However, the truth is that “all have sinned”, that NONE of us “deserves” to serve God in the way He has chosen for us. This is why Paul writes II Cor. 2:6-11. The idea is to bring such a one back into the full fellowship and function in the church. It is the same idea behind Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep and the lost penny. The purpose is not merely the possession of them but the restoration of them for their original purpose. This is what Paul writes to Philemon concerning Onesimus. The fact is that those who have fallen and been restored will often have a greater sense of God’s grace, a greater thankfulness for God’s mercy and a greater love for Him as Jesus teaches us in Luke 7:39-43. May God give each of us the wisdom, the grace and the love to treat our fellow Christians as our Lord does and to be truly thankful and appreciative for them and for their service for our Lord.

August 21, 2021

A friend asked a thoughtful Bible question the other day that I had never been asked before. Perhaps there are others who have had a similar question. It is always a blessing to be asked questions from the Bible because it means the person asking them is not just mechanically reading their Bible but are really thinking about what they are reading. Here is what they said.

Hey Bill, hope you don’t mind me asking but I thought of you this morning when I was doing my Bible study and reading Matthew 8. I’ve never understood why Jesus allowed all those hogs to die. It doesn’t make sense. Not only were the animals guiltless, but the herdsman just lost all his income. I’m certainly not questioning Jesus’ wisdom but I’ve never been able to figure this part out. Any thoughts?

My response was as follows.

I have never been asked that question before, nor have I ever seen a comment about it, but it is a good one. Here are a couple of thoughts about it. I have thought about and spoken about what Jesus did with the demons, but first about the hogs.

These hogs were not being raised as pets. They were being raised by Jews to be sold and slaughtered for food. In fact, the text implies that these swine were the enterprise of the whole city. Remember God told the Israelites that there were some animals that they were to consider unclean and unfit to eat. These Jews had no business raising swine, they should have been raising sheep or goats or some other clean animal that God told them they could have.

The demons know what their future will be and that they fully deserve it for their wickedness and the pain and suffering they delight to bring upon people and their deliberate deception of those who believe not the Gospel. They will be cast into the lake of fire where their leader satan will be thrown one day, as we are told in

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

This is why the devils said “art thou come to torment us before the time?” The devils are so evtl that they are bent on deceiving and helping to bring as many souls as possible to join them in that place of torment. Yet, instead of casting them into the deep, which is a reference to that place of torment, Jesus grants them their request to be cast into the swine. I believe there are at least several reasons why Jesus did this. First, they were right in saying it was not their time to be cast into the Lake of Fire. Second, it shows how merciful Jesus is, even to the point of allowing a short respite for even these totally wicked devils. Thirdly, it was also a rebuke to those Jews who were raising the swine. Another thought is that it seems appropriate that these unclean spirits should be cast into unclean animals.

It may be helpful also to read the parallel passage in Luke 8:26-39.

These are just my thoughts, but I hope they are helpful.

Another thought that I have shared in the past is, if Jesus showed mercy and granted the request of these wicked devils when they humbled themselves and made their request, how much more will He hear our requests when we humble ourselves before Him?

August 18, 2021

The word cattle be-hay-maw’ refers especially to large quadrupeds, that is cattle. It is different from the word translated beast which is khah’ee which refers to living things in general.

Thus the serpent was a quadruped, that is, it had four legs before the curse.

The word for serpent is naw-khawsh’; a snake or serpent. It is derived from naw-khash’ which is a verb which means to hiss, or to whisper.

Thus the prominent characteristic of the serpent, even before the curse was to hiss or whisper. I find it interesting that the word whisper or whisperer is only used thrice in the Bible.

Psa. 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Pro.16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

It is disturbing that so many who name the name of Jesus, so often behave as serpents. May we ever be on guard against becoming a serpent.

August 14, 2021 Pastor’s note for August 14, 2021

My memory passage for meditating upon and studying this week is 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

This is the passage the Lord used when He called me into the ministry. There are powerful and sobering truths contained in this verse and I will be expounding upon them as part of the message this Sunday at Ragged Mountain Bible Church.

We will be meeting downstairs at 9:30AM this week at the Danbury Community Center. All are welcomed to join us in worshipping our Lord and to hear His word. As always, your prayers are welcomed for God’s leading and blessing in the service.

July 7, 2021

Part of my Old Testament reading the other day was Isaiah 19. I could not help but see how similar God’s pronouncement about Egypt fit so appropriately to what is happening in America. Look what happens when America is used in place of “Egypt”.

Isa 19:1-4 The burden of America. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into America: and the idols of America shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of America shall melt in the midst of it. (2) And I will set the Americans against the Americans: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. (3) And the spirit of America shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. (4) And the Americans will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

It is scary to see how America has turned from supporting Israel and is now supporting those who want to destroy Israel as a nation. While God has used other countries to rebuke Israel for her turning away from Him, it never ends well for those nations. His promises to Abraham and to Israel remain.

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

June 16, 2021

Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

What an awesomely wonderful reality “golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” Think about that. We normally think of praying as talking with God which is wonderful in itself. However, this verse tells us it is even more than that. If my understanding is correct, somehow our prayers are collectable and stored in golden vials and released as sweet odors of incense before the very throne of God. This thought ought to inspire us in our prayers to God, that they may be of the highest quality and include the sweetest praise for our God. God in His infinite knowledge is also aware of who is the source of each sweet odor that comes up before Him when they are released. Oh Lord, let my prayers be filled with sweet praises of you and true thankfulness for all you have done and let the magnitude of them be many.

Psalm 141:2-3 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (3) Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

June 5, 2021

This morning’s note will only be on a small portion of this passage. However, there is much good to consider here and I wanted it to be read in the context in order that we might see how it all ties together.

My comment this morning is on verse 12 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

There is both a blessing and a curse in this verse.

The promise is “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” Over and over again God has shown Himself to be faithful to this. I praise God every day for the many ways He has blessed and continues to bless, and the many prayers He has answered. Answered prayers in itself is a double blessing. In addition to the blessing of the answer to our specific prayer, our hearts are encouraged to pray even more as we experience personally, the God of creation working explicitly in our lives,

However, the condition to this promise is found in verses 8 – 11. So it would do well to review those things that we might examine our own lives and actions and repent and make corrections to those areas in which we have fallen down. If just one of those things is not true in our life, then we fail to meet the condition for the promise to apply.

May 24, 2021

My memory passage for this week is

Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

In this passage the apostle Paul is reminding us of the great wonder of what God has done for all mankind. God did not take on the form of an angel because that would not allow Him to accomplish His purpose to save all mankind. In order to take the place of man to make the payment for man’s sin, He had to become a man. It was man who sinned, and it required a man to die and pay for sin. Because every man sins (Romans 3:23), their death is required for their own sin (Romans 6:23). Christ Jesus is the only man who has ever lived who has never sinned (Hebrews 4:15) yet He was put to death on the cross even though He was declared to be innocent of any crime (John 19:4). God tells us plainly that Jesus died to pay for sins (Romans 5:8). Thus all anyone needs to do is to repent (Matthew 4:17) of their sin and receive Jesus (Romans 10:13) as their Lord (1 Corinthians 1:2) and Saviour (II Timothy 1:10).

May 21, 2021

In his book, “Gems From Solomon” Dr. Ron Surels states “Love is not just emotion – it is first and foremost, a cognitive mental attitude. Because it is cognitive, it can be commanded – which is what Jesus stated…”

This is an excellent point that is missed by so many. When we hear the word Love, we usually think of the emotion, however, the love emotion is a response, (as Dr. Surels also points out), as well as every emotion. He says “Emotions … are responders to what cognition (knowledge) teaches them.” This is one reason why it is so important to be a student of God’s word. The more we know about God and all He has done, is doing and will do, the more we understand how glorious and wonderful He is.

People sometimes say “I want to love God more.”, or “I wish I loved God more.” One important way to achieve that is to read and study His word more. I believe this is one reason why God told the Israelites to continuously rehearse and relate to their children what He had done for them. The same is true for each one of us. If we want to draw closer to God, one thing that will help us is to make a habit of thinking about all the ways God has blessed us and those that are close to us.

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

May 20, 2021

I have been reading through the Song of Solomon in my Old Testament reading. While the following is not an interpretation, as I meditate upon it, I believe it is an appropriate application of what is said in this verse.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Who or what are “the little foxes, that spoil the vines”

Jesus said (John 15:5) 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.

Keil and Lelitzsch say “the little foxes, which might destroy these united vineyards, point to all the great and little enemies and adverse circumstances which threaten to gnaw and destroy love in the blossom”

I would state it a little differently. The little foxes point to all the great and little enemies and adverse circumstances which threaten to gnaw and destroy the love for Christ or for His branches. These would include false teachings which undermine the foundations. They would include the “little sins” which a Christian might allow in their lives and which hinder Christ’s power upon them. They would include rumors and gossip against other branches which would spoil our love and devotion towards one another. They might also include those things which others might do or say with which we might disagree or even consider inappropriate. There are vast differences in the way various churches worship and serve the Lord, but this does not mean that they are not true branches of the same vine.

Lord help us to be focused on “the little foxes” in our own lives that we might serve you acceptably this day.

May 19, 2021

In Exodus 32, Moses interceded for the Israelites. God was furious with the children of Israel for their wickedness and He said to Moses 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation” Yet, what did Moses do? He interceded on their behalf and in Exo 32:14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Think about that. God is furious and He says to Moses Leave me alone. If it had been me in Moses place, and I was standing before a furious God and He said “leave me alone” I do not believe that I would have stayed around another second. I would have said “Yes Lord” and vacated as fast I as could.

But Moses knew God. The Bible tells us that “the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Imagine having that kind of relationship with God.

Now think about the fact that God is infinite in power and knowledge, so why do we read that God changed His mind because of Moses’ intercession? I believe God did this and recorded it for us in order to encourage us to pray believing that our prayers can make a difference even when things look hopeless.

The knowledge, that God could be persuaded to change His announced intentions, coupled with our understanding of God’s character should have a profound effect upon our prayer life.

Another example that should encourage us is found where Jacob wrestled with the angel in

Gen 32:27-28 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. (28) And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

These examples are there for our learning. God has much for us if we will believe Him and put our trust in Him as a God who answers prayer.

May 15, 2021

We need to view our brothers and sisters who have sinned against us, not as merely sinners saved by grace, but as those whom God has specially chosen to be His very own children. He loves them dearly, and although they may still sin occasionally(as we also), He desires to use them mightily for His glory. Satan, on the other hand, desires to use their sin against us as a wedge to divide us and hinder God’s work. Let us cast out all things that would divide us and (Col 3:12-14) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

May our thoughts, actions and desires towards them reflect this end for God’s glory.

May 6, 2021

As I was reading through the New Testament again, the reading was Galatians 5 and 6. Today’s note is a repeat from the one I wrote last year on this passage, but one I believe the Lord would have me share again.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

I know there are some who hold a different view on this topic and I would welcome, as always, any questions or comments.

April 29, 2021

Notice that the verse says that the devil “hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” It is no accident that the unsaved cannot see the truth of the Gospel. It is not because it is too difficult to understand or that it is not logical. It takes blind faith to believe that the perfect order of the creation that surrounds us just happened. It takes blind faith to believe that all the matter and energy in the universe just suddenly came into existence without anyone creating them. It takes blind faith that the wonder of our human body with all its organs and systems and its ability to heal itself, just evolved from lifeless matter without someone designing those systems and to work the way they do. There are 2932 carbon atoms, 4724 nitrogen atoms, 828 hydrogen atoms, 840 oxygen atoms, 8 sulfur atoms and 4 iron atoms in just one hemoglobin molecule. The number of possible three-dimensional arrangements of those 9336 atoms is beyond the capacity of all the computers in the world to calculate, it is so large. The probability for them coming together in the right arrangement to form just one molecule by chance is zero. Yet there are approximately 280 million molecules of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Any reasonable person would admit that those 9336 atoms just don’t combine in that arrangement by chance, they are deliberately arranged that way and they do it billions of times in each body. This testifies to the fact that there is an active enemy blinding the minds “of those that believe not.”

The command that Jesus gave the Apostle Paul when He saved him is applicable for each of those whom Jesus has shown the grace to save

April 28, 2021

My memory passage for this week is:

if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: – From a natural standpoint, there are few things scarier than being lost. This is also true in the spiritual realm, but what is even more scary is that those who are lost spiritually, usually do not even realize that they are lost. For those who know Christ, and enjoy the sweet fellowship, peace, and comfort of that personal relationship, it may be easy for us to forget that if it were not for God’s great mercy and grace, we would be just as lost and ignorant as anyone else. It is easy to focus on the sinful things that people do and the foolish attitudes and ideas that lost people have and espouse. We can and do often become extremely upset with them. However, they are us without Christ. There would be absolutely no difference between them and us if it were not for the miracle of salvation which God worked in us and on our behalf. Keeping this in mind should help us in our attitude towards them. They believe that they are going in a right direction. They believe that the path they are on is the best one for them. God’s word tells us

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

They do not know what lies ahead. They have no way of knowing where that path will end. Rather than merely getting upset with them and their actions or ideas and thinking “Just wait, they will get what’s coming to them in the end.”, we ought to have compassion on them and be praying that God would do for them what He did for us. Do we have that heart of compassion? Are we seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for opportunities to be an instrument by which the Gospel might be revealed to them?

God can use many things. It may be an invitation to church, or a Gospel tract or an act of unexpected or undeserved kindness.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

April 23, 2021

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

It is easy for us to overlook some important detail when reading God’s word. It is often only when we take the time to meditate upon a passage that the significance of a certain word or truth comes to light. This passage says, “Every word of God is pure.” There are no extraneous words in God’s word. Each one is there for a purpose. I sometimes will consider what the passage might be if all seemingly “redundant” or “extra” words were left out. Verse 6 says “he is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” Why does it not simply say “He is a shield unto them that trust Him.”? The words “that put” and “in” speak of a deliberate action and a definite object of that action. The Hebrew word that God uses here, comes from a word which means “to flee for protection” and carries the idea of actively putting one’s confidence in. It is easy to say that we trust in God, but is that the reality when trials come? Faith and trust are only seen when they are put into action. We may complain about the trials that come into our lives, but we should realize that there is no need to flee when there is no danger. God sends or allows trials many times, in order that we have the opportunity to put our faith in action.

April 21, 2021

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him – there are not two independent thoughts in this verse. It is always important to consider the whole thought of what is said. What is it that the Lord is trying to impress upon us in this verse? The second half of the sentence should be understood in light of what is said in the first half. “He is a shield” – a shield offers protection and is used for defense. Notice the condition that is required in order for the shield to be effective “unto them that put their trust in him.” Putting their trust in Him speaks of having faith in Him, that is believing in what He has said. This should remind us of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian Christians

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Notice the importance that Paul places on faith. He said “above all”. Without faith there is no defense, and the heart is without protection. Without faith there is no quenching of those firing darts which the wicked are constantly attacking. Knowing that every word of God is pure assures us that we can trust it completely, no matter what the circumstances or appearances. There can be full confidence in all the promises God has given. In fact, the Bible says

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

‘every word of God is pure” means that we can fully trust the accuracy and the truthfulness of it, and “He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” tells how believing that word is the means by which that protection is employed and made effective.

There is a vital connection between the word of God and faith, as the word tells us

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I believe that this means that the more we expose ourselves and immerse ourselves in the word of God, not only to understand it but to conform to it, the stronger will be our faith. Thus God tells us

Joshua 1:8-9 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (9) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

April 20, 2021

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

“Every word of God is pure” means that God has spoken and that He intends for all to know and have complete confidence in what He has said. The very first words that we read in the Bible tell us

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

He then reveals His special relationship and plan for man but how man fell from that initial state of innocence. Yet God created each of us for a personal relationship with Himself and the whole theme of the Bible is about restoring people to that right relationship. The Bible is God’s revelation that we might know both how to have that right relationship with Him and His motive for it. His word says

1John 4:13-16 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. (14) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (15) Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (16) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

People may accept or reject the truth of what God has said but they cannot deny the reality that He has revealed His truth through His word. Not only did God give us His word through His prophets, but He also personally delivered it to us by sending His own Son into the world to speak them to us.

John 12:48-50 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (49) For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (50) And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Note also the revelation of what each one will face one day “the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” That is a reality that God, in His mercy has revealed to us that we might take heed and be prepared.

John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

April 19, 2021

My memory passage for this week is

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

“Every word of God is pure” – it is an awesome thought to know that the God of all, the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator, has given us His words through special revelation.

2Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as

they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The word translated “Moved” here carries the idea of being carried or driven as a ship being carried by a wave or driven by a wind along a specific course. The words which the prophets wrote were exactly those which the Holy Ghost moved them to write. Thus, although it were the prophets that physically wrote them down, they were and are, as Jesus says in

Matthew 4:4 .., Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

As we read the Bible daily, do we fully comprehend the significance of this truth? They are the very words which God has spoken. They are the specific words which God has spoken to and for each and every person. Thus it would do each one well to consider, why has the great God of creation spoken these words to me? What is it that He wants me to know or be reminded of today?

April 17, 2021

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

God knows and warns us how destructive our tongue can be.

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

It is amazing and dismaying at how effectively satan can use the tongue to destroy harmony among people and cause divisions among even the closest of relationships. It is sad that it makes no difference how strong the character or dedicated an individual is to the Lord, or how greatly God is using them and working in the person’s life. All it takes is for satan to get a hold of one person’s heart to deceive them into backbiting and talebearing. Then human nature takes over and even some of the most dedicated Christians will fall into satan’s trap. Instead of recognizing the spiritual attack that is taking place, some will even contribute to it. Before the attack there is unity, harmony, support, peace and good affection among those involved. After satan has done his work there will be disunity, bitterness, suspicion, mistrust, anger and hard feelings.

As long as we are in this world, offenses are going to happen. God, in His wisdom and mercy has given us clear instructions on how to deal with them properly. When done right, the result will be reconciliation and restoration. God’s instructions for dealing with a fellow Christian who has offended us are simple.

Pray that God would give wisdom in what to say and how to say it.
Prepare the heart to forgive, knowing that we also are sinners in need of forgiveness.
Recognize the great grace and mercy that God has shown towards us and that it is His desire that we do the same towards others.
Understand that the goal of meeting with the person is reconciliation and restored fellowship.
Realize that they are a child of God. They are someone who is dear to the heart of God and someone He has specifically chosen and gifted to serve Him.

When handled according to God’s will, the relationship can often be stronger and better than before. If they know that we have not been backbiting against them, then they will know that we are a true brother or sister in Christ. This will also help them to be more open and respond in a right way. They will tend to feel indebted to us knowing that they do not deserve the respect and kindness we have shown them in spite of their offense. However, if we have been revealing and complaining to others about them, then true reconciliation CANNOT and WILL NOT happen even if they still repent for the offense. We might get some satisfaction if they repent, but that will only please our flesh. There will not be that peace in our heart knowing that we have honored God and His word, for we will know that we have allowed our own hurt pride to cause us to sin against God and our offender. God’s way is the only way for true success. If we allow our hurt feelings to rule, the end result will never be spiritually satisfying, nor will it bring back true harmony among the family of God. There will be divisions among God’s people that will last a lifetime. This is exactly what satan intended. In every offense there is both an opportunity and a danger. We can see it as an opportunity to honor God by refusing to give in to our carnal nature and do as Job said (Job 23:11) My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

The other choice is to give in to our hurt pride and ignore the truth of

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

April 15, 2021

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Some additional thought that the Lord has impressed upon my heart as I continue to memorize and meditate upon this passage this week.

I have been accused on occasion of being mean, but I believe that is an unfounded charge. I do and have spoken out strongly against sin and sinful attitudes, without respect of persons, but I try to do it in such a way that the person might see and understand the wickedness of it for themselves. If I have an accusation against an individual, I always try to talk to them in person and never expose their identity without doing so first. This comes from a heart’s attitude of love and respect for all my brothers and sisters and the realization that I am just as big a sinner as anyone else. Even more importantly, it is because it is what God tells us in His word. Anytime a person is spreading gossip or talebearing against another they are sinning against God, against that person and against their own soul as well. There is a deception that I fear too many have bought into. It is the thinking that since Jesus has paid for all their sins, then there will be no eternal consequences for their sins against others. We should all realize that none of us can outsmart or outwit God. He has revealed to us that the problems and harm that we cause others will result in far more damage for ourselves. If we really want to be smart, then we should know and trust that what God says is true. Our best course and attitude are to, not only, avoid doing anything that will do harm or cause trouble toward anyone, but seek earnestly to be a help and a blessing towards all.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

April 14, 2021

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

What verse 9 is saying may not be clear to some. It has to do when there is a conflict between two people, in which one person believes that the other has done something wrong. The instruction is to go to the person themself and discuss it with them and not discuss it with anyone else. The idea is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 18:25 where if a person believes that someone has sinned against them, then they are to go to that person alone and in private to discuss it with them with the hope of reconciling the difference between them.

Verse 10 tells what and should happen if a person does talk to another instead of the person with whom they have the conflict. Because God’s word is so adamant about how sinful it is against God to be talebearing, then the person hearing the backbiter will put them to shame by pointing out their sin against God and man, and they will reveal their own wicked behavior.

In his commentary John Gill writes “Either the person of whom it is told, or the person to whom it is told; who may make thee ashamed, … by fixing the odious character of a defamer, a whisperer, and backbiter, on thee.”

In our society today, “the prince of the power of the air” has so conditioned people today by calling it “news”, that many Christians, including many pastors and Bible teachers, no longer recognize this behavior as being severely sinful. They no longer recognize the evil it does in causing divisions among God’s people or recognize those who participate in it is as being used by satan as instruments of unrighteousness. However, modern attitudes do not change what God says about it or His evaluation of it and those who do what these verses say. They will stand ashamed before God without excuse because He very clearly declares that it is wrong. God’s Spirit never leads his children to act contrary to His word. Backbiters are always being led by their own sinful heart and have a purpose which is always contrary to God’s. This is another reason why we must be diligent students of what God tells us in His word and allow it to be the light by which we can judge our actions.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (24) And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

April 13, 2021

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Doing a quick review of what I have read in Proverbs over the last few weeks. We should take time and consider how many of the following verses might God say apply to ourselves in our dealings with others.

Pro 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Pro 16:27-28 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. (28) A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Pro 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Pro 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

This morning as part of my reading through the OT, I read Proverbs 26 and this same topic is addressed again.

Pro 26:20-22 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

It is interesting that in this book of wisdom which is only 31 chapters long, that God devotes so much attention to this subject. I believe there are several reasons for this

It is a subject that is of high importance to God.
It is a subject that we need to constantly be aware of in our lives.
It is a problem that we are very prone to struggle with in our relationship to others.
It is a subject that will have a major impact upon harmony amongst God’s people.
It is a subject that will either help or hinder our walk with God and success in this life.
It is a subject that will affect our testimony among the saved and the lost.

2Co 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

April 12, 2021

The book of Proverbs is synonymous with wisdom. Not just any wisdom, but the true and perfect wisdom of God. So it really makes good sense to study carefully what it says and be careful to follow and put into practice its teachings. As I have been reading through this book as part of my morning devotions one theme seems to keep repeating. It is the theme found again in the passage the Lord has laid upon my heart to memorize and meditate upon this week.

Pro 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

It seems like the Lord is really trying to drive the importance of this principle home to my heart. In fact, a pastor I know was recently talking about something one of his members had done, yet he had not gone to that member to discuss it with them personally. I do not know all the details and have not had an opportunity to talk to him about it, but there seems like there was no good reason for him to talk about it as he did. It is always easier to talk about the faults or wrongs we perceive in others than to talk to the person themselves, but that temptation must always be resisted. It must be recognized that it is a great sin, not only against that member, but against God Himself. Imagine how that member will feel, if and probably when, they find out that their pastor has been talking about what they did, to other members of their church. That is backbiting, and God hates it. That pastor should stop and consider how he would feel if a member of his church, had done that to him (and probably have). He should also realize that those he was talking to will quickly realize that if he does that with one, he will do it with others, including themselves.

There is also another principle that I have noticed that seems to be far too prevalent, which we all need to be on guard against. Often it makes a difference who the person is. If it is someone who is a dear friend, or someone who contributes much to the church coffers, then many minor offences will be overlooked and never mentioned. This is completely natural, and I believe any of us in a similar situation would be prone to do the same thing. This does not make that pastor any worse than any of us, but it does point out the need for us to pay close attention to ALL that God tells us lest we also fall into the same type of temptation. These kinds of actions often eventually lead to major problems among church members. A wise, Spirit led pastor will be careful not to fall into that kind of behavior, or if he does or has, quickly take steps to correct it. Hopefully that pastor will realize the wrong he has done and the need to repent and go to that member and ask his forgiveness. None of us are perfect and we all mess up at times, no matter who we are or how dedicated we are to our Lord. The only sin that cannot be forgiven and cleansed is the sin we are too proud to confess. Hopefully this also is a reminder of why it is so important and needful for us to be praying for one another, especially for those God has given to us to guide and direct us.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Bill

April 9, 2021

Here comes enemy attack number two and our new president and company do not have the know how or the will to deal with it effectively. This is the second nation this week that I mentioned weeks ago would try to take advantage of America’s weakened government. To make matters worse, our president has made statements and issued policies specifically designed to hurt both these nations financially, but many experts agree that those policies will backfire and will end up hurting our own economy.

For those who know Bible prophesy, both Russia and China as well as several other countries will align themselves against Israel in the end times. Historically, America has been Israel’s strongest ally. However, with America out of the way as a superpower the way will be opened for Israel’s enemies. For some it may seem exciting to see things developing that could indicate the soon coming of the Lord for His church. However, that could still be years away and in the meantime, it could mean very hard times for our nation and its people. We are way past due for God’s judgment to fall on us for the government sanctioned sacrificial murder of millions of innocent babies on the altar of convenience. This is in addition to the turning away from God, His word and his warnings. There is no point praying to God for delivery unless there is real repentance and sincere seeking after God. As a nation and as a people, we no longer have any moral basis to plea for God’s deliverance when we are passing laws legalizing sin and immoral behavior.

Oh, how we need a revival in our land. Not just to postpone God’s judgment upon our people, but that souls might be saved before it is everlastingly too late. Oh, how we need God’s people spending real time in prayer and in His word. Oh, how we need those who profess Christ, to set their hearts to obey God’s word in all things.

Isa 59:1-3 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (3) For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

April 5, 2021

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

This verse was part of my NT reading this morning and it is the passage that the Lord has laid upon my heart to meditate upon and memorize this week. It is one that I have memorized in the past, so re-memorizing it will be easy. However, meditating upon it every day this week will be a blessing and a challenge. There is so much vital truth contained in these few words.

“To open their eyes” is a reminder that those who are lost are blinded to the reality of their spiritual state. Just as it took a miracle and the power of God to open the eyes of the physically blind during Jesus’ Earthly ministry, so it does today to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. It reminds us of our total dependence upon God and His Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those we share God’s word as well as in our own hearts that He might guide, direct, and give us the right words which will awaken their sleeping soul to the truth of God’s word.

April 1, 2021

Part of my Old Testament reading today was

Pro 19:8-9 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (9) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom and understanding and they are often spoken of in connection with the tongue. In both the Old and New Testaments there is much warning about the dangers and the destruction caused by the tongue. Consider these verses in proverbs which also involve the tongue.

Pro 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

Proverbs 19:9 is another sober reminder why it is unwise to be a talebearer. “A false witness shall not go unpunished” Tale bearers rarely know the full truth and there is always some deception involved. The fact that they are talebearing reveals that they are not being led by the Holy Spirit and their heart is not right with God and in fact, they are sinning, not just against their victim, but against God Himself. Even if they truly believe what they are saying, and they got it from a very “reliable” source, a lie is still a lie and they are still a false witness. Talebearing also always involves causing division between Christians and God says that those who do it are an abomination to Him. Yet, it seems like this sin is so common among even those who otherwise seem devoted to the Lord. I have said before that Christians are satan’s favorite people, to use for his purposes. The more highly respected the person is in the Christian community, the more damage they can do and the deeper the divisions they can cause among God’s children.

This could easily be avoided and satan’s work thwarted, if all Christians would simply do what are Lord tells us. While there are many instructions given by are Lord, it would do each of us well if we reviewed each day and determined to do what Jesus said in the following two passages.

Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

March 30, 2021

One response from the Pastor’s Note on “Church is all about Money” was from a pastor friend who wrote “EXCELLENT Bill.” He then went on to ask if another pastor friend of ours had seen it who has meetings every year specifically designed to increase the offerings his congregation makes to his church. Although I knew that the Lord would have me write that note, I prayed for weeks to the Lord and sought my Father’s guidance to help me in, not only what to say, but how to say it. I know that the topic is very high in the estimate of many, and I would not want to unduly offend anyone or to cast doubt upon the integrity or sincerity of anyone. I believe that most are just like I was and accepted without question what I was told without really studying what the Bible said. After all, encouraging people to give to the church cannot be bad, can it?

Jer. 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (10) I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

There is good reason why the Psalmist said

Psa 19:9-13 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (12) Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (13) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

A pastor once said to me in effect “Why would anyone preach against giving to the church?” The question reveals where the heart’s focus is. The real question is “Why would anyone preach something God’s word does not say?” If the Bible is truly the basis for all that we do and say, then where are the words of Jesus or any of the Apostles instructing churches to do and teach what they do about giving? Jesus and the Apostles do teach about giving and I would encourage all to study what they say.

We can always find a way to justify anything we do. The problem is that it is never right to do wrong, and it is never right to present something as being taught by God’s word when it is not. We must always refrain from adding to what God says and He gives us strong warning about that. God does not need our help and there are enough examples in God’s word where people thought they would help God out which only resulted in disaster. In this case, false teaching and practices about giving are causing both the unsaved and many Christians to have a false idea about the church organization, or perhaps, in too many cases, an accurate understanding about what many church organizations are about.

Psa 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (24) And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

March 28, 2021

So far I have received notice from the VA that of the approximate $450,000 of bills related to my heart surgery, the VA will cover about $150,000, leaving me responsible for the other $300, 000. What many people do not realize is that being a veteran, even a decorated combat veteran with awards for demonstrating valor in combat, does not automatically make you eligible to receive help from the VA. In fact, I have met two combat veterans who cannot even go to the VA. In order to be eligible a veteran must have been wounded, be disabled, have a service related physical or mental health issue, or meet low income standards. While I have been able to go to the VA, I have always had to pay a copayment to the VA for any services or medications. Up to now, those copayments have not been too bad, such as $50 every time I have my yearly physical. However, faced with possibly $300, 000 in copayments, I decided to have a chat with the eligibility office. I brought along a copy of my 2019 income tax return. I usually only really pay attention to how much I need to pay or what my return amount will be. So I was really surprised to see that our combined household gross income was less than $30,000. I thought, that cannot be right. Given the churches and individual missionaries that we support, along with other Christian organizations and the thousands that the Lord normally allows us to give to help individual Christian families, we should not have enough to meet our household budget, yet somehow, we always have more than what we need. It reminded me of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 and the widow of Zarephath with the little meal in the barrel and the little oil in the cruse which never ran out. While I am praying that the VA will find that we qualify for them to pay a whole lot more than what they have said, I still have peace in my heart, knowing that my God is able to meet all my needs. I should get a letter this week letting me know of their decision. When we recognize that all that we have belongs to the Lord and we are just His stewards to use it according to the skills and understanding he has given us and the direction as He leads, then we have true joy and peace knowing our reward is not in this life but in the one that is to come.

What an awesome privilege and blessing it is to be a chosen child of God; to know that the God of creation loves me so much that He chose to sacrifice His own purely righteous Son to take the full punishment and suffer the wrath for all the wicked sins of this totally depraved and undeserving reprobate. As great as that is, He also has poured His grace upon me in making me a minister of His word, a chosen vessel to reach souls with the Gospel and a shepherd of His flock.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

March 26, 2021

“Church is all about money.”

I will stand before my Lord one day soon, to give account for all I have spoken in His name, so I try to be extremely careful not to add or take away from what the Word says and honestly present its truth. I am always open for honest comments and criticism because I know my knowledge is limited and we must always remain teachable. I pray that this post might open the eyes of at least some who have adopted the philosophy and practices of worldly churches.

While I was recovering after my surgery, my last roommate was a man named Greg. As the Lord led, I began to talk to him about the Lord. While he always remained friendly, when I began to talk to him about the Lord, he immediately said “I know all about church. I’ve been to Rome, church it’s all about money.” I tried to talk to him further and I even agreed that not only is that true for the Roman Catholic church, but it is also true for many, if not most protestant churches. Even though I tried to explain that salvation is not about a church, any church, it is a personal relationship with the God who created him and sent His Son to make a way for Him to be restored and made ready for Heaven.

Unfortunately, his opinion is common not only among those who do not know God, but among many who do know Him.

The fault is that even among many good churches, the teachings and practices about giving reflect or imply that money and giving to the local church organization are very high on the priority list.

The Bible says

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Consider the following teachings and practices that are common among many churches.

Collection plates are passed around as a part of every service.

2, The collection is taken immediately out to be counted.

3, Records are kept to track as exact as possible who gave and how much each one gave,

4, Since it takes more than a few minutes to do the counting and recording, those involved often do not hear the message from God’s Word.

These all speak of the high priority that financial giving to the local church organization holds in the minds and hearts of the church leadership. The truth is that none of these things are instructed or implied in the Bible and they all violate what the Bible does say about giving.

Compare this to churches that use an offering box where parishioners simply and discretely deposit their offerings. No time is taken from the service to take up offerings. Priority is given to the word of God and the message is intended for every individual no matter what their position or function in the church body. While, because of convenience some giving may be made which identifies the giver, it is a violation of what Jesus specifically taught about giving to have it tallied up and recorded. At least some, if not most giving should be done in secret.

There is another error that is practiced by many churches which also reflects the priority that money has in the eyes of many pastors and church leaders. It is summed up in a statement that a pastor friend of mine once made from the pulpit “If you are not a tither, then you cannot serve in any function in this church.” Where is that teaching found in God’s word? I do not find this statement and teaching found in God’s word and they go against what God’s word does say and teach. I would challenge any pastor or church leader or Christian to study what Jesus and the Apostles did say and teach about giving and compare that to what their churches are teaching and doing.

So while the statement “Church is all about money” may not be entirely true, it is certainly understandable why that is the impression that both the unsaved and many Christians believe about most church organizations. More and more Christians who recognize the errors and carnality of formal church organizations concerning giving have turned to house church meetings. While I do not believe that is a right solution and can lead to many doctrinal errors taught by sincere but poorly trained men, I can understand their frustration with most church organizations. Fortunately, there are many churches which do not teach the traditions of men, but the true teachings about giving that Jesus and the Apostles taught.

I confess that I started out doing these same practices and teaching these same things because that is what I was taught. However, when I was challenged about them and studied what God’s word actually said, I had to agree to the rebuke and conformed to the word.

This is not a post against giving, but against errors and practices that go against what God’s word says. They are an impediment to encourage attendance and service in the body of Christ. Here is not the format or place to do a complete exegesis, but the Lord plainly tells us that all we do ought to be to the Lord and there are three things which we should do mainly in secret: giving, praying, and fasting. If the true word of God is being preached and taught, and the Spirit of God is working and moving in the hearts of God’s people, there will be no need to coerce or intimidate God’s people in any area. The sad truth is that all those who are doing their giving in order to appear righteous before their pastor or other church leaders are doing it for the wrong reason “to be seen of men.” Yet if they do their giving in a way not seen of men, then they are judged as not being right with God by those same leaders.

It would be far better for people to be focused on coming to church to be fed from God’s word than to be concerned with giving money. Sure, there are financial needs in every church that should be met by God’s people, but if the Spirit of God is truly at work in the service and in the hearts of His people, God will provide. I would gladly personally offer to give a yearly stipend to encourage faithful and attentive attendance that souls might be ministered to through the Word.

I believe in the power of God’s word. I believe in the power of God working in the heart. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to speak through God’s word and effect spiritual growth and understanding in lives. I have seen those things and know them to be true, both in my own life and in the lives of others. The most important part and the main mission of church services is to minister to the spiritual needs of both God’s people and the lost and to exalt God in praise and service. Everything in the church service ought to point to those goals, and anything that distracts from that should be minimized.

I suspect that most churches in America are like that spoken of in

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

They have nice buildings and facilities but the power of God and the working of His Spirit in hearts is sorely lacking. They blame the lack of effective outreach in their community on the society and days we live in. Oh that God might stir up hearts and that churches might get their priorities in line with God’s. That there be no more validity to “Church is all about money.” That churches might once again be known for their compassion and concern for the spiritual needs of their congregations and communities.

Jesus said in Luke 19:46 … It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

March 25, 2021

Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

God is so good and gracious and loving and we rejoice in those things about Him. However, we should never forget that He is also Holy and righteous and just. He alone is the eternal God and ruler of all creation. Those who reject Him or hate Him or rebel against Him will suffer the consequences of their actions. He is especially sensitive to actions taken against the innocent or against those who belong to Him. God makes it clear that He considers the actions towards those that are His as being the same as those towards His own person. This applies also to withholding from doing good such as in Mat 25:45-46 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

When God says ; “I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.” That ought to get our attention. We will reap what we sow, even as Christians. If we have wronged another brother or sister in Christ, then the only way we can be forgiven is to go to that person and confess and repent of our sin. Telling God we are sorry without going to the person and confessing to them, shows that we are not really repentant. I believe the most overlooked or underestimated yet most important doctrine in the Bible is that of reconciliation. The major theme and message of the Bible is God reconciling man to Himself and part of that is men being reconciled with each other. Any thing or attitude that goes against that is contrary to God’s will. Those who refuse to be reconciled to a brother or sister are in rebellion against God and are not in a place where God can bless or use them as He would like. Rather, they are like the children of Israel. They may still be His but He will bring chastisement upon them and there is none that can deliver from Him.

March 21, 2021

When I first read the phrase “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour”, I immediately thought it was speaking of some unjust wicked person who hated his neighbor without cause. However, as I continued to memorize and meditate upon the passage and asked the Lord to help my understanding of it, I realized that my initial thought was not right. By assuming that it was talking about some unjust and immoral person, I did not think it could be talking about a devout child of God. Looking at the overall picture painted by both verses, the Lord showed me that there was good reason for this person to despise his neighbor for it ends by saying “he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” In other words, the matter was something done that was shameful and wrong and probably done against the person God is addressing. Thus he had good reason, from a fleshly view, to despise his neighbor for the wrong done against him. When someone has sinned against us, it is easy and natural for us to feel resentment towards the person and for bitterness to rise up in our hearts against them, even after they have confessed and repented. Thus we all need to take heed to what the Lord is telling us. Notice that the Lord says “a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” Of what understanding is the Lord talking? Primarily it is that mentioned in verse 13, namely “he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” When someone has sinned against us and yet confessed and repented of it to us and have asked our forgiveness, they know that they do not deserve any kindness or mercy from us. Thus, for us to resist shaming them before others for their sin, demonstrates a kindness and faithfulness to them that is purely of grace. The result of that will be to earn their respect and help build a bond of friendship between us that is even stronger than before. How much better and God honoring is that than for us to be backbiting against them which only creates divisions, dishonors God, and prevents bringing union and serving God together.

There is also another aspect of “a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” We are all sinners. Even as Christians we still commit sin and we still have that totally depraved sinful nature that Paul describes in Romans 7 and that will only be rid of when we go to be with our Lord, when “this corruption shall have put on incorruption.” We are just as capable of sinning against others as they were in sinning against us. In fact, a major determinant between someone committing a sin or not is the circumstances surrounding the situation. Brother Lester Roloff used to preach a sermon with the theme “The Deadly Sisters, Temptation and Opportunity.” There may be temptation but no opportunity or there may be opportunity but no temptation but when they both arrive at the same time, then there is the real danger of a fall. Thus, “a man of understanding” knows that often it is only the grace of God delivering them from temptation that has saved them from sinning at times. Being a man of understanding means that we know we are of the same carnal nature as those who sin against us. We are no better than they and are in no position to justly despise them any less than we despise our own flesh. Thus, we forgive them, thank God for Him bringing them to confession and repentance, and praise God that fellowship between us has been restored.

March 20, 2021

I received the following insightful comment and question in response to yesterday’s Pastor’s Note

Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Any ongoing sin should also be dealt with quickly.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

March 19, 2021

Praise God my mind is starting to clear up better. Not only have I been able to resume including reading from both the Old Testament and the New, but I am able to concentrate enough to start my weekly memorization of passages again. This week’s passage comes from my Old Testament reading.

If one is not careful it is easy to miss the connection between these two verses. There are a number of related spiritual truths that this passage is revealing.

A talebearer is someone who is despising his neighbor, ie. the person he is revealing secrets about. The sad truth is that I have known pastors and church leaders who were the biggest offenders of this. I do not know how they could possibly excuse their actions, but the carnal mind is great for rationalizing any action. Speaking or revealing evil about others is almost always motivated by pride which seeks to tear others down in order to build themselves up.
A talebearer is void of wisdom. They may have a lot of knowledge, but if they really understood the great evil they are engaged in, they would realize that they are actually working for the evil One. This is very troubling because it reveals that they are not being led by the Spirit of God.
A man of understanding holdeth his peace – those who truly understand that we are in a spiritual battle in which satan and his demons seek to cause havoc and division between brethren and stir up hatred and despising between people.
Those who are of a faithful spirit, being led by God’s Spirit, not only do not engage in talebearing, but they “concealeth the matter.” This speaks of deliberate action to discourage talebearing. This also makes it clear that it makes no difference whether or not the talebearer believes the matter is true. God’s word reveals that all talebearing is evil and those who engage in it are void of wisdom.

March 18, 2021

Recently a dear friend stumbled and fell spiritually. Afterwards they were filled with shame and felt like a complete failure. Why would God want to have anything to do with them, is how they felt. Unfortunately, there is a thinking and culture among some Christians and churches that tend to reinforce this kind of reasoning. The attitude of too many is “Oh you stumbled, well cheer up God can forgive you completely, but of course your damaged goods now. This is completely contrary to what the Bible says and to the reality of our relationship with God our Father. Not only is God not limited in anyway to use any Christian to the fullest for His glory, but that is exactly His intent and desire. Many times it takes a fall, sometimes a big fall, to reset our hearts and prepare us to be really used by God. The more we realize how totally unworthy we are, the more thankful and appreciative we are of the great grace God has bestowed upon us and of His great love wherewith He loves us in spite of our failings. The truth is that we are all damaged goods. God declares plainly

Rom 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

God’s word reveals that our sin nature does not change with salvation as Paul clearly declares in Romans chapter 7. This is why we are warned not to have any confidence in our flesh. It is only by God’s grace that He chooses to use any of us. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit of God working in us that we have the power to serve God acceptably. Praise God, He has chosen and designed every child of God to serve within the body of Christ (His church) according to His plan and purpose. Our responsibility is to seek to understand what that divine purpose and plan is. There are no extra parts in the body of Christ. There are no parts which God does not have an active function within His body.

God is not in the business of organ replacement. His business is repair and restore. Jesus did not replace the eyes or ears or limbs, He restored them. When a brother or sister falls, it is the responsibility of the rest to reassure, support and encourage them and that they be restored, that the body might function again with all its parts working again for God’s glory.

Every Child of God is a sinner saved by God’s free grace. To think that we are better, or more worthy to be used by God is purely self-pride which God hates.

2Co 2:6-8 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (8) Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. …11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

March 17, 2021

There were two nights that were especially difficult for me right after my surgery. I spent the whole night in misery because I could not get any comfort. One problem was that they had something attached across my neck and it felt as though it was interfering with my breathing. It was not, but it felt like it was. On the second night I prayed over and over “Lord I need your help. Lord help me.” Any change was welcomed simply because it was something different. I was even thankful for the clock on the wall because at least I could see that time was passing. I was reminded of Job

Job 7:4 When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.

One night it was about 2AM and the nursing staff did not usually come around until 6AM. I thought “Lord how am I going to stand this for another 4 hours?” then I remembered how Job had been covered with raw open sores from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. I was in discomfort and could not get comfortable, but I was not in much pain. I began to think of others who were in severe pain all the time with no relief. I knew my discomfort would only last a few days, but Job had no such hope for when his severe agony would end. If God sustained Job through his severe trial, then He would certainly sustain me through my light affliction. I began to feel shame over my whimpering complaint and disgusted with how soft I had become. I also began to think and pray for others who were enduring real pain and hardship, especially for Christians who were suffering because of their faith in Christ. As I focused more on the needs of others, I became less aware of my own situation. Before I knew it two nurses came into the room and were talking about my scheduled treatment. It was only 4AM which was earlier than normal and they did not stay long, but it was a welcomed distraction. I thanked the Lord for it and went back to praying for others. That was the worst of my really difficult nights and I felt like the Lord used it to help me get focused on others and not just myself. Since then I have tried to remember more others who are enduring real hardships and to hold them up in my prayers. Praise God for the way He works in our lives to help reveal areas that we need to improve.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

March 15, 2021

Confident Praying

Since God does not always grant us what we want, how can we pray with confidence? I mentioned before that there are two key factors in God answering prayer. We must pray the prayer of faith believing that God will hear our prayer and we must pray according to the will of God in the matter. The more confident we are that we are praying in the will of God the more faith we can have that God will hear and grant us the desire of our heart. Consider the following

James 5:14-17 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (16) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (17) Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Over and over again in God’s word, we are told that we can have confidence when we pray. That is on purpose because God knows we need that assurance. However, those who have been saved for even a short while soon find out that many times they do not have that confidence or that sure faith that God will answer their specific prayer. I believe that, while sometimes it may be due to a lack of faith in us, many times it is the work of the Holy Ghost in us and guiding us in the knowledge that the request is not according to what God desires, but is something we want. Recall

Rom 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We ought to be thankful for the way God’s Spirit safeguards and guides our prayers when our hearts and motives are right towards God. It is when what we want and what God wants are in agreement that we can have full assurance that it will come to pass. God has demonstrated this many times in my life. I share the following as one small example.

When I was teaching at a Christian school, I became aware of a great financial need at a Christian institution. As I was praying, the Lord laid it upon my heart that He was going to provide money for me to donate to help. I believe at the time my salary was in the low 20k and the specific amount God laid on my heart was $2100, that he was going to supply from an unanticipated source. This was only a small fraction of what was needed. The assurance in my heart was so great that I sent a message one of the board members relating the details of how God was leading. Within a month or two, I received notice that I would be receiving more than enough funds to make the donation (so I thought). In the end, the amount I received was enough to make the exact donation and just enough “extra” to cover the taxes I would have to pay on it. I believe God worked it this way to encourage both my heart and the board members heart that He was going to meet the whole need, which did happen. I had never taken such bold action in announcing beforehand something God was going to do over which I had no real control, but I knew deep down in my soul that it was God at work and that it was His Spirit who led me to pray for that exact amount.

So, yes we can pray with complete confidence, but we also need to examine our own hearts to make sure that we are right with Him in all ways and our motives are true. Few things can compare to the wonder felt when God chooses to work and bless us so in our lives. I am just a sinner saved by grace and am totally unworthy for God to bless me so, but He does, over and over again. I belong to Him, I serve Him, and I will praise Him forever.

Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

March 14, 2021

A danger in answered prayer.

Having a right and surrendered heart towards God and a strong desire for God to teach us in all situations, opens the way for God to show us things or consider things that we would not otherwise. I believe this was the case in the following situation.

I mentioned before that I was disappointed that my heart valve could not be repaired but had to be replaced. I had fully expected for God to grant my request, but He did not. I know from my interview with the surgical staff beforehand that they also felt there was a very good chance for it to be saved. So what happened? When the surgeon came in to see me in recovery, it seems like I could sense some disappointment also. That is when it seemed like the Lord spoke to my heart.

This surgeon is one of the top in his field and he has an excellent success rate. I believe if anyone could have repaired that valve, he could have, but it was not to be. I also believe that God had a strong desire to bless me and grant my desire, but He had a greater reason for not doing so. God had a specific purpose for handing this highly skilled surgeon a valve that, in spite of his excellent skill, would not be able to repair. It was His love and concern for me that God did not grant my request. I truly thank and praise Him for that. Let me explain.

Sometimes physical blessings can actually be or lead to a curse. Success, honor and physical blessings can lead one to focusing on self and can lead to being caught up in pride. Perhaps the most extreme example of this is Lucifer. God had blessed him above the other angels and made him the most glorious both in appearance and musical abilities for beauty. Yet instead of being that much more thankful to the God that created him and blessed him above his brethren, he got lifted up with pride at being so much better than they. In fact he even began to imagine himself greater than the God who created him.

While not nearly the same, we see how Hezekiah began focusing on himself after God cured him and worked a great miracle on his behave. God has blessed me also far above many that are better than I. It is clear to see how easily it would be for me to start thinking of myself better than others and my prayers might count greater because of God’s special love for me above my brothers. I might begin to lose sight of the fact that I am just a no account sinner worthy of eternity in the flames of Hell and saved only by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ my Saviour.

Praise God for His great wisdom in knowing exactly how and when to answer our prayers in the very best way for His glory and our good.

Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

March 13, 2021

A Surprising .Perspective

Since the beginning of my role in this life as an adult, one of the key things that motivates and forms part of, what I consider my basic function and purpose in this life, is that of provider and protector. Perhaps it is because of my entry into the military service shortly after graduation, during the Viet Nam Conflict. Regardless of what official reasons might have been, my purpose was to support the people of South Vietnam in their struggle against the Communist aggressors of the North.

Provider-protector is also the key role of every husband/father, as well as that of a minister. Even as the father of four grown children with families of their own, I still have a strong sense of responsibility towards them and caring for them. As a pastor also, I find myself earnestly seeking God’s will and direction to provide the guidance to those whom God has entrusted me to minister. Every child of God is very precious in His sight and God declares the responsibility of the minister very clearly in

Heb 13:17 … for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

God has blessed me with good health all my life with very few days of sickness. So it was quite a change when I found myself on my back, in bed, and unable to do anything for myself. When I awoke after my surgery there were several people attending to me and checking on me. I had this wonderful nurse who was so attentive that, if I had any concerns or cares, I knew she was watching out for me. That is when I was struck by the role “reversal”. I was as helpless as a new born baby and totally dependent on others for everything. It gave me an enhanced appreciation for those whose job is caring for the physical needs of others.

God also used this experience to help me understand in real terms how totally helpless we are at all times. It is so easy for us to forget this reality when things are seemingly normal. It is easy for us to lose sight of the fact that Jesus said

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. (5) 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.

Rather than bemoaning our weakness, let us rejoice in the fact that the more we recognize our own weakness and our need for Christ to strengthen us, the more Christ is able to live and work through us. Thus the Apostle Paul wrote in

2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

March 12, 2021

God knows but we do not.

Php 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The word translated “careful”, has the sense of being anxious. We should bring before God everything for which we might be concerned. God tells us clearly that we should let Him know what the desire of our heart is concerning any matter. “And supplication” means not only is it OK, but He admonishes us to let Him know how important a particular concern is to us. If something is really pressing upon us, He wants us to tell Him exactly how important or pressing that thing is. This should reveal to us how great is His love and concern for us in this life. God has a specific purpose and function for every member of the body of Christ and He desires that we are all functioning together to accomplish His purpose.

We may say or think that a particular outcome is important to us, but is it really reflected in our prayers and actions? I really did want my valve to be repaired, but I almost assumed that the doctor was going to repair it (more on why later). However, God had a greater purpose in mind. This brings us to the truth of

Rom 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

What a glorious wonder this is! We often do not know what will be best in God’s overall plan, but His Spirit within us does. We may not know exactly what or how we should pray, so God, through His Spirit in us intercedes on our behalf. We may not fully understand it, but I believe we more often than not have a sense of it. How often have we prayed for something because we knew it was the “right” or proper thing to do, yet in our heart of hearts, there was a sense of a lack of the Spirit’s presence in it? At other times we may have a strong desire for something, yet there is the sense of some drive within us missing or lacking. I believe it is at those times that the Spirit Itself is making intercession for us “according to the will of God”

March 10, 2021

What About prayer?

Shortly after becoming awake after the surgery, I was told that the operation went well, and I had received a “tissue valve replacement”. While I was thankful the operation went well, I was a little surprised and very disappointed that the valve could not be repaired. One of the last things one of the surgeons on the team had said to me was that given my health and overall condition, “There is an 80% chance that the valve can be repaired.” That seemed like pretty goods odds, especially given all those who were praying for me. So, what happened?

We know God hears and answers the prayers of His saints. We know God can do all things. We know God, Who cannot lie, gives us precious promises in His word about prayer.

Consider what Jesus Himself said in

Mat 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Myself and others were praying that the valve might be repaired. Thus, I had much expectation that the valve would be repaired. So what happened? We also know that belief can have a big bearing on answered prayer.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Even if my belief had been weak, there were those I knew whose faith was far greater than mine who were praying for me. What happened to their faith and their prayers? It was not God’s will for the valve to be saved.

Prayer involves two key elements; faith and the will of God. Jesus possessed all faith, yet the cup He asked His Father to remove was not and the betrayal and crucifixion happened. We have many testimonies from what He had said that Jesus really knew that the crucifixion had to happen for God’s plan for man’s salvation. No one could be saved from the wrath of God’s judgment unless the payment for sin was made.

When it comes to ourselves, none of us usually knows for sure what God’s will is in many situations. Does that mean we can never pray with absolute faith that God will answer our prayer that we ask? Absolutely not. More on this later.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

March 8, 2021

“ Why is THIS Happening to ME?” is a common question that many ask when going through an unexpected severe trial. However, I would have to say that, from the very beginning My Lord has given me complete peace about this whole experience. Not that it has been pleasant, but in the sense that I have known deep down in my heart and soul, that all that was going to happen would be according to His perfect will for me at this time. There has even been the sense of expectation of how and what my Lord would do or allow and how He would use it for His glory. The Lord has taught me numerous Spiritual lessons through this operation and recovery and I am sure He is not done yet (I hope not). I will start with the following thought.

The problem was a damaged mitral valve that needed to be either repaired, if possible, or replaced. Even in my seventies, I have tried to maintain reasonably healthy eating and exercise. In fact, when they looked into my heart blood vessels, they found that there were no blockages. Some plaque, but not enough to be concerned. When asked what caused the problem, the doctors had no clue. “Sometimes these things happen and there is no explanation, no fault.” The problem was not the result of poor diet, poor exercise or because of any activity that was engaged.

Whenever something happens in a Christian’s life, that is beyond our control or influence, trust that it is something the Lord is either allowing, or deliberately bringing into our lives. In either case, it is the Lord’s will for us and He has a purpose for it; both for His glory and our edification. Remember Job, Joseph and many others.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

(This is one of several thoughts and lessons from this experience)

March 6, 2021

I suspect that many, if not most, most Christians do not spend much time in prayer and in God’s word. I have suspected that that has been the case for a very long time. In fact, except for at certain special times and circumstances, I believe that has been the case throughout the history of the church. Yet spending time with God and His word ought to be the most precious and wonderful experience for any and every Christian. I know I have shared in the past how precious it is to spend time in close communion with our Heavenly Father. I suspect that many Christians have not taken the time, or have not had the strong desire to seek after God, in order to have that special close communion with God. I believe it would only take one time of experiencing that communion to stir within the heart the strong desire to be there over and over again. It is like when Paul had the experience of a glimpse of Heaven for him to want to be there forever. God’s word reveals that there are certain requirements in order to have that close communion.

There must be a true submission. James 4:7-8Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
There must be a singleness of heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart
There must be a devoted walk.John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

When God is the number one desire of our hearts, He knows it and will draw close to us. But I have also noticed that, at times, He will send or allow a strong temptation to test us and our devotion to Him before drawing close to us in that sweet communion. However, even in those temptations, it would be a big mistake to attempt to resist them in our own strength. (I speak from experience.) We must call upon the Lord and trust in Him to strengthen us at those times. Remember, the promise is “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” There is nothing that can come close to having a sweet time in close communion with God and God desires that with every one of His children. But few there seem to be that either have the desire or are willing to do what is required.

March 2, 2021

Just a quick note. Came home Monday. Recovering well from my open-heart surgery, I Think. Biggest problem is getting sleep. Makes concentrating difficult. Thanks for all the prayers, God has been awesome through all this. Physically, very difficult, but spiritually, is has been a glorious journey. How great and gracious is our God. It is like He has had his arms around me every moment. I have been having wonderful sweet fellowship with Him and have been spending many hours in prayer and Bible, even when my Bib;\le is closed and the lights are out. I thank God for all those daily times over many years of reading, memorizing, and meditating upon God’s word. While I would never desire anything as physically hard as this again, the cost is tiny, compared to the joy, the comfort and the blessing of how God is working in my heart and in my understanding of His word and purpose in my life.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

February 23, 2021

This will probably be my last post for a while since I will be going through my surgery tomorrow. What I to share in this post, I hope all will take the time to meditate upon.

I am so grateful for all the support and for the many who are praying for me during this time. I fully expect for God to do great things through all of this for His glory. However, it is interesting that, while I have had complete peace about my surgery, almost from the beginning, my mind has been going back to Hezekiah. As many will recall, Hezekiah had been a faithful servant of God. When he found out he was going to die, he cried unto God and God answered his prayer to spare his life. This is when God worked one of the mightiest miracles by making the sun go backward in the sky. This was the sign of God’s promise to Hezekiah to prolong his days by 15 years. However, in the long run, it would have been better for Hezekiah and the children of Israel, if his life had not been prolonged. Hezekiah failed God miserably, after this when the ambassadors from Babylon came to enquire of the miracle that was done. I believe this is a warning for all of us when we are praying for God to do something. With great blessing also comes great responsibility. This is similar to what happens as we grow closer to the Lord and He reveals Himself more to us. The better and more intimate we know Him, the less we can claim ignorance or doubt in Him or what He says.

Luke 12:48 … For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:

February 22, 2021

I received a message by phone yesterday from my brothers and sisters at Ragged Mountain Bible Church. I had posted in my Pastor’s Note, that I was stepping down from being the interim pastor since my open-heart surgery this coming Wednesday, would mean that it will take at least 4 to 6 weeks before I would be able to minister. The following is difficult for me to say, as I am not usually very emotional, but I do want to express my deep appreciation. Words cannot adequately describe the emotion and gratitude that I felt as they expressed their desire for me to not step down and wanted to continue to support me in all ways during the time I will be recovering. I could not help the tears from flowing as I tried to relay what was said to Sandy. I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by such love and thoughtfulness. My God is truly awesome and has blessed me with the greatest congregation any pastor could ever hope for. I pray that our Lord might allow and enable me to be as much of a blessing and encouragement to the people of Ragged Mountain Bible church as they are and have been to me.

There are several passages that come to mind that seem to fit with this note, but seeing this is the 22^nd of Feb., this one fits perfectly.

Psalm 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

February 21, 2021

With my open-heart surgery coming up on Wednesday and given the fact that I will not be able to minister in the church for at least 4 to 6 weeks, I believe it is fair and proper to step down from the interim pastor position. I do not wish to be a burden of any kind to this ministry, so I believe this is the right step to take at this time. We often do not know why God works in our lives as He does, but we can be fully assured that He is working all things according to His plans and for His glory. The short time that I have been here has been a tremendous blessing to me. I do not believe that there is a congregation anywhere that has been more of a blessing and encouragement to their pastor as each of you have been to me. There is nothing that blesses a pastor’s heart more than to see God’s people responding to the preaching of God’s word as you all have. While this past year has been very challenging due to the virus and I have not had the opportunity to visit and get to know each of you better, you are all very dear to my heart and I pray for each of you daily. I do not know what future plans God has, but as individuals and as a church, we can trust fully in the promises that God has given to us.

Philippians 4:19-20 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (20) Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

February 18, 2021

My memory passage for this week is Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (6) Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. (7) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

February 10, 2021

We are in the book of Luke in our reading through the New Testament. One of the chapters we read this week was Luke 4. Connsider the power of the words of Christ.

February 5, 2021

1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I have had several teeth extracted over the last couple of months and yesterday morning I had another dentist appointment at 8AM. They have a strict routine of asking questions about flu symptoms, covid exposure, recent travel, they have you sanitize your hands, and they take your temperature. Once in the dentist chair, they check your blood pressure. Mine was 110 over 57. That is the lowest it had been compared to any of my previous visits. I mentioned that it may be because it was early morning and I had just spent some time with my Lord while having my daily devotions. That lead to a discussion in which I had the opportunity to share the Gospel by giving my testimony of receiving Christ when I was in the Navy. The person said they also knew the Lord and we had a great visit talking for several minutes before the dentist came. I have found on numerous occasions, when I mention having my personal devotional time with the Lord, it has opened opportunities to talk about the Lord. I have found also that when I have spent time daily in fellowship with the Lord; when He is so much a part of and involved in my daily life; it then becomes natural for Him to come up in my conversations. As we sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, we will be ready to share the reason for the hope that we have in God.

February 4, 2021

Some thoughts from the book of Deuteronomy as part of my Old Testament readings. Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy just before he was going to die and just before the Israelites were going to go into the land of Canaan. He was reminding them what the Lord had done for them and how they had behaved. He is also reminding them about what the Lord was going to do for them.

Deu 9:3-4 Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

Moses knows them well and warns them (4) Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.

As God’s children it is easy for us to forget how we are by nature and begin to think that it is because of our own goodness or righteousness that God blesses us. Moses knew that that kind of thinking comes from pride and will lead to sin. So it is with us. This is why God has given us verses like Prov. 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Also Prov. 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

No matter how long we have been a Christian, we still have our carnal nature. It is only as we consciously rely on and seek God’s Spirit to help us, that we can live acceptably before Him. But, praise God, He is faithful to help and strengthen us as we depend upon Him just as He did the Israelites in this passage.

February 3, 2021

Don’t let satan hijack your mind.

Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (13) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I was reminded of this passage today as I was shoveling snow. My mind kept going back to an incident that happened years ago. I had offended someone and they ended up going around and backbiting against me instead of coming directly to me for reconciliation. It turned out that a couple of others got involved and they too ended up backbiting against me. All of that deeply hurt me and those wounds still have not healed. However, even though I have completely forgiven them all for their sin against me, I still find my mind thinking about it at times. Satan would try to use it to stir up bitterness in my heart towards them. None of us are immune to his attacks. Recall that he also stirred up David to sin against Israel. It would be easy for satan to hijack my mind but because of God’s Holy Spirit in me, God gave me the wisdom to recognize what was going on. Instead of allowing ill feelings or resentment to take hold, I began praying for those involved. I prayed earnestly that God would be with each one and bless them. I prayed that He would watch over them and protect them. I prayed that He might draw them close to Him and shower His love upon them. I asked the Lord to forgive me for allowing satan to begin trying to stir up my heart in a wrong way, but I also praised God for interceding and changing my heart. I know of no better way of keeping satan from hijacking our hearts than to choose doing and thinking the opposite of what satan is trying to do in us. When we seek to bless or be a blessing to our brothers or sisters in Christ, especially those who have wronged us, we are emulating the love God has and shows towards us and He is pleased. Read again the passage I shared at the beginning and see how it applies to what I just shared. Don’t let satan hijack your mind.

February 2, 2021

My pastor’s note today is of a personal testimony. Here are a couple of my initial thoughts about my coming heart surgery. The first concerns the idea that, while I do not believe that this is the time for me to leave this world, I could be wrong and die during the open-heart surgery. My biggest concern is for my wife. I love her dearly and would not want her to go through the agony and concern of losing her husband of 50 years come this August. She is and always has been my greatest love in this world. I thank God that He gave her to me to be my life partner. While I have sought God’s wisdom in providing for the needs of my dear wife when I am gone, I know I would no longer be there to watch out for and care for her. Another concern is that I have also been watching out for and helping the needs for my 100 year old mother and be an encouragement to her. There are also those whom God has given me the wonderful privilege to minister to and encourage in the things of God.

January 28, 2021

Try to imagine being there as one of the children of Israel as you read the following verses.

They heard the very voice of the living God speaking to them personally “out of the midst of the fire”. They were eyewitnesses to the living God. No wonder there was fear in their hearts. They had personally experienced the hand of God as He dealt with them during those forty years in the wilderness. The fact is that every one of us will hear the voice of God with our own ears and we will see Him with our own eyes. What will be the first words that He will say to us? Will it be “well done thou good and faithful servant.” Or will it be “Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, I never new you.”

Does Jesus know you today as one of His sheep? Do you really belong to Him and serve Him? Have you repented of your sin and called upon Jesus to be your Lord and saviour? If not, I encourage you to do so before it is everlastingly too late. Jesus said

Mat 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

January 25, 2021

A couple of years ago the Lord brought an intriguing illustration to my mind as I was meditating and praying over the passage in Mt. 25:31 – 41, A telescope is an instrument that brings distant objects near so that we can see things that would be invisible to our eyes. Even galaxies that we were unaware of have been discovered and through the lens their features can be clearly seen. We can behold realities that would otherwise be unknown to us. The Bible is like a collection of time telescopes that are focused on distant events and brings distant things and events near so that they can be clearly seen and understood. Some are pointed in the distant past to events that happened even before man was created. Through other lenses we can look into the distant future to see events that are happening now in the future. What an awesome gift God has given to us in His word, the Bible. Thus we can see the reality of these actual events, which are just as sure as the past ones. Through this lens we can observe right now what is happening in the future according to what God is revealing to us in

Mat. 25:(31) When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (32) And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: (33) And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

January 23, 2021

One of the great things about God’s word is its inexhaustibility. The more we grow in our understanding of God’s word; the more we study it and meditatate upon it and allow God’s Spirit to instruct our hearts through it, and we accept its truths and submit to it; the more we find new gems and new depths in it and we see connections between passages and concepts of which we were unaware. We gain in our appreciation of how intricately various truths are interwoven throughout it. I have often thought of how marvelous it would have been to be one of those disciples who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus as He opened and expounded the Scriptures to them; revealing how the Old Testament writings spoke of Him. How they revealed His ministry and what would happen to Him beginning in Genesis and going all the way to Malachi. It has been a special blessing to see how God, through His Spirit, has been opening my understanding and teaching me as I have been studying and preparing a message on the significance of the Lord’s Supper. This is in preparation for our communion service this Sunday. The more we read and meditate and memorize and obey those things that God teaches us, the closer He draws to us and manifests Himself to us. There is nothing in this world that can come close to the blessedness and the peace of that sweet communion and closeness with the triune God as He manifests Himself to us. This is what Jesus meant when He said in

John 14:20-21 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

January 22, 2021

Gal 5:14-15 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

What a drastic contrast is presented in these two verses. It should seem inconceivable that the Apostle was talking to the same group, especially since he was talking to Christians; brothers and sisters in Christ who supposedly love and serve the same Lord and are being led by the same Spirit. The sad truth is, and one that Paul was well aware, that Christians who refuse to obey God’s command to be loving one another, will often be involved in “biting and devouring one another.” As I was thinking and meditating upon this last phrase, the Lord brought another verse to my mind

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

We see the “teeth” that satan uses to tear apart and devour are the Christians who ignore Gal. 5: 14 and end up being those in Gal. 5:15.

If we are loving one another, we will not be backbiting and poisoning hearts and minds against each other. Rather we will be supporting and encouraging to one another. All Christians are members of ONE body. Great shame will come upon those members who have and are yielding themselves as instruments of unrighteousness. Backbiting is like a cancer that will spread throughout the body. God will either heal it through the working of His word in the heart and bringing them to confession and repentance, or He will remove it, as I have personally seen Him do on more than one occasion. Satan wants to destroy us or at least destroy, stop or hinder the work God has designed us for. Let us be careful not to do or say anything that would aid him in those efforts for ourselves or for others.

January 19, 2021

Gen 50:19-21 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? (20) But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (21) Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

This is a wonderful example and reminder of what God tells us in

Rom 8:27-28 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Joseph went through some extreme trials. He was betrayed by some in his own family, he was falsely accused and sent to prison, when it seemed like there was hope for release he was forgotten by the butler and there seemed like little hope of ever being released. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful to God in all that he did and no matter what situation he found himself. That is the key. No matter what others may do or say about us, our focus should be stayed upon God and serve Him faithfully. We really have little or no control on what others do or say, but we can trust that God is working all things out according to His master plan for us. God is aware of what is going on in our lives as the Psalmist wrote in

Psalm 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

God will preserve, reward, and exalt us in the end and those who worked against us God will humble.

Psalm 71:24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Instead of wasting our time worrying about the wrong others have done towards us, or fretting about the circumstances that we find ourselves, our energies ought to be on serving our God, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and our good. We can rejoice in the knowledge that all things God brings or allows in our lives, is according to His will for us and He is using them to purify us and to mold us into a vessel of His design and for His purpose.

January 18, 2021

I borrowed the following that was shared by a good pastor friend.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature: and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:6 KJB)

“Be cautious with your speech ! It only takes a couple of seconds to ruin your testimony by using loose words. Whether saved or lost,, the tongue is a “world of iniquity” ! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may desire.” (I Peter 5:8 KJB) Satan would love to hear you ruin your testimony with your tongue: By this single misuse of your tongue in your speech, you can ruin your opportunity ever to be an effective witness for the hearers, or, you can be an extreme discouragement to others having a similar problem.”

Pastor Rick Mears makes excellent points and is no needed during these days when there is so much division and strife among God’s people. The tongue can be and is a most destructive organ. If we do not take care to watch over our tongue, we can ruin the testimonies and witness of others just as well as our own. This in turn can ruin the fellowship with the ones we were backbiting against. How many hearts and minds have been poisoned against a brother or sister in Christ by Christians. Just two verses later James writes

Jas 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Even as Christians, our tongues can make us an abomination to God, but He tells us the way to avoid this iniquity in

Pro 16:5-7 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. (6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (7) When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

January 8, 2021

We have probably all had those days when it seemed like everything that could go wrong did, or it may have seemed like it. Recently there have been a number of things that have seemed to go wrong in my life. Simple things that I take for granted suddenly did not work or there was a problem. As a Christian we can have full assurance in

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

However, we often stop there and neglect to consider the rest of the thought in the next verse

(29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God is indeed working all things for good, but that does not mean that all things that happen in our lives are going to be pleasant. In fact, He has many things planned for us that are not going to be pleasant. It is in and through the fires of adversity that we become malleable so that He can more readily form us into “the image of his Son.” That forming will not be fully complete until we shed this flesh of corruption.

My first reaction and thought was “Lord I do not need this, especially not today.” However, isn’t marvelous how the Spirit of God in us causes our thoughts to seek God’s purpose in them? It is so wondrous to know that God; the glorious God of all creation, is so focused on me personally, that He is deliberately working in and through me for His glory. Oh, praise God that He loves me enough to want me to be conformed to the image of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our purpose during those times is not to figure out how God is going to use them, but simply focus on how we can best honor God with our thoughts and actions. Instead of being angry or discouraged by those things, we look at them as opportunities to honor God. I believe that is the main difference between the reaction of the flesh and the response of the Spirit.

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

January 1, 2021

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

The year 2020 was an exceptionally hard and difficult one for so many. It has brought much hardship, suffering and even death to multitudes. Our hearts certainly grieve also with some that are very close to us who have suffered extreme loss recently. It has made me especially thankful for the many ways in which the Lord has watched over and blessed both me personally as well as all members of my immediate family including my mother who turned 100 years old this last August.

I am thankful that as a Christian, my life is in the Lord’s hands. Death would not be a tragedy for me. In fact, I look forward to the day when my eyes shall behold my precious Lord Jesus, who has loved and blessed me and continues to bless me. To actually see Him with my own eyes and to hear His voice audibly with my own ears. That is the day and the moment that I look forward to with much longing. There will be no more trials, no more battles, no more failings, no more grieving in my heart for not being all He would want me to be. But I am also torn, because it also means that there will be no more opportunities to demonstrate faithfulness to Him; no more opportunities to exercise faith in Him and no more opportunities to share the wonderful good news of the Gospel to those who are stumbling through this life without real purpose. They are unaware that there is a great God who loves them; a great Saviour who died for them and a great life that awaits them. A life of real peace with God, a life of freedom from the dictates of the flesh and a life of rejoicing in the wonders of God and His creation.

My prayer for this year, or for the days till He takes me home, is that He might give me the fruit mentioned in this verse as I share the Gospel. That God through His Spirit and power open the eyes of blind hearts that they may see and understand the glorious Gospel and receive that new life in Christ. That God might also continue to use me to teach and preach His word that His saints might be blessed and edified through it. That I also might continue to grow in my understanding of Him and His word through studying, praying, meditating and hiding His word in my heart.

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

December 29, 2020

Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Not too long after the Lord revealed to me that He was calling me to minister His word, I wondered why He had given me such an interest in mathematics and science. As it turned out, those were the things that would be the means for me to provide for my family. However, studying them has also been a blessing and have allowed me to see and appreciate even more the wonder of God’s creation. They have also allowed me to see the “hoops” that unregenerate scientist go through in order to try to explain creation without a creator. Before the time of Einstein scientist thought that the universe was static. Then they realized that the universe was expanding and they came out with the “Big Bang” theory, which is not really a theory but actually only an hypothesis. However, since then they realize that not only is the universe expanding but it is accelerating, which means the Big Bang hypothesis in wrong. However, rather than admit it, they have invented the concepts of “Dark matter” and “dark energy”. All they really had to do was to pay attention to what the Bible has said in this passage all along.

Any physicist knows that after any explosion (big bang) the velocity of all the matter will start to slow down, but that is not what is happening. As noted, the matter in the universe is accelerating which means there must be an external force acting upon it. That external force is described in Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: The form of the verbs translated sitteth, stretcheth and spreadeth that God had the Prophet Isaiah use, means a constant current action. It is interesting that scientist only in recent history realized that the universe was accelerating. If they had understood what this verse said, they would have realized that God had revealed that over 700 years before Christ. They would also realize that there is a Power beyond the universe that is at work. Once they realize that space itself is stretching (by an unseen “hand”) as the Bible says, then they will realize that there is no dark matter or dark energy.

December 10, 2020

Psalm 86:17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

As I have been reading through the Old Testament, this is the verse that the Lord laid upon my heart to meditate upon and memorize for this week.

Sometimes when people have been cruel or said things against us, or about us, and perhaps have reminded us of past failings and faults, we can be brought down very low spiritually. Satan loves to remind us of how unworthy we are to be used of God for His glory. He will get what is coming to him, along with all those who serve him.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

The truth is that those who engage in this are blinded to their own sin and by their own self pride to the fact that none of us are worthy to be used by God, except by His matchless mercy and grace.

One way that the Lord encourages us is when He pours out His special blessing upon us. The Psalmist knew this and thus he prayed for God to do it. He also knew that those who were against him would be ashamed as they saw how God was blessing him. Often God will do this even without the asking. This reminds us that our focus ought to be on serving our Lord acceptably. There will always be those who will be envious or jealous and will criticize and seek to discourage us and hinder the work God has for us. Which would be better? Having God repay them for their evil against us personally or having our Lord grant us a “token for good”, that is, a special blessing upon us or the work He has given us, to testify of His approval.

December 8, 2020

One of the hardest lessons that I have learned is the reality of what is said in 1John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

People may claim that they love a brother or sister in Christ, but the things they say about them or to them reveal the reality.

1Jn 3:18-19 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

December 2, 2020

1John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Praise God for our great Advocate. Jesus has paid the complete price for all our sins. And He is the propitiation, that is the propitiatory sacrifice, provided by the Father’s love and appeasing the righteous wrath of God. Webster defines it as “the act of gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone.” When Jesus suffered and died on the cross, He satisfied forever and completely all that was needed to appease God’s wrath upon sin. However, that appeasement of God’s wrath is in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus John tells us in

1John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Those who have repented of their sin and received Christ as their Lord have the appeasement of God’s wrath, but those who have not will one day experience the wrath of God for their sin.

The good news is what John says in the rest of

I John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Here John tells us that Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of all people. No matter who or where they are or what kinds of sins they have committed. God tells us clearly that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (I Peter 3:9)

Someone might ask that If God is not willing that any should perish, then why is it that so many have and will perish. The answer is that salvation is a free gift that God offers to all, but only those who will receive it, will possess it. Thus John records in

John 1:11-13 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Have you received the free gift that God has provided in Christ?

November 30, 2020

God is so good, so glorious, so awesome, so wonderful, Praise His Holy Name! Oh, how I pity those who do not know Him. How sad it is to realize that there is such a magnificent, infinitely merciful, and gracious God, yet so many who will never enjoy the peace and joy of having a personal constant relationship with Him; of having His Spirit dwelling within; of experiencing His great love and closeness deep within the heart. I praise God and thank Him for all the ways He has blessed and watched over me and my family, but none of that can compare to the blessed fellowship He has with me. If I had a thousand tongues and a thousand years and knew all the languages of Earth and Heaven, words would still fail to express the glory and wonder of the God I know and love.

Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Pastor Bill Tower

November 14, 2020

My memory passage this week is Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, – my heart is so filled with thanksgiving to God that He chose me. I would be lost and on my way to Hell today if God had not interceded in my life. When I first heard the Gospel, I did not believe it. I went away just as lost as I was before. I had no room or desire for God in my life, but God had a desire for me to become His child. That is a wonder that I will never understand. There was nothing nor is nothing in me, that a Holy and Righteous God would want me as a member of His own family. Yet He chose me anyway and made me His own dear child. He brought me to my knees before Him as He made me realize what a wicked sinner I was and that I deserved to be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented “day and night for ever and ever”.

But He still loved me and sent His Son Jesus, to suffer the wrath that I deserved and paid for my sins on the cross. I died with Christ on the cross that night and was born from above by the Holy Spirit of God, as I repented of my sin and accepted Christ as my Lord. I was made a new creation that night with a new nature, a divine nature, which desires to please and honor my Father in all that I do and with all that I am. I still have the old nature to contend with, and it trips me up sometimes, but I am no longer the servant of it. I despise it and long for the day when God will take me out of this world. However, He still has the work that He has chosen and anointed me to do in this world through the ministering of His word to those around me. Praise God that He continues to guide and direct in my studies of His word and in the understanding, He gives of it that I might prepare each week the messages He has for His people.

November 11, 2020

I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

This is one of the most clear passages on the triune personage of God. However, it has been either deleted from many of the modern translations or there is a note suggesting that it was not in the original Greek text. The reason for this is that most all of the modern translations are based in whole or in part upon ancient manuscripts that were made by someone who did not believe that Jesus was God in the flesh. In order to cover up the deletion, modern translations split verse 8.

This is also why they left out the wording “these three are one”.

This change in English translations did not take place until around 1800. Virtually all English translations of the Bible before that time had wording that was essentially the same as the King James Version.

The obvious reason for the change was satan’s attack on the deity of the Lord Jesus. This is why they also changed the wording of 1Tim. 3:16 which, speaking of the Lord Jesus, says “God was manifest in the flesh“ to read “He who was revealed in the flesh”.

There are both internal and external evidences why the King James Version, and other versions based of the Textus Receptus Greek text is the right reading. While people can, and do, argue the historical reasons, I believe an honest comparison of the two, will reveal which one is more consistent with the truth of who Jesus is and honors the Lord Jesus more.

I realize that most will not change what they believe about whether the Textus Receptus or the Westcott and Hort Greek text is correct, either because of personal pride or pride and trust in the school they attended. However, for me, having studied the historical evidences, and more importantly the internal evidences and considering which is more consistent and honoring to my Lord, I have full confidence that the Textus Receptus is the right text. Consider also that, if satan wanted to introduce changes into the Holy Scriptures, he would not make changes which would exalt the Lord but to tend to cast doubt on His deity. This is exactly what the Wescott and Hort text does. I pray that at least this might cause some to seriously consider the truth of what I have shared and earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit might convince them of that truth.

What governs what I do, say and teach more than anything else, is the knowledge that I will one day soon stand before my Lord Jesus to give an account to Him. That is true for every believer.

November 4, 2020

Refer to my note on Oct. 29.

1Pe 5:8-14 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

2Cor. 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

I mentioned the other day that Satan can, and too often has, used Christians as instrument of unrighteousness to help devour a brother or sister in Christ and that I have come to believe that the method he uses most is backbiting. Also the people he uses most effectively are “ministers of righteousness”. They are those individuals that we would least expect or suspect (including themselves) of being used by satan to cause divisions among brethren.

There are too many reasons why and how someone can justify backbiting against another to even begin to list, but that is not the point. The result of backbiting is always division and it always hinders God’s purposes. Those of us who have been the object of backbiting know how deeply it hurts. If we are not careful, it can, and often does, cause bitterness in our hearts towards our accusers. This also is a goal of the devil. This is why it is so important to take heed and follow closely what our Lord teaches us.

If we give in to bitterness, we are not going to be in a place where God can use us as He wants. Jesus said love your enemies. Do not respond in kind. I have learned the bitter truth that we often cannot change what people think about us or say about us, once their minds and hearts have been poisoned towards us by someone backbiting against us. We can, and should, pray for them and continue focusing on serving our Lord faithfully. There will always be backbiters, their will always be those who despise us. Eventually perhaps they might come to realize how wrong they have been to treat any child of God in such a manner. That will certainly be the case when they stand before God. We must stay focused on serving our Lord acceptably and let God take care of the rest. I have seen how God has a way of turning things around and making things right. It is when we are in that kind of situation that we can honor our Lord and put into practice in our lives what Jesus has told us.

October 31, 2020

I shared some comments on my memory passage for this week yesterday. Those comments addressed the serious problem of backbiting that has plagued the Church from the earliest days. While the Lord may have me share more on that another time, I believe He would have me share some more encouraging thoughts about this passage today.

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Notice that the devil, our adversary “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” While the devil was created a powerful spiritual being, his abilities are nothing compared to God. I believe the Apostle uses the phrase “walketh about” to remind us that the devil can only be in one place at a time. He is not omnipresent, (present everywhere at once). While he has many of his fellow evil spirits who followed him in his rebellion to help him, he must go about “seeking whom he may devour.”

Compare this to what God tells us about Himself.

Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

God also reveals a blessed truth for those who belong to Him and are seeking to please Him.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Although he is a very powerful enemy, we can resist the devil’s efforts as God tells us in

I Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

The devil knows he is no match for those who are putting their trust in God. This is why we are told by the Apostle James

James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Praise God! The devil doesn’t just leave, he flees. Think about that.

October 30, 2020

This is part of my memory passage for this week.

1Pe 5:8-14 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Every Christian (every person for that matter) has a powerful and very crafty enemy. He is all about destroying. God warns us that he is “seeking whom he may devour”. He is an expert at using every means and every person for his purposes. Unfortunately, this includes Christians. Something that I have observed and said for many years now is “Christians are satan’s favorite people, to use for his purposes.

Satan can, and too often has, use us as an instrument of unrighteousness to help devour a brother or sister in Christ. I have come to believe that the method he uses most is backbiting and the people he uses most effectively are “ministers of righteousness”. They are those individuals that we would least expect or suspect of being used by satan to cause divisions among brethren. That is why he loves to use Christians. Anytime someone accuses someone else behind their backs or tells something about someone which lowers our respect for them or appreciation of them, or hurts their reputation or testimony, that is backbiting. If we engage in backbiting our heart is not right with God. We are serving satan and his purposes. It makes no difference how long we have been a Christian or labored in Christian services. God makes it clear that His desire is that we are united in love, one to another, which will not be, if we are poisoning the hearts of others towards someone through backbiting.

I will be sharing more on this later, Lord willing.

October 27, 2020

As most of you know, at least once each week I try to share something from my daily devotions and Bible study as I meditate upon my Lord and His word. I share these on Ragged Mountain Bible church FB page also. Our Lord told His disciples “freely ye have received, freely give.” My prayer and hope is they might bless, encourage, and challenge your heart as they do mine and I thank you for the privilege of allowing me to share them with you.

Who Am I?

I am a sinner saved by grace through faith in the finished work and sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

I am a beloved child of the heavenly Father.

I am born of the Spirit of God and the Holy Spirit of God dwells within me.

I am part of the body of Christ and fulfill that function within that body for which I was specifically designed.

I am part of the bride of Christ and I am to obey and honor Him as a wife to her husband.

I am a citizen of Heaven to which I owe my highest loyalty.

I am an ambassador for Christ to represent Him and His wishes in this world.

I am a servant of the Most High and Sovereign God of All.

I am a fellow heir of the glories of Heaven.

None of these things were or are the work of my own doing. They were all accomplished, designed and ordained by God for me. If you are truly a Christian, then they are just as true about you.

When you think of me or speak about me, or do something to me, remember, my God knows your thoughts; my Father is listening; and my Master is watching.

Now consider a brother or sister in Christ with whom you may have a quarrel or be “on the outs” with, and replace the words “I am” in those statements to “They are” and consider that last statement with that person in mind.

October 13, 2020

As I have been studying and working on the message for this coming Sunday, I was struck by the wonder of what was happening. Seeking and preparing a message for God’s people is like digging for treasure. As God moves in my heart and His Spirit guides my thoughts, the truths of His word begin to shine forth. I seldom know what the final form of that treasure will look like until I have completely unburied it, but it will shine forth in the brilliance of God’s truth that will challenge, feed and bless the souls of His people, exalt our glorious Lord, and dispel the darkness of error.

One reason why it is so important to be praying for pastors every day.

October 3, 2020

My Old Testament reading this morning was Psalm 18. What a wonderful testament David gives of God’s care for him. Read carefully and try to picture what David says in verses 6-10 which give a beautiful picture of God coming to David’s rescue.

Psalm 18:6-10 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. (7) Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. (8) There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. (9) He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. (10) And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

What a glorious picture of God coming to David’s rescue. It reminds me of those old western movies when the wagons are completely surrounded, the ammunition is just about gone and there is no hope of preventing the sure massacre that is about to happen. But then, in the distance, they hear the trumpet sound of the cavalry coming to their rescue and they see the mighty and strong soldiers coming over the rise as they charge into their attackers with their guns blazing. Multiply that by ten thousand times and it still would be nothing to how God desires and is able to come to the aid of those who put their trust in Him.

We serve this same God, but we should ask if we can say the same as David testifies later in this psalm, about our heart and our walk in this world.

September 30, 2020

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

August 26, 2020

1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

Verse 19 is a simple verse yet it contains a powerful truth that is too often overlooked. One of the most discouraging things I have observed over the years is a lack of love among those who name the name of Jesus. There is plenty of “love” among those who have like views. There is sweet comradeship between those who are a part of the “group”. There are many clicks within churches and within pastors or church “leaders” groups. However, those who are outside or not a part of their group are quickly criticized. These things ought not to be and are indicative of a lack of real spirituality. An all too common manifestation of this is the backbiting that goes on, even in and especially among those who are supposed to be mature Christians. It amazes me how readily people accept backbiting against a brother or sister in Christ, even though it is something God hates. It is no wonder that I have heard very few sermons against this most wicked sin that has been one of the common tools satan uses to cause divisions among God’s people. There is much more that could be said about this, but the focus here is on what this verse tells us.

“hereby we know that we are of the truth.” Everything we say about or do to brother or sister in Christ reveals where our heart is. Would those evidences testify that we love that brother or sister? No matter what a person may say, it is what they do that reveals their true heart. God reveals to us very plainly that this is the true test of the true believer.

1Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

There are no exceptions in this verse, the intent is whether we love EVERY brother and EVERY sister, for it is easy to love some or perhaps even most. Is there a brother or sister of which our words or actions towards them would reveal we do not love them?

August 25, 2020

Part of my current memory passage is

1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

The use of a double reference in the Bible is for special emphasis. When John says “in word, neither in tongue”, he is emphasizing to us that love is more than words or language. Here John is contrasting the difference between our words and our actions. This is similar to what the Lord inspired James to write in

James 2:15-17 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

So it is with love also. Do our actions towards others demonstrate our love for them? God is the greatest example of this for us, and is summed up in

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

There are souls around us that are in far more dire need than those who are “destitute of daily food.” There are many souls who are blindly on their way to hell and every Christian has the truth that can save them. James ask a question that is just as applicable for those who fail to share this truth with those who are lost. “how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

August 24, 2020

My New Testament reading this morning was John chapter 4 which tells of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman.

John 4:10 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.

There is a beautiful connection between God giving in instructions to Moses for supplying life saving water for the children of Israel and salvation provided through Christ. Moses was instructed to smite the rock the first time.

Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

This first incident of striking the rock, is a wonderful picture of Christ being smitten for us on the cross to bring salvation. This is shown in the saving of the thief on the cross. He was about to die with no hope, but Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for sins, provided the way for him to be saved.

Years after the first incident when the children of Israel were in need of life saving water again God instructed Moses to speak to the rock.

Num 20:7-9 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (8) Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Thus Jesus says in

John 4:10 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.

Of course, Moses had no idea of the picture that God was drawing for us. Instead of speaking to the rock as God had instructed Him, he smote the rock. The sacrifice which Jesus made on the cross is sufficient to bring salvation to all.

Jesus said John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Have you called on the Lord Jesus repenting of your sin and receiving Him as that living water?

August 18, 2020

The word cattle be-hay-maw’ refers especially to large quadrupeds, that is cattle. It is different from the word translated beast which is khah’ee which refers to living things in general.

Thus the serpent was a quaudruped, that is, it had four legs before the curse.

The word for serpent is naw-khawsh’; a snake or serpent. It is derived from naw-khash’ which is a verb which means to hiss, or to whisper.

Thus the prominent characteristic of the serpent, even before the curse was to hiss or whisper. I find it interesting that the word whisper or whisperer is only used thrice in the Bible.

Psa. 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Pro.16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

It is disturbing that so many who name the name of Jesus, so often behave as serpents. May we ever be on guard against becoming a serpent

July 28, 2020

Those who believe in the New Reformed theology believe and teach that to allow the free will of man, brings God down and makes Him a lesser God than the ultimate Supreme Ruler of everything. However, this is not only not true, since He is the One who created us with free will, but to disallow free will violates the very character of a loving and just God. With no free will there is no justice with God, since it would mean that God was punishing souls for doing something they had no control over. It would also mean that God was neither loving nor good, for He would be creating souls which would be designed and ordained by Him to spend an eternity suffering in the eternal flames of the lake of fire. That is not the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible made all things good, including man and all the spiritual beings. It was by deliberate rebellion against Him and His will that sin and evil came into the world. Yet, in spite of this, God sent His own Son Jesus into the world to pay the penalty for our sins and offers complete forgiveness and new eternal life to all who will to turn from their sin and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

John 3:15-18 That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) 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. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that THE WORLD through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

June 30, 2020

Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

The word quickly in this verse is referring to the suddenness of his coming. The return of Christ will be without warning. His return will be in two parts. The first will be to take away His church out of the world just before the great tribulation period. This is referred to as the rapture of the church and is described in 1Thes 4:14-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) 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: (17) 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. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

In Revelation 22:12 Jesus says “my reward is with me” for while the tribulation period on Earth is happening, there will be two things going on in Heaven. One of those is the judgment seat of Christ where Christians will be rewarded according to their service. Only those things which we have done specifically for the Lord will count in eternity. The Bible tells us that there will be some that receive great rewards, but other Christians that will receive none. Paul writes of this in I Corinthians 3:12-17

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. (14) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

It would do well for each of us to consider the things we do and seek to do those things which will horror and glorify the God we serve. What things will we do today, that on that day Christ will say “well done thou good and faithful servant”.

June 24, 2020

Nehemiah 3:1-4 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

(2) And next unto him builded the men of Jericho.

And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

(3) But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

(4) And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz.

And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel.

And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

One of the most common complaints I have heard about reading the Old Testament, is that Christians do not see the relevance of what they are reading. For example, they may wonder why would God include the list of who built what and the order of where they were building. The Bible is an historical book, recording both events and the names of those involved. There are those who claim that the Bible is rhetorical or allegorical. However, the listing of individuals and their families makes it clear this is not the case. If we were to travel to Jerusalem today, we could look upon the very walls and gates around the city and know who the individuals were that built those particular parts, about 445 years before Christ was born. The Bible is like a Time Telescope that we can look through and see actual events and specific people, both in the past and in the future through the prophesies. It might be helpful to remember that as we are stumbling over reading their names. Think about who they were and what circumstances they were in at that time.

May 27, 2020

Part of my memory passage this week is

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

What a fantastic and glorious truth this is. The context is how Christ, as the Great High Priest, who lives forever, has made the eternal sacrifice for our sins and is now in the presence of God in Heaven. Those two last words, “for us”, are the cause for boundless wonder, joy and peace to my soul and fill my heart with love and thanksgiving for my Lord. Jesus died for me and He is now in Heaven; in the very presence of the most holy and righteous God of creation; and He is there on my behalf. The blood He shed on the cross was the full payment for all my sin, so that I now appear before the all holy God in the righteousness of Christ as described in

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Jesus is in Heaven at this very moment as my Great High Priest, so that “ There is therefore now no condemnation…” and I am fully accepted and loved as God’s own dear child. Oh, that my words and actions today might reflect that glorious reality.

May 19, 2020

1Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

I exhort therefore – the word that Paul uses here is a very powerful word. It means to implore, beseech or intreat. It is not just a suggestion or invitation. It is necessary for God to implore us to do these things because they do not come naturally to us. How often are we guilty of not doing these things which God’s word clearly tells us to do. Have many of us have done these things today, this week or this month? Note the importance that Paul places upon these things for he says “ I exhort therefore, that, FRIST OF ALL.” It is easy for us to complain about how bad things are in our nation and in our government. Paul, and the early Christians lived at a time and in places where the government and religious leaders were extremely hostile towards Christians. Yet Paul does not rail on them or on how bad things were. Rather He tells us what we are do about it. There is nothing more powerful that prayer. Rather than simply complain or vent, we need to be offering “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks” for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Are these things on the list of things we do daily? What changes might we expect to see if God’s people were faithful in what He exhorts us in this passage.

May 18, 2020

Judges 8:4-10 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. (5) And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. (6) And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?

The Lord already had given Gideon a tremendous victory. One hundred twenty thousand of the invaders had already been slain. He chased the remaining invaders back across the Jordan river and his men were faint and hungry. The size of the army they were chasing was still 15000 strong. It’s understandable that the leaders in Succoth thought that there was no way Gideon and his 300 were going to defeat them. So Gideon goes on another 10 miles to Penuel and they also refuse to give his tired and hungry men any food. It would have been very tempting at either of these times for Gideon and his men to think they had certainly done enough. It would be nice if they returned home rather than go on to fight an army that they had no natural ability to defeat. But God had said He was going to give the Midianites into their hands and Gideon was not going to stop until the last two invading Midian Kings were destroyed.

May the Lord help us to continue fighting the good fight of faith even when we are tired and faint and the enemy is still much stronger than we can defeat.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

May 9, 2020

Gal 6:1-5 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (4) But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. (5) For every man shall bear his own burden.

Some imagine that v5 contradicts v2, but v5 is talking about an inward perspective and v2 is talking about an outward perspective. We should be a help and encouragement to those around us, but we also bear the responsibility for our own sins. We rejoice in the fact that God completely forgives and cleanses us from our sins when we truly repent and confess them. However, the self examination mentioned in v4 should lead to our feeling the “load” of our own sin: and this should lead us to bear sympathetically with our neighbor’s burden of infirmity. The knowledge of past sins should not be just pushed out of our minds. Rather, that knowledge will help us in our daily walk. The sorrow and shame of them should keep us from repeating them. It will also increase our appreciation, our love and our dedication to our Lord. David, Peter and Paul are a few examples of this in God’s word. Let us let the knowledge of our past sins do its work; to help purify our walk with the Lord; to have empathy for our fellow sinners; and to renew afresh our love and appreciation for what God has done for us.

April 23, 2020

My memory passage for this week is
Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
This may seem like a very simple and easy thing to do at first glance. However, it is easy to overlook the connection between the phrases in this verse. The overlying emphasis is that we owe a debt to every person and that debt is to love them. In order to understand what this means; it is necessary to understand what the word love means in this verse. First, it is NOT the noun love, but the verb love. It is not talking about a warm affectionate feeling. It is talking about action. We have little or no control over our feelings, for they are reactionary. However, we have full control over our actions, so we have no excuse for not obeying what God says. God’s word further instructs us as to how this love behaves, so that we can conduct ourselves accordingly.
Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
No matter who the person is, we should be kind and considerate to them. These are natural for those whom we have an affection for, but we OWE them to every person. There are no exceptions allowed. This does not mean that we overlook their sin and wickedness, but it does mean that our actions must always be just and good. Our Lord Jesus is the greatest example of this.
We ought to have the same mind towards others that God had towards us. Our desire should be to view all as either actual or potential brothers and sister in Christ, for so they are. Just as God has worked the miracle in our own lives and hearts, He can and desires to do the same in theirs.

April 13, 2020

2Ch 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
Imagine what a fantastic sight that must have been which the Lord allowed Micaiah to see. I have sometimes thought about collecting all the passages in the Bible that describe Heaven and the throne of God and putting them all together. What a glorious place it is. Isaiah describes a vision on Heaven in
Isa 6:1-4 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. (2) Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. (3) And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (4) And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
It is hard to imagine what it looked like to see all the thousands upon thousands of the angelic host of Heaven stretching out to the right and to the left from the throne of God.
Consider what Jesus said in
Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
What a glorious sight it will be to see Jesus coming with “all the holy angels”. The whole sky will be filled with the brightness of the glory of Jesus and thousands upon thousands upon thousands of His holy angels.

I pray you are doing well.

Pastor Bill

Thursday, April 9, 2020

As I was preparing a message recently, the Lord brought to mind an incident that happened in my own life. I had been misjudged by someone and as a result they sinned against me. Yet even after they realized their error, they refused to confess and repent of their sin. As I thought about that and as I think about it now, my heart is greatly saddened at the loss of the sweet fellowship we once enjoyed. Even though I have forgiven them completely and desire earnestly that someday it might be restored, there is a greater reason for my sadness. Unconfessed sin is a poison to the soul. The only way to get rid of it is by repentance and confession.
One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
To not repent of our sin is to cut off our prayers so that our Lord will not hear them.
What a horrible thought. This truth is so important that God declares in Isa. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
We may wonder some times why the Lord is not answering our prayer. It would be wise for us to consider the real possibility that it is because of some sin which we have refused to repent and confess. Will we allow our pride to block our prayers?
1Jn 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

2Ch 15:1-2 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
As I read this verse this week in my devotions, I was reminded about another verse that mentions the word forsake.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Too often some Christians will grab onto a saying from the Bible and not look deeply into the context. I knew a deacon once who had a habit of this. While it is true that Christ constantly dwells within every Christian, this does not mean He will help them out of every trial or difficulty. In fact, He may be the One bringing it upon them. God makes it clear that He deals with us according to our actions and attitudes. If our hearts are not right with Him, we can expect Him to deal with us accordingly. In fact, sometimes it is even God’s will for us to commit to destruction, a Christian who is overtaken in a sin, as Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth.
1Co 5:3-5 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, (4) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Praise God that the one Paul was speaking of repented and got his heart right with God, but that is not always the case. If we persist in our sin He will deal with us as He did with Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5. God gave them each the opportunity to repent and tell the truth before they were struck dead from God.
Our actions and our heart’s attitude matter. If we are deliberately sinning against God, God is going to deal with it. God does not change. What He said by the prophet Azariah to Asa is still just as true for us today.
“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”
Lord, help us to examine our hearts honestly before you. Give us the wisdom and strength to confess and forsake that which is not pleasing to you and be walking according to your will today.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Bill

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

2Sa 22:6-7 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; (7) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

This is the passage that the Lord has laid upon my heart to memorize and meditate upon this week. It seems very appropriate for the times we are in. There are no extra words in God’s word. It is important for us to realize that every word and phrase is there by God’s design and purpose. When something seems to be repeated it is important that we consider it carefully.

“I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God” This reveals the intensity with which he was praying. The more trouble we are in or the greater we feel the need, the more intense will be our prayer. The Lord convicted my own heart this morning for my lack of prayer and praise for Him. It is not that I have not been praying and praising Him every day, but I have not been nearly as intense or filled with praise towards Him that I should have been. It is so easy to take the things God does for us and the way He supplies our needs for granted and not really praise and thank Him the way we should.

“he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears” Here we see another doubling. It speaks both of the surety of God’s hearing his prayer and of the wondrous blessing that the God of Heaven and Earth would listen to his cry.

Oh, what a glorious privilege we have to call upon the God of Heaven, knowing that He hears us.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

My New Testament reading this morning was Acts 16 and describes the events of Paul’s trip to Philippi.

Acts 16:22-27 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. (23) And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: (24) Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Paul and Silas came to Philippi to bring the Gospel to the people as God had specifically led them to do. Yet, now, they are beaten and thrown into prison. Their beating was severe for it says “they had laid many stripes upon them.” The Jews never gave more than thirty-nine stripes to any criminal; but the Romans had no such law or restriction and they gave as many as they chose. Some believe that Paul refers to this in 2Corinthians11:23 where he says “in stripes beyond measure”. Each stripe was a wound inflicted by the whip or rod. These were probably open wounds as indicated by verse 33 “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;”

It is significant that we see no word of complaint or questioning from Paul or Silas. Instead we read in verse 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Prayer and praise are an unbeatable combination. When we suffer as the result of being faithful to God, instead of complaining, we should realize as Paul and Silas did, that it is a great honor and our God is well pleased with us. It is during times of adversity that our faith and love for God can shine forth as a bright beacon. God will always honor our faith. Sometimes He will do it in a most remarkable way as we see in the rest of the chapter.

(26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

Paul and Silas had no idea how God was going to work things out through their suffering, but God knew a jailor who needed salvation. Praise God for His love and mercy.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

My Old Testament reading today was in II Chronicles. Solomon was the wisest king who ever ruled on this Earth. 2Ch 6:12-14 And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: (13) For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, (14) And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

Oh, that the leaders of our country might awaken to these great facts about the God of creation. It would be so great and marvelous to see even one of our national leaders bow down before God in public and pray a similar prayer for America and her people. God has so much love for all people upon this Earth and He demonstrated it by sending Jesus into this world to take the full punishment for the sins of the whole world “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16)

This is what the Apostle Paul wrote about in

Rom 5:6-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

It is so sad that so many will die in their sins because of their refusal to believe God.

Rev 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (8) 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

Friday, March 20, 2020

Psalm 119:39-40 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. (40) Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

“Turn away my reproach which I fear” – for those who love God and are seeking to please and honor Him, there is nothing more shameful than to be found guilty of sinning against Him. Satan and his children love to accuse those who are seeking to live for God. They love to discredit the servant of God, because by doing so they can bring shame to their testimony and hinder their witness. Even those Christians who are not living a vibrant life for God, often take secret pleasure in seeing a devoted Christian stumble. “They think they are so high and holy, but they are just a phony.” They think that by discrediting them, they are discrediting the standards by which they live. This is why they are so quick to make known the sin of others through backbiting and gossip. However, all backbiters will be put to immeasurable shame themselves when they appear before the Holy God. To sin so against a Child and servant of God is to sin against God Himself. It is well that the Child of God fear the reproach of sin in their lives, for it can help them from straying from the path of righteousness.

Pastor’s Notes — Thoughts for the day

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