12 16 08 GIVING OF A SAVIOR

“A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us.
He will rule over us. And he will be called
Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God.
He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever
and Prince Who Brings Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIrV)

As we celebrate the GIVING OF A SAVIOR by our gracious God, it calls to mind how we give at this season of CHRISTmas. Many give for that very reason…because God gave and we in turn are moved to give. Some give because they see a need and simply want to help. Others give out of obligation, guilt, or to repay a debt to society. There are some who give to get back in return. Some give for the mere reason of a year-end tax break. Giving as most of you know is much more than tax brackets and charitable deductions. Your charitable gifts to The Sparrows’ Nest Ministries make an important difference in the lives of children and families who are seeking answers. What we do at TSN is prayerfully attempt to provide those answers based on God’s truths, to bring healing and restoration. We’re simply instruments for the Holy Spirit to do a work, but we need financial support to continue this work.

Whether taxes are an issue for you or not, we’re looking for your partnership as this year comes to a close. I know most of align with the heart of God. Children are hurting. Families are disintegrating. God’s Word is disappearing from society. Children can’t pray in school. Politicians won’t mention Jesus’ name. People are suing to have every mention of God removed from eyesight and ear shot. How will the needy child feel His love? How will a desperate parent receive His grace? How will a neighborhood see Light in such darkness? We’ll go…send us Lord.

Each gift will make a difference in the life of a child or family who’s hurting. Please believe me; there are more hurting people than we have the resources to help. Your partnership is crucial! It pains us to have to turn away a child or parent in need. We have even had to consider shutting down for a while this year. But how can you quit on the face of an eight year-old little girl? How can you turn away a sixteen year old young man who knocks on your door every Monday and Wednesday? How can you not keep doing all you can do when so many are in need?

In the GIVING OF A SAVIOR, God gave all He could give. We pledge to do the same. Until God calls us home or shuts us down, we’ll do whatever we can for as long as we can. Will you pledge to help? Check out our web pages and see the plans: watch the video; view the pictures on the media events page. Then decide how much you will pledge per month to keep God’s work thriving. I realized a while ago that I have nothing of my own. My prayer is that as we work, God will provide our needs. He will…He does. What about you?

Modern-Day Warfare

“I do live in the world. But I don't fight my battles the way the people of the world do. The weapons I fight with are not the weapons the world uses. In fact, it is just the opposite. My weapons have the power of God to destroy the camps of the enemy.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIrV)


As we look back over the ages and study warfare, we see the methods have changed drastically. From swords and flaming spears to nuclear warheads able to travel thousands of miles and hit precise targets, the way nations wage war has changed! Just the threat of a stronger weapon is now a negotiating tool. Though the methods of warfare have changed, the strategy is still similar…we must be on guard and attack the enemy. We must have the strongest weapon and prepared armies.

Spiritual warfare has been going on since before time as we know it. There are powers and principalities and dominions fighting over your souls and mine, undermining the Truth, and attempting to persuade us to believe a lie. As Paul described the battles, he reiterated the power we must side with: God! He alone can cast down strongholds, destroy wicked plans, and release the captives of sin and evil. The weapons of God are not of this world and to defeat the enemy, we need not to use the world’s power, but the weapons God gives to us…His Truth…His Spirit…His Faith.

Though the weapons against evil are timeless, the methods of MODERN-DAY WARFARE can change from generation to generation and from culture to culture. What works for you in Africa may not work for me in an urban U.S. City. What works in your urban neighborhood may not work in my city block. What your youth group responds to may not excite the kids I speak with daily. Just as Paul stated that he walked according to the Spirit and not his flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3), we too must be in tune with God’s Spirit to hear how He wants us to work. We must be sensitive to specific needs of the people we live among, the children we work with, and the families we serve. We are not simply trying to overcome hunger, homelessness, unemployment, and educational challenges; we are trying to tear down walls and boundaries set up by Satan to keep children and families from knowing the Truths of God!

Just as the enemy is subtle and cunning, we must be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). We have to be prayed up and studied up! We have to know the enemy and the people we are attempting to reach. We cannot be uninformed believers! MODERN-DAY WARFARE requires commitment and dedication. We will be battered and bruised along the way. But we must get up and keep engaging the enemy. Victory won’t come easy, but it will come. God guarantees it!

12 12 08 Got a Snickers?

“I wait for your deliverance, O Lord.” (Genesis 49:18 NET)

A popular commercial tells us to have a particular candy bar as we wait…

Jacob said it a little differently as he anticipated problems for Gad and Dan: wait on the Lord. Jeremiah said it is good to wait patiently on the Lord, even in the worst of trials (Lamentations 3:26). Isaiah pledged to wait patiently (Isaiah 8:17), even though the Lord had turned His back to His people. His promises would come to fruition. Paul says it this way in Romans 8:25:

“We hope for what we don't have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it.” (NIrV)

We read Paul encouraging believers to wait patiently, enduring the present hardships knowing God has our best interest in mind. We have a hope anchored in the promises of God. Tough times are meant to test our faith as precious metals are tested in the fire. As we endure, we are refined and sharpened for the work of Christ. We are more useful in His hands and others can more readily see God at work.

These trying times need a witness to the goodness of God. His mercy is all around us. We just have to seek Him out, wait patiently, and trust Him at His word. It may not happen today, or even tomorrow, but He will make good on His promises. Our struggles may indeed be for future generations. Our faith may just cause others to come to faith in Christ. That in itself is enough: that others see the Father at work in us and come to know Him!

So like the prophets of old, we wait patiently on the Lord. Like Paul, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and abandoned at times, we wait patiently for the Lord. Some of the biggest blessings take time to unravel. We have all eternity to see God do His work…let’s be patient.

12 11 08 Make Me An Offer

“My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the world's eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn't he chosen them to receive the kingdom? Hasn't he promised it to those who love him?” (James 2:5 NIrV)

Ever want to be a millionaire? Today’s sports news is loaded with the figures of the newest free agent signings: $10 million a year for two years...$80 million for five years…$161 million over eight years…the numbers are ridiculous. Did anyone tell the owners and players that we’re in a recession? Obviously someone has to let them know. I guess they’ll find out when the stadiums are empty come spring.

Many of us normal folks are faced with real life decisions every day: how will we pay the mortgage; how will we afford school expenses; will our family vehicle last the winter without major repairs; what adjustments do we make in utilities, recreation, and food costs? We can’t negotiate our salaries for the next ten years. Some of us are worried about the next ten hours or even the next ten minutes! News like million dollar salaries doesn’t make us feel any better!

So what do we do? We trust God. It sounds simple, but why not? Even our money encourages us to do just that…“In God We Trust”. So why do any of us trust in money or some form of it? We say if we can just get this much, or if we can save this much, or when this much comes in… Better responses would be if the Lord allows, in God’s timing, or Thy will be done, not mine!

The Bible tells us we are rich in graces and have an inheritance in heaven! Is that not enough? I was speaking to a friend last evening at church and we discussed struggles on earth compared to treasures in heaven. Our agreed response was this: Heaven is something to look forward to…something better than this life!

The temporary struggles in life make the promise of eternity with a loving Father something to cherish. Without the struggles, where is the benefit of looking ahead? Where is the incentive to push toward that mark? What if someone said to you or me, “Make me an offer” as to how much money was enough? Would you ask for a million dollars for a year…two million for two years? What would it cost us? God has already made us all an offer. God’s promise is treasure, riches, and eternal peace with Him if we follow after Him. We have to weigh the costs and benefits when we make decisions in life. For me it’s simple. I’d rather be poor here and rich in Christ! How ‘bout you?

12 10 08 Is It Worth It?

“Blessed is the man who keeps on going when times are hard. After he has come through them, he will receive a crown. The crown is life itself.
God has promised it to those who love him.”
(James 1:12 NIrV)


James speaks in very practical terms. He is very short and to the point. Listen more…talk less…Don’t have the answers? Ask God…Are you a Christian? Show me…Think you’re religious? Care for people in need…and so on.

So when dealing with the question IS IT WORTH IT to follow Christ, James has one reply: blessings! God promises abundant life to those who keep the faith and persevere. Heaven is well worth the struggles, sacrifices, and the wait. I realize that at times things seem to go on forever, yet God promises eternity with Him beyond our imagination. Though we won’t experience heaven until we get there, we get a glimpse of it as we honor God and follow His lead here on earth.

A child’s smile when they figure out a homework problem…a mother’s joy in receiving a Thanksgiving meal…the laughter of dozens of kids sharing joys of Christmas they might not have had…joy-filled eyes…innocent hugs…hand-colored pictures and scribbled notes of affection… IS IT WORTH IT?

“All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
(1 Corinthians 9:25 NIrV)

We work so hard and sacrifice so much for our jobs to provide for our families. When we were younger, we would practice long hours and go through grueling training to compete in sports. Even as we grow older, we find ourselves competing to look younger, stay stronger, and remain healthy. I don’t have to mention those of us guilty of competing with the Jones’…maybe those days are over! IS IT WORTH IT?

Better yet, why won’t we compete as hard for Christ and His plans for us? Why do we give up so easily? Why do we sell ourselves short? Rewards on this earth are temporary, yet we pursue them with all get-out. Let’s pursue the things of Christ with even more fervor. His crown will not rust or tarnish. Treasures I heaven will await our arrival. The celebration banquet is a feast to beat all feasts! IS IT WORTH IT?

Don’t give up…real life awaits those who believe and live promises of God!

12 09 08 NO OTHER CHOICE

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit. Put the spirits to the test to see if they belong to God. Many false prophets have gone out into the world. How can you recognize the Spirit of God? Every spirit that agrees that Jesus Christ came in a human body belongs to God. But every spirit that doesn't agree with this does not belong to God. It is the spirit of the great enemy of Christ. You have heard that the enemy is coming. Even now he is already in the world. Dear children, you belong to God. You have not accepted the teachings of the false prophets. That's because the One who is in you is more powerful than the one who is in the world. False prophets belong to the world. So they speak from the world's point of view. The world listens to them. We belong to God. And those who know God listen to us. But those who don't belong to God don't listen to us. That's how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of lies.” (1 John 4:1-6 NIrV)

These are tough times indeed. How can we cope? We trust a God who promises to meet our every need, yet we are in dire need. We believe in a God who can do all things but fail, yet we are experiencing failure all around us. We tell others that God is in control, but it seems as though all hell has broken loose and there is no control at all. This is the present world. This is reality. This is how it is in the world today.

But we who believe are not of this world! We belong to God. We trust God to keep His promises. We trust Him for His will for us. We seek His face for peace and tranquility. We rest in knowing He knows the outcome. We live as best as the Spirit of God allows us to witness to His goodness…even in the most trying times. We don’t give up!

I may feel like I am failing, but I am not a failure. I may have no money in the bank and facing serious financial decisions, but I am not bankrupt. I don’t have all the answers for my wife and children when they ask how we’ll make the mortgage, will we have any toys for Christmas, or why is it just a bit cooler in the house today. I am challenged to trust God. I have NO OTHER CHOICE. I belong to God. I am His child. He is my Daddy!

12 08 08 The Journey

“Jesus called the Twelve together. He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to heal sicknesses. Then he sent them out to preach about God's kingdom and to heal those who were sick. He told them, ‘Don't take anything for the journey. Do not take a walking stick or a bag. Do not take any bread, money or extra clothes. When you are invited into a house, stay there until you leave town. Some people may not welcome you. If they don't, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town. This will be a witness against the people living there.’ So the Twelve left. They went from village to village. They preached the good news and healed people everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-6 NIrV)

The Jewish people need to see the power of the Kingdom of God at work. Hurting people needed hope. Families worried about their future. A nation in turmoil needed more than just promises. As Jesus sent the twelve, He sent them with His power, nothing more: No a hefty expense account, no corporate credit card, no clothing allowance, no company car. They didn’t even have any business leads. They were told to go… on THE JOURNEY.

All the twelve had to depend upon was the power of the Living God! Boy did it work! People were healed of disease. Lame folks got up and walked. Blind men would see. People deep in sin were delivered and forgiven by the power of God; no fancy words or power point presentations. Imagine that.

Jesus told His disciples later (John 14:12) that those who believe in Him would do more than even He would do. How could this be? While on their journey, they would have the power of the Holy Spirit alive within them and travel to the ends of the earth preaching the Good News! Jesus had a very limited ministry field in and around His home town and surrounding areas. His disciples, and you and I, have the whole world at our disposal! Whatever THE JOURNEY is for us as individuals or as a Church Body, let’s concentrate on the power we have in Christ, then access the auxiliary power. After all, we have the power of the living God within us. Is that not enough?

There is true joy in THE JOURNEY God gives us. The more we realize it’s through Him that we accomplish everything….the more joy and fellowship we experience. Through Him, in Him, and with Him…enjoy THE JOURNEY!

12 05 08 God’s Calendar

“The plans of godly people are right.
But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.” (Proverbs 12:5 NIrV)

GOD’S CALENDAR is always on time! Today’s date (December 5) just happens to line up with Proverbs 12:5 and the reason we celebrate this day. By the grace of God and the great cloud of witnesses and wise counsel He has placed by our side over the past ten years, the Carrolls and TSN Ministries will celebrate God’s goodness, mercy, and providence over the last ten years. Though God gave us the vision, without the help of countless numbers of friends, family, even strangers, we would never have come this far.

This evening we will launch the virtual video of TSN’s Olde Towne Community to bring children from at-risk to a-home, one family at a time. It is a multi-million dollar project over several years to come alongside the children, their families, and the community to restore the core values of a biblically based family and society. As God is pleased and we build this community many children lost in our communities will be rescued by God’s grace and families strengthened for generations to come to the glory of God.

While it seems rather odd to be doing this in such challenging financial times, GOD’S CALENDAR is always on time! It will be by His grace and by His providence that we pull this off, along with the help of you and many others within the community. We have to stay focused on His time table and be sure to seek and follow the Godly people He places I our path.

We can’t wait to watch our Father at work and to be in partnership with Him! He is still at work, still in control and will be for eternity!

12 04 08 It is Always Good

“His great love is new every morning.
Lord, how faithful you are!” (Lamentations 3:23 NIrV)

God’s conforming character is a covering for every wrecked office and institution in life. God is full of mercy and His Truth supersedes any present day trouble. Many are experiencing the deep disappointments and devastating losses brought on by today’s challenging economic situation worldwide. We can follow Jeremiah’s example, as he surveyed the gloom and doom of his day (586-580 B.C.). Jerusalem had fallen to Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar and many Jews (including Jeremiah) would be forced to leave Jerusalem or even be murdered by the Babylonian armies. Despite the terrible times, there is a glimmer of hope! Every morning there is reason to shout, “Lord, how faithful you are “!

“It is good to sing every morning about your love.
It is good to sing every night about how faithful you are.” (Psalm 92:2 NIrV)


This psalm of praise commemorates the person and work of God. Despite the circumstances, it is always good and right to praise God and to do it without shame or embarrassment. We can’t be embarrassed to praise Him publically and we must be careful not to embarrass Him with our actions. We aren’t trying to be obnoxious or rude, just overflowing with the love and provisions our Father gives us! We can’t let someone tell us we cannot speak the name of Jesus in public when the Word tells us to do so when urged. Do we need the rocks to cry out for us?

In the beginning of the day…He is faithful. In the most challenging of times…in the courtroom…in the hospital…in the unemployment line…in trying to make the bills match the money…in the middle of family challenges…when a spouse faces life threatening illness…in agonizing pain for our children…when an elderly parent’s days are dwindling…He is faithful. In the midnight hour when no one sees or hears us but God…He is faithful.

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD to praise the Lord! Always!!!!

12 03 08 Surrender

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1 NIV)

We all thirst for satisfaction. There is a peace that goes beyond our human understanding. We all need a sense of security for our future. We have that refreshing promise in our Savior. He is our safe harbor. Salvation is the free gift of God…priceless to those of who believed yet so costly to our Lord! Money can’t buy it and it can’t be sold. We have our fill with Christ…complete satisfaction…more than the most lavish dinner of wine, cheeses, meat, and dairy. We come with open arms and empty hands to the One who promises all; if we just SURRENDER.

SURRENDER the selfish desires. SURRENDER the dependence upon this world’s institutions and learn of the promises of God. Try Him. Trust Him. No one can have a testimony without being tested and coming through that test knowing it was God who prevailed, not the person. We have heard it said that we don’t know how much we need God until we have nothing at all. When God is all we have, we realize we do have all we need. But do we have to get to that point?

These days are causing many to take drastic measures to make ends meet. Some are even choosing prostitution! Let’s pray for one another and be available for each other. Let’s covenant together and see that we will not allow another brother or sister to suffer if we can help at all. Let’s be willing to SURRENDER our comforts to share Christ’s living water, His merciful warmth, and the richness of being His child. As He is our God, let’s be His children in this hurting and desperate world. May our light shine through our personal SURRENDER to self!

12 02 08 Don’t Forget How to Dance

“Once again you will use your tambourines to celebrate.
You will go out and dance with joy…” (Jeremiah 31:4 NIrV)

The prophet Jeremiah reminds the remnant of Israel that God will be faithful to restore to them what they once had. He will watch over them and provide once again. God had not forgotten His people, though the times were rough at present.

What a message for us today. As bad as things seem, as bad as the immediate future looks, God is still on watch. He is keeping a protective eye over His people. He has not forgotten us: we have lost touch with His heart! We have fallen prey to the enemy, trusting the institutions of this world and forgetting the foundational truths and promises of God! What we need is good old-fashioned celebration. We need more of those Holy Ghost parties I have heard about! We need a party and Jesus needs to be the honored guest!

DON’T FORGER HOW TO DANCE!

“Now David, wearing a linen ephod, was dancing with all his strength before the LORD.” (2 Samuel 6:14 NET)

It’s enough to celebrate God’s goodness for the simple things of life, home, food, and other basic necessities. We need to say “Thank you Jesus” more often throughout the day for the many things we take for granted. David wasn’t afraid to break out in song and dance…even in the middle of the street in the light of day. He didn’t wait to get home and close the doors to shout. He didn’t wait for Sunday morning.

Even though things are very challenging for most of us today…there is a tomorrow! We have a hope. We have a promise. God is still carrying out His plan. So today, DON’T FORGET HOW TO DANCE…even if you are a bit rhythmically challenged like me!

12 01 08 The Price of Freedom

“My brothers and sisters, you were chosen to be free. But don't use your freedom as an excuse to live in sin. Instead, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIrV)

What a price Christ paid for our freedom from sin! All the suffering, pain, mistreatment, embarrassment and humiliation; not to mention leaving the comforts of heaven to live in a sin-sick world and the give Himself over to such treatment…for His enemies…we sinners! Yes, he did it all for me, for you, and for anyone who will humble oneself and call on Jesus to save them from sin.

In our recent history, many people have also sacrificed much for the freedoms we celebrate and often take for granted. On this day in 1955, a gentle lady by the name of Ms. Rosa Parks was tired and needed to sit down on a bus in Mobile, Alabama.(see photo) She would not give up that seat. The rest is history as Dr. Martin Luther King took up the charge for the freedoms of all citizens and eventually paid the ultimate price for those freedoms: his life. Many lost their lives during the struggles of the late 1960’s in the cities throughout the U.S., including Senator Bobby Kennedy.

These folks did not use their freedoms to sin or the lack of freedoms to inflict harm either. They chose a gentle yet persuasive manner to bring to light the transgressions of our society and were willing to pay whatever price necessary to bring about change. They did not back down to political pressure, verbal threats, or physical harm.

We are challenged by God’s Word to stand firm and unmovable. We are told that He will go with us through the valleys of life and just as He did with Daniel and his friends, He will bring us through fiery trials and the fiercest enemies. We have no liberty to sin, run, or hide. We have the freedom and boldness to stand.

So stand my brothers and sisters in the liberty of God’s grace and mercy. Stand boldly clothed in the full armor of God. Stand by faith. Stand on His promises. Stand together! Will we pay THE PRICE FOR FREEDOM today? Yes, we will!

11 24 08 Click, Click…We Won’t Quit!

“When you make a promise to God, don't wait too long to carry it out. He isn't pleased with foolish people. So do what you have promised. It is better to make no promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NIrV)


Too much is at stake…Too many need too much…If we don’t…who will? If not now, then when? When the going gets tough, well, God is still right where’s He’s always been! But where are we? So many sayings; is there enough doing?

There is a saying I picked up from my friends in ministry in New Orleans. As they interact with the kids, they repeat “Click, click” and the children respond, “We won’t quit.” I take this a step further with my six-year-old and others: “We won’t quit…on God and each other”, we answer back.

That’s just where I am today…in need…in want…not knowing exactly what God will do or how He will do it; yet committed to my Father and His purposes. I won’t quit. It will be an embarrassment to God! It will shame my family. My wife and I promised the Lord over 11 years ago that we would dedicate our family and our lives to His work and through all the struggles; we have stayed faithful to that promise. If others are to see God at work, I want it to be through us. After all, aren’t we here for one sole purpose: to serve God…to allow Him to use us…for Him to get glory?

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.”
(Proverbs 25:14 NIV)


I really have nothing to give God that He doesn’t already have. I have no special gift or talent. I don’t propose to know what He’ll do today or tomorrow. I only know what He has done in and through others and that He does it for His glory. When He provides a need, it may help me, yet it lets others know He is working. When the miraculous occurs, it’s not because someone is so righteous that they deserve it, but that God desires to announce that “I am God”! He doesn’t need my empty promises, lackadaisical attitude, or woe is me whining. He deserves my obedience, respect, and commitment, nothing less. If He provides me with something unexpected; praise God. If I must have less than I expect (maybe I am expecting too much) praise God as well. You see, one thing I know of God: He does things His way in His time!

God only wants my devotion to Him. I can promise Him that. I definitely do not want to promise what is out of my control! I don’t want to promise what I know I won’t let go of. I won’t tell God He is selling me short. Neither will I tell someone what God has for them. God holds us accountable to every idle word we mutter.

It comes down to a lack of respect for the One who still holds the world in His hands. I pray I can let go of what I am holding onto and let Him hold onto me…to His glory…to His honor…for His pleasure! I WON’T QUIT!

11 21 08 Giving Thanks

“Brothers and sisters, we should always thank God for you. That is only right, because your faith is growing more and more. The love you all have for each other is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3 NIrV)

Why was Paul so committed to giving thanks to God for those in Thessalonica? Their faith was growing day by day and there love for one another was increasing. Their affection, good will, love, and benevolence (agape love in the Greek) was evident. I believe Paul was GIVING THANKS to God because he could see God working in them. They truly loved one another as they gave back the love God had showered upon them. This is really GIVING THANKS; not in words, but in deeds! There is no doubt God loves to hear His praises in how we thank Him in our words and songs. But true love, true thankfulness and appreciation shows in our giving to one another in an unselfish manner.

“Jesus called the crowd to him along with his disciples. He said, ‘If anyone wants to come after me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross and follow me. If he wants to save his life, he will lose it. But if he loses his life for me and for the good news, he will save it. What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses his soul? Or what can anyone trade for his soul? Suppose you are ashamed of me and my words among these adulterous and sinful people. Then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.’” (Mark 8:34-38 NIrV)

Take a moment to recall all God has freely given each of us: life, breath, health, homes, jobs, food, vehicles. Even if we are lacking in those areas we still have eyesight, hearing, the ability to walk, to read, to speak, etc. Even more so, we have our very breath from God! Lest we forget, if we truly know God, we have the joy and peace of knowing we have the forgiveness of sin and life eternal with our DADDY in heaven! God has given us all we’ll ever need, even if we get nothing else!

So what are we trying to hold on to? What are we really in need of if not a closer relationship with our Savior? Why are we bitter, or confused, or even jealous of those with more? What could we ever trade for our soul? Do we think that someone living in a house made of gold and precious stones, in a neighborhood paved with streets of gold, where everyone lived at peace with one another would want anything else? Is that not where we live?

We have so much to be thankful for, all year…every day. But at Thanksgiving, we really need to be GIVING THANKS to our family, our friends, our neighbors and those who seem to have so little. We need to allow our faith I God and our love for others to increase beyond what we believe. God gave His Son for everyone, even a sinner like me! In our GIVING THANKS this season, let’s commit to give beyond our means and watch God move, not because we deserve it, but because we honor His name! Someone needs to feel His love today! Will we give it?

11 20 08 Good for Nuthin’

“It is written,
‘No one is right with God, no one at all.
No one understands. No one trusts in God.
All of them have turned away. They have all become worthless.
No one does anything good, no one at all.’ (Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20)
‘Their throats are like open graves.
With their tongues they tell lies.’(Psalm 5:9)
‘The words from their lips are like the poison of a snake.’(Psalm 140:3)
‘Their mouths are full of curses and bitterness.’(Psalm 10:7)
‘They run quickly to commit murder.
They leave a trail of failure and pain.
They do not know the way of peace.’(Isaiah 59:7, 8)
‘They don't have any respect for God.’(Psalm 36:1) What the law says, it says to those who are ruled by the law. Its purpose is to shut every mouth and make the whole world accountable to God. So it can't be said that anyone will be made right with God by obeying the law. Not at all! The law makes us more aware of our sin.” (Romans 3:10-20 NIrV)

All throughout the Old and New Testament, as read above, we can see that in and of ourselves, we are nothing but filthy rags. Even our best work, without the leading of God the Father, is worthless. Only those things done for Christ…for the Kingdom, will last. As human beings, created with sin nature, we are bent toward selfish desires, jealous schemes, and plans to take care of me and mine first. We are trained and instructed to look out for number 1; love yourself first; and what’s mine is mine and you can’t have it! Yet God instructs us to put others first, love our neighbor as ourselves, and sacrifice what we have for the comfort of others. God’s laws reveal how short we come to His standards! Apart from God, we are GOOD FOR NUTHIN!

“‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good except God.’” (Mark 10:18 NIrV)

Paul, in all His abilities and service for the Lord, says no one is good. Even Jesus, when walking in human flesh, replied to the rich, young ruler “No one is good but God.” The young man was not acknowledging Jesus as God, but as a good teacher. Without the saving blood of Christ, no one can ever be good or do any good. His blood makes us holy. Once cleansed, we can do the things of God and live out His will so others will see our good works and want to know Him themselves. One who is forgiven of his sin, sealed by God’s Holy Spirit, and positioned in the Body of Christ, can then do good!

As His Law reveals our need for God, we humbly seek His grace. Once forgiven, we use His power to live in that grace in a world full of sin. Otherwise, we’re GOOD FOR NUTHIN!

11 18 08 Pray Continuously…Test Everything

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 NET)

What happens when we are duped; slowly tricked into believing a lie? Think back to November 18, 1978?

The People’s Temple, a religious community led by James Warren (“Jim”) Jones (1931–78) came to international attention after some 900 of its members died at their compound, Jonestown, in Guyana, in a massive act of murder-suicide on November 18, 1978. Jones began the Peoples Temple informally in the 1950s as an independent congregation in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was inspired by the ideal of a just society that could overcome the evils of racism and poverty. In 1960 the Peoples Temple affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and four years later Jones was ordained. In 1965 members became active in both Protestant ecumenical circles and state politics. An agricultural settlement, Jonestown, was founded in 1974. Following the tragedy at Jonestown, the Peoples Temple was identified as a cult, and Jones was depicted by the media as the epitome of an evil cult leader. (Peoples Temple. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 18 Nov. 2008 ).

Paul writes from Corinth to the capital city of Macedonia, a Roman province in A.D. 51. Paul had visited Thessalonica on his 2nd missionary journey and sent Timothy and Silas back to the area reassure the new believers. This letter is in response to Timothy’s good report. Paul’s desire was to encourage the believers in the face of moral temptation and to instruct them to remain steadfast in faith and conduct.

Verse 14 relates so well to our role as parents and teachers within the home and how we are to not only teach sound doctrine but to be a strong symbol of hope and strength to our children and to one another. We not only see our children a bit undisciplined, discouraged, and weak at times, but we as parents can be a bit frazzled too at times! And think of the teachers: they have multiple challenges each and every day! We have to be careful to be positive, encouraging, and on one accord. This requires us to PRAY CONTINUOUSLY!

We face many challenges today. Paul is not saying in verse 16 to be happy that we are struggling, but to rejoice in the fact that God is present with us and if we are truly in fellowship, we have each other as well. When faced with decisions, economic struggles, and the lies our children face, as a Body, we can challenge one another to be steadfast and TEST EVERYTHING against the Word of Truth! It is so important to be on the same page as believers and as a school family as well. We have been lent these precious children to train in the fear (discipline) and admonition (instruction) of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Our children are gifts from God and like arrows in a warrior’s hand, prepared to pierce this dark world in future generations. (Psalm 127)

Together, we (families, school, and church), must covenant to be united in the raising of our children to better impact the world for Christ!

11 17 08 In the Trenches

“Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him. Don't live any longer the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect…Don't think of yourself more highly than you should. Be reasonable when you think about yourself… Each of us has one body with many parts. And the parts do not all have the same purpose…We all have gifts. They differ in keeping with the grace that God has given each of us…Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord…Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes…Bless those who hurt you... Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others… If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
‘If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.’ (Proverbs 25:21, 22)
Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:1-21 NIrV)

Paul summarizes here in his letter to the Romans what our lives should resemble as believers. Because of what God has done for us, who were once His enemies as sinners, we are to give up our desires to serve Him as warriors on the battle against sin! The battle is done IN THE TRENCHES, in neighborhoods, along city blocks, on college campuses, in town centers, and in office buildings. While we all can’t go to the front lines of battle, we all can and must have a part in the battle, as a body! What we have is not ours, but given to us to share with the world to the glory of God, especially in this day!

Just as a regiment of soldiers has many parts, we as God’s army must work as a unit. Everyone doesn’t carry a weapon, but everyone is needed. The soldiers must be fed. Weapons must be in good supply. Camps must be fully stocked. The soldiers need to know they have the physical and mental support to carry out the battle plans. It’s the same in God’s army. Those in the trenches of urban neighborhoods, city gyms, suburban day cares, high rise offices, or high schools and colleges need the supply of prayer, teaching material, housing, transportation, and clothing. All this costs…and requires sacrifice from every believer, every member of the Body!

Donald King of the Southern Baptist’s North American Mission Board sending team encourages all to support the warriors: “It’s God’s call that leads rational men and women to walk on dangerous streets, to talk with colorful characters, to seek out people of peace in perilous places. Missionaries boldly go to the frontline of the spiritual battlefield…they are like warriors assigned to take the hill in the name of the Lord. Their very presence begins to penetrate the spiritual darkness of neighborhoods, city blocks, and college campuses.”(They are Warriors. OnMission.com Magazine. Fall. 2008.)

Are you willing to join the battle against the enemy of God? He is lurking in our neighborhoods and schools. He is creeping around the shopping malls and the playgrounds. We need to be on the offensive. Soldiers are suited up and ready to fight, yet the supply line is dwindling. This is not the time to retreat, but to lay it on the line; for our final victory is at hand! Encourage a soldier today. Do your part for those IN THE TRENCHES! There is even room for you on the front line if you so choose. But don’t give up…we too were once the enemy, but God redeemed us through Christ’s blood on the original battlefield. There is yet one final battle…join in!

11 14 08 Guilty as Charged!

“My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people claim they have faith but don't act like it? Can that kind of faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister has no clothes or food. Suppose one of you says to them, ‘Go. I hope everything turns out fine for you. Keep warm. Eat well.’ And you do nothing about what they really need. Then what good have you done? It is the same with faith. If it doesn't cause us to do something, it's dead.” (James 2:14-17 NIrV)

Imagine being handcuffed and hauled away out of your place of employment or taken into custody as you were having dinner with family or friends. The charge; we have been suspected of acting like a Christian in public and now must face those charges in a court of law. We will be allowed to call witnesses on our behalf and the accusers will bring their witnesses against us. How many will be convicted, GUILTY AS CHARGED? Could we garner enough people to say they know without a doubt where our allegiance lies? Would our accusers be able to bring overwhelming evidence against us that we do not live like a Christian?

Having witnessed many court cases over my lifetime and heard varying stories as well, I am amazed how judges react in the courtroom. Some seem disinterested. Others believe they are god-like and possess all the power in the world. Then there are those who take a genuine interest in the people and lives they are about to judge. They make careful study of character, facial expressions, word usage, appearance, and the physical support (people) the accused brings with him.

So if we stand before a judge (and we will one day!) facing charges of believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, what will he see in us? How will he perceive the evidence brought forth? Does our faith have the physical works to back it up? While many good people do tremendously good things, if they do not know Christ, they will never be convicted of being a Christian. Yet here is a rather difficult question to ponder:

If one who claims to know the Lord shows no evidence of that faith in His life, will the judge be convinced to rule that that person before him is indeed a believer?

I know God judges the heart. I also know that He requires sacrifice, service, and labor for Him. He pleads with us to turn from our wicked ways; to take up our cross, and to follow after Him (Matthew 10:38, Luke 14:27). Have we done that? Have we placed our light upon a hill for all to see and experience (Matthew 5:14-16) or hidden it under a bushel basket, inside our SUV or under our pin-striped suits?

Our faith in Christ should cause us to do good. Charged with being a Christian…Innocent of all charges or GUILTY AS CHARGED?

11 13 08 How to Pray

“Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1 NET)

I received a question recently by a good friend and fellow believer: “Does how we pray determine how we will engage?” Think about that! If we pray, God promises to hear us. But He can only answer prayers in a way that are in His will. He will give us what he thinks we need. He will show us what we need to see. At times He will allow us to experience the consequences of our choices and other times He will grant us grace along with forgiveness.

My question is this: Do we miss out on real opportunities to be effective for God because we pray ineffectively? I do believe we may be just a bit too specific at times and other times a bit too general in our conversations with the Lord. One thing we all need to do is listen more as we pray; that’s right, listen as we pray. This requires some simple quiet moments in His presence. Oh He still speaks; in songs and hymns, in the simple whispers of the wind, in the thunder of a storm, and in the casual conversations of the day. But He also speaks in the silence we may place ourselves in for just a few minutes each day.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray that they honored God. He taught them to depend upon God for their daily needs. He taught them to pray for their forgiveness of others. Jesus taught His followers to pray for the Father’s will to be done. Paul taught us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6). So we know that we should seek our DADDY’s face about some things and everything, anything and all things. We are to pray at all times and for all people. Above all, we are to pray that we honor God and bring Him glory.

In all this, we need to be specific! Knowing God loves us and wants to hear the needs of His children, we should let Him know our needs, our hurts, our worries, and our dependency upon Him to supply the things we need. Then we leave it up to Him to decide. Stop worrying! Now we need to ask Him where he wants us to be and what He wants us to do to bring Him glory. Again, we need to be specific. God show me. DADDY lead me. Father I need You to direct me and make it clear to me how You want me to work to best serve You and others. I am but a dumb blind sheep and You are my Good Shepherd.

Then we must listen. We must have our spiritual eyes opened. We must focus our heart upon His agenda. Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God, Lifeway Press. 1990) would tell us that through an intimate relationship, God reveals Himself, His purposes, and His ways; and He invites you to join Him where He is already at work. Intimacy is the key. It comes from personal, intense, and confident conversations with the Father, DADDY.

He’s willing to reveal His plans, if we are willing to invest our time!

11 12 08 Derailing God’s Work

“At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality…” (2 Corinthians 8:14 NET)

I don’t believe anyone would want to be a direct part in DERAILING GOD’S WORK here on earth, especially when it comes to saving a lost soul or providing the basic needs in someone’s life. But that is just what we do when we refuse to participate in the mission work going on before our very eyes in our own neighborhoods and cities.

While many of us gladly support the wonderful and sacrificial labor of many in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and other areas, we in America tend to depend upon the government to supply food, clothing, medical, and personal needs to our neighbors. Lest we forget, even Jesus came to first reach His people…the Jews! How can we neglect the very people we live among each and every day? If we don’t love and care for our brother, how can we say we love God, or someone we have never met? Do we actually think a government program can touch a hurting soul as much as the work of a local Christian mission and its workers? Will food stamps share the Gospel? Will Medicare teach God’s mercy and forgiveness? Will a tax break save a soul from hell?

Local mission work is an effective and valuable tool meeting needs in our urban areas and needs to be fully supported by local churches, their members, and the community as a whole. Historically, Christian religious organizations were established to provide spiritual, physical, and social assistance to the poor and needy. As the government cuts services and the program budgets fall short, the missionary stays in the trenches.

President Bush (July 2004) once said that “a change of heart will change behavior and governments can’t change hearts.” God’s servants on the local mission field not only meet physical needs, but they get to the heart issues of life as well.

Donald King of the North American Mission Board sending team encourages us to support the warriors:

“It’s God’s call that leads rational men and women to walk on dangerous streets, to talk with colorful characters, to seek out people of peace in perilous places. Missionaries boldly go to the frontline of the spiritual battlefield…they are like warriors assigned to take the hill in the name of the Lord. Their very presence begins to penetrate the spiritual darkness of neighborhoods, city blocks, and college campuses”

We may not see the need to give today, but as Paul said above, as we give today, our needs will be met by those who may give tomorrow! As we gladly participate in the work of God in our local areas, we see immediate results as well as sending blessings ahead for ourselves and future generations. Let’s not have any part in DERAILING GOD’S WORK! We have a choice:

“We can give without loving, but we can not love without giving.” (Alexander Duff).

11 10 08 A Sense of Urgency

“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given to the churches in Macedonia. They have suffered a great deal. But their joy was more than full. Even though they were very poor, they gave very freely. I give witness that they gave as much as they could. In fact, they gave even more than they could. Completely on their own, they begged us for the chance to share in serving God's people in that way. They did more than we expected. First they gave themselves to the Lord. Then they gave themselves to us in keeping with what God wanted. Titus had already started collecting money from you. So we asked him to get you to finish making your kind gift. You do well in everything else. You do well in faith and in speaking. You do well in knowledge and in complete commitment. And you do well in your love for us. So make sure that you also do well in the grace of giving to others. I am not commanding you to do it. But I want to put you to the test. I want to find out if you really love God. I want to compare your love with that of others. You know the grace shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, he became poor to help you. Because he became poor, you can become rich. Here is my advice about what is best for you in that matter. Last year you were the first to give. You were also the first to want to give. So finish the work. Then your longing to do it will be matched by your finishing it. Give on the basis of what you have. Do you really want to give? Then the gift is received in keeping with what you have, not with what you don't have. We don't want others to have it easy at your expense. We want things to be equal. Right now you have plenty in order to take care of what they need. Then they will have plenty to take care of what you need. That will make things equal.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-14 NIrV)

What a time we are living in today! Do you have A SENSE OF URGENCY? Can you feel the necessity to be sure everyone you know has a chance to know the Savior? Do feel the burden to point out the differences between what God says and what the world is expressing as acceptable? Are you feeling the desire to point out that there is a disjoint between what some Christians are saying and what God has put in writing? There is one way to be sure the Truth is getting out. We must support the work that God is initiating within His foot soldiers and do our best to join the army!

Paul is very clear in the message to the Corinthian church (and to us). The Macedonians were poor and destitute yet they jumped at the chance to give to those in need in Jerusalem. Key to their financial giving was the fact that they had already given themselves over to the Lord’s use. Just as Jesus gave up His stature in heaven to sacrifice for us, we need to selflessly lay aside our comforts for the needs of others. We can’t keep wanting what is ours when others are in need of the basics of life.

In these challenging days, the Christian should be known by His unselfish giving. We should give ourselves totally to God, look for needs of others, follow Christ’s example of unselfish living, and trust God to care for us as we care for others. It’s not the size of our gifts, but our attitude in giving. We can’t stop giving to others and expect God to provide for us. It just doesn’t work that way! We live in a very unique time: giving is living. I feel A SENSE OF URGENCY!

11 07 08 Love Is….as Christ Loved

“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIrV)/strong>

As our baby girl gets married today, I can think of no better advice that what Paul gave back in A.D.55. When dealing with love and commitment, we look no further than Christ and stay right there! He is love. He showed love. This is the only way to love, with sacrifice, Truth, and commitment. Love is more than a feeling, an action, a box of chocolates, or the world’s biggest diamond. Love is a person. LOVE IS AS CHRIST LOVED.

“Wives, follow the lead of your husbands as you follow the Lord. The husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. The church is Christ's body. He is its Savior. The church follows the lead of Christ. In the same way, wives should follow the lead of their husbands in everything. Husbands love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her. He did it to make her holy. He made her clean by washing her with water and the word. He did it to bring her to himself as a brightly shining church. He wants a church that has no stain or wrinkle or any other flaw. He wants a church that is holy and without blame.

In the same way, husbands should love their wives. They should love them as they love their own bodies. Any man who loves his wife loves himself. After all, people have never hated their own bodies. Instead, they feed and care for their bodies. And that is what Christ does for the church. We are parts of his body. Scripture says, ‘That's why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two will become one.’(Genesis 2:24) That is a deep mystery. But I'm talking about Christ and the church. A husband also must love his wife. He must love her just as he loves himself. And a wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22-33 NIrV)

It has been proven over time and as God made each of us different, we find that women need to feel loved. They need to feel secure. They need to be cherished (treasured). Men need to know they are respected and highly valued. In marriage, that means that husband and wife are inseparable and glued together in love, in respect, and in their life as one. No one can separate what God joins together. We may break it up o the surface, but husband and wife are joined together from the heart...from the core!

Marriage is a mystery…and standard set by through His covenant relationship with His people back in Genesis. It involves sacrifice and commitment. It is unwavering. Moods may change. Circumstances may change. But love never changes. Love is a person. LOVE IS AS CHRIST LOVED. So we are charged…love one another!

11 06 08 Allegiance

“The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days some people will leave the faith. They will follow spirits that will fool them. They will believe things that demons will teach them. Teachings like those come from liars who pretend to be what they are not. Their sense of what is right and wrong has been burned as if with a hot iron…
Point these things out to the brothers and sisters. Then you will serve Christ Jesus well. You were brought up in the truths of the faith. You received good teaching. You followed it. Don't have anything to do with godless stories and silly tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to come. Here is a saying you can trust. You can accept it completely. We work hard for it. Here is the saying. We have put our hope in the living God. He is the Savior of all people. Most of all he is the Savior of those who believe.
Command those things. Teach them. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live. Also set an example in how you love and in what you believe. Show the believers how to be pure. Until I come, spend your time reading Scripture out loud to one another. Spend your time preaching and teaching. Don't fail to use the gift the Holy Spirit gave you. He gave it to you through a message from God. It was given when the elders placed their hands on you. Keep on doing those things. Give them your complete attention. Then everyone will see how you are coming along. Be careful of how you live and what you believe. Never give up. Then you will save yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4 NIrV)

I pledge ALLEGIANCE …I promise my loyalty and commitment. I give my word of honor. I vow to be faithful. Yes it’s honorable to pledge ALLEGIANCE to our nation…one nation under God. It’s worthy to pledge support for our church, our pastor, and the ministries of the church. It goes without saying to commit our faithfulness to our spouse and children. Yet above all these commitments is our undying loyalty and vow to commit to God, His purposes, and His principles.

In a day when we face so much change, one thing never changes. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) He still seeks for all to be saved. He still seeks our praise and we should seek nothing but His glory. He still wishes for us to treat all men with respect and to pray for all men, especially those in authority. He also expects His people to obey all authority that He has put in place, unless of course it goes against His principles.

So as we face change and challenges, we also are provided chances to stand for His Word and His ways. We respectfully stand, preach, and teach. We use the gifts He has given each of us. We share the fruit we possess. Our true ALLEGIANCE is to our Father!

11 05 08 Congratulations America

“The beginning of wisdom is to fear the LORD, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NET)

After all the rhetoric, all the accusations, and all the TV ads, America has a new President. In what is a celebration of the democratic process, America finally has a leader who truly represents America. Say what you will about his viewpoints, his charisma, or his experience, Mr Obama is what we are.

He is of an immigrant background. He is from a broken family. He has fought his way to his position in life. He is black. He is white. He can be a bit liberal. He can also be a bit conservative. He has a loving wife and beautiful kids whom he wants to love, protect, and provide for. Whether we agree or disagree with his political views, Mr. Obama represents the United States to the rest of the world! He is the mosaic that we are as a people. We as Americans have come a long way and I for one applaud the process and the man. CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!

Now where do we go? Believe it or not, there are still factions in America who want what they want for selfish reasons. Some are very excited today and with great reason. Others are very angry for no reason. We must turn to God for stability, guidance, and wisdom. If we really want to grow, heal, and prosper as a Nation, we need to humble ourselves, as both candidates did last evening, and realize what a task we have ahead of us. Though both candidates skirted around the issue once again, we need God to intervene or it will all be for naught! We need to ask God to forgive us, heal us, and guide us, not simply to bless America! We need His wisdom and we need to obey Him.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NET)

Thank You Father for allowing President Bush to serve You and the United States these past eight years. Thank You for his stand for Your principles. Humble us all God as we call on You for wisdom, guidance and protection for our new President. Cause him to humbly and diligently seek Your face and cause our people to embrace Your will for our Nation!

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA, now let’s see how far we have actually come!

11 04 08 Give Us a King


“But this request displeased Samuel, for they said, ‘Give us a king to lead us.’ So Samuel prayed to the LORD. The LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do everything the people request of you. For it is not you that they have rejected, but it is me that they have rejected as their king. Just as they have done from the day that I brought them up from Egypt until this very day, they have rejected me and have served other gods. This is what they are also doing to you. So now do as they say. But seriously warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.’”
(2 Samuel 8:6-9 NET)

GIVE US A KING! Israel wanted a king like the other nations. God was not enough for them. They wanted to be like everyone else…not a special people, but a normal people. As they rejected God over the years, He allowed them to have what they wanted. Yet He warned them of the policies of the coming ruler; the one they would choose. It would never be the same again!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”
(Psalm 33:12 NKJV)

One nation under God: I believe we have wandered far from that mantra. Our new laws, policies and rights have caused us to not even consider God when making policies and laws. “What do the people want?” What will get me elected?” We want…I want… Do we ever consider what would please our God? Why are we not as blessed anymore? Is He still our God, or has He been replaced with Wall Street, the Stock Market, and our retirement plans?

“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend on the LORD our God.”
(Psalm 20:7 NET)

In whom do we trust? As we face a turning point in HIStory, do we trust in God, or man? Do we trust His promises or the politicians’ rhetoric? GIVE US A KING? No, give me Jesus! In God I trust. I depend upon His sovereign hand and eternal promises!

11 03 08 God’s Authority

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1 NET)


We get so caught up in people and their promises during political elections, that we forget the promises of God and how the candidates get into office. Oh yes, we vote, but have we forgotten Who has the final say? Have we forgotten, in all the rhetoric, that we are responsible to the Word of God as well as we vote issues? For every idle word and I believe, every action we undertake on earth, even voting, is something we all will be held accountable for.

We have to be very careful as believers whom we endorse and how we get involved in politics. Political parties stand for specific values and principles. When we line up with a particular candidate or party, we join them in agreement. Though we may register with a particular party, we have to be very careful how involved we become. As for me, my allegiance lies with God and His Word and if necessary, I will abandon all ties with any party or candidate who stands in contrary to God’s principles. God has all authority and He appoints those who are responsible for governing the people.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)


The prophet Isaiah told of the Ruler to come who would carry the burden of all government. Jesus declared such in Matthew with His final words to His disciples (Matthew 28:18). This is no political promise or campaign slogan. He is so Wonderful, a comforting Counselor, a Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace! He is God and He still rules from heaven above. It’s by GOD’S AUTHORITY and no one else.

As we use our privilege and right to vote, let’s do it with fear and trembling to the One who rules each of us. Let’s not side with the popular vote, but the authority of God. Then we can rest and peacefully trust our King to rule!

10-31 08 Gather the Harvest

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others. He sent them out two by two ahead of him. They went to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is huge, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals. And don't greet anyone on the road.’” (Luke 10:1-3 NIrV)

Today is the day in 1517 when it is believed Martin Luther, a priest from Wittenberg, Germany, posted his 95 Thesis on the door of All Saints Church, largely in protest to the sale of indulgences (reduced time in purgatory) by the Pope and the Catholic Church. This, as most know it, marks the beginning of what we now call the Protestant Reformation. Sola Scriptura, Sola Christo, and Sola Fide: by Scripture alone, by Christ alone, and by faith alone. These are the basic premises Luther shard as to our salvation. Reading through the book of Romans, Luther’s heart and mind was illuminated to the works of Christ, His Word, and our faith in Him.

“There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God…namely the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith…Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.”

Luther was prepared to step out by faith against what he believed to be the wrongdoings of the Catholic Church. He saw the Book of Romans as the clearest presentation of the Gospel of Christ in the entire Bible. To Luther, his salvation wasn’t about the church, the priests, or even the Pope. It was all about Christ. He was sold out to get this point across.

Christ would tell His disciples to go GATHER THE HARVEST of souls. As His followers, we go by His Word, His strength, and by the faith He gives us. Today more than ever, we need to live these three basic premises as we go into the fields of ministry. Yes the harvest is white right now! (John 4:35) Yet we are hesitant to go, hesitant to invest in the work of the church, and hesitant to totally trust our Lord.

Be assured, just as God has guided men such as Luther to boldly step out for the Truth, he will do it yet today. As long as we live by faith, according to the Scriptures, and with Christ as our leader in battle, we can trust God to provide for us. Time is right and the fields are ripe. At times it seems we are lambs among wolves, yet we have one goal in mind: GATHER THE HARVEST !

10 30 08 Truth in Action

“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18 NET)

The NIrV version explains it this way: “Dear children, don't just talk about love. Put your love into action. Then it will truly be love.” Oh yes, there is a lot of talk going on these days. Talk of this promise and that promise. Talk of this man or that woman. Talk of what everyone else has done and how everyone else failed. Yet real truth comes in how we have lived and what we have done. I wish more folks would talk less about themselves and others and allow their actions to speak for themselves. It would settle a lot of debates!

It is so with those of us who call ourselves Christians…Christ followers. We talk about Christ. We speak His words. We teach His Truths. But what we lack most of all is TRUTH IN ACTION! I recently had to write a comment responding to a professor’s question in my communications class concerning St. Francis. He once said: "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."

Here is my response:

I believe that St. Francis was reminding folks that communicating the Gospel is much more effective in our day to day living: how we dress, how we drive, how we handle our situations, and how we live when the church is not watching, than our preaching! More people are turned off to Christianity by what they see than what they hear. Christians (I use the term loosely) have a bad reputation of "living like the world" Monday through Saturday and then picking up the Bible on Sunday morning and doing the Christian thing.

We communicate the Gospel by getting to work on time and working productively when there. We communicate the Gospel by encouraging someone when they are hurting, by volunteering to help with the PTA, or coaching our children's teams. We communicate the Gospel by shoveling off the neighbor’s sidewalk or taking food to a family we know is struggling. We communicate the Gospel by getting involved with local kids who have no father in their home. We communicate the Gospel by sitting down to lunch with a homeless man or making our family vacation a week rebuilding homes and families in a storm-wrecked city or town. Then when asked why, we can explain the Gospel in the Words from the Bible.

In today's challenging world where relationships come and go quicker than the latest fashions, people need to have people they can trust. They need to trust character. They need to experience Christ and His words in living color, not empty promises. Every gesture, every written word, every common action, every simple step we take in life is a possible witness for Christ to a watching world. So as we live, we preach the Gospel and then use words when necessary!

We live out TRUTH IN ACTION.

10 29 08 Lesson Learned

“Suppose you can be trusted with very little. Then you can be trusted with a lot. But suppose you are not honest with very little. Then you will not be honest with a lot. Suppose you have not been worthy of trust in handling worldly wealth. Then who will trust you with true riches? Suppose you have not been worthy of trust in handling someone else's property. Then who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters at the same time. He will hate one of them and love the other. Or he will be faithful to one and dislike the other. You can't serve God and Money at the same time." (Luke 16:10-13 NIrV)

The following is a brief description of Black Tuesday (October 29, 1929) when more than 16 million shares were traded and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost another 12 percent and closed at 198:
“Many factors likely contributed to the collapse of the stock market. Among the more prominent causes were the period of rampant speculation (those who had bought stocks on margin not only lost the value of their investment, they also owed money to the entities that had granted the loans for the stock purchases), tightening of credit by the Federal Reserve (in August 1929 the discount rate was raised from 5 percent to 6 percent), the proliferation of holding companies and investment trusts (which tended to create debt), a multitude of large bank loans that could not be liquidated and an economic recession that had begun earlier in the summer.”(stock market crash of 1929. (2008), In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved October 29, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/566754/stock-market-crash-of-1929)

Sound familiar? LESSON LEARNED? It doesn’t seem like we’ve learned a whole lot!

Like the rich man described in Luke 16, we as a nation have wasted our possessions, wasted our resources, and wasted our talents. We have had so much money over the years, so many natural resources at our disposal, and so much ability to bless so many, yet we find ourselves at the same crossroads we were in some 80 years ago. Investments have lost value. More money is owed than we have to pay back. Rather than use the resources we have, we buy from others and waste that! We have even wasted our ability to share the Good News with neighbors and nations and we see the world accepting all sorts of lies from cults and false religions.

What do we expect from our God for being so disrespectful and wasteful? Sadly, most of our friends and neighbors simply keep asking (at times it seems like demanding) for God to bless America. I assume that as things get worse (and they will) that eventually the majority will either fall to their knees or raise their fist to God. Why do I believe the latter will occur sooner than the kneeling?

We who trust in the living God must be faithful to live that trust in these trying times. Time is of the essence. While there is still time, we need to be diligent to reach as many as possible with the Gospel, especially through our day-to-day living. At least we can be faithful with all God has blessed us with, especially our faith. God will get His, including His honor and glory. When He comes to claim all that is His, I want to be one He says “well done” to. I also want my friends and family to be in that group. Let’s not blame the nation for our woes. Let’s not get caught up in political exchanges, character assaults, and blame games. Let’s trust the God we have seen faithful over the years. That is a lesson learned throughout HIStory!

10 28 08 It’s A Wonderful Life
“God made us. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good things. Long ago God prepared them for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIrV)

Committing a life to help others, knowing and trusting God along the way, gives one an indescribable satisfaction in life. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE! It’s an abundant life. It’s a life worth living each and every day. It’s not the kind of life you’ll hear described in the weekly business magazine, on the daily news, on Wall St, or even Main St. Oh some politicians will talk about it, but few live it. In fact too few churches challenge congregations to commit to this life and less and less believers live by these standards. No wonder our light is dimming…or is it? I see a glimmer of light ready to burst forth.

I have been challenged time and time again by these words: Christ did not save us because we did good things, but now that He saved us from our sin, “now we can do good things”. You see, without Christ, we really have no knowledge what good really is! Good people lie, cheat, speed, curse, and hurt others at times. I have often heard it said, “…but he was such a good person”. That is because good people are sinners. God requires us to be holy, not good. In fact, Jesus wouldn’t allow the young rich ruler to even call Him good (Mark10:18).

In our own flesh, we are selfish and egotistical. We do good things to feel good, to receive acclaim, or to set ourselves apart from the bad guys! But even then, the feeling is fleeting. The minute things get a little tight; I want mine and all that’s mine! Everyone else can fend for themselves! I have given enough.

I thank God for the living examples He has put into my life of people who live a life of dedication to Christ and in servitude to others. At my church, within our ministry, and as we have served on short-term mission trips across the country and in the Caribbean, I have been blessed by the life-sacrifice of many. I see it most in my wife every day. I have been blessed to see a life of selflessness lived out before my eyes.

So in these days of economic doom and gloom, I feel as though our light can be a beacon, a lighthouse if you will, to those seeking answers. As a believer, this is the time to increase giving as we increase our trust in the One who gives us all we could possibly need. (Mark 12:41-44)

As we give, when most seem to be holding on to what they can, what an opportunity for God to shine! Life in Christ… IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE! Now is the perfect opportunity to live what we believe. Now is the time to really walk by faith. When placed between a rock and a hard place, we focus on the Rock, not the hard place! It’s that solid Rock on which we stand that will allow us to pull others from the sinking sand. It’s a wonderful time to be a Christian and yes the Christian life; IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!

10 27 08 A Clear Message

“Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may make it known as I should. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-6 NET)

Paul ministers to the church at Colossae (a city on an inland road from Ephesus to the Euphrates River, sharing the beauty of the Lycus Valley with its sister cities Hierapolis Laodicea ) through Epaphras as he was in Rome around C.D. 60-62. Though Paul had never visited this church, through the witness of Epaphras, he was concerned about the false teachings there. In this epistle, Paul gives perhaps his most Christ-centered writings, concentrating on the person and the preeminence of Christ and the believers’ desire to run after Him in demeanor and temperament.

As Paul instructs the believers there, he also asks for prayer for himself. Taking nothing for granted, though well educated and experienced, Paul still seeks the prayers of others for the success of reaching others for Christ.

What a great example for us today. Through all the education and training we may have, it is by prayer and the guiding of the Holy Spirit that our speech and other forms of instruction are received and perceived. There a re many gifted speakers today, but unfortunately many are clanging symbols, talking loudly and often but saying very little.

We believers need to send A CLEAR MESSAGE with not only our words, but with our actions: It’s all about Jesus! He is the reason we live and breathe. He is the Lord of our lives. He alone is our hearts’ desire. As Paul encourages the Colossians, we must be careful that our speech, our actions, and our motives reflect Christ to all we come in contact with. We must not waste any opportunities. Our daily speech…every idle word, must be so seasoned as to cause others to see a difference, because of the Christ in us. We need to prepared to answer others when they ask why we do the things we do.

How can we always be ready? Prayer is the answer. We must be in constant contact with our Lord and be fully aware of His workings within our daily lives. There is no down time when it comes to our witness for Christ. It has to be our motivation when we get up in the morning, as we go to work, as we sit down for lunch, as we shop, as we speak with our families, and even in our most private times. We must send A CLEAR MESSAGE in this perplexing world: Jesus is the answer!

10 24 08 My DADDY Loves Me

“God supplies seed to the planter. He supplies bread for food. God will also supply and increase the amount of your seed. He will increase the results of your good works. You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely. We will take your many gifts to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God. Your gifts meet the needs of God's people. And that's not all. Your gifts also cause many people to thank God. You have shown yourselves to be worthy by what you have given. So people will praise God because you obey him. That proves that you really believe the good news about Christ. They will also praise God because you share freely with them and with everyone else.” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 NIrV)

Many believers take these words to mean that if we give to God, He will give us more back. Be careful. We do not give to receive. We give to honor the Lord and to cause others to glorify Him for what He does through us. God does promise His grace toward us to enable us to give generously toward His work, in our finances and in our labor.

As most of us realize, it is not how much we give, whether in time or finances, but the attitude with which we give. God doesn’t measure by dollars, but by desire! He applauds the act of sacrificial giving much more so than the giving of large gifts. (Mark 12:41-44)

Sacrificial giving is an issue of submission to the ordnances of God and in obedience to His will. While God doesn’t check the financial ledger, we can. Keep a close eye on the checkbook: does it reflect an attitude of devotion to God and His work? Check the daily calendar or day timer: does it reflect time spent for God’s purposes? This is also a great way of tracking God’s faithfulness to us. As we give, we can see how God provides. Again, not because He has to or because we deserve it, but because He is God and He loves to care for those who love Him!

Personally, I find it so awesome and unbelievable how He has kept us as we have dedicated a life toward His work. The less we have, the more we seem to be doing with it. Modern-day math can be confusing, but God’s math is so wonderful! He does not work with paper money…that’s obvious when His home is made of gold and precious stones! He works through a covenant of love and obedience! MY DADDY LOVES MEand anyone else who will commit to Him! That’s so comforting in this crazy world!!!!!

10 23 08 Use What We Have
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Give us more faith!’ He replied, ‘Suppose you have faith as small as a mustard seed. Then you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up. Be planted in the sea.” And it will obey you’.” (Luke 17:5-6 NIrV)

This inquiry from the disciples comes ion the heals of Jesus’ teaching on correcting sin and offering forgiveness (Luke 17:1-4) We all can attest to the difficulty in forgiving someone when we have been hurt. It’s our human nature to need time to heal and for many of us, a desire to let the offender stew for a while. There is still some bitterness and perhaps even a sinful desire on our part to get even or at least hope they get theirs. Let’s be real! Yet there is a subtle change from verse one to verse 5.

Here in verse five, Jesus addresses His apostles (not simply His disciples). So when His closest followers ask for more faith, the Lord responds with what seems to me as a challenge. It seems as though He is challenging their degree of obedience. As they ask for more (don’t we always want God to give us more?), Jesus replied that it’s not the size of the faith, but the obedience of the ones who believe. If we would simply USE WHAT WE HAVE!

If we really trusted the One we place our faith in, how much great would our obedience be? Would we tithe? If we do tithe, would we tithe with joy and even more so, give more than our minimum? Would we make ourselves available to serve more often or hoard out time. As usual, it’s not what God gives us…it’s what we give in return. We have all the faith we’ll ever need the moment we are saved by the blood of Christ!

Jesus seems to be teaching that very little faith is required in order to accomplish incredible things. As our obedience to the One we place our faith in grows our power to do His work increases. We trust Him more. We believe He’ll do what he says. We realize it’s not our faith, but our obedience. If He is our Lord, then we are His…that’s right…His slaves…His servants. Do servants have a right to not obey? Would they dare ask the master for more? Why then, do we who serve the King of kings and Lord of lords, dare to disobey and then ask for more?

Faith is an issue here, but it is not the need for more faith on the part of the disciples as it is to remember the basic principles on which faith operates. Faith operates in the realm of grace, and grace should produce gratitude. This gratitude is the disciple’s motive for forgiving others. Those who are forgiven much are expected (on the basis of grace) to forgive. (Bob Deffinbaugh, Putting Faith In Perspective, Copyright ©1996-2006, Biblical Studies Press, reprinted with permission from www.bible.org)

Faith operates in grace and that grace should cause us to respond with an attitude of gratitude and obedience! Lord, help us to USE WHAT WE HAVE…increase my obedience!

10 22 08 Fellow Prisoners
“I am a prisoner because of the Lord. So I am asking you to live a life worthy of what God chose you for. Don't be proud at all. Be completely gentle. Be patient. Put up with one another in love. The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one. Let peace keep you together. There is one body. There is one Spirit. You were appointed to one hope when you were chosen. There is one Lord. There is one faith and one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:1-5 NIrV)

Being a committed believer requires commitment…oneness…loyalty…allegiance. Paul speaks of being a prisoner, in bonds or restraints because of Christ. He then calls us, as FELLOW PRISONERS, to be humble and gentle to one another, especially to those in God’s family, so as to be one. The Holy Spirit unites us and keeps us united…if we allow His control and restraint to rule within us.
Oneness within the family reflects the head of the family. Christ is our Head, and as we live in harmony, we give testimony to our great God and Father. As one Body, one Spirit, and one faith, we present a clear message to a world which obviously desires some sort of clear answer to the questions we are facing in such a tumultuous world. If we who claim to know the Truth are unsure of whose we are and how we should be living, what does that say for Christ?

Oneness shows a bond. It reveals the depth of our faith and trust. It puts reality on our faith. It gives evidence of our faith and of the real presence of God. Listen to what Jesus prayed for you and me just before He allowed Himself to be sacrificed on our behalf:

“Father, I pray that all of them will be one, just as you are in me and I am in you. I want them also to be in us. Then the world will believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me. I did this so they would be one, just as we are one. I will be in them, just as you are in me. I want them to be brought together perfectly as one. This will let the world know that you sent me. It will also show the world that you have loved those you gave me, just as you have loved me.” (John 17:21-23 NIrV)

If one of the last things on the mind and lips of Jesus before giving Himself up to be killed was oneness among believers, why do we accept such disorder and confusion…within our family? All of us need to first know Who we call our Lord and Savior. We then need to devote time to learn His ways and commit to following those guidelines. We also need to commit to teach the Truth and nothing but the Truth! There can be no compromise tolerated!

FELLOW PRISONERS: Workplace…politics…social clubs…country clubs…friends…family…our love and commitments to Christ must make all other relationships look like dung. That’s the best way I can put it. Our oneness with our Savior must supersede all other relationships and activity!