CHRISTmas Giving . . .Earn More to Give More . . . a Personal Plea

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion … your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

As believers, and especially as missionaries, finances are a challenge for our family! Especially during the CHRISTmas Season when so many are out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying all the treats that are offered. Many times we have to not participate because we simply cannot afford the activities. But we want to give back as well to show our gratitude! Each month of the year is a challenge actually. While raising money for ministry programs with our teens, we also have to pay ministry expenses such as communications, banking and financing, office supplies, rent, and utilities. We also need to supply personal support for the needs of our family. There is little money at the end of the bills, but God always seems to make a way!

But there is still CHRISTmas!

Though three of our four children are now adults, we do have six grandchildren, one twelve year old at home, both sets of parents, and a host of friends and supporters whom we would love to show our appreciation and love to at this time of year. I will admit . . . I feel overwhelmed and inadequate most of the time during CHRISTmas. So my wife and I work outside of the ministry to provide for both ministry and family needs. We have to . . . we were called to serve and we cannot quit on God, our family, or the teens we serve in ministry. But again, we face several personal and ministry challenges at this time. There are end-of-year taxes for state, county and federal agencies, accountant fees,as well as additional family needs. Personally, as a husband, father, and grandfather, I despise seeing my family go without and think God is not supplying, when I know He is! But they are only human with that flesh nature attacking them as well!

Here is my personal plea. . .

If you believe that we have served well (since 1997 by the way without a break), please donate at this time of giving to assist us in giving back. All donations are tax-deductible if given to our ministry. God will see your generosity and reward you in special ways. Please make a sacrificial gift if you are able . . . or pray that others may be able to participate in giving!

Mailing address: TSN Ministries/Box 2305/Bowie, MD/ 20718-2305 attention: CHRISTmas Giving

Ready for a Revivial? Overcome Evil with Good . . . Thankful Jesus did Just That!

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thessalonians 5:14-18)

So much evil in the world . . . so much distruction . . . so much entitilement and people seeing selfish desires . . . this is how it was in Jesus' day. The Roman government was oppressing the Jewish people and God's people felt as though they deserved better. As "God's people" they were entitled to better and wanted a fix to the situation. When Jesus did not do as they had hoped for, they put Him to death. The rioted in the streets demanding justice. Jesus however, remained calm and did the will of His Father . . . our Father . . . in heaven!

Yes, things are not quite as they should be in our world today. . . . But God is still God!

I disagree with so much in our society both today and in our past. Yet I thank God because it could be worse. Paul admonishes us to thank God in all circumstances . . . even today! We are NOT to repay wrong for wrong, but strive to do good for everyone! We must be Jesus with skin on in these days! People need to see and feel the presence of Christ! Will we pledge to do just that?

I am ready for a REVIVAL!

Heavenly Reaction to a Hellish Ordeal: It Could be Worse . . .Be Thankful!

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:14-17)

The world simply is NOT going to get any better. While we have to face this fact, we do not have to be a part in the undoing! Despite the circumstnces, live as a light in a dark world. Continue to honor the Lord. Do not give in to popular opinion and/or mob rule.

We are still to be a peculiar people!(1 Peter 2:9) We are here for such a time as this, as Queen Esther was (Esther 4:14). We must use our position to heal, enlighten, and bring together. . . . not to enrage, ignite, and separate.

When all hell breaks loose, will our reaction be heavenly? We are NOT of this world beloved!!!!!!

So Much to be Thankful for . . .

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22)

No matter what we are going through, it could be worse. We hear this all the time, but it is so true! So many are lost today; no hope, no clue, no Jesus! We who are CHRIST-followers have to keep hold of the HOPE we have in Jesus! The psalmist says it best:

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more(Psalm 71:14)

Despite what is going on around us, there is hope . . . and reason to give thanks!

Victory

From such terrible dangers of death He saved us,and will save us; we have placed our hope in Him that He will save us again.(2 Corinthians 1:10)

Many times as we face challenges, we often forget the many times God has brought us out. Just as He has done in the past, God stands waiting to work on our behalf today. Yet we still doubt . . . We still fear.

Trust God again today. Allow Him to work in His timing. Allow Him to get the glory. One day you tell His-story!

Not What It Looks Like . . .Whom Do We Believe?

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

You just cannot rely upon people's opinion too much if you are a Christ-follower. One must rely upon knowing and doing the will of God and trust Him at His word! Just look at David; a small-framed teen when compared to the mighty soldiers . . . even compared to his older brothers, yet God knew his potential! God knew his heart! What is God telling you? What has He in store for you? Do you trust Him or are you listening to others' opinions? We all know these verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Will we trust God and live them out?

Take a Chance on God

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.(Hebrews 11:6-7)

One must first have faith that there is even a God and that He is Who He says He is! Do you believe what His Word says or are you believing the compromising lies of the world?

We cannot scheme up a God that fits our way of living. He is God and that's the God of the Bible!

By faith in this God, many have accomplished miraculaous and world-changing tasks. Many have also lived quiet and unassuming lives by the same faith in the same God. Yet by faith in this God, they lived and now live with this same God receiving rewards in heaven!

Noah obeyed God and performed a task he could not explain. He had no udea what rain was or what a flood would do. Yet he obeyed by faith! The results are historic!

What is God asking you to do by faith? Is it first of all to beieve in Him? Is it to make that choice to really follow Him? Seek Him today . . . obey by faith . . . the rewards will come!

Sometimes You Just have To Ask Yourself . . .

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? . . . Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan . . . say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42: 1-2,5-6,9-11)

We all look at people and assume they are ok. We see a successful man or woman and want to believe all is well with them. Even at times, we look in the mirror and believe the lie: I am doing pretty good!

Take this man for instance: Mother died when he was nine . . .received no formal education . . .sister died in child birth . . .a failed business man at twenty-four . . . the woman he loved died of high fever when he was twenty-five . . .he lost in an attempt to run for Congess at thirty-four . . .three of his four sons died before reaching adulthood . . .yet when President, he chose to have a Nation stop to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving as a National Holiday in 1863.

If President Abraham Lincoln could do it . . . if the psalmist David could do it . . . we can do it! If no one else seems to be able to lift us, God will! Stop waiting on people for their approval or encouragement. They may not even know (or care) that we are struggling.

Sometimes we have to look in the mirror and just ask ourselves: "Why stay so downcast? Get up and move on! God wants more from me!"

Take a Shower!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Just when you think things are going well and all seems under control . . . BAM! Something unexpected goes haywire! The situation you thought was settled arises once again. Troubles you never dreamed of pop up. Challenges arise from nowhere.

What do we do? How can we go through these things over and over again? When will it stop?

God is present. He awaits our voice of desperation. He anticipates our pleas for comfort. The pain may not go away. The problems are still problems. But God's PEACE will transcend the situation.

We must shower ourselves in prayer and in the presence of Almighty God. It is a soothing, warming, comforting feeling. Only this feeling remains . . .He cares!

I Need It ALL!

So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. So stand firm. Put the belt of truth around your waist. Put the armor of godliness on your chest. Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the good news of peace. Also, pick up the shield of faith. With it you can put out all of the flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on the helmet of salvation. And take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s word. At all times, pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray. Always keep on praying for all of God’s people. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

This world offers no easy plan for the believer. In fact,it hard for everyone! But for the CHRIST-follower, it is a daily 24/7 battle!!! For the committed believer, we face challenges at every turn; family issues, friendships, finances, health issues, even the personal choices of who I am and where will I be this day. Do not be fooled. The battles are real and the challenges are just that . . . CHALLENGING!

From head to toe we need to be covered by the blood of CHRIST. I know for me . . . I NEED IT ALL!

God the Holy Spirit stands ready to do battle with and for us!

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute . . . " (Philippians 4:8)

Many of us reply this way when things do not go our way. "Yeah . . .what-ever!" However, Paul reminds us here in his writing to the Philippians to not reply "Whatever", but to think about "What-Evers">

What is true today? What is actually honorable? What is right? Is there anything pure? What is the definition of lovely? Do we even know what repute even means today? (I looked it up: the character or status commonly ascribed to one . . .)

Our world is so changing and so confused as to what is right, true, and honorable that many can't come to a common definition of any of the above mentioned words. Right has become wrong and truth is changing into lies. Honorable is now disgrace and lovely has become disgusting. Pure???? Well, what is considered pure by this world's standards?

However, as we search God's truth, we find the real meanings.

It may be a good time to write down our own definitions and begin to list what defines them in our life. Have we fallen into the world's trap?

The Power of a Strong Man (or woman)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.(Psalm 28:7-8)

I just watched the movie Hercules with my wife and son last evening and could not help bu recall the biblical account of Samson. Maybe you remember learning in church or Sunday School that Samson was strong because of his long hair. However, Samson’s strength wasn’t actually in his hair but in his relationship and commitment to the Lord. When his hair was shaven, it was merely an outward sign of what he had already lost within himself. Samson forfeited his potential to be able to fully use the gifts God had given him. We often do the same. Though God has uniquely gifted us for his purpose, we are unable to live up to our potential because we continually fall victim to our sinful nature. Samson did not fail because of one decision. It was a downward spiral of decision made to please his physical lusts and desires.

In life today, it is not the politician’s final bribe, the public moral failing of the religious leader, the addiction, or the illicit relationship.It is the small things that lead up to the final blow to our character and ultimately our shame.

This principle applies to all relationships. Whether it is our friendships, marriage relationship, or our relationship with God, most Christians don’t wake up one day and decide to throw their relationships away with one simple act. It begins with gossip among friends, flirting with a co-worker, lack of a quiet time with the Lord . . . you get the picture?

Before making what appears to be a harmless decision, stop and count the cost. Success is less about having the right stuff than it is about choosing the right path. Many small choices done God’s way will add up to a lifetime of purpose and a legacy of faith and strength!

Me? . . .Wait? . . I don't have time to "wait"!

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silent, because God has laid it on him . . . (Lamentation 3:25-28)

What does it mean to wait on God? We need to sit down, close our mouths, and just listen to God. We may read your Bible. We may want to pray. But most all, we need to be quiet in front of God. Pastor Rick Warren says:

"We must 'enter the silence' and be ready to hear him."

Silence is a rare word in our world today, especially for young people. There is noise everywhere . . . TV, videos, cell phones, beats by Dre . . . Patiemce is even more rare! We must practice "waiting in silence"! First we must be alone . . . nothing around . . . no people . . . no noise . . . no disruptions.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

What was Jesus' advice when it came to speaking with God? Get alone with God and be patient!

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6

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Emotional Outpourings or Temper Tantrums?

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. . . Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.(Lamentations 3:1-3, 8-9)

Ever felt like God is not listening? You are not alone! Even the great weeping prophet Jeremiah had times of feeling abandoned by the God he loved and turned to in time of desperation.

Why in the world would God want these passages in the Bible? Why would he let us know that event the greatest of His followers felt abandoned at times, like He did not care?

He wants us to know that He can handle our anger, your gripes, and our grief. Jeremiah spends an entire book of the Bible blowing off steam. If God was big enough to handle Jeremiah’s pain, he’s big enough to handle ours, too! Times when we experience the death of a loved one, a failed relationship, job loss, or even a simple disappointment . . . God cares and He wants us to come to Him. Remember out temper tantrums as a child? Our parents didn't love us any less. God is the same way. He doesn't mind. He welcomes His children's emotional outpourings!

Come to Him until we do feel His presence!

Pushed to Higher Limits

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:1-8)

In many countries today, if one becomes a believer in Jesus Christ he or she gives up a good education and job. In some countries, one who converts risks being put out of their home, their family, and in some cases his or her life is at stake. Yet today as in the past, intense persecution of Christians leads to a spread of Christianity and the church.

However, the transition to other ethnic groups requires some adjustments. Like with the early church when Jewish disciples balked at letting go of their centuries-old traditions and allowing the church to be flooded with non-Jews, today we need to not force cultural ways upon believers. God created culture and enjoys varying ways of worship. We too can embrace cultural differences while enhancing our worship and fellowship in Christ.

But what if we were to face the kinds of persecution the early church faced? What if we were to face the dangers some in the East face today?

If severe persecution were to come to the church in your region today, what would happen to our faith?

Thank You for Giving . . . to us all!

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 2 Timothy 2:1-4)

On this Veteran's day 2014 let me first thank the many who have served our Nation in some capacity or another in our Armed Forces and the many agencies throughout the world. Special thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of life . . . there is no greater love!

I would like to name my father, Charles W. Carroll, my father-in-law Herbert O. Douglas, my son A J Washington and numerous relatives who have sacrificed valuable parts of their lives to serve to keep us free.

Like these good soldiers, we too have a General to serve. We must step to His commands despite what the enemy, even society, may be forcing upon us. We have a higher calling. We have marching orders to defend the Gospel and to infiltrate enemy territory with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to fear no one but God!

So many have suffered for the sake of the United States and our freedom. Will we not only stand as a Nation and applaud them today? Further yet, will we now be reminded to stay on alert and do battle for the souls that our yet lost? The enemy is lurking . . .

Open Up Your Tool Box

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ . . . (1 Peter 4:8-11)

Every believer has been gifted with a set of tools to use to go to work within the Body and without. Whether we can serve, pray, encourage, teach, shepherd, show hospitality, we do it to first serve God and to then to bring others to Him. It does no good to have a tool and let it sit in the tool box. Some one or some thing needs work to be done!

However, as I am finding out lately, there are also times when we have to borrow some tools as well. God calls us out of our comfort zones often to help outside of our gifting.

We may be comfortable teaching for instance, yet there is a need to serve food at the children's ministry event. Perhaps our gift is in praying and encouraging others, yet there is a need in the nursery or senior care. Even at home as I discovered lately, I must serve within areas in which I am not too comfortable. I have had to fix a sink, repair a ceiling fan, even change a tire. These are definitely not things I enjoy or am physically gifted at doing. It is not easy. It is not preferred. However, God is calling me to serve nonetheless! It's the same with our spiritual gifts.

Peter states in verse eight above to "above all, love each other deeply". I don't know about you, but I need to act on that verse! Open up your tool box today . . . even borrow a tool or two from your neighbor, and love on people today!

Take Time To Praise Him for Who He Is!

Praise the Lord, you mighty angels. Praise the Lord for his glory and strength. Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Worship the Lord because of his beauty and holiness. The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees. The Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon into pieces. He makes the mountains of Lebanon skip like a calf. He makes Mount Hermon jump like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oak trees. It strips the forests bare. And in his temple everyone cries out, “Glory!” The Lord on his throne rules over the flood. The Lord rules from his throne as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29)

Just think upon these verses from the Psalmist. Listen to his voice as he ponders all God does and simply praises Him. Some times we just need to sit back, be quiet, and praise God because He is!

Just a simple question this Friday . . . What are you praising God for this day? I urge you to list them all . . .

So where do we go from here?

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart . . . . And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Someone accepts Christ. They realize they are a sinner in need of grace (Romans 6:23)from the Creator of the world. They understand there is no way their lives line up with the holiness of God.(Romans 3:23) They ask God to forgive them (1 John 1:9) and experience the joy of being a child of God. (John 1:12)

Now what? So where do we go from here?

Discipleship is an art . . . a lost art! We love to bring souls to the Savior. We celebrate folks being saved from sin ans rescued from hell. These are great moments for eternity. But what about the here and now? How do we get closer to our Lord and Savior while living on this earth? Change requires alternate choices. We must observe the things God calls sin in our lives and work to change them. We need folks to commit to walk along side us to assist us in this process. Every good athlete has that one coach, trainer, or teammate that pushes them to achieve greatness.

Where do you and I go from here? Who is our training partner? Who are we training? Let's get in the spiritual gym daily to keep growing in Christ!

So Who's in Charge Now?

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(Romans 13:1-5)

Now that election day 2014 has been completed and the votes have been tallied, Who's in charge now? With so many claiming victory and calling for a shift in power from one party to another, do we realize there is still One who overrules?The prophet Hosea wrote it this way:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4:6)

God still reigns from heaven and He allowed things to take place throughout our Nation last evening. Now it is my prayer that we all put this Nation and our leaders back into the hands of Almighty God that we all may humble ourselves, seek His face, and fall upon our knees bowing to God's leadership!

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men . . . (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

I am NOT God and I am glad about it!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8

Confused? Questions? Yeah . . . me too! I cannot always figure it out. Why this and why not that . . . If God is this and that than why is all this happening? Welcome to the real world! We do not have it all figured out! But I am so glad that there is One who has been there since before the beginning and has it ALL figured out!

"For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Malachi 3:6)

You see, God knows and for this reason I have hope! He has a plan . . . He has not told me the ending yet, but I trust Him to get me through. I may not like my circumstances, but is there a better bet? Is there a better way? I don't believe so . . .

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

You see, for thousands of years the Word of God has remained true and God Himself has stayed faithful to His promises. It is I who have to adjust to His will and His plans. I must stop playing God and realize He is not changing and neither is His Word! I am NOT God and man, am I glad about that!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

In the HOOD

. . .you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:5-6, 8-9)

I was reminded this SONday that I am part of the HOOD! A Holy PRIEST-hood . . . the BROTHER-hood of believers. I am to be set apart...not always accepted.. thought of as peculiar....this all makes sense! Like many of our young people today who are labeled and prejudged, I want people to see me and watch my actions and know I am a believer . . .call me a CHRIST-FOLLOWER.!

What about you? Are you in the HOOD?