But He was asleep . . .

 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:23-27)

Is it not  safe to say we are in the middle of a storm today . . .whipped by the winds of the pandemic . . .tossed up and down by news of a vaccine, yet worsening conditions in hospitals . . . fearful of not only today's news, but tomorrow's as well?  Some would say that Jesus is asleep . . .not present or not involved. Where is Jesus for you? 

There is encouraging news . . .He is right in the boat with us . . .caring. loving, protecting and providing. Why do I say this, because I know for myself!

“Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to You on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31)

Jesus is asking His people to out only reach out to Him, but others as well. We must trust Him more than ever. He is reaching out to each of us to assure us of His love . . . in the middle of this stormy pandemic. We too have to keep serving, sacrificing and trusting God to provide. Press on. Keep living. We may be isolated and restricted, but we do not have to hide! 

I have been blown away by the love and care of the Body of Christ just recently. We have asked for support to serve food during Thanksgiving and toys, clothing and more food for CHRISTmas. So many gave from their hearts and we were able to spread that love to many in need. We were simply the hands, feet, and van of the Body . . .you were the heart! Even today, many of you are meeting precious needs so we and others can keep pressing forward! 

God is not asleep! He is alive, awake and aware of all that is going on . . .thank you for reinforcing that fact! Oh, we of little faith . . .why do we doubt?

A "brother" is born for a time of adversity!

 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

Friends, family or brothers . . . biological family or family of God? As my family has been forced to isolate over the past few weeks due to positive testing to Covid-19, I have learned a lot about the meanings of family and friend. Since coming to Christ nearly thirty years ago, I have come to realize the difference, but even more so during these past few weeks of isolation.

While I do realize that this pandemic has people on edge, I believe this is a time to serve more than ever . . . with phone calls, emails, text messages, sending food and needed items (so many deliver methods today) and more. People really appreciate these efforts when they have been locked in and locked out for weeks at a time . . . especially during these special days of CHRISTmas.

I so appreciate the few who have reached out to us. I must say family has been nearly invisible. It has been disappointing to say the least. However, those who have sacrificed their time and reached out to us with calls, texts, emails, messaging, and even sending needed items were genuine brothers and sisters, members of our CHRISTian family! His Blood does run thick! We have not only been cheered up by Church members, but by our family of believers from around the world . . . New Orleans, St. Vincent, and Puerto Rico and more!

It has solidified my love for the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17). While we served others up until our isolation, we are more burdened now than ever before to continue to serve! Our work is not for our glory, but for others to see Christ and honor Him . . . come to know HIm. (Matthew 5:16)

Now that we are released from captivity, we can't wait to get back to work. Thank you so much for your love and care family! Thank you for being Jesus with skin on!

We have a HIStory with God!

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying,  “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.”  And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ” So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah. (1 Kings 17:9-16)

Elijah was led into isolation by God. However, as bad as the situation seemed . . . while he was alone and fed by ravens or now with the widow and her dying son . . . he trusted God. Despite our isolation . . . despite the loneliness . . . despite the depressed state . . . we must trust God. He has always cared for His people despite the situation. We have a HIStory with God!

God has been present throughout HIStory, now, and into the future. There is really no one else to trust but God! He will provide. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is Jehovah God!

I have overcome the world!

 And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

Jesus was about to go to His death . . .a lonely, excruciating, unusual and painful death. Yet He trusted that though He would be abandoned . . . isolated . . . alone . . . He could trust that the Father was with Him! He spoke from the future present . . .I have overcome the world!

Fast forward to 2020-2021 . . . . Here we are, many of us isolated, feeling abandoned by friends and family, yet we say we trust God through all things! This is indeed a test of faith! We say we trust Him when things are going well, oh but when tings go crazy . . . .

In sports and even in war, we prepare to our best ability to win. We exercise, we practice, we examine the enemy's schemes and we have a game plan that we believe will work. Well friends, we already have victory over this world because God has been to the end and back . . .He executed the game plan to perfection . . .and He won! We now fight from victory, not for victory!

So in this battle with Covid-19, be of good cheer. Be at peace. The battle is won. It is just a matter of time . . . .Victory comes in minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years . . .and into eternity! 

Give thanks in all circumstances!

 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thess. 5:16-18) 

This is timely for me ...maybe you too. Though CHRISTmas is nothing like I wished for, God is still good. Things could be worse. Even though Covid-19 has invaded our home, we can still count our blessings. My wife has suffered from cough, slight fever, chills, body aches and pains, and slight loss of taste and appetite. I have tested positive but have no symptoms. (That is weird!) Our son has tested negative, praise God! So we all have been isolated at home with no visits for CHRISTmas from our kids and grandkids. No CHRISTmas, yet we have so much. It is just a weird year to say the least. 

People do not know how to react. Some avoid us. Others ignore us. Few actually contact us with sincere concern. One thing for sure, we know who really cares! When parts of the body are in pain and suffering, the rest of the body shuts down to assist. While we have done our best to serve those in need during Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas, I must now serve my own family and be sure they are safe and healthy . . .especially my precious bride! It is a frustrating challenge . . .one of wait and see much of the time. I keep praying for God's will and that I accept what He allows! He is a caring, loving, and gracious Father.

Stay safe everyone! This is no time to relax and be careless. Enjoy the rest of the week as best you are able . . .and know that He is still in control!

Why celebrate in 2020? Because He came for us!

 Why celebrate in 2020? Because He came for us!

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

So it's been a rough year . . . a challenging year . . . a year of upheaval and bitter fighting and much sadness . It has been a year to forget, yet we must remember. We must remember because for those of us who call Christ Lord and Savior, He has been faithful. He has healed. He has protected. He has provided. He has comforted us and He has wept with us. He has never left us, but has walked through valleys and even carried us over rough waters. 

We must celebrate because He came to save us and is still saving today! 

What a gift . . .to receive and to give! Celebrate this season!

Joy . . .Peace . . . and Hope!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Paul writes in Romans 15 to encourage us all to love with a joyous hope as we serve one another and treat one another as equals. It is so ironic that as he was pointing out the differences between Jews and Greeks then, we today still face issues of discrimination and prejudices.  One would think that we CHRISTians would have gotten it by now . . . yet we need the reminder!

Christ has accepted you. So accept one another in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)

Who are we to think anyone is better than anyone else? If Christ, being God in the flesh, could accept me as one of His own, that I too must accept others made in His image as my equal. In fact, like Christ, I am to serve others! (Romans 15:8)

As we live for Christ, He fills us with His joy, His hope, His peace.  We need that more than ever during these challenging days.

So This is CHRISTmas?

 So let us never stop offering to God our praise through Jesus. Let us talk openly about our faith in him. Then our words will be like an offering to God. Don’t forget to do good. Don’t forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings. (Hebrews 13: 15-16)

We are getting closer to CHRISTmas 2020 . . .COVID-19 CHRISTmas I have dubbed it. John Lennon (of the Beatles) had a song years ago, in 1971,  So This is Christmas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-tErSwqm7g). It dealt with the issues of war and all the turmoil coming from Vietnam and other social issues of that day. 

Now in 2020, the phrase is out there once again . . .So this is CHRISTmas. What have we done? What will we do? As believers, it is in our hands . . .well, God's hands. How we handle things is up to us! We have so much to be thankful for and to appreciate, even in the midst of the pandemic. 

Think about it . . .this is CHRISTmas!

Serve others, despite the situation.

 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:33-35)

Paul, in his missionary journeys, often had to work himself to provide for his needs. He knew how to survive  . . . even thrive, whether he had a surplus of supplies or was in need. (Philippians 4:12) Despite his economic situation, he continued to do God's work and serve others.

Here we are at our Covid-19 CHRISTmas 2020. It is unusual to say the least. There are many needs for sure. As believers . . .as members of the Body of Christ . . . let us not grow weary in doing good! (Galatians 6:9)

We must continue to serve others, despite the situation!

Real NEEDS

 

Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses;  the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?” Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly. They gave for the work of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, into the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 

 

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.

 

 

God gives hope to a dying world

A reminder to never stop giving . . . 

 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

And so it is CHRISTmas . . .a rather unusual CHRISTmas at that! But so was the first CHRISTmas! Many have nothing to give. Others have decided not to give anything. Strange times cause people to do strange things for sure.

This CHRISTmas what will you give to those whom you love? Can I make a suggestion? Give of yourself . . . share who you are and what you believe . . . share your heart, your time, your laugh and your smile . . . share your faith and perhaps bring someone eternal joy and hope they may have never had or just may have lost in the recent days and months!

You see, we do not have to have money or things to give at CHRISTmas . . .we have so much more! God gave to us on the first CHRISTmas . . .He gave hope to a dying world. If you have it . . .share it!

We can never out-give God but we can share the very gift He first shared with us . . . give the HOPE of a Savior!

If we are Christ followers, then we should strive for unity! What is your wish this Season?

 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. . . . Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:5,11)

This is a TEST! This is only a TEST.  However, when CHRIST comes for us, there will be no notice. Unlike the emergency warnings we receive for weather and other disasters, Jesus has already sounded the warning. Be ready! 

Paul directs the Corinthian followers of Christ to examine themselves! There was obvious discord in the Body.  He warned that he would come soon with a stern correction if they did not adhere to his directions in the letter. (2 Corinthians 13:10) Jesus has told us through John and Matthew that He is coming soon . . .(Revelation 22:12-13, Matthew 24:3-33). 

So what is your wish for this CHRISTmas Season? Is unity on the list . . . unity with you and Christ and between believers? Jesus prayed that we all would be one (John 17:21). Let that be our prayer . . . . . 

Do you have enough? Support and Serve those who do not . . .

 

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? (1 John 3:17)

This is the Spirit of CHRISTmas . . .  giving freely when someone is in need! Most of us have enough, compared to the rest of the world . . .enough clothes, enough food, enough house, etc. While I realize folks are hurting in various ways today, most of those reading this have enough for today and even tomorrow. While we may fret a bit about this virus and the extended future, many do not know how they will eat today, where they will stay tonight, or if they will even survive the night!

As a Body of believers, do we freely give when we see a need? I am encouraging my teen students to pray for a heart to serve in ministry and missions. My wife and I have given ourselves to missions since 1998. Like Paul, we have learned to be content with a little and others times we have been blessed with a little more. There have also been times when we faced real basic needs, like food money, mortgage money, and money for repairs to a vehicle. We have faced health scares and emergency surgeries. We have experienced the loss of loved loved ones as well.

Through it all, God has seen fit to supply both what we needed and the people needed. He has been faithful! One does not have to be a pastor to minister. You do not have to be in a third-world nation to be in the mission field. In fact, every believer has an obligation to pray for and support the work of God. It is not for the chosen few. While some are called to serve, we all are called to support through prayer, encouragement and giving!

There is much need in our society today. Please consider giving today . . .your time, your prayers, your encouragement, and yes, even your financial assistance to help those in need and those serving the needs!

You may support my wife and I as we coach teens and meet the needs of local families at the following site: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=109561&f=1/. Click Jerry and Tamara Carroll.

. 

Strangers believed . . .How did the Jews miss Him? Have we?

 

Often, we get so involved in our religious practices that we miss the One we say we are seeking . . . The Jewish leaders and most who were seeking their King and Savior missed out on Jesus. Yet those who simply saw with their own eyes and not intellect, believed! It takes a simple faith to see Jesus. Here are a few reminders . . . 

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”“Yes, Lord,” they replied.Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.  . . . The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. ”But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”(Matthew 9:27-34)

Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus

healed him, so that he could both talk and see.  All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:22-23)

 

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”(Matthew 15:22)

 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”(Matthew 21:6-11)

 Strangers believed . . .How did the Jews miss Him? Have we missed Him too? 

You never know how one decision might change things

 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

You never know how one decision might change things . . .perhaps even change the world! What if Joseph had divorced Mary. Suppose he had thought the dream was just that . . .a dream. What if he had not been obedient to the directions of the angel? One decision . . .to obey God . . . changed the world, your world and my world, and made a way for salvation for all who choose to believe!

Now in my 60's, I can look back and see how I failed at many turns in life. However, choosing to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior in the summer of 1993 changed my life for eternity! My life took a drastic turn and was transformed from a life of selfish goals and accomplishments to one of service and sacrifice to bring honor to God. He is transforming still to this day! I am not who I used to be, but still have a ways to go. However, that one decision changed me forever!

Have you been wavering in your decision to follow Jesus? Have you been putting it off or perhaps slipping back into the old you as these challenging days of Covid-19 place a toll on all of us? Take time today to decide to follow Christ and His promises. It will change your life for eternity!

Born to Die . . .So We Could Live!

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17) 

Jesus was born to die . . .for you and me to have a chance to live! While we focus on the Baby Jesus this Season, we must remember that without His death (and resurrection), we would have no life! The gifts the Magi presented told a story we often miss: gold, frankincense and myrrh (an embalming spice) represent a king, a deity, and death! 😔

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

So let's remember that as innocent as the Baby Jesus was and as glorious as the occasion was, it all would lead to a brutal death on our behalf. While we were yet sinners, Jesus came into this world, God with us, to die for our sins and to bring us to new life in Him in His resurrection! 

Adoption in God's Family . . .What a Gift!

 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.(Galatians 4:4-5)

Adoption is the creation of a parent-child relationship by judicial order between people who are not a natural parent and a child. When the court orders an adoption, it also ends the parental rights and responsibilities of the natural parents. Under the law, the new parent-child relationship is no different than the relationship between a natural parent and child. (https://www.peoples-law.org/adoption)

It is amazing what God has done for us. Sinners at birth and enemies of God, He has made a way to legally and spiritually bring us in to a relationship with Him! We have His Son, conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18) yet born of a woman (Romans 3:23).

By admitting our sin and believing in Christ as our Lord and Savior, Who fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17-20), we have the legal and spiritual right to be called children of God (John 1:12). We are legally and spiritually sons and daughters of God with all the rights and privileges that come with it! (Romans 8:1-3,17)

What a gift!

Believe in Christ and live it out!

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.(Isaiah 7:14)

700 years later . . . 

 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

They should have recognized then and we clearly should know it by now! Why is there such ignorance? Why is there so much doubt? Has Satan really got us to a point that even if we do believe, we don't live as if we do? 

The prophets predicted it. Jesus fulfilled it. The disciples wrote about it in eyewitness accounts. We say we believe it. Why not live it out . . .especially now?

I read the Gospel of John by Elmer Towns of Liberty University while in seminary at Liberty. It made it clear to me that if I believe in Christ than I must live it out! It makes sense. What about you?Is it not prime time to allow people to see and witness the love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, and hope of Christ today?

 . . .but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.(John 20:31)

God among us, born of a virgin . . . the Word is still true!

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

We know most of the Church leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, etc.) rejected Christ. So why did they nor know? The Magi did! Were they so caught up in the activity of the day to ignore prophecy? 

In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah addresses the "house of David," meaning the family and descendants of King David, and speaks of a virgin conceiving a child and giving birth to the child. Isaiah says this in the context of it being a sign from God. He also says that the child would be referred to as "Immanuel," which means "God with us" or "God among us."

The New Testament books of Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25) and Luke (Luke 1:26-38) record details involving the birth of Jesus, who was born about 700 years after the time of Isaiah. Both Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary and that Jesus is the Son of God. Because Jesus is both fully human and fully God, he literally can be referred to as "God with us" or "God among us." (aboutbibleprophecy.com)

Don't be so quick to condemn them however! Think of today. Are we so caught up in the activities surrounding the culture that we are ignoring the scriptures . . .even prophecy? 

This CHRISTmas, let's commit to the Word rather than the world. The answers are still there!