January - July, 2006 NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
By Rev Mike Jones

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Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 3, 2006

    I recently attended the winter graduation ceremony at Clemson University where my niece received her Master’s Degree. Many people were rewarded for their various educational achievements and the thousands of family and friends in attendance were justifiably proud. One man, however, fit more into my area of academic achievement, his degree was an honorary degree. He had not earned his degree by attending classes and writing theme papers, he was simply honored with an honorary honor because of his ties to the university and his achievements in life.
    Due to my family’s financial ability, I never had the opportunity to attend an institute of higher learning. Like many people in this world, the only degree I ever received was from the "school of life learning"; and sometimes when I look at my failures I wonder if the teacher did not grade on the curve in order to give me a degree from there!
    Thankfully, I can declare today that I do have an "honorary degree to Heaven". It was not based on my educational abilities or my vocational achievements but on my acceptance of God’s wonderful gift of salvation that has been provided by the sacrifice of His precious son, Jesus Christ. This is an "honorary" degree that is an honor indeed. A million years from now people will not know or care about the honorary degree that was given to this man at Clemson University but they will still be rejoicing in the fact that someone like me was honored by the God of the universe with eternal abundant life.
    I do not know what kind of honor you are seeking this year but I can assure you that no greater honor can be given to you than having your name listed in the Lamb’s book of life. It is an honorary honor that will have the angels talking (Luke 15:10).

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 4, 2006

    People have many goals for the upcoming year- Lose weight, gain wealth, take more control of their life, give more attention to projects they want to start or complete, hug happiness, release bitterness, eat less, exercise more, drop bad habits, pick up new friends...
    The good news is that many of the goals you desire for your life are also the goals God desires for your life. God want you to be health, happy, and prosperous in your life. He wants to help you put away the bad and take up the good. God is anxious for you to do the things you need to do and to forsake the bad habits that hinder your life and your relationships. God is on your side in doing the right things this year!
    God wants to give you the wisdom to know the right things to do and then give you the ability to do those right things on a consistent basis. It is all a matter of trusting God’s promises and following God’s plan for your life. That is why the first step toward attaining your goals this year is a sincere and complete dedication to God. When you and God join forces you will find this coming year will be the most exiting and wonderful year you could imagine.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 10, 2006

    Someone has stated that one third of the leaders in the Bible did not finish well. I can think of a few right off of the top of my head- Moses was a tremendous leader but he disobeyed God by striking the rock at the end of his ministry and was not allowed to enter the promised land. David was a man after God’s own heart but he committed adultery at the end of his ministry and family tragedies and national tragedies followed him the rest of his life. Solomon led Israel to great wealth with his great wisdom but toward the end of his ministry his wives’ gods stole his heart and his sons ended up splitting the nation. Need I list more?
    Multitudes of people think that Christianity is simply "making a profession of faith" when they are ten and then trying to live the best you can after that. They know nothing of "denying themselves, taking up their cross, and following Christ". Because of this fallacy in their faith many will not finish well. They are good people but they have not been taught to stay on guard during trials and temptations and it is very possible the testimony they pass on to others will be a tragedy instead of a triumph.
    It does not have to be that way. Determine, with God’s help, that you will run well and that you will finish well as a Christian. Guard your mind, hedge your heart, and set your eyes on eternity. Satan is a real enemy that must be fought all the days of your life but, praise be to God, Christ has promised that He would never leave or forsake us. Just don’t take your eyes off the goal and stumble within sight of the finish line.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 11, 2006

    Recently I stopped at a burger place to get a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. The clerk told me it would be $2.16 for two biscuits. I told her I only wanted one biscuit so she told me the price for one biscuit was $2.69 plus tax. My brain started to overheat so I asked her why one biscuit would cost so much more than two biscuits would cost. She simply said it was a sale they were promoting. My brain is still not able to understand why two biscuits could be on sale but one biscuit could not be on sale!
    I’m glad God is a lot smarter than this burger place when it comes to two for one. Forty four years ago when I became a Christian I found the great joy of God’s two for one. I came to Him as a sinner in need of salvation so I trusted in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as a payment for my sins. Wonder of wonders, when I trusted Christ to forgive my sins I was born again and the Holy Spirit came to dwell in my heart. I thought I was getting one need met, pardon for my sins, but in reality I was getting a second need met also, power to live for God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit at work in my life. What a tremendous two for one!
    God wants to pardon and empower you today. And the best thing about God’s offer is that His two for one is free for the asking.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 17, 2006

    I thought it was a really good idea. Whenever we had a death in the community the local Mennonite group would usually bring some food to the home of the deceased. They were famous for their home made pies but they made so many different varieties until it was difficult to tell one from the other. To help people distinguish them they would attach a little flag with the name of the pie on it to a toothpick and put it in the middle of the pie. It made everything go a lot quicker at the dessert table when people could tell at a glance what type of pie they were about to get.
    This "Pie Flag" principle needs to be translated into the church world. Some "Church Pies" may look like cherry pies to the untrained eye but in reality they are sour grapes! Many times that delicious looking chocolate pie is actually a mud pie waiting to be thrown at some unsuspecting person. And almost every church has had what looked like a delicious strawberry pie that actually dripped gossip and discontent on everyone who got close to it.
    If your family and friends at church were to put a label on you what would it say? Would it describe you as a "pie" that everyone would want to taste or would it embarrass you beyond words? More importantly than that, what label would God put on you if He labeled your "pie"?

Ministry Message for Wednesday, January 18, 2006

    A Scientific study has revealed that if your parents do not have any children then neither will you! It is interesting to note that when God created Adam He did not tell him to build a church and establish a religion and set up rules for men to follow. Instead, He simply told him to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth; and to have dominion over the animals in the water, the sky, and the land (Gen 1:28).
    It is also enlightening to see that when God got so tired of man’s corrupt living until He decided to destroy all men from the face of the earth except Noah and his family that His command to them as they began a brave new world after the flood was for them to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Gen 9:1). Again, God’s emphasis is upon man being fruitful and faithful.
    I wonder what it will feel like when we stand before God and brag about our facilities and our finances and God shakes His head and says, "Buildings and money have all passed away. What I am interested in is your fruit. Where is your Fruit?"

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 24, 2006

    One of the questions of interest to me as I travel the world is, "What kind of religion do you have?" Everyone has a religion; even if it is the religion of non religion, so I always find a point of contact with the person. One thing that has become evident to me about religion is that no matter what label you put on the book (Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc) it normally breaks down into one of several categories.
    Some people have Personal Religion, a private guidance within their inner being that determines their moral values and guides their conscience. They do not know how to define this "godward" part of them and they seldom talk of it but it is the "power" that points their inward compass in the direction they feel they need to go. Sadly, this "moral compass" within them changes with the constantly changing standards of society.
    Some people have Preacher Religion, someone outside of the person defines the standards and guidelines that the person lives by in order to be "righteous". Normally, the "preachers" whom these people emulate and look to for guidance follow another person’s example (Some great religious person). But it is always man following man to get to God.
    Finally, some people have Proper Religion, they have met the conditions set down for a relationship with the God of the universe and now they walk each day in His light. They are not perfect people yet because they were "born again" and now they must grow into the new person God wants them to become but their daily walk with God impacts every area of their life and gives them a peace and joy that transcends all circumstances they encounter in this world.

What about you? What kind of Religion do you have?

Minister Message for Wednesday, January 25, 2006

    My brother recently had work done on an electrical problem with his heart. Before the heart work the doctors wanted to check for blockages. When the doctor came out to talk with the family he said they had found a fifty percent blockage in one artery but it was nothing to worry about. When my sister-in-law asked if there was anything that could be done to shrink the blockage the doctor said three things would help- "Eat like a rabbit, run like a horse, and think like a monk".
    Many times Christians find themselves with a little bit of a heart problem and they wonder what they can do to help their situation. This doctor’s advice is worth considering.
    "Eat like a rabbit" means to eat the proper food. That is advice every Christian should follow as they daily take in the word of God instead of the garbage of the world.
    "Run like a horse" means to daily exercise. Exercise for a Christian is witnessing, working, and walking for God on a regular basis.
    "Think like a monk" means to live at peace in your mind. Daily entering into God’s presence by prayer and constantly trusting in God’s love in any circumstance brings the peace of God to the child of God.
    If you are having spiritual "heart problems" then take this doctors advice. You will be amazed at the difference it will make when you eat the right spiritual food, exercise for God, and enter into God’s presence in prayer each day.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 31, 2006

    One of the most important questions anyone can ever ask is, "What must I do to have a right relationship with God?" The Bible gives us five requirements for righteousness.
    1) God Must Will it- (John 6:44) "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:" God must want you to come to Him. It would do no good to knock on God’s door if He was never going to answer the door.
    2) Jesus Must Provide it- There is no other sacrifice that God will accept as payment for your Sin debt except the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ- (Acts 4:12) "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
    3) The Holy Spirit must Bring it- It is the Holy Spirit that Convicts us, Converts us, and Enables us to live as New Creatures in Christ. Without this work of the Holy Spirit in our life we would be powerless to come to God or to live as we should for God.
    4) Christians must Tell it- (Rom 10:14) "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Christians are to be Witnesses of what God has done for them and what He will do for others who will trust in Christ.
    5) Sinners must Respond to it- God invites, He does not force. He offers the gift of salvation to "whosoever will" but men must receive the gift that is offered or face God unprepared.
    God’s requirements for righteousness are plain. Have you met them?

Minister Message for Wednesday, February 1, 2006

    (Gen 28:17-18) And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
    Jacob has just left home on a journey that would gain him a wife and change his life. At the beginning of this journey he stopped to spend the night and put his blanket on a stone to use for a pillow. During the night he had a vision about Heaven and received a Blessing from God. To commemorate this event he took the stone he had used for a pillow and set it up as a pillar so he could use it at a place to mark his commitment and dedication to God.
    Many Christians today are asleep in the pews instead of active in the work of God. They need a fresh vision of Heaven and a spiritual Blessing from God. That would turn their pillows of ease into pillars of dedication; and maybe bring the Revival this country so desperately needs.
    When you go to Church this week are you looking for a place to rest your head or a chance to dedicate your heart to becoming active in the Work God? Turn your pillow into a pillar and find out how wonderful the Christian life can really be.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 7, 2006

    A pastor jokingly said recently , "I would love being a Pastor if it weren’t for the people!" All of the other Pastors present knew he was not being negative, he was just frustrated because he could not seem to help and guide his church as he desired. I think some Christians feel this way about serving God. They would love being a Christian if it were not for God.
    Don’t think me sacrilegious for saying something like this. Many Christians love the fact that their sins are forgiven and that they are headed for Heaven one day. Their frustration comes from the fact that they cannot seem to get their relationship with God to work on a day to day basis (Note how many people continually go to the altar to confess sinful behavior or cry for help in living the Christian life). Let me give you two simple guidelines that will make "getting along with God" much easier; which will make your life much more joyful.
    First of all learn to Submit to God. In the Greek this means for you to "get into proper rank" with God. You will get along well with God when you find where you fit in His plan and then get busy doing what He has put in your heart.
    Secondly, determine to Draw near to God. Many times in the Bible this is called "walking with God" and it simply means you daily invite God to be part of every area of your life- from the bedroom to the boardroom. God desires to fellowship with you. Invite Him into your life and experience the joy of an abundant life.
    Try these principles and you will find that God not only wants to be your Heavenly Father but also your Faithful Friend; one who is easy to get along with.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, Feb 8, 2006

    I was recently at a conference where two preachers preached on preaching to preachers! Not only were the messages well thought out and well preached but it was also obvious that the Spirit of the Lord had led these young preachers in selecting this particular subject. Both of these preachers were new to the area so they had been asked to speak at the minister’s conference but they had not been assigned a topic. Everyone knew that something special was taking place when both of them announced that the Spirit of the Lord had led them to preach on preaching.
    Normally preachers, especially very young preachers, do not preach on preaching to a congregation containing mainly older and more experienced preachers. It would be like a green rookie just called up from the minors lecturing a veteran pitching staff on the fundamentals of pitching. That made the fact that the Holy Spirit would lead both of these young men to preach on preaching something special.
    We live in a day of skepticism. TV portrays preachers as money hungry tyrants or sex crazed hypocrites and many people have lost confidence in the spiritual leadership of men of God. It is good for God to remind us sometimes with special occurrences like these young preachers being led to preach on preaching that He still leads men of God to the message of God that the people of God need to hear. That is what changes Sunday morning from a lecture into a sermon; and that is why you need to be in a Bible preaching Church each week.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 14, 2006

    My wife and I recently celebrated our 36^th wedding anniversary. The thing that amazes me is the number of times I talk with young married couples and tell them how long I have been married and they look at me in utter astonishment and say something like, "I just don’t think I could spend that long with the same person!". Whatever happened to "til death do us part"?
    In the same way that God expects marriage to be a firm commitment He also requires His disciples to "forsake all and follow Him". God is not a "live together God" that you experiment with for awhile to see if you really want to serve Him. He demands that a person commit to serving Him completely or not at all.
    I do not always understand my wife and I don’t always understand God but I am committed to both because of their love for me and my love for them. I expect to die living with the wonderful wife God has given me and I expect to live forever with the wonderful God to whom I have committed my heart and my soul. Love brought my wife and I together; love brought God and I together, and my commitment to this love is without end.
    How sad it must be for those people who commit to their marriage or to their relationship with God with "their fingers crossed"; ready to abandon ship at the first sign that things are not going the way they desire. They will never know the real joy of life because they are not willing to jump in with both feet and commit themselves unreservedly to all that love has to offer.

Minister Message for Wednesday, February 15, 2006

    I really did not recognize what was happening until I wrote out my second tithe check of the year. When I had prayed at the beginning of the year for ways to more effectively serve the Lord I felt really burdened to increase my monthly tithe check. Things were a little tight for my wife and I financially but the Lord strongly impressed on my heart that this was something I needed to do so I changed my automatic check transaction in my banking program so I would increase my regular giving to the Lord.
    When I met with the board that oversees my office on the second of February they decided, totally unexpected to me, to increase my salary. Because the first of February was a Wednesday Night I had not taken time after Prayer Meeting to write my first of the month checks. It was the night of the second of February when I finally got time to write my checks and realized that the Lord had already put the exact additional tithing amount in place a month before I knew I would need to increase my tithe- Glory!
    I personally believe that if I would not have been willing to listen to God and trust Him by faith with the increase in my tithe then I would not have received a raise. I listened to God and sowed by faith. God answered that with a financial reward. He is such a wonderful God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 21, 2006

    It still astonishes me how much of a hero preachers make out of the Prodigal Son. He disliked living with his father so much until he left home. He was so selfish until he demanded his inheritance before his father died. He was so sinful until he wasted his entire inheritance in riotous partying without a thought for anything but immediate pleasure. He was such a backslider until he worked for the most anti-religious organization he could find (A Jewish boy working on a hog farm!). And he was such a sorry worker until he could not make enough to even keep himself fed! It is hard for me to make a hero out of this boy.
    The older brother, who is the bad guy in this story, hardly has the credentials for being a villain. He is a hard working son who cares for his father and for the family farm after the prodigal son departs for his sinful life. Most people would count it an honor to be his neighbor.
    The heart of the story, however, is the heart of these brothers. The Prodigal Son finally got his heart right and came humbly back to the father while the older brother’s heart is revealed as being away from the father even though they lived in the same house.
    Men look on outward appearances but God looks on the heart (I Sam 16:7). Remember that when you think you have everyone fooled with your older brother veneer that in reality hides a prodigal heart.

Minister Message for Wednesday, February 22, 2006

    I have one of the best jobs in all the world. I get to go to many different churches and many church conferences where I hear a large number of preachers deliver sermons and give advice. Every so often a little "nugget" will sparkle in the sermon and I will write it down to think about at a later date. Here are some recent nuggets.
    "Instead of leaving, make something happen where you are"- spoken by a veteran missionary who was talking about how discouraged some people become because things are not like they expect when they arrive on a foreign field to share the gospel.
    "I did not come to use this church for a stepping stone to a bigger church; I came to make this church a bigger church."- spoken by a Pastor who had been used of God to build a big church that was situated well out in the country, away from big city crowds.
    While exhorting preachers to examine their relationship with the Lord a Conference Speaker listed two things that show the "sharp edge of love has dulled"- You no longer want to be close to the one you love and you no longer seek to communicate with the one you love. Those are two good check list items for your marriage and for your relationship with the Lord.
    Surprise your Pastor this week. Share with him something from his sermon that really spoke to your heart!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 28, 2006

    It is sometimes strange how related things come about at the same time. A Pastor called me on Friday to see if I could fill in for him on Sunday while he attended the funeral of his grandmother. Coincidentally, I was already scheduled to attend a memorial for a Pastor’s wife’s grandmother on that same Sunday afternoon.
    Grandmothers are special people. A common theme when people talk about grandmothers is that they seem to be fantastic cooks who always had time to do special things for, and with, grandchildren. Grandmother’s house was a place of wonder and her lap was a place of security. I often tell people that I doubt a lot of things in this world but one thing I never doubted was my grandmother’s love.
    This coincidental Sunday brought awareness again that even Grandmothers die. And no matter how good their tea cakes are (and my grandmother made the best tea cakes in the world!) or how much they are loved by their children and grandchildren, they still must face death like everyone else.
    Oddly, the word "grandmother" is used only one time in the Bible; when Paul talked to young preacher Timothy about the faith of his grandmother, Lois (2 Tim 1:5). Maybe that is because the only thing that really matters about Grandmother is her faith in Christ. Grandmother may be a wonderful person but she, like all of us, must come to God by the way of the cross through faith in Jesus Christ. And how sad it would be to know that Grandmother was not in Heaven because someone failed to tell her about Jesus; or because she failed to response to God’s loving call.

Minister Message for Wednesday, March 1, 2006

    It happened twice in the same night. We came home from Prayer Meeting and I noticed an old Styrofoam cup in my van so I brought it into the house to throw it away. When I threw it into the trash can in the kitchen it bounced off the garbage already in the trash can and fell onto the floor where I had to bend down, pick it up, and then make room for it among the other trash.
    When I went to my desk to empty my pockets I found some trash from some breath mints I always try to carry with me when I go to Church. I threw this trash into the trash can beside my desk where it promptly bounded off the top of the trash in the can and fell onto the floor. Another case of having to pick it up off the floor and physically put it into the trash can.
    When something happens several times in my life then I assume God is trying to tell me something important. He could have been telling me that I needed to empty my trash cans (Which was true but not something I thought God lost a lot of sleep over). I think what God was really trying to show me was that when garbage accumulates then it begins to spread outside of its normal area where it becomes a bigger problem that requires more personal involvement. And if I wait until it overflows to get involved then I have waited too long.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:24)

    A popular greeting card declares that you should sent their card if you want to send the very best. What do you do when you hear God declare that He will send the very worst! This is the only place in the Bible that the word "worst" is used and it is used by God to describe who He will send against His people in order to punish them for their sinful living and their unrepentant heart.
    People sometimes ask me why their sexual preference or their sinful life style is any of my concern. After all, it is their life and they should be able to live it any way they chose. Surprisingly, this is often the same crowd that is adamant about not wanting to breathe second hand cigarette smoke or who lobby tirelessly about polluting the atmosphere because of the harm that will come to them because of what others do.
    I tell these people that when God loves men enough to send the very worst of the heathen against them in order to punish them for their sinful living that it will not only be them who suffer but also their friends and neighbors. One thing we have learned in recent days is that terrorist controlled planes and remote controlled bombs have a non-discrimination policy.
    I lift up my voice and cry out against sin because I care about where men spend eternity but I also call on men to repent because I want the best of God’s blessings and not the worst of the heathen to be sent to me from God.

Minister Message for Wednesday March 8, 2006

    And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. (2 Chron. 12:14).
    Rehoboam was selected as king and he had every opportunity to make a mark for God and for good. Instead, he lived wrong and did wrong and became a king to forget instead of a king to honor. According to scripture, all of this came about because he "prepared not his heart to seek the Lord". My question then must be, "How do you go about preparing your heart to seek the Lord so you will not fall into the same sorry situation that ruined Rehoboam?"
    You would think that "seeking the Lord" would be simply a matter of saying, "Hey, Lord. I need you. Where are you?" but preparation was needed. What sort of preparation must a person make in order to seek the Lord? The scriptures declare that we are to seek the Lord humbly and with all our heart. In order to do this a person must be willing to look at himself realistically (which will make him humble) and then be willing to give God the time and effort needed so that the "seeking" will be whole hearted instead of half hearted and lukewarm.
    One of the reasons people can leave a church service and go directly into sinful behavior is because they prepared for church but they did not prepare their heart to seek the Lord. They were much more concerned with the clothes they wore than they were with the God they were approaching and, as Rehoboam can testify, that can have bad consequences.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 14, 2006

    When I stood in the pulpit of Grace Free Will Baptist Church as their Pastor I realized something very important. If you would have drawn a circle with a ten mile radius using my pulpit as the center you would have included 124 churches in that circle. That caused me to ask two questions- What purpose did these churches have to exist in these communities and What reason did Grace Church have to exist in the midst of all of these Churches?
    Basically, a church has a three fold purpose for existing. First they exist in order to Prepare people to meet God. Everyone will have to stand before God and be judged one day. The primary purpose of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel so that men may hear the good news of God’s gift of salvation and be prepared when they stand before the ultimate judge, God.
    Secondly, the Church exists in order to Promote the worship of God. Men can worship anywhere but God calls men into the "body of Christ" when they become children of God and God expects them to worship Him as a body of believers who use their various talents and abilities to glorify and praise God.
    Finally, the Church exists in order to Provide a method of showing God’s love and character to the World. God is a Spirit so He cannot be seen by human eyes. God has chosen to use the Church to manifest His character in such a way until men see God through His people at worship and at work. That is why Satan tries so hard to divide and destroy churches.
    Every building that bears the name "Church" is not established by God. Those who were are unique gifts from God to allow you and your family the privilege of meeting with God on a regular basis. Be sure and take advantage of that opportunity this week.

Minister Message for Wednesday March 15, 2006

    Did you know that except for the Grace of God your church could have been a heathen temple where the worship of the "goddess Diana" was taught and your daughter would have been urged to become a temple prostitute in the name of religion! In the early days of Christianity the Apostle Paul wanted to carry the Gospel into Asia instead of Europe but God closed the door to Asia and opened the door to Europe (Acts 16:6-9). The rest, as they say, is history.
    Europe, and eventually the American colonies they established, had Christian principles instilled into their culture and Christian practices ingrained into their laws because Paul heard the "Macedonian call" and brought the Gospel to Greece. If he would have been allowed to go into Iraq and Iran as he desired world history would have been vastly different.
    Forty- Four years ago a man stood in a pulpit in a Free Will Baptist Church in Shinbone Alley, S C and preached the gospel with such anointing until a fourteen year old boy who knew little about God or religion felt compelled to repent of his sins and accept God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. That night changed my life, my family, and my community.
    Thank God for what happened in my life because God led Paul to "come over and help us". May Christians today hear the voice of God, and heed the call of lost men, with the same passion and purpose that led Paul to change history and "turn the world upside for Jesus".

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 21, 2006

    One of the most intriguing stories in the Bible is the conversion of the Christian killing zealot Saul into the mighty apostle Paul. Having consented unto the death of Deacon Stephen, Saul wants to hunt the remaining Christians down and destroy them from the face of the earth. On the road to Damascus he is blinded by a light so bright until it overwhelms the midday sun.
    This is where the Bible disclosed a surprising thing- "And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me." (Acts 22:9). Earlier, Paul had testified that these men heard a voice but here he discloses that they "heard not" the voice; meaning they did not understand what the voice was saying. A sermon was preached to Paul with such power until it changed his life completely but the men around him only hear a "noise".
    Been there; done that. I have often marveled at the number of people who will be in a Church service but only a very few will "hear" the voice of God speaking to them in the message. Jesus said, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 7:16) and it is obvious that many people have ears that do not hear. They hear the "noise" of the sermon but they do not hear the voice of God calling them to change their life and follow Him.
    Attending Church is much more than showing up and warming a pew. It should be a time when your ears are open to hear the voice of God so your heart will be tuned to do the will of God. What did you hear in Church last week- the "noise" of a sermon or the voice of God?

Minister Message for Wednesday March 22, 2006

    I recently celebrated my 44^th spiritual birthday. I was born again into the family of God on Monday, March 19, 1962. It has been a wonderful forty-four years and the good part about having eternal abundant life is that it never ends! When this body ceases to function that will simply mean that I will be free from the flesh and at home with God- Glory!
    Sometimes people ask me about my Christian life and want to know the most difficult part of living for God. They assume I will say something about the persecution I have encountered, or my daily struggle with fleshly passions, or the disappointments I must deal with because Christian Pastors and people fail to live like they should. All of these are problems but none of them is the main problem I have faced in my walk with the Lord.
    My most difficult problem as a Christian is consistently hearing what God has to say. God generally speaks in a "still small voice" and it is often easy to miss His voice if you are not listening very carefully. Riding down the road it is sometimes easy to miss God saying, "Turn down that road. I have someone I need you to talk to or pray with ." Over and over I miss being a blessing and getting blessed because my ears don’t hear the gentle voice of God.
    The Christian life is the most exciting life imaginable. I want to live it the very best that is possible. Pray with me that God would help me to hear His voice and follow His path every moment of every day.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 28, 2006

    Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
    One of the Biblical teachings that is seldom applied today is the principle of isolating those who teach and preach wrong doctrine. We live in a world that thinks everyone has a right to their own opinion so we should just live and let live. Paul, and other Bible teachers, realized that wrong doctrine is one of the most dangerous enemies of the soul so they treated teachers of wrong doctrine like we would treat someone with a highly infectious disease; they put them into isolation.
    The logical question from this is "how do you recognize those with this ‘doctrine disease’ so you can separate yourself from them?" Here are a couple of guidelines that will help you.
    They will normally have an isolated interpretation of scripture- 2Pe 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." If your Bible teacher looks at scripture in a totally different way than everyone else looks at scripture then you should raise a red flag.
    You will also note a "Superior Spiritual Attitude" in these men of dangerous doctrine. It is normal to have different stages of spiritual growth among individuals in a group but a consistent "Holier than Thou attitude" is dangerous. Normally, this kind of person gives constant "Pharisaical Pronouncements" to others in order to get everyone to live exactly like they think they should live.
    The Bible admonition is very clear- "Mark these men and avoid them".

Minister Message for Wednesday, March 29, 2006

    Phil 3:17 "Brethern, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample".
    Isn’t this a great example of Christian conduct in action? When Jesus began His ministry He called on men to "Follow me". Now the apostle Paul uses the same admonition to point the Church toward the proper path for their daily lives. Many times as I travel in foreign countries I will use this same admonition to stir the interest of the people with whom I come in contact. Generally, when I ask them to "Follow me" they ask four simple questions.
    First, "Where are you going?" A logical question to ask someone when they ask you to follow them. Generally, my answer is "Heaven" and they smile and say, "That is where I want to go also."
    That leads to the second question, "Who do you represent?" Of course, in my case the answer is "Jesus Christ"
    Which brings us to question number three, "Why should I follow you?". This is when things get interesting. Now I have to be able to clearly explain why my way is better than the way they are presently going. I can tell you right now that cliques and simplistic answers will not satisfy in these cases.
    Hopefully, this will lead to the ultimate question, "How can I get on the road you are traveling?". That is when "follow me" turns from an interesting question into a life changing experience. An experience I hope you have experienced.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 4, 2006

    What sort of request does God make of God? When Jesus (the Son of God) talked about praying to God the Father He told us two things we should request from God. If they were important enough for Jesus to emphasis as prayer requests from God then I think they are important for us to put on our prayer list.
    First of all Jesus told us to request that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in Heaven. This is an obvious request that is seldom made but should be a constant part of our conversation with God. When you consider what a difference it would make if the will of God was the guiding principle in the way Christians act and the world functions you can see why this is a request that Jesus told us we should make of God on a regular basis.
    Another request that Jesus told us to pray for is for God to provide Laborers for the Harvest. It does not take a person long to realize that the harvest is not the problem; it is the few who are laboring to gather the harvest that is the real reason for concern. Jesus did not tell us to pray for dinner guest at meal functions; you can pretty much generate a crowd when you provide a free home cooked meal! Nor did He tell us to pray for spectators at a singing convention; it is easy to quickly fill the house to hear good singers. Jesus said we needed to request God to send laborers who would do the work that is necessary to keep the harvest from perishing in the field.
    Do you pray like Jesus, for God’s will to be done and for laborers to work in God’s field? Do you let these requests guide the way you live each day?

Minister Message for Wednesday April 5, 2006

    Sometimes I wonder why it is so hard for Christians to tell other people about the greatest gift that it is possible to give to anyone; the gift of eternal, abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ. What a horrible situation when we allow people to live in the misery and defeat that comes from a sin controlled life and then face God unprepared simply because we are unwilling to share the good news from God. Surely this is something we should seek to remedy immediately.
    Maybe the reason we fail in this all important task is because we do not allow the four ingredients of evangelism to develop in our life. The first ingredient is Passion, if you do not have a strong desire to share the gospel with others then fear and timidity will cause you to be silent when you need to speak and the sinner will feel like the Psalmist, "Refuge failed me. No man cared for my soul." (Psalm 142:4).
    Added to the ingredient of Passion must be an active Prayer Life, a committed Partnership with the Holy Spirit who will actually do the conversion work in the sinner’s heart, and a dedication to Preparation by memorizing and studying the word of God you will be sharing with those who are unsaved. When these ingredients are present in a person’s life you can almost guarantee that the opportunity will arise so you can share the gospel with someone.
    Untold multitudes are dying untold because those who could tell them the good news of the gospel are so busy enjoying living for God until they fail to talk about God- and that is a tragedy beyond words.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 11, 2006

    My wife looks three times better than I look so it takes her three times longer to get ready each morning! That means I get up and get ready 2 hours before we need to leave, leaving her an hour and a half to get ready. Since we stay in motels a lot that normally means I go to the lobby and get some coffee which I drink while I do my devotions or work on my laptop computer while she is getting ready.
    Recently, I had returned with my coffee and was working on a sermon on my laptop when I heard a commotion at the door. When I rolled away from the desk so I could look at the door I noticed it closing. I asked my wife what had happened and she said some strange man had come barging through the door, took one look around and said, "Oh no! I am in the wrong room" and had beat a hasty retreat. For some reason the latch had not caught and this man had failed to look at the room number until he barged into our room. Needless to say, my wife was embarrassed and upset.
    One of the great things about Easter is that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His return to Heaven. One of the most sobering thoughts connected with Easter is that this same Jesus will return one day to claim His people without any warning until his sudden appearing. He will catch us doing what we normally do; I wonder if we will be embarrassed that He caught us in an awkward situation or rejoicing because we are hard at work for Him.

Minister Message for Wednesday April 12, 2006

    "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:" (Romans 1:3-4)
    It is hard to get out of life alive. Except for the Christians who will be raptured when the Lord returns, everyone has an appointment with death. It may be near or it may be several miles down the road but death is on a collision course with you. You can ignore it or work to escape it but death is no respecter of persons and one day you will look it in the eye and feel its horrible hand as it lays coldly on your shoulder.
    Part of the good news from God this Easter season is that His son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to pay your sin debt. That is great news but without hope for the future then dealing with my past wrong doing is of little benefit to me. The rest of the story is that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power...by the resurrection from the dead". We are not asked to pin our eternal hopes on some man made doctrine; Jesus actually came back from the "great beyond" and declared himself the victor over death, hell, and the grave- Glory!
    We serve a risen Savior. Let us rejoice in His resurrection and celebrate the fact that He calls whosoever will to join His family and enjoy His fellowship forever.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 18, 2006

    When Jesus was about to return to Heaven after his resurrection and appearances on earth the disciples asked him a question they thought was very relevant, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) [Translation- "When will the end time begin when you fulfil all the promises you made to the nation of Israel through the years?"]. Jesus gave them a short concise answer, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." (Acts 1:7) [Translation- "That is none of your business. You just do the job I have given you to do"- see vs 8].
    It is obvious that there is no sign that must be fulfilled before the Lord’s return but it is also clear that when certain things take place you are to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Lu 21:28. With that in mind, let me share several "end time signs" that are causing many Christians to keep a watchful eye on the sky and listen carefully for the last trumpet’s sounds.
    Jesus said the end time period would be like the days of Noah (Selfish absorption and busy times that disregarded God’s word and God’s warnings) and the days of Lot (Lustful pleasure would prevail and society’s standards would crumple) [Luke 17:26-28]. Paul also points out that there would "come a falling away first, and that man of sin [would] be revealed, the son of perdition;" (II Thess 2:3). The only "son of perdition" mentioned by Jesus is Judas (John 17:12) and it is amazing that now Judas is being hailed as a hero instead of a betrayer!
    No man knows the day or the hour when Jesus will appear. Those of us who know the Bible, however, know we sure had better "keep our bags packed".

Minister Message for Wednesday April 19, 2006

    There are many people in the Bible who are said to be indwelt by "devils" (demons). There is only one, however, who was said to be possessed by Satan; Judas-"And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him." (John 13:26-27)
    It is also significant that the phrase "son of perdition" that Jesus used to describe Judas was also the phrase used by Paul to describe the Antichrist- (John 17:12 )"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (2 Thess 2:3-4) "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." Judas was a thief who stole from the work of God (John 12:6) and it is evident that either he, or someone who has the same spirit, will one day seek to steal God’s honor by demanding that men worship him and take his mark in order to buy or sell.
    It is sad that Judas walked with the Lord and saw all his miracles and then turned into the "son of perdition". Is it not even sadder that so many today will end up in perdition because they insist on walking their way instead of God’s way?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 25, 2006

    I recently read about an executive who had a plaque on their desk that read, "What people really need is a good listening to". That is mighty good advice for anyone who deals with people and their problems on a regular basis; like parents, pastors, and promotional directors (me).
    We have 121 churches that belong to the South Carolina State Association of Free Will Baptists. This same organization has 213 ordained ministers; yet, it is becoming increasing difficult to secure 121 Pastors from 213 ministers! Health/age problems, church problems, and financial problems all contribute to this situation but there is one factor that seems to stand out in an odd way- Many men want to be preachers but they do not want to listen to what other people have to say! To them, a Pastor is not someone who cares for wandering or wounded sheep but someone who has the opportunity to tell other people how they ought to live each week; and to do so with immunity because they say what they say from behind a pulpit.
    Sometimes I think we need two lists for our ministers. One list for those men who simply desire to speak and another list for those who are willing to work with, and listen to, the people to whom they have been called to minister. I am not talking about listening in the sense that a minister listens to his people and then tries to preach sermons that will "tickle their ears". Nor am I talking about listening to the will of the people over the word of God when leadership decisions must be made. I am talking about being willing to listen to the hurts, the heartaches, and the unspoken needs that are hidden behind many conversations. This listening is where the real "soul" of people is found; and this is what most Pastors need to know if they are to be effective in helping their flock to know and show God in their daily life.

Minister Message for Wednesday April 26, 2006

    My neighbor decided to raise a garden this year. He chose the field beside my house to accomplish this task. He has put in a lot of hard work so far and, unless something happens, someone is going to harvest a mighty big crop in the next few months.
    When I came in from work just as night was falling last night this man was plowing this garden. This morning when I got ready to go back to work just after daylight this man was hoeing this garden. I thought to myself as I waved to him on the way by, if I were a pastor and I worked as hard as this man worked trying to grow some vegetables then I feel pretty confident I would see a harvest of souls one day.
    This man Planned his garden (He decided he wanted to have a garden, he decided where he wanted the garden to be, and he decided what he wanted to grow in the garden). This man Prepared his garden (He knew the ground had to be tilled and the seed had to be planted). This man Protected his garden (He has already started pulling the weeds that always grow when you plant something and he is preparing the needed equipment to keep the birds and varmints from enjoying his crop before he can pick it). This man plans to Pick his garden (He is not doing all this hard work just to brag to his neighbors that he has a garden. He expects fruit from his labor).
    Many Pastors would do well to follow the example of this gardener. It involves a lot of hard work but the rewards are worth all the efforts.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 2, 2006

    A young city boy was visiting in the country. He came running into the house exclaiming, "Mommy, mommy. A little black and white dog followed me home. Can I keep him?" When the mother went out to see the dog that had followed the boy home she found it was a skunk!
    The Bible lists at least three things that can "follow us home to Heaven". When you get to the pearly gates and look behind you, will you enjoy what follows you or will it be a skunk?
    I. WORKS- And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13). The Apostle Paul said one day our works would be tested by fire with the wood, hay, and stubble works being burned while the Gold, Silver, and Precious stones works would remain (I Corinth 3:12-15).
    II. WORDS- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)
    III. WEALTH- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19-20)
    Thankfully, there is also a fourth "follow behind" fruit we can see in Heaven. It is the people to whom we have WITNESSED who have accepted Christ. And what a joy beyond description to walk down streets of gold and see people who are there because we told them about Christ.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 3, 2006

    It is true that "you cannot take it with you" but it is also true that "you can send it on ahead of you!" God graciously and generously allows mere men the privilege of depositing "treasure" into the Bank of Heaven via the good deeds and God centered actions they do upon earth- "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark 10:21). "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth" (Lu 12:33 )
    One of the few people in the Bible that God called a "Fool" was the rich man who was blessed by God to such a degree until he could not store all the fruits God had given him so he decided to hoard his income in "bigger barns" instead of using his resources as a steward of God. That night God called his soul into account and he had to face God as a pauper instead of having great treasures in Heaven (Luke 12:16-21).
    Why is laying up treasure in Heaven so important? Heaven will be a wonderful place even if you are broke! The answer is in a simple statement made by Jesus- "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt 6:21). If you have little interest in Heaven while on earth then it may not be Heaven you are going to when you leave earth.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 9, 2006

    When they came to Christ James and John were known as "the sons of Thunder" and they are the only recorded case of someone asking Jesus for permission to perform an act of violence against someone- And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (Luke 9:54). Yet, John is eventually known as the "apostle of Love" because of the prominence of love in the Bible books he wrote. Oh, the transforming power of Christ.
    I call James and John the "book end brothers" because James was the first disciple to die (exempting Judas) and John was the last disciple to die. They were close confidants of the Lord and often went with Him for special miracles and special events as Christ developed them into leaders.
    John is involved in an amazing incident that shows God’s sense of humor. The mother of James and John came to Jesus and asked Jesus to take care of her sons when He came into His kingdom. On the cross, Jesus instructed John to take care of His mother. I can almost see God laughing and saying, "Their mother wanted Jesus to take care of her sons but I am letting one of her sons take care of Jesus’ mother!"
    Mother’s plans for her children and God’s plans for her children may not always mesh. Blessed is the Mother who trusts God enough to give her Children to God and then allows God to transform them and use them in the best way for the kingdom of God.

Minister Message for Wednesday, May 10, 2006

    As we approach Mother’s Day, I thought it would be good to allow a woman to give her input about what a wife expects from her husband. I looked for a "veteran wife" (more than 15 years of marriage) and a committed Christian. Here are the top three items she listed.
    1) Share Responsibilities: When both husband and wife work; household duties should be shared. Most men consider household work as all woman’s work. [Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (Ecc 4:9-10)]
    2) Compliment your wife: Men should be more observant of the clothes their wife wears, the way she carries herself, the way she fixes her hair, etc. [A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)]
    3) Look at your wife as a person; not as a toy to provide you pleasure: Consider your wife’s feelings, her opinions, her emotions; and her wants and needs. It is easier for her to make you happy when she is happy! [So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: (Ephesians 5:28-29)]

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 16, 2006

    He must have been three or four years old and he was having a ball. My wife’s favorite restaurant (the one that ends with "barrel") had an old hand water pump installed on a stand at the front of the eating area and this young boy was pumping it for all he was worth. He would pump and pump and pump and then hold his hand under the spout waiting for some water to appear; which, of course, never happened since the pump was bolted to a board.
    This was a persistent kid, however, and he must have spent ten minutes pumping that water pump for all he was worth trying to get some water to appear from a pump that was not connected to a water supply. My first thought was "I hope that kid does not plan to be a preacher when he grows up"
    The people of the world today are thirsty beyond description and it seems more and more as if those who are supposed to share the water of life with them are busy pumping from a pump bolted to a board. They have energy and enthusiasm and they really mean well but they will work themselves to death without getting any water if the pump is not connected to a water supply.
    Pleasures of the flesh are like saltwater, the more you drink the more thirsty you become. Religions of the world are like empty desert sands, you keep traveling and traveling and never come to real refreshment. Only Jesus is the water of life that satisfies the thirsty soul. To try to get living water from any other source is like playing with a pump bolted to a board.

Minister Message for Wednesday May 17, 2006

    This illustration is difficult for many in today’s generation to understand but it contains an important enough principle to be repeated. A desert traveler who had traveled two days without water came to an abandoned shack. In the shade of a rock was a water pump. Beside the water pump was a sign- "Lift the flat rock and remove the can of water. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Use the water to prime the pump and you will have all the cool fresh water you desire. Refill the can and replace it for the next person in need".
    In a day when everyone gets their water by simply turning on a faucet it is hard to get people to understand the need of "priming the pump" but to those of us who grew up using a hand pump as our water source it is a reminder of an important truth- You must learn to put off satisfying the desire of the flesh immediately in order to eventually have what you need.
     We live in a generation that wants everything and they want it NOW. Sadly, this attitude has infiltrated the church. People want instant satisfaction, instant sanctification, and instant success in the Christian life. Most are not willing to "prime the pump" with prayer, meditation, and study of God’s word so they end up quenching their thirst for a moment and then become more thirsty each day. They hop from church to church seeking to satisfy their thirst; never realizing that if they would just prime the pump the waters would flow abundantly, even in the desert.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 23, 2006

    Nostalgia uncovered the secret. One day a man was walking by the church where he had accepted Christ and decided to go in for old time’s sake. When he entered he stopped at the office to let the current Pastor know what he was doing. The Pastor decided to walk with this man and he politely listened as this man told about the fond memories he had of the Church. The Pastor’s ears perked up, however, when the man pointed to a place beside the pulpit and said, "That is where I was baptized".
    The Pastor said, "You mean there used to be a baptismal pool located beside the pulpit." The man replied that he was sure it was still there. After finding the rough outline of the cover that the man said covered the baptismal pool, the Pastor decided to take a step of faith and cut the carpet along that outline. What to his wondering eyes should appear but the top of an in floor baptismal pool. Soon the lid was lifted and a dusty, but still useable, baptismal pool was revealed to a very grateful Pastor.
    The original congregation had sold the church to this Pastor and his congregation. The new congregation’s first step was to replace the old carpet with new carpet. In the process the carpet had been installed over the Baptismal pool and the present congregation did not know the pool existed. For years they had lamented the fact that they had to go to another Church for their baptismal services when they had their own Baptismal pool literally at their feet!
    I wonder how many times you and I walk over tools to do God’s work and just don’t realize what He had provided for us?

Minister Message for Wednesday May 24, 2006

    We found it because my wife had her hands full and could not turn off the water. For several years my wife’s main complaint about cleaning the office where I work was that she did not have any hot water. One day she had to leave the water running while she carried a pan into another room and when she returned hot water was coming out of the faucet!
    We had searched all over the building when I first came to work but we had found no hot water heater and only cold water came from the hot water faucet so we assumed we would simply have to "rough it". After hot water "miraculously" began to come from the faucet, we traced things down and found a hot water heater in a building beside our main building. It had been there the entire time but we did not realize it because the hot water took so long to travel the long distance from the heater to the faucet.
    God told the prophet Isaiah that He would give His people "the hidden riches of secret places" (Isa 45:3). Many times these "hidden riches" are already available; it is just a matter of learning how to tap into them. Often, like it happened in this case, patience is required before we can benefit from the blessing.
    Don’t suffer with cold hands and constant complaints when God has all the "hot water" we need just waiting for us. Turn on God’s faucet and then wait for Him to provide "hidden riches" for you.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 30, 2006

    Several people have asked me what I thought about a recent book and movie that denied the deity of Christ and threw mud at the character of Christianity. Here are several truths I try to keep before them.
    "You do not stop your car because of a barking dog!". Three years from now this movie and book will be but a ripple on the pond of eternity but Jesus Christ will still be the rock of ages and the only begotten Son of God. A famous atheist once proudly proclaimed that he would put an end to Christianity in five years. That was many years ago. Now his home is a Bible Museum and the printing press he used to print his slanderous literature against God is now being used to produce Bibles- and the Church rolls on.
    "Repeating a lie a thousand times does not make it become the truth". Satan has lied about the character of God since we first met him in the Garden of Eden. His latest lies only mean he is getting more and more desperate as the end draws near- "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22)
    "Allowing a weather vane to direct your path will run you around in circles". If God was so sorry until He allowed men to believe the wrong thing about His Son for 2000 years before finally revealing the truth to a man trying to write a novel to make himself rich then I have serious doubts about following that God anyway! I believe God provided; and preserved, the Bible and I plan to faithfully follow its teachings. And I believe that when I face God He will be happy that I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior and believed on Him as God’s Son.

Minister Message for Wednesday May 31, 2006

    Forlornly it sat in the middle of a field. Mounds of dirt lay all around the     field waiting to be leveled but this bulldozer could not help. In the process of work this bulldozer had come upon a wet boggy place from all the recent rains and whoever was driving it had bogged it down until the medal tracks on the bulldozer were below ground level and the driver’s feet were level with the ground. Now the "big bad bulldozer" that could handle anything was waiting on someone to come along and rescue it from a very bad predicament.
    Can you relate to this bulldozer? Have you gotten yourself into a situation where you just "spin your wheels" and never make any progress? Have you hit a place in life where you do not seem to have enough strength to do what needs to be done so instead of bulldozing through the everyday demands of life you get bogged down all the time? Maybe it has come to the place for you to realize that sometimes even a bulldozer needs help.
    Jesus is listening today for "bogged down bulldozers" to call out to Him. When they do they will end up singing like the psalmist, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." (Psalms 40:2)

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 6, 2006

    It is really hard to print an article dated on 6-6-06 without talking about the Mark of the Beast. Society is speeding at a dazzling speed down the slippery slope of apostasy where anti-Christianity is becoming increasingly popular and where the majority of people are only concerned with pleasure, peace (don’t brother me), and profit. All of which is leading up to Anti-Christ coming in and establishing a kingdom where everything is provided to people who are willing to allow Anti-Christ to take complete charge of things while they just "eat, drink, and be merry".
    Surprisingly, most people think the "mark of the beast" is the number 666. According to the Bible the number 666 is the "number of the beast" and only one of the three "marks" that a person could obtain in order to do business in the kingdom of Anti-Christ- the mark (symbol) of the beast, the name of the beast, or the number of the beast (666). "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev13:17)
    The reason you need to be reminded about the "mark of the Beast" as well as the "number of the Beast" is because when wrath is pronounced it is the "mark" and not the "number" which is mentioned- "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11)

Minister Message for Wednesday, June 7, 2006

    There are 31,101 verses in the Bible. The Old Testament contains 23,144 verses and the New Testament contains 7,957. The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35- "Jesus Wept". (The shortest verse in the Old Testament is I Chron 1:25 "Eber, Peleg, Reu."). The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9 (90 words).
    Ezra 7:21 contains every letter in the alphabet except "J". Daniel 4:37 contains every letter of the alphabet except "Q". These words only occur one time in the Bible: Eternity (Is 57:15), Reverend (Ps 111:9), Grandmother (I Tim 1:5), Gnat (Matt 23:24), and Easter ( Acts 12:4) [Christmas is not in the Bible]
    Although every verse (and every word) of the Bible is important, there is one verse that contains a truth so vital until the teaching of this verse has dominated my life and work for the past 45 years- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36).
    It is difficult to make it any more simple or plain than that. Those who believe (cling to, rely on, trust in) Jesus Christ have everlasting life. Those who trust in anything else, or nothing at all, abide under the wrath of God. I would say that truth is important enough for me to spend a life time sharing it with others.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 13, 2006

    There are some things a Minister can do that disqualifies him from service as a Minister. God will forgive his sin and he can still serve the Lord in various capacities but his days as an ordained minister are over. God still loves him and other Ministers still love him but that does not change the fact that a "bridge has been burned".
    Needing storage room in my file cabinets, I recently purged the files of fallen ministers. It was a sad day, and several tears fell during the process, but I knew that nothing would change the situation of these men so I cleaned out their files in order to use that room for current needs.
    We read in James 1:14 that "every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed". Every man must realize that temptation comes from "his own lust" and something that is a worm to one man may be bait to another. As a certain man said one time, "Every man has to know his own limitations!"
    Playing with matches generally means that someone gets burned. And the problem with a fire is that the warmth it provides at first turns into agony and anguish when something whips that comfortable campfire out of control and a man watches in permanent pain as things he has spent a life time building suddenly lies in smoldering ashes at his feet.
    God has provided everything a man needs to live a productive and abundant life. Don’t let the dark shadows of some forbidden fruit build a fire in you that causes you to disobey God and end up living with weeds and wearisome work outside of God’s garden.

Minister Message for Wednesday, June 14, 2006

    I was cleaning out old files recently and noticed a sad situation. We keep a folder on each church that becomes a member of the South Carolina State Association of Free Will Baptists. I told my wife to pull the files of the churches that were no longer active so we could get some needed storage room. It shocked me when she piled a huge stack of inactive church files on my desk.
    During the last thirty years over 30 churches ceased to function (some of which lasted only one or two years). They began with great celebration and anticipation but most of them faded from a dream into the nightmare of reality and their doors closed and the building reverted to being used for another purpose.
    Where was God during all of this? Maybe that is the question that should have been asked at the beginning; instead of the end, of these projects. King David had a desire to build a church so he consulted his local mission board and was told it was a great idea. But when God’s counsel was finally sought God said, "Don’t build that Church now. I have other plans."
    The men who started these churches were good men who had a great burden to do something for God but they did what seemed good in their sight instead of getting clear direction from God. The need was there but building a church was not part of God’s plan at that time. And if you leave God’s plan out of any plan then even a right thing goes wrong. Remember that in all areas of your life.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 20, 2006

    June is the "marriage month" as many young people decide to graduate from High School or College and immediately jump into the bliss of matrimony. When I see these beautiful brides as they walk down the aisle with their radiant smile I can not help but remember some brides in the Bible who entered their married life with bald heads and sad hearts.
    God commanded the children of Israel that when they defeated an enemy and "seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife; Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails; And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife." (Deut 21:11-13)
    Several factors were at work here- 1) The month long wait meant marriage was not based on a sudden lust stirred by beauty or battle. 2) While the shaving of the head and the cutting of the nails had an obvious impact of decreasing the spread of disease from this people to the people of God, it also showed the Bride "at her worst" and helped the man to realize he was marrying a wife and not just satisfying his sexual pleasure. 3) The period of mourning by the Bride for her parents allowed her to come to gripes with this change in her life and prepare her for a new way of life.
    When you come to think of it, the principles applied to "bald headed brides" make good principles for engaged couples to observe today; although I don’t think shaving a bride’s head is as needful today as it was back then!! Just remember that God thinks the union between a man and a woman is very important and it should be entered into carefully and prayerfully.

Minister Message for Wednesday June 21, 2006

    There are several "milestone marriages" in scriptures. The man with the most wives was King Solomon. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3- Although it describes the "wives" as princesses with the implication that there was only one wife that was the queen. These other wives were normally the daughters of other kings and were given as part of treaty agreements between nations with the thought that having a part of your family in the king’s house would help prevent war and seal commerce agreements). When I get to Heaven I want to find out how many bathrooms he had to have with this many women in his house trying to get ready at the same time!
    Another "milestone marriage" was the man who had 88 children. "Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.) [2Ch 11:21]. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and while it appears that Solomon took 1000 wives and concubines for social obligations it appears that his son, Rehoboam, took his 78 wives and concubines to satisfy his desires more than to establish his kingdom (and his kingdom soon crumbled).
    I have been married to my lovely wife for 36 years. In spite of the fact that we have zero children and the only kingdom we are part of is the Kingdom of God we still have a "milestone marriage" because it was ordained by God and He is the guide and God in both of our lives. I pray your marriage will be built on that same foundation.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 27, 2006

    Do you know the name of the baby who had a scarlet thread tied around his hand before he was born?- Zarah: "And it came to pass, when she {Tamar} travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah. (Genesis 38:28-30). A "first born" who was born second!
    Do you know the man who controlled a battle by holding out his hands- Moses: "And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed." (Exodus 17:11). Eventually his hands became tired so Aaron and Hur held up his hands so Israel would win the victory. Whose hands can you help hold up so God’s enemies will be defeated?
    Do you know the man who had 12 fingers and 12 toes- The son of the giant, Goliath: "And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant." (2 Samuel 21:20). In this section of scripture four sons of Goliath are listed as being killed by David or his men. Sometimes problems span generations but eventually they must be dealt with.
    One final question. As you face life’s problems and death’s soon coming, are you resting in the safe hand of God- John 10:29?

Minister Message for Wednesday June 28, 2006

    Most people know the name of the oldest man in the Bible- Methuselah. He lived to be 969 years old. Do you know what happened the year he died? It was the year of the flood. I wonder, did he die in the flood or before the flood? Did he help Noah with the ark? Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), did Methuselah attend any of Noah’s preaching services?
    According to the generational records in Genesis chapter five, there were 1,056 years from the time of Adam until the birth of Noah. Adam was only 687 years old when Methuselah was born and he would live another 243 years (He was 930 when he died). Methuselah was only 369 years old when Noah was born and he would live another 600 years.
    All of this simply shows that Methuselah had the opportunity to spend a lot of time talking with Adam in his early life as well as having time to talk with Noah in his later life. This would mean that Methuselah got the story of Creation "straight from the horse’s mouth" (Adam) and Noah got it just one person away from when it happened. Isn’t it wonderful the way God preserves His word?
    I do not know why God allowed Methuselah to live until Noah’s work on the ark was finished (Noah may have simply needed Methuselah’s encouragement as he made a stand for right in a generation that totally ignored God’s warning of coming judgment). I am just glad God uses "old people" like Methuselah to bridge the generation gap by passing on the everlasting truths of God’s word.