The Gift of the Red Rose

Today I wish I had a red rose in my hand. Yes, I am in love. I love my wife and she deserves a room full of them. I love my daughters and they too deserve a bouquet of red roses. On and on I could go. The red rose has come to symbolize a man’s love for his sweetheart. I have sent many roses thru the years. However, today I don’t have one handy...or so I think...and as I look at my wife’s picture...I feel so in love with her. It’s not exactly what you think though.

You see I’m sitting in my office at the local coffee shop and wouldn’t you know this beloved older couple sits down right behind me. They sat so close that while I am working I can hear their conversation quite clearly. It is obvious from the start that this gentleman is desperately in love with his sweet heart. He fawns over her comfort and his great fortune just to sit beside her beauty. I know, I thought the same thing....come on man! Yet, as their conversation continued, he wanted to make sure she was comfortable, happy, and had everything she needed.

I must say it was refreshing. It was also uncomfortable because I had to admit to myself I needed to make sure that my wife understood how I feel about her. As they left, they felt the need to visit with me for no particular reason other than to be nice. He said...and I hasten to repeat this...”Young man don’t work so hard”. As I responded with “yes sir I won’t”...I had to confess to them about my listening ears and touched heart. I shared with them that I was very blessed to be in their company today and that I believed God sat them next to me.

They then shared their story how God had brought them together after they had each lost their spouses. The story continued how they dated in High School and after all these years found love again with each other. I told them God is good all the time and to me He never ceases to be good to us...no matter our age.

Of course this reminded me of our precious Lord’s love for us...just wanting to make sure we are happy, and comfortable, and that we have everything we need. That somehow and someway, His love is everlasting and it never fails. I could quote so many verses that tell of His furious love and mercy for us. John 3:16, 10:10; 1 John 4:7; Psalm 36:7; Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 2:4-5 just to name a few. You see I had a red rose or two handy the whole while. It might do us well to read these “Red Rose” verses and remind ourselves that the steadfast love of God endures forever...and all God’s children said Amen!

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The Goliath Formula

There are so many wonderful stories in the Bible. Stories that, though written long ago, are still relevant today. We can find humor, grief, joy, adventure, as well as, the miraculous throughout the Word of God. Today, as we consider one such story, I want you to open your minds with me and visualize this exciting day in the life of a shepherd boy.

David was a believer in God. He never wavered from that stand even in the midst of his greatest trials. Hint...lesson one today. If there’s one thing we can learn from David is to stay faithful. He woke up on Goliath day and had no idea what lie in front of him, yet when the time came he was prepared because of his faith and trust in God.

David declared his faith in God. Hint...lesson two today. He was not afraid to speak boldly about his belief and trust in God. At every turn in this incredulous event, David spoke boldly and with confidence in Lord his God. Hint...sub lesson for today. He spoke boldly to not only the enemy of God, but also to believers who were afraid and less trustful. Sometimes we will have to face up to those closest to us when we know God is leading us.

David was confident because of his faith in God. Hint...lesson three today. Though the enemy was stronger, larger, and more battle tested that David. Yet David never once stopped moving toward him except to pick up a few stones. His mission was clear and he never wavered. Without any armor on and with only a slingshot and 5 smooth stones David approached the enemy. His mightiest weapon was unseen but clearly heard when David declared “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty....1 Samuel 17:45 Visit the story and read for yourself...what an incredible victory.

You will note as I did that with God there is no enemy who can stand against us...believe, declare, and move forward confidently and you too will be victorious in any battle you face in this life. It excites me to know we have that same power that David had through our relationship with Jesus Christ...and all God’s children said....Amen!

With GospelMaxx you can increase member Evangelism, strengthen your online message, establish stronger participation, provide additional revenue for the Church, increase your membership, improve community relationships, and much, much more!

For more information about GospelMaxx please visit http://www.gospelmaxx.com or call (337) 396-8039.

Ready For Take Off

Do you remember the old tune by John Denver; “l’m Leaving on a Jet Plane”? It was a big hit for him back in the day.

I must admit I can’t help but think about that song every time I fly. As I’m flying to New York City today. It’s an exciting trip for me as I have never been to New York City. It’s also exciting, because we will be meeting Tiffany and Jeremy and two of our precious Grands; Ava and Landon. As an avid Historian, it’s exciting, because there is so much history there. So you could say I am definitely ready for takeoff today. My expectations are high for this trip. Now of course we went online and we bought tickets. We boarded the plane and even now are in the air flying to New York.

Speaking of flying...I am reminded of another song that I love by the Christian artist Chris Tomlin entitled “Heaven”. Just read some of the descriptions he writes about Heaven in this song. 

This world is not what it was meant to be

All this pain, all this suffering

There's a better place waiting for me

In Heaven

Every tear will be wiped away

Every sorrow and sin erased

We'll dance on seas of amazing grace

In Heaven, In Heaven

As you can see there are several reasons to be excited about my trip to Heaven. You could say my expectations are very high for that trip! As before, I’m sure you will understand...I’m very very excited about Heaven because I’ve never been there before...I will indeed be reunited with family members gone on before me (like my mom). Another reason for my joy is the Biblical descriptions of Heaven and the incredible discoveries I will make while I am there.

Jesus talked about Heaven in John 14: 1-6

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There it is...did you catch it? You wanna take the ultimate flight...you wanna go to heaven...get in the Bible, punch your ticket by choosing Jesus to be your Way, your Truth and your Life! Rest in John 3:16 for a while, learn it, accept it, believe and you will truly then be ready for takeoff! And all God’s children said, Amen

With GospelMaxx you can increase member Evangelism, strengthen your online message, establish stronger participation, provide additional revenue for the Church, increase your membership, improve community relationships, and much, much more!

For more information on GospelMaxx please visit http://www.gospelmaxx.com or call (337) 396-8039.

Just Show Up...

So much of life is just showing up! A recent quote I read by Christian Artist TobyMac reads like this...”You’ll have good days, bad days, overwhelming days, too tired days, I can’t go on days. And every day, you’ll still show up, you will get through it...”

What do you think? True or false? I believe it’s true! It is my experience that life is a calculation. Rise up and make an attempt and experience life. I love the song that TobyMac sings/raps called “Move (Keep Walkin’)”

Another heartbreak day, Feels like you’re miles away

Don’t even need no shade, When your sun don’t shine, shine

Too many passin’ dreams, Roll by like limousines

It’s hard to keep believin’, When they pass you by and by

I know your heart been broke again, I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet

I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left,

Well, lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so

Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on,

Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes

Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on

And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet...

I think it may be in our nature or my nature to feel worn out...defeated...depressed... lost...in the tentacles of life and we are then paralyzed. We’re frozen in the cement of chaos and seem to be stuck. It is also our nature, I believe...to be released from said shackles. We have to find a way to push through...to start somewhere...to shake loose of these heavy chains...and to regain our journey. May, I suggest something as simple as a pen and paper. Lol...yes indeed...here is your answer....are you ready...make...a...list! Create a plan...move...move...move!!! At the top of that list is:

1.            Talk to God

2.            Read the Bible

3.            Walk/Run/Crawl...move!

4.            You get the ideal...

The Great Commission of Christ begins with word “Go” Matt. 28:19, 20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

I heard a long time ago from my dear friend Noel Hill...”if you fail to plan...you plan to fail” So let’s make a plan to win...to change the world...to “Go”...it requires a move on your part...and mine! Move and win...move and find happiness...move and live life more abundantly...and all God’s children said, Amen.

With GospelMaxx you can increase member Evangelism, strengthen your online message, establish stronger participation, provide additional revenue for the Church, increase your membership, improve community relationships, and much, much more!

For more information on GospelMaxx please visit http://www.gospelmaxx.com or call (337) 396-8039.

It occurs to me...President Trump

It occurs to me that this man, as much as I know, is a sinner saved by grace. Lest we forget, yes, so are we. Imperfect, yet usable by God.

It occurs to me, that the scripture I read and study, is full of imperfect men and women, whom God used...in spite of their sin...past and present...that’s right, past and present.

It occurs to me that today many Christians understand, the power of God...to make a man like Donald Trump “President of the United States of America”.

It occurs to me that today many Christians do not understand the former. For some reason they remain in judgement of anyone who ascends to power, claims Christ as their savior, and has sin in their life...

It occurs to me that too many of us (Christians), feel like it is our duty to publicly decry President Trump...every time he makes a mistake or even mistakes he made years ago...

It occurs to me...to judge the man...is a slap in the face of God. Why?

A. He was created by God

B. Because he is a brother.

Oh, don’t give me that excuse....read your bible my friend...

It occurs to me that we must denounce sin...period...that is more on point than to try and destroy someone.

It occurs to me that we all need a refresher course in the truth of God’s word as to who our enemy is...read Eph. 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

It occurs to me that we need to pray for President Trump! We need to repent and unify behind the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It occurs to me the world...yes, not just America, is starving for less criticism and more “Good News”

It occurs to me that most people in the world understand the difference between right and wrong. So does Donald J. Trump...doesn’t always mean they choose the right way.

It occurs to me all of Christendom needs to embrace the teachings of Christ...less judgement...more Compassion! Less hate...more Love! Less division...more Unity!

It occurs to me that...in and with Christ...and with each other... we can make the world a better place...a more positive place.

It occurs to me that...we can change the world...and all God’s Children said Amen!

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Fear is A Liar

Zach Williams is truly one of my favorite Christian artist. One of his songs that haunts me is “Fear is a Liar” For over a decade in my life, I sat on the sidelines afraid that God would never be able to use me. Yes, there was sin in my life. I lived in the fear of judgement. I lived in the fear of weakness. I was convinced I was not good enough...not worthy...I was too dirty to be used by Him. The lyrics to the song go like this...

When he told you you're not good enough

When he told you you're not right

When he told you you're not strong enough

To put up a good fight

When he told you you're not worthy

When he told you you're not loved

When he told you you're not beautiful

That you'll never be enough

Fear, he is a liar

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps

Fear he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness

Cast your fear in the fire

'Cause fear he is a liar

As it turned out, I was living out of the will of God. You may be going thru the same thing because of past personal failures. I am here to testify today. I was wrong and so are you.

I am reminded of the scripture in 1st John 4 and verse 18 “There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casts our fear!” I want you to notice how I capitalized Love. In my mind, my heart...that is a direct reference to God. You see if you stand up to that fear...that lie....and call upon the Lord...ask Him for truth, He will reveal to you that fear is a liar! The light casts out the darkness. Then you can be set free. You can live in peace! Notice the line...”He is a liar”. He...is the Devil! He wants you defeated and on the sidelines. I encourage you to resist “the fathers of lies” and get in the game. Let’s make a positive difference in this world today! You see the truth is God loves you...just like you are...and He wants us in the game of life to make a difference. You can be the difference someone needs today! Embrace the Truth and live!!!...and all God’s children said...Amen!

With GospelMaxx you can increase member Evangelism, strengthen your online message, establish stronger participation, provide additional revenue for the Church, increase your membership, improve community relationships, and much, much more!

For more information about GospelMaxx please visit http://www.gospelmaxx.com or call (337) 396-8039.

What you don’t see

So much of life is what we don’t see. It takes an incredible amount of faith to live this life that we are a part of in the 21st century. It doesn’t matter what season you are in...Whether you’re young or old...rich or poor...educated or not. You do not know what will happen next. Our lives are predicated on the past that we’ve experienced, meaning, we believe what’s going to happen next is based on something that has already happened directly or indirectly to us.

I’m sure you’ve seen the picture of the iceberg in the water with only the tip above the water line. It’s an incredible picture that clearly articulates all that we really know about life. What we know is like “the tip of the iceberg”! We often never see what’s below the water line...it’s just an educated guess as to what’s under there. Sometimes it can be so frustrating...just the unknown...the not knowing...the not seeing.

I would suggest to you today we have a better way of knowing...a better way of navigating this life. That way is through a right relationship with God. If I may, He created the Iceberg. So it would be logical that He could help direct us around it. The Bible states it this way... “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). 

We can clearly have more confidence in the days ahead if we choose Jesus to be the lord of our lives. He is our very present help in this age of darkness. Jesus said this to Thomas... “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29).  You see...it is about “what you don’t see”...faith in Him means life can be become crystal clear for you...and all God’s children said...Amen!

With GospelMaxx you can increase member Evangelism, strengthen your online message, establish stronger participation, provide additional revenue for the Church, increase your membership, improve community relationships, and much, much more!

For more information about GospelMaxx please visit http://www.gospelmaxx.com or call (337) 396-8039.