With all the changes occurring in our lives currently, some have wondered if this could be the end of the world as we know it? It might help to know that others have been concerned about that, including the first century disciples. The disciples asked Jesus directly while He was with them, “tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 And Jesus gave them the answer. In His response, Jesus describes the events leading up to His return to this earth in glory. Remember when you read that statement that Matthew is writing to the Jews and portraying Jesus as a ruler, as Sovereign. In this text, Jesus is referring to His se

Our Filter of Faith As we navigate through the darkness with the help of the Light of the world, we are always facing certain obstacles that go 'bump’ in the dark. We hear things but we cannot see them and often our imagination overwhelms us with fear of what is out there. We have all been there at some point in the journey. God’s word reminds us as often as we think on it or read from it that it is best to trust the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. As a result of those faith choices, we are directed through the darkness daily by the light of truth. In recent weeks, I have been asked, ‘why would God do ‘this’?” (And you can put whatever you are tempted, tested,

This will give you some things to think on and more importantly study on in coming days. I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah on Easter Sunday morning because I had already heard what the preacher at Hinton had to say on Saturday. David Jeremiah's message came from the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 12. That was of interest to me because that is where our D-groups completed their first year of assignments a few days ago. The title of that message was fitting for our time. It was ‘The End.’ Regardless of whether you believe that we are coming to ‘The End’ or not, since the day of Jesus’ resurrection we’ve been living in the end times. Those are the years that Daniel, J

We’ve all become very familiar with the word ‘crisis’ during the last couple of months. And yet, in the two months or more of social distancing, another ‘crisis’ has largely been overlooked. I referenced it briefly last Friday. It is the crisis of belief. Will we, the redeemed of God, saved from sin and safe in His mighty arms trust the Lord for His purpose? Henry Blackaby, in his writings on Experiencing God reinforces this thought with the fifth of seven realities in living in relationship with God. Blackaby writes, “The word ‘crisis’ come from a Greek word that means ‘decision.’ The same word is often translated ‘judgment.’ We aren’t talking about calamity in your life such as an accident

As I began the day on Wednesday, I prayed for the wisdom from God's word on how best to live the day He had given me. I read through Proverbs 10 and then continued in my own personal journey through the book of Psalms. As I read Psalm 91, God spoke encouragement into my soul. I pray that you will be encouraged today from the same word He gave me a few days ago. Picture yourself sitting in the lap of the LORD as He speaks these words into your soul. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (what a statement of truth) I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.' Surely, He shall deliver you from

It's a Monday morning when as I write this. I have just received word that one of my good and faithful friends went home to be with Jesus. Grief is something we all face in this life. Even more when someone you loved leaves a vacuum in your soul and shoes that will prove hard to fill. I thank God for the home-going of saints! For to be with the Lord is far better than anything this life can offer! Philippians 1:23 Warren Wiersbe has said, 'God moves (and at time removes) his messengers but the message remains!' How true that is for you and me. And life continues by His grace under His guidance. It is no coincidence that earlier this morning I read these words from

My soul was refreshed last Wednesday morning in my continuing journey through Experiencing God. I came across this section that brought clarity and calm to my spirit. I pray it will reset you for a great week this week! Throughout scripture, God often permits the problems of life to increase to the point that they literally overwhelm. God allows that in order that we might be able to see a greater measure of His power in delivering those He calls His own. Blackaby writes--"when you face confusing circumstances, don't start blaming God. Don't quit following God either. Ask Him to reveal the truth of your circumstances, to show you His perspective. Then wait on the Lord. (Psalm 25

My soul was encouraged on Monday (April 6) as I read a passage from the book of Hosea 14:5. If you aren't familiar with the prophet Hosea, his name is derived from the same root word that Joshua and Jesus come from. The Hebrew word 'Hoshea' means salvation. When God begins to speak through the prophet Hosea to the people of Israel, he does so in one of many cycles of judgment for their idolatry. The people of God had substituted the worship of their own 'gods' for the true worship of the God who had provided all things to enjoy. They had taken the blessing of God and directed it toward the 'pleasures' of their own design. God was willing to embrace His people once again if they were willing

As I reflect on the impact of isolation in the lives of many over the last 3 weeks, I can’t help but conclude that we have forfeited much more than just our routine. I have close family and friends who literally suit up every day and take their position on the front lines of this latest 'threat' in life. They do it because it’s what they’ve been assigned. And they’re giving their best in a difficult time. Question is, are we? Are we, the members of His body giving our best when it counts most? The unfiltered truth is this, there is no vaccine or cure for Covid-19 currently. There is no magic bullet. And there won’t be by all accounts for several months, if not years. So, we’re left with an

As I was reading this morning, (Friday, April 3rd), even amidst all that is unknown, God reminded me of something that can be known through faith in Him every hour of every day. His promise to me earlier this morning encouraged me as they often do. I trust you will be encouraged as well. This specific promise came from one of the most familiar of the proverbs of Solomon, Proverbs 3. While God is the author of all scripture, Solomon is credited as being the principle in penning those 31 chapters in the Old Testament. It's in Proverbs 3 that we find the words--"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct yo