Sheep Food

  Seriously....have you ever stopped to ask yourself what it might look like for someone to have the ‘wrath of God...abiding on them’ as John points out the condition in which any and all who do not ‘believe in the Son of God’ find themselves in? (John 3:36) That really is one of those verses that we can just fly on by because it’s the ‘end of the chapter’ and we got better things to do than to pause and contemplate what that might even mean to anyone who reads it. In case you were not aware, when people talk about ‘getting saved’ or ‘Jesus Saves’...it is the ‘wrath of God’ that Jesus came to ‘save’ us from (Romans 5:9; John 3:18). So this would be a good time to ask: What is...the wrath of God and how exactly does Jesus ‘save’ us from it?...because whatever it is...it is ‘on us’ until we are ‘saved’ from it. And this is important to look at and understand because this is the ‘condition’ in which we all were born into and find ourselves in/under until we do get... ‘saved’. Now, o...

  Every single last one of us...were born into this world with a ‘bulls-eye’ on our back, or a ‘guilty’ stamp marked across our hearts. And it wasn’t your fault, either. (Rom. 5:12) As harsh as that may sound, please hear me out on this matter, as I’m not here to try and argue or offend or even convince you of anything other than simply share...what God’s word has to say regarding the condition in which we are all born in to. You can believe what you want and do as you please with this information. But if you are at least willing to hear and consider, I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit is willing and ready to ‘confirm’ to your heart that what is being revealed to you is His truth; and it certainly won't be me doing any of the ‘revealing’ (Matt. 16:17) I hope you read yesterday’s message as I explained how and why we were all born with a spiritual ‘defect’, in need of a spiritual ‘software update’ in order to ‘fix the bugs/flaws’ that we were born with; hence the reason Jesus sa...

  “Has your phone downloaded the most recent update yet?” It’s a question my wife asks me regularly since she’s the one who keeps my head above water in this 21st century when it comes to technological advancements. And if you don’t own a ‘smartphone’ today, are you even a functioning human being? (humor intended) We all know the drill when it comes to phone software updates, especially ‘major’ ones that include all kinds of new bells and whistles and enhancements. And do you know what often follows one of those major updates? We are notified within days and encouraged to do the second update so that it can fix some of the ‘bugs’ that showed up in that first update. Yeah...it happens and is usually an ‘easy fix’ (so I’m told). They are either minor ‘glitches’ or maybe a ‘security’ flaw that needed attention, but I’m glad the phone manufacturer is looking after all that and sends the remedy quickly. Now I could be wrong on this, so don’t hold me to it, but I suspect there are ti...

  If you have been around for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed by now how there are a good number of people in this world who were just born into a home/life of good fortune with no shortage of advantages available to them. Call it ‘privilege’ or whatever...it’s like they hit the ground running two steps ahead of so many others. Those ‘others’ probably exceed the numbers of the group mentioned above, especially if you look from a global perspective. It can be difficult to wrap our heads around the vast amount of unfortunate conditions, horrific in so many countless cases...that children are born in to; and you don’t need me to itemize nor describe that list for you. But I hope we could all agree on this one fact: None of us had a single thing to do with the homes/families and the life we were born in to; and I mean nothing, nada, zip! This is one thing that has always made racism so puzzling to me...how could any person think that simply because of their skin color or ...

  I don’t post these messages here with the hopes of racking up ‘likes’, nor am I longing for any kind of following or ‘ministry’. Yes, I read the occasional comments and can obviously see who has acknowledged reading on any given day. I do have a ‘hunch’ there may be more folks reading these than would ever let on which I am totally fine with; I’m just blessed that you are reading them...because that says a lot in itself. If there is anything to be proven or confirmed, I’m 100% confident that God will do just that with His word, as He always has done in the past. (Mark16:20) And it does help to have a heart that longs for genuine truth because those are the hearts God is looking for so that....2 Chronicles 16:9. I will be honest here with you when I say the past four years that I’ve been writing and sharing here, these messages have been directed for anyone who sees themself in the ‘body of Christ’ at large- anyone who calls themselves or claims to be a ‘Christian’ or follower o...

  Let me begin here by saying how I totally understand why this topic I am wading in to is probably one of the more difficult and troublesome subjects for many people to process, accept, and believe, especially if you have little, if any ‘church’ or Bible background. I would also add that there are many in the church today who would do well to ‘brush up’ and review what I’m sharing here, because it might explain a lot of what you are witnessing, if not experiencing personally in the world today. Let’s not forget that it was God who voiced His sentiments through the prophet Hosea...stating: “My people...are destroyed for a lack of knowledge...” (4:6). I also understand why many pulpits would choose to bypass this subject matter, and there are multiple reasons for that as well; one of them being it might make their parishioners ‘uncomfortable’. Friends...it’s time we start talking about ‘uncomfortable’ things. And please keep in mind...these scriptures I will be sharing were written...

  In the parable of the sower, found in Matt. 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8, Jesus shares a simple story with the crowds... how a man went out to sow some seed, and in the process, this ‘seed’ fell on various types of soil. He then briefly describes what happens to the seed given the various conditions it found itself in. Of the four types of ground it landed on, it was only the ‘good ground’ where the seed was able to take deep root and go on to bear much fruit. Later on, when alone with His disciples, they asked Jesus to explain what it was He was trying to convey in that simple lesson on agriculture, because it was apparently lost on them. It’s important to note here that Jesus was happy to ‘explain’ to them...what the parable meant, even adding that the ‘mysteries of the kingdom’ are only shared or ‘revealed’ to those who come to Him (Matt. 13:11-13; Mark 4:33-34). You really ought to take a moment with that and consider the implications being shared in those two passages. The reaso...

  I would think the expression that people use when saying they were ‘raised in church’ may have various connotations to different folks. I would say that all three of our daughters would agree with that assessment that they were ‘raised in church’; but speaking for myself personally, I would say that was not the case. Now don’t get me wrong...I was raised in a good home by two loving parents who lovingly provided for my brothers and I...everything that countless millions around the world could only dream of having; and yes...we attended church weekly. Prayers were offered nightly before we ate dinner, when younger...there were ‘bed time prayers’ we recited, and there were various activities and rituals that we took part in over the years that were ‘church related’. And while there was a general belief or awareness that a ‘God’ existed, I can’t say there was any ongoing consciousness of Him being a part of my daily life. We just lived our lives the best we knew to do and natural...

  So what is it - a collection of ancient writings compiled over the centuries by various, flawed individuals, that is made up of myths, fables, and at best...good moral lessons? Or is it what many have ascribed to and actually believe is indeed.. the ‘word of God’, made available to mankind under the direction and leading of God’s Spirit, where anyone who longs to know ‘truth’, not to mention their Creator... might find the answers they have often sought after but have not yet found? Let’s say you are reading here today and you’d be the first to admit that you are ‘on the fence’ with all this ‘God talk’ and ‘Holy Bible’ stuff. You might be inclined to hearing more but from what all you have seen by many who tote the ‘Good Book’ around...you remain unimpressed. I can appreciate that (and so can God). The modern day church here in America has a lot of explaining to do to the One who authored it, and He will be addressing that at some future point in time. (1 Pet. 4:17; Rev. 3:1-3...

  When Jesus was hanging on the cross, did He pray ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing’; or did He release a video portraying Himself dropping payloads of feces on those who opposed Him while His disciples laughed and ‘high-fived’ one another? I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you profess to be a follower of Jesus and claim to align yourself with Him and the gospel of His kingdom, yet spend more time defending and applauding a current political party leader...you may not be ‘reading the room’ very well. You can call people on the ‘left’ (anyone who may not be in your political camp) all the names you want all day long as you make fun of them and share memes that belittle them... but if they are indeed ‘blinded’ and in ‘darkness’...are they not the ones we were called to be ‘salt and light’ to? Have you ever tried engaging in a serious conversation with someone who had a glaring piece of food stuck between their teeth? It is a distraction and can e...

  Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” The Amplified version suggest this weariness and heavy burdens may be the result of ‘religious rituals that provide no peace’, and that the rest Jesus offers us can ‘refresh our souls with salvation’. Perhaps you are one of those who have faithfully taken your place in the pew every week, but still find yourself grappling with more questions than answers. Or maybe you would describe your spiritual life as being similar to where I was for a long time...somewhere in-between ‘auto-pilot’ and on ‘life-support’. Maybe you’re feeling the weight and burdens from a world whose wheels seem to have come off the rails and the darkness and division and despair that appears to be swallowing up the multitudes has pushed you closer and closer to the dreaded ‘edge’. You have reached that place where quoting catchy phrases, and/or Bible verses doesn't ‘do it’ for you anymore, and no matter how ...

  For anyone who has grown accustomed to reading my daily messages, I just wanted to let you know all is good here, I am fine and nothing is wrong.  I simply have felt a compelling to pause for a moment, if you will; call it a 'holding pattern' or whatever.  For how long? I am unsure.  I'm still up early...feeding on His word and know better than to try doing something like this on my own. In the meantime...keep pressing in...keep studying...keep listening for His voice (John 10:27). And most importantly...make sure you are abiding in Him. (John 15:1-8; 1 John 2:3-6; 3:4-10). If there is more than I feel compelled to share, I am confident I will not have to be told more than once. :- ).

  Let’s start out today with some insightful words from James: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (1:2-4 NLT). You might also jot down Matt. 5:48. If you read further down, we are told that the man who “endures (or perseveres) temptation is blessed... and they will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). And what did Jesus say those who actually love Him...will do (John 14:15)? Can I just tell you how much easier it is to actually do this...when you are truly ‘abiding’ in Him? (1 John 2:3-6). Can anyone tell me why we have ‘lowered the bar’ to such a place where we indoctrinate new ‘believers’... that they will always ‘remain a flawed, human sinner who is saved by...