Something Fun To Close Out The Year With.

 After the year we have had I thought it would be good to close out 2020 with something fun. I want to thank Dennis Cunningham for posting this on his Facebook page.

It’s good to laugh. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22 (CSB) “A joyful heart is good medicine but a broken Spirit dries up the bones”. Some people are so dried up if they smiled they may crack. Let’s relax and start enjoying life.  I hope you enjoy this. 

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Here are 12 things to consider as we get closer to closing the door on one of the most horrible years of our lifetime.

1. The dumbest thing I ever bought was a 2020 planner.

2. I was so bored I called Jake from State Farm just to talk to  someone.  He asked me what I was wearing.

3. 2019:  Stay away from negative people.  2020:  Stay away from positive people.

4. The world has turned upsidedown.  Old folks are sneaking out of the house & their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!

5. This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her dog.  It was obvious she thought her dog understood her.  I came into my house & told my cat.  We laughed a lot. 

6. Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit.  Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

7. Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands? 

8. This virus has done what no woman has been able to do.  Cancel sports, shut down all bars keep men at home! 

9. I never thought the comment, “I wouldn’t touch him/her with a 6-foot pole” would become a national policy, but here we are! 

10. I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator. 

11. I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to the Backyard.  I’m getting tired of the Living Room.

12. Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask and ask for money.

 

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Christmas?

When you ask people what their favorite thing about Christmas is you get a variety of answers. Some will say seeing family they don't have the opportunity to see often as one of their favorite things about Christmas. Some say its the fellowship you have visiting with and sharing stories with one another. Some say it's the food. There always seems to be a big meal on Christmas. Others say its the presents or gifts that they enjoy the most. 

While there is certainly nothing wrong with any of these responses it is important to acknowledge the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day is the day that has been set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world. Everything else is secondary.

You see, we give and receive gifts in honor of God giving His Son, Jesus, to all of mankind. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given. It's so important that we understand and acknowledge this. 

I want to encourage you, as we enter Christmas week, to keep the Main Thing the main thing. Keep Jesus central in your life and Christmas celebrations. In the midst of the business of the season make time for Jesus. Read the story of the birth of Jesus. It truly is the greatest story ever told.   

I also want to take this opportunity to wish my family, friends and anyone else who reads my blog a very Merry Christmas! You are loved and appreciated. 

May God's blessings be upon you as you celebrate the true meaning of the season. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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The Greatest Gift Ever

Today we find ourselves nearing the end of the busiest shopping days of the year. Yes, we are in the midst of the Christmas season. 

People are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the shopping season. Some enjoy the whole "shop 'til you drop" mentality. They thrive on that. Christmas music is played in nearly every store. In fact, in many cases its been playing for months. The bargains. The deals. People are looking for that "perfect" gift for their loved ones or friends.

The reality is there has only been one perfect gift. That gift was Jesus. There has been no greater gift ever given. 

The bible tells us in 1 John 4:14 "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."  

People spend all that time searching for the perfect gift for their loved one only to see it eventually swept aside, put under the bed or in the closet to be forgotten. 

Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. He saves (salvation, deliverance, healing) us. He keeps us, giving us assurance of our salvation. He will take us through troubled times. He will be with us during the storms of life. He's there holding our hand as we pass through the valleys. At times He even carries us. He empowers us through the Holy Spirit. He leads, guides and directs us. 

Jesus never becomes irrelevant, Himself. However, believers sometimes push Him aside. We get too busy with the cares of this life. We put Jesus on the back burner of our lives. We want to only pull Him out when we need Him. In essence, He becomes like that "perfect" gift we give that eventually gets tossed aside. 

I want to encourage you to keep Jesus at the forefront of your life. Remember the reason we celebrate this season. Give Him preeminence in your life. Make Him count in your life. Let Him be the Savior He desires to be for you. He will bless you beyond measure. Or...as I sometimes say, 
He will bless your socks off!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Santa’s Prayer

Many of you may know that I am Santa Claus during the Christmas season. I love doing what I do. The excitement and joy that I am able to bring to children, as well as adults, is humbling. 

For those who may disagree with me doing this please don’t bother to send me messages telling me how wrong I am. They will fall on deaf ears  

I do know and acknowledge the true meaning for this season. Jesus was born of a virgin to enter this world. While He had an impact in His earthly ministry, His ultimate purpose for taking the physical form of a human was to die for the sins of the world.  

As Santa, I often have the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas. What a joy this is. Who better to tell the true story of Christmas than Santa? The children listen to Santa. I share the story in an interactive way getting them involved.

I have always liked the picture of Santa kneeling before baby Jesus. It gives it perspective for me.

Today, a friend posted on another social media site the picture below along with Santa’s Prayer. I think that sums things up very well. I pray it blesses you.

Let’s keep the Main Thing the main thing not only at Christmas time but all year long. 

Santa’s prayer.... ❤️ ❤️

My dear precious Jesus, I did not mean to take your place,

I only bring toys and things and you bring love and grace.

People give me lists of wishes and hope that they came true;

But you hear prayers of the heart and promise your will to do.

Children try to be good and not to cry when I am coming to town;

But you love them unconditionally and that love will abound.

I leave only a bag of toys and temporary joy for a season;

But you leave a heart of love, full of purpose and reasons.

I have a lot of believers and what one might call fame;

But I never healed the blind or tried to help the lame.

I have rosy cheeks and a voice full of laughter;

But no nail—scarred hands or a promise of the hereafter.

You may find several of me in town or at a mall;

But there is only one omnipotent you, to answer a sinner’s call.

And so, my dear precious Jesus, I kneel here to pray;

To worship and adore you on this, your holy birthday.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Thank God Every Day

I thought I would publish this post about Thanksgiving today instead of waiting until Friday or Saturday when I normally post new blog posts. 

I know things are hectic with people cooking meals and getting things ready for family and/or friends for the big meal. I also acknowledge many will not be gathering together due to the coronavirus pandemic that we are in the midst of.

Then there is the big shopping day on Friday that tends to extend into the weekend. Then there is Cyber Monday. Things just take off from here through the end of the year. 

I did want to make a post on my blog about Thanksgiving. As I contemplate Thanksgiving Day I have seen posts on social media with people giving thanks in various ways. I have seen posts with people wishing their family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. 

As we enter the thanksgiving season, we turn our thoughts toward being thankful to God for His many blessings upon our lives, and that of our family's, in so many varied ways. Too often we take for granted things in our lives that are there daily and consistently. We don't often stop to give God the praise and thanks He deserves.

For example, how many of us really take time out to thank God for our families, the opportunity to worship with others, our jobs, our homes as well as all the other material blessings that God has so graciously blessed us with? Too often we take these things for granted, just knowing they will always be there when we want or need them. We often get to the point in our lives where we think we are self-sufficient. We have the things we have because we have earned them or we have worked hard for them. Who gave us the good health or the ability to achieve our goals and dreams?

If we neglect to give thanks for the tangible things in our lives, how much more do we neglect to give thanks for our spiritual heritage? If we're not careful, we will find ourselves making a mockery of thanksgiving and what its all about. 

Celebrating thanksgiving and giving thanks to God is more than a once a year ritual. It should be to the Christian, especially, a very vital and normal part of our lives - something we do on a daily basis. Attempting to exhaust our thanks only on Thanksgiving Day makes giving God thanks a mockery. We are admonished in Scripture, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). Notice he said everything - not just the good things, but everything! That can be a bit difficult to do from time to time. 

Another thing that comes to mind that would make giving thanks to God a mockery is thanks-giving without thank-living. Are we being pious for just one day of the year? Are we putting on a front so as to show others how "spiritual" we are? Are we just playing a role or are we living what we are saying? Think about it. 

The true thanksgiving spirit may be found in these words, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord" (Psalm 116:12-13). Let's make giving thanks to God a way of life. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Where Is Your Faith?

Here in Illinois it looks as though we are heading for another stay at home order and non-essential business shut down in the near future. People are beginning to panic. Toilet paper and paper towels are, once again, beginning to disappear from the shelves of the stores. 

Many are stressed about how they will make it. I can, perhaps, understand why an unbeliever would be stressed, worried and full of anxiety regarding how they will pay the bills, put food on the table and otherwise provide for their family. 

I do not understand how a believer can be so stressed and worried about these things. I say this with all sincerity. It's not my intent to put anyone down so please don't take me wrong. It's simply that I don't understand. 

For the Christian, it's a faith walk. We know if we are going to please God we will need to have faith. The writer of the Book of Hebrews stated in Hebrews 11:6 (CSB) "Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him."

I guess a good question to ask is, "What is faith?" To get a good definition of faith let's go back to the Bible. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the reality (assurance) of what is hoped for, the proof (conviction) of what is not seen."  Faith says, I know it's a done deal even though I don't know how. I believe God for it. 

I can personally attest to how God is meeting our needs during this time. We have lost literally thousands of dollars of income the past eight months since we are not able to sing as we were. Yet God has met every need we have had. All bills are paid. To be certain, we had to do our part and make some adjustments on our end, but what we did was certainly not enough to meet the bills we have. I give all thanks and praise to God for meeting these needs. I have faith that He will continue to meet the needs we have. He hasn't failed us yet why should I think He will now?

Here is a passage of Scripture that will be a help to those who find themselves worrying during these times. These are the red words - the words of Jesus. 

Matthew 6:25-34 CSB

[25] "Therefore I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? [26] Consider the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? [27] Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying? [28] And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don't labor or spin thread. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. [30] If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't he do much more for you-you of little faith? [31] So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. [34] Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I pray these words will be a blessing and and encouragement to you. I encourage you to activate your faith and believe God!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Everything Is Better With Bacon

Given how picky of an eater I am it may or may not surprise you that I like bacon. I not only like bacon, I like bacon real well. It's my opinion that everything is better with bacon.

I remember my grandmother would have a container she saved bacon grease in. When she was cooking a meal she would often add some bacon grease to it. Why? Because everything is better with bacon. Grandma knew best!

I remember cooking myself breakfast many times while Cindy was working. I fried some bacon and left all the grease in the skillet. Then I scrambled some eggs and dumped them into the skillet - bacon grease and all. I'm not saying it was healthy, but it sure was good! Why? Because everything is better with bacon - even bacon grease. 

There is a recipe I would like to try that includes bacon. I like the food I would be cooking just like it is. But everything is better with bacon so I can't wait to try it with bacon grease cooked into the meal. It sounds scrumptious to me. 

Now, let's consider our journey through life. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns - good times as well as bad times. Let me say everything is better with Jesus! 

Perhaps your life has been relatively good. Things have gone well for you overall. I want to assure you your life will be even better with Jesus. In fact, I guarantee it.

Maybe your life has been filled with struggle after struggle. About the time you think things are looking up something happens that brings you down. Life seems unfair to you. I want you to know with full assurance that life is better with Jesus. No doubt about it. 

Let me say that just because you have believed on Jesus and are a Christian that you will never have another issue. In all reality nothing could be further from the truth. Read the New Testament and you will see the struggles some of the early Christians had. Their struggles were real. The pain was real. Many were deserted by other Christians. The loneliness must have been extreme at times. If they could speak to us today on this topic, they would tell us everything is better with Jesus. 

Following Jesus is tough at times. Serving and following Jesus really is like a beautiful rose garden though. Keep in mind in that rose garden are lots of thorns that can scratch you to the point of drawing blood. Even in those tough times, everything is better with Jesus.  

I've had many ups and downs in my own journey. I've drifted away from Jesus in my younger years. I've had my share of sorrows and heartaches. I've been betrayed by brothers and sisters in the Lord I truly loved. I truly understand these things. That is why I can loudly proclaim everything is better with Jesus!

If, on your journey, you are finding things are not the way they used to be between you and Jesus it's time to do some self examination. If Jesus seems far from you take a wild guess at who moved. The Bible tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. Be honest and ask yourself how much time you spend reading the Bible and praying. Have you allowed Him to permeate your spirit. Are you growing spiritually? Are the Fruits of the Spirit being produced in your life? If you are lacking in one or more of these areas then take the necessary corrective actions and you, too, will find everything is better with Jesus. 

I'm going to continue to enjoy my journey with Jesus...and eat bacon.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Consider The Possibilities

 I have a friend who recently made the following statement, "Consider the possibilities!" While she was speaking of something else, I thought what a great subject for a blog post. Thanks Deanna!

Without a doubt this has been a very different year for everyone due to the COVID-19 coronavirus and all the health issues and restrictions that came with it. 2020 has been a year of disruption. It has been a year of great challenges for most. Many are out of work. Businesses have had to adapt to doing things a new way in order to survive. Some businesses didn't survive. Churches were closed for a period of time. When they did reopen things were different - and still are in most cases. Other ministries and non-profits have struggled to remain operational.

Yet through it all there remains exciting possibilities. It is when things look bleak that God works best. Once we get out of the way and quit trying to do things on our own God comes on the scene and works. I have seen Him work things out for us. I have personally seen how He meets needs. He does things in ways we cannot see nor comprehend. 

You see, God was not affected by COVID-19. He is still on the throne! He is still answering prayers. He is still saving sinners. He is still changing lives. He is still meeting needs. He is still God!

Consider the possibilities! Many have been forced to think outside the box in regards to ministry. We have modified how we do ministry ourselves. This has opened up new avenues of ministry. Those who have jumped on the bandwagon have seen the possibilities.

God is doing the same things but in new ways. Consider the possibilities!

When we get out of our rut of how we have always done things and allow God to do things a different way - allow Him to use us in a different way - to accomplish what He desires to accomplish we will see great things happen. Consider the possibilities!

When we think outside and actually get outside the box of our "norm" exciting things will happen. 

I encourage you to consider the possibilities! 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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The Best Is Yet To Come!

Life has a way of bringing you down and even distracting you from reaching your goals. We, as human beings, even find ourselves getting depressed from time to time. Oftentimes you can't even put your finger on why you feel the way you do. The reality is life happens! Good times as well as not so good times come to each of us. Life happens. 

We sing a song from time to time titled, "The Best Is Yet To Come". This song is a good reminder that there are better days ahead. This is especially true for the Christian. You will get through the valley you are going through. You will get through the troubled times you are facing. The best is yet to come!

Do your part. Refuse to live defeated. Refuse to give up. When discouragement comes say "Hallelujah anyhow" and keep on going! Don't the difficulties and troubles you face get you down. Take the initiative to do the things you know you need to do. Determine to make a difference in your life. Make the conscious choices you know you need to make. Trust me, it is well worth it. 

If you are a Christian, God is for you. Let that sink in to your spirit. Then walk in the victory He has provided for you through Jesus. 

Be encouraged...the best is yet to come!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. The second Sunday in October is Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Many are unaware of this so I thought I would share some thoughts. 

First of all I do hope you expressed your appreciation to your pastor this month in some way. Being a pastor can be be not only challenging but lonely, as well. Being a pastor is one of the most thankless callings, as well. The expectations are high and the demands are oftentimes unrealistic.

A pastor has greater responsibility. Let's look at what James has to say about it. 

James 3:1 CSB - Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgement.

Pastors are held to a higher standard with God. As leaders, teachers and preachers handling the Word of God correctly is imperative. Living a life pleasing to God is imperative. Setting a proper example is very important. 

 Paul, in writing to Timothy, says that pastors are worthy of double honor. 

1 Timothy 5:17 CSB - The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

The key in this verse are those who are good leaders. There are those pastors who are not good leaders and should be dealt with accordingly. They will ultimately answer to God for how they lead, taught and preached the Word. 

Everyone likes words of encouragement. Honestly, everyone needs words of encouragement from time to time. Solomon had something to say about this. 

Proverbs 25:11 - A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.

 When is  the last time you spoke words of encouragement to your pastor? Trust me, the pastor hears all the complaints. How about speaking some words of encouragement?

The following question was asked to a group of small church pastors today in regards to Pastor Appreciation Month: 

"What actually makes you FEEL the most appreciated?"

Let's look at some of the responses received:

• Honor and recognition for contribution.
• A hand written card in the mail (with or without a gift certificate to my favorite restaurant.
• A call on Tuesday thanking me for the Word delivered on Sunday
• Listening, asking questions, genuinely wanting to obey Christ and serve Him.
• Out of the blue texts saying, "Hey you were on my mind and I'm praying for you".
• Allowing me to become part of their lives instead of just the pastor they greet on Sunday morning. Words and cards of thanks and encouraging through the year.
• A simple invitation to share a meal.
• That I impacted and changed their life! Derailed them from potential disaster.
• A word of affirmation and truly mean it.
• When I see spiritual growth, and desire to serve or take action in the overall process of the church.
• When they call just because they need someone to talk to.
• Them wanting to serve their community beyond what's easy...then I would know they are listening and allowing God to work. That would make my job SO much easier therefore feeling appreciated. 
• When they allow you to become a part of their lives the ground feels more even. Walking their journey with them, side by side. Not being set apart because I am their minister but being a part of them because I am their minister.
• Chocolate.
• When people actually attend or act like they appreciate the sermon the service, etc.
• Volunteers.
• Testimonies of how my ministry is impacting their lives.
• Presents. 
• A vacation.

I think you get the idea. There are so many different ways to encourage pastors today. At the very least speak some words of encouragement to them. We should do this throughout the year not just once a year. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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My Foot Is On The Rock!

 A number of years ago there was a popular southern gospel song. While I do not remember who sang it or even the words or tune to the song I do remember a line that I believe was the main thought behind the song. That line is, "My foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!"

As that line just came to me as I begin writing this blog post a passage of Scripture came to me, as well. It is a psalm of David. It reads like this:

Psalm 40:1-3 CSB - I waited patiently on the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord.

Life is full of twists and turns. Oftentimes things take us by surprise. I'm thankful to know that God is never taken by surprise. We can cry out to God in our despair and He will hear us. Here's the kicker though - we must wait patiently on Him. Quite honestly that is a "p" word we don't like. Patience can be a difficult thing for us to learn. I wonder if we face the things we face and go through some of the things we go through, in part, to learn patience. We know God is faithful to us. We know He is well aware of where we are and what is going on in our lives. He also knows each of us need to learn patience and we all learn in different ways. 

God will bring us up out of the pit of sin and set our feet on the Rock! Folks, you can't get any more secure than that. Of course, we know that Rock is Jesus!

After learning the lesson of patience, after having been pulled from the pit and set on the solid Rock you can't help but have a song of praise in your heart. David said God would put a new song in our mouth. 

Another benefit of all these things is that others will see and trust in God. Think about that the next time you are going through something. Others may be watching to see how you respond to what you are going through. Our responses are important. If they see us respond with our focus on Jesus and see how God brings you through it they are going to want what you have. What a great opportunity to share your faith with them. 

If, on the other hand, you have a "woe is me" attitude and you gripe and grumble...well, who is going to want that? More than likely that is how they would respond anyway. 

We need to make sure our foot is on the Rock and our mind is made up that no matter what we face we are going to serve God. No matter how long you are going through the problems you are facing you have a made up mind that you are going to serve God. Even if God doesn't respond to you the way you think He should...you have a made up mind that you are going to serve Him no matter what. That is what we need today.

No matter where you are - no matter what you are facing - no matter what you are going through stay determined. Stand and say, "My foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!" 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

 There are 62 points in the U.S. where three states meet. If you are not careful you can get confused and make a wrong turn. You may end up in a state you don't intend to be in. 

So it is in our spiritual journey. We can find ourselves on the cusp of going different directions. There is God's way, our way and satan's way. We must make a choice and determine which direction we will to go. 

Joshua stated, "But if it doesn't please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourself today which you will worship...as for me and my family, we will worship the Lord." (Joshua 24:15). Joshua made a determination - he made a choice - he and his family were going to serve and worship the Lord. 

Elijah challenged Israel and the prophets of Baal. "Then  Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.' But the people didn't answer him a word" (1 Kings 18:21)  Elijah threw down the gauntlet and challenged them. Read 1 Kings 18. Its an exciting passage of Scripture. Elijah prayed down fire from heaven! God proved Himself and many turned to Him and followed the one true God. They came to a crossroads and made a decision to follow God. 

Jesus, Himself, addressed the issue we are talking about. He said, "No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24). Again, a decision must be made. We cannot choose more than one. Here it is a matter of priorities. If we choose to serve God we know He will meet our needs. 

We all must make decisions as to what we will do in regards to serving God. We must decide which way we will go. Will God be central in our lives or will we go another direction. This is the most important choice you will ever make. This decision has eternal consequences. 

Don't let the waters get muddied. Don't get confused regarding which way to go. God is not in confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Some say they have difficulty choosing the right road. Pray about it. Seek God. If you are a believer the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you to the path you should follow (John 16:13). 

As a Jesus follower we need not be timid. Seek God's direction. Make up your mind that you are going to choose Jesus. In doing so you choose life - abundant life here and eternal life in heaven (John 10:10). 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

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Having It All

 People today want it all. This includes kids, teens as well as adults. It seems the more we have the more we want. People want to have their cake and eat it too, as the old adage goes. 

Let's face it, most of us want nice things. Sometimes we want things that we really can't afford and are beyond out ability to pay. Sometimes we want things we don't really need but just want. I heard somebody say one time when asked why they purchased a particular item, "I bought it because I don't have one".

At one time I had 7 or 8 bass guitars. I enjoyed the variety. They were all different and some were uniquely different. Now I have 3. The acoustic bass I have hasn't been played for months. So, perhaps, its time for it to go. 

We have different sound systems for different purposes. One small system we leave set up for our live stream events we do from our living room. One system is a bigger system we only use in larger venues or outside. The one we use most is a small wireless system. This has become my favorite one. We have yet another portable system sitting on a shelf. I gave another small system with mics to another ministry. 

We had done a good job of downsizing in preparation for the move to where we live now. We moved from a larger apartment to a smaller apartment. Yet now we have more. Go figure. 

I think many of us are this way. We want bigger, better and newer things. We want the latest technology we can get our hands on. We want the best tools we can afford to get the job done. We just want it all. 

Let me say right here that there is nothing wrong, in and of itself, with having nice things. The problem is when the things -  the possessions have us. When we become obsessed with things we no longer have them - they have us!

Mark 8:36 poses an interesting question. Jesus asked, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?" It doesn't matter the things we have. It's all about priorities. What is most important to you - things or your relationship with Jesus?

Let's work at keeping the Main Thing the main thing! In the end it will be worth it. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Me...Study?????

By now kids have started back to school. While some are back to in-person classes many are doing remote learning from home. Either way they are back in school, studying and hopefully learning. 

As believers, there are some things we are to study. I would like to take a few moments to point out a couple of these things. 

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (KJV) - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands as we commanded you

I remember reading this for the first time and thinking how some people have a harder time with this than others. I also believe it would be a good idea to really make an effort to be quiet sometimes. I have found, in my own life, its when I am quiet the the Holy Spirit speaks to me. It is so important to quiet out spirit.

Taking a closer look at this verse we see this is much bigger than just being quiet for a bit. For a little context Paul is writing to the Thessalonians exhorting them in love and work in verses 9-12. He commended them and encouraged them to continue to do what they are doing. 

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (CSB) - To seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you

As you can see, this is actually a lifestyle. We are to lead a quiet life. Many people have a problem with minding their own business. You want to lead a quiet life? Then mind your own business!

Let's look at the next thing I wanted to mention in this post. 

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified) - Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately and handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth

2 Timothy 2;15 (CSB) - Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth

We see in this verse God is speaking of an approved worker. He was exhorting Timothy to study and show himself approved to God to handle, teach and preach God's Word. If only more people would do this. This is not an exhortation to Timothy only, to preachers only but rather to every believer. 

We have a responsibility to study in order to preach, teach and share the Word with others. This is on us. I want to encourage you to pick up your Bible and not only read it but study it. Doing so will not only bless you, it will grow you in your spiritual life. Let's face it, we all need to grow more spiritually. We should do this until we walk through those pearly gates or Jesus returns for us. 

I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on for Jesus. Keep your eyes firmly focused on Him. He will never lead you astray. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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The Role Of The New Testament Church In Today's Society

 What is the role of the New Testament church in today's society? Does the church really have a role? If so, is the church  church fulfilling its role to society and to God? What impact should society have on the church?

These are interesting questions and questions worthy of our contemplation. The Bible has a good deal to say about the church and it's role in the world. 

First of all, let us examine some of the avenues many churches have taken in recent years. Many have become involved in the political process. Some have taken on such causes as feminism, environmental issues as well as racial issues. Churches, today, have become wrapped up in building projects and real estate development. 

Many preachers have attempted to build their own empire or even their own city or community. Many are more concerned with getting their name out to the world rather than the gospel out to the world. 

What, then, is the role of the New Testament church in today's society? In a nutshell, the role of the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world so that others may be won to Christ. 

It seems to me that the church has left it's role of preaching the gospel for a more socially acceptable role or a role that is financially more lucrative. Many churches seem reluctant to preach the gospel for fear of offending someone. Churches, today, want to limit or control what goes on in the service. When the preacher gets up they want him to spend his time using flowery speech and saying absolutely nothing and call it church. We don't want to offend Bro. Bigbucks I do not believe the Lord is satisfied with a "tickle my ear but stay off my toe" religion. The truth is sometimes we need our toes stepped on. It may not be pleasant, but if done in love and according to Scripture it could make our walk with God even more rewarding and fulfilling. 

The church, over the years, has become a den of compromise. The one area where we can least afford compromise is in the church. The church's true role is not that of a "watered down" gospel. We must boldly preach the whole gospel just as it is to men, women, boys and girls just as they are. 

Its not enough to merely preach the gospel, the church must lead by example. Yes, folks, we must live it! We must flesh it out. Christianity is more than an hour on Sunday morning - it's a lifestyle!

Society should have very little impact on the church. The church, however, should have a powerful and positive impact on society. For far too long the world has set the example for the church. It is the role of the church to set the example for the world and to reach out to those in our communities with love and compassion and share with them the gospel message.

The primary role and mission of the church while in this world is to bring mankind to the knowledge of the truth of the gospel, to learn the importance of submission and to prepare for eternal service. The church is not to be an outward organization but rather a living organism. The church is not a social club for the elite but rather a spiritual center for the elect. 

God's church is not confined to a building nor should it be. The people are the church wherever they are. WE are the church! Let us stand up and BE the church God has called us to be.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Why Worry?

 We used to sing a chorus in church that went like this:

Why worry when you can pray?

Trust Jesus He'll be your stay.

Don't be a doubting Thomas

Rest fully on His promise

Why worry, worry, worry, worry

When you can pray?

So many today are stressed and full of worry. Why? Perhaps that's the way society has conditioned us. When things are tough we should worry. When money is tight we should worry. 

The question I would like to pose to you is, "Is this God's way?" Is this God's plan for the believer's life? Aren't we supposed to respond differently?

Jesus had some things to say about this. Let's take a look. 

Matthew 6:25-34 CSB

[25] "Therefore I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? [26] Consider the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? [27] Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying? [28] And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don't labor or spin thread. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. [30] If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't he do much more for you-you of little faith? [31] So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. [34] Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

As a Jesus follower we have no right to worry. As we see in Jesus' own words above, God will take care of us. How wonderful is that? We don't have to worry! If you are a worrier...stop it! 

Another chorus we used to sing went like this:

Turn it over to Jesus

Turn it over to Jesus

Turn it over to Jesus

And smile the rest of the day!

Put your trust and your faith in God. He's got your back!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Don't Be Critical Of Those Who Worship

 Last Sunday we sang at a church not far from where we live. During the course of the sermon the pastor made a statement that resonated with me. The statement was, "When we worship there will be critics".

People are critical. Church people are especially critical. There will be critics both within and without the church when you worship God. The very place you should be able to go and worship God is the very place where you are most often criticized. How sad is that? God must be very grieved. 

The criticism is most often based on your worship style. How you worship God. I firmly believe there is no wrong way to worship God. 

People worship in different ways. Some sit quietly and worship while others are more expressive in their worship. Some lift their hands. Some lift their eyes to heaven. Some do both. With some, tears are part of their worship experience. Some even fall to their knees in worship of God. Again, there is no wrong way to worship. The important thing is that we make worship a part of our Christian walk. 

No matter how you worship, someone is going to be critical of you. Those who are critical may well be those who spend little or no time in worship themselves. Or perhaps they do not have an understanding of what worship is. 

A critic may be one who believes there is only one right way to worship - the way they do it. Many have a "my way or no way" mentality when it comes to worship. 

So many tend to have a critical spirit. They will give account of that when they stand before God. 

I want to encourage you to not allow anyone to hinder you in your worship of God. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. He bestows abundant blessings on us daily. He's given us life. He is worthy to be praised!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Future Of The Church

I read some stats a couple of days ago from the Barna Group. Barna is a well respected spiritual research group that has been around for some time. There was one particular stat that jumped out at me. Their research showed 1 out 5 churches would close their doors over the next 18 months. That is quite an astounding number of closures over a relatively short period of time. 

The reason given for the closures is the effects of the coronavirus. Many churches have not yet reopened for in person services. For those traditional churches who have returned to in person services in their buildings it has been struggle. 

Most of the struggle comes down to finances. You see, even while the buildings were closed the monthly expenses remained. The electric, water, sewer bills along with insurance had to be paid. Salaries, if there is paid staff, had to be paid. 

In regards to giving, it is sort of an "out of sight, out of mind" thing. As you can imagine, many church folks were impacted in some way by COVID-19. Many were laid off from their jobs. Those who were still working, in many cases, had their hours cut. This resulted in less household income for them to meet the needs of their families. They had to cut somewhere to put food on their tables and keep the lights on. Giving was one of those places that was easy to forget about or cut. Less money coming in has resulted in financial hardships for many churches. 

Some churches have yet to reopen. Instead, they have taken creative approaches to ministry for the safety of the congregation. Many have gone to virtual church services. They use various social media platforms to stream their church services. They have developed ways to give online. While this has been a help, in many cases overall giving is down considerably. 

Some churches have reopened with restrictions regarding social distancing along with other health mandates. Statistics show, on average, about 25% - 50% of attendees have returned. Some don't feel safe in returning yet due to COVOD-19. Some choose to watch the service being streamed from the safety of their homes. 

One thing is for certain - the way church is done is forever changed. I believe we will continue to see more churches opt for virtually streaming their services. I believe online giving will continue to be encouraged. You will be able to submit any prayer requests you may have online. All of these are good things, in my opinion.

With all this in mind, it is certainly easy to see how it is possible that 1 in 5 churches will close their doors over the next 18 months. It could be even more.

Here's the good news in all this. No matter how many traditional churches close  it will not affect God's church. God's church will never close! 

God's church is not confined to a building. His church is anywhere His people are. There doesn't have to be a great number of people. There doesn't have to be an organized service as it's come to be known today. God's people are free to minister to one another. Yes, we certainly do need one another (I wrote about that in a previous post). There are no Lone Rangers in the kingdom of God. We can meet in a park, restaurant or a living room. We can sing, share and discuss God's Word. The opportunities are unlimited. 

Makes you wonder what God might have in store for us, huh?

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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It's A Faith Walk!

 I believe far too many of us attempt to walk our journey in our own strength. We try to make certain we control what we do and even how it's done. If some things work out for us along way we think we are something else. If some of the things don't work out then we just assume they were not meant to be. 

We want to figure it out ourselves. Some people are "nuts and bolts" kind of people. They want to work out the details. Some like to micro-manage situations. We oftentimes do this to the exclusion of God and His will for us. 

It's a faith walk! Or at least it is supposed to be. Paul, the apostle, wrote to the church at Corinth, "We walk by faith not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Paul goes on to write to the Galatians, "...the righteous will live by faith" (Galatians 3:11 CSB). We also learn in 1 Timothy 1:4 that God's plan operates by faith. Are you beginning to see a theme?

Since this journey is a faith walk, it would be a good idea to define what "faith" is. We find a good definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 (CSB) "Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen". Faith sees what isn't there as though it is. Faith defies natural logic. Our faith is in God. 

We also learn in Hebrews 11:6 "Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him". In this verse we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God. The writer didn't say improbable  or might not be able to please God. He said it's impossible. So now we see the importance of faith in our journey. It truly is a faith walk.

If you need some help in developing your faith walk I would encourage you to read Hebrews 11. I call this chapter "God's Hall of Faith". It will strengthen your faith as you see how God came on the scene and helped and blessed those who walked in faith. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

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