Tag Archives: God

Bible Inspiration Positive Attitude Prayer Wisdom

Share Jesus – a response to Charlie Kirk

on Sunday, September 14, 2025

Like a lot of folks over the past week, I was disturbed to see the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He had such a wonderful mind and activist for being positive in this corrupt world.

I can’t say I followed Charlie closely, but I was definitely aware of his work. Recently, I spent some time listening to him interact with college students and political figures. One thing that really stood out to me was how knowledgeable he was. He once mentioned that he reads 100 books a year! That is impressive in my book……

I come to appreciate his knowledge of history that formed America as well as how the Bible and Christianity influenced our country’s formation. I also realized his Bible knowledge was both personal and well rounded. It is sad so see such a great mind taken from us too soon.

Then I heard some say that the evil forces that took his life did not darken his message, but only will make it brighter.  I thought yes – sign me up for that.  Not from a political activist, but a Jesus activist.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe that as Christians we are taught in the Bible to be a positive influence in the world. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul urges Timothy and others to pray for all.  He specifically says to pray for kings and those in authority.  Why?  Because it pleases God for all to be saved.  We have to share the Gospel to everyone so that we may lead a tranquil life.

My plea is that we emulate some of the qualities I saw in Charlie, so that through our lives we can point everyone we encounter toward the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

I thought of this scale when thinking about the characteristics I saw in Charlie that influenced people to Jesus.  On a scale of zero to 10, a lost person will not display the following Biblical characteristics, and Jesus lived a perfect life to emulate our goal of a 10.

Now we will never get to a 10, but our goal is to continually become more like Jesus.

In our fantastic Sunday School group we completed and discussed the character list below.  Take time to read through each one and evaluate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.  Are you emulating these characteristics of Jesus that Charlie displayed so well?  If you determine that you might be a 4 on a certain character trait – what do you need to do to move yourself to a 5? This is a lifetime pursuit to be more like Jesus and to make Him know to everyone we can.

Our goal here is to determine where we are currently, and determine steps needed to share Jesus better to a world in need.

2 Timothy 1:7     Confidence    How confident are you to share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear the Good News?

1 Peter 3:15        Prepared / Engaging  The Bible says to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you.  Not your necessarily your Bible knowledge, but what Jesus has done for you.

Proverbs 1:7       Knowledgeable   How well do you know the Bible?  What does it take for you to know more?

Proverbs 9:10     Wise   Wisdom is having knowledge and knowing what to properly do with it – what actions to take.

2 Timothy 4:2       Bold     Do we stand up for Jesus when the situation dictates or do we just keep silent?

Ephesians 6:12       Know your enemy     Our enemy is not the flesh, but the evil world powers of darkness.  Know how to properly defend against our enemy.

James 4:10              Humble     Probably the most important characteristic for a Christian. Be humble before God, and He will care for you.

Do you have any other characteristics you think we should emulate as a way to lead others to Jesus?

To improve any one of these characteristics in you – simply read the scripture, and pray God will show you what you need to do. Keep reading and praying until He provides direction. Then do it!

Bible Prayer Wisdom

Good Soil: Overcoming The Weeds of Life

on Thursday, March 20, 2025

Each year, as winter fades into spring, I’m always amazed by the new weeds that emerge. As I walk through my yard, assessing what needs mending or tidying up, I can’t help but notice how nature quietly reshapes itself, with weeds sprouting in places they hadn’t before. This small ritual reminds me that change is happening everywhere, not just in my own backyard. It is also my reminder that I have to fight weeds.


A few weeks ago my pastor (Nick Wright) preached a sermon on the Parable of the Sower as found in Matthew 13.


In that parable that Jesus told we see four types of ground in which the Word of God is being spread. In one way the four types of soil today represent four types of people and how they accept and live in the Word of God.


Path – the heart of these people are hard. They want nothing to do with God or His goodness.
Rocky soil – initially these people are excited about God, but because the Word does not take root it will wither away.
Thorns – these people have good soil in which the Word of God can take root, but the thorns and weeds that are around them soak up more nutrients and keep them from flourishing.
Good soil – there are people who receive God’s Word, apply it to their lives and produce much fruit.

As followers of Jesus I believe we all want to be characterized by having good soil, and I believe we try to varying degrees to live that way. But I see too often that I become entangled in the thorns or weeds.
I want to live for Jesus each and every day. I want to consume His Word and spend much time in prayer. I want to be so on fire for Jesus that it is contagious to others. I want to help others understand the greatness of God that I have come to know so far in my life.


But then there are weeds.


That takes my mind back to the weeds that are starting to show themselves in my yard. I have to get out in the yard and start to identify the weeds that will take nutrients away from the plants that I want to grow healthy.


And that is how I also need to adjust my lifestyle as a disciple of Jesus. I need to take a good assessment of the weeds that are taking my time and energy away from following Jesus. I have them, and they somehow sneak in on me. On a regular basis I need to make some adjustments so I can flourish the way pleases Jesus.

Bible Disciple Prayer Wisdom

I Am Being Blessed – how are you doing?

on Sunday, November 24, 2024

As we approach Thanksgiving Day I wanted to share something that I hope will help season your conversations with family and friends that you don’t get to see very often.

How many times do you run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and ask – “how are you doing?”

What is the most common response? Good

Their response is usually the same – good. So out of obligation you return the same – “how are you doing?”

AND they will respond with the same ole drab – good. They might even slightly pepper the conversation something like “thanks for asking.

And the conversation is over.

I want to submit that if you know Jesus as your Savior you take those conversations and turn them in to a juicy moment to brag on God for your blessings or show your dependence upon God.

I believe you can do both by responding with one sentence:

“The Lord is really blessing me right now.”

whoa – can somebody walk away from that response? Well, they can and if so that is ok – you have already bragged on Jesus. Mission accomplished.

BUT, if that person wants to know why. What is this hope in you? Why do you feel blessed by God? Have at least three examples of how you are seeing God’s blessings or how you are depending on God for how things will turn out.

Have those three examples in your head, and really focus telling each story giving God the glory for the blessing, or as your hope for the outcome. Weave the name of Jesus into these stories. Tell them in such a way that Jesus is glorified and proud that you are bragging on Him!

Remember if you are saved from sin then God’s blessings are:

  • An acceptance that can never be questioned. (Ephesians 1:6)
  • An inheritance that can never be lost (I Peter 1:3-5)
  • A grace that can never be limited (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  • A hope that can never be disappointed. (Hebrews 6:18-19)
  • A joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11)
  • A nearness to God that can never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13)
  • A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27)
  • A salvation that can never be canceled (Hebrews 5:9)

I AM BLESSED! I hope that you can say that you are as well.

If you want to hear one of my three blessing stories – bump into me sometime. I hope that I am prepared to share with you the Hope that is in me!

Bible Disciple Prayer Wisdom

Contributing Member of a Local Church

on Wednesday, October 9, 2024

I have had the opportunity to preach recently at Little Flat Creek Baptist Church in Corryton! This past Sunday my message was titled – Loving God by being a member of a local church. I felt it was important to preach on how important church membership is to a disciple of Jesus.

My sermon series is from my definition of a disciple of Jesus.

Disciple of Jesus: A student of Jesus, that increasingly loves God, increasingly loves my neighbors, and intentionally helps others do the same.

This message was explaining one way in which we increase or love for God by being a member of His church and a local church congregation!

The text came from 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 where Paul describes the body of Christ (the church) to the human body. Most of the hearers of Paul’s words at the time truly understood this illustration as they placed high value on the human body and all of it’s capabilities.

No one part of the body is more important than the other – each part is important to the health and well being of the body. Similar to how each member is important to the health and well being of the local church.

I believe we need to be CONTRIBUTORS to a local church, not a CONSUMER. The differences are these:

I believe we should be involved in a local church by serving where we are gifted. Also when we attend a worship service I believe there are 10 things each of us can do to CONTRIBUTE to the worship service.

  • Pray before you go
  • Invite somebody to sit with you
  • Listen to praise music on the drive
  • Get there early
  • Bring your copy of God’s Word – your Bible
  • Take notes
  • Talk to others (listen to their stories)
  • Sing loudly and focus your singing to Jesus
  • Ask to serve where needed
  • Live out the sermon when you leave

I believe should be humbly submit to being a contributor to the local church in which you serve.

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Wisdom

Matthew 17

on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

In Matthew 17 we will look at how the disciples who were present (Peter, James and John) were absolutely certain that Jesus was the son of God – the Messiah they were expecting. He confirmed His deity!

Bible Prayer Wisdom

Pray Scriptures

on Thursday, January 27, 2022

One technique to be able to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) is to pray God’s Word back to Him.  Suggestions on how to do this is the theme of today’s video from Digging Disciples.

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Inspiration Prayer Wisdom

Current Situation Advice

on Thursday, October 14, 2021

I wanted to share a few thoughts on how to prepare for what I believe are some very uncertain times we are about to have in the USA.

The video is not designed to detail the troubles that are coming, but rather to calmly prepare for those who agree on the current situation.

In short, these details are:

Don’t worry over situations in which you have no control.

Understand the difference between comfort and NEED

Network with like-minded individuals in your community

Have enough food and water on hand that would last 30 days

Have extra fuel and heat sources

Do your best

God is in control.  Through these trials we should allow them to bring us closer to Him!

Bible Wisdom

Fellowship: the core of a local church

on Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Fellowship hall, fellowship time, fellowship church, fellowship app, academic fellowship, fellowship college, right hand of fellowship ….

Just what is Fellowship?IMG_1634

With the help of the Wycliffe Bible Dictionary and Merriam Webster I would define fellowship as:

  • Joining in membership with a local church
  • Communion together at the Lord’s Supper 
  • Giving of tithes and offerings
  • Ministering to the saints
  • Suffering together

 

Join in membership with a local church [Hebrews 10:24-25]

First let me qualify that my look at fellowship is only from the view of a church member. With that in mind, I think everyone needs to join a local church to enjoy the fellowship of a church. Thom Rainer outlined very well what it means to be a church member in his great little book I Am A Church Member. Thom says a healthy church member will:

  • Be a functioning church member

By studying God’s word, praying, eating, serving, sacrificing, giving, sharing, and ministering with other church members.

  • Seek unity in my church
  • Not let my church be about my preferences and desires
  • Pray for my church leaders
  • Lead my family to be healthy church members
  • Treasure church membership as a gift

 

Communion together at the Lord’s Supper [1Corinthians 10:16-17]

To take the Lord’s Supper you need to have professed faith in Jesus. So for those who take the supper together; we are saying to one another that we have accepted the same gift of life eternal through the sacrifice of Jesus, have given our life to the service of Jesus, and are together in observing the sacrifice He made for me.

 

Giving of tithes and offerings [2Corinthians 9:6-15]

God says we should give generously. The Old Testament gave the guideline 10% of our first fruits (earnings) are to be given back to Him. The New Testament says to be a generous cheerful giver. Does that mean only 10% – no I say 10% is only a starting point. Give to make God pleased, as much and as often as you can.

 

Ministering to the saints [Hebrews 6:10-12]

Who else in this world will come to the aide of Christians – only other Christians. It is our duty to love and help our fellow brothers and sisters. We need to minister to Christians by listening to them, helping them financially, mentally and spiritually, and praying for them.

We should be ministering not only to the other members in our church, but should be lifting up other churches. There again – who will help a failing church … only another church. We should also be ministering to the missionaries who go and who live to spread the Gospel in places other than their local community.

 

Suffering together [Philippians 3:7-11]

Are we going to suffer here on earth – you bet. Jesus suffered … why would we avoid such? When we suffer we need fellow Christians surrounding us to listen and guide. When you are the one suffering you know it makes things easier if we have a friend to share the burden with. Our burdens range from being uncomfortable all the way to the point of death.

Where should we come along and share a burden with a friend – whenever you feel led that they need support. I don’t know about you, but the problem I have with that is that I need to be more in tune with God to be able to listen when He says go and suffer with someone.

Part of praying to God is to listen, and by listening I can be directed to go suffer with someone.

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Bible Wisdom

This Ain’t Heaven

on Friday, August 1, 2014

Man life sure can be tough some times.

Amen?

Amen (I’ll go ahead and credit you that one).

Just recently I have spoken with friends and relatives who have been through tough times:

cancer, job loss, marital infidelity, death of a loved one, friend whose parent is sick, job cut back, lay off, loss of trust from a friend, family corruption, drugs, alcohol, disease, unwanted pregnancy, heart problems, broken bones, mower won’t start, car wreck, and the list could just go on…

Some people have asked me and I could tell some were thinking it but just did not ask – why does God let bad things happen?  Some will even ask – why does God let bad things happen to good people?

I submit there is a simple answer that is hard for some to believe or even accept.IMG_5262

In Genesis 2 God told Adam and Eve to work and watch over the garden of Eden, but not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  In Genesis 3 we see their disobedience and followed the advice of satan by eating the forbidden fruit.  And we assume sin entered earth then.  But the more difficult question if you think about it is this – where did that serpent come from?  How did satan get to the middle of the garden that God made to tempt humans?  If satan had not tempted, then maybe humans would not have sinned and we would be in a much better place.  Maybe so.

But the fact of the matter, is that God did create all things – even satan himself.  Now why on earth would God do that?  And even more so why did He allow him here on earth?

I think the answer to many of the questions I have asked here can be answered by three words.

   This ain’t Heaven.

In Heaven there is no sin.  There is no pain.  There is no death!  There are no wasps, snakes, hornets or skunks.  There are no jobs, and our only desire will be God!  Man that is heaven!

But this earth just ain’t Heaven.  Do you see?  Do you agree?  Here on our 3rd rock from our sun we have a lot of things that make us uncomfortable.  And they will always be here on earth.  We do however, have a comforter here who is the Holy Spirit.  He will guide us and help us in our daily walk – while we inhabit this earthly vessel we call a body.  But one day this body will expire for all of us.

And when it does – we will all end up in one of two places.       Heaven or Hell         That choice is ours to make while we are still living and breathing in this earthly vessel.

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