Author: readyforafreshstart
JOB 2 ~ Tested Again
Meeting at the Feet of JESUS ~ Anticipation ~ 2025
Frankly Speaking,
“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him,
He gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12 NLT
ANTICIPATION ~ 2025! For most of us 2024, is just a memory now. Christmas already seems long ago. It has only been a little over a week, but the year is starting over! Life begins anew in January. The calendar resets. All that we have done, good or bad, has a sort of reset. In some jobs, you must prove yourself all over again. In some circles, you just want to break free of the seemingly endless cycle. To paraphrase Dr. Suess’ Oh the Places You’ll Go: we have bills to pay, doctors to see, work to do, kids to raise, trials to encounter, unimagined joys to share, and terribly difficult moments to navigate. How will we do it all? Amy Grant wrote wonderful lyrics about being too busy at Christmas, but it applies to the whole year! Do you agree?
I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
I know I have shared this before, and will do it again (LORD willing). We need QUIET TIME! There are four things we need: a Time, a Place, and a Plan.
First, we need to make a special time to spend with JESUS every day. Some of us are morning people, others are mourning people (we hate to hear the alarm sound).😊 Pick a time that works for you and stick to it ~ day or night!
Second, we need a place. No, the LORD does not wait to meet you at church. Find a place that is special to meet with the LORD alone, and be consistent!
Third, you need a plan. Something that leads you in your time with the LORD as you inhale His Word and exhale your prayers to Him! It is your daily plan!
Finally, if you were paying attention, then you say, “what about the fourth thing?” 😉 It is embedded throughout this writing! It is consistency. If you want a better year, then follow this biblical prescription. It will work! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
THE SURPRISE OF CHRISTMAS: MARY!
Frankly Speaking,
“For THE WORD OF GOD will never fail!” ~ Luke 1:37 NLT
THE SURPRISE OF CHRISTMAS ~ MARY: THE MOTHER OF JESUS! Decisions: Life is full of them every day. Mary had a decision to make when the angel Gabriel appeared to tell her that she would be the mother of Jesus. She could embrace this decision or refuse to agree fighting and fussing all along the way. It was her decision.
Imagine for a moment that you were given the opportunity to take a pill which would ensure that you find love, peace, joy, and hope. You decide to accept this pill, and your life just gets better. It is not your circumstances that change, but your outlook and attitude are brand new. Every day brings fresh wonderful news, and problems no longer seem overwhelm you.
Now, imagine that you choose not to accept this pill. You refuse because you fear the side effects, or what your friends might think. You do not believe that the pill is real. Maybe it is just a hoax that people have fooled themselves into believing. This whole pill thing is just a conspiracy theory. You finally decide, “It’s just a placebo that people have bought into to make themselves happy.” So, you sit cynical, miserable, and frustrated.
What will you do? You must choose: to quote Charles Schulz as Linus, “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” When Gabriel appeared to Mary, it was “Good News!” “Hark the herald angels sing.” Listen to the message of Jesus arriving though Zecheriah. John the Baptist would herald His coming!
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, 77 to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:76-79 NLT
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
THANKSGIVING!
Frankly Speaking,
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” ~ Psalm 100:4 NLT
THANKSGIVING! What does THANKSGIVING mean to you and your family? Is it all about THE BIG MEAL with friends and family, and then the leftovers? Is it THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE televised in New York? Could it be THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW after the parade? What about THE FOOTBALL GAMES with all the hoopla? Is it that NATURE WALK later in the day? Maybe, that’s just us. 😊
This is how THE DAY started one-hundred-sixty years ago…
Proclamation 118 ~ THANKSGIVING DAY, 1864
“Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of Events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations.”
Let us not forget THE ONE to WHOM THANKSGIVING is due. Give thanks with a grateful heart for the things He has done for you. Not thankful? You read this, right? Thank Him for sight, breath, etc.😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
SERVANT LEADERSHIP!
Frankly Speaking,
“Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?” ~ Nehemiah 5:9 NLT
SERVANT LEADERSHIP! TO TELL THE TRUTH is the name of a television show that aired from 1956 until 1968. On April 29th, 1958, Theodore “Ted” Geisel appeared on the show. You may know him as Dr. Seuss. The show had four people on a panel trying to determine who of three contestants was the real person. Ironically, Dr. Seuss only had one of the panel members guess his Identity. I watched this clip again this week, and I am amazed at both the premise of the show and the outcome of the votes.
I share this because our society has changed the very premise of telling the truth. In fact, most people do not believe what they see and hear. Much of history is being revised. The other problem is that many believe there is no moral truth. We hear things like, “Truth is subjective not objective.” The idea is that one person’s truth may not be valid to another. This is laughable to me because the truth of gravity on earth is a constant. If you jump out of a plane one-hundred times, then you will fall toward the earth one-hundred times. If you do not have a parachute, then you will almost certainly die.
Nehemiah was a man of truth. He did not hesitate to tell people what was right or wrong. Today, far too many people are deciding whether the Bible is inherent, inspired, or merely infallible. While these may all sound the same to you, each word declares a far different opinion in the truths of the Bible. Why is it that when we declare “God is love” that truth is well received? However, state that “God is just” to sinners who reject Him, and people will dispute that scriptural truth because it does not line up with their opinion.
Truth is not a thing; He is a person whose name is JESUS! When Nehemiah revealed sin, the people repented and did what was right. Servant Leaders declare truth ~ convenient or not! Often in the Bible, “false prophets” only said the things people wanted to hear. Choose wisely whom you follow! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
IT’S TIME TO REBUILD/RENEW/REDEDICATE ~ DISCIPLESHIP 101!
Frankly Speaking,
I replied, “THE GOD OF HEAVEN will help us succeed.
We, His servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” ~ Nehemiah 2:20a NLT
REBUILD! ~ Did you read the verse above? “THE GOD OF HEAVEN will help us succeed.” It’s a bold statement! I’ve heard many people make similar statements over the years. However, what we need in order to boldly proclaim something like this is… “nearness to GOD.” Far too often, these statements are made without consulting or talking to GOD, much less communing with the very ONE WHOM we are claiming will do it.
Bold statements without the time-worn channels of intimate communication with GOD have become all too familiar as we watch spiritual leaders fall into temptation and secrets which have now become public knowledge. How much time have you spent alone with GOD lately? We need to meet with JESUS daily reading HIS WORD, praying boldly and biblically, and quietly listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. However, I see too many “Christians” hearing a sermon or seeing a post/meme without even attending church, and then basically yelling about their opinions. They come across as, “THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE, AND YOU SHOULD TOO!”
My friends, this brand of “Christianity” will not win souls. It is shallow and dangerous. An intimate quiet time with GOD every day will help you walk with GOD, break your heart for lost and lonely people, and help you think more like JESUS as you spend time with HIM in HIS WORD. Remember John the Baptist’s words: “I must decrease, and HE must increase.” Shh… Listen! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
THE GOD OF HEAVEN!
Frankly Speaking,
THE GOD OF HEAVEN! ~ Imagine The God of Heaven is a book. It is also a video which you can watch on YouTube. It contains a series of people’s testimonies of near-death experiences. It culminates with a description of those whom John Burke has interviewed. Each of those interviewed describe what happened when their heart stopped, and they were clinically pronounced dead. Each describes that there is most definitely life after death. If any of these stories are true, then we shouldn’t we prepare for this encounter? Isn’t it worth considering the idea that there is more than this temporary life since we only live for less than a century. Of course, many explain this with science, but what if you’re wrong? What if there is more?
Nehemiah accepts the truth that GOD is THE GOD OF HEAVEN. In fact, so does everyone who has been recorded by history in the Bible (the best-selling book of all time). There must be a reason! The simple truth of the Bible is redemption. In the Old Testament, the Bible repeatedly illustrates our nature which naturally rebels against GOD. In his message, Burke states that 23% of people who have near-death experiences see hell. The GOD OF HEAVEN made a way that assures each of us that we can go heaven without worry. However, it is not what we’ve done! It’s all about what JESUS has done. The cross, death, burial, and resurrection was all for you! GOD loves you! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS!
Frankly Speaking,
“13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous. Be strong.
14 And do everything with love.”
~ I Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
FINAL INSRUCTIONS! ~ If you weren’t sure you’d ever see someone again what would your final words be to the one whom you love? Paul leaves the Corinthian church with five incredible statements of faith. As you examine them, I am sure you find that each of them applies to you as well. 😊
First, “Be on guard.” The Bible is full of warnings about our hearts. Jesus often warned His disciples to “Be on guard.” John writes, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (I John 5:21) In another passage, the Bible also tells us that, “The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:7) We are told to always keep watch as we walk through this life. Trials and temptation will come our way; we must choose to remain ready!
Second, “Stand firm in the faith.” Regarding the Armor of God, we must we are challenged to “Stand Firm.” (Ephesians 6:11 & 13) Attacks and trouble will come throughout our lives. How we deal with them proves our faith.
Third, “Be courageous” and fourth, “Be strong.” This is what Moses told Joshua as he prepared for death. Moses wanted to be sure Joshua was ready to lead. Later, Joshua repeated it often. Here’s what he said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Fifth and finally, “Do everything with love.” This is Christianity 101. Whatever we do, we do it all with the love of God in our hearts. In this letter to the church at Corinth, God has told us to love above all else. If we have tongues of angels, knowledge of future events, faith to move mountains, give all our money to the poor, and allow our bodies to be broken, without love we are nothing. People don’t care how much you know: they simply need to know how much you care!
So, let’s love like there may be no tomorrow. 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
PS ~ Be safe, and we hope to see you soon. 🙂
THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION
Frankly Speaking,
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ I Corinthians 15:57 NLT
THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION! ~ We live in a day where conspiracy theories have become the norm! There is a rising number of people who doubt we ever went to the moon. They are convinced that the whole lunar landing was done in the 1960’s using green screen technology (which did not exist yet!). There are so many little things that ought to make us scratch our heads. For instance, most news broadcasts have become talk television to bolster ratings. I still believe we need a new service called JTN (Just the News) with no spin or opinions. So, how did we get here?
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:21-23 NLT
Not prepared for some biblical truth today? Well, it’s not too late to change that. Our biggest problem is that we would rather make up stuff rather than simply worship our Creator for Who He is. Did you know that God loves you? This is not the kind of love we have for food, opinions, or passing fancies. This is an “I created you to be in a personal relationship with Me kind of love.” This kind of love doesn’t give up on you when you blow it. It is an unconditional love that endures, teaches, reproves, and sometimes corrects.
Life does not end when our hearts stop beating. That’s when real life begins for those who have trusted Jesus. The Bible says, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Do you see it? There are two promises. First, living for Christ is awesome, unlike anything else. Second, when we die, we don’t have to be afraid because our lives will be even better. This is not a conspiracy: it’s a biblical truth given to us by our loving God. And yes, we are still awaiting the sound of the trumpet and His return! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
readyforafreshstart 