Help for the hurting

Meeting at the Feet of JESUS ~ Anticipation ~ 2025

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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

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS!

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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

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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

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE PAY “THE PREACHER?”

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Frankly Speaking,

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.

I have become all things to all people

so that by all possible means I might save some.

I Corinthians 9:22 NIV

A Minister’s Benefits Package! ~ (Or, Quit Putting a Muzzle on that OX! 😊) Should ministers be paid? Most of us agree that the work ministers do requires some form of compensation. After all, most ministers have spent years of their lives preparing and training to effectively do the work of the ministry. 😊 They feed, encourage, & lead our families.

Now, “How much should a minister be paid?” is very important question. After all, we have seen ministers with jet planes, golden faucets in the bathroom, and huge houses. For every one of these people who have abused the office or title, there are many ministry families genuinely struggling to merely survive without going bankrupt.  The question ought to be, “What can we do to provide for the families of each member of our ministry team?” The question ought never be “How little can we pay them?”

What is our church budget? What is the economy like where the church is located? Many pastors and other staff members serve small churches.  Obviously, the annual budget determines how well a church can support a pastor and whether each minister is full-time or part-time.  One thing you may not realize is that pastors have no Social Security, no retirement, no dental plan, no healthcare coverage, and no life insurance. Most of our employers pay half of our Social Security and Medicare benefits before we ever see our pay checks. Many ministers retire with no plan. ☹

While this may be uncomfortable for some to think about, church leadership must wrestle with this to best support those called by God to lead the church. Dr. John Piper shares insights regrading ministerial compensation.

God shares His plan in I Corinthians 9:1-27. Let’s follow Him.😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT!

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Frankly Speaking,

When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers!                                ~ I Corinthians 6:1 NLT

SEE YOU IN COURT! ~ Some people say that the BIBLE is full of “gray areas” which have no clear directions for life. Truthfully, the BIBLE gives us complete instructions for life. Some may not like what GOD has to say because we like to do things our own way. However, true Christians must decide to let GOD have total control. Often, we take over because we don’t like what HE has to say. When we do this, we make our selves our own GOD. The BIBLE calls this idolatry. In other words, we become our own idols. OUCH!! Listen to this…

Then HE told them what they could expect for themselves: Anyone who intends to come with ME has to let ME lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat — I am.”                                                                 ~ Luke 9:23 ~ MSG

If this translation seems too modern, then listen to this:

Then HE said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow ME.”

~ Luke 9:23 ~ NKJV

The WORD of GOD says, “Do not take your brothers or sisters to court.” This is not a suggestion or guideline. True believers will judge the world and angels. We’re asked what’s so important in light of eternity that is worth suing our fellow Christian. First, to you believe the BIBLE? Second, follow GOD’S plan regardless of your expectations. Isn’t it worth losing something and letting it go for heaven’s sake?

At the end of the day, here’s our checklist: “Did I follow and obey what GOD said in HIS WORD?” The BIBLE calls this obedience. It’s what disciples do! When we are baptized, we proclaim that we no longer live for ourselves: Now, we live for JESUS! ~ SEE YOU IN HEAVEN! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

How to Get Kicked Out of Church!

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Frankly Speaking,

You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. ~ I Corinthians 5:2b NLT

CHURCH DISCIPLINE! ~ What does it take to embarrass you? Some people say that they never get embarrassed or ashamed. I find that hard to believe. Often, Christians are seen as stuffy and narrow-minded because we discipline ourselves to avoid many of the popular cultural tendencies of the day. However, shouldn’t we be conscientious of what we do and say around our children?

There was a time when we treated others with respect, especially women and children. Yes, I am older and maybe a bit wiser too. Some things ought to cause us to blush. If you question that concept, check this out:

Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! ~ Jeremiah 6:15a NLT

Now that we agree blushing can be a good thing, how do we correct someone in the church who seems to have forgotten this truth? How do we approach someone who is living a life of sin while actively leading the church: pastor, minister, board-member, trustee, deacon, teacher, and more? Which sin does the church act upon in the lives of these non-blushers? What are the qualifications to be an admonisher? Finally, how do we work all of this out in our current culture with so many churches re-writing or at least re-interpreting the BIBLE?

This leaves us in a challenging place. Do we do nothing pretending GOD says anything goes? Do we begin with a witch hunt as we have done so many times in the church? Perhaps, it begins with each of us alone with GOD praying and spending time with HIM. Seek HIS wisdom and direction. Barney would say this is how we “Nip it” in each of our lives, first! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

THE GOOD WOUNDS OF A FRIEND

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Frankly Speaking,

14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.                                                               I Corinthians 4:14 NLT

GOOD WOUNDS! ~ How do you handle being corrected by someone who cares? According to Pew Research, 65% of American adults believe that “people are too easily offended.” What if a caring friend exposes sin in your life and calls you out in love? They are right, but it hurts. What would you do?  It seems many just want to go to church to be reminded what good people we are. This is anti-biblical. The Bible confronts every human being declaring each of us as a terrible sinner not fit for heaven. “There is none righteous.” (read Romans 3:1-23)

Some people are ok with a pastor saying, “Well, we’re all just sinners, right?” However, the Bible declares this TRUTH, JESUS’ death is the only way we can be saved from hell. Every person on Earth needs JESUS!  Feathers ruffled yet? More biblical honesty ahead…

Guess what? You are a no good filthy, dirty, lying, cheating, selfish sinner. Yes, I am too! Without that painful truth as our starting point, we cannot understand why we so desperately need JESUS. If we believe the lie that we are pretty good, then we think we almost make it to heaven on our own. We are almost good enough! That is a lie from the pit of hell! The devil wants us to believe that because he does not want us to realize how urgently and desperately, we need THE LORD JESUS to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sin. We need A NEW LIFE!

Yes, we need encouragement sometimes. However, we are in desperate need of correction as well. If all you hear at church is positivity and encouragement… RUN!!! The Bible is a book of rebuke and correction as well as encouragement! We need to hear it when we are wrong. Yes, it hurts, but genuine repentance brings healing! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

TO BE BLESSED or TO BE A BLESSING?

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

One day he [Jabez] prayed to Israel’s God, “Please bless me and give me a lot of land. Be with me so I will be safe from harm.” And God did just what Jabez had asked. ~ I Chronicles 4:9-10 CEV

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ ~ I Am Blessed and Highly Favored! ~ I once received a shirt with the following words embroidered boldly on the front: “JESUS loves you, but I’m HIS favorite.” I snickered and casually laughed at the shirt, and I wore it a couple of times. Then, I began to think about what that shirt was really saying. I proudly said that JESUS loved me more than you. OUCH! I could not wear the shirt again in good conscience. That is the exact opposite of the GOSPEL Message. Listen to this verse (paraphrased just a bit) …

“GOD loved you so much HE sent HIS ONE and ONLY SON just for you; so that, if you believe in HIM with you whole life, you will not have to fear death because you will live forever in heaven with GOD.”

That verse in the Gospel of John chapter three. It is the truth of the whole Bible. In “the Prayer of Jabez,” we meet a man who was pure before GOD that GOD listened to him and answered his personal prayer. WOW! Who was Jabez for GOD to answer his prayer completely. After all, he is not one of those prophets or apostles from the BIBLE. In fact, these two verses contain just about everything we know about Jabez. I suspect his actual prayer sounded a lot more like this one rather than the version above. 😊

“Oh, that YOU would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that YOUR hand would be with me,

and that YOU would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!”

Remember what the LORD JESUS said in THE GOLDEN RULE: “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”  HE never implied that we should put ourselves first. In fact, here’s a great plan for our lives: JESUS, Others, then You. JOY! Let’s think of others before we think of ourselves. Give it a try! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS ~ Here’s the link to that question about GOD hearing you.

https://www.gotquestions.org/God-please-help-me.html

Celebrating The Savior: The Lord’s Supper

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim THE LORD’S death till HE comes.

~ I Corinthians 11:26

MY HEART CHRIST’S HOME: CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR!  ~ What is THE LORD’S SUPPER? Why do so many churches celebrate THE LORD’S SUPPER in different ways? Who can participate in THE LORD’S SUPPER? What do I need to do to celebrate THE LORD’S SUPPER? What is the significance of THE LORD’S SUPPER? Where should we find the answers to these questions?

First, JESUS told us to gather in remembrance of HIM as we eat the bread and drink from the cup because they represent HIS death, burial, and RESSURECTION! Some people observe THE LORD’S SUPPER every week while others do not have a set pattern. This is true because no pattern is set forth in SCRIPTURE.

Any person who has been born-again (John 3:1-18) may join us in the observance of THE LORD’S SUPPER. This is known as an OPEN TABLE observance. However, others hold to a CLOSED TABLE observance which means only members of their congregation may participate.

Often this gathering and observance is very formal and follows a strict pattern. Others, like us, tend to have a varied format allowing us to approach the table in new and fresh ways as we seek the presence of THE LORD during HIS SUPPER. This is an informal personal approach.

Some believe that the bread (Host) and the wine literally become the Body and Blood of CHRIST.  This is known as the Eucharist, and is observed in more liturgical churches.  We see this as an ordinance which was commanded by THE LORD to be followed symbolically.  Our only manual is the BIBLE! To us, this is a very private and intimate time.

Finally, during THE LORD’S SUPPER we remember that JESUS died for each of us. Reflecting on how HE gave HIS life to save us from our sin. Through this ordinance, we also declare that JESUS is COMING AGAIN!

Have been back to church since COVID began? Isn’t it time to gather with others and celebrate JESUS at HIS table? Find a local church and gather with them so that you can be a fully devoted follower of JESUS who worships, grows, and serves others in the local church. Isn’t it time? 🙂

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

EASTER ~ A NEW DAY

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

30 When JESUS had tasted it, HE said, “IT IS FINISHED!”

Then HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS SPIRIT. ~ John 19:30 NLT

EASTER ~ A NEW DAY! ~ Why is EASTER such a big deal to followers of JESUS CHRIST? No doubt some of you will dismiss the question, but think about all the people who have no idea why our sacred holiday is such a big deal. There are specific reasons for which we cannot merely settle for a bunny, flowers, and a feel-good holiday. We believe in the cross & the empty tomb!

For the Christian, EASTER is the proof of our faith because, without the resurrection, JESUS could not be the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON of GOD. However, the truth of this event goes so much deeper. Our great hope comes from the words, “HE IS RISEN JUST AS HE SAID!” EASTER morning gives us confidence and makes us seek JESUS to guide us daily. C. S. Lewis said it so well:

“I believe in CHRIST, like I believe in the sun —

not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.”

We each fall so far short of earning heaven every day.  Our sin divorces us from GOD and HIS love. Nevertheless, the BIBLE says,

“When we were utterly helpless, CHRIST came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But GOD showed HIS great love for us by sending CHRIST to die for us while we were still sinners.”              

(Romans 5:6-8 NLT)

This is why EASTER is so important to us! Now, the choice is yours:

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of GOD.”

(I Corinthians 1:18 NLT)

Have you started A NEW DAY by giving your life to GOD and be saved? 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15