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REAL WISDOM!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“11 So GOD replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing MY people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow ME and obey MY DECREES and MY COMMANDS as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”                I Kings 3:11-14

REAL WISDOM! ~ “WISDOM” is used over 250 times in the BIBLE. What is REAL WISDOM? Why is it so important? How do we get it? If we do get it, then what do we do with it? (Not everyone gets it) Look at these definitions:

“The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” (Google)

“The ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments:” (Cambridge Dictionary)

Webster’s Dictionary from 1828 says that WISDOM is: “The right use or exercise of knowledge.” It follows this statement with multiple BIBLE verses to illustrate the great connection to WISDOM and the BIBLE! 😊 So, “To be wise you must first have reverence for THE LORD.” (Proverbs 9:10a GNT)

Most of THE PROVERBS were written by Solomon; however,
he did not finish well. He made poor choices toward the end of his life. Imagine life as the wisest man who ever lived, and then abandoning your life-long plan near the finish line.  His last days resulted in ruin for his children.

How faithful have you been? Have you let your relationship with CHRIST and HIS church become a part-time virtual relationship? Have your children drifted away with you? It’s not too late, Beloved. Return to the LORD! COME BACK! Lead your family to the LORD ~ That’s how you live out REAL WISDOM!

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

THE COST OF WORSHIP!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“I will not offer to THE LORD my GOD sacrifices that have cost me nothing.”

II Samuel 24:24b

THE COST OF WORSHIP! ~ If I got a dollar every time people promised to give the church lots of money when they win the lottery, we’d exceed the budget. This makes me laugh. 😊 Think about it for a moment. If giving your time, your talent, and your tithe to GOD is not important before you “win the lottery,” then how is getting a whole lot of money by way of gambling with the money you should have given to GOD in the first place suddenly going to make you a person who gives to GOD after you get those huge piles of money? (ROTFL ~ Rolling On The Floor Laughing). That’s funny ~ Unless, of course, you’re that person who is offended because you are not a good steward of the things GOD has already given you. (That’s conviction!)

Imagine for a moment that you had a relative whom you’ve never actually met. Momma told you about him, and grandma talked about him, too. You have been told you’re related, and you tell everyone that this person is a very close relative. Your “relative” is very popular and well-liked. Every time you mention this relative to other people, they all agree that everything they know about him is positive. In fact, everyone you talk to knows this relative. Does that make you close to this unknown individual? NO!

Here is THE COST OF WORSHIP! That unknown relative is JESUS CHRIST. HE is not SOMEONE you can meet and then simply forget! The experience of meeting HIM face to face is life-changing. When you truly touch THE ALPHA & OMEGA (Revelation 1:8; 21:6; and 22:13), THE KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS (I Timothy 1:6; Revelation 19:16), THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (Genesis 1:26), THE ONE WHO HOLDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER (Colossians 1:17), you won’t be the same. After all, JESUS SACRIFICED HIS own LIFE so you  & I could approach THE PRESENCE of THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD (Jeremiah 10:10, I Thessalonians 1:9) ~ YOU & I ~ mere sinners, nothing good to bring, allowed to enter THE PRESENCE OF GOD! THAT is THE COST OF WORSHIP!

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

THE COST OF WORSHIP!

True North!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

~ Judges 21:25

THE BOOK OF JUDGES! ~ FAILURE! Have you ever used a COMPASS CORRECTLY? In the northern hemisphere the needle of a working compass will always point north. If you are lost or confused on your journey, then a COMPASS will lead you in the right direction to get you where you need to go. You simply need to know where you are and where you need to go.

It may seem too easy. Of course, it should be. Before the nation of Israel had a king, GOD sent JUDGES or DELIVERERS to Israel to RESCUE the nation from the oppression and suffering they continually found themselves in because they failed to listen to GOD. It was a vicious cycle of disobedience, bondage, misery, liberation, and compromises. It is painful to watch as we read about them.

Do you remember, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson? Each of these BIBLE characters were renown throughout our Sunday school classes in years past. Each tale is filled with GOD’S rescue plan for the nation during the JUDGE’S reign. However, each shows a horrible weakness in the lives of those GOD called to be JUDGE. Barak’s failure leads to Deborah’s Song.  Gideon’s Fear leads to GOD’S great victory. Samson’s pride leads to Israel’s fall. ☹

Despair naturally follows disobedience. It’s so much easier to follow the LORD. It makes us think, “Why didn’t they just do better?” “Why didn’t they just honor GOD and follow HIS rules?” Every day, I find myself asking as I watch people struggling to hold it together and look up: “Why don’t they just honor GOD and follow HIS rules?” “What’s wrong with them?”

Then, in my quiet time with GOD after days of busyness it hits me: “Why don’t I just honor GOD and follow HIS rules?” “Why don’t I meet with GOD more often and pray and read HIS WORD?” Henry Blackaby tells us that when GOD speaks to us, HE is inviting us to join HIM. Then, we must adjust our lives to follow HIS PLAN. Remember, your BIBLE is your COMPASS! 😊

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

A journey of EXPERIENCING GOD by Henry Blackaby & Claude King

Memorials

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

8 Study this BOOK OF INSTRUCTION continually. MEDITATE on IT day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in IT. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is MY COMMAND—BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For THE LORD YOUR GOD is with you wherever you go.”                                             Joshua 1:8-9

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA! ~ OBEDIENT FAITH!  On February 20, 1988, Cheryl and I began this journey of FAITH together in marriage! It all began on a Saturday in 1984, when Cheryl agreed to having our first date. I could explain that it took three tries to just get her to talk to me much less go on a date, but there isn’t time right now. 😉 Gentlemen, I knew I had a keeper the day she agreed to paint a dog house with me for our very first date. 😊

Since that day, we’ve seen very good days and very bad days. The truth in the passage above has carried us through all of those times. I assure you having a faithful companion in all those times is worth more than diamonds & gold!

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

11 Her husband can trust her,

and she will greatly enrich his life.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;

but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

31 Reward her for all she has done.

Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 31:10-12; 30-31

On our anniversary, we encourage you to walk the walk of faithfulness which can only be proven along the time worn channels of life! Happy painting! 😊

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

OUR PASSOVER!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I AM THE LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I WILL FREE you from being slaves to them, and I WILL REDEEM you with an OUTSTRETCHED ARM and with MIGHTY ACTS of JUDGMENT.’”                                                                   Exodus 6:6

THE BOOK OF EXODUS ~ What comes to mind first? What about Charlton Heston in the role of MOSES in the movie, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Could it be Israel in bondage to the Egyptians for over 400 years? Maybe, it’s MOSES chosen by GOD to be the DELIVER. What about the animated movie, PRINCE OF EGYPT? You might think of the parting of the RED SEA, the PILLAR of FIRE by night and the CLOUD by day. How about MANNA and QUAIL? What about the encounters MOSES has with GOD at the BURNING BUSH or atop MOUNT SINAI?  GOD writing THE TEN COMMANDMENTS as MOSES watches, and then MOSES destroying them. Let’s not forget how often ISRAEL COMPLAINS and the GOLDEN CALF. GOD walks by and covers MOSES’ face with HIS HAND leaving MOSES with such SHEKINAH GLORY that the people cannot even look at MOSES. Then, there are these moments, MOSES in a basket in the NILE RIVER, THE TEN PLAGUES, AARON’S ROD, THE ARK OF THE COVENANT, THE TABERNACLE, THE LAW, and so much more.

Which is your favorite? Considering all these mighty acts of GOD it is hard to choose just one. Nevertheless, none of these is the most amazing part of EXODUS to me. In EXODUS, we discover GOD’s PLAN for a PASSOVER LAMB. The entire BOOK of EXODUS points to GOD as DELIVERER of HIS people for all time! As the death angel was to PASSOVER the homes with BLOOD on the doorposts, GOD will withhold HIS judgment on those who have been to the CROSS and received the BLOOD of the LAMB as payment for their sins. My friend, THE BIBLE is not sixty-six separate books, nor is it two editions or volumes. THE BIBLE tells the story of JESUS as our ONLY way to heaven from beginning to end! Where does JESUS fit into your story? 😊

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes~ I Peter 3:15

GENENSIS ~ BEGINNINGS

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“In the beginning GOD…” ~ GENESIS 1:1a

The story of beginnings! Life is full of beginnings. All of us start out as newborns, and everything is new. As babies become toddlers, they begin to walk and go new places much to a parent’s pride, joy, and fear of them getting hurt. As they grow, they realize the world is so much bigger than they believed. As childhood ends adulthood begins. In Milton Bradley’s GAME OF LIFE, this is the point where the player chooses college or career. Next, most of us search for a spouse and begin life anew in marriage. Soon, we become parents and realize that our children create a whole new group of beginnings for each of us. Finally, a few get to really live and begin as grandparents. 😊

There’s no way to cover all the new beginnings we encounter in life: jobs, friendships, disappointments leading to open doors, loss, pain, and so much more!  There is one more new beginning we ought to consider. We will all begin a new story when we shed this mortal flesh and step into eternity. For many, that is the greatest unknown new beginning. Throughout life, we often ask, ponder, meditate, and sometimes argue about the concept of eternity.

Remember all those beginnings which led to the next place? Well, they include GOD’S place in each of our stories. Like that GAME OF LIFE, GOD has a celestial plan which began long before we knew it. HIS plan was written out to help us to realize that everything we experience in life has a purpose! HIS perfect eternal plan is much more complex than any of us can fully understand. Nevertheless, HIS plan is written out so simply that we can clearly follow HIS purpose for our lives by living out the words in the BIBLE.

We begin in GENESIS. During our journey through the books of the BIBLE, we’ll examine GOD’S overall arching plan of redeeming HIS fallen creation. Join us, as we see GOD’S eternal purpose in all sixty-six books of the BIBLE. Have you’ve ever thought, “I can’t understand the BIBLE?” This is a chance for you to see the BIBLE as a whole and develop a deeper understanding! 😊  

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST ~ Pastor Wes~ I Peter 3:15

Life is full of New Beginnings!

Celebrating the Sanctity of Life!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

13 YOU made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank YOU for making me so wonderfully complex! YOUR WORKMANSHIP is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 YOU watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was WOVEN TOGETHER in the dark of the womb. 16 YOU saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in YOUR BOOK. Every moment was LAID OUT before a single day had passed. ~ Psalm 139:13-16

“CELEBRATING THE SANCTITY OF LIFE!”  People are quick to share their opinion to try to convince us that they’ve done their research proving that they’re right and others are wrong. Here are some critical issues facing Americans today according to The Pew Research Center: health care, the national deficit, illegal immigration, gun violence, COVID, racism, unemployment, and climate change. Start a conversation on any of these topics and a healthy debate might ensue. However, mention PRO-LIFE and get ready for war! The SANCTITY OF LIFE pits darkness against LIGHT!

Unfortunately, the church as the place where the standard of TRUTH is THE BIBLE is becoming less prevalent today. Have we forgotten…?

4 THE LORD gave me this message: 5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as MY prophet to the nations.”        ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

As we examine Psalm 139 today, we must either come to the conclusion that GOD declares HIS SANCTITY FOR LIFE or determine that THE BIBLE is not THE TRUTH we hold on to in any season or culture. Are we prepared to leave our opinions and experiences at the door? Can we approach the timeless WORD OF GOD as THE ULTIMATE TRUTH in each of our lives? I belief that’s our biggest CHOICE as we “CELEBRATE THE SANCTITY OF LIFE!” 😊

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST ~ Pastor Wes~ I Peter 3:15

LIFE IS A GIFT!

Preparation!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” ~ I John 2:29b

PREPARATION… I did a new thing this summer. Something I have never done before. I prepared a slab of ribs and barbequed them on the grill. It was lot easier than I had expected. First, I had to parboil them in our biggest pot. Second, I let them cool enough to cover them with spices we like. Third, I slathered sweet and spicy sauce all over them. Fourth, I began the grilling process of cooking and applying more sauce as I turned them over every ten minutes. My family rated the final result as finger licking good! So, all that work and preparation was worth it!

This may not seem like a big deal to you experienced grill masters out there, but it was a big deal to me. You see, my fear was that I might ruin this wonderful meat and let my family down in the process. I was afraid that my grilling gifts might not be honed enough for the task at hand. However, all my other grill experiences came into play to prepare this new thing. My grilling successes & failures made me who I am.

That’s when I realized the spiritual significance of this big chunk of pork. It reminded me of the process of walking with Christ. We tend to think that if we do this special thing, then we will be spiritual enough to make a difference. However, the truth is that God is working daily in each of lives to take us to the place He wants us to go and do the things He wants us to do. We who have trusted Christ and are walking with Him daily are right where He wants us to be. He has a plan for us today. In fact, He knows what’s about to happen in our lives. He is actively preparing us for what’s about to happen: good or bad.

Imagine for a moment, you’ve disciplined yourself to read your Bible every day. You have invested time with the Lord consistently for weeks, months, and years. You are walking with Him side by side and suddenly tragedy strikes. Your world is turned upside down. However, you know God intimately and deeply. You have built a relationship of trust over time. God’s more than a stranger you cry out to: He’s your friend! Now, imagine your life’s plan is just to survive day to day. You go to church regularly, but you don’t have a real friendship with God. There are no time-worn channels of communication. You lack confidence! Why not begin a deeper relationship today? What is God preparing you for? Remember, God loves you and He is the God of PREPARATION…

Living in the Shadow of the Cross…

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Where Do You Live?

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“…but he who does the will of God abides forever.” ~ I John 2:17b

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? ~ I love the English language! This sentence has more than one meaning. For instance, someone could ask you about your thoughts and focus at any given moment. However, these days this literal question causes you to try to explain where you hang your clothes, microwave food, and watch TV. Next, you have to explain to the person how to get to your home and what your house looks like. For a simple question, it’s a lot of work!

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting a man’s house which was a little less opulent than many I have stopped at in the past. In fact, his house was an older model trailer. Now, before you correct me and explain that it’s politically correct to either say manufactured home or at least mobile home take a moment to picture his residence. It had a spacious living room with a pool table right in the middle. This abode had great ventilation for those cool summer breezes. The best part was his low monthly mortgage payment. Are you jealous yet?

Paul Harvey would say, “And now, you’re going to hear the rest of the story.” The gentleman I’m referring to is one of the many homeless in America today. His trailer is broken apart with missing walls, no running water, and no electricity. In fact, it’s not his trailer. It’s just an abandoned wreck in the middle of the woods. Not jealous anymore are you? I wasn’t either. There’s no way for me to paint an accurate picture which would reflect the sights, sounds, and smells we encountered.

Cheryl, Ashleigh, and I, spent the week ministering to people who had fallen on tough times and found themselves without a home. Most of them were just like you and me. They weren’t angry. They were merely trying to figure out how to make it day to day.

While talking with one of the leaders at a ministry called THE SANCTUARY, we discussed the fact that once we trust JESUS, then heaven is our real home. Everything and anything we have here on earth is merely temporary. It’s all passing away. The only thing we can look forward to with certainty is our relationship with CHRIST. So, with that in mind… where’s your focus and plan for the future leading you these days? I guess I could simply ask… WHERE DO YOU ABIDE?

Living in the Shadow of the Cross…

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Where Do You Live?

Forgiven & Faithful

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments…” I John 2:3

FORGIVENESS & FAITHFULNESS! Years ago, I met a man who tried to convince me that aliens were coming to take him away. He was sure that they were coming soon, and he assured me he was ready because he was one of them. I am confident that he believed he was an alien. The way he spoke to me made no sense whatsoever. In fact, he was not rational at all. It seemed to me that his imagination had somehow gotten the better of him. Oh by the way, I was wearing a badge at the time. So, when I began to explain to him that he was in danger of being arrested for criminal trespass and being mentally unstable he quickly changed his tune and left. Truth and consequences have a way of restoring reality very quickly.

Every day I deal with children who get caught doing something wrong, and yet they deny doing the wrong thing while still in the act. I recall a very young child was reaching into other children’s backpacks taking money. I confronted her several times. However, it was not until I walked in on her while she was stealing that her imagined deniability became reality. She cried and begged me not to turn her in. However, I explained that I had no choice. The mother of the child whose backpack was being pilfered had already met with me. It was too late for her because she neglected to do the right thing when confronted.

I find this is true in the church as well. Many of us just keep right on doing whatever we want with no fear or respect of the consequences. We really believe that because we were baptized, we prayed, and we attend church that we can get away with sin. That’s a lie! Sin always has consequences. Here’s one of the sayings I have heard all my life… “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you can ever afford to pay.”

True religion or more accurately true Christianity always leads to a dramatic life change. We cannot walk with Christ and stay the same. We are changed over time just by walking with Him daily reading the Bible. Daily prayer changes us as well. We can’t stay mad at the people for whom we are passionately praying. It just won’t work! When we receive real forgiveness it always leads to faithfulness! If anyone says anything else ~ they are liars! (I John 2:4) Remember, JESUS offers FORGIVENESS for all our sins & His expectation is FAITHFULNESS!

Living in the Shadow of the Cross…

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Forgiven & Faithful!