PALM SUNDAY to EASTER SUNDAY!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “TEACHER, rebuke YOUR followers for saying things like that!”

HE replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Luke 19:39-40 ~ NLT~ (Habakkuk 2:11)

PALM SUNDAY to EASTER SUNDAY! What does your family do to make the most of this wonderful week? How do you make it special and different than any other time of the year? I fear many of us place more emphasis on CHRISTMAS than EASTER. For us, CHRISTMAS and EASTER ought to all be about HIS birth, death, burial, and resurrection. If you are a CHRIST–follower, I urge you to avoid making bunnies, peeps, and baskets the focus of this EASTER WEEK! Let’s emphasize JESUS & proclaim “HOSANNA! ~ Save Us!”

In the passage above, the Pharisees tell JESUS to keep EASTER a secret. If you read and listen to what JESUS said about this in Luke 12:8-9, then you will realize this is a very serious issue to our LORD and SAVIOR!

“And I assure you of this: I, THE MESSIAH, will publicly honor you in the presence of GOD’S angels if you publicly acknowledge ME here on earth as your Friend.” ~ The Living Bible ~ (TLB)

Listen to this same verse in THE MESSAGE BIBLE ~ (TMB):

“Stand up for ME among the people you meet and THE SON OF MAN will stand up for you before all GOD’S angels. But if you pretend you don’t know ME, do you think I’ll defend you before GOD’S angels?

Today, in church we sing the song, “Somebody is gonna praise HIS name” by PETRA. The lyrics state, “It will either be you and me, or it’s gonna be a rock or tree.” There is another great song that says, “Ain’t no rock gonna cry out in my place!” Do you struggle to share your faith in JESUS? FEAR NOT! ~ BE BOLD, BRAVE, & VERBAL! This is a great week to tell others about JESUS! They are wondering and listening. May JESUS and HIS HOLY WORD be on our hearts and lips every day this week! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

NEVER GROW UP!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

1 Joash began to rule over Judah in the seventh year of King Jehu’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. 2 All his life Joash did what was pleasing in THE LORD’S SIGHT because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. ~ II Kings 12:1-2 NLT

NEVER GROW UP! Do you know the Books of the BIBLE by name, in order, both OLD and NEW TESTAMENTS? OK! Can you quote verses of the BIBLE from each Book of the BIBLE with the addresses where they are found? Good! Do you know why the BIBLE was written, and the purpose of each BIBLE BOOK? Well Done!

If you were able to say “yes” to those questions, then you had a spiritual leader in your life. Most of us had a pastor or teacher who was taught through pastoral leadership. In the OLD TESTAMENT, these were the priests. These priests studied for years to help others understand what GOD was saying through HIS WORD ~ THE BIBLE.

Of course, I admit, not every priest, and not every preacher/pastor, provides the spiritual insight to share the deep spiritual truths we need to survive these tumultuous days. Nevertheless, there are those who seek GOD’S FACE, study HIS WORD, and provide moments of deep communication between GOD and HIS people. These are the ones we need most today. We are desperate for a generation of sold-out, all-in, fully-devoted follows of JESUS who are called to serve to bring the truth the to those who have ears to hear.

That’s exactly what King Joash had when he was only seven years old. He had a man dedicated to GOD in his life, Jehoiada the priest, who shared the deep truths of the BIBLE with him. Boy, did that make a difference in his life and the lives of all the people of Israel.  WOW! We need preachers and teachers opening the BIBLE led by the SPIRIT! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS ~ Then HE said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children,  you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. ~ Matthew 18:3 NLT

REDEEMED: Your Story Isn’t Over Yet!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“And she told him the story. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her.”                 II Kings 8:6b NLT

RESTORED: My Story Isn’t Over Yet! ~ As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, I believe we need to remember why, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan chose to set a day of celebration to honor the memory of the positive things Dr. King accomplished. He stood face to face with many who judged people merely by the color of their skin. This Baptist minister led peaceful rallies to raise awareness and make changes to a horrifying condition in our homes and churches. Many, in the name of religion, chose to cling to hate and violence in the name of their church and religious beliefs. This has always been an unbiblical, demonic activity. Martin Luther King’s life was taken, in 1968, by hateful people for his dream of love. 

In our walk through THE WORD today, we revisit the woman from Shunem whose son was resurrected by GOD through Elisha the prophet. (II Kings 4:8-37) Having helped Elisha, her circumstances change as a famine hits the land. She and her family are forced to leave everything behind for which they had worked so hard. She must move to a foreign land for seven long, lean, depressing years. This happens through no fault of her own. She is a victim of these circumstances. It’s unfair! Why didn’t she quit?

Far too many of our friends, our children, and our grandchildren are overwhelmed by circumstances. Listen to this, “over one billion people struggle with mental illness.” Moreover, “there is a 56% rise in teen suicide.” Furthermore, “1.1 million people die by suicide each year.” https://projectsemicolon.com/about-project-semicolon-organization/

Each of us is created by GOD, in HIS image, for HIS purpose. As I read THE BIBLE, I see life stories filled with pain, anxiety, and despair. Yet, I find GOD’S redemption in JESUS weaved throughout each of them. HIS hope is real, & HIS help is on the way. ~ RESTORED: Your Story Isn’t Over Yet! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Click below to see the message:

https://www.facebook.com/Wes.Frank.777/videos/845708959875465?idorvanity=53262942766802

CHRISTMAS KENOSIS!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

6 Though HE was GOD, HE did not think of equality with GOD as something to cling to. 7 Instead, HE gave up HIS divine privileges; HE took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When HE appeared in human form, 8 HE humbled HIMSELF in obedience to GOD and died a criminal’s death on a cross.                                                        Philippians 2:6-8 NLT

CHRISTMAS KENOSIS! What isKENOSIS? Think about your dream vacation. One commercial has a family dreaming of a trip to the beach, then the narrator leads them to think bigger. So, they decide to go to Hawaii. That is their paradise.Imagine living in the most beautiful place you can think of. Look around at all the majestyand glorious mountains, seashores, valleys, or other landscapes that sooth your soul. Now, take your imagination one step further. Picture yourself in charge of everyone and everything there in your paradise! You are in control of it all. You are not merely a resident; you are the king or queen of this eutopia ~ for all time.  Heavenly, right?

You discover a problem. There is another land where everything is in ruin. The people have no hope, no light, no joy, and no peace. You know that you can go there and change all of that. However, in order to help these people, you must become like them. You must take off your title and leave this wonderful home. You know that you will not be respected or honored when you arrive. You cannot arrive as a royal dignitary; you must take on the role of a servant or slave in order to help these people. In fact, ultimately, you will have to give your life to save these people. Is it worth it to you?

My friend, that is KENOSIS! JESUS CHRIST left HIS home in heaven with angels following HIS every command to become a baby born in a feeding trough in a cave because even a shabby hotel would not have HIM. HE was born to very poor parents who could not honor HIM as THE KING deserved. It gets much worse! As we celebrate CHRISTMAS and the birth of THIS BABY who came to save us, never forget that HE was wrapped in “swaddling clothes.” HE did not come to live on earth with us; HE came to die for us on a filthy wooden cross so we could live forever. That is The KENOSIS of CHRISTMAS!

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15


PS ~ This illustration breaks down because…. unlike JESUS, you and I could never be:

Omnipotent: all powerful

Omniscient: all knowing

Omnipresent: in all places

JESUS left heaven to became a baby to live and die for you and me! That’s Christmas Kenosis ~ WOW!

CHILD-LIKE FAITH!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

child-like faith!

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

1 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

2 JESUS called a little child to HIM and put the child among them. 3 Then HE said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”

5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on MY behalf is welcoming ME.”

Matthew 18:1-5 NLT

THOUCHED BY JESUS

13 One day some parents brought their children to JESUS so HE could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering HIM.

14 When JESUS saw what was happening, HE was angry with HIS disciples. HE said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then HE took the children in HIS ARMS and placed HIS HANDS on their heads and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:13-15 NLT

THOSE WHO ARE LIKE CHILDREN

15 One day some parents brought their little children to JESUS so HE could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering HIM.

16 Then JESUS called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to ME. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive THE KINGDOM OF GOD like a child will never enter it.” ~ Luke 18:15-17 NLT

Cheryl’s Momma, Julia Adell Crabb went home on Saturday, November 12th. No more pain! No more fear. She is walking, running, and singing! Her faith is like that of a child. Was she perfect? No. Is she amazing? Yes! She loved her children, grandchildren, and her friends. But, that’s not child-like faith. She loved JESUS simply and innocently. No hard questions… just a deep life-long faith! “JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.”

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

FEAR NOT!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” THE LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

II Kings 6:16-17 NLT

FEAR NOT! ~ II Kings 6:8-23 ~ Does it bother you? Inflation is on the rise more quickly than we have seen in decades. I find myself sounding more and more like my parents… “I remember when a gallon of milk only cost…” We recently considered buying a new car until we grasped the truth that we would have to take on another house payment for the cost of a car. Suddenly, our older cars looked so much better. 😊

Hurricane season has taken a toll on many parts of the world this year. Wars and strife are in the news every day. Concerns about our borders, drug wars, school shootings, and so much more are constantly reported. Violence is on the rise. People seem more and more angry as time goes by. For some, it seems everywhere we look we see trouble on every side. Over the years, it seems little has changed. These truths are exactly what Elisha’s servant saw in his day until his eyes were opened:

15 When the servant of THE MAN OF GOD got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. ~ II Kings 6:15 NLT

When looking at our troubles, we forget that there is much more happening than we can possibly see with just our eyes. In the opening verse above, Elisha begins speaking by telling his servant: “FEAR NOT!” or “Don’t be afraid!”  Elisha reminds his servant that there are more on our side than theirs. Did you know this is still true today? You are not alone! The GOD WHO created you has not abandoned you to your troubles. HE is watching over you, especially on the days you don’t see HIM. ~ JESUS wins! ~FEAR NOT!

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS~ The more you miss church, the less you miss church. 😊 (Thanks Mikey)

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!”

MATERIALISTIC MINITRIES!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, THE MAN OF GOD, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as THE LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.”

II Kings 5:20 NLT

MATERIALISTIC MINISTRIES ~ As we conclude “Pastor Appreciation Month,” I hope we realize that THE BIBLE teaches us to appreciate those who minister to us. Thank you for thanking your ministers this month! Clearly, we ought to encourage our ministers and follow the SCRIPTURE:

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. ~ Jeremiah 3:15

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to GOD. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. ~ Hebrews 13:17

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. ~ I Timothy 5:17

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in THE LORD’S work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. ~ I Thessalonians 5:12-13

At the same time, I wonder “How much is too much?” Can we go too far in showing how much we care for our leaders? And, can our leaders ask too much for their service? In the opening passage above, Gehazi, the servant of the MAN of GOD, feels slighted and boldly states that he should be richly rewarded for his service. In his blinded stupor, he makes a vow to the LORD to get more! Then, he hides it and lies!

Are you ready for a tough word from the SCRIPTURE? Can this happen today? There are far too many cases of ministers who feel slighted suing churches and church members to avenge their perceived slights. Here is what the BIBLE says about that:

1 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! … 7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? ~ I Cor 6:1 & 7

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS~ Did you hear GOD’S Mic drop? 😊

How much should we do to honor our ministers? And, can we do too much? 🙂

APOSTASY!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.                        II Kings 5:11-12 NLT

APOSTASY ~ I love the story of Naaman’s healing. That’s what it’s labeled in most BIBLES with a subtopic above the passage. However, I think it should be called the healing Naaman almost missed because of his pride and Unrealistic Expectations. Do you see it? Naaman says, “I expected him to…” He absolutely had his own version of what his healing would look like, and when he did not get things his way… he left mad. He was ready to walk away from GOD because GOD did not do things the way he expected THE LORD and CREATOR of the UNIVERSE to do it his way!

Have your Unrealistic Expectations made you mad enough to quit your FAITH? All too often, we get offended by someone and quit. GOD has not failed us! JESUS CHRIST’S Blood still washes away all of our sin. His mercies are new every morning.

28 Then JESUS said, “Come to ME, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take MY yoke upon you. Let ME teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For MY yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

How often have we said or thought, “I Expected GOD to do something different!” I have spoken to so many people who have shared their “the church failed me” story. Others, tell me how one or a few people did something to hurt them, so they left the faith. Have you ever been there, or are you there right now?

Brother and Sisters, THIS IS ME! We left home to “serve THE LORD!” I expected to see GOD do great things everywhere we went.  However, along the way some people got mad at me and told me to leave their church because they didn’t like my hair, my personality, my jokes, or my illustrations. What happened? I got mad at GOD because they didn’t like me. What have I missed because I let my Unrealistic Expectations get in the way? How many have we failed by not surrendering to GOD? LORD JESUS, please forgive us for our pride and arrogance. Thank you for YOUR grace and mercy through the pain, hurt, and self-pity. I love THEE, LORD JESUS! 😊 PLEASE ~ COME HOME!

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Keith Green sang it so well… “I don’t want to fall away from YOU!”

LIFE IN CRISIS!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

44 And when they gave it to the people, there was plenty for all and some left over, JUST AS THE LORD HAD PROMISED.                                     II Kings 4:44 NLT

You Matter to GOD! {Life in Crisis!} ~ I find myself reflecting on two differing philosophies of life this week. One says, “life is a dream.” In other words, everything is wonderful, and there are never any real worries or concerns. The other is this, “life is just one crisis after the other.” Of course, this means that everything is bad, and the sky is falling. You may see it as the glass half-full or half-empty. Although, some might say, “the glass is broken!” If that’s you, then you have my heart and my prayers. I feel this way because some people seem like they just can’t catch a break. I know people, through no fault of their own, who just seem to have one life shattering event after another. In your case, I agree: “Life is hard!”

If you’re in a pit, and you can’t see the top, look up! The passage above is written during a famine. There was little or no food to eat. The first group tries to fix what might be their last meal only to find that the food is poisoned. The second group does not have nearly enough food for one hundred people with no way to get more food. So, what happens? Does someone decide, “Well, life is short, and we’re just going to die anyway!” NO! They are wise enough to seek the ONE who made the earth and all the food contained therein. HE PROVIDES! ~ HE always has a plan, and it’s a great one (especially given that we can’t see all of it, yet). 😊

Often the OLD TESTAMENT clearly points to JESUS in the NEW TESTAMENT in such a way that none of us should miss it. This is one of those times. Elisha the prophet prays for GOD to provide/multiply loaves of bread so that all the people can be fed. Sound familiar? It should! JESUS does the same thing several times in the NEW TESTAMENT. In fact, on one occasion, HE even states the reason for the allusion to the bread and the miracles so often in HIS ministry. (Matthew 16:11-12)

11 Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

12 Then at last they understood that HE wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Please remember, THE REAL BATTLE is not the crisis you’re in. THE REAL BATTLE is about your attention, your passion, your heart, your faith, and your very soul! “Cry Out to JESUS” if you “Need a Miracle.” Tell your heart to believe again! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Please remember, THE REAL BATTLE is not the crisis you’re in. THE REAL BATTLE is about your attention, your passion, your heart, your faith, and your very soul!

HELPING HURRICANE IAN VICTIMS

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

1 One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared THE LORD. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”                                                                                                          II Kings 4:1

You Matter to GOD! {A Poor Woman!} ~ This week, we watched with heavy hearts as our friends endured loss and pain during Hurricane Ian. The aftermath has proven to be devastating. God reminds us to help those in need both purposefully and as an ongoing part of our lives.

12 Then HE turned to HIS host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” HE said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, GOD will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” ~ Luke 14:12-14 NLT

However, we live in a time of untrustworthiness and potential charlatans seeking to take money without providing any help to those who are hurting. So, what can we do? Of course, a great need is prayer ~ always! However, Samaritan’s Purse provides an honest and dependable way to help:

HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE IAN ~ https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/hurricane-ian/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGHI-B22V&utm_content=USDR&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW5ZHQN0p3-0oEEG-XefM1jACQXR2p24BsFnfFT6n5KhBxuf9NSNbgRoCV10QAvD_BwE

1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, GOD-FEARING man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to GOD.                                        ~ Acts 10:1-2

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Please go to http://www.samaritan’spurse.org to give and help victims of Hurricane IAN. 🙂