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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

A SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS

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SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
(40 Christ-centered songs you may not know)

If you’re struggling to find your CHRISTMAS spirit, I pray this might help you. Here are 40 songs that may move you closer to the CHILD born on CHRISTMAS morning WHO lived a perfect life, and then died on a cross for you and me. You may not like them all, but if you are still, quiet, and listening GOD will speak to you in the these moments. May you and your family find the hope, peace, joy, and love of this blessed season of the first ADVENT or coming of our SAVIOR and MESSIAH. HE is coming again! Be still and know that HE is GOD!

EMMANUEL
Amy Grant (1983)

ALL IS WELL
Michael W. Smith (1997)

NOW THAT I’VE HELD HIM IN MY ARMS
Michael Card (1983)

JOSEPH’S SONG
Michael Card (1987)

BREATHE OF HEAVEN
Amy Grant (1992)

YOU’RE HERE
Francesca Battistelli (2012)

SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY
Rebecca St. James (1997)

MOVE ME CLOSER
Evie (1987)

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR
Third Day (2006)

THIS CHRISTMAS
Toby Mac (2010)

MANGER THRONE
Third Day (2002)

GROWN UP CHRISTMAS LIST
Amy Grant (2008)

EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith (1992)

HALLELUJAH, LIGHT HAS COME
Barlow Girl (2008)

OFFERING ~ CHRISTMAS VERSION
Paul Baloche (2005)

THIS BABY
Steven Curtis Chapman (1995)

CHRISTMAS IS ALL IN THE HEART
Steven Curtis Chapman (1995)

ONE SMALL CHILD
David Meece (1990)

HOPE WAS BORN THAT NIGHT
Sidewalk Prophets (2012)

CHRISTMAS HALLELUH
Cloverton (2012)

STRANGE WAY YO SAVE THE WORLD
4 Him (1993)

MARY DID YOU KNOW
Mark Lowery (2001)

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
For King & Country (2017)

SING MARY SING
Jennifer Knapp (2002)

I HEARD THE BELLS OF CHRISTMAS DAY
Casting Crowns (2008)

GOD IS WITH US
Casting Crowns (2008)

WHILE YOU SLEEPING
Casting Crowns (2008)

HOW MANY KINGS
Downhere (2008)

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
For King & Country (2017)

BE BORN IN ME (MARY’S SONG)
Francesca Battistelli (2012)

BORN IN BETHLEHEM
Third Day (2006)

EMMANUEL GOD WITH US
Chris Tomlin (2021)

HERE WITH US
Joy Williams (2005)

LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Lauren Daigle (2016)

NOEL
Lauren Daigle (2015)

THIS IS CHRISTMAS
Kutlass (2011)

WE ARE THE REASON
David Meece (1980)

WHEN LOVE WAS BORN
Mark Shultz (2016)

Way to go! If you tried each one, then I hope you are closer to JESUS than when you began. These songs have moved me closer to JESUS’ birth. His life, and His death. May the presence of the Savior make this the best Christmas ever. Oh yeah! I come back here throughout the year to be encouraged and to draw near to Christ. He is listening and saving souls today.

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!

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Frankly Speaking,

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.

I Corinthians 1:18 NLT

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!  If you have attended church at any point in your life this statement might be offensive to you; however, for those who have avoided church: the statement may make perfect sense. Recently, someone told me that THE BIBLE is a book of fairy tales. Therefore, to some, the cross must seem like foolishness. For others, the Cross (and its Overcomer) is the very purpose for living.

Ironically, for both groups GOD has used the term “FOOLISHNESS” to help you understand a deeper meaning of the true foolishness involved. In the passage above, THE BIBLE says, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.”  THE BIBLE goes on to say, “For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than human strength.” (I Cor 1:25).

Consider for a moment, SIR ISAAC NEWTON who is known as “perhaps the greatest physicist who has ever lived.” He said of GOD,

This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. And if the fixed stars are the centers of other like systems, these, being formed by the like wise counsel, must be all subject to the dominion of One; especially since the light of the fixed stars is of the same nature with the light of the sun.

Why is JESUS remembered by so many as the SAVIOR, and if there is a shred of TRUTH to the Cross shouldn’t you at least consider its TRUTH? After all, JESUS did not say the truth is merely a concept to consider. HE said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through ME.” (John 14:6) EASTER is the living proof of this TRUTH. Happy EASTER! 😊

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

GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

But as THE ARK OF THE LORD’S COVENANT entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him. ~ I Chronicles 15:29

GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY! ~ Let’s review last week. King David wanted to move THE ARK OF THE COVENANT back to Jerusalem. He basically took a survey, and everyone thought it was “the right thing to do.” However, they left GOD out of the process. A man named Uzzah tried to steady THE ARK as it appeared to fall, and he was killed by GOD for touching THE ARK. We ended the sermon possibly thinking GOD was unfair. Go back and watch. 😊

FIRST, we must come to the realization that GOD is GOD, and we are not! When GOD makes a promise, HE never fails! HE promised HE would redeem us in Genesis 3:15, and HE fulfilled HIS promise. HE promised that HIS holiness was represented in THE ARK, and HE told the people exactly how to move it. HE warned them that if they touched it, then they would die. Why do we pick and choose when to believe GOD’S promises?  We argue with HIM when we disagree with HIS Promises? We seem to want Santa Claus instead of GOD!

SECOND, in today’s passage (I Chronicles 15:1-29), King David seeks GOD’S approval rather than a human consensus.  What a difference that makes! Too often, we, ministers, are more concerned with the opinion of the congregants rather than that of the CREATOR. When King David moved THE ARK ~ GOD’S WAY, everything went well and a HOLY GHOST party broke out. GOD first life!

THIRD, David danced for joy before THE LORD. He was not “showing off.” Michal’s reaction to King David’s worship is a vivid picture of our worship. (v 29 above) In my experience, someone somewhere is always filled with contempt whenever you worship GOD honestly and openly. It is too much for them to handle. Worship anyway! When worshiping GOD, never look out, look around, or look back. Always look up!  GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY!  😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

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

FELLOWSHIP ~ THE FAMILY ROOM

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with THE FATHER and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” ~ I John 1:3-4 NKJV

MY HEART CHRIST’S HOME: THE FAMILY ROOM! ~ In the first century, when the NEW TESTAMENT was written, there were no churches like the ones we have today. There were no modern denominations wooing us to their team. 😊 We often find ourselves looking at THE BIBLE as if it were written in our Post-Modern society with cars, technology, and much more. It was NOT!

So, how then do we apply what we read in THE BIBLE written so long ago to our lives today? Here’s what I will say every time: “It all begins with a relationship with JESUS CHRIST!” 😊 HE left heaven, lived HIS life on earth, and died for you! All this, so that, your broken relationship with GOD could be mended through HIS blood. That begins your FELLOWSHIP with GOD!

Well, do I have to go to a church according to the BIBLE? NO! However, you do have to meet with other followers of JESUS to encourage them and to be encouraged. The best way to do this is to find a church where THE BIBLE is taught and preached truthfully, openly, and honestly. That is how you grow in fellowship with GOD and man as a true believer in JESUS!

How’s your FELLOWSHIP METER? 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Check out this link:

https://www.gotquestions.org/fellowship-with-God.html

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

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!