Merry Christmas!!!

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” 

- Luke 2:10-11

Today's blog entry will be very short. I just want to take a moment to thank each one of you who've read my weekly blog this year. You've tolerated my misspelling, improper grammar and unusual subject matter. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my scattering words.

While I am grateful for your involvement, I am more appreciative for the true meaning of this holiday. When the angels announced the arrival of Jesus, their news was considered, “good tidings of great joy.” In a world in which bad news, biased news and fake news abounds, we need good news. The arrival of Jesus is good news for us.

The word, “Gospel,” literally means, good news. It is still good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made a planned visit to sinful humanity to redeem souls by His own blood. There is life through Him. Yes, I am pro-life because I am pro-Jesus. He came to give us life and life in abundance. This life is eternal and freely provided to us at great cost to Him. That is good news.

On this Christmas Day, let this good news cause your soul to overflow with gratitude, then share this good news with others.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Music

 “... come before his presence with singing.” - Psalm 100:2

Let me get on the soap box for a moment and get something off my chest. I was at the doctor's office this week. As I waited in the examination room, music from a local radio station came through the wall speaker. Every song was about the upcoming Christmas holiday. Yet there was a glaring omission. Although the music was probably considered “Christmas music,” none of the songs even mentioned Jesus. Instead the songs were about snow, memories and holiday romance.

What has happened to us here in America? In an effort to be politically correct, we are trying to rewrite history. History doesn't need to be rewritten, it needs to be understood. In our effort to keep from offending anyone, we have removed statues, amended history books and tried to restructure our holidays.

We are overwhelmed with information while drowning in the sea of ignorance.

The holiday we call, “Christmas,” is among the victims in this endless parade of political correctness. Removing Jesus from Christmas has robbed the holiday of its richness and depth. Replacing Jesus with a fictional character of Santa Claus is a foolish idea. This week, I read how a priest had to apologize for telling children that Santa Claus was a myth. Indeed, the blind are leading the blind.

I may stand alone, but I wish to be heard on this subject. We need people of all backgrounds to understand that the holiday of Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. Even the word, “Christmas,” has the word, “Christ,” within it. We need to get back to singing the great Christmas hymns like, “Silent Night,” and “Joy to the World.” There is nothing wrong with introducing people to newer Christmas songs like, “Mary, Did You Know?”

To my songwriter friends, let's not shy away from writing new songs about Christmas. Christmas is a very important part of the Gospel message. This generation needs new songs that convey the true message of Christmas. The world needs to understand that the babe in the manger would eventually be the One on the cross. Salvation only comes through Him.

As I was driving through town yesterday, I heard the voice of Elvis Presley through the loud speakers in downtown Mullens, WV. “Blue Christmas,” was a holiday hit for Elvis, but I don't consider it a favorite. Let's revive, “Away In the Manger,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” At Christmas, we need to hear about Jesus, not heartache.

As I write this, tomorrow is Sunday, a day of worship. Lord willing, we'll be singing classic Christmas hymns at church. Our service will designed to honor Jesus. Shouldn't that be the way we live?

I'll get off my soap box now. It's true that we Christians tend to complain a lot. The fact is, there is much to complain about. However, I wish to be part of the solution and not just a complainer. During this holiday, I intend to sing and listen to Christ-honoring, Gospel-centered Christmas songs.

What about you?

Dealing With Depression

 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” - Psalm 42:5, 11, 43:5

As I write this, the Christmas holiday is fast approaching. One popular holiday song calls this holiday, “the most wonderful time of the year.” For many people this is true. It is time for family, giving and great food. However, there are some who will not be having a wonderful time. For these souls, the holidays are tough. They are dealing with loneliness and hopelessness.

Depression is a real problem in our society. There are a few well-meaning people who say that depression is caused by a lack of faith. Perhaps this is true of some, but most are dealing with issues that are far deeper than superficial advise will solve.

I do not offer this message as a cure-all for those who are depressed. I know better than that. I am not an expert on this subject, so don't treat my advise as being medical or professional advise. But I know that depressed people need the Lord to help them through their dreary fog of hopelessness.

The Psalmist must have known a little about such depression when he wrote, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” There are many who are cast down. Perhaps you are one of them.

The Psalmist advised the depressed to hope in God. I think this is vital for all who are depressed. I believe the Lord has placed modern medicine and great Christian counselors at our disposal to help in such situations. If you are depressed, seek the help you desperately need. Furthermore, get out of the house. The worst thing you can do is to live in isolation. You need to be around others. Open up to a close family member or Christian friend. Talk to your family doctor or pastor. Privately share with someone about your struggles. Let me encourage you today. There is hope for those suffering from depression. Your life may seem to be full of darkness, but be aware that there is light ahead.

For those of us who are not suffering from depression, we need to pay attention to those around us. Watch for warning signs. Check on those you are concerned about. Give them a call. Visit them. Send them a card or letter. Invite them to dinner. Show love and compassion to them. While it may be a wonderful time of the year for you, it may be nightmare for them.

Depression is real. It appears like Elijah may have suffered from it after the encounter on Mount Carmel. After a great spiritual event, Elijah was praying for God to end his life. Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, also suffered from, “the dark night of the soul.” If you are suffering from depression, you're not alone.

There is help available. When Elijah was depressed, God led him to enlist Elisha as a friend. Elijah mentored Elisha. This fellowship seemed to help Elijah. Spurgeon found levels of help as he shared his struggles publicly from the pulpit and his writings.

You can't defeat depression alone. You need God and others. Fortunately, this help is available to you right now.

There is hope for depression.

Why Jesus Came

 “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21

We are fast approaching the Christmas holiday. There is a big push by retailers to get us to shop with them. This year, retailers are counting on the public to shop locally after a down year in 2020. Online retailers are sending emails and buying ads on social media sites, trying to lure us to their website so we may buy Christmas gifts from them. Like or not, many businesses rely on the holidays for a significant portion of their profitability.

Of course the commercialization of Christmas has distracted millions from the true meaning of the holiday. We have substituted Santa Claus in place of Jesus. We have replaced the virgin birth of Christ with gift-giving. We no longer refer to Christmas as the celebration of the Savior's birth. Instead, it has been downgraded into a secular holiday. Any attempt to put Jesus back into Christmas is considered to be politically incorrect and intolerant of other religions.

I may be the only voice in the crowd with this opinion, but I share it anyhow. December 25^th was set aside many years ago as the date we remember Jesus' birth. It should be celebrated as such. Quite honestly, we do not have an actual record of the exact date of Jesus' birthday. Perhaps it was December 25^th. In any case, December 25^th is the date that has been designated to remember His birth.

Even among those who recognize Christmas as Jesus' birthday, few comprehend the meaning behind His arrival. If you were to interview people about Christmas, some may respond that Christmas is about Jesus' birth, but few really understand why He came. Why was His birth so remarkable? What is the big deal about Jesus and His birthday?

Jesus came for a specific reason. He came on a divine mission that directly impacts your life and mine. Jesus said that he came to seek and to save them which are lost. That is why He came. As Matthew 1:21 states: “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus' arrival was to bring salvation to the lost. Instead of viewing His birth as a mere holiday, we need to recognize it has a divine act of mercy, an urgent rescue mission.

Too many consider Jesus to be a good teacher and example, but we need to look to His real mission. He is the Messiah, our Savior and Lord. Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins. Our plight was hopeless until God stepped in and provided the remedy we needed. We were hell-bound sinners, deserving of everlasting wrath because of our sins. Yet God did the unthinkable: He send His Son to take the wrath that we deserved, so that through Him, we may have everlasting life. That is why Jesus came.

It is true that Jesus taught great lessons. He lived a perfect life that we should desire to imitate. He performed great miracles. Through these things He certainly validated His claim of being the Son of God. But it didn't stop there. His miraculous virgin-birth was certainly required, but it isn't the greatest miracle of all. His death and resurrection were the greatest validation that He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

Our only hope of heaven is found in Jesus alone. While others brag about their works, accomplishments and religious activity, I'll still rest in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

If you really want to know why Jesus came, look in the mirror.

The Empty Seat

 “David’s place was empty.” - 1 Samuel 20:25

The holidays can be the best of times, but they also can be depressing. When loved ones pass away, it leaves us heartbroken and sad. The holidays are especially difficult for those who've just had loved ones pass away. Instead of seeing that familiar face at the dinner table, there is an empty seat. The seat was once occupied by one so dear, but now it is empty.

Trite sayings and recycled quotes do not help in such situations. The holidays are forever different when there is an empty seat. Over time, more seats are vacated. One day, the seat I occupy will be empty as well.

David's place was empty for a different reason. Out of concern for his own life, David was absent from the king's table. He and his friend, Jonathan (Saul's son), were testing the mental and emotional state of King Saul. David's absence was noticed by Saul. The king's response to David's absence was violent. When David learned this, he fled from Saul. David would never sit at the king's table again until he occupied the throne himself.

When our loved ones die in Jesus, it is tempting to think that the end has come. It has not. Even though that loved one will never sit at the family table again, the next time you see that person, he or she will be sitting at the King's table. What a joy to join them there!

It is healthy to contemplate the fact that one day my seat will be empty. So will yours. Are you sure where you will be when that day comes? Only through saving faith in Jesus do we have genuine assurance of a better place to go when death comes.

For those of you struggling during this holiday period, let me encourage you to lift up your eyes, for your redemption draweth nigh. There is a place where every seat will be occupied. There will be no empty seats at God's table. When all the saints are gathered home, the whole family of God will be together. Our reunions here on earth pale to compare with the reunion in glory. There will be no empty seats at the marriage supper of the Lamb!

The most important seat will be throne. God will occupy that seat. He is the only One worthy to sit there. Heaven will be filled with excitement. At the center of all the celebration will be God Himself. He will be praised and worshiped.

The empty seat is sad for us here on earth. Yet if that loved one died in Jesus, we know that one day we will feast with them at God's table. We won't worry about overeating or gaining calories. We will not part from that meeting. Instead, we will rejoice together, praising the One who graciously permits us to make our abode in His home forever.

I'm glad there will be no empty seats there!

Thanks Living

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To many people in America, Thanksgiving holiday means three things: family, food and football. For the Christian, every day is Thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Long before our government set aside the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving, the Bible encouraged believes to make gratitude part of daily living.

We need a time of thanksgiving, not just in November, but every day. We need to remind ourselves how blessed we really are. We tend to focus on the things we don't have rather than the things we do possess. We often complain about the things that don't seem right in our lives rather than giving thanks for the things that are good. If we did an honest assessment of our lives, we would come away from the experience convinced that we are blessed.

We tend to lose sight of the blessings we have because we are continually reaching for “better things.” As Americans, we are richer than a large percentage of people globally, but you'd never know it by how act. In third world countries, many go without food daily. We don't have that problem, do we? A visit to the ICU reminds us not to take our health for granted. When we visit a nursing home, we are reminded how challenging the end of life can be.

Notice in Paul's words to the Thessalonians that we are to give thanks, “In every thing.” We'd prefer for to be told to give things for some things or even most things. But all things? Let's be honest for a moment. There are some things we aren't grateful for. Did you ever give thanks for a migraine headache or a kidney stone? Most would not give thanks for a cancer diagnosis or gut-wrenching divorce proceedings.

Yet we are challenged to give thanks, “In every thing.” Our painful and perplexing circumstances must be understood as we examine them from a divine perspective. In Romans 8:28, Paul wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Notice that “all things work together for good,” for those who love God. It doesn't say that all things are good, but that all things work together for good. Thus, we can thank God for all these things, seeing that He works them all together for good.

When you consider that you should be in hell, it tends to sharpen your focus. The late evangelist, Bill Stafford, once said, “Anything above hell is grace.” From that perspective, we can give thanks for all things that we experience in life, even the hardships. We are heaven-bound saints because of the grace of God. That is something to be thankful for, wouldn't you agree?

Rather than having Thanksgiving, there should be Thanks Living. Our lives should be marked by perpetual gratitude. If you have much to be thankful for, shouldn't your attitude, actions and conversations reflect this?

Live with gratitude. As one preacher once put it, “Only turkeys aren't grateful on Thanksgiving.”  

 

Be The One

 “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” - Luke 17:15-16

Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give Him thanks. Why didn't the other nine return to give Him thanks? Were they too excited and forgot their manners? Or was it that only one leper recognized Jesus as the Son of God and returned to thank Him as an act of worship?

In the busyness of our days, it is easy to get distracted from fundamental and vital issues. We can easily forget our blessings and fail to render thanks for them. Sadly, some people don't recognize their blessings until those blessings are taken away.

Blessings are simply gifts bestowed upon us by our benevolent God. Out of love and kindness, the Lord has showered us with countless blessings. If we are honest, we'd have to admit that we are unworthy of these gifts. Yet He demonstrates His mercy and grace by providing these gifts to us daily. What an awesome God we serve!

You'd think that if He were so kind and gracious to us, the very least we could do is thank Him for His blessings. Yet we often fail at that. Certainly His blessings give us reason to give Him thanks, yet they should also lead us to worship the One who is loving and kind. His gifts reflect His generosity. His generosity to us should lead us to be generous to others ourselves. His grace should give us incentive to show grace to those around us.

We can look around and find so many examples of people who are like the nine lepers. Despite God's awesome blessings, they take them for granted, or even worse, act as if they are entitled to such blessings. Many are highly successful, yet act as if their knowledge and skills alone were the cause for their success. The nine lepers went away blessed, but untouched in their hearts. Americans certainly embody that lifestyle today.

If we claim to be followers of Jesus, we shouldn't be like the nine lepers. Instead, we need to be like the one who returned to thank and worship the Savior. Let us never get over what He has done for us.

In a world full of people who live like the nine lepers, I want to be like the one who returned to Jesus. Be the one who glorifies God regardless of the scorn of others. Be the one who thanks Him despite my own flesh and pride. Be the one who worships the One who cleansed me and changed me.

I owe everything to Him, what about you?

The Insult of Ingratitude

 “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” - Luke 17:17

Jesus healed ten lepers, but nine did not return to thank Him for the incredible miracle. When we read this story, we are stirred with anger at the ingratitude shown by the lepers. Leprosy was a highly contagious and incurable disease of the day. Just the word, leprosy, brought fear to an uninfected population. For men to be cleansed of such a disease was an incredible, life-changing blessing. To fail to thank Jesus for this gift is an insult and disgrace.

Before we issue great condemnation towards these nine men, we must admit that we have been guilty of ingratitude ourselves. Every day, we are recipients of blessings, even miracles, but do we express gratitude for all of them? Do we thank the Lord for the boundless grace He shows toward us?

Surely, ingratitude is an insult towards the One who shows us mercy. We selfishly ask for more blessings --- and even expect them --- yet we often fail to thank Him for the blessings we've already received.

How would you feel if you continually helped someone, but never received a word of gratitude or thanks? What would you think of someone who selfishly welcomed every unmerited blessing, yet failed to recognize your generosity? You would consider such ingratitude to be an insult, wouldn't you?

Like it or not, we are more like the nine lepers than we'd like to admit. You awoke this morning. Did you thank God for that? You had a warm place to sleep overnight. Did you express thanks for that? You had food on your table again today. Was this a blessing you specifically thanked God for? You had a portion of good health. Did you praise the Lord for this? We could go on and on. God has been good to us. Did we recognize Him for this? Are we ashamed to give credit to the Lord publicly for all He does?

Many people only give thanks to the Lord on specified holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But what about the other days of the year? Every day is a special day, a blessing from God.

It is assumed that the nine lepers went to the High Priest, as commanded, to be declared clean from leprosy. Yet only one returned to the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who preformed the miracle of cleansing. One man returned to give Him heartfelt gratitude for the life-altering cleansing he had received.

As believers in Christ, we have been cleansed from a much more deadly disease than leprosy. We have been cleansed from sin by the power of the blood. This miracle is the greatest of all miracles. Leonard Ravenhill once said that the greatest miracle of all is for God to take an unholy man out of an unholy world, make him holy, then place him back in the unholy world and enable him to live a holy life. That is something only God can do. May we never forget that. May we never cease praising Him for it.

Yes, ingratitude is an insult against the One who has showered us with bountiful blessings. Let us cease from such a sin in the future!

Rest

 “I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

I must confess that I am not an early riser. I get up early every workday morning because it is necessary, not because I am already awake. I love my sleep! When I was young, I didn't understand why older people went to bed so early. Now I find myself going to bed a little after 9 every night. I need my sleep!

Rest is actually a blessing from God. Our bodies need rest. It isn't healthy for a person to only sleep three or four hours each night. While your body can tolerate sleepless hours, eventually it will demand the rest and sleep it has been deprived of.

Most people give little attention to sleep, until they experience sleepless nights. Parents of newborn children learn quickly that rest does not come automatically. Furthermore, illness can rob a person of sleep. In the years gone by, I have suffered from kidney stones, which can easily deprive me of sleep.

I don't take sleep for granted. Neither should you.

When Jesus said, “I will give you rest,” He was offering rest to people who were depleted by the oppression of sin. The devil is a harsh taskmaster. He offers much but delivers little. The devil promises an abundant life but drags his followers into the gutter of despair. Thankfully, God offers such people rest.

Life is demanding. Expectations are high. It is easy to be overwhelmed by it all. I am glad that there is a place where we can go and experience the rest we need. Rest refreshes the spirit. Rest rejuvenates the body. Rest even helps in the healing process.

When you have sleepless nights, it is good to talk with the Master. Often I have asked for the Lord for rest during sleepless nights and soon found myself getting drowsy. He does give rest to those who need it.

God rested on the seventh day of creation. He did not need to rest, but He certainly demonstrated to us that rest is a good thing. The Jews were commanded to learn from God's example and set aside the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. They were expected to set aside this day and treat it as a holy day.

Christians are promised that there remains a rest for us (see Hebrews 4). While the Jews rested on the seventh day, Christians worship on the first day of the week, remembering the resurrection of Jesus. Our Sabbath rest is yet to come. In Revelation 14:13, John wrote, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” The saints mentioned in this text experienced rest from their labors. Such rest is a glorious thing.

God created rest. He modeled it for us. We should appreciate this gift and thank the Giver of it. Furthermore, we should invite weary souls to find the rest they need in Jesus.

Thank God for rest!

Homemade Religion

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” - Romans 10:2-3

I fear that many people in America have what I call, “homemade religion.” They've taken bits and pieces of Christianity and added their own preferences and opinions. They have crafted their own religion while continuing to use the label, “Christian.”

In their deliberate ignorance, these individuals have a Christ without change, rituals without repentance, sacraments without sacrifice, belief without the Bible, and happiness without holiness. Such superficial religion is a miserable experience. It provides neither help nor hope.

These zealots of homemade religion may or may not be church members. In fact, church has become taboo for so many of them. They fly solo through the dense clouds of uncertainty, unaware of the high mountain of judgment that they are about to crash into. They do not heed the warning lights on the dashboard. Neither will they prayerfully talk on the radio of repentance. Instead, they boast of their independence as they face deadly peril.

It is easier to win a drunk to Jesus than a religious Pharisee. A prostitute is more likely candidate for salvation than the disciples of homemade religion. While a man refuses to humbly acknowledge his lost, sinful condition, he cannot be saved. Like a blind man walking through the woods in the middle of the night, he may brag about his progress, not knowing that the next step may be the edge of a cliff.

Christianity is all about Christ. This is missing from so many sermons these days. Salvation is of the Lord, not our religious deeds. Apart from a real faith in the living Christ, a man or woman is hopelessly lost. There is no other way for a man to avoid the hell he deserves.

The problem is that a person with homemade religion will read these words and be convinced I am writing about someone else. Homemade religion is deceitful. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they sewed fig leaves together in an attempt to cover their nakedness. They deceived themselves into thinking that their remedy was sufficient. Their homemade religion was futile. God had to slay animals and use their skins to cover Adam and Eve. It is a reminder that homemade religion never covers anything. Without the shedding of blood we are naked and ashamed. While blood was shed to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve, it takes the blood of the Lamb, the precious Lord Jesus, to cover our sins today.

There is no homemade substitute for this.

Sacred Obsession

 “My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” - Psalm 63:1

If you spend time with a person, you'll quickly learn what he or she values. We tend to talk about the things that are most important to us. We can even be preoccupied with these things. In fact, for some, priorities have grown into obsessions.

According to yourdictionary.com, obsession is defined as the act of letting a thought or action rule your thoughts or actions. On social media, I find some who are obsessed on differing sides of the vaccination topic. Many have been obsessed about the last election. Many are obsessed with their favorite football team.

Where are the people who are obsessed with Jesus? Where are the folks who have a sacred obsession?

A while back, I watched a video about the Jesus Movement that occurred in the United States around 1970. I was struck with the obsession these young people had. They worshiped with excitement, witnessed everywhere with boldness and studied their Bibles with expectation. They had a sacred obsession. Many of these young people are now leading churches, seminaries and para-church organizations.

Let me pose this question. Is there a valid reason why Christians shouldn't obsessed with Jesus today? More to the point: Why aren't you obsessed?

We have allowed the world to mold our thought-process. We have been influenced too greatly by our society. A man with a spiritual obsession is considered to be “weird.” We try to avoid such a reputation. Instead, we have conveniently reduced our spiritual involvement to a few minutes in church on Sunday mornings, if at all.

Let's be honest about it. If the Gospel is not true, we shouldn't be obsessed with it. In fact, we should shove it aside and label it as a lie. However, if the Gospel is true (and it is), shouldn't it be something we are obsessed with? The Gospel addresses a life and death situation bringing good news to a hopeless race. The Gospel is the message desperately needed by a dying world, but rarely articulated by those who claim to believe it. Even worse, as recipients of grace, we act as though the Gospel is not so great after all.

It is time we remember what it was like to be lost. Think of the great guilt that we accumulated. Consider the magnitude of our crimes against a holy God. Then we need to spend quality time thinking about Calvary and Jesus dying in our place so we could be saved. The Gospel was good news to us when we were saved. We passed from death to life. It thrilled our souls.

It is time to get back to where we started. Too many of us are like Martha. She was busy and stressed out over little things while, simultaneously, missing out on sweet fellowship with Jesus, who was just feet away from her. Let us strive be more like Mary who sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His Word. She was captivated with her Lord. She had a sacred obsession.

Jesus is near right now. How sad it is to avoid Him while trying to do His work. It is tragic to neglect Jesus because you are consumed with “more important things.”

Push aside everything right now and spend quality time with Jesus. Share your thoughts, burdens and concerns with Him in prayer. Open your Bible and receive His Word in your heart. Return to your first love and bask in His love once more.

We need to have a sacred obsession once more!

Solitude

 “Be still, and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10

We are living in a fast-paced world. The hustle and bustle of everyday life drains our time quickly. Everywhere we turn there are high demands on our time. We are expected to work 40+ hours a week on the job. Family-time is difficult to squeeze in. We are expected to exercise, attend church and get involved in community activities. It is nearly impossible to meet all these demands.

To make things worse there are many time-consuming distractions that lure us into wasting precious moments. Television and social media are among the many distractions that are burning up our precious time.

Because of time limitations, we are giving little or no time for spiritual growth. Our moments with God seems to be little more than leftover time … if He even gets that. No wonder that spiritual vitality is anemic among professing believers.

In spite of all the demands being made on our time, what could be more important than our time with God? We need times of solitude to meet with God, commune with Him and learn from His Word.

We need a time of solitude every day. I am not suggesting the length of time to give. That is something you need to work out. I am suggesting that a block of time be given for fellowship with God.

I know this is easier said than done. Let me make the following suggestions:

First, set an appointment daily. Just as we tend to keep medical appointments, we need to set and keep an appointment to meet with God daily. Just like a doctor's appointment, we should protect this appointment from distractions and demands. If necessary, get up a little earlier each day to keep this time of spiritual solitude.

Next, prepare for this time. Find a good place you can go to for solitude. It may be the living room, front porch, a walk through the woods or sitting on the front porch swing. This place needs to be free of distractions. Also, have your Bible with you. You want two or three things to happen in this time of solitude. First, spend some time reading the Bible. Secondly, pray. Finally, reflect and quietly soak in the things you've learned from the Word.

Third, keep going. Turn this ritual into a habit. Anticipate resistance from the devil and your flesh. Remember that nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Finally, start today. Don't wait for the first of the month or first of the year. Make today your starting point.

We need times of spiritual solitude. These precious moments permit us to feast on spiritual food.

Don't settle for the junk food of the world.

Liberty, License or Legalism

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” - Romans 14:5

Our country has major problems, not the least of which are the internal conflicts that are unraveling the thread of civility from our land. Social media is greatly responsible for this. Right now, the big issue at the center of our conflicts is our personal response to Covid-19.

The President has issued executive orders mandating the vaccination of certain groups of people. Some believe he has exceeded his power with such a wide-scale mandate. While this is an issue that is open for debate, I want us to focus on the Christian's response to Covid-19, wearing masks and being vaccinated.

As an American, I believe in personal liberty. In my personal opinion, the government should not be running our lives. Some things are simply up to the individual. While others may disagree, we do not want to have governmental interference with our personal lives. Personal liberty is an important aspect of our nation's freedom.

We cannot say that the government cannot ever tell us what to do. The government orders us to pay taxes. The Bible instructs us to pay our taxes. According to the Scriptures, we are to obey the government … yet we must practice civil disobedience if the government tries to force us to disobey God.

While I may strongly disagree with our government and its leaders at times, my faith does not give me permission to violate our laws simply because I don't like them. We are commanded to live in harmony with others … as much as possible.

So what about mask mandates? What about vaccination mandates? What is to be our response to these things?

When it comes to the laws of our land, the legality of such mandates are to be determined by the judicial branch of government. I admit that I don't always agree with the judgments rendered by our courts. Often judgments are influenced by the political preference rather than the Constitution.

What bothers me are the Christians who are hostile towards others who do not share the same view about this virus. Those who are vaccinated and wear masks seem condescending and judgmental towards those who don't. Those who object to masks and vaccination openly question the patriotism and convictions of those who've been vaccinated.

Before you condemn the unvaccinated, let me remind everyone that there are many who cannot receive the vaccine because health issues or the medication they are taking.

Personally, I have received the vaccination and here's why. While we don't know about all the long-term consequences of receiving the vaccine, we do know that it is keeping many from being infected. Plus, the small percentage of vaccinated people who still get the virus often do not suffer as badly as those who don't and the mortality rate is significantly lower.

I have an elderly mother, elderly church members and deal with the public in my work. I don't want my carelessness to be the means of infecting those I care about the most. The consequences of infection could be harsh on me and deadly on others. I don't want that on my conscience.

Nevertheless, I understand why some refuse the vaccination. I understand why some are harshly against wearing a mask. I also understand that they may be putting themselves and others at risk.

The Bible says, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” I think this should be the proper response we have concerning this matter. Don't be harsh in judging others who disagree with you. Each person must make their own decision. Of course, the decisions we make do have consequences. We should demonstrate sympathy and love towards those who are suffering, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

I do not agree that the vaccine is the “mark of the beast,” described in the book of Revelation. However, I can see how governmental mandates are opening the door to that wickedness. I know that this fueling some of the vaccination resistance.

While we may have strong opinions on this matter, we shouldn't allow our opinions to mold us into Pharisees. Legalism is more dangerous than this virus. Many Christians may strongly object to my thesis on this subject and that's okay. As an American, I have the freedom to express myself. As a Christian, I have the responsibility to respond to my own convictions and conscience. I suggest that we all do the same.

Personally, I can't wait until this whole pandemic is behind us. 

Pandemic, Propaganda or Pandemonium

“Satan hindered us.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

If Satan hindered the work of the Apostle Paul, we shouldn't be surprised when he hinders us. Satan is very strategic in his assault. Although he is not omniscient, he is still very cunning. He tends to recognize spiritual opportunities and timing better than we do.

Many believe that we are nearing the return of our Lord. Furthermore, many believe that the government's attempts to mandate mask-wearing and vaccination shots are a foreshadow of end-time events, perhaps even the beginning of these events. I do believe that mandates foreshadow the coming mandate of the mark of the beast (Revelation 13). While this may be so, I want us to consider our present situation.

The medical community has used the label, “pandemic,” to describe our world's infection with Covid-19. Some, like Pastor John MacArthur, dispute this label. Most dictionaries define a pandemic as a wide-spread epidemic of a disease. We may debate what constitutes a “wide-spread epidemic,” but I don't choose to argue this point.

Some believe that Covid-19 is just a hoax. They think it is propaganda of the government and news media, trying to use fear to get citizens to obey government orders and mandates. However, Covid-19 is not a hoax. It does exist. People I know personally are suffering from it. Many have died. It is not a hoax.

While I do not believe that Covid-19 is a hoax, I don't want to be swept away with the pandemonium that the government and news media is trying to stir. Common sense, good hygiene and prayer can help us deal with this situation. Next week, I intend to address the subject of masks and vaccinations.

As I write this, my desire to emphasize what I see going on and how we should respond to it. Covid-19 has brought division to our country, typically along party lines. Furthermore, Covid-19 has brought challenges to believers unlike anything we have seen in this generation.

Let me be crystal clear in saying that God is NOT the source of this virus. Our enemy, the devil, is responsible.

The enemy has come to kill, still and destroy. I believe that United States has been a target the devil has been concentrating on. This virus shut down our economy in 2020 (and it has never fully recovered yet). Furthermore, this virus has further divided our nation politically and socially. We are no longer a nation united. Cynicism is at an all-time high in our country. We have a hard time believing anyone.

Worst of all, the devil has used this virus to divide churches. Many argue about whether masks should be worn in church or not. In some places, such as Canada, the government has ordered churches to close, resulting in the arrest of pastors who refuse to comply. Fear and intimidation has kept many out of church here in America. Some churches are struggling to keep their doors open. Others are struggling to reach new people because fear of infection is now an “acceptable” excuse for folks to stay away from church.

Satan is hindering believers. Satan is hindering the Church.

Even though the devil is the source of this virus, God permitted it. Why? I will not attempt to answer that question because I am not God. His ways are above my ways. There are aspects of His will that are not obvious to mankind.

I will say this, though. This virus has unmasked certain problems among church members. First of all, it has revealed that church members lack empathy. Rather than showing compassion, we are debating politics. Would you rather win a political argument or have a healthy family?

With the life and death issues facing so many, you'd think there would be more discussion about eternity. This is a unique opportunity for Christians to spread the Gospel. We are failing badly at this.

You'd think that a situation like this would give Christians the opportunity to demonstrate their faith before a dying world. Rather than living in fear and panic like the world, we should be confident in the Lord and stand on His Word.

Covid-19 is real, but so is God. The devil is cunning, ruthless and powerful, but the Lord is stronger. This is not a time for pandemonium. Neither is it is time for panic.

It is time to use common sense, walk with God, make Him known and live wisely.

Lest We Forget

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” - Psalm 11:3

Do you recall what you were doing on September 11, 2001? On that day I was working, driving to Mercer County, WV. Before I had left my office, a co-worker told me that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. As I drove that morning, I had the radio on and listened to the news as events unfolded. It was a time like no other. Fear gripped our nation. Without question, these unprovoked attacks would change our lives. We just didn't know how much.

As I write this, today is the 20-year anniversary of that horrific day. Memories of that day, and the days afterward, are deeply embedded in my mind. Believe it or not, there are still many who applaud the cowardly act of terrorism from that day. Our nation still has enemies that wish to inflict damage upon us.

After intelligence was gathered about the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation and declared war on terrorism. Even though President Bush cautioned the nation that this would be a long process, the nation was squarely behind the President and his plan. At the time, I questioned America's resolve to follow through with such a response. I knew that terrorism is not easily defeated. I didn't think the American people would have the patience required to endure such an effort. It turns out that I was right.

In just a short period of time, our nation seems to have forgotten the tragedy of 9/11. We have forgotten the horrific sight of first responders trying to find survivors in the rubble of the Twin Towers. The catastrophic loss of life in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania are just faint memories to many.

9/11 has since been declared “Patriot Day.” Yet patriotism has since eroded. Rather than uniting together under the flag, we are fighting each other on social media. Athletes kneel at our national anthem and are applauded. Now a second “national anthem” has come out of nowhere to be played before athletic events. We are no longer a nation united. The fragmentation of our nation has made our nation vulnerable to attacks from without and within.

Often it is said that if we fail to learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Our nation tends to only emphasize the parts of history that are pleasing to us. We don't like to reminded of our mistakes and failures. Furthermore, we have grown rather complacent about terrorism. I fear that we are doomed to have history repeat itself.

Worst of all, we are prone to forget God. After 9/11, our nation sought spiritual help. We needed God's healing balm to bring life and hope back to our nation. Why does it take a 9/11 for God to get our attention? While God was not the cause of the terrorist attacks, He did permit them. I believe it was a wake-up call for America. All we did was press the snooze alarm.

The Psalmist posed the question: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” I am not a prophet, but I do believe God tried to get our attention on 9/11. Now the foundations of our nation are in serious danger. Since the foundations are being destroyed, what can we, as Christians, do?

First of all, we need to remember. Rather than rewriting our history books, we need to reread them. Rather than tearing down monuments, we need to remember why they were placed there to begin with. We need to remember our mistakes and learn from them. We need to remember what God has done for us and give Him the credit He deserves.

Secondly, we need to pray. Like never before our nation needs prayer. We need to pray for America and her future. We need to beg God for a mighty spiritual awakening. Apart from an act of God's grace, our nation will self-destruct.

Next, we need to get back to the Bible. Too many Americans trust what they read on social media, or hear from politicians and newscasts. Isn't it time we trust God's Book rather than Facebook? Isn't it time for Americans to trust in God rather than the government? We need a Bible revival once more.

Finally, we need to let our voices be heard. Yes, Christians need to vote, based on Biblical convictions. Furthermore, we need to be unashamed in sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel. People need the Lord. It is time that hear about Him from us rather than the false representation of Christianity spread by the news media and the ungodly influence of entertainers.

Yes, we need to remember 9/11. We need to be reminded that terrorism still exists. Our nation is still vulnerable. Factions within our nation are trying to undermine our freedoms. As Christians, it is time for our light to penetrate the world of darkness around us.

A Mile Wide and An Inch Deep

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” - Hebrews 5:12

Are you satisfied with the depth of your Christian life? Too many are content with a dab of Christianity on Sunday mornings. They are uncomfortable around zealous believers. They want to compartmentalize everything, including God.

Most believers aren't concerned with spiritual depth. They figure since they got their “ticket punched” for heaven, that is all that is required of them. Devotion, service and self-sacrifice may be required of pastors, evangelists and missionaries, but not them.

It is true that there are more demands on our time than ever before. There is overt pressure to conform to the world's expectations. The fact is that we still only have 24 hours in a day. How we utilize that time says a great deal about our priorities.

In this age of entertainment, the worship of God has been reduced to highly programmed church services. In fact, most American Christians are attracted to “exciting” church services with a groovy band, choreographed events and a brief “life lecture.”

What if all the entertainment was stripped away, is that enough to keep you actively involved in your church? If all your church had to offer is Jesus, would that be enough to keep you engaged?

Sadly, we talk about the sufficiency of Christ when it comes to salvation, but for some reason, He isn't sufficient for our daily lives. This says more about us than it does Him.

In persecuted countries, Christians often have to meet in secret. There are no high-profile stage lights, a popular choir or jazzy entertainment. All they is the Word, the Spirit and each other. That is more than enough for them.

The reason that isn't enough for us is because we are shallow. We lack spiritual perspective and correct priorities. We are spiritually a mile wide but an inch deep. We have style but no substance. We specialize on the superficial to the neglect of the supernatural. Rather than impacting our world with the Gospel, the world is impacting our lives with its propaganda. Sadly, church members know more about the TV schedule than their Bibles. We're more concerned about the next election than Judgment Day.

Spiritual depth does not increase because the pastor tells jokes or the choir sings a new song. Instead, we grow deeper as we take God seriously, depending on Him and obeying His Word in spite of hostile circumstances. Although we try to avoid trials, they often make believers stronger. We don't need to live in fantasy-land, being saturated with entertainment in an effort to avoid responsibility or problems.

Such things as prayer meetings and Bible Study classes are avoided by most church members. These meetings are not flashy events. But how can we grow deeper if we refuse to have communion with God?

As our culture continues its decline into ungodliness, we can expect persecution to increase. If such a scenario plays out, we will need more than Sunday glitter and religious entertainment. We'll need to be deeply grounded in God's Word, anchored in truth and fervent in prayer.

Are you willing to go deeper? 

God's Wake Up Call

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” - Romans 13:11-12

If you've ever stayed at a hotel or motel, you already know that you can ask the desk clerk to call you at a certain time the following morning. This wake-up call is meant to keep you from oversleeping. Even though most hotel and motel rooms have an alarm clock, a wake-up call from the desk clerk is usually available.

I feel like God is giving America a wake-up call right now. Recent events have shaken our country, yet most remain unconcerned. Instead of flocking to churches in search of spiritual help, too many are looking to Washington for relief. Perhaps we should change our currency to read, “In Government We Trust,” rather than, “In God We Trust.” Even though we are aware of bureaucracy and corruption in our government, we would rather trust the government than God.

Consider the news headlines of the past couple weeks. There was a massive, destructive earthquake in Haiti. We've witnessed the political disaster in Afghanistan that has created a humanitarian and spiritual crisis there. Flooding has killed several in Tennessee. Ida is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches landfall in America this weekend, potentially endangering many lives. Covid-19 numbers are ever increasing. Thousands continue to die as the Delta variant of the virus ravages our land. Things are a mess in our country right now. While God is not the source of pain and disease, He may permit such conditions to occur as He calls men and women to repentance.

I believe this is God's wake-up call for America. Most people continue to sleep through the storm, unconcerned about conditions until it is too late. Many believers are pressing the snooze alarm so they can avoid as much of the problems as possible.

Paul wrote, “...now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” We are in a spiritual crisis here in America, but most treat it as a normal condition. We have become immune to our problems. We have allowed familiarity to remove the shock value from current events.

We should be alert. If you were in a hotel and a fire broke out, you'd want to be notified, even in the middle of the night. Sleeping during a fire is often fatal.

Well, a fire is engulfing our land. Souls are at stake. While we argue about politics and constitutional rights, the fire is spreading. While debates go on about whether to wear masks or not, or whether to get the Covid vaccine or not, our country is going down the drain. While it is good to uphold the Constitution, it is better to be passionate about the standard of God's Word. Realizing the late hour we are living in, we should be more serious about our situation.

Even a casual reader of the Bible would realize that people are avoiding God's warnings. If you read Romans 1:18-32, you'll understand that the very sins God has condemned is embraced by our country and encouraged by those in the highest offices of leadership. Verse 32 states, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Not only is there judgment coming for those who commit such sins, but the same condemnation will come to those give hearty approval to those who commit such iniquity.

The word needs to be proclaimed on the street corner, on television and on the internet. Jesus is coming soon. Judgment is imminent. It is time to repent and turn to Jesus.

The only hope for America at this point is a mighty spiritual awakening. Apart from this, our nation will continue its hopeless downward spiral into certain, imminent destruction.

God is giving us a wake up call. Will you heed it?