Today is an important day for me. This is the day when I first started this blog seven years ago. I began the blog with the intention of posting sermons, talking about animal and environmental issues and just sharing things that were on my mind. Later, I started posting book reviews, poems and some of my writing. I haven't posted about animal issues as much lately, but I will be doing that more in the near future.
I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity that He has given me to share His Word here on the blog. The Lord called me to be a minister many years ago. I went to Bible college and seminary with the intention of being a pastor in a church. I did do some work in evangelism in the church, but due to a number of circumstances, my ideas of what my ministry was to be didn't work out.
The Lord had other ideas. I was able to become a writer, and I was able to use my writing as a means of ministry. The Lord has allowed me to have several religious articles published, and I've written two books that I've posted here on the blog. The Lord has allowed me to post these sermons that each week are read by people in several countries.
I want to thank everyone who reads the blog for taking the time to read the sermons, the reviews and the other items that I post on here. I appreciate your support.
I don't know how much longer I will be able to do the blog. Hopefully, I will be able to post sermons for years to come. It is possible that the Lord will lead me on to other endeavors.
Lord willing, I have several different messages already lined up for the year, and I have three books that I will be reviewing in the coming weeks.
Once again, thank the Lord for this opportunity, and thank you for reading the blog.
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There is a matter that I would like everyone to pray about. Two matter actually. First of all, I heard this morning that there was a major earthquake in Papua New Guinea. Australia is sending aid already. Let us all pray for those who are injured that they will recover. Pray that any people that are trapped will be found, and pray that those affected will receive the aid that they need.
On the second matter. There is a railroad track very close to where I live. They are going to be working on the track over the next few weeks. Please pray that there is not any damage to my house or others in the little town where I live. Sometimes, the workers aren't too careful about how what they do affects others. Thank you for your prayers.
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Poem
Now, I want to post a poem that I had published a few years ago. This poem appeared in the Winter 2006-2007 edition of The Mid-America Poetry Review. It does not have a title.
Ebony-flecked wings
crest a thermal
trill the music of wind.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
Verses For the Week
Isaiah 54:10 -- "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you."
Colossians 3:12 -- "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Colossians 3:12 -- "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Friday, February 23, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- "I Stand at the Door and Knock"
Thank you for taking the time to read the Weekend Sermon today. I am happy to be able to post the sermons each week. I hope that everyone has had a very good week.
I just wanted to update everyone on the prayer request from earlier this week. We did have quite a bit of freezing rain and sleet. I am thankful to the Lord that just before another heavy round of rain came in, the temperature went up to one degree above freezing. We didn't have too much problem. Thank you all for your prayers in this matter.
I've been having a good time watching the Olympics. I've been able to watch all of my favorite events, and there have been quite a few upsets in the competition. Let's continue to pray for the athletes that all will be safe.
Please continue to pray for those who were injured in the school shooting incident in Florida. Pray that those who are injured will quickly recover. Please pray that officials will do what is necessary to keep these incidents from occurring.
Let's continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico affected by the hurricanes. Let's also pray for those who are in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Pray that they will receive the aid and the help that they need.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, South Sudan and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Ivory Coast and Nepal. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus.
Last week, we finished our series of messages on the book of Malachi. Starting with today's message, we will be beginning a new series on verses that are taken out of context in the Bible. Many times, you will hear people quoting verses, but they are taken out of context and they are given meanings not intended by the text. Over the next few weeks, we will look at passages such as, "the poor will be with you always", "Behold, I stand at the door and knock", "If you don't work you shall not eat", and others along this line.
Today we begin by looking at a familiar passage of Scripture from Revelation 3:20 which states, "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."
I can't tell you how many times that I've heard this verse used in an evangelistic context. The message will go something like this. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart right now. He wants you to realize that you need to accept Him as Savior. It's up to you to decide to accept Jesus as your Savior. Open the door of your heart and let Jesus come into your life."
Now, there is much truth in that. Jesus is waiting for people to realize their need for Him. Anyone can come to Jesus in repentance and faith. Whoever comes to Him, He will not cast them out. Each person has to decide if he or she wants the forgiveness that Jesus offers and if he or she will accept Jesus as Lord of all.
However, this verse is not speaking to unbelievers. This verse about opening the door and letting Jesus in is written to believers. Jesus is asking to be let in the door of the life of believers and of the church.
In the first part of the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks messages to seven churches located in Asia Minor. One of the churches that received a message from Jesus was the church at Laodecia. Jesus begins His message to this church by telling them that they are neither hot nor cold. They are lukewarm, and since they are lukewarm, Jesus says that He will spit them out of His mouth.
The people in the church of Laodecia thought that they were wealthy and had need of nothing. While they had much in the way of material goods, spiritually, they were miserable, poor, blind and naked.
Jesus wanted the people in this church to realize that they need Him. He asks them to turn away from their indifference to Him. Jesus wants them to open up their hearts to Him so that they can have fellowship with Him just as two friends who sit down to a meal together.
I find this to be a striking image. Jesus is on the outside of the church looking in. He is knocking hoping that someone will let Him into the church.
Sadly, I think that this image that Jesus applied to the church of Laodecia is applicable to many churches and Christians today. Many Christians and churches go their own way, and yet they are not doing what the Lord has commanded.
I believe that Jesus would not be welcomed in many churches if He was walking on earth today. Jesus preached about offering love and forgiveness to everyone. He preached a message of non-violence. He preached about the power of love overcoming the power of hate and evil. Jesus preached a message of inclusion and not exclusion. Jesus taught that we should help the poor and the oppressed.
Jesus' message wasn't very popular with the religious authorities of His day. Just like them, so many today have as the Word says, "A form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."
This passage also has application to individual believers. So many times, we get into a place where we are going along in life, but we aren't following the Lord the way that we should. We've become lukewarm. We follow the path of the this world at the same time we are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus.
That will never work. Jesus said that you cannot serve God and mammon. You can't serve two masters.
Jesus wants each of us to place Him at the center of our lives. He wants us to have fellowship with Him. He wants to be our friend. But, we must remember, Jesus said that to be His friend means that we follow His commandments and teachings.
Jesus wants us all to be on fire for Him. He wants us to live lives of holiness and obedience. He calls us to share the good news of His love with others. He asks us to care about the poor and oppressed. Jesus calls each of us to shine a light in the dark place and make a positive difference to make this world a better place.
If you are a believer, and Jesus is standing and knocking on the door of your heart, I pray that you will let Him in.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Friday as usual, Lord willing. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I am going to post either a book review, a poem or both. May God bless you all. Amen.
I just wanted to update everyone on the prayer request from earlier this week. We did have quite a bit of freezing rain and sleet. I am thankful to the Lord that just before another heavy round of rain came in, the temperature went up to one degree above freezing. We didn't have too much problem. Thank you all for your prayers in this matter.
I've been having a good time watching the Olympics. I've been able to watch all of my favorite events, and there have been quite a few upsets in the competition. Let's continue to pray for the athletes that all will be safe.
Please continue to pray for those who were injured in the school shooting incident in Florida. Pray that those who are injured will quickly recover. Please pray that officials will do what is necessary to keep these incidents from occurring.
Let's continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico affected by the hurricanes. Let's also pray for those who are in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Pray that they will receive the aid and the help that they need.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, South Sudan and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Ivory Coast and Nepal. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus.
Last week, we finished our series of messages on the book of Malachi. Starting with today's message, we will be beginning a new series on verses that are taken out of context in the Bible. Many times, you will hear people quoting verses, but they are taken out of context and they are given meanings not intended by the text. Over the next few weeks, we will look at passages such as, "the poor will be with you always", "Behold, I stand at the door and knock", "If you don't work you shall not eat", and others along this line.
Today we begin by looking at a familiar passage of Scripture from Revelation 3:20 which states, "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."
I can't tell you how many times that I've heard this verse used in an evangelistic context. The message will go something like this. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart right now. He wants you to realize that you need to accept Him as Savior. It's up to you to decide to accept Jesus as your Savior. Open the door of your heart and let Jesus come into your life."
Now, there is much truth in that. Jesus is waiting for people to realize their need for Him. Anyone can come to Jesus in repentance and faith. Whoever comes to Him, He will not cast them out. Each person has to decide if he or she wants the forgiveness that Jesus offers and if he or she will accept Jesus as Lord of all.
However, this verse is not speaking to unbelievers. This verse about opening the door and letting Jesus in is written to believers. Jesus is asking to be let in the door of the life of believers and of the church.
In the first part of the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks messages to seven churches located in Asia Minor. One of the churches that received a message from Jesus was the church at Laodecia. Jesus begins His message to this church by telling them that they are neither hot nor cold. They are lukewarm, and since they are lukewarm, Jesus says that He will spit them out of His mouth.
The people in the church of Laodecia thought that they were wealthy and had need of nothing. While they had much in the way of material goods, spiritually, they were miserable, poor, blind and naked.
Jesus wanted the people in this church to realize that they need Him. He asks them to turn away from their indifference to Him. Jesus wants them to open up their hearts to Him so that they can have fellowship with Him just as two friends who sit down to a meal together.
I find this to be a striking image. Jesus is on the outside of the church looking in. He is knocking hoping that someone will let Him into the church.
Sadly, I think that this image that Jesus applied to the church of Laodecia is applicable to many churches and Christians today. Many Christians and churches go their own way, and yet they are not doing what the Lord has commanded.
I believe that Jesus would not be welcomed in many churches if He was walking on earth today. Jesus preached about offering love and forgiveness to everyone. He preached a message of non-violence. He preached about the power of love overcoming the power of hate and evil. Jesus preached a message of inclusion and not exclusion. Jesus taught that we should help the poor and the oppressed.
Jesus' message wasn't very popular with the religious authorities of His day. Just like them, so many today have as the Word says, "A form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."
This passage also has application to individual believers. So many times, we get into a place where we are going along in life, but we aren't following the Lord the way that we should. We've become lukewarm. We follow the path of the this world at the same time we are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus.
That will never work. Jesus said that you cannot serve God and mammon. You can't serve two masters.
Jesus wants each of us to place Him at the center of our lives. He wants us to have fellowship with Him. He wants to be our friend. But, we must remember, Jesus said that to be His friend means that we follow His commandments and teachings.
Jesus wants us all to be on fire for Him. He wants us to live lives of holiness and obedience. He calls us to share the good news of His love with others. He asks us to care about the poor and oppressed. Jesus calls each of us to shine a light in the dark place and make a positive difference to make this world a better place.
If you are a believer, and Jesus is standing and knocking on the door of your heart, I pray that you will let Him in.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Friday as usual, Lord willing. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I am going to post either a book review, a poem or both. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Prayer Request
I would like to ask those of you who read the blog to pray about something. Yesterday, we had an ice storm where I live. The power is still on, but the trees are very icy. Tonight and tomorrow, we are supposed to get more ice. I am very worried. Please pray that there is more sleet and not as much or any freezing rain. The sleet won't get in the trees or power lines. Please pray that all will be well. Thank you.
Book Review -- "Craig and Fred"
Even though it is still early in the year, the dog book that I am reviewing today stands a good chance of winning my Dog Book of the Year Award. "Craig and Fred" by Craig Grossi tells the story of a Marine who was stationed in Afghanistan. Craig was on a tour of duty fighting against the Taliban. He was stationed in a location in the middle of the action. At the base, there was a stray dog that caught Craig's attention. He was a friendly dog, and he quickly became attached to Craig.
Craig decided to name the dog Fred. Fred began going out on some patrols with the troops, but his main role was as a friend and companion. He helped the other soldiers relax and unwind in the midst of a difficult situation.
Fred spent most of his time with Craig. He slept with Craig at night, and the other soldiers realized that Fred was pretty much Craig's dog.
It came time for the soldiers to leave the outpost and head back to the main base in Afghanistan. Craig had to figure out how to get Fred back to the main base, but his ultimate goal was to get Fred back to America.
The part of the book that details Craig and Fred's time in Afghanistan is very well done. There is a lot of insight into the life of soldiers in that particular theatre of operations.
The book has another story to tell as well. Interspersed between the chapters about Craig and Fred in Afghanistan, Craig tells about a road trip across America that Craig and Fred took with one of Craig's friends.
When I first started reading the book, I felt as if knowing that Fred made it to American might take away from the rest of the story. It did not at all.
I won't give away any more of the book. This book is very well done, and it is an excellent story. I highly recommend "Craig and Fred", and I hope that you will take the time to read it.
Craig decided to name the dog Fred. Fred began going out on some patrols with the troops, but his main role was as a friend and companion. He helped the other soldiers relax and unwind in the midst of a difficult situation.
Fred spent most of his time with Craig. He slept with Craig at night, and the other soldiers realized that Fred was pretty much Craig's dog.
It came time for the soldiers to leave the outpost and head back to the main base in Afghanistan. Craig had to figure out how to get Fred back to the main base, but his ultimate goal was to get Fred back to America.
The part of the book that details Craig and Fred's time in Afghanistan is very well done. There is a lot of insight into the life of soldiers in that particular theatre of operations.
The book has another story to tell as well. Interspersed between the chapters about Craig and Fred in Afghanistan, Craig tells about a road trip across America that Craig and Fred took with one of Craig's friends.
When I first started reading the book, I felt as if knowing that Fred made it to American might take away from the rest of the story. It did not at all.
I won't give away any more of the book. This book is very well done, and it is an excellent story. I highly recommend "Craig and Fred", and I hope that you will take the time to read it.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Verses For the Week
I Corinthians 8:6 -- "Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from who all things and we exist for Him, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him."
Matthew 16:16 -- " Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.'"
Matthew 16:16 -- " Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.'"
Friday, February 16, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Malachi 4
Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am so happy that you have taken the time to read the sermon this week. I hope that everyone is having a very good day.
I've had a good week in writing. I am very thankful to the Lord for all of the blessings that He has provided in so many ways over the last 10 days.
In prayer this week, I would ask everyone to please pray for those who lost loved ones in the school shooting in Florida. Please pray for those injured that they will quickly recover.
I live in the United States, so I must speak about this matter. My country needs to enact some additional gun control regulations. Even if those regulations would stop just one incident, it would be worth it. This can't keep happening.
Please continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico who are without electricity. The last report I heard stated that 25 percent were still without power. Pray for all those who were effected by the hurricanes in the Caribbean.
Let us pray that everyone at the Olympics will be safe. I've been enjoying the competitions. Last night I watched the skeleton competition, and that was really good.
Continue to pray for peace in this troubled world. Pray for an end to terrorism, and pray for peace on the streets of cities where there is violence.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Comoros and Iran. Pray that many in these two countries will hear the message of the love of Jesus.
I have one minor matter that I want to ask prayer for. Last year, I had problems with moles in my yard. I asked you all to pray that they would go away, and they did. Thank God. However, it is getting warmer in my part of the country, and I noticed a mole working in the yard yesterday. Please pray that he will go away. Thank you.
Today is the last sermon in our series on the book of Malachi. I have enjoyed posting the messages on this series. Apparently, others have not enjoyed reading them. Since I began the series on Malachi, almost half of the people who were reading the blog have quit reading the sermons. This makes me sad. I hope that those of you who are still reading the sermons will continue to do so as we move into another series of messages.
Next week, Lord willing, I am going to start a short series of messages regarding verses that are often taken out of context and on verses people think are in the Bible but they are not. After this series is complete, I want to have a longer series on who is Jesus. I want us to study who Jesus is and what He did in depth.
Now, let's finish up Malachi.
Malachi chapter 4 deals with the Second Coming of Jesus. When Jesus comes, He will judge the world. We see this stated in the Apostle's Creed that says, "He shall judge the living and the dead."
Those who have done what is evil and are not willing to yield their lives to the Lord will not be a part of the Lord Jesus' kingdom that will be on this earth. The Lord is not willing that any should be excluded. His invitation of love and forgiveness is always open to whosoever wants to know Him.
Verse 2 is what I want us to focus our attention on today. This verses states, "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings, and you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
I love this verse. The imagery is just great. We are healed by the power and love flowing from the Lord. We are freed into exuberant joy just like calves let out of the barn on a beautiful Spring morning.
This is something that we as followers of Jesus can experience right now. It will be more intense when Jesus comes to rule and reign in righteousness.
I think of the imagery of the sun. The sun warms people on a cold day. It's been so cold here this winter it's ridiculous. But, even on a cold day, when the sun shines on you, you feel a little warmer. The sunshine helps you make it through the cold, and its presence brings happiness after a string of cloudy and grey days.
This is a metaphor of life in Jesus. Jesus shines His light upon us. He brings hope and happiness even the midst of this world that has so many bad and discouraging things in it. Even when we are going through depressing times, the light of Jesus shines and heals our hearts. His light gives us hope and peace.
The Lord gives us freedom. We are free from the sin that would so easily entangle. We are free to live lives of joy in the eternal love of Jesus.
When Jesus returns one day, He will bring healing and restoration to all. There won't be anymore sin or sorrow. Every tear shall be wiped away. There won't be wars and violence. There won't be hungry children. All the sick will then have perfect health.
I certainly hope that Jesus comes back soon. I hope that if you haven't done so that you will ask Jesus to be your Lord. You will know His presence now, and you will experience the fullness of His love and joy when He comes again.
That is all I want to say about the book of Malachi. This wraps up our study. If you have enjoyed studying this book, I hope that you will leave a comment. It would be an encouragement to me right now.
There is one other thing I wanted to ask you to pray about. Tomorrow is the day that my Dad passed away eight years ago now. For some reason, I feel more sad this year than any year since He went to be with Jesus. Please pray that the Lord's presence will be with me to help me keep going on a hard day.
Next week, Lord willing, we will begin a new series of messages. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I hope to post a book review of one of the best dog books that I've read in a long time. May God bless you all. Amen.
I've had a good week in writing. I am very thankful to the Lord for all of the blessings that He has provided in so many ways over the last 10 days.
In prayer this week, I would ask everyone to please pray for those who lost loved ones in the school shooting in Florida. Please pray for those injured that they will quickly recover.
I live in the United States, so I must speak about this matter. My country needs to enact some additional gun control regulations. Even if those regulations would stop just one incident, it would be worth it. This can't keep happening.
Please continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico who are without electricity. The last report I heard stated that 25 percent were still without power. Pray for all those who were effected by the hurricanes in the Caribbean.
Let us pray that everyone at the Olympics will be safe. I've been enjoying the competitions. Last night I watched the skeleton competition, and that was really good.
Continue to pray for peace in this troubled world. Pray for an end to terrorism, and pray for peace on the streets of cities where there is violence.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Comoros and Iran. Pray that many in these two countries will hear the message of the love of Jesus.
I have one minor matter that I want to ask prayer for. Last year, I had problems with moles in my yard. I asked you all to pray that they would go away, and they did. Thank God. However, it is getting warmer in my part of the country, and I noticed a mole working in the yard yesterday. Please pray that he will go away. Thank you.
Today is the last sermon in our series on the book of Malachi. I have enjoyed posting the messages on this series. Apparently, others have not enjoyed reading them. Since I began the series on Malachi, almost half of the people who were reading the blog have quit reading the sermons. This makes me sad. I hope that those of you who are still reading the sermons will continue to do so as we move into another series of messages.
Next week, Lord willing, I am going to start a short series of messages regarding verses that are often taken out of context and on verses people think are in the Bible but they are not. After this series is complete, I want to have a longer series on who is Jesus. I want us to study who Jesus is and what He did in depth.
Now, let's finish up Malachi.
Malachi chapter 4 deals with the Second Coming of Jesus. When Jesus comes, He will judge the world. We see this stated in the Apostle's Creed that says, "He shall judge the living and the dead."
Those who have done what is evil and are not willing to yield their lives to the Lord will not be a part of the Lord Jesus' kingdom that will be on this earth. The Lord is not willing that any should be excluded. His invitation of love and forgiveness is always open to whosoever wants to know Him.
Verse 2 is what I want us to focus our attention on today. This verses states, "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings, and you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
I love this verse. The imagery is just great. We are healed by the power and love flowing from the Lord. We are freed into exuberant joy just like calves let out of the barn on a beautiful Spring morning.
This is something that we as followers of Jesus can experience right now. It will be more intense when Jesus comes to rule and reign in righteousness.
I think of the imagery of the sun. The sun warms people on a cold day. It's been so cold here this winter it's ridiculous. But, even on a cold day, when the sun shines on you, you feel a little warmer. The sunshine helps you make it through the cold, and its presence brings happiness after a string of cloudy and grey days.
This is a metaphor of life in Jesus. Jesus shines His light upon us. He brings hope and happiness even the midst of this world that has so many bad and discouraging things in it. Even when we are going through depressing times, the light of Jesus shines and heals our hearts. His light gives us hope and peace.
The Lord gives us freedom. We are free from the sin that would so easily entangle. We are free to live lives of joy in the eternal love of Jesus.
When Jesus returns one day, He will bring healing and restoration to all. There won't be anymore sin or sorrow. Every tear shall be wiped away. There won't be wars and violence. There won't be hungry children. All the sick will then have perfect health.
I certainly hope that Jesus comes back soon. I hope that if you haven't done so that you will ask Jesus to be your Lord. You will know His presence now, and you will experience the fullness of His love and joy when He comes again.
That is all I want to say about the book of Malachi. This wraps up our study. If you have enjoyed studying this book, I hope that you will leave a comment. It would be an encouragement to me right now.
There is one other thing I wanted to ask you to pray about. Tomorrow is the day that my Dad passed away eight years ago now. For some reason, I feel more sad this year than any year since He went to be with Jesus. Please pray that the Lord's presence will be with me to help me keep going on a hard day.
Next week, Lord willing, we will begin a new series of messages. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I hope to post a book review of one of the best dog books that I've read in a long time. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Book Review -- Saving Sadie
I have a good dog book to recommend today. "Saving Sadie" tells the story of a woman who found an abused dog that no one wanted. Together, they have made a difference in many lives.
One day Joal Derse Dauer was delivering some blankets for the animal shelter to use. She saw a dog who was badly injured, and this dog touched her heart.
Upon examining the dog and learning more about her, Joal discovered that Sadie had been shot, and Sadie was now unable to use her back legs and was incontinent. Joal decided to take Sadie to the veterinarian just to see if anything could be done. Most of the vet's recommended putting Sadie to sleep, but one veterinarian gave Joal and Sadie some hope.
The author began a long process of working with Sadie in the hope of getting Sadie to be able to walk again. In order to help defray the great expenses of helping Sadie, the author set up some fundraising mechanisms and spread the word about Sadie's fight for recovery.
I don't want to give away too much of the story. Let me say that Sadie and Joal have reached out to help others. Sadie works to encourage others with disabilities by going into schools where Joal gives a presentation about overcoming and about the need to stop bullying.
I thought that "Saving Sadie" was a very good book. It is an inspiring story that I am sure all dog lovers will want to read.
One day Joal Derse Dauer was delivering some blankets for the animal shelter to use. She saw a dog who was badly injured, and this dog touched her heart.
Upon examining the dog and learning more about her, Joal discovered that Sadie had been shot, and Sadie was now unable to use her back legs and was incontinent. Joal decided to take Sadie to the veterinarian just to see if anything could be done. Most of the vet's recommended putting Sadie to sleep, but one veterinarian gave Joal and Sadie some hope.
The author began a long process of working with Sadie in the hope of getting Sadie to be able to walk again. In order to help defray the great expenses of helping Sadie, the author set up some fundraising mechanisms and spread the word about Sadie's fight for recovery.
I don't want to give away too much of the story. Let me say that Sadie and Joal have reached out to help others. Sadie works to encourage others with disabilities by going into schools where Joal gives a presentation about overcoming and about the need to stop bullying.
I thought that "Saving Sadie" was a very good book. It is an inspiring story that I am sure all dog lovers will want to read.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Verses For the Week
Hebrews 1:3 -- "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things be the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high."
Matthew 16:27 -- "For the Son of Man is coming in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds."
Matthew 25:31 -- "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne."
Matthew 16:27 -- "For the Son of Man is coming in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds."
Matthew 25:31 -- "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne."
Friday, February 9, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Malachi 3:13-18
Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad that you took the time to stop by and read the sermon this week. I hope that everyone is having a very good day.
I have been having a good week. Writing has gone well again this week, and I am very thankful to the Lord for the work that He has allowed me to do. I've been feeling fairly well, so I am also grateful for that.
Today, two years ago, one of my best friends passed away of influenza. He was only 49 years old. I would like everyone to pray today that this flu epidemic in the United States would soon pass and that the Lord would help those recover who are sick. I would also recommend that if you are able to take the flu shot that you do so. It is not as effective this year as in other years, but it does provide some protection. I believe that the flu is bad in the UK and Canada as well. I don't know about other countries. Let us pray for all who are sick and in need.
This is also the week eight years ago now that my Dad had the terrible stroke from which he passed away two weeks later. Let us pray that doctors will be able to find better treatments for strokes and find better means of prevention.
Let us continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico who were affected by the hurricane. Many still do not have electricity. Please pray that needs are met.
Please pray for the refugees from Myanmar who are living in Bangladesh. I heard a report from Doctors Without Borders that there is much disease in the refugee camps. Pray for an end to these outbreaks of disease, and pray that the needs of the people will be met.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. Pray for peace in Syria and Yemen, and pray for the safety of all those at the Winter Olympics. I like the Winter Olympics, and I am looking forward to watching the ski jumping and bobsled.
For our prayer focus countries this week, please pray for Senegal and Bosnia. Pray that many will hear of the love of Jesus.
These past few weeks, we've been studying the book of Malachi. There have been some controversial topics that we've encountered. Unfortunately, I've had about 30 percent of the people who read the sermon stop reading it because they did not like my interpretation of a couple of the passages we've studied. However, I feel that it is my responsibility to state what I feel is the correct interpretation. I don't want to make anyone upset, and I don't like it when people don't want to read the blog anymore, but I have to do what I believe the Lord would have me to do.
We will be studying Malachi this week and the next week, Lord willing. Today we will be studying some important themes found in the last part of Malachi chapter 3.
As we've noticed as we've gone through Malachi, the book is laid out in a pattern. The Lord through the prophet Malachi states that He is upset with the people. They then reply that they have no idea what the Lord is talking about. Then the Lord explains the way in which the people have not honored Him and how they have disobeyed Him.
We see that pattern once again in chapter 3 verse 13 which states, "You have said terrible things about Me says the Lord."Verse 14, "You have said, "What's the use of serving God? What's the use of obeying His commands?" The people would go on to say that there was no point in being sorry for sins since God allowed the arrogant and sinful to be rich, and God did not punish sinners but let them go free. As God said, these were terrible things that the people were saying about God.
This reminds me of the passage in Jeremiah 44. The people told the prophet Jeremiah that they were not going to listen to him. They were not going to serve the true God, because it wasn't benefiting them. They said that they were going to go back to worshiping the queen of heaven as they were better off when they were making sacrifices to her.
I believe the Lord was angry with the people in Malachi for two reasons. First of all, the people viewed service to God purely from a selfish perspective. They served God because they wanted to get some type of material blessing out of it. They thought that serving the Lord should make them prosper and achieve wealth. They believed that serving God was about getting the good things that they wanted and avoiding the bad in life.
This is not the teaching of the Scriptures. We are not to be materially motivated in our service to the Lord. We are to serve Him because He is the God and King of the Universe. It is a privilege to be called to serve Him. We should be grateful to Him for what we do have, and we should recognize that all that we have is by His grace.
We can't just point the finger at people in Malachi's day. So much of even Christian teaching is similar to what happened then. For instance, the way that we explain the Gospel sometimes makes it sound like obtaining Heaven is what it's all about. If you want to go to Heaven, accept Jesus. It sort of makes Jesus a means to an end. We should come to the Lord to be in right relationship with Him. We should honor Him because of who He is. We don't come to the Lord to obtain some prize.
The same thing holds true with a lot of the prosperity teachings. Give to the Lord so that you will get a return. Serving God means that you will get material prosperity. This is not the right attitude.
Some of the most holy people in the Bible had nothing. Lazarus was homeless, and he went to Abraham's bosom while the rich man went to hell. The Bible says that many of the prophets lived in caves.
Serving God isn't about what can be obtained materially from following Him. Serving God is about honoring Him and serving others.
The second reason that the Lord was upset with what the people said was that they were denying His goodness and justice. They were not keeping an ultimate and eternal perspective in mind. They were focused on the here and now, and they did not recognize the enormity of eternity. God will do what is right. He is good. He will bring justice in His time.
The next part of chapter 3 speaks about the fact that even though the majority of the people were going their own way, and they weren't following the Lord, there was a remnant of people that who did honor God. The Lord says in verse 16 that these people feared Him and loved to think about Him.
Two things I want to point out about this. First of all, the Lord always has a remnant of those who remain faithful. Even when it looks as if the light is about to go out, there is still a candle burning. Even when Ahab and Jezebel had killed most of the followers of God, God still had some who had not bowed their knees to baal.
Our responsibility is to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus. Even as it seems that much of American and European civilization is becoming more and more secular, we are called to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second thing I want to note is the Lord was pleased with those who loved to think about Him. The Lord is pleased when He is on our minds. He wants us to acknowledge Him and put Him first in our lives. He should be utmost in our thoughts throughout the day. Our thought throughout the day ought to be how that we can please the Lord Most High.
We finish chapter 3 with the Lord stating that He will come one great day. When the Lord Jesus returns in power and great glory, He will judge the living and the dead. Justice will reign. Those who have served the Lord will be honored by Him. Those who have denied the Lord and fallen away, will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
I hope that you have made the choice to follow Jesus as Lord. I hope that you have recognized who He is and what He has done for you. If you've never committed your ways to the Lord Jesus, I hope that you will do so today.
Next week, Lord willing, we will finish our study the book of Malachi. On Wednesday, there will be a dog book review, and I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all. Amen.
I have been having a good week. Writing has gone well again this week, and I am very thankful to the Lord for the work that He has allowed me to do. I've been feeling fairly well, so I am also grateful for that.
Today, two years ago, one of my best friends passed away of influenza. He was only 49 years old. I would like everyone to pray today that this flu epidemic in the United States would soon pass and that the Lord would help those recover who are sick. I would also recommend that if you are able to take the flu shot that you do so. It is not as effective this year as in other years, but it does provide some protection. I believe that the flu is bad in the UK and Canada as well. I don't know about other countries. Let us pray for all who are sick and in need.
This is also the week eight years ago now that my Dad had the terrible stroke from which he passed away two weeks later. Let us pray that doctors will be able to find better treatments for strokes and find better means of prevention.
Let us continue to pray for those in Puerto Rico who were affected by the hurricane. Many still do not have electricity. Please pray that needs are met.
Please pray for the refugees from Myanmar who are living in Bangladesh. I heard a report from Doctors Without Borders that there is much disease in the refugee camps. Pray for an end to these outbreaks of disease, and pray that the needs of the people will be met.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. Pray for peace in Syria and Yemen, and pray for the safety of all those at the Winter Olympics. I like the Winter Olympics, and I am looking forward to watching the ski jumping and bobsled.
For our prayer focus countries this week, please pray for Senegal and Bosnia. Pray that many will hear of the love of Jesus.
These past few weeks, we've been studying the book of Malachi. There have been some controversial topics that we've encountered. Unfortunately, I've had about 30 percent of the people who read the sermon stop reading it because they did not like my interpretation of a couple of the passages we've studied. However, I feel that it is my responsibility to state what I feel is the correct interpretation. I don't want to make anyone upset, and I don't like it when people don't want to read the blog anymore, but I have to do what I believe the Lord would have me to do.
We will be studying Malachi this week and the next week, Lord willing. Today we will be studying some important themes found in the last part of Malachi chapter 3.
As we've noticed as we've gone through Malachi, the book is laid out in a pattern. The Lord through the prophet Malachi states that He is upset with the people. They then reply that they have no idea what the Lord is talking about. Then the Lord explains the way in which the people have not honored Him and how they have disobeyed Him.
We see that pattern once again in chapter 3 verse 13 which states, "You have said terrible things about Me says the Lord."Verse 14, "You have said, "What's the use of serving God? What's the use of obeying His commands?" The people would go on to say that there was no point in being sorry for sins since God allowed the arrogant and sinful to be rich, and God did not punish sinners but let them go free. As God said, these were terrible things that the people were saying about God.
This reminds me of the passage in Jeremiah 44. The people told the prophet Jeremiah that they were not going to listen to him. They were not going to serve the true God, because it wasn't benefiting them. They said that they were going to go back to worshiping the queen of heaven as they were better off when they were making sacrifices to her.
I believe the Lord was angry with the people in Malachi for two reasons. First of all, the people viewed service to God purely from a selfish perspective. They served God because they wanted to get some type of material blessing out of it. They thought that serving the Lord should make them prosper and achieve wealth. They believed that serving God was about getting the good things that they wanted and avoiding the bad in life.
This is not the teaching of the Scriptures. We are not to be materially motivated in our service to the Lord. We are to serve Him because He is the God and King of the Universe. It is a privilege to be called to serve Him. We should be grateful to Him for what we do have, and we should recognize that all that we have is by His grace.
We can't just point the finger at people in Malachi's day. So much of even Christian teaching is similar to what happened then. For instance, the way that we explain the Gospel sometimes makes it sound like obtaining Heaven is what it's all about. If you want to go to Heaven, accept Jesus. It sort of makes Jesus a means to an end. We should come to the Lord to be in right relationship with Him. We should honor Him because of who He is. We don't come to the Lord to obtain some prize.
The same thing holds true with a lot of the prosperity teachings. Give to the Lord so that you will get a return. Serving God means that you will get material prosperity. This is not the right attitude.
Some of the most holy people in the Bible had nothing. Lazarus was homeless, and he went to Abraham's bosom while the rich man went to hell. The Bible says that many of the prophets lived in caves.
Serving God isn't about what can be obtained materially from following Him. Serving God is about honoring Him and serving others.
The second reason that the Lord was upset with what the people said was that they were denying His goodness and justice. They were not keeping an ultimate and eternal perspective in mind. They were focused on the here and now, and they did not recognize the enormity of eternity. God will do what is right. He is good. He will bring justice in His time.
The next part of chapter 3 speaks about the fact that even though the majority of the people were going their own way, and they weren't following the Lord, there was a remnant of people that who did honor God. The Lord says in verse 16 that these people feared Him and loved to think about Him.
Two things I want to point out about this. First of all, the Lord always has a remnant of those who remain faithful. Even when it looks as if the light is about to go out, there is still a candle burning. Even when Ahab and Jezebel had killed most of the followers of God, God still had some who had not bowed their knees to baal.
Our responsibility is to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus. Even as it seems that much of American and European civilization is becoming more and more secular, we are called to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second thing I want to note is the Lord was pleased with those who loved to think about Him. The Lord is pleased when He is on our minds. He wants us to acknowledge Him and put Him first in our lives. He should be utmost in our thoughts throughout the day. Our thought throughout the day ought to be how that we can please the Lord Most High.
We finish chapter 3 with the Lord stating that He will come one great day. When the Lord Jesus returns in power and great glory, He will judge the living and the dead. Justice will reign. Those who have served the Lord will be honored by Him. Those who have denied the Lord and fallen away, will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
I hope that you have made the choice to follow Jesus as Lord. I hope that you have recognized who He is and what He has done for you. If you've never committed your ways to the Lord Jesus, I hope that you will do so today.
Next week, Lord willing, we will finish our study the book of Malachi. On Wednesday, there will be a dog book review, and I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Poem -- The Barn
This week, I am reading two dog books. I will be reviewing both of them here on the blog in the coming weeks. Today, I wanted to post a poem that I had published in a literary journal called "Anthology". This poem was published back in 1999.
The Barn
Ragged and torn,
the vestiges of time
took their toll.
Crooked and bent,
wind whipped
by a mighty gale.
Faded and peeling,
scorched dry
waiting for the end.
The Barn
Ragged and torn,
the vestiges of time
took their toll.
Crooked and bent,
wind whipped
by a mighty gale.
Faded and peeling,
scorched dry
waiting for the end.
Monday, February 5, 2018
A Great Super Bowl
I want to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl victory. They had a great season. This was one of the best Super Bowls that I've seen. Last year's Super Bowl was really good too. I thought for awhile that Brady was going to orchestrate a win for New England, but when the Eagles' defense needed to they came up big. I hope that everyone had a good time watching the game. I know that I did.
Verses For the Week
Jeremiah 32:27 -- "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is anything too difficult for Me?"
Mark 10:27 -- "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.'"
Mark 10:27 -- "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.'"
Friday, February 2, 2018
Sermon -- Malachi 3:8-12
Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. I am very happy to be able to post the sermon. I hope and pray that everyone is doing very well.
I have had a good week in writing, and I want to thank the Lord for that. I have been feeling pretty well. I am currently working on several writing projects, and I hope to have some news on these in the near future.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. I heard this week that there are many who still don't have their electricity restored. Please pray for the people. This should have been taken care of by now.
Please pray for Christians in this world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus. Pray that the Lord will keep them safe, and pray that even in the midst of persecution, they might be a consistent witness of the love of Jesus.
Pray for peace in the trouble areas of the world. Pray for peace in Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and South Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Turkmenistan and Myanmar. Pray that many will hear the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
During the course of the last several weeks, we've been in a series of messages from the book of Malachi. This week, we will continue with our study in Malachi focusing our attention on Malachi 3:8-12.
As we've noticed, there is a pattern in the book of Malachi. God tells the people that they are not serving Him in the right manner, or He tells them that they are not honoring Him in the way that they should. When the people hear these words of the Lord, they deny it. They say, "How have when been doing this?"
We see this same pattern in our passage today. The Lord says, "You have cheated me." The people say, "When did we ever cheat You?"
The Lord lets them know that they cheated Him by not bringing their tithes into the storehouse. The people were not fulfilling their obligations under the law.
In order for there to be enough food for the priests in the Temple, the people were required to give a tenth of their increase to support the priests and Temple. Every so often, the people were supposed to give the tithe to help the poor.
Instead of giving a tenth to help the priests in the Temple and keep the Temple operational, the people were giving lesser amounts or nothing at all. By not keeping the house of the Lord operational, the Lord said that they were robbing Him or cheating Him.
This brings us to the whole question of tithing. Many people believe that Christians are obligated to give a tithe today. Many add to this the idea that the local church is the modern day storehouse, so all tithes should be given to the local church. What does the Bible say about this?
From what I see in the Bible, Christians should give a tithe as a minimum gift to the Lord if they are able to do so. I base this on the teachings of Jesus as found in Matthew 23:23.
In this passage, Jesus is condemning the Pharisees and the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Jesus notes that they are diligent tithers even tithing the mint and cumin from the spice rack. However, they neglected the more important matters of the law such as justice, mercy and faith. Jesus said that they should have given the tithe, but they should not have neglected the more important matters of the law.
From this passage, I think it is clear that Jesus approved of tithing. As I said, tithing is the minimum requirement for most. Some people can give a tithe and they wouldn't even notice it. Some very wealthy people could give 99 percent of their income to charity, and they could still live like kings and queens.
Now, I don't think that the Lord expects everyone to give a tithe. This is my opinion, I don't have hard Scripture for this. Let me say this. Some people who are very poor, homeless or who are on benefits can barely scrape by. To give ten percent might mean they don't eat that week. Knowing the loving nature of Jesus, I don't believe that He condemns anyone in that situation who is not able to give the whole tithe.
In II Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul tells us that each person should make up his own mind how much he should give. That is something we determine with the Lord through prayer. The Lord will tell us what we need to give.
Now, the question of where the tithe should go. I don't believe that the local church is the storehouse where all the tithe must go. I don't see anywhere in the New Testament that it is wrong in anyway to give part of the tithe to charities or to Gospel ministries. With that said, the local churches need money in order to operate. They have to pay the bills and the ministry staff. They have, or should have, local outreach ministries that need funds. So, we must not forget that.
I believe that if everyone who was able, and that is the majority in my country, would give a tithe to the church or charity, we could see many of the problems in the world ended. We could feed the hungry, care of the sick, help people with housing and make the world a much better place.
As I said, the tithe is the minimum. There are some wealthy people that I know personally who give less than one percent to charity. On the other hand, there is one man I know who is a musician who is very wealthy. Each year, he gives about half of his money to charitable causes.
If people who are billionaires and millionaires would be more giving, so much could be accomplished in this world. As Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul."
Ask the Lord what He would have you do in your giving. Ask Him where He wants you to send your money. Then do what He asks.
By the way, I won't ever ask for any money from anyone on this blog. I started this to minister to people in fulfillment of the calling of God on my life. When I placed the books online here on the blog, I never asked anyone to pay anything. I don't want any donations at all. I am happy that the Lord has given me this opportunity. I work in writing, and other jobs as God provides, to make a living.
One thing that has really hurt the cause of Christ is the way that media preachers get up and beg for money. That is not right.
I also want to say that the whole notion of giving to God to get something for yourself is wrong. You give because you love the Lord. If you give, the Lord may bless you financially, or He may bless you in some other way. If He does or does not, that is not the basis for giving. We give because He has given so much to us.
Next week, Lord willing, we will continue with our series in the book of Malachi. On Monday, I will post the verses, and on Wednesday, I hope to post a review or poem. May God bless you all. Amen.
I have had a good week in writing, and I want to thank the Lord for that. I have been feeling pretty well. I am currently working on several writing projects, and I hope to have some news on these in the near future.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. I heard this week that there are many who still don't have their electricity restored. Please pray for the people. This should have been taken care of by now.
Please pray for Christians in this world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus. Pray that the Lord will keep them safe, and pray that even in the midst of persecution, they might be a consistent witness of the love of Jesus.
Pray for peace in the trouble areas of the world. Pray for peace in Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and South Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Turkmenistan and Myanmar. Pray that many will hear the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
During the course of the last several weeks, we've been in a series of messages from the book of Malachi. This week, we will continue with our study in Malachi focusing our attention on Malachi 3:8-12.
As we've noticed, there is a pattern in the book of Malachi. God tells the people that they are not serving Him in the right manner, or He tells them that they are not honoring Him in the way that they should. When the people hear these words of the Lord, they deny it. They say, "How have when been doing this?"
We see this same pattern in our passage today. The Lord says, "You have cheated me." The people say, "When did we ever cheat You?"
The Lord lets them know that they cheated Him by not bringing their tithes into the storehouse. The people were not fulfilling their obligations under the law.
In order for there to be enough food for the priests in the Temple, the people were required to give a tenth of their increase to support the priests and Temple. Every so often, the people were supposed to give the tithe to help the poor.
Instead of giving a tenth to help the priests in the Temple and keep the Temple operational, the people were giving lesser amounts or nothing at all. By not keeping the house of the Lord operational, the Lord said that they were robbing Him or cheating Him.
This brings us to the whole question of tithing. Many people believe that Christians are obligated to give a tithe today. Many add to this the idea that the local church is the modern day storehouse, so all tithes should be given to the local church. What does the Bible say about this?
From what I see in the Bible, Christians should give a tithe as a minimum gift to the Lord if they are able to do so. I base this on the teachings of Jesus as found in Matthew 23:23.
In this passage, Jesus is condemning the Pharisees and the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Jesus notes that they are diligent tithers even tithing the mint and cumin from the spice rack. However, they neglected the more important matters of the law such as justice, mercy and faith. Jesus said that they should have given the tithe, but they should not have neglected the more important matters of the law.
From this passage, I think it is clear that Jesus approved of tithing. As I said, tithing is the minimum requirement for most. Some people can give a tithe and they wouldn't even notice it. Some very wealthy people could give 99 percent of their income to charity, and they could still live like kings and queens.
Now, I don't think that the Lord expects everyone to give a tithe. This is my opinion, I don't have hard Scripture for this. Let me say this. Some people who are very poor, homeless or who are on benefits can barely scrape by. To give ten percent might mean they don't eat that week. Knowing the loving nature of Jesus, I don't believe that He condemns anyone in that situation who is not able to give the whole tithe.
In II Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul tells us that each person should make up his own mind how much he should give. That is something we determine with the Lord through prayer. The Lord will tell us what we need to give.
Now, the question of where the tithe should go. I don't believe that the local church is the storehouse where all the tithe must go. I don't see anywhere in the New Testament that it is wrong in anyway to give part of the tithe to charities or to Gospel ministries. With that said, the local churches need money in order to operate. They have to pay the bills and the ministry staff. They have, or should have, local outreach ministries that need funds. So, we must not forget that.
I believe that if everyone who was able, and that is the majority in my country, would give a tithe to the church or charity, we could see many of the problems in the world ended. We could feed the hungry, care of the sick, help people with housing and make the world a much better place.
As I said, the tithe is the minimum. There are some wealthy people that I know personally who give less than one percent to charity. On the other hand, there is one man I know who is a musician who is very wealthy. Each year, he gives about half of his money to charitable causes.
If people who are billionaires and millionaires would be more giving, so much could be accomplished in this world. As Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul."
Ask the Lord what He would have you do in your giving. Ask Him where He wants you to send your money. Then do what He asks.
By the way, I won't ever ask for any money from anyone on this blog. I started this to minister to people in fulfillment of the calling of God on my life. When I placed the books online here on the blog, I never asked anyone to pay anything. I don't want any donations at all. I am happy that the Lord has given me this opportunity. I work in writing, and other jobs as God provides, to make a living.
One thing that has really hurt the cause of Christ is the way that media preachers get up and beg for money. That is not right.
I also want to say that the whole notion of giving to God to get something for yourself is wrong. You give because you love the Lord. If you give, the Lord may bless you financially, or He may bless you in some other way. If He does or does not, that is not the basis for giving. We give because He has given so much to us.
Next week, Lord willing, we will continue with our series in the book of Malachi. On Monday, I will post the verses, and on Wednesday, I hope to post a review or poem. May God bless you all. Amen.
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