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.
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