Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

An inspiring story, relevant to the tormenting pressures of our current day, is told by Henry Ward Beecher, who as a boy, had a teacher named Mr. Moody.  During a geography class, Mr. Moody asked a question of a student named Bob Henderson about the great state of Tennessee.  The boy answered quickly and confidently to what seemed a simple question.  What happened next was puzzling.  Mr. Moody seemed totally annoyed at his answer and yelled at the young man to sit down.  The humiliated student did just that — he sat down.

Other students were asked the same question and they all gave the same apparent answer; they too were yelled at in a disapproving voice by Mr. Moody and also told to sit down.  Like dominoes, they all retreated safely in the fear of their wayward class authority.

Finally, Henry Ward Beecher was called to give the answer and his answer was the same as the other students.  When the teacher screamed at him to sit down like he did with the others, Beecher held his ground and insisted his answer was correct. The teacher stormed at him for what seemed like forever, ranting and raving in the most intimidating and controlling way.  After Mr. Moody was finally convinced that Henry Ward Beecher would not sit down, he smiled and said, “Well, class, you were all correct, but Beecher here was the only one with the courage to stay standing to defend his answer.”  He not only had the right answer but was willing to stick to it through thick and thin.

Well family and friends, we are in more than troubling thick and thin times in our culture. We are facing angry and determined secular voices that are ranting and raving that those of us who believe and declare that Jesus Christ is Truth and God must sit down and be quiet.  Not only must we know that God is real in our head, we must believe and be prepared to courageously represent that eternal truth and act accordingly from the depths of our God-loving heart.

As the great Biblical character Joshua so courageously modeled, let’s determine and resolve right now to answer boldly and stand our ground in the face of all angry and deceived voices that come our way. Remember, remember, remember…………”As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!!”

Eph 6:13; Heb 3:6; Joshua 24:15; Col 1:23; Phil 4:1; 2 Cor 1:24

Jesus said, “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”  Matthew 25:46

I can’t take credit for the following.  It’s my recollection of a presentation by comedian, Mike Goodwin, I saw on Facebook.  Like I predict you will, my first reaction was to laugh.  Then I began to think about what was subtly said in a more serious light. 

There are only two things to worry about in this life – If you are healthy or if you are sick. 

If you are healthy, it’s all good!

If you are sick, you’ve got two things to worry about – If you get better, or if you get worse. 

If you get better, it’s all good!

If you get worse, there’s two things you’ve got to worry about – If you’re going to live, or if you’re going to die. 

If you are going to live, it’s all good! 

If you’re going to die, there’s two things you’ve got to worry about – If you are going to heaven, or if you’re going to hell. 

If you’re going to heaven, it’s all good! 

If you’re going to hell, there’s two things you’ve got to worry about – If you’ll be “original or crispy”.

After your laugh, please consider the ultimate consequences involved.  Some things are way beyond funny.  This creative and compelling message truly qualifies!

John 3:16; Peter 2:4; Rev 20:14; Rom 6:23; Matt 10:28; Thes 1:9

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  Gal 6:14

An “X” could have easily marked the spot of this troubling scene. Traffic was backed up; and tempers were about ready to blow. A team of top-flight engineers were called to the site because a boat and trailer had caused a major blockage. It was found the cargo atop the flatbed was inches too high to travel under an overpass. Despite the experts’ many sketches, theories, and calculations, the wisdom of a nearby child ultimately yielded the answer. His simple suggestion of taking the air out of the trailer’s tires won the day.

In the face of the maddening spiritual traffic jam and battle among the philosophers and religious “engineers” of our day, is it possible for any of us to serve as childlike bystanders with a profound, simplifying message? On this wonderful day, I ask God to help me to be that voice…

A theologian, religious historian, pastor, or cult leader I am not . I’m just a bystander watching the major religions and humanist proponents battle over the genuine bridge to divine truth. There seems to be a worldwide traffic jam as to how to proceed; and tempers already are at the level of a boil. Spiritual and intellectual engineers equipped with “holy books” and new solutions seem to be everywhere, complete with convenient sketches, self-serving theories, and varying formulas for people’s salvation. Where is the truth? Where is the solution?

Just as an “X” could have marked the spot in the above example of the boat and the overpass, this bystander suggests that the † (cross) marks the spot for every manner of faith and philosophy. When one honestly visits the †, the seemingly complicated dilemma of finding the bridge to the truth turns simple. It is at the cross where one figures, ponders, intellectualizes, ignores, quits, or believes. Either Jesus Christ died for our sins in the most unconditional act of everlasting love and forgiveness or He didn’t. Either He rose from the grave in resurrection power or He didn’t. Either He is God and the Messiah or He isn’t. Either He is the way, the truth, and the life and the only way to the Father in heaven or He isn’t.

To cross a particular bridge in an earthly setting is one thing. To come to the cross declaring that Jesus Christ is the bridge to eternity is entirely another. The heated debate that has come as the result of contending religions and secular movements is undone with the beautiful wisdom of a child. If Jesus Christ is who He says He is, then that makes Him mankind’s simple solution.

So, as the child who stood alongside the “X” at the scene of the boat and the overpass, I stand at the foot of the  †  — the most troubling yet redeeming spot–and declare to the seekers of truth that Jesus Christ is the answer.

John 14:6; Matt 16:16

Christ is the only liberator whose liberation lasts forever – Malcolm Muggeridge

There are different names for perhaps the most widely known prayer. Some call it “The Our Father,” some the “Lord’s Prayer,” and some (like me), prefer to call it the “Disciples’ Prayer.” The reason I prefer the Disciples’ Prayer is because Jesus responded to His disciples request to teach them to pray. Even though they were “religious” men with a background in a prayerful life, they knew Jesus’ prayer life was in a league all by itself. The time He spent, the methods He used, the places He prayed, and the power in His life was completely unique. His response to His following disciples was divinely powerful then, as it is this very moment.

The essential formula is found in John 8:28-32. If we honor and please His Father like He did, abide in His Word, then we will know the liberating truth (Him) and we will be His disciple indeed. The Disciples’ Prayer, therefore, provides a holy context and wholesome flow for us to incorporate into our personality and intimate conversation with God. To help us, let’s review together:

Our Father (Intimate relationship) which art in Heaven, (His special place) hallowed be thy Name (Reverence Him as Holy). Thy Kingdom come (Ultimate royalty). Thy will be done (Acknowledge His divine providence) in Earth and in Heaven (Reference His unlimited influence.). Give us this day our daily bread (Anticipate His faithful provision) and forgive us our debts (Ask for His grace & mercy), as we forgive others (Applaud His power in us to model His forgiveness). And lead us not into temptation (Reliance on His direction), but deliver us from evil (Trusting His power to liberate). For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory (In awe of His unmatched majesty), forever! (Alert to His eternal nature) – Amen! (That’s all folks!)

So family and friends, in the face of a world system that is becoming more aggressively contrary and upside down to the teachings of Christ, may we be encouraged to develop in our own walk with Him. Let’s be fully persuaded that being His true disciple may require a far greater seriousness of purpose on our part, but the ultimate personal reward is invaluable and forever beyond anything (apart from Him).

Matthew 6: 9-13; John 3:16

“The time has come,” he said. The Kingdom of God has come near.  Repent and believe the good news.”  Mark 1:15

1Timothy 4:8, it says, “physical exercise profits little but exercising spiritually profits now and forever.” So not discounting entirely what is going on around us in this physical world, let’s examine some other foundational Biblical headlines and see how the Gospel of the Kingdom of God exudes a supernatural hope into our troubled mix.

Basic to the real Christian view of life and beyond are these following dozen scriptural “good news” flashes. Let’s meditate upon these encouraging, constantly streaming, and unbreakable truths to help us expand our own sense of God’s nourishing influence in our lives—no matter what the fallen world or our own wandering, confused, or despairing mind tries to feed us!

1. Salvation of God (1Timothy 4:10).
2. Catalyst with faith and love to mold believers into disciples (1Thessalonians 1:3).
3. Inspiration to abound, not to abase (Romans 15:13).
4. Transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3).
5. Redemption of the body and the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25).
6. Resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6).
7. Promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7).
8. Enduring virtue (1Corinthians 4 & 5).
9. Eternal glory (Colossians 1:27).
10. Eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7).
11. Return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14).
12. Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1).

So let’s cheer up by looking up and tuning in to what the Ultimate Source and Author and Finisher of our faith says. The loving Father God we serve sent His Son to earth to shed His blood and to have His body broken as payment for our sin nature.  Please be reminded and grateful that He also has a wonderful plan for those who believe: to provide welfare and peace and to give us hope in our final outcome. (Jer 29:11)  That family and friends is the real breaking news we desperately need!

2 Tim 3:15-17; Phi 4:4-9

 Additional Resource: Fill Me With Hope – Classic Christian Writings 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Clearly, these are perilous and ambiguous times in which we live.  It is in such times of advancing godlessness and lawlessness that “easy” Christianity simply will not do. To live the counterfeit lifestyle while calling it the genuine article of living for Christ is to enhance or enable the downward slide of society. The wisest move to make is to turn to the true standard and live it out with a newfound gusto. God’s way is the only purely magnetic and flawless solution. There is no one but Almighty God (Lord & Commander) who could issue the absolute (not obsolete) commandments in stone.  He is the only One who could promise prophetically to write them on the Spiritual tablets of our heart (Jer 31:33).  He stands alone to personally die in our place to pay for our sins and fulfill His promise to redeem us.  Amazingly, by faith in Him, His grace makes us righteous and re-energized to live as over-comers during this crazy time and in this fallen world.

Living a Christian life is anything but easy.  If you are like me and find yourself drifting from the faith because of any number of disturbing winds: anger, arrogance, lust, pride, or pure selfishness. then we’re in this battle together.  So, during this political, racial, and divisive unrest, how do we remain secure in the challenging journey of a fulfilling life?  The same prompt always stirs inside me that I sincerely hope will come across as an empowering wake-up call for us in today’s message.

Let’s take an honest look at our calendar and checkbook to assess if some lesser “thing” or The Lord is first in our life. The Biblical God, Commander and Savior also named Jesus said the following: “Where your treasure is there will be your heart be also (Matt 6:21). You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14). This is love, that we walk after His commandments (2John 2:6). This new commandment I give you that you are to love others like I have loved you (John 13:34).”

Family and friends, when we read and hear the Spiritual life-giving words of the true God or Lord and Commander Jesus Christ, everything relational about us in Him must uncompromisingly move, adjust, and reconfigure in obedience to His unchanging and perfect standard or command.  It’s not a matter of how badly we’ve drifted – it’s a matter of how God can pull us back in by His grace, straighten us out, and empower us to do better.  He is also best at helping us to do that, so sharing in prayer…

Dear Father in Heaven,

In the midst of these threatening and perilous times, please let us live, move and be in the divine reality of You being our Lord, Holy Commander, and Shepherd.  May we surrender our lives, not to retreat, but to prosper in our entire being.  Your genius is perfectly authoritative and whole.  No one is before You, behind You, below You, or above You.  It’s not by our might or power but by Your Holy Spirit that works in us both to will and to do Your good pleasure. You promised to write Your commandments upon our hearts. As we hold You near, we receive Your standard promise right now.  We pray and receive this amazing blessing, in the name of Jesus and in the ultimate Word of His power.  Amen!

2 Pet 1:3; Phil 4:13; Josh 1:9; Is 40:3; Heb 12:1-2; Jer 29:11-14

When we appear before the Lord upon our final day, the testimony of our life in Christ will speak for itself. – Temple Ministry

Most of us have seen movies or have actually participated in a court proceeding or trial where testimony was given. In a legal context, a testimony is a highly serious or solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter. Witnesses range from ordinary folks to experts with degrees and titles miles long. To settle a situation justly and to make things right, the more honest or real the testimony, the more likely true judgment will be rendered by a jury or judge.

In today’s message, may we focus on the most critical testimony that each of us must be prepared to deliver; the one of our heart, under the ultimate subpoena power of Almighty God. From a Christian perspective, a personal testimony shares with others what Christ has done and what He is doing in our lives. In other words, that we have been made partakers of the Divine nature (2 Cor 5:17) – old things are passed away – all things have become new.

In Revelation 12:11, (as a paraphrase) it says we are overcomers of evil because of Christ’s unconditional loving sacrifice for our sins at the Cross, by the word of our testimony, and our willingness to sincerely submit our lives to His purpose. In this scriptural or divine context, a testimony is influenced by a renewed fundamental belief, inner personal transformation, and the divine power to redirect our actions. A personal testimony is an integral part of our life of faith. The development of a robust faith requires continual confession or profession of what the Lord has done, what He is doing, and the hope we have in our future in Him.

One of the beauties of a good testimony is that it’s never necessary for us to force feed someone else. The Bible says it’s not by might or power but by my Spirit, says the Lord. (Zech 4:6). Therefore, if we are led by God’s Spirit, group meetings, family gatherings, meal times, church functions, neighbors, roommates and casual encounters give us abundant opportunities to effectively testify the truth and God’s way in us to others. Being obedient to God (Matt 28: 19-20), strengthening our faith, encouraging and helping others, and bringing glory to God by taking an open and public stand (Acts 5:29), and the opportunity to defeat Satan (Rev 12:11) provides the why we should all be ready, willing, and able to testify.

So family and friends, we can relax knowing a personal testimony is not a novel or a detailed book that will exhaust someone’s attention span. The meat of an effective testimony is short and sweet (no more than 5 minutes). If you already have a personal testimony ready to share….great!! If not, perhaps this template may help:

1. Tell of one area in your life where God is helping you to grow. 2. Give one Bible verse that has fed your attitude and confidence in this area of your life. If you know it by heart, quote it. If not, read it from your Bible. 3. Explain in a practical way how this verse relates to the area of your life God is leading and helping you to grow. 4. Give a specific example over the past few days to illustrate how you implemented this verse and be sure of this….. God gets the credit. That folks is what testifying is all about!

Rev 19:10; 2 Tim 1:8; 1 John 5:10; Matt 24:14; Deut 19:15; 1 Cor 1:5-6

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 1 Cor 11:26

If we count ourselves a follower, believer, and/or disciple of Jesus Christ, then we most likely have observed and participated in “communion services”. In today’s message, may we take a fresh look at the Christian practice of communion. Without getting into a deep theological discussion or argument, we’re inspired to venture beyond the dictionary definitions of communion as simply “a sharing” or “part of a church service”. Meditating on God’s primary reasons for having communion gives us all an opportunity to grow in a special way.

The night before he was crucified, Jesus initiated the sacrament or celebration which is also known as Holy Communion, The Communion Service, Eucharist (the Greek word which means “to give thanks”), The Lord’s Table or Supper. During a traditional and special Passover meal, as the one and only head of the living church, Jesus introduced new meaning. He used two common foods of the day as objects in a ritual to remember Him; one that predictably has lasted to this day.

He took bread and broke it (representing His beaten and bruised body so we could be healed). He also took the cup (fruit of the vine representing His blood) so that we could be saved from the penalty of sin. The 22nd chapter of Luke verses 7-23 is a good place to see references to this divinely symbolic process.

Please consider the profound opportunity when we discern the Lord’s deep-seeded design to remember Him. Apostle Paul’s words of revelation verify the communion purpose of Christ in 1 Cor verses 23-34. The opportunity to worship God, to remember Jesus’ death for us, to anticipate His return, to assess our inner self and confess our personal sins, and to help restore our relationships with others strategically accompanies this amazing observance.

Communion is Jesus’ profound gift and blessing for each of us to reflect on what He did, what He is presently doing within us, and what He promises He’ll do as our ultimate hope. Venturing beyond the simple dictionary meaning, communion snuggles more closely to Perry Stone’s definition in the title of his book, The Meal That Heals.

Family and friends, may this short note bring an authoritative balance to our attitude in how we participate in future “communion services.” Communion with God is no joke, frill, or surface activity. It is the opportunity to be most intimate with the God of Creation on a daily basis, and for us to flow into His presence as our Healer and Savior.

Acts 2:42; John 6:53-58; Matt 26:26-28

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

“As alien and archaic as the idea may seem, the task of the church is not to make men and women happy; it is to make them holy.” Chuck Colson

How many of us at one time or another thought that going to church referred to just a building? Or what about the incomplete defining of a church as a “religious service” or denomination or religious organization that unites in a legal or administrative way? May we suggest a more accurate definition today accompanied by Biblical insight that may help us focus more carefully in what we mean when we say the word….”church”.

A church is a gathering of individuals, assembly, or congregation who share common beliefs and meet on a regular basis. From a Biblical standpoint, the church would specifically refer to all the Christians of the world; (meeting in various local places) who clearly picture Jesus Christ as the head of the entire body of believers ( Col 1:18; Eph 1:22-23), see Him as the foundation of their Spiritual building (1 Cor 3:11; 1 Pet 2:6-8), and the One who is the loving husband of His bride (Eph 5:25-32). In Hebrews 10:25, Christians are counseled to assemble together and to encourage one another, especially as we draw near to end times and Christ’s return.

Faithfully attending a Biblically-based church helps people mature spiritually and influences them to share their joy in the Lord with others in an outreaching or evangelistic way. Fellowship, praying and worshipping the same God, reading God’s Word from the Bible, praying for each other’s needs, and growing through experience and the counsel of more mature Christians sets the stage for action—the opportunity to fully benefit from going to “church” and generating the desire to share the gospel message or good news as part of a genuine lifestyle.

The most blessed consciousness is knowing, receiving, and living with God actually occupying our heart as an individual temple of His Holy Spirit (1Cor 6;19). Within that Biblical framework, wherever we go, (physical building aside) so goes the assembly of God or His Spiritual Church. There is no place where God can be prohibited; after all He created and owns everything. Therefore, even the White House, the beach, Kmart, Staples, or the library could qualify as a “church” when an activated saint of God arrived. In this truth, light shines on mans’ best attempt to implement the idea of separation of church and state as simply a figment of our imagination.

We pray these simple observations or insights help you today. May you attend a real Biblically-based work-in-progress-church; not a perfect place but one more like a Spiritual hospital, school, social agency, construction company, family, business network and cheering squad. In that reality, with Christ or God as its divine and Ultimate Pastor, the Healer, the Teacher, the Community Organizer, the Builder, the Father, the Greatest Entrepreneur and Encourager will not only greet you at the door, He’ll already be inside you when you get there!

1Peter 2:4-5; Eph 2:19-22;1Cor 14:26; Rom 12:4-5

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. He will not be moved forever; the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps 112:5-6

It’s not every day that I get a message that fills me to the point of needing to share its overflow. First, a little background: I met Pastor Art Warner many years ago at a Full Gospel Luncheon Meeting. Our first connection was enough. Charismatic, charming, handsome, alive and humble would be some words to describe my first impression of this man. What I never forgot was the truth in his smiling claim to be — a “People Millionaire”.

A couple of days ago, my Pastor friend called me, and in the face and in spite of some physical issues he’s dealing with at 94 years old, we had a wonderful conversation. He’s shopping, witnessing, having lunch dates, and loving and being loved by his family that surrounds him; in other words – still People Millionairing.

Here’s the part where Pastor Art described his life in a metaphor only he could conceive. He told me his life was like that of a dandelion. He alluded to the many golden years where he was in full bloom, firmly rooted and grounded, and capable of bouncing back, even if someone stepped on him. Now at 94, he humbly describes himself as just an old dandelion, flowing with the wind. As a matter of fact, see the photo that someone had given him as a gift of an encapsulated dandelion.

Pastor Art has been a blessing in my life and I consider myself one of the numerous seeds you see in his dandelion trophy. There are many more who fall within his People Millionaire category.

This association may be a stretch, but I believe it fits in Pastor Art Warner’s case. Among the many names Jesus was called, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah comes readily to mind; Surely, the Dandiest Lion of the Tribe of Judah. My friend, mentor, and devout follower of Christ, Pastor Art Warner, may be content with calling himself an old dandelion flowing with the wind. Those of us in his People Millionaire camp, however, would call him Jesus’ Dandy Lion as well!!

Gen 49:8-10; Rev 5:5; Psalm 149:4; 1Peter 2:16; Isaiah 43:4