Praise Him All You Twinkling Stars!

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Praise Him
All
You Twinkling Stars!

I don’t know about you but I love thunderstorms. Yesterday afternoon was filled with lightning and thunder. The thunder from the lightning was so loud and so powerful that it shook the ground. It was Awesome! Especially during the cooler months Kathy and I love to go outside at night look up at the moon and the stars and marvel at God’s creation! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! 
 

Scripture

Psalm 148

¹ Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
    Praise him from the skies!
² Praise him, all his angels!
    Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
³ Praise him, sun and moon!
    Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
⁴ Praise him, skies above!
    Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
⁵ Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
    for he issued his command, and they came into being.
⁶ He set them in place forever and ever.

Observation

I don’t know about you but I love thunderstorms. Yesterday afternoon was filled with lightning and thunder. The thunder from the lightning was so loud and so powerful that it shook the ground. It was Awesome!

Especially during the cooler months Kathy and I love to go outside at night look up at the moon and the stars and marvel at God’s creation! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies!


It is Monday! And yes, it is probably going to rain … some more!

So why not lets praise Him as you and I experience the power of the storms!

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Psalm 150:6

Application

I will praise my God today! How about you?

Prayer

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heaven!
² Praise him for his mighty works;
    praise his unequaled greatness!
³ Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
    praise him with the lyre and harp!
⁴ Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
    praise him with strings and flutes!
⁵ Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
    praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
⁶ Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Psalm 150

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 12,13,14; Revelation 5; Psalms 148-150

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The LORD Always Keeps His Promises

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The LORD
Always
Keeps His Promises

Two words that you most likely do not want to hear out of the mouth of your spouse are the words: Always and Never. When used by one spouse towards the other it is generally because the other party has not lived up to his or her expectations. The truth is that you and I can never live up to someone else’s expectations. We will always in some way, shape or fashion let them down.

Scripture

Psalm 105

¹³ For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
    You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises;
    he is gracious in all he does.

Observation

Two words that you most likely do not want to hear out of the mouth of your spouse are the words: Always and Never. When used by one spouse towards the other it is generally because the other party has not lived up to his or her expectations.

The truth is  that you and I can never live up to someone else’s expectations. We will always in some way, shape or fashion let them down.

Why can’t we? It is because we are broken, sinful, and far from perfect.

But on the other hand you and I can always use these two words when describing our Heavenly Father.

He always keeps His promises. He will never leave us or forsake us.

The Bible is full of God’s promises. He has and He will keep everyone of them. We can count on them.

What is a promise that God has given you that comes to your mind right now?

Why don’t you share it with everyone that reads this blog today?

Application

I will hold on to all of God’s promises for me today. How about you?

Prayer

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1-3, 17-21

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 8,9,10,11; Revelation 4; Psalms 145-147

> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> If you clicked “like”, made a comment, or shared this blog I want you to know that    I am going to make the time to pray for you and your family that day.

> I would love for you to send me your prayer requests in a private message so I can better pray for you and your family.

> I will pray for you!

> Have you seen the movie War Room yet? Go see it. It is powerful!

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I Have Made You A Light To The Gentiles, To Bring Salvation To The Farthest Corners Of The Earth

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I Have Made You
A Light To The Gentiles,
To Bring Salvation To The Farthest Corners Of The Earth

Last week while I was greeting out at the front of the church I met a young man named Will. Robert Roush works with Will and Rob invited Will to church! I am so proud of our young people! Every week more and more people are coming to Christ Fellowship because our people have invited them. Who is on your invite list? You and I are the light of the world! Please Keep Reading 

Scripture

Acts 13

⁴⁷ For the Lord gave us this command when he said,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
    to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’

Observation

Kathy and I have spent most of our married life first preparing for the mission field, (me eight years of College, University, and Seminary, Kathy, Nursing school  + 4 kids) and then finally serving our Lord in Mexico, Spain, Morocco, and Cuba as missionaries.

It has now been over 12 years since we left Mexico, and not being able to go back still kills me. Last night Kathy and I watched a movie called “McFarland” starring Kevin Costner and it brought back so many memories of Mexico and the other places where we have served!

Dr. Tommy Green, now the new Executive Director of the Florida Baptist Convention, held a meeting last week in Lakeland for pastors where he shared his vision for Florida Baptists. The most important thing he shared for me was this, “with the changes we are making in our convention structure we will be able to send more money next year to the International Mission Board, enough to put 20 more missionary families on the mission field.

I was so excited to hear this news!

You and I are the light to the world. We are the light to those around us where we work and where live.

Last week while I was greeting out at the front of the church I met a young man named Will. Robert Roush works with Will and Rob invited Will to church! I am so proud of our young people! Every week more and more people are coming to Christ Fellowship because our people have invited them. Who is on your invite list? 

You and I are the light of the world!

Application

I will remember today that I am a light to those who live around us. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am amazed at what You are doing through Your people at Christ Fellowship. Help us to do more. Help me to do more. Help us send out and help us support missionaries financially. Give us a bigger heart for missions. Thank You for Dr. Tommy Green. Give others in leadership the same kind of heart.

I pray for our church leadership as they prepare for tomorrow. Give them rest and time with their families today so that they will be ready for tomorrow!

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 4,5,6,7; Revelation 3; Acts 13

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The LORD Will Work Out His Plans For My Life—

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The LORD
Will Work Out
His Plans For My Life—

Of course, when we think of King David we usually only think of his bravery with the giant Goliath and his victories as a mighty warrior. We don’t stop to think about what a hard and difficult life King David lived most of his life. God had a plan for David’s life. King David had confidence that the Lord would work out all the plans that the Lord had for his life even though it was impossible for him to see how God was going to do it.

Scripture

Psalm 138

⁸ The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Observation

God had a plan for King David’s life and God has a plan for your life and my life too!
Most of King David’s life did not go as I think that King David thought it would. 

Most of King David’s life was spent running and hiding from his enemies. He hid in caves and had King Saul trying hard to kill him. Then he had to flee for his life and the lives of his family when his own son Absalom rebelled against him. 

Of course, when we think of King David we usually only think of his bravery with Goliath and his victories as a mighty warrior. We don’t stop to think about what a hard and difficult life King David lived most of his life.

God had a plan for David’s life. King David had confidence that the Lord would work out all the plans that the Lord had for his life even though it was impossible for him to see how God was going to do it. 

I can identify with King David. How about you? 

God has plans for my life and He will work them all out. God has plans for your life too. 

Do you and I have King David size confidence in God? 

Really - How big is our God? 

I love King David’s short prayer in this verse, “Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

 Application

I will pray King David’s prayer for my own life today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You will work out Your plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 1,2,3; Revelation 2; Psalm 137-140

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O LORD, What Are Human Beings That You Should Notice Them

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O LORD,
What Are Human Beings
That You Should Notice Them

With 7.3 billion people on the face of this earth it is so amazing, so mind boggling that my God thinks of me at all, but He does. --- Please Keep Reading It Is Short

Scripture

Psalm 144

³ O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
    mere mortals that you should think about them?
⁴ For they are like a breath of air;
    their days are like a passing shadow.

Observation

It is amazing so amazing that God; the Creator of everything takes notice of us at all! 

 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.
 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
 I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me! Psalm 139:16-18

With 7.3 billion people on the face of this earth it is so amazing, so mind boggling that my God thinks of me at all, but He does. 

What is even more amazing than that is the fact that I don’t deserve His love or His attention, and even as sinful as I am God still left Heaven and came down to this earth to die for me so that I could live with Him forever!

Who am I and who are you that God should take notice of us at all? 

But He does!

Application

I will praise Him today! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:1-6 (Personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalms 143,144; Psalms 131-136

 

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I Could Have No Greater Joy Than To Hear That My Children Are Following The Truth

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I Could Have No Greater Joy
Than To Hear
That My Children Are Following The Truth

For a Christian Mom and Dad there is not any greater joy than to hear that their children are following the truth! None. Nada. Nothing even comes close. I want to hear my kids and grandkids say with all their hearts, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior and I living my life for Him.” I want to see them growing in their relationship with Jesus! I could have no greater joy than that! Please Keep Reading …

Scripture

3 John

⁴ I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

Observation

For a Christian Mom and Dad there is not any greater joy than to hear that their children are following the truth! None. Nada. Nothing even comes close.

I want to hear my kids and grandkids say with all their hearts, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior and I living my life for Him.” I want to see them growing in their relationship with Jesus! I could have no greater joy than that!

So Kathy and I are excited when we hear that our grown kids are attending church. We love it when we have the chance for our grandchildren to come to church with us.

I constantly remind myself that it was my “Granny” that took me to church when I was just a little kid. She was the one that influenced me to follow the Truth!

I agree with the old saying that “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than pushing a wheelbarrow into a garage makes it a car”, but going to church does give us a chance to hear the Word of God and become followers of the Truth, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So if any of my kids or grandkids ever happen to read this blog then they will know without a doubt what will bring “Joy unspeakable” to our hearts. 

Application

I will continue to strive to live my life in a way that hopefully my kids and my grandkids will see Jesus in me. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have given Kathy and I five super kids and ten wonderful grandchildren. You know our hearts. You know that it is our hearts’ desire that all of our kids and all of our grandkids follow the Truth. Help each one of them to know Jesus as their own personal Lord and Savior.

Help each one of them live their lives in a way that pleases You. Kathy and I are counting on You to do in their lives everything that we failed to do. We tried to be good parents, but You know that there were times when we didn’t do such a great job. But You my Heavenly Father are Perfect and nothing is too hard or impossible for You. Would You please finish what we started? There could be no greater joy for us than that! Amen

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 50,51; 3 John

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I Took My Troubles To The LORD; I Cried Out To Him, And He Answered My Prayer.

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I Took My Troubles
To The LORD;
I Cried Out To Him, And He Answered My Prayer.

If we look at our world from strictly a human point of view then our future looks dreadful, miserable, and down right gloomy. The world seems totally out of control with only evil behind the steering wheel. Evil conspiracy theories flood the Internet! Financial collapse seems long overdue! What in the world should we do? Get God’s perspective on the situation that is what we should do!

Scripture

Psalm 120

¹ I took my troubles to the Lord;
    I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

Observation

Trouble, you don’t even have to go looking for it. It seems to come right to you. At least at the Williams’ household that seems to be the case. 

Of course, it shouldn’t be a surprise to me because I have memorized John 16:33 and it is a constant reminder to me of what Jesus said, 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

If we look at our world from strictly a human point of view then our future looks dreadful, miserable, and down right gloomy. The world seems totally out of control with only evil behind the steering wheel. 

Evil conspiracy theories flood the Internet! Financial collapse seems long overdue! 

What in the world should we do? Get God’s perspective on the situation that is what we should do!

Here are a few suggestions from God’s Word. I could list several thousand more!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!  Psalm 139:17-18

Here is my favorite promise as I think about our government, world systems, evil in general, and the future and where it looks like we may be headed. 

 I praise God for what he has promised.
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
    What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4  

Just remember this,
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:10-11

God is in control. The victory has already been won! We are on the winning team!

Application

I will hold on to God’s promises as I face the future. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, fear of what lies ahead can and does scare me. That is why I cling to Your Word. I hold on to all of Your promises. You do not lie. Every promise that You have made in Your word I know You will keep. I am Your child. “For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.  Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:3-5

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 37,38,39; Psalms 79; 2 John; Psalm 120-125

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Dear Children Keep Away From Anything That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts

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Dear Children
Keep Away From Anything
That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts

Scripture

1 John 

²¹ Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Observation

What might take God’s place in your heart? It could be drugs, alcohol, lust, greed, pornography, a man, or it could be a woman, or anything else. Satan knows our weakness. Satan knows where we are vulnerable. He is so subtle.

Does God have His rightful place in your heart and in my heart right now? Is He Number One in our lives? 

Do we need to repent and ask God for forgiveness? Do we need to confess that we have allowed something else to take His place in our life?

Everyday, every single day we must guard our hearts. Satan wants to destroy us.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:23

Today is Monday. We serve a God that loves for us to start all over with Him.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8

Maybe that is just what you need to do this morning.

Here is a promise so that you know that He will hear and respond to our prayers:

 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15
JOY acrostic
Jesus #1
Others # 2
You #3
How about taking a dry erase marker and writing a BIG # 3 on your bathroom mirror to remind you how to have JOY this week? Let me know if you do it! I just put a Red #3 on our bathroom mirror!

Application

I will guard my heart today. I will not let anything take God’s place in my heart. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to guard my heart this week. Help me to keep You as the most important Person in my life. And help me to keep Kathy in the number 2 spot. My kids and grandkids right after that and those that You place on my heart right after them. Don’t let Satan or my sinful nature get that order out of place. I look forward to this week and I look forward to what You are going to do in the lives of the ones that I love. Nothing is too hard for You!

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 33,34; Psalms 74; 1 John 5

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O Sovereign LORD! You Made The Heavens And Earth By Your Strong Hand And Powerful Arm. Nothing Is Too Hard For You!

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O Sovereign LORD!
You Made The Heavens And Earth By Your Strong Hand And Powerful Arm.
Nothing Is Too Hard For You!

This week I shared in my blog a quote from a video in the Art of Marriage series by Family Life Seminar that went like this, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead?” When I shared that quote on my blog this week Cathy Brooks wrote me back and said, “Eddy, We can put any problem that we are having in that Question.” Cathy, I totally agree!

Scripture

Jeremiah 32

¹⁷ “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

Observation

This week I shared in my blog a quote from a video in the Art of Marriage series by Family Life Seminar that went like this, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead?” 

The marriage counselor had asked the troubled wife the above question. The wife was ready to get a divorce. She had gone to the counselor thinking that her marriage was over. She was going just to be able to say that she had gone to counseling. Her husband’s anger and her infidelity had placed their marriage in a place of what she thought was a place of no return. 

Her answer to the counselor’s question was “yes”. 

To which the counselor then said to the woman, “And you don’t think that the God that raised Jesus Christ from the grave can’t heal your marriage?” 

When I shared that quote on my blog this week Cathy Brooks wrote me back and said, “Eddy, We can put any problem that we are having in that Question.” Cathy, I totally agree! 

Nothing is too hard for our God! Nothing! 

Application

I will pray believing that nothing is too hard for my God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, nothing is too hard for You! With You nothing is impossible! Help me to live out that truth this week. Help me to pray like I believe it. Don’t let me forget that Your Power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is working in my life today!

    Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. Ephesians 3:20

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 31,32; 1 John 4

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They Felt What They Had Was Not Their Own; They Shared Everything They Had

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They Felt What They Had
Was Not Their Own;
They Shared Everything They Had

When we are generous. When we freely share what we have. It is then in that moment when we are most like our Heavenly Father. I would have loved to experience what took place in Acts 4. Stingy and Selfish … or … Generous and Self-less - everyday it is our choice to make.

Scripture

Acts 4

[32] All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. [33] And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. [34] There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them [35] and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need. 

Observation

When we are generous. When we freely share what we have. It is in those moments when we are most like our Heavenly Father. I would have loved to experience what took place in Acts 4. It must have been a wonderful moment. 

I say wonderful moment because it didn’t last very long before someone or someone’s messed it all up. Just read Acts chapter 5 and see who did it. 

There is nothing more exciting than to see a group of generous people help someone in need.
Stingy and Selfish or Generous and Self-less  … everyday it is our choice to make. 

Kathy asked me this past week if we could give a certain amount of money to someone who definitely is in need of help. I was so proud of her. Not that it was all that much money, but it was what God had placed on her heart. 

    If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38

Application

I will look for ways to be generous today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be generous. Don’t let me be stingy. I know what You told me in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 when You said, “But remember this--if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don't force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. Help me to put this into practice!

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 28,29,30; 1 John 3; Psalm 108-112; Acts 4:31-37

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O LORD, What A Variety Of Things You Have Made!

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O LORD,
What A Variety Of Things
You Have Made!

And how about our church! Talk about variety, we have it in abundance at Christ Fellowship Church! God loves variety and He loves diversity! He created every thing so unique and so wonderful!

Scripture

Psalm 104

²⁴ O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
    In wisdom you have made them all.
    The earth is full of your creatures.

Observation

Lets take time today to enjoy all the neat things that the Lord has made! Don’t miss the sound of the birds in the morning. Did you see the beautiful sky last night? 

Take time today to take in all the variety and all of the wonder in everything that God has made!
Kathy has been doing a book study over at Laurel Barden’s house this summer with a group of ladies and the book is called, “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. The writer of this book invites her readers to wake up to God’s everyday blessings. Kathy has taken on a yearlong challenge of writing down in her “Gratitude Journal” one thousand things that she is thankful for! 

Just think about how different each one of us are made – each one of us created just the way God wanted us to be! 

Our five kids and our 10 grandkids are so wonderfully different. Each one of them so unique, each one so amazing!

And how about our church! Talk about variety, we have it in abundance at Christ Fellowship Church! God loves variety and He loves diversity! He created every thing so unique and so wonderful! 

Take time today and the entire weekend to look around and enjoy what God has created. 

Don’t miss a thing!

Application

I will slow down and enjoy “everything” that God has created! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Let all that I am praise You! My God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind.  

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 104:1-3; Psalm 139:13-14

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 21,24,27; Psalms 118; 1 John 2; Psalm 103-107

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I Will Lead A Life Of Integrity

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I Will
Lead A Life
Of Integrity

I have watched so many pastors and Christian leaders during the past 40 years fall into sexual sin and it destroyed so much of what they could have been and done.  Sin is sin. Let’s don’t try to rationalize it.

Scripture

Psalm 101

² I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.
³ I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.

Observation

It has been now more than 42 years since God called Kathy and I into full time ministry. During that time Satan has tried in all sorts of ways to destroy us and I don’t think that he has given up yet trying to reach that goal!

I was taught by Dr. Waylon B. Moore and other godly men to establish boundaries for myself so I didn’t yield to the temptations that Satan would bring across my path. Satan loves to use those of the opposite sex to bring us down. 

It only takes yielding once to destroy my family, my ministry, hurt those in our church, and wipe out my witness to those who are watching me but have yet to put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have watched with sadness and great pain so many pastors and Christian leaders during the past 40 years fall into sexual sin.

King David, who wrote this Psalm, let down his guard when he lusted over Bathsheba. He then committed adultery and then committed murder to try to cover up his sin. Even though God was gracious with His servant David after David repented of this horrible sin, the consequences on David’s life, on his family, and on the nation were terrible. It was devastating!

Sin is sin. Let’s don’t try to rationalize it. And don’t think that you or I could ever get away with it.

Be a man or woman of integrity. Strive to live a blameless life.

If what we are doing is wrong? If what we are doing is sinful? If you or I are committing adultery, fornication, or any type of sexual immorality, even it is only in our mind, then we need to REPENT.

Turn from sin and self and turn back to God!

 Application

I will strive to lead a life of integrity in my own home. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I know how easy it is for me to say “yes” to the temptations that are daily put before me. Help me to say “no” to those temptations. Don’t let me let my guard down. I know that the enemy would love to destroy me. I know that Satan wants to destroy my marriage, my family, and my ministry. Don’t let him do it. Keep me strong.

I pray for our leadership team at Christ Fellowship. Help them set and keep boundaries for how they deal with the opposite sex. Protect them. Don’t let them neglect their family. Especially don’t let them neglect their spouse! Help them to live godly lives. Help them to live a life of integrity.

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 48,49; Psalms 67; 1 John 1; Psalm 98-102

• If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

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When Doubts Filled My Mind, Your Comfort Gave Me Renewed Hope And Cheer

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When Doubts
Filled My Mind,
Your Comfort Gave Me Renewed Hope And Cheer

All of us have doubts and fears, well don’t we? Okay, Eddy Williams has doubts and fears and sometimes they totally fill my mind, they completely dominant my thoughts. But every time these doubts and fears come at me my God is with me to comfort me and He renews my hope and cheers me up.

Scripture

Psalm 94

¹⁹ When doubts filled my mind,
    your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Observation

All of us have doubts and fears, well don’t we? Okay, Eddy Williams has doubts and fears and sometimes they totally fill my mind, they completely dominant my thoughts.

But every time these doubts and fears come at me my God is with me to comfort me and He renews my hope and cheers me up.

How does God do that for me? He uses His Word and he uses His people!

I feel sorry and sad for those who do not read God’s Word everyday and for those who have decided that church is not for them.

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 28:7

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7

Application

I will trust my God. When doubts come into my mind today I will defeat them with the Word of God. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I will praise You for what You have promised. I trust in You, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 (personalized) 

You are my strength and shield. I trust You with all my heart. You help me, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 28:7 (personalized)

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 45,46,47; Psalms 105; John 21; Psalm 93-97

• If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

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Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing Me

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Blessed
Are Those Who Believe
Without Seeing Me

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He just part of your vocabulary, just a Name you misuse when you get mad? Just a name you spew out when you want to curse at someone or curse at some thing that just broke or when some stupid thing gets in your way?

Scripture

John 20

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
²⁸ “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Observation

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He just part of your vocabulary, just a Name you misuse when you get mad? Just a name you spew out when you want to curse at someone or curse at some thing that just broke or when some stupid thing gets in your way?

My Dad was good at using Jesus’ name in all of those wrong ways, for all the wrong reasons but would my Dad step inside a church where Jesus Christ was worshiped, where Jesus’ Name was honored and where Jesus’ Name was glorified, oh no, my Dad would have no part of that. Not one time in my entire life do I remember my Dad stepping foot inside a church.

Do you believe?

Has there been a time in your life when you turned from sin and self and surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ asking Him to be your Lord and your Savior?

Take a minute to read John 18 – 20 and you will find the story of how Jesus was arrested, how He was nailed to a cross, buried, and on the third day Jesus Christ came back to life!

My Granny, yes my Dad’s Mom, I got to see Jesus in her!

When I was little she gave me a big ole family Bible with all those great pictures in it. She walked me to church where I got involved in the R.A.’s (Royal Ambassadors for Christ). She must have prayed for my salvation! I remember her talking about taking part in a Billy Graham Crusade.

Jesus is my Lord and my Savior. How about you? Do you know Him?

Application

I will strive to live my life in a way that helps my children and my grandchildren see Jesus in me. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I believe. Thank You for allowing me to become one of Your children. Thank You for the people that You placed in my life at just the right time. I don’t deserve salvation. I don’t deserve eternal life. I don’t deserve the life that You have allowed me to live. I am so blessed. Thank You for giving me what I don’t deserve. Thank You for not giving me what I do deserve. You are a God of Grace.

I pray for those who might be reading this blog. Open up their spiritual eyes so they can see Jesus. May they pray to You today and surrender their lives to You. Help them to believe.

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 26,35,36; John 20

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Grant Me Purity Of Heart

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Grant Me
Purity
Of Heart

Kathy gave out Bibles yesterday to her 4 year olds that were graduating up to Kid City. One of the verses that she shared with them is great for us too as it helps us know what we need to do to keep a pure heart,

Scripture

Psalm 86

¹¹ Teach me your ways, O Lord,
    that I may live according to your truth!
 
Grant me purity of heart,
    so that I may honor you.
 
¹² With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
    I will give glory to your name forever,
 
¹³ for your love for me is very great.
    You have rescued me from the depths of death.

Observation

In the world we live in, a world filled with so much garbage, so much filth, and so much evil, and so many lies it seems next to impossible for us to have a pure heart. We are bombarded with trash; it comes at us from every direction. 

It can easily find a place within our hearts. 

You and I are to be different. We are supposed to be the “salt” and the “light” for those around us. 
Our lives are to be lived out in such a way that they help move people closer to Jesus. 

Is my heart “pure”? How about yours is your heart pure?  

Maybe our hearts could do with a good scrubbing as we start out this week? 

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9

Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:23 

Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Kathy gave out Bibles yesterday to her 4 year olds that were graduating up to Kid City. You may have seen pictures of the whole thing on Facebook!

One of the verses that she shared with them is great for us too as it helps us know what we need to do to keep a pure heart, 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 

I will add these two verses from the same chapter to her verse to make a point.

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9, 11

The only way that you and I can have pure hearts is if we are in God’s word everyday and put God’s word into practice!

Application

I will be in God’s word everyday this week. How about you?

Prayer

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:1-7 NLT

 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 23,24,25; John 19; Psalm 83-87

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Sing Praises To God Our Strength. Sing To The God Of Jacob

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Sing Praises To God
Our Strength.
Sing To The God Of Jacob

I woke up this morning tired and a bit weary. I am not totally sure why, but this one thing I know is that I look forward to singing praises to my God this morning with God’s people at Christ Fellowship!

Scripture

Psalm 81

1 Sing praises to God, our strength.
    Sing to the God of Jacob.

Observation

I woke up this morning tired and a bit weary. I am not totally sure why, but this one thing I know is that I look forward to singing praises to my God this morning with everybody at Christ Fellowship!

I feel badly this morning for people making decisions that are totally against what God says in His Word.

It actually makes me feel physically sick. Have you ever had those kinds of feelings?

As a pastor I feel responsible for them and it breaks my heart when they reject godly counsel and when they go against what they know the word of God says!

I went to bed thinking about them, during the night I was thinking about them and praying for them and when I woke up I was still thinking about them.

If you happen to be one of those people that have broken my heart because of the way you are living would you please make a U-turn, repent, and do the things that you know are right.

Would you please turn back to God and put Him first? Oh, would that help the way I feel right now!

Application

So this morning I look forward to worship! I look forward to being with God’s people.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray to You because I know that You hear me. You know my heart. You know how I feel. Help me to worship You with all of my heart! Don’t let me ignore Your Word. Don’t let me ignore godly counsel. You are the lifter up of my soul. You are my Encourager. Bless those who may read this today. May Your face shine on them.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalms 112; John 18; Psalm 78-82

  

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