April 11, 2021

God Works …

I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it.

 God works so that people will be in awe of Him. – Ecclesiastes 3:14

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege to travel and see many incredible wonders.  I have visited 49-of-the 50 states in America.  I have marveled at: Niagara Falls, “Old Faithful”, “double rainbows” over Diamond Head, Mount St. Helens (a week after its “top blew off”), and I still remember driving through the ash!  Alaska is the one state that I have never set foot in, but I have seen Mt. McKinley from 40,000 feet going to East Asia.

Visiting other countries, I have seen great places such as: Beijing, The Great Wall of China; Butchart Gardens in British Columbia (and it is gorgeous!); the Columbia Icefields, and Lake Louise just outside of Banff, Canada. 

My list certainly could go on with places I’ve seen around the world, but it has also been “out-of-this-world”.  When my Dad worked for a company that built telescopes, I was able to view planets and stars through the lens of these telescopes just before they were shipped to observatories around the world.  I’m talking “big telescopes!”  It is amazing to see things millions of miles away, and yet … at the moment … they look like they’re in the grasp of your hand.

God works so that people will be in awe of Him.  I’ve asked this question to many church folk, “When was the last time you were in awe?”  The response I get is amazing.  To the unbeliever I have asked, “How much more does He have to do for you?”

As I read this passage of Scripture, I came across an old song, Would You Believe by Tim Sheppard.

(v. 1) If I could work a miracle before your eyes
If I could change the rain to clear blue skies
If I could open the blinded eyes to see
Would you believe in Me

(v. 2) If I could part the sea or roll back the tide
If I could let you touch My palm and feel My side
If I could hang for you upon a rugged tree
Would you believe in Me

(v. 3) If I could die for you then live again
If I could let you feel the nail prints in My hands
If I could leave for you My footprints in the sand
Would you believe in Me

God’s greatest work was on the cross for my salvation.  I will be forever in awe!!!

April 4, 2021

He Is Risen; He Will Return

The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths

but was folded up in a separate place by itself. – John 20:7

Dr. David Jeremiah tells this story about a missionary to Albania, Ian Loring, who delivered a sermon on Good Friday in a room decorated for an Albanian funeral: 

Ian Loring invited everyone to come back on Sunday to observe the “third day ritual.”  In Albanian culture, friends return three days after a funeral to sit with the family, drink bitter coffee, and remember the one who has died.  More than three hundred people filled the room that Easter Sunday.  Ian preached about the “not quite empty tomb,” observing that Christ’s empty grave clothes still bore His shape, but the napkin, which had been wrapped around His head, was placed away from the other grave clothes, folded.  To Ian’s congregation, that minor detail held great meaning and promise.  In Albania, when a person finishes a meal and prepares to leave the table, he crumples up his napkin to indicate that he is finished; but if he leaves his napkin folded, it is a sign that he plans to come back.

Today, we celebrate the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ!  This is not a myth … it is factual!  1 Corinthians 15 is just one of many places that can attest to this: Jesus, after His resurrection, “appeared to Peter, then to the twelve; then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time … He appeared to James, and to all the apostles”. 

Today, we look for His return.  Though we see turmoil all around us, and the world tries to inject us with fear and futility, Jesus gives us hope as He told His disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Today, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, be certain of your salvation – because He will return!  There is only one way to have eternal life.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

March 28, 2021

To Be Like Jesus

For the past 5-to-6 months, I have been going through a study in the book of Matthew. 

As I near the ending chapters of the book, I find myself reading and studying through the trial of Jesus, and of all times…

today is Palm Sunday, and the beginning of what many call “holy week”. – Matthew 27:11-26

At the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, we find four very different characters of people.  As I reflect on this particular day in history, my prayer for you is that you will see your own place in the story of Jesus’ final hour before His crucifixion.

First, we have Jesus, the innocent captive.  Though on trial, He says very little; but everything He says is the truth.  It’s unpopular truth.  People disbelieve it.  They hate Him for it.  But He stands His ground, knowing that every word pushes Him close to the Cross.

Second, we see Pilate waffling and wavering back and forth on the right course of action.  There’s nothing gray about the matter, it’s totally a black-and-white issue.  Jesus is innocent.  He should be let off.  But how easily the fear of the crowd can make us believe that doing the right thing is impossible in certain circumstances.

Third, we meet Barabbas, the notorious criminal.  Guilty of troublemaking, robbery and murder, he is clearly the opposite of Jesus.  Upon closer reflection, we realize the sobering truth that we are all Barabbas.  Romans 3:23 says, “We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  Incidentally, the man whose name, “Barabbas” meant “son of the father,” was freed while the true Son of the Father, Jesus, took his place among the condemned.

Finally, we have the wife of Pilate, who happens to be the conscience on this day.  She tossed and turned throughout the night, tormented by a dream of Jesus.  She knows Jesus is innocent.  Her knowledge of truth prompts her to prod her husband (Pilate) toward doing what is right.  Similarly, we are called to be the “conscience of the crowd”, even when our small voices likely go unheard.

The Aroma of Christ

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.  For we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

As young parents, Sharon and I would to hear the statement: “Oh, he/she looks like you.”  As we have grown older, we don’t hear that quite often anymore … but we do hear that regarding our grandchildren!  Have I shown you pictures of our grandchildren lately?!!!

We cannot help what we look like, but we can help our actions, and as believers, those actions spread the knowledge of Christ around.  When we imitate God’s mercy and grace in our dealings with others, we act like our Father in heaven and spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ to all.

We as Americans know about “fragrance”.  Scented candle sales in the U.S. are estimated at roughly $2.3 billion a year.  1.74 million Americans spent $500 or more on colognes and perfumes.  This doesn’t include room deodorizers and air fresheners.  We want “things” in our lives to smell nice!

So, what does your life say about Christ?  We need to make sure we are giving off the right aroma and attracting people to the Lord.  Verse sixteen tells us that not everyone responds to us in the same way, “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”  To some, we bring the conviction of sin, and to others, pleasure and peace.  Two questions we need to ask ourselves:  Do people respond favorably to the aroma we give off?  Also, what kind of aroma are we sharing with others? 

He Is Personal … If You Let Him

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith. – Romans 16:25-26

Paul declares that God is the source of strength for all believers.  This gospel that Paul preaches both comes from and points to Jesus.  Paul’s use of the personal pronoun “my” in front of the word gospel which shows how personal the good news is to him.  It is not just something that he has heard – it is now his own.

Do you view the gospel that way?  Do you see it as yours or something given personally to you? Is your relationship with Jesus and the good news so intimate that you would refer to it as “mine”?

Paul goes on the equate the gospel with a mystery that was once held back.  Paul’s use of “mystery” implies that the gospel was not something that was hidden, but something that we could never reason out on our own.  We could only know it through the revelation of God.  That mystery has since been made known.  In fact, God commanded that it be made known to all nations.

Do you hear that personal call of God on your life to make the good news known to the nations?

A Living Sacrifice

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,

holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this age,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.  – Romans 12:1-2

God asks Christians to lay down their lives on His altar as a “living sacrifice.”  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, having accepted Him as your personal Savior, your life is not your own.  As a result, God asks you to live for Him as a living sacrifice.  Every day you are to offer Him your attitude, perspective, time, energy, resources – everything you have.  He doesn’t want only spare time or your leftovers. 

Over the years of ministry, I have shared with choirs and congregations, that I believe the hardest song to sing in the hymnal is “I Surrender All”. It is not because of the melodic or harmony lines, but because of what the song is saying.  I’ve heard it said, “In church life, we don’t tell lies … we sing them.”  Ouch!  One choir member told me that we should rewrite the lines to: “I surrender just a little bit”.

God wants you to live for Him by offering Him everything!  EVERYTHING!

February 28, 2021

Searching Our Hearts

The Last Supper is the calm before the storm.  Within a matter of hours, Jesus would be betrayed by Judas, arrested at Gethsemane, pushed through a series of unjust trials by both Jews and Romans, scourged severely, mocked, and nailed to a cross by heartless soldiers, where He would die a slow, excruciating death.  But before all this, He and His twelve disciples gathered around a common table for the Passover meal – their last supper together.

Later in time … the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.  But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”  I can’t help but wonder if Paul had Judas Iscariot in the back of his mind when he penned those words.  Like Judas, who went through the motions at that Passover meal but never let Jesus’ words and actions penetrate his calloused heart, many who come to the Lord’s Supper treat it similarly.

In gathering with fellow believers around the Lord’s Table, we need to examine ourselves, letting His Word search our hearts.  We are invited to this table of grace, just as we are invited into a saving relationship with Him by grace alone through faith alone.  We don’t earn a place at the table.

Along these lines, take some time to meditate on Psalm 139:23-24.  Reflect on who He is and what He has done for us.  Make these words your heartfelt prayer as well as the constant attitude of your life:

Search me, O God and know my heart

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

February 14, 2021

How Can I Be Saved?

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. – Romans 10:9-10

Last Saturday night (February 6, 2021), I received a phone call from my oldest son.  When my son calls me … “something is up”.  He usually talks with Sharon, and then I get a filtered conversation later.  He said to me, “Dad, I need some help.  I have a 5 ½ daughter who is asking a lot of questions.”

Putting her on speaker phone, she said to me, “Papa, I want to make Jesus the boss of my life!”  What a joy is was to lead her to Jesus.  I certainly didn’t do much, Jeremy and ML have nurtured their children in God’s Word.  Either one of them could have led Katherine to Jesus, but they wanted me to enjoy the pleasure!!!

Just like my 5 ½ year-old granddaughter, it is important for us to know we can’t make ourselves righteous.  Heaven is a perfect place.  There’s no sin in heaven.  But there’s the problem: we are imperfect, and God can’t allow sinful people into heaven because then it would be full of sin.  Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  The only people who think they can keep God’s laws are those who don’t know them.  God’s laws are perfect, and none of us is perfect.

God sent Jesus to pay for our sins.  He said, “I’ll send my Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty.  He will take your place so you don’t have to pay the penalty and spend eternity in hell.  You can be with me forever.”  Jesus traveled to earth and never sinned, but He took the penalty for our sins so we would never have to.  That means everything we’ve ever done or will ever do wrong has already been paid for by Jesus Christ on the cross.  We can be made right with God.

I heard David Platt say, “Every saved person this side of heaven owes the gospel to every unsaved person this side of hell.”

For many years I struggled with the “fairness” of the gospel. I thought it was unfair of God to condemn those who hadn’t heard. But as the Book of Romans taught me, our condemnation is fair. What is not fair, however, is that those of us who know the grace of God do nothing to get to those who don’t.

It’s not fair for those of us who have heard so much to do so little to get the message about a God who has done everything to those who have heard nothing at all.

Charles Spurgeon was once asked by one of his students the question we’ve considered in this chapter, whether those who had never heard about Jesus could be saved. “A troubling question indeed,” he replied. “But even more troubling was whether we who knew the gospel and were doing nothing to bring it to the lost could be saved.”

If the times are indeed as bad as we say they are … if the darkness in our world is growing heavier by the moment … if we are facing spiritual battles right in our own homes and churches … then we are foolish not to turn to the One who supplies unlimited grace and power. He is our only source. We are crazy to ignore Him.  We are crazy not to share Him.

Written by: Pastor Terry

January 24, 2021

How Your Thought Life Affects Your Peace

If we’re being honest with ourselves, most of us aren’t who or what we think we are. Our thinking is marred at best, off-track, and in most cases, needs to be changed

How do I know this to be true? Aside from my experience pastoring so many through the years, God’s Word calls us to a “renewal” of our minds. That means trading in our old perceptions, opinions, ideas, beliefs, and self-centered attitudes for a new set of perceptions, opinions, ideas, beliefs, and attitudes that God develops in us. These godly responses are nurtured by regular reading of Scripture and meditating on what’s been read in the Bible. Christ’s followers are urged to avoid being “conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

Out of a renewal of our thinking comes a change in our speech patterns and our behaviors. As our speech and behavior become renewed, our relationships with others become renewed. And as our relationships become renewed, our immediate world is renewed as well. It all begins in the mind with what we choose to think and what we choose to dwell upon.

You have the ability to determine what you’ll think. At any time, you can refocus your mind to a new topic, task, or problem to solve instead of negative thinking that will steal your peace and/or cause you to venture into rebellion or sin. You have the ability to say, “I choose to trust God,” in any situation you face or thought you have.

Furthermore, any child of God who takes a willful stand against thought patterns that clearly are harmful is going to be provided a way of escape from that circumstance. God will help you focus your mind on something other than your problem or bad thought pattern if you will make the initial step in His direction. 

When you guard your mind, you guard your peace. When you offer prayers to God with faith and thanksgiving—no matter what trials you face—He assures you inner peace (Phil. 4:6-7). And when you focus your thinking on what’s true, noble, virtuous, lovely, pure, and praiseworthy, you rely upon God with increasing faith and trust. 

You can never fully exhaust your ability to think about the goodness and greatness of God. Choose to respond to life the way Jesus responded. Guard your prayer life. Guard your thought life. Seek the Father and all that’s godly. His Word promises that when you fill your mind with what is virtuous and praiseworthy, “the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9).

Finding Peace by Dr. Charles Stanley

January 17, 2021

Overcoming Fear

Have you ever had one of those weeks when you finally get to Friday, and say, “I’m glad this week is over!” … only to start the next day and you get slammed with another hill to climb, a bigger burden to carry, or sheep to tender?

I am thankful for Godly men who have ministered to me over the years.  Yes, even Pastors need refreshment and encouragement.  One of these is Dr. Charles Stanley.  I came across this in a book that I’m reading and felt the need to share it with you.  Prayerfully, it will minister to you as it has me.

Many people think the opposite of fear is hope, courage, or strength. The true opposite of fear is faith. And when fear causes paralysis, it not only quenches one’s peace, but it attacks the foundation of that peace—namely, our faith. Peace goes out the window when fear is present. 

Much of fear is rooted in doubt that God will be present, provide justice or help, or be capable of dealing with the crisis at hand. Faith says, “Yes, God is here. Yes, God will provide. Yes, God is capable of all things!”

Much of fear is rooted in threats—sometimes threatening words, sometimes threatening behavior. Faith says, “I will not be traumatized by threats. I will act wisely, not fearfully. I believe God will prevent whatever the threat is from ever coming to pass. And if the threat does come to pass, I believe God will help me deal with whatever is thrown at me.”

When Saul, king of Israel, realized that God had taken His hand of anointing and blessing from him (because of his arrogance and disobedience) and had placed it instead upon the young man, David, he was furious. He began a campaign to find David and kill him—to remove this threat from his life (1 Sam. 19). On the other hand, David felt threatened by Saul’s army and on several occasions feared for his life. But Scripture tells us that David was strengthened by God’s promises to protect him and one day make him king of Israel.

In our modern world, we often read of people who, in spite of intimidation by disease, accident, or danger, pressed ahead to uncertain outcomes—rejection, defeat, and, yes, sometimes victory. Arctic explorers, Olympic athletes, and missionaries come to mind. So threats do not have to stymie and cripple us.

Our challenge in times of threat is not to focus on what might become a reality, but rather, to focus on what we can count on being true.

Many people are living under a dark cloud of threat today. Some are experiencing the threat of disease, some are facing the threats of injury to their children, and some are hearing threats related to the loss of their job.

January 10, 2021

Peace

There’s only one way to experience an abiding peace that transcends circumstances—by faith. Faith is the foundation for living in God’s peace—an active, confident trust in His presence and power to sustain and comfort you, no matter the circumstance you face. There are, however, certain issues that can undermine our faith and rob us of our peace. Let’s consider a few of them that I came across while reading from Finding Peace, by Dr. Charles Stanley:

December 27, 2020

I Am Not Ashamed

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

“The just shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:16-17

Ashamed.  It is such a harsh word that most of us heard as a child.  Come on … be honest … who hasn’t heard the infamous words, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself” only to repeat them to our children.  Most of us can look into our pasts and remember things of which we are ashamed.  Even the apostle Paul had those things in his past that were not very pleasant.  Thank God for His grace and forgiveness! 

However, Paul was certainly not ashamed of the gospel.  He was unashamed of the person of the gospel, Jesus Christ.  The good news of the gospel is Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.  Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of the Old Testament.  He is God in the flesh.  Immanuel!

Paul was also unashamed of the power of the gospel.  The gospel is powerful enough to save anyone, anywhere, at any time.  Regardless of race, gender, or ethnic background, the gospel is relevant to every situation and powerful enough to change lives when it is received into the heart.

While on Facebook, a friend of mine sent this meme to me:

                When we get to Heaven and ask Moses what it was like to part the Red Sea,

                or ask David what it was like to slay Goliath? They will turn to us and ask,

                “What was it like to have the Holy Spirit Himself living inside of you?”

In America, the tide seems to be turning against followers of Christ, and yet our brothers and sisters in Christ have been persecuted in many places of the world for years.  I don’t know if that conversation above will come true, but what is for certain: The Holy Spirit does live inside of every believer!  The very thought of that should cause us to be bold … to be vocal in our worship, and unashamed in our witness.

December 20, 2020

Oh, What a Day!

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:1-3

This past Saturday, I visited with a good friend of mine who had a triple bypass surgery.  It was unexpected, especially for someone who is 54-years-old, and in great health.  A crisis like that certainly has a way of “putting life into perspective”.  In fact, he told me, “The longer I live, the more convinced I become that this life is ever so short.”  I certainly agree with what my friend told me.  I don’t consider myself to be “over-the-hill”, but as a member of the “39-plus-so-many-anniversaries club”, I do wonder where the “years went?”

King Solomon said that God has put eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11), meaning that deep down we know that death is a launching pad into another life that is everlasting.  Having peace with God about what the future holds begins with receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.

When Jesus saw the concern on the faces of His disciples, He encouraged them to put their faith in Him forever.  He promised that He would go ahead of them and would personally prepare a place for them in His Father’s house.  Moreover, this is still His promised for every one of His disciples today.

This Christmas, the greatest gift you could ever receive is the gift of salvation.  If you have never asked Jesus in heart, please do so!  Ask a Pastor, ask a Sunday School teacher or a Deacon, “What does it mean to have eternal life?”

Imagine the moment when you will look upon the face of your Savior and immediately know by the look in His eyes that you are finally and forever home.

Arrows

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, offspring, a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. 

Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.

They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.

Psalms 127:3-5

“Thirty-something” years ago, as Sharon and I had our first child.  We dedicated him to the Lord, just like we have our other two; and you have probably done the same.  It was on that day (and I have pictures to prove that), but I came across this passage of Scripture and have claimed it for my children.  Today, I wear a bracelet that bears the initials of my children.  If you want to see it, I will GLADLY show it to you!  What started out with a “full name” has now become initials since my family has grown:  three children … their three spouses (one to be) … and now GRANDCHILDREN (and I will GLADLY show you pictures of them too!!!)

I’m not an archer, but I have had many opportunities to shoot a bow-and-arrow.  I remember getting my own bow-and-arrow set when I was a little kid at Christmas.  As I got older, I went to a Royal Ambassador Church Camp and placed 3^rd in Archery!  I still have that ribbon.  A professional marksman … I’m certainly not, but if there is one thing I have learned while looking at a target:  My goal is to hit the target.  I want my arrows to shoot straight!  An arrow that is bent or flawed can cause an arrow to go beyond its intended bullseye. 

I’m honored that my children have all been called to ministry full-time.  My boys serve as pastors and my daughter will soon marry a pastor.  There is no doubt that Sharon and I prayed a lot.  We still do.  As parents, our desire has always been to nurture our children in God’s Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that they would find their place of ministry within the church and in the community (even at an early age).  It is our passion that our children will make an impact for God’s kingdom in all they do.

“Letting the arrows fly” is a powerful metaphor not just for parents to think of with regard to their children, but for all of us to think about with regard to our lives.  God gave us whatever He gave us to launch out for the mission (remember, we have all been called). 

The Holy Spirit appears fifty-nine times in the book of Acts, and in thirty-six of those instances He is speaking, leading believers to great effectiveness in His name.  We are arrows made to shoot toward the enemy, not sit idly in a quiver.

Father, as an arrow in Your hand … may I be one who flies straight and impacts the world for Your glory.

Only one life to live, ‘twill soon be past.

Only what’s done for Christ will last. – C.T. Studd

One Way!

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”  Jesus said, to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:5-6

Today, we will be singing an incredible new song by Jeremy Camp, “Isn’t The Name”.  Here are a few of the lyrics: “Isn’t the name of Jesus all we need?  He’s the way, the truth, the life, the only way to God. Isn’t the name of Jesus all we need?”

As I was preparing the music for today and was singing through this song, wouldn’t you know it … this was my devotional from Bryan Smith, the Senior Pastor at FBC Roanoke, Virginia.

“Some people don’t mind asking questions and admitting they don’t have all the answers.  Thomas opened the door for one of the most incredible statements of our Lord’s earthly ministry.  Jesus declared without any ambiguity or confusion that there is simply no other way to heaven but through Him.  Whether it’s regarding the life, truth, or the way to heaven, the answer is ultimately and surely found in Jesus Christ!

His words forever distinguished Him from every other person throughout history.  Who would dare make such an audacious claim?  What evidence or reason would others have for believing Him?  It would be His own resurrection that would ultimately provide indisputable proof that Jesus had every right to declare Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life” and the only way to God.”

Our world today accuses Christians of being hateful, arrogant, and insensitive because we believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  Yet our Savior’s declaration is also His wonderful and personal invitation for all people to call upon Him for salvation.

November 29, 2020

Ministry … Me?

 “Then I heard the voice of the LORD asking:

Who will I send?  Who will go for us?

I said: Here I am. Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8

I remember a conversation that Sharon and I had one day back in Auburn.  Our friend, Connie, is a good friend of Henry Blackaby; pastor, former IMB, former NAMB, pastor, … (I’ll stop here because of space).  On one particular day, Connie took her close friend (and her friend’s daughter; soon to graduate college) to Atlanta to visit with Henry.  The purpose of the trip, at least this is what the Mom had in mind, was so Henry could talk the daughter out of going into “full-time Christian service and surrendering to the mission field”.

After spending a few hours in the Blackaby home, the topic of “career” came up.  We’ve all had that moment when someone asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  That question is usually answered by the time a person graduates from college, and so Henry inquired of the “soon-to-be-graduate”.  The daughter shared with the Blackaby’s that she felt God’s call on her life, when quickly the Mother told Henry, “Talk her out of it … do whatever you have to do, or say whatever you have to say … just talk her out of it”!

With a calm response, Henry looked at the Mom and said, “I can’t do that.  What an honor this is.  To think, with all the people in the world that God could use, He has looked down and has chosen your daughter”!

A lot of Christians support missions as a concept, but feel differently when it is their own kid going.  I remember the day when I told my parents that I sensed God’s call on my life.  I remember my Dad and Mom telling me, “There’s nothing that would make us prouder than knowing you gave your life back to God for His service”.

God is calling you.  Each of us has been called and your days have the potential to echo throughout eternity.  When was the last time you went on a Mission Trip?  When was the last time you went On-Mission next door or down the street?  Maybe it is full-time; to be a Pastor, a Worship Leader or a Missionary … have you surrendered? 

November 22, 2020

Where Are Your Treasures? 

But God said to him, “You fool!  This very night your life is demanded of you. 

And the things you have prepared – whose will they be?” 

That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself

and is not rich toward God. – Luke 12:20-21

A couple weeks ago, I took my daughter’s car to a tire store to have a flat tire fixed (thank you, Micah!).  While I was there waiting, a senior-gentleman started a conversation that explained his reason of being there:  a tire blown out because he ran over a fence post on his ranch.

After talking about tires (which I know nothing about … thank you again, Micah!), we talked about “living life through Covid”.  There is one thing that I have learned through this period of time: Covid is an easy way to start up a conversation … we ALL are going through it together.

He shared that he wasn’t worried.  He was financially stable, having built a good-size portfolio; several homes to rent, stocks, retirement, and of course did I mention … a ranch.  He went on to tell me about “life growing up” without anything, and that he has taught his family how to invest, pursue financial worth and career goals; and I must say that it sounds like his family is doing quite well within the community of San Antonio.  After listening to him, I shared with him that I had invested well too … into eternity.  Wouldn’t you know it … that’s when he asked what I did for a living!  Politely, the gentleman dismissed himself from our conversation.

Jesus told a story about a man who, because of his successes, lived without any thought of death.   He amassed a fortune that guaranteed he and his descendants would be comfortable for generations to come.  Life was good.

What strikes me when I read the story in Luke 12, is that no overly immoral behavior was attributed to this man.  He doesn’t cheat, steal, sleep around or extort the poor.  God calls him a fool for only one reason:  he lived as if life on earth was all there was.

So what are you pursuing?  How many more rungs on a career ladder must you climb?  How much time on earth do you have before “your life is demanded of you”?  Now that I have your attention, here is my last question:  What really matters to you?  Jesus constantly pushed his hearers to reflect on the imminence of eternity, after all … eternity is a long time!    

Father, today I pray that You will remind me of the nearness of eternity, and help me to realize that only two things really matter in life:  the glory of God and the souls of people.

Written by: Pastor Terry

November 8, 2020

Contentment

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

I was recently in Hobby Lobby picking up somethings for a “wedding in the near future”, and I overheard a mother’s conversation with her young daughter.  As they passed every aisle, regardless of the merchandise on the shelves, the little girl would say to her mother, “Go down here!  There’s stuff I need!”

To the mother’s credit, each, time her young daughter said this, the mother replied, “There’s nothing down there you need.”

Unfortunately, aren’t we often like that young girl?  We often think we need everything, and we forget that God supplies all of our needs.

At the core of each of us is an intrinsic desire for true contentment.  While the world would have us “Look over here!” or “Try this!” or “Go there!” Jesus tells us that true contentment comes from Him.  Whether we are in a prison or a palace, whether free or in chains, whether starving or full, whether sick of suffering, everything we ever need in this life or the life to come we can find our Lord Jesus Christ!

GOD WILL LIFT YOU UP

My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.

I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes. 

Make me understand the way of Your precepts;

so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. – Psalm 119:25-27

As a pastor, I often encounter anxiety, depression, and stress in the lives of those I come in contact with, especially living through a Covid pandemic.  These conditions are not new … for many these conditions have impaired God’s children.  In the words we read today, we see the psalmist so depressed he felt at the point of death.

What is the answer for those who suffer like this?  What can you do when your “soul clings to the dust?”  Here’s a plan that will help.

First, spend time in Scripture!  He says, “Revive me according to your word.”  Christians should find spiritual dividends every time they open God’s Word.  Turn to your bible.  Read for spiritual encouragement and not only for knowledge.  God will be present.

Second, spend time in prayer!  The psalmist had his requests answered before because he said, “You answered me.”  Time spent in prayer is never wasted!  When a problem cannot be fixed by human solutions, prayer is our answer.  God beckons you to call to Him.  He delights to respond!

Third, spend time at the feet of Jesus!  No better place can be found than sitting at the Master’s feet.  There you will learn as He teaches you His precepts.  Turn to the Gospels and let the Savior speak to your heart!

Finally, spend time rejoicing!  Little combats depression and darkness more than time spent rejoicing in the Savior who loves You.

Life Lessons From Children

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

Matthew 18:2-5

Believe it or not, I remember hearing this question when I was in Third Grade Sunday School: “John, does your family say a prayer before every meal?”  John quickly answered, “Oh no, my mother is a good cook!”  I don’t know how many times I have used that true episode as an illustration.  We learn a lot from children.

In the context of this passage, Jesus and His disciples are in Capernaum, probably in Peter’s house, and we find the disciples arguing who should be the greatest in the kingdom, and what does Jesus do?  He calls a little child forward.

If in the old English adage “Children are meant to be seen and not heard”, then in ancient Israel children were not even meant to be seen!  R.T. France states, “A child was a person of no importance in Jewish society.” He or she didn’t belong in the room and couldn’t have earned a place.  But unlike the disciples, who were jostling for first place, the child had no agenda no stuff to strut, no desire for applause, not even an awareness of the reason for being brought into the group.  The child knew – as did everybody else – that children didn’t belong in that room, much less at the center of attention.  What a picture of unmerited favor!  What a picture of grace!

Here are three things that I see as I look at this passage:  First, when Jesus called the child to Himself, the child listened and responded to the call of Christ.  Second, the child surrendered himself, and willingly gave up what he/she was doing.  Finally, the child was humble before Christ.  The child had no pride, no arrogance, no conceit, no expectations, no desire for promotion, no spirit of entitlement, and no phony piety.  Children crave love!  Guess what?  So do we!

Father, I thank You as one of Your children that I can come into Your presence.  Help me to hear Your voice today, and that I will respond obediently.  I thank You that I can give You all my burdens, hurts, and desires.  Father, I love You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dull or Deep?

The disciples reached the other shore, and they had forgotten to take bread.  Then Jesus told them, “Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  And they discussed among themselves, “We didn’t bring any bread …” – Matthew 16:5-12

The above passage is just a little snapshot in this life-story.   Jesus was still stewing over the heated confrontation with the frowning critics (vs. 1-4) while His dull disciples were worried about bread.  Maybe they started pointing fingers, playing the blame game, or fretting over what to do about the problem.  But Jesus was preoccupied with something else.  He was instead thinking about the wicked leaders, their diabolical plot to capture and kill Him, and their dangerous false teaching, which poisoned the people’s minds.  All the while, He was just hearing, “bread, bread, bread” from his disciples.

Clearly, the disciples were clueless.  Finally, Jesus cuts in: “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (v. 6). 

I can imagine that the disciples felt a little stupid, not because they had failed to catch Jesus’ figure of speech but because they had been so worried about finding physical bread while Jesus was concerned about those who rejected the Bread of Life.

I’m sorry to say that far too many of us fit quite comfortable in the garb of the skeptical Pharisees and Sadducees or in the sandals of the worldly-minded disciples.

For a moment, put on the garb of the testy critics.  You’re wearing those robes and looking all important with your questions, searching for more evidence, demanding more proof.  You’re determined that you’ll only believe after God meets the burden of proof and your own personal standard of evidence.  But then, just as God shows Himself to be real, the bar for passing your standard of “a sign from heaven” is raised.  This is a typical pattern of the hard-hearted, unbelieving skeptic.

Now walk in the sandals of the dull disciples.  You’re supersaturated with spiritual things – a study Bible, a great church family, Christian books and music.  But as you listen to the sermons or sing the messages or pray the prayers, they pass right through you.  You’ve heard the gospel so much that it no longer makes an impact on your life … or others.  As the pastor preaches, you’re thinking about what’s for lunch or dinner.  As you pray, your mind wanders to the next thing on the calendar.

September 13, 2020

Testing Your Soil

Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “Consider the sower who went out to sow.  As he was sowing, seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up.  Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep.  But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered.  Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them.  Still others fell on good ground, and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown.  Anyone who has ears should listen!” (Matthew 13:3-9)

Third, are you shallow and shaky?  Churches are filled with believers who have shallow faith – thick on emotion and sentimentalism but thin on real substance and weak on commitment and perseverance.  Such rootless religion won’t be able to withstand the normal trials of life.  If you’re a believer, you need to deepen your knowledge of God through meditation and application of His Word.

Fourth, are you faithless and stubborn?  This category in the parable is the only one that describes a person who clearly and unquestionably rejects the truth and doesn’t have a saving relationship with Christ.  If this describes you, it’s not too late to “plow up the hard ground of your hearts” and receive the saving gospel of Jesus.

Written by: Pastor Terry

Stand Out

 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4

August 30, 2020

Sent out, but Not Sent Away

Matthew 10:16-31

This is a long passage, but for the lack of space, go ahead and get your Bible and read the text; I’ll wait.  Here is verse sixteen (16) to get you started:  Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore, be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves. 

I’m glad you’re back.

Sometimes when Jesus sends us out into foreign – even hostile – territory, we can feel like we’re being sent away to fend for ourselves.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Yes, all of us (as believers and followers of Jesus Christ) are being sent out, but none of us are being sent away. 

First, we can expect treatment similar to that of the initial disciples.  Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:11-12, “What persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  Don’t be surprised when it happens.

Second, we don’t have to be afraid.  Remember, we aren’t being sent away but sent out. When we’re given the orders to roll out and cast off into whatever mission field Christ has for us (across the street or across the world), we’re not sent away with nothing.  In fact, we’re given everything we need; Jesus’ promise still stands: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I command you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

There is “lostness” all around us.  For some of us, we don’t have to go far … a neighbor, co-worker and maybe even a family member.  We have been given a command to “go”.  I have heard many reasons for not going: “I’m not gifted; I haven’t taken a class; I’m not good with words; I’m too old, leave it for the youth; I’m too young, leave it to the older generation, etc.” 

August 23, 2020

The Privilege of Prayer

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation. – Psalm 69:13

The Christian’s greatest privilege is prayer.  It is an amazing gift that we can communicate directly to the Father who loves us.  We can talk to Him at any time during the day, no matter what is going on, and He will listen.  But many times we use prayer as our last resort.  Without thinking clearly, when difficult times come – and they will come – we will run to the phone instead of to the throne.  We will turn to others before we turn to God.

God wants to be the source for everything we need in life.  The Bible tells us God inclines His ear when we pray (Ps 116:2).  That means He leans in to hear us.  The great God of heaven is listening for our prayers, and He leans in always ready to respond.  Remember, nothing is too hard for God, and when we are down to nothing, God is up to something – no matter what we may be facing.

August 16, 2020

Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.  When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-36

If you had been standing in the crowd of onlookers in Capernaum during the nonstop day of miracles, you would have been presented with an intellectual dilemma that would call for the decision of your will: Would you give your life to be a true follower of Jesus Christ; would you continue to be an onlooker or flat out deny him?  Whatever choice you made that day would have a lasting impact on your life.

C.S. Lewis famously said that “when it came to deciding who Jesus Christ was, we really only had three choices.  First, we could say he was a liar, that all of the things he said were simply lies.  Secondly, we could say he was not a liar, but a lunatic, so he couldn’t be held responsible for saying the things he said.  And third, we could say he was actually who he said he was … the Lord of Heaven and Earth.”

Facts didn’t stop the hardheaded and hard-hearted Pharisees from believing who Jesus was.  Theirs was a spiritual problem, not an intellectual one.  And it’s a problem people still have today.  In spite of the evidence, people deny the existence of God.  And in spite of the compelling claims of Christ, they willfully reject Him as their Savior and Lord.  The solution to this spiritual blindness, then, is not another book that presents the evidence or arguing people into the kingdom.  The only One who can soften hearts and break down wills is the Holy Spirit.

August 9, 2020

Rejoice and Shout!

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.

Happy are the people who know the joyful sound!  LORD, they walk in the light of Your presence.

– Psalm 89:14-15

Notice in this passage is says “know the joyful sound”, not “hear”.  We hear many things without comprehension.  The “joyful sound” in this verse is the shout of God’s people when they saw the Lord lifted high.  The Bible encourages us to shout to God.  Psalm 47:1 say, “Clap your hands, all you people; shout to God with a jubilant cry”.  Many times we shout and make noise at sporting events or even concerts.  We clap and cheer.  But when we come to church, we act like we’re at a funeral.  This should not be the case, because we are meant to rejoice and shout about Jesus.

The psalmist also exhorts: “Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth!”  (Psalm 100:1).  Rejoicing in the Lord is a recurring them in the book of Psalms.  Believers in Jesus Christ should be excited at all the blessings God has given them; and personally, two come to mind very quickly:  the day I knew that the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, and I gave my life to Jesus Christ; and secondly, the day that I look forward to: knowing there will be joyful sound at the rapture!

Until that day, when the world looks at us as believers in Jesus Christ, they should see a community who rejoices daily in the Lord’s blessings.  Pray that our lives will do just that.

Written by: Pastor Terry

August 2, 2020

Good News

I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know.  I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your loving kindness and Your truth from the great assembly. – Psalm 40:9-10

Growing up, I heard many “children songs” in my house, especially when my Dad was getting ready for Sunday.  He held many layman positions within the church, but the one I always take notice of was his leadership in Children’s Church.  He could teach 250 children on a regular basis every Sunday morning.  Chaos?  No, you could hear a pin drop when he taught the Word (using flannel-graph), and then … you should have heard the children singing. 

He was incredible, and eventually became a spokesman for Child Evangelism.  One of those songs I remember hearing was, “Good News”, and it was sung so boisterous that you had to cover your ears!

Good news!  Good news!  Christ died for me.
Good news!  Good news!  If I believe.
Good news!  Good news!  I’m saved eternally;
that’s wonderful extra good news!

© 1978 Child Evangelism Fellowship (Admin. by CEF Press)

Have you ever had an experience so wonderful in your life that you couldn’t keep the good news to yourself?

For the psalmist, the deeply moving experience of God’s favor and faithfulness toward him resulted in an open unashamed declaration of the goodness of God.  The faithfulness of God so overwhelmed David that he could not keep silent concerning the good news of God’s work in and around him.

July 19, 2020

For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. 

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the LORD’s unfailing love. – Psalm 33:4-5

Look at those five words:  right, truth, justice and unfailing love.  In all honesty, do you feel that’s the world you’re facing today?  It sure can seem like the opposite: wrong, lies, injustice and hatred.  At first glance, it can be challenging to believe “the earth is full of the LORD’s unfailing love” (vs. 5).  Yet it’s true.

When we became a child of God, our destiny became forever determined only by His grace by trusting Jesus Christ alone for our salvation.  Our life and future are in His hands.  Although the world we face today is dysfunctional, it’s only temporary and not our home.  Our day and our lives are under His control.  Last week, Pastor David shared this with us in his sermon, Titus 1:1-4.  You can check it out through our church’s website.  God’s word will be forever right.  He will only tell the truth.  

July 12, 2020

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. 

Lead me in Your truth and each me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.

– Psalm 25:4-5

My favorite movie of all time is The Muppet Movie.  It probably explains a lot about me!  I imagine that I’ve seen this flick about 20 times (or more), and each time I see it, I see something that I’ve missed.  There are so many puns and slap-stick comedy … However, there is a time in the movie when Fozzy Bear and Kermit the Frog are “moving right-along.”  As they seek directions for their road trip, they are told to “turn left at the fork-in-the-road.”  Wouldn’t you know it; when they approached the crossroads of their travel, there was an actual fork … in the road!

I wish life was this easy, but it’s not.  God knew it would be difficult; that is why He gave us His Word to follow.  In life’s decisions, there is the right way, and there is the wrong way, and sadly; far too many believers want all of God’s blessings while proceeding on their own way.

PRAYER FOR AMERICA

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH (Ephesians 6:19-20); (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

* Pray that UBC will preach the Gospel!

* Pray that UBC will be a force for faith, hope and love.

* Pray that God will pour out His Spirit upon UBC.

* Pray that God will break down all barriers to revival.

* Pray that more laborers for ministry will be raised.

* Pray for Dr. David Norman and his family as they move to SATX.

June 27, 2020

For I will proclaim the Lord’s name.  Declare the greatness of our God!  The Rock—His work is perfect;
all His ways are just.  A faithful God, without bias, He is righteous and true.  – Deuteronomy 32:3-4

Every day we talk about many topics with others.  Our conversations might be stories about our children, the sale in the store we just left, job challenges, ball games, or even health concerns due to the Covid-19 virus.  We’re not shy to talk about what matters to us.

I’ve heard it said many times, “I cannot share the gospel at work or at school.  There are policies regarding that.”  Or, “I don’t have the gift of evangelism … I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Having travelled with several ministry teams to East Asia, it was strongly expressed that we could NOT share the gospel, because it was a “closed country”; HOWEVER, if people asked questions, we could answer those questions.  “What do you do for a living?” (I’m glad you asked; I teach music).  “What kind of music?” (I’m glad you asked; gospel music).  “What is gospel music?” (I’m glad you asked, it is about Jesus!)  “Who is Jesus?” (I’m glad you asked!!!)

If our relationship with God really matters to us, we need to be unashamed in proclaiming the name of the Lord to others.  Try this, when you go to work on Monday and you’re asked, “How was your weekend?” start with, “Church was great!”  We can touch people with the truth of God’s Word when we are faithful to share His great name with others.  Why wouldn’t we want to do that?

God is great, and there is no one is greater!  God is our Rock, and no one is stronger!  God is perfect in all His ways!  God is just in all things, in Him there is no partiality!  God is true at all times, and He is always right! 

June 21, 2020

Restore us, God; look on us with favor, and we will be saved.

Psalm 80:3

Three times in Psalm 80, Asaph (the writer) pens the phrase: “Restore us …”  Here in this psalm, we can see that he mourns the sad state of his time, the broken walls (vs. 12), the rampaging animals (vs. 13), and the burnt vineyards (vs. 16).  Sadly, it can look much like today’s news. 

There is comfort knowing that the God of Hosts, sits upon His throne, and in His Sovereignty brings provision, protection and much more!   But it is also His right to allow events in our lives to bring obedience and discipline; all for the purpose that we will seek His face and not just from His hand.

I have been praying for 8-and-a-half years for revival, and until it happens, I will continue to do so.  Broken walls, violent boars and destroyed vineyards might not be my surroundings, but I see a society filled with complacency, “self-sufficiency”, a “what’s-in-it-for-me” mentality, and a lack of love for God, and others.  I certainly am not trying to paint a “doom-and-gloom” picture, because there is HOPE; there is SALVATION, and that is found JESUS CHRIST alone! 

There will still be times that I will cry out just like Asaph, as he pleaded in verse 18, “Revive us, (my emphasis) and we will call upon Your name.”

June 14, 2020

Why? 

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

– Romans 8:28-20

Why do bad things happen to good people?  This question has troubled many people for generations.  But these words from Paul bring encouragement to our hearts during difficult circumstances.  Notice what Paul did not say and what he did say.  Paul did not say, “All things are good!”  Rather, he said, “All things work together for good.”  A lot of things in life are not good – cancer, the death of a child, domestic violence, Covid-19, and so on.  But the promise of this passage is that God can take all the bad things of life and orchestrate them for our good and for His glory!

June 7, 2020

Hope

I came across this story about Florence Chadwick, and could not help but think of all that has been going on during this Covid-19 virus, especially many who have a sense of loneliness, depression, isolation, and uncertainty.

“On July 4, 1952, this thirty-four-year-old competitive swimmer waded into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Her goal was to become the first woman to swim the twenty-one miles from Catalina Island to the California coast.  Chadwick was an experienced long-distance swimmer. She had already become the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. Her biggest challenge in the Pacific Ocean that day was not the distance but the bone-chilling waters and the thick fog that made it almost impossible for her to see anything, including the boats accompanying her.

While Americans watched on television, Chadwick swam for hours in the numbing water and choppy waves. But the fog kept Chadwick from seeing her goal, and she lost hope of ever reaching the shore. When she begged to be taken out, her mother and her trainer, who were in one of the support boats, cheered her on. But after fifteen hours and fifty-five minutes, Chadwick stopped swimming and was pulled out—only to discover that she had quit less than a mile from the coast. She told a reporter, ‘If I could have seen land I know I could have made it.’”

I’ve had many conversations with people lately that are engulfed with worry, doubt, depression, health problems, loneliness, financial uncertainty, and strained relationships.  To them, there is no end in sight, and are tempted to give up hope.

I can only imagine what Peter must have thought while “walking on the water”; as soon as he took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.  We must continue to live by faith.  We must not quit!  Land is just ahead.

Written by: Pastor Terry

May 31, 2020

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come.  Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.  And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” – John 17:1-3

If someone asked you to recite the Lord’s Prayer, you would probably begin by saying, “Our Father, who art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).  I’ve heard it said many times; “Perhaps this prayer is best not-called the Lord’s Prayer – a better title is the “Disciples’ Prayer,” because Jesus gave the prayer as a model for disciples to pray.”

One of the greatest prayers ever prayed is found in John 17, and many believe and suggest that this is the “Lord’s Prayer.”  In it we see the heart of our Lord and discover His purpose for us.  In verses 1-5, Jesus prayed for Himself.  He prayed for His disciples in verses 6-19, and in verses 20-26, Jesus prayed for you and me!  Think about it:  We are part of the greatest prayer Jesus ever prayed. 

He prayed for us, because He loves us deeply and wants us to know Him personally.  Jesus prayed, “…that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” 

To know Him is to talk to Him in prayer.  Stop.  Take time to talk with your heavenly Father.  He is personal.  You do not have to come to Him with religious jargon and eloquent words.  Talk to Him as your Abba Father … and as your friend.

May 24, 2020

Memorial Day

Josiah became king of Judah at the age of eight, after the assassination of his father, King Amon, and reigned for thirty-one years.  The Bible describes Josiah as a very righteous king, a king who “walked in all the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2; 2 Chronicles 34:2). He is also one of the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel.

According to the Bible, in the eighteenth year of his rule, Josiah ordered the High Priest, Hilkiah to use the tax money which had been collected over the years to renovate the temple. It was during this time that Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law. 

I can’t imagine going a day without reading God’s Word, but this was eighteen-plus years!  The nation had drifted so far away from God.  I’ve heard it said: “If God could walk out of your life, how long would it take before you knew He was missing?”

According to the Bible, when King Josiah heard the words of the law, “he tore his clothes” (an outward sign of remorse or sorrow).  He then changed his form of leadership entirely, entering into a new form of covenant with the Lord. He wiped out all of the pagan cults that had formed within his land. He, along with his people, then entered into this new covenant with the Lord to keep the commandments of the Lord.

Our country could learn an important lesson from Josiah. Today, many people in America believe that all religious systems are equally valid. But what we celebrate as diversity, God condemns as idolatry. Although our constitution grants every citizen the right to worship or not worship any god he or she chooses, that right in no way changes God’s attitude toward idolatry. The First Amendment does not usurp the first commandment. The Bible is clear: any nation that chooses to renounce the true God in order to embrace and elevate other gods will face God’s judgment.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day.  As a nation, we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.  Freedom is never cheap.  It has cost many their lives.  Today, thank God for those who have given the “ultimate price”.  Today, thank God for the One who gave the ultimate price for our freedom at Calvary.  His name is Jesus!

May 17, 2020

“Inquire of past generations, and consider the things searched out by their fathers.

For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, because our days on earth are as a shadow.” – Job 8:8-9

I used to enjoy watching the popular “Man on the Street” interviews on late-night comedy shows years ago.  To listen to what people said about “history” astounded me.  At times I thought it was made up. 

According to a recent survey, most residents of the United States are “alarmingly ignorant of America’s history and heritage.”  Only one in three Americans can pass the US citizenship exam, and that number plummets to a dismal 19 percent of those under age forty-five. More than half of those surveyed didn’t even know which countries the United States fought in World War II!

Lest you think this lack of historical knowledge is strictly an American problem, consider that one-fifth of British teenagers today think Winston Churchill was a fictional character, while more than 50 percent believe that Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, and King Arthur were real.

Someone who doesn’t think history is bunk is the Author of history.  After all, history is ultimately “His story.”

No fewer than sixteen times in the book of Deuteronomy, God instructed His people to “remember” their history.

Throughout the sixty-six books that make up our Bible, we have stories of heroes who teach us the value of faith, sacrifice, love, and hope. We also have examples that show us the consequences of failures, betrayal, lying, and immorality. If we are willing to learn from it, the history we find within the pages of Scripture provides truth and wisdom—and it challenges us to be more like Christ. As Paul said in Romans 15:4, “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction.”

If you and I are going to thrive spiritually in a world that has abandoned biblical values, we cannot disregard what thousands of years of history teach us.  Instead, we should put into practice Job 8:8-9 (above).

 I want to encourage you to get into God’s Word, after all – it is the Word of Life.  God’s Word will last forever.  Yes, it is a book of history, but it is a book of revelation and needed for daily nourishment.

• Pray for the power of the gospel to be heard today both live and on live-stream.
• Pray for the UBC family as many “feel” isolated and lonely because of the Covid-19 virus.
• Pray that UBC will have a hunger and thirst for the Bread and Water of Life.
• Pray for continued finances of While this has been a time of adjustment for us all, the bills of the church and our overhead expenses continue.

May 10, 2020

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  You have heard Me say to you, “I am going away and coming back to you.”  If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, “I am going to the Father,” for My Father is greater than I. – John 14:27-28

These past six weeks of “staying-at-home” has been difficult for many.  Stress … anxiety … loneliness … abuse.  I’ve made many phone calls checking on people, mainly to see if they needed anything, especially after a community run on hygiene products and toilet paper!  But conversations quickly changed, especially for the “at-risk” who couldn’t get out. 

I had one interesting conversation when a person asked, “What will the church look like when we all get back to normal?”  My reply was, “What is normal?”  As they tried to answer my question, it was apparent that they didn’t like “change.”  Trying to ease their mind, I finally shared with them, “It’s Jesus’ church, and He knows how to run it better than we do.  We are just stewards and will continue to listen to Him as He directs us.”

The apostle John spends the fourteenth chapter of his gospel documenting the actions and teachings of the Lord Jesus as He prepared His disciples to lead His church to success.  Jesus completed His instructions by reiterating seven important commands for His disciples.  The Lord’s commands to His disciples are the same commands He gives Christians today.

Father, I want my eyes to always be fixated on You.  I will live by “faith and not by sight”.  I want to live my life with this expectancy … knowing You will order my steps each day, and that You have planned for my life what is best for me.  To God be the glory!

May 3, 2020

Jesus said to him, “’You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40

I’m sure that during these “stay-at-home” days, we all have some story to tell.  I hope that you haven’t missed opportunities to minister to others – maybe write an encouraging note (when was the last time you did that in this day of texting and email?); call to check on someone; or even meet your neighbors while walking your neighborhood.  Sharon and I were able to distribute “masks” that my mother had made, and have had many conversations with others while maintaining the “6-feet distance.”

There were 613 laws in the Jewish law, but you can sum them all up with just two:  Love God and Love People.  Every Biblical law and command ultimately comes down to one of those two.  For my family … “ministry” will continue to happen after Covid-19 … why, it’s pretty simple.

The famous Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”  Thus Christians need to glorify God, which occurs when one loves God.  Loving God transforms your life.  Worship is the act of loving God.  Christians use music to express their love to Him, but worship is more than music.  Worship is about expressing your love to God.

The second command is as important as the first: love people.  If you truly love God, you will also love people who bear the image of God.  People who brag about their spiritual devotion but then mistreat others or use them for selfish gain, deceive themselves.  If you don’t love people, you don’t love God.

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter-in-law was driving around in Mobile, Alabama “picking up groceries” and came across a sign on the front lawn of a house that read: “Take what you need.”  On display was an “act of kindness.”  She didn’t need any groceries.  She was able to find what the family needed at the local market, but what she saw compelled her to pray for others who were less fortunate.  As she continued home, she decided to get some coffee.  She went through a drive-thru, made her order, and as she got to the place to pay, she found out that the car in front her had already paid for her bill!  Pay It Forward!!!

Loving people can be as easily as that.

I pray that we at UBC will never be the same.  I pray that we will be the church that God has called us to be … 24/7!  I like the meme that I saw recently on that first Sunday when the “doors were locked” because of the Coronavirus: “The Church Isn’t Closed, Just Deployed.” 

This is my prayer and I hope that you will join me: “Father, help me to demonstrate a genuine love to You, not only in my worship, but also in my service, kindness, and generosity to others.  Amen.”

• Pray for the power of the gospel to be heard today on live-stream.
• Pray that people will STOP and listen. These are powerful sermons from Dr. Rudy that the CHURCH NEEDS TO HEAR!
• Pray that UBC family members will draw closer to Him.
• Pray for continued finances. While this has been a time of adjustment for us all, the bills of the church and our overhead expenses continue.
• Pray for the re-opening, next Sunday, May 10.

April 26, 2020

HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?

The writer of Hebrews asked, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).  The gospel is so simple.  Jesus came to die upon the cross for our sins.  He took our place and paid sin’s debt that we owed.  He arose again on the third day and offers salvation to all who will repent of their sins and place their trust in Him.  It is the gift of God.  He offers it to us, but must receive Him.  When we do, God give us eternal life!

April 19, 2020

YOU ARE VALUABLE

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?  And not one of them is forgotten before God.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7

I don’t know about you, but there are times I feel unworthy, unimportant, and insignificant.  We sometimes do our best in school, and we barely get by.  We often try to eat healthy and exercise, but we still don’t like what we see in the mirror.  We sometimes work hard on our jobs and are still passed over for a promotion or raise.  Or in my case, we hear other pastors or see how their churches are growing – only suddenly to feel like failures.

Now it may just be me, but I imagine most of us struggle with this.  That’s why this passage is so important.  Luke 12:1 tells us that “an innumerable multitude of people had gather” to hear Jesus.  The rich.  The poor.  The married.  The divorced.  The single.  The healthy.  The sick.  The misfits.  The successful.  That crowd mirrored the society back then and our society today.  And Jesus’ message to everyone was, “You are valuable to God.”  The same message applies to everyone today.

God loves you!  He has a plan for you!  He will never leave you, and He will never turn His back on you!  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!  You are His prized possession!  So stop it.  Stop letting the enemy fill your mind with thoughts that you are insignificant or unimportant.  It’s a lie.  Today go out there and live as the prized possession of God you are!

April 12,2020

BEHOLD OUR GOD

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;

“For YAH, the LORD is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. 

Therefore, with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2-3

Storms will come in your life.  There will be moments when you know that if God does not show up in a specific situation, you are in deep trouble.  Living through these storms is not fun.  The prophet Isaiah wrote about such difficult times in the text for today.  But when God shows up, you know He will intervene in this situation and save you powerfully.  There is nothing like God reveling Himself in the situations of your life.

When He showed up in the form of a burning bush, God changed Moses’ life forever.  Moses’ direction and confidence relating to his future took on a new trajectory.  Just as with Moses, when God shows up in your life, it impacts you forever.

Many times it alters only your perspective and confidence, but other times it changes the direction of your life.  This energizes you with new spiritual strength!  Your vision and energy become impacted, and you want to brag on Jesus and what He is doing in our life.  Jesus gives you joy … again.  Jesus becomes as rivers of living water in your life … again.  Jesus makes you want to sing … again.

Here at UBC we sing many songs which comes in many forms (psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit (Ephesians 5:19).  We all have our favorites, but every now-and-then there comes a song that seems to hit everyone’s chord.  Behold Our God, by Sovereign Grace Music is one of those songs.  When we sing that song, the church erupts!  Here are those lyrics … and maybe right now, where you are … you can begin and sing (no matter what it sounds like):

Behold Our God

(Baird, Altrooge)

Who has held the oceans in His hand; Who has numbered every grain of sand
Kings and nations tremble at His voice; All creation rises to rejoice

Chorus

Behold our God seated on His throne; Come let us adore Him
Behold our King nothing can compare; Come let us adore Him

Verse 2

Who has given counsel to the Lord; Who can question any of His words
Who can teach the One who knows all things; Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds

Verse 3

Who has felt the nails upon His hand; Bearing all the guilt of sinful man
God eternal humbled to the grave; Jesus Savior risen now to reign

One day … we will all gather again … and we’ll sing this song!!!

April 5, 2020

Sing!

The LORD our God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

Did you know God sings?  The God who is the Mighty One, Savior, Deliverer, King of kings, and Lord of lords also sings!

He made us in His image, and when He saved us, He gave us new identities, new lives, new beginnings, and new songs.  Psalm 40:3 says, “He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God.”  It is the song of redemption for the glory of God.  This is a song many will hear, and they will fear the Lord and place their trust in Him.

We sing because God sings.  Music is a gift from God, and He has given us much about with to rejoice.  Authenticity should mark our worship.  It should involve a response from our hearts to praise Him for all He has done for us.

Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).  Singing stirs our hearts and hides God’s Word in our hearts.  It helps us remember all the Lord has done and helps us teach others. 

Pray:

March 29, 2020

I WILL TRUST IN THE LORD

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

– Jeremiah 17:7-8

By watching the news over the past few weeks, uncertainty seems to be a constant companion for many people.  In reality, it has been this way for years.  Financial turmoil, employment woes, political unrest, wars, the threat of terrorism – all of this and more are reported daily in the news.  Where should a person turn for rest from these troubles?

Today’s verses make it very clear that one’s only hope is to turn to the Lord and place his or her trust in Him.  The picture in this passage is that of a tree planted by the waters that will withstand heat and drought and still bear fruit.

Trust, however, is not always easy to give.  Are you the type of person who finds it difficult to trust someone else, especially someone you can’t see?  If so, God knows and understands your reluctance.  This is one reason He sent the Holy Spirit to live inside of you.  Now you have God with you every single moment of your life.  As you learn to trust the Holy Spirit, you will discover a new closeness with the Father and trusting Him will become much easier.  You will then become like a tree planted by the waters.

Pray: