God's Promises

A few days ago a passenger in my car said; "That sure is a pretty rainbow."  There was no rain in sight so I thought she was losing it.  Then I saw the rainbow.  And a couple miles later I realized it had just rained.

This reminded me of the first rainbow.  In Gen. chapter 9 we find the story of Noah and the Ark.  Gen. 9:12-16 "And God said; this is the sign of the covenant which I made between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations; 13 I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and the rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.  

This is not the only promise God made to us.  Here are a few more. 

• He promised to answer our prayer.  Matt. 7:7
• He promised forgiveness. Matt. 634-35
• He promised us peace.  Is. 26:3
• He promised meet our need. Phil. 4:19
• He promised to heal our bodies. I Peter 2:24
• He promised to cloth us and feed us. Matt. 631-32 
• He promised to renew our strength. Is. 40:31
• He promised that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Is. 54:17
• He promised us wisdom. James 1:5
• He promised eternal life. Jn. 3:15
• He promised to direct our life. Pr. 3:6

#gods promises

Pastor Loses Battle With Depression

Most of the time I write positive posts but today's post is sad.

This week I read of a pastor in California who took his own life.  The young pastor left behind a wife three small boys and many grieving friends and family members.

Depression is real.  If you suffer from severe depression I encourage you to get professional help.  Some battles you simply cannot fight alone.  

One of my best friends who had served as pastor took his own life.  I grew up on a farm in South Georgia one of the most successful farmers in our community took his life.  Every day some one who is loved by others take their lives.  

The Lord has gifted people waiting and willing to help.  Please call them.  Don't let this get the best of you.

When Heaven Rejoices

Reading from Luke 15 this morning I read about a man who had two sons.  One thought he could do better on his own so he asked his father to give him his inheritance.  His father granted his request so he left home to earn his fortune.

He wound up in a strange land with no money.  He ate hog food to keep from starving.  Then he realized his father had servants that ate good food daily.

So he decided to return home.  His father saw him coming and ran to greet him.  He welcomed his son with hugs and kisses.  The other son heard of this and was angry.

The father said to him, "this my son was dead and now alive, I have much to rejoice over.

That's the way our Heavenly Father is toward us.  When we return to him the angels dance with joy.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and longs for our return.  Come back home.

How To Receive Your Blessing

I have seen many post on social media that says you will receive a special blessing by reposting something within a certain time period.

Well I can make you a promise of how to receive a special blessing. Simply read this and follow the instruction.

Luke 11:27-28 And it happened as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him.  Blessed is the womb that bore You!  But He said. More than that, blessed are those who hear the word  of God and keep it!"

The woman is speaking a blessing over the mother of Jesus. He turns it to those who are listening.  And promises a blessing to those who hear and keep the word.

Is It Worth The Cost

I have a pastor friend who lost his church due to infidelity.  He started this church with only a few people and grew the church into a mega church.  

When this happened the church attendance dropped drastically.  His influence was seriously damaged.  As a pastor one does not only influence those in his congregation but their families, friends and community.

He had to step down for a couple years.  Most likely his income suffered.  

What a tremendous price this price to pay for a few moments of pleasure. I am sure he would say, "I could not afford that".  

When temptation comes ask yourself, can I afford that.

Sermon:  "I Cannot Afford That"

"I Cannot Afford That"

A few years ago we were traveling from S. Ga. to N. Ga. for a preaching engagement.  As we drove up I75 my wife saw a Lincoln SUV and said; "That is going to be my nest car".  I did not comment but thought, that is nice but I cannot afford that.  

We drove on toward Atlanta and she spotted a Cadillac SUV and said; "No, that's going to be my next car".  Again I did not respond but thought, that's nice but I cannot afford that.

Driving back home she saw a nice house with a front porch that went across the entire front of the house.  The yard was beautifully landscaped. She said; "That's going to be my next house."  Again I did not respond but thought, that's nice but I cannot afford that.

Hey, I have been married long enough to know when not to speak.  Well most of the time I know when not to speak.