"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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). Heaven is a place just as real as this place. Jesus called it a place and I get much comfort in taking Him at His Word. He has prepared that place … Continue Reading ››

Reflecting back on 26 years of ministry at Grace Bible Baptist Church, I am thankful for all those who have helped me in the work of the ministry. I've said it before, but I feel kind of like a turtle on a fence post. Whenever you see a turtle on a fence post, you know that it didn't get there by itself! As Paul concluded his letter to the church at Rome, he identified no less than 35 individuals by name - men and women who … Continue Reading ››

"Father, I have a problem. It's weighing heavy on me. It's all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer, I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me. I pray for those in this world who have hardly enough food for this day and for those who don't have a roof over their heads at night. I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have … Continue Reading ››

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). A poster read:

A prayer to be said when the world has gotten you down and you feel rotten, and you're too tired to pray, and you're in a big hurry, and besides that, you're mad at everybody.... "HELP!"

I'm sure we've all found ourselves in situations where we wanted to cry "Help!" In James 1:1-4, the writer reminds us that trials are inevitable and unavoidable. The question … Continue Reading ››

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

We continue to savor the warmth of the Christmas season, remembering that the true spirit of Christmas involves worship, contentment, generosity, and love—attitudes and actions we need to display no matter what the season. Part of the true spirit of Christmas is also the hope it inspires in us of the day when the Lord Jesus Christ will … Continue Reading ››

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.—Galatians 4:4.

As you are well aware, the birth of a baby changes a lot of things. A baby can change things like your sleeping habits, grocery shopping, and making sure that your home is childproof. A baby changes lots of things! All parents know what I'm talking about. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a Baby Who changed everything! The birth of Christ … Continue Reading ››

I love the Peanuts television special where Charlie Brown, in a moment of frustration, yells out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Linus Van Pelt steps to the center of the stage and says, "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about." He then quotes Luke 2:8-14: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the … Continue Reading ››

In a phone conversation with our oldest son this morning, we talked about witnessing two historic events within one week. On November 2, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series after 108 years of waiting, and on November 8, Donald Trump won the general election to become the 45th President of the United States. Not everyone, however, is enthusiastic about those two events, especially the latter. As it stands right now, there's about a 50/50 split in the popular vote for this presidential election. That … Continue Reading ››

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- II Corinthians 12:9-10

I read years ago that there is a type of desert bush that has extremely tough seeds. In … Continue Reading ››

"Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" (Romans 15:7).

Friendliness is all about perception -- it's in the eye of the beholder. We may feel that we're friendly, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression! When God sends people to our church, it's a stewardship issue. Much time, effort and prayer is involved in getting these guests on our property, and how these … Continue Reading ››