Who are you? Who are we really…not who do we think we are or who do we want to be but who are we? What has made us who we are? What are our influences? Psalm 1 shares with us the differences in who we are by what we allow to influence us.
Love you all, Pastor Gary Yesterday, we had the opportunity to celebrate living in the greatest country in the world. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America. We celebrate Independence Day as a day where this land shed its past and began life anew founded on the principles of God. While the United States may have issues that at times may seem insurmountable, I believe that this nation is ready for the Gospel message and for God’s people to stand tall and lead this nation back to God. I don’t know how you spent our nation's Independence Day but I would hope you spent part of that time thanking God for the opportunities he gives a believer to serve him in this great land.
Think how selfish it must sound to God when we complain, when we pout and refuse to take part or try to make an impact for him in this country. I think of Jonah and his running from God, returning to God, doing the will of God, and then pouting when God used his plan and did not do what Jonah expected. In Jonah 4, we read where Jonah became very unhappy with God and then he became angry. Jonah knew that God was kind and merciful and that was his excuse to run and hide in Tarshish. Jonah knew God did not become angry quickly and ultimately would choose not to cause harm. When Jonah did not get his way, he went into his selfish pouty mode and asked God to kill him. Jonah said in verse 3 “it is better for me to die than to live.” Can you imagine talking to God this way? Yet there may be times when we get discouraged with our lot in life and basically tell God the same thing. We tell God if we do not get our way we will shut down. Twice God asked in chapter 4 “Doest thou well to be angry?” I think of that phrase often when that emotion creeps in. God is asking “Do you think it is right for you to be angry?” Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary In Genesis 6:8 we read “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” By the time Genesis 6 came around the world as God made it no longer existed. Sin had entered the world and in turn entered into the hearts of the people. When God created the world it was perfect in every way and God enjoyed a relationship with his creation. As you go through Genesis 6 you can read where the “sons of God” (the Godly lineage of Seth) and the “daughters of men” (the worldly lineage of Cain) began to marry among themselves (verse 2). Through these unions people began to grow farther and farther from God and soon most people have forgotten God and his ways. We can read in verse 5 “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” From a time when there was perfection the world went to a point the Lord saw that the human beings on the earth were very wicked and that their every thought about was evil. How could this happen? How could people wholeheartedly turn their back on God?
We read in verse 6 that “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” The state of the world in that day repented or in other words sorrowed, grieved and dissatisfied God to the point that he decided to destroy mankind. Think how wicked the people must have been. Verse 7 states “And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” The heart of mankind was so centered on the evil of the world that God saw that mankind would never realize the hardness and wickedness of their hearts. They had lost their love for God and his ways and were focused on what the world could give. Yet in the midst of that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Here was a man and his family surrounded by the all the evil the world had to offer and still they sought God. Seeking God allowed them to find the grace that God has to offer. Soon God would destroy the world by flood. In the entire world only eight people would enter into the arc. Only eight people believed in God and sought him. Does the world today mirror the days of Noah? I do not know. Are we in the end times? I do not nor does anyone else know. Here is what we do know. That same grace that Noah found in the eyes of God is still there for us today. This world is not the world God created. Sin has wreaked havoc upon his creation. Romans 8:22 says “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain.” While the world is a struggle at times there has never been a better time to show a world in need of a Saviour the grace and mercy he so freely gives. I do not know what the future holds but I do know that God gives today. What we do with today depends on you and I. Today let’s make it a point to share with someone about God so they can find “grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” When we as a people or individually cease to fear God and his ways, we become foolish and reject all wisdom. From the killing of the unborn to the cowardly attack of a terrorist, we live in a world where some believe life is of little value. The life each of us enjoys can be taken in a callous act by someone who sees no wrong in doing so. There is no rationale for the senseless taking of the life of another and yet some will do that very deed in the name of a false religion, a false god, a cause the have an allegiance to, and some just out of convenience. There is no fear of justice being served, no fear of retribution and certainly no fear in going against God.
Without the guidance of God, society begins to rely on the foolishness of man and the net impact is the world that we live in today. Even with the state of our world and the impact of sin upon it, there has never been a better time to be a Christian and have the privilege to share the Gospel of Salvation with people that desperately need it. The world needs a witness and God’s people are to do just that. In Romans 8:18, we are reminded that, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” One day, we will see that the sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the glory that will be shown to us. What we have today is not what God intended for it to be. That was Eden and sin destroyed that world just as sin is destroying our world today. Sin will not win and satan is defeated. As believers, we should stand tall and let a world that is suffering know that God is still waiting, still watching and still saving those that will invite him in. Share God with anyone and everyone you see. They are waiting to hear. Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary Today is Memorial Day. Originally started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War, the day was expanded after World War I to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day has grown to one of the more busy holidays of our year and much of its original intent has been lost. These brave men and women have given their lives for liberties that are being taken away and it some cases given up. I want you to remember that the freedom we enjoy was bought and paid for by someone who is no longer with us. They left their families, their dreams and their future to sacrifice so we could enjoy our families, pursue our dreams, and have a future.
Jesus left all behind him to come and sacrifice his life so that we can have a future with him. Without the shed blood of Jesus, we could have no remission or forgiveness of our sins. We live in the greatest nation in the world and it is because great people were willing to go and give their lives for us. Jesus recognized that dying in our sins would lead us to an eternity in hell. He was willing to shed his blood, give his life, and rise again so that we could be free if we accept the salvation he offers. It would seem that for the liberty we enjoy, there has always been a sacrifice made. I want to leave you with Logan’s General Order No. 11; issued on May 5, 1868. Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary 1. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic. If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan. 2. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith. 3. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective. By order of JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief N.P. CHIPMAN, Adjutant General Official: WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G. While taking some time off, I was able to reflect on family and friends. They are to be cherished. In some cases, you may wonder if your family is a friend but you love them because they are family. On the other hand family can also be some of the best friends you have. Friends on the other hand are people you have something in common with and, in some cases, are like family to you. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times.” That friend is a person who shares the same values as you do and if we take that verse at its real meaning, then "all" means "all." No one is perfect but friends love during “all” times.
As a family, we do not often get the opportunity to spend an extended time together. While vacationing, we were able to spend some time relaxing, laughing, and enjoying the company of each other. The time we are together is time we should relish and savor since those times will not repeat in the same manner again. If someone were to stand back and look at the week, they would see a week where we had a house that was not ready when we got there and had issues (for example no TV and no internet) with it all week long…rain visited frequently and when it was not raining, the coldness set in. Everyone always envisions the perfect vacation and that rarely if ever happens but here we were together and the options were to let the problems rule us or rule the problems. We chose to seize each day and live it out to its fullness. That was a great time. Abraham Lincoln said, "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." Choosing friends is not to be taken lightly. A guideline for a true friend is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” While I am not unfriendly to those who do not believe in Jesus as Savior, I cannot truly be friends with someone who does not share Godly values. They cannot offer Godly advice, our interests should conflict and the fellowship will be strained. Based on that, the friends I do have are actually my Godly family. Family and friends are to be enjoyed and protected. Seize the day and enjoy the relationships that God has given each and every one of us. In Proverbs 27:9, we read: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.” Be a friend to someone today. Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary I have been asked who I am going to vote for this Tuesday. My reply is “the person that most closely reflects Godly principles.” I do not promote any candidate but I do promote using the Bible as a guide. At times, it may seem that there is nobody to vote for but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to vote. In the U. S., we have the freedom to vote and in recent elections, about 2 of every 5 of self-professed Christians took that right for granted and did not vote. About 1 in 5 self-professed, eligible Christians are not even registered to vote. In Matthew 22:21 we read, “Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” As Christians, we should fulfill our civic duties. God is most certainly in control, but that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will.
Every Christian should vote and vote for leaders who promote Christian principles and not rely on a party slate or voter guide. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” That being said, candidates or platforms that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported. In Hosea 8:4, we read that God is not always pleased by our choice of leaders: “They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.” As believers, we have to know that our vote matters and we should exercise that freedom at every opportunity. The evidence of sin’s grip on this world is everywhere. We ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by God (read 1 Samuel 12:13-15). Christians should vote as led by God’s Word and the realities of the choices on the ballot. I went to hear Franklin Graham this past Thursday and I am going to paraphrase what he said…”Everyone should vote, you may have to hold your nose when you do but get out and vote.” The people running may not be your choice or the best choice but they are the candidates. Pick the best of them and vote. Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary Have you ever been anxious? Every once in a while I get that way…at least I think I am anxious. Not so much a fear; just an anticipation of what the future may hold. The fact that fear is common, however, does not mean it is from the Lord. There are certain situations that will trigger a frightened response. But God doesn’t want us to live with ongoing fear or anxiety. God even says in Luke 12:7 “Fear not,” yet we sometimes are frozen by fear or anxiety.
Today, I shared with some people at church that I was going to have oral surgery on Monday. Immediately I found there were basically three ways that news was taken.
I enjoy the simplicity and the straight forwardness of God’s word. If I have faith in God I can take all things to him through prayer; sharing with him the very thoughts of my heart. Making my requests known to him, knowing an almighty God hears and responds, and knowing that he is in control truly brings a peace that I cannot understand. I also know that God will keep me and never let me go. There was nothing I could do to be saved and nothing I can do to lose it. Anxiety or fear will make us take our eyes off of an Almighty God. He tells us not to fear so we will depend on him, to feel secure in him and trust him. I have no idea what tomorrow may hold but I am turning it over to him. He keeps me. Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary We live in a time where we have never moved at a faster pace and yet accomplished so little. Do you ever wonder about the time we spend and what we spend it on in a typical day? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in an average day, employed people between the ages of 25 to 54 with children spend it doing;
Simply put, our lives will show others if God is in us or not. What do people see? Are you honest enough with yourself to ask that question or will you explain away why you chose to neglect God and his ways? Dr. Lee Roberson said, “The commands of Christ are sharp and clear, but the response of his people is often measured and lifeless.” Measured and lifeless…some are just going through the motions if they go at all. Where is the desire to please God? Where is the desire to be obedient? The Expositors Bible Commentary says “As obedience is practiced, so God's love matures in us.” If we exhibit a lack of obedience to the direction of God, we can never expect to mature in him. You will always struggle as long as you choose to be disobedient. Where are you when the time to “assemble” comes? What does your personal study time look like? Do you have a personal and active prayer life? That phrase in verse 5 is telling: “hereby know we that we are in him.” What do your actions portray? Enjoy your coffee. Love you all, Pastor Gary Recently, I was reading a book written on prayer by John R. Rice. In that book, there is a chapter entitled “Why Pray.” As I read this chapter, I kept asking myself, “Why Not Pray?” Are our intentions when we pray God-centered or self-centered? Do we spend an adequate amount of time in prayer? How much is enough? The easy answer to those questions would be, “I can always pray more.” While that may be true, do we spend time in prayer the way God intended us to?
I went back to the original question of “Why Pray” and found where Mr. Rice listed some compelling reasons to pray and pray as God intended. Here they are:
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AuthorGary W. Hall, Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Archive
January 2021
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