Am I Going to Hell?.
Am I Going to Hell? July 25, 2026 Newletter
Am I going to Hell? This week has been unbearably hot with temps hovering about 90 and high humidity. Not only is it hot for outside animals, pets, but hot for us also. Staying hydrated becomes the key issue. This brought to mind the scriptures in the Bible. There are fifty-four verses that specifically mention Hell. The one verse that came to mind. Matthew 10:28 KJV — And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Do you believe in hell? God says it is real. Psalm 9:17 KJV — The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Historically speaking, where is hell? Hell is a literal and physical place prepared by God. In today's vernacular, imagine a literal black hole created for the Devil that is escape proof and cannot be destroyed. In Hell you will always be falling. You will be aware of your location. Matthew 25:30 KJV — And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 25:41 KJV — Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: In other words Hell was not prepared for you or humans. It is a place of suffering and torment. It is also a place of continual darkness. Matthew 8:12 KJV — But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Revelation 14:11 KJV — And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Hell can be felt by those who choose to go there. Mark 9:43-44 KJV — And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. It means a literal fire you can feel and where worms can bite you and eat your flesh. How can this be as a human would burn up in hell? Can you imagine the torment? Constant third degree burning without being consumed.
No my friend; after you take your last breath here on earth you take your first breath in hell if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. The Bible states in Luke a real example.
Luke 16:19-31 KJV — There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. A nd he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Notice the rich man died and was buried. You have a soul, a spirit, and a body. Your body is what you live in while on earth. It is your soul and spirit that survives death. At that moment your soul and spirit are immortal. The soul is the invisible you shaped just like your human body. It is capable of sight, the rich man seeth Abraham. It is capable of feeling, cool my tongue for I am tormented. It is capable of hearing, Luke 16:29 KJV — Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.It is capable of remembering, remember that thou in thy lifetime. So your body, the real you is immortal. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV — And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God does not want you to go to hell.
Hell is where the Devil is going. Revelation 20:10 KJV — And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Eventually, Revelation 20:14 KJV — And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Your flesh or your body at death goes back to dust. Daniel 12:2 KJV — And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Let me be clear, God does not send anyone to hell, you if unsaved choose to go there. The best part is if you are breathing and reading this you still have a chance to go to heaven and not hell. How do I stay out of hell? You must admit you cannot earn your way to heaven through your own righteousness and good works. You must admit you are a sinner. The Bible says, Romans 3:10 KJV — As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
If there are none righteous what happens? That means everyone is a sinner who needs a Savior. Romans 6:23 KJV — For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Do you want everlasting life? How do I get it? By believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross at Calvary. Romans 10:9-10 KJV — That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV — For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Jesus took your place and died for your sins, past, present, and future. He died for you personally. Acts 4:12 KJV — Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Bow your head and heart. Call on Jesus he will hear you. Ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and save you.
Your choice; accept Jesus Christ and know you are going to heaven or reject Jesus Christ and know you are going to hell. Jesus is offering you a free gift. What will you do with it?
The Table of the King June 29, 2026 Newsletter
My text today is found in Second Samuel chapter 9 with focus on verse 7. Here we see King David remembering his friend Jonathan. Jonathan and King David were friends. 1 Samuel 18:3 (KJV)Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
Jonathan died in battle 1 Samuel 31:2 (KJV) And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons. King Saul was also killed.Thus King David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and found a servant of King Saul by the name of Ziba. Ziba let King David know a son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth was still alive but lame in the feet at Lodebar. Mephibosheth was made lame by a fall. Do you have any physical challenges? I know I do.
2 Samuel 4:4 (KJV)And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth. A good place to hide was Lodebar. Have you ever had a personal fall? A fall can be a fall or failure in spirit, in finances, in marriage, in friendship, or in health. A fall can be knowingly or unknowingly. A fall can be through no fault of your own like Mephibosheth. He could not walk to get around. The Lord God sees your fall just like one of his sparrows. Matthew 10:29 KJV)Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
Matthew 10:31 (KJV) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Your fall was not because God wanted you to fall. James 1:13-14 (KJV) 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Nothing just happens in life because there is a season. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
In Levitical law it was recognized that a disability could change your life as far as participating in the tribal community. Mephibosheth was lame so the Law symbolically associated Mephibosheths lameness as a curse. He was broken and unworthy also a possible enemy of King David as reigning Kings often killed rival kings and their families. Leviticus 21:17-18 (KJV) 17 Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever [he be] of thy seed in their generations that hath [any] blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. 18 For whatsoever man [he be] that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,.
Galatians 3:10-11 KJV — For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. So Mephibosheth was barred from participating in religious activities. Are you driven away from religion, your family or friends. Are past deeds/sins the only thing people remember about you? Are you on the outside looking in? Mephibosheth was out of the remembrance until King David remembered and had Mercy.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 KJV — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;King David called Mephibosheth by name. 2 Samuel 9:6 ( KJV) Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
God also calls a person by name. Do you remember a time when The Lord called your name to be saved? The Apostle Paul did. Acts 9:4 (KJV) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Jesus called Saul's name. If you are born again You were called. You are called to be an ambassador. Ephesians 6:20 (KJV) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. You are called to bear fruit. John 15:5 (KJV) I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.If you are not born again your father is the Devil.
John 8:44 (KJV)Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.You have no protection because your name is not written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 3:5 (KJV)He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 21:27 (KJV)And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. God says you wont get into heaven unless your name is written. How do I get my name written? Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Both Jews and Gentiles can get into heaven. Ephesians 4:4 (KJV)[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.If you are born again you can be restored. God is merciful just like King David was toward Mephibosheth.
1 John 1:8-9 (KJV) 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Get your heart right by confessing sin and restore communication with the Lord. If you are not born again you can be made like you have never sinned through the blood of Jesus. Isaiah 1:18 (KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Saved and unsaved alike can call on the Lord. Mercy and grace is available to all.
Romans 10:12-13 (KJV) 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.You can be forgiven and even restored like Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth paid obedience to King David. 2 Samuel 9:6 (KJV) Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
John 12:26 (KJV)If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.King David showed kindness to Mephibosheth. Lodebar during King Davids reign is found in the area east of the Jordan river in Gilead. This area was once part of the lands settled by Reuban Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. This was of the tribes who desired to stay on the east side of Jordan when God helped Israel conquer the Promised land. An area more suited to raising sheep and not incorporated in the Promised land where the Lord wanted them. Thus according to historical records they were often invaded by conquering foreign people. Out of God's blessing and possible protection. Found in the book of Judges chapter eleven.
The word Lodebar comes from the Hebrew meaning "Not Pasture" or an area of remoteness and desolation. Do you find yourself in the same situation being far from God or isolated? Maybe just doing things your own way without asking God to show you his will. You once served the Lord with all your heart but now you are removed and don't even read the Bible or talk to God. You may even be born again and maybe your attitude has changed. It is stated a person's Attitude determines their actions. If your in this state of mind and recognize it there is hope. Jesus is full of Mercy and Grace.
Matthew 9:2 (KJV)And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Can you imagine the faith of Mephibosheth now? King David restored all of King Saul's property to Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 9:9 (KJV) Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.King David treated Mephibosheth just like a son. 2 Samuel 9:11 (KJV) Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. The Lord God also treats his own just like that. 1 John 3:1-2 (KJV) 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Soon we shall all eat at the King's table. Revelation 19:9 (KJV)And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Have You Broken God's Commandments? May 13, 2026 Newsletter
May is underway and the Feast of Pentecost is May 24,2026 this year. Pentecost can be found in Leviticus 23:16 "Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD."
Now you ask why is Pentecost worthy of mention? In Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." This is when the Comforter, the Holy Spirit was come after Jesus ascended to heaven in Acts 1: "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." The Holy Spirit indwells (lives inside) believers.
Almost all people know about God's Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. Are you aware there is one The Lord Jesus has much to say about. It is not thou shalt not...add the words of what you did be it steal, commit adultery, not honoring your parents and so forth. Breaking those commandments is not a righteous way to live. There is one commandment we are commanded to do. It will mean life with Christ or an eternity in HELL
In First John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." Read though verse 24. What we need to focus on is verse 23. "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Do you realize you are commanded to believe on the name of God's Son Jesus Christ? Have you believed in Jesus Christ his death on the cross of Calvary, his burial in the tomb, and his resurrection rising from the dead on the third day? This is the full Gospel. Jesus took your sins on himself and died in your place for all your sin past, present, and future. Once you are forgiven he remembers your sin(s) no more. It will be as if you have never sinned.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ you can know by his Spirit that you are born again. 1st John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." Do you want security in your belief? Do you want to know? In 1st John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
If you have never called on Jesus to save you do it today he is waiting patiently for you. He loves you!
Divine Dining. April 01, 2026 Newsletter
Spring is here and Easter is April 5 this year. It is time to reflect on what Easter means personally, as a family, and spiritually. A time of year many Christian families gather to remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid for each one of us upon the Cross of Calvary.
Growing up in Iowa as teenagers went to Grandma's house for an Easter dinner after church. The men of the house got new suits before Easter and mom received a new Easter dress and hat. I remember the fried chicken, potato salad and deserts. It is not that clothes and food took prevalence but reminded me of Jesus and the Samaritan woman found in John chapter 4. Jesus is known for saying "come and dine" after his resurrection in John 21:12 "Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord." Jesus was serving others.
In John 4:30-34 we find Jesus sitting at Jacob's well. I will call this Newsletter DIVINE DINING. Any observer reading can see that Jesus was not eating physically to sustain his hunger but was eating on a Spiritual Dimension. Thus his provision (meat) was his vision. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
As Christians we all eat at the level we see. In other words, who do you surround yourself with and what is your vision? You usually move at the level you are thinking maybe reflecting on the times in life you lost. If we are going to do something for the Savior now is the time. The fields are white unto harvest.
Ask yourself a question: Is my current life an image of the level I was built for? Or is there more to it? Do you operate at a level above others? Are they always trying to pull you down to their level? You only need the affirmation of Jesus like the Samaritan woman who was told all she ever did. She believed in Jesus. This Easter if you feel empty spiritually Jesus has the answer. Accept his free gift and believe on his name and his death on the cross and resurrection. Step out in faith call on his name. John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." May the Lord speak to you.
Are you preparing ahead of time for storms? What do you mean you ask? I'm talking about not just weather but personal; storms you face in life where you have no answers. I have an example from scripture. Look at Luke Chapter 8:22-25 "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he [Jesus] said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him." So according to scripture, the storm came from nowhere and jeopardized their life. Storms often happen to all people especially Christians. So as humans, do you try to fix the problem yourself first or, do you go to Jesus for help? I know I always don't but endeavor to ask him first.
The disciples were bailing out water themselves but Jesus was in the ship. Sleeping just fine. This storm in my opinion was Jesus testing their faith. How can I know this you ask? Look what Jesus said, Where is your faith? The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6 KJV But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." If you are not in a storm you will be. Are you mentally and spiritually prepared or just going to wing it yourself? Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Simple faith in what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary for you. Shed his blood, died and was buried rising on the third day. If you do not know Jesus call on him now tell him you know you are a sinner and need him. He is patiently waiting to hear from you. -----------
Get in the Bible and study. Start with the Book of John and read through Revelation first, then go to Genesis and read the whole Bible. The King James Version 1611 is the only authorized Bible. The other versions take away from God's Word.
Everyone needs to know who the real enemy is in this world. Many will conjure up an image of the Devil with a red suit and a pitchfork. This is far from the truth. The Bible says Satan was a created being. In Ezekiel 28:13 "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." Satan was an anointed cherub, a beautiful and powerful being. Ezekiel 28:15 "Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." Satan allowed PRIDE to enter his heart and ever since that day he is the enemy of God along with you and me. Isaiah 14:16 states, "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;" Jesus defeated Satan on the Cross of Calvary and shed his precious blood for the whole world. He died for you and me; he took our sin and gave us an opportunity to accept him. He arose from the dead on the third day and sits at the right hand of God on his Throne. Have you made a New Years wish? Why not call on Jesus and accept his free gift of salvation. Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Christmas Letter December 22, 2025 Christmas a FREE gift.
Here we are it is again the Christmas season. I decided to wait until after the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest hours of sunlight. It is officially winter now. Most people are starting to travel for Christmas, gathering with family and friends and purchasing gifts. Where did this gift giving begin in earnest you ask?
It began about two thousand years ago in a little manger in Bethlehem. The very day our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, was born to Joseph and Mary. The birth was announced by an Angel in the Bible found in: Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
As you gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus ponder what you think makes a good Christmas gift to those you love. One way our family started the season was a week or so after the Thanksgiving holiday about December 6. We would go out to a real Christmas Tree farm in our county and for about $20 pick out a Douglas Fir tree and the owner would saw it down and net it for transport. The tree was about seven feet high. We got home and prepared water in a Christmas tree stand to keep the tree hydrated. Then my mother, dad, and my brother and I would put on holiday music as we decorated the tree. Usually the drink was egg nog that day.
Are you aware the preceding is in the Bible? It is found in Jeremiah 10: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Then about two days before Christmas we watched two old movie classics. The first was "The Bishop's Wife" starring Cary Grant a movie that promotes many traditional customs and life lessons. The second was "Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby that delves into the many traditions and holidays we all celebrate. I recommend both. Then on Christmas Eve we would attend a special service at church, hearing from the pastor the real meaning for celebrating Christmas. On Christmas Day us boys would be up early to see what the presents under the tree contained as we exchanged gifts.
The above is how I remember our traditional family Christmas. I am now sixty-seven and my family members have all passed on. There may be many people reading this who are alone at Christmas just like me. With Jesus you are never alone. What do you believe is the very best gift a person could ever give or receive? Would you like to have a FREE gift that will last an eternity? A gift that you don't have to do anything to get, just accept it.
Well my friend let me tell you about Jesus. About two thousand years ago Jesus was born of a virgin young lady being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. God became a man his name Emanuel meaning God with us. Found in Luke 1: 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
There are irrefutable proofs throughout the historical timeline showing Jesus was real. Jesus was born to die for you and me. He had approximately three and a half years in his ministry with the apostles traveling the Middle East preaching salvation through the atonement of Jesus blood on the cross at Calvary. Salvation is that free gift you can have by simple faith in who Jesus said he was and the Word he gave concerning his death, burial, and resurrection. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
Do you feel like the whole world is on your shoulders? Do you want peace that only Jesus can give? 1 Peter 5:7 KJV — Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Jesus loves you no matter where you are at or what you have done.
This Christmas only believe. Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The Lord has been patiently waiting for you to call on him. The gift is yours Jesus paid the price for you. John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Merry Christmas to you. Let me know if you accepted Jesus.
.Thanksgiving Letter November 4, 2025
Today it was fifty-eight degrees a stiff wind is blowing about eleven mph from the south. First day for me that feels like fall is here transitioning to winter. Leaves are yellow and brown falling everywhere. Not much foliage color change this year, frost in the mornings. This is my favorite time of year sharing with family the sights, sounds, and smells brings thoughts of Thanksgiving. If you are in your fifties and sixties you remember a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving film shown on network television each year around this time. A boy named Charlie, his friends, and his dog Snoopy discussing what Thanksgiving means. I have a question for you to ponder, "What are you most thankful for?"
I would like to state as a Baptist pastor what one scripture in the KJV Bible says, Psalm 100:4 (KJV) "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name." So we start thinking about Thanksgiving by thanking our creator. I turn to the book of John.
John 1:1-4 (KJV) 1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men." We can reference the Old Testament in Genesis.
Genesis 1:26 (KJV) "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Clearly the Bible shows empirical evidence that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit made man. The phrase, " Let us make man" denotes more than one person. The Lord also makes a charge to man. Genesis 1:27-28 (KJV) 27 "So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
So we can be thankful to God as he states, Genesis 1:31 (KJV) "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." If you were born healthy you have much to be thankful for.
Now here we are over thousands of years to 2025. Each of us born into a family, raised by two parents (some households there is just one parent) , to grow up, get married, and have children of our own. Each family has its own traditions based on where (including other countries) you were raised. And families usually pass on their traditions to children.
Our own United States founding involved the Pilgrims coming from Europe to escape religious persecution. The Pilgrims under their second governor William Bradford established a colony at Plymouth Massachusetts. "By autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims had much for which to be thankful. After the harvest, Massasoit and about ninety other Indians joined the Pilgrims for the great English tradition of HARVEST FESTIVAL. Citation: ushistory.org. (n.d.). William Bradford and the first Thanksgiving [ushistory.org]. https://www.ushistory.org/us/3b.asp
Our Thanksgiving day lasts but one day. In 1621, it lasted several days. "The participants celebrated for several days, dining on venison, goose, duck, turkey, fish, and of course, cornbread, the result of a bountiful corn harvest. This tradition was repeated at harvest time in the following years." Citation: ushistory.org. (n.d.). William Bradford and the first Thanksgiving [ushistory.org]. https://www.ushistory.org/us/3b.asp You can see how traditions are established.
I would like to briefly look at our Founding Father President George Washington. In America, President Washington proclaimed a day of National Thanksgiving. From Mount Vernon's Organization website, "On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation, designating for "the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving" to be held on "Thursday the 26th day of November," 1789, marking the first national celebration of a holiday that has become commonplace in today's households." Citation: Washington, G. (1789, October 9). George Washington led the charge to make this Day of Thanks a truly national event. Mountvernon.org. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/thanksgiving
What did President Washington have to say, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." Citation: University of Virginia Press. (n.d.). Founders online: Thanksgiving Proclamation, 3 October 1789. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091
Therefore Congress finally made it a legal holiday in 1941. Our country was founded on celebrating Thanksgiving by acknowledging the Lord and his faithfulness to us. Many families gather around a table of food and fellowship each year on our Thanksgiving holiday.
We have looked at the historical aspect now consider a doctrinal approach. There is much to discover about being thankful from God's Word. Colossians 3:15 (KJV) "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are you thankful?
I would be remiss if not looking at the Spiritual aspect of thankfulness. Concerning you personally, are you a born again person? If you are you have accepted Jesus' free gift of Salvation and have much to be thankful for. If you are not born again, you should be thankful for the opportunity to accept Jesus shedding his precious blood on the Cross of Calvary for your sin. He was raised from the dead by God the third day and is alive forever more.
He has provided the only way to Heaven for you. You can accept
his FREE gift by Faith believing who he is and what he said. Believing
in your heart is key. To truly be thankful you call on his name.
Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised
him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." If you called on
Jesus let me know so I can be thankful with you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Paul
3 Comments
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?.
Janet Larson
Reply.John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.
Jessica Brown
ReplyEcclesiastes 3:1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: