Following my early morning prayer, I kept repeating the 23rd Psalm. When I read or watch the news, I realize we are with David. We are literally walking “through the valley of the shadow of death"! And as David said, "we know that You are with us". In Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 28:20, God tells that He will never leave or forsake us, even till the end of the world. Oh, in these dark and dangerous days we hold to that promise. Father, we are in the valley of the shadow of death, please be with us, in Jesus' name, amen.

I remember when I was in the work force we called this “blue Monday”. The song said “oh how I hate blue Monday". Now I pray and thank the Father for another day of physical life and to help me use it for Him. Maybe because I’m a slow learner, but I’ve come to realize -whether it’s Monday or Sunday - we’re on planet earth to worship and serve Him. Thank you, Father, for opening my mind. A special prayer for the teachers (they have a special place in my heart), the students, the bus drivers, lunchroom folks, as they head back to school. Father, please help them, protect them, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Busy day yesterday. God gave me so many opportunities🎉. Pandemic or not, we must be cautious, but we must seize the opportunities that He puts before us. We’re asking the church this morning to approve the expansion of our parking lot and another entry road. When we’re back, we want to be ready. Despite Satan's opposition and the virus, the best days are ahead. Pray for the church; pray for many to be saved, for His will to be accomplished in our individual lives. Pray! In Jesus' name, amen.

Up early...it's hard to break a 60 year habit😇. My memory machine is at work. An old song came into my heart with "Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul”. Realized afresh how blessed I am, do you have some “precious memories” this morning? Enjoy them. They're a gift from God...even the sad ones are precious. Father, thank You for the memories, the blessings they are all “precious”, in Jesus' name, amen.

Sunday’s message: we’re back at square one. What Jesus told Nicodemus: (John 3:3) "you must be born again”. Has Satan ever taunted you with "you can fool others, but I know; you know what your spiritual relationship is”? This Sunday learn how you can know - by the Bible - that you are saved. It is the most important relationship that we have, and we can have absolute assurance. Father, we lift up those who are unsure, those who are struggling, whom Satan has attacked; we ask for deliverance and peace of mind, in Jesus' name, amen.

The Constitution guarantees us freedom of speech. A famed jurist said about free speech “you can’t shout fire in a crowded theater”. I don’t think that’s a good idea either, but the constitution places no limits on free speech. There are times I’ve said things I wish I could have taken back. James 3:8 says, "no one can tame the tongue”. There are groups pushing “politically correct speech upon us”; you can say what you wish, but there may be consequences. Let’s think, pray before we speak. Here’s my exercise of free speech: Father, thank You for loving us; we ask that all come to know You through Jesus before it is too late, amen.

If the end is near (1st Peter 4:7), what are we to do? All of this is in the “Hands” of the eternal God. 3 things: stay alert in our prayers (not by rote), love with a fervent love and forgive all. Oops - that’s the toughie, but if we truly love it will cover a multitude of sins. God’s love did that for us. Not only has He forgiven us completely, He doesn’t remember them (Hebrews 8:12). Oh my what an awesome God we serve! Father, if this is the end of all things, we pray for those who are lost, in Jesus' name.

Deacons meeting was last night. It is a joy to serve with these men who are true Christ followers. We are searching for ways to minister, to encourage and to share Christ with others. These times are different, and God is leading us to discover new ways of doing “things”. We can’t change the message, but we can change our methodology. Father, we want to be true to Your Word; help us to share it in these “different” times; we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Really felt the Holy Spirit yesterday. It takes me awhile to catch on, but the Holy Spirit is literally the actual presence of God in us - guiding, helping us. Satan is aware of this and will put any and every thing in our path to distract us from from being aware of and obedient to His presence. Father, we feel Your presence in us, thank You.  Please fill us right now, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Our son is on his way home this morning. He has worship at his church at 11. We miss him already. Aside from our salvation, the most precious gift God has given us is our families. Thank you Father🙏.  We do pray for all the families, single moms and dads, for the one person family - how ever the family is made up. Father, please encourage them, draw them close to You, help us as church to minister to them. We ask in Jesus' name, amen. Message today is “home sweet home".

Political, life statement: "we kneel at the Cross,  and salute the Flag." You’ve heard that before. I will add: "my heroes wear dog tags and badges and ride on fire trucks , ambulances, or carry stethoscopes." That’s not a complete list; there are others unseen, unknown, who care and serve. There's a special place in my heart for our teachers. Father, for all those You’ve called out to serve, please be with them, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Have another funeral today for an awesome Christian woman, wife, mother. It won’t be difficult to say something good about her. We need to live our lives in a way that honors and pleases God and blesses our families and others, so the preacher won’t have to scrape around to find something positive to say about us☹️. Father, thank You for another day of life, help us use it for You and others, in Jesus' name, amen.

The Beatles had it right when they sung “Can't Buy Me Love”. Love must be freely given. I saw great examples at two funerals yesterday: a father in one and a mother in another. They both sacrificed for their families - for reward? No because of love. John 3:16 says it all. The Father loves us so much He gave His only Son!! We can’t earn this love; He gives it freely. Father, thank You for loving us, help us to share it with others, in Jesus' name, amen.

On the way to a funeral for a family member, a good Christian man, then officiating this afternoon at a funeral for a lady who lived her life well caring for family and others. Then this evening, I'm going with one of my deacons to deliver baby gifts and groceries. We thank You, Father, for all the opportunities You give us; help us make the most of them. We do it all in Jesus' name and for His sake, amen.

Message today is “The Old Ship of Zion”. The church, the body of Christ, we are now the called out ones to worship, to serve. We are now God’s chosen ones...the ship of Zion. It’s hull bent and battered is sailing on life’s troubled sea. It’s captain is Jesus Christ. Time to get on board, it may never sail this way again. Father, it’s Your day that You have given us, help us to use it wisely, in Jesus' name. I'm so glad we’re on board the old ship of Zion, amen.