Glorifying God with Thanksgiving                                   October 11, 2026

Throughout the pages of the Bible are many verses that encourage the reader to be grateful to God for a vast number of reasons.  One of those verses said this, “But I am afflicted and in pain; may Thy salvation, O God, set me securely on high.  I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify (glorify) Him with thanksgiving.  And it will please the Lord better than an ox or a young bull with horns and hoofs” (Psalms 69:29-31).  David wrote this Psalm and many others.  His message in those Psalms was often an appeal to God to save him from his enemies and from those who wickedly opposed Him.  Yet even in his troubles he reminds himself that there is so much to be thankful for and that God should always be glorified throughout his afflictions.

Perhaps his zeal to remember God with thanksgiving during the tough times of his life can inspire us to do the same.  After all, when you’re thankful, aren’t you happy?  Doesn’t your day seem better when it is filled with gratitude rather than a negative attitude?

Notice the thankful thoughts of David in the following Psalms:

Psalms 9:1-2 “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders.  I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praises to Thy name, O Most High.”

Psalms 18:47-49 “The God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues people under me.  He delivers me from my enemies; surely Thou dost lift me above those who rise up against me; Thou dost rescue me from the violent man.  Therefore I will give thanks to Thee among the nations, O Lord, and I will sing praises to Thy name.”

Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exalts, and with my song I shall thank Him.”

Psalms 30:4-5, 12 “Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.  For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning…That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever.”

Psalms 54:6-7 “Willingly I will sacrifice to Thee; I will give thanks to Thy name, O Lord, for it is good.  For He has delivered me from all trouble; and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.”

These are only a few thoughts of thanksgiving from David that were put to music and sung by him before God.  They express his deep desire to let God know how grateful he was for everything God had done for him especially during those difficult moments in his life.

May each of us desire to reach out to God with an attitude of thanksgiving not only for the bounty we receive at this time of year but also for every physical and spiritual blessing our dear Lord bestows upon us.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!             

Brian Thompson

Too Much Religion?                                           October 4, 2026

“So king Jeroboam consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to Israel, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem, behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.’” (I Kings 12:28)

Those were the words of King Jeroboam to the people of Israel.  He knew God said to come to Jerusalem and worship Him at the temple.  That didn’t stop him from changing what God commanded.

He made it easy for people to “worship.”  He told them they didn’t have to travel all the way to Jerusalem.  Just go to Dan and Bethel.  They’re much closer.  But he didn’t stop there.

He made golden calves and told the people they could worship them.  Then he made men who were not of the tribe of Levi priests and ordered a festival of worship at a time the Law of Moses didn’t authorize.

His main reason for making these changes was political.  The motivation of the people was personal.  This popular religion was convenient.  It was new and different.  It was creative.  And it was not “legalistic” and strict like the old way.  Moreover, it worked.  People flocked to engage in idolatry, and, even sadder, this trendy worship continued for several generations.  The sales pitch of old Jeroboam still works today.  The biblical way is “too much” for many today.  The masses are looking for a religion that is convenient, entertaining, and tolerant.

To this generation we ask:  Is it too much to require that men lead as preachers, elders, and deacons (I Timothy 2:8-3:13)?  Is it too much for you to listen to a sermon that reproves your heart instead of a nice little talk that tickles your ears (II Timothy 4:2-4)?

Many today are oblivious as to what worship is.  We are to worship God.  Worship is not for our convenience.  It is not about pleasing us.  But as long as people look for bread and fish instead of the Truth, the way of Jeroboam will live on.

By Kerry Duke

God-Pleasing Sacrifices                                     September 27, 2026

“Jesus therefore said, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man (on the cross), then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.  And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.’” (John 8:29)

The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah would be a man who would be despised, rejected and forsaken of men.  Also, He would be well acquainted with grief and sorrow and when men would see Him, they would hide their face from Him (Isaiah 53:1-12).  Yet even in this lonely state of rejection this Messiah wanted all mankind to know that He was never alone for as long as He did what was pleasing to the Father then His Father was always with Him (John 8:29).  The only exception to his not being alone was when He bore the sins of the world upon Himself when he was nailed to the cross.  It was here that Jesus experienced extreme loneliness at its worst and thus His words, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

As Jesus noticed, pleasing God was not always easy without experiencing much opposition and ridicule.  Yet, it was His goal and desire in life above all else.

Well, what about our goals and desires in life?  If we shrink back from living a life of faith then we know that God will not be pleased with us (Hebrews 10:38; 11:6).  If we preach a different gospel than what God gave us in order to please men (tickle their ears) then we cannot be a true bond-servant of Christ (Galatians 1:6-10; I Thessalonians 2:4).  Also, if we live according to the flesh rather than the Spirit then we cannot please God (Romans 8:1-11). 

Solomon says, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).  The Hebrew writer tells us to “not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).  Receiving the answers to our prayers is conditional upon us keeping God’s commandments and doing the things that are pleasing to Him (I John 3:21-22).  Those who strive to please God will always be the winners.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable (pleasing) in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalms 19:14).

Brian Thompson

Are You Still Learning?                                      September 20, 2026

When was the last time you learned something about God or His Word?  Hopefully, the answer is “recently.”  Experienced Bible students will tell you that they are constantly learning new things.  Every reading brings fresh insights into life and the world we live in.

The enemies of growth are complacency and pride.  When we think “I know it all” or “I know enough” or “I’m good and don’t need more,” we are not open to learning.  The truth is, we can always learn more.  If we truly desire to know the living God (Psalms 42:2), then we should seek to understand His words continually.

Maybe we have stopped learning the Word because we are too busy learning other things.  We have to keep learning new skills for our jobs or spend countless hours learning about our interests, hobbies, sports, or DIY projects.  Why not our faith?  Is it because learning something we want to learn is enjoyable, but the Bible is not?  The truth is that reading Scripture requires discipline, time, prayer, and effort to benefit from.  The wisdom of the world may not be as immediate as what we can learn on our phones.

If we stop learning, we will stop growing as Christians.  When we fail to apply the Words of Life to our daily lives, we will cease to walk in the light.  As a tree without water dies, so will the one who stops delighting in the law of the Lord (Psalms 1:1-2).  When we close our minds to the teaching of the Word, how can we expect to thrive in the faith?  As the world becomes more complex and immoral, we will need the insights of the Word of God to learn how to live faithfully in a wicked generation.  Never stop learning.  Make the time to read and reflect deeply on the life-giving words of our Lord.

By Spencer Clark

Bible study is essential for spiritual maturity:

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall away from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (II Peter 3:17-18)

A Famine In The Land                      September 13, 2026

The prophet Amos tells the Israelites that a time is coming where He would send a famine on the land.  This would not be a famine of bread and water but a famine of hearing the word of the Lord (Amos 8:11).

Our Heavenly Father has historically chosen to speak to His people in diverse ways:

● Direct Speech: God spoke directly with divine speech to certain key men, like Moses and Samuel. Exodus 33:11 notes that God spoke to Moses “face to face as a friend,” while 1 Samuel 3 records God speaking to the boy Samuel about the impending judgment on Eli’s house.
● Dreams and Visions: He also spoke to men through dreams and visions. Daniel in Daniel 7:1, Joseph in Genesis 37:5 and the apostle Peter in Acts 10:10-11 are examples of this.
● Prophets: God raised up prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah and Amos to deliver His specific messages, warnings, and promises directly to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:18, Jeremiah 7:25, Hebrews 1:1).
● His Son: God sent His Son Jesus to this world and He was the Word which became flesh in order to proclaim the Good News (John 1:14).
● His Inspired Word: Today God speaks to us through his Holy Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12).

Tragically, God’s people have a history of rejecting the hearing of His word.  Acts 7:35 tells us Moses was rejected.  II Chronicles 36:15–16 tells us the words of the prophets were despised, and Christ Himself was rejected as seen in John 1:11, “He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him.”  Amos tells Israel they had ignored, silenced, and rejected God’s prophets (Amos 2:12; 7:12–13).  He further explains in Amos 8:11 the ironic consequence of their behavior – since they refused to listen to God’s voice when it was offered, God would withdraw His word completely. People would wander “from sea to sea” seeking divine guidance, only to find silence.

Today scripture is probably more accessible than at any other point in human history.  Many of us have access to printed Bibles, digital Bibles, various translations, podcasts, commentaries, radio TV and internet broadcasting. With all this it is hard to imagine we could have a famine of hearing the word of the Lord today.  Even with this incredible access to God’s Holy word, we need to guard ourselves against a famine of not hearing, receiving and obeying God’s Word.  If we choose to not hear, receive and obey God’s word, His word will be unable to change us into the principled and faithful servants He expects us to be.

Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 we need to be diligently study the scriptures daily, recognizing  that God’s word is inspired, complete and fully capable of equipping us for every good work (II Timothy 3:16-17).  As we reflect on the silence the Israelites brought upon themselves, let us remain diligent and faithful, allowing God’s living Word to transform us into the people He has called us to be.

Kevin Pickles

Cell Phones and Social Media Will Not Prepare You for Eternity September 4, 2026

In today’s world, cell phones and social media have become an obsession with many, dominating time, attention, and emotions. These technologies keep us informed, entertained, and connected—but can never prepare our souls for eternity. While technology is not evil in itself, the spiritual danger lurking in the shadows is when it replaces our dependence on God, and distracts us from eternal truth.

Cell phones and Social Media provide Satan with some of his most powerful weapons. 1Peter 5:8 warns us to be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Scripture reminds us that this world is temporary. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17, NKJV). Social media thrives on trends, popularity, and instant gratification—things that fade quickly. Eternity, however, is unchanging and demands preparation that no device can provide.

Cell phones can fill our minds with endless information, but only God’s Word gives wisdom that leads to eternal life. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Scrolling cannot replace studying Scripture. Notifications cannot replace the voice of the Holy Spirit. A strong signal cannot replace a strong prayer life.

Jesus Himself warned about misplaced priorities: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Many gain followers online while losing focus on following Christ. Likes and shares may boost self-esteem, but they cannot secure salvation. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ prepares us for what comes after this life.

Social media often promotes comparison, pride, anger, and distraction. Scripture calls us instead to set our minds on eternal things. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). When our hearts are consumed with screens, we risk neglecting prayer, worship, and obedience—disciplines essential for spiritual growth.

Eternity is not prepared for accidentally; it requires intentional faith. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). No app can prepare us for judgment. No digital profile can speak for us before God. Preparation comes through repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

This is not a call to abandon technology, but to put it in proper perspective. Use your phone as a tool, not a master. Let Scripture shape your thinking more than social media feeds. Spend more time in God’s presence than online presence. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Cell phones may connect us to people, however, only Jesus connects us to eternity. Choose wisely where you invest your time. Eternity is too important. Prepare to meet thy God. Meditate seriously on these matters.

Geoff Hanover

Too Much Religion?                                           October 4, 2026

“So king Jeroboam consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to Israel, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem, behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.’” (I Kings 12:28)

Those were the words of King Jeroboam to the people of Israel.  He knew God said to come to Jerusalem and worship Him at the temple.  That didn’t stop him from changing what God commanded.

He made it easy for people to “worship.”  He told them they didn’t have to travel all the way to Jerusalem.  Just go to Dan and Bethel.  They’re much closer.  But he didn’t stop there.

He made golden calves and told the people they could worship them.  Then he made men who were not of the tribe of Levi priests and ordered a festival of worship at a time the Law of Moses didn’t authorize.

His main reason for making these changes was political.  The motivation of the people was personal.  This popular religion was convenient.  It was new and different.  It was creative.  And it was not “legalistic” and strict like the old way.  Moreover, it worked.  People flocked to engage in idolatry, and, even sadder, this trendy worship continued for several generations.  The sales pitch of old Jeroboam still works today.  The biblical way is “too much” for many today.  The masses are looking for a religion that is convenient, entertaining, and tolerant.

To this generation we ask:  Is it too much to require that men lead as preachers, elders, and deacons (I Timothy 2:8-3:13)?  Is it too much for you to listen to a sermon that reproves your heart instead of a nice little talk that tickles your ears (II Timothy 4:2-4)?

Many today are oblivious as to what worship is.  We are to worship God.  Worship is not for our convenience.  It is not about pleasing us.  But as long as people look for bread and fish instead of the Truth, the way of Jeroboam will live on.

By Kerry Duke

Follow Your Heart                                                        August 30, 2026

The more we are immersed in the world, the harder it can be to see the contrast between the world’s view of life and that of Jesus Christ.  We hear popular sayings like “Follow your heart,” “Believe in yourself,” “Discover yourself,” or “Be true to yourself.”  These kinds of statements are everywhere, from t-shirts to social media, to greeting cards, Disney movies, and engraved on cups and mugs.

On the surface, they seem fairly innocent.  But when compared to the teachings of Jesus, their error comes into sharper focus.  Freddie Klein, admissions director for Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies, shared a post that perfectly captures this concept.  Here it is with a few minor edits:

World: Follow your heart

Jesus: Follow Me (Matthew 4:19)

World: Believe in yourself

Jesus: Believe in Me (John 14:1)

World: Discover yourself

Jesus: Deny yourself (Matthew 16:24)

World: Be true to yourself

Jesus: Be faithful to Me (Acts 11:23)

The philosophies of the world are foolish compared to the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:20).  When placed alongside the teachings of Jesus, we learn just how selfish this world wants us to be.  It is all about us, all about living our best life, all about personalization, and all about our happiness.  Yet Christ calls us to live differently.  He calls us to live a life that is focused on Him rather than ourselves.

That means we can’t just follow our heart and seek to fulfill all of our fleshly desires.  That means we can’t focus our life on “finding ourselves” except by finding ourselves in Christ.  We should be people of integrity and be honest with ourselves, yet be faithful to Christ unto death.

Following Christ means rejecting the philosophies of this world and following the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  We need to resist the influences of worldliness and not allow ourselves to be captivated by human philosophies, but rather embrace the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.                       By Spencer Clark

Miracles in the Bible                                                    August 23, 2026

In Psalms 119:160 David says, “The entirety of Thy Word is true.”  That great chapter (incidentally, the longest chapter in the Bible), has to do almost exclusively with the Word of God.  Over and over, David uses the phrase “Word of God,” but in verse 160 he says, “Thy word is true from the beginning” (or in its entirety – KJV).

Verse 160 establishes that if one accepts Genesis 1, they will also accept the text through Revelation 22.  The text in Genesis 1 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  The fact of creation is established.

When someone reads Genesis 1:1-2 and accepts these at face value, they will not have difficulty believing other miracles found in Scripture.

The reader would not have any problem with the prophet being swallowed by a large fish and remaining in its belly for three days and nights.  There would be no issue with Joshua marching around Jericho once each day for six days, seven times on the seventh day as commanded, and the walls falling.  There would be no problem with Moses stretching out his arm and rod over the Red Sea and its waters parting.  One would not believe Jesus had to look for stumps when He walked on the water.

They would be pledged to accept the Bible record of miracles.  Any problems with miracles in the Bible would be solved when they accept the Genesis account of creation.  Establishing the existence of God solves the problem of all miracles of the Bible.  If God exists, then the miracles are so.  If this is God’s book, then the account of the miracles are factual, accurate and reliable.

Therefore, how someone views the first part of the Bible determines how they view the remainder.  When one rejects the first part of the Bible, they have no real reason to believe any of the rest.  On what basis could a man reject any part of the Bible and then accept another part?

Conversely, if we receive the first part of the Bible as God’s Will and Word (factual, reliable, and inspired), then we can turn each page with confidence.

By Tony Williams

Stay In Today!                                                    August 16, 2026

We, as a society, are remarkably good at borrowing trouble from the future.  We lie awake solving problems that haven’t happened yet, rehearsing conversations that may never occur, and carrying the weight of next month on today’s shoulders.  It’s exhausting – and most of us know it, yet we keep doing it anyway.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34, ESV).

This verse comes in one of the most remarkable passages Jesus taught – the section in the Sermon on the Mount where He points to birds and wildflowers as evidence that God provides.  And then He lands on this: don’t borrow tomorrow’s worry.

Jesus doesn’t pretend today has no trouble.  He acknowledges it plainly – sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  He’s not offering a life without difficulty.  He’s offering something more realistic and more useful: stay here.  Stay in today.

There’s a reason worry always pulls us forward in time.  Today is where God’s grace actually lives.  The manna God gave Israel in the wilderness came one day at a time – deliberately.  When they tried to hoard it for the next day, it spoiled.  God was teaching them something we need to learn: I will provide, but you have to show up for today to receive it.

Jesus teaches us to pray towards the beginning of this same chapter “give us this day our daily bread” – not our weekly bread, not our monthly bread.  Today’s bread.  Today’s grace.  Today’s strength.

That doesn’t mean we don’t plan.  It means we don’t worry.  Planning is wisdom.  Concern takes action.  Worry is just suffering in advance.

Whatever this week holds for you – whatever you’re dreading about tomorrow, or next month, or next year – the grace for that moment hasn’t been issued yet.  It will be there when you need it.  It always has been.

By Michael King