Do you remember the story?  Gideon had so many soldiers (although terribly outnumbered), and God did not let him go to battle.  God wanted Gideon weak enough that the victory was most clearly one of Divine origin.  Thousands of soldiers were sent back; and one reason was because they were afraid and willing to quit.  The magnificent events that followed were occasions of indescribable victory and thrill. 

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I was just listening to a sermon by Tom Malone, way up in years and still the same man he was over half a century ago.  The body may grow weary, but the truth of the Bible never changes.  The mind may slow and grow frail, but the wisdom of Heaven is in fine shape.  I know many Christians drift with the passing of years, but somehow it just seems to me that what was true is still true, and what was right is still right.  While listening to Tom Malone in his 80s, I was reminded of the simple truth, “buy the truth and sell it not.”

2 Thessalonians 2:11 “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:”
There have always been some people who, on purpose, follow lies and ignore the clear teaching of the Bible, but one day, it will be universal.  Due to the refusal to see truth and accept honesty, God will send strong delusions to believe a lie - a big, global lie.

Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Seek is a serious word in the Bible.  The book of Proverbs says to seek wisdom as silver.  We are urged to “seek the Lord while He may be found;” but there is another verse less familiar to most of us: “...that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:” (Numbers 15:39). 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice evermore.” 
vs. 18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

Matthew 14:23  “...he was there alone.”
Jesus had sent away the crowds, and now He was alone.  

My wife and I noticed the decorating styles of young people and are amazed at how many will buy new IKEA furniture and bypass used solid wood or well-built pieces that will last for decades.  IKEA will not last the next few years or even until the next yard sale, let alone for decades to be passed down to children.   I am not saying there is anything wrong with this kind of idea when it comes to furnishing a home — just an illustration; but, no one will say, "This cool piece of furniture was my grandmas; it came from IKEA."  Can you imagine the antique stores of the future?  

While living in our world, we ought always to guard what we hear as well as what sources we allow to have our ear.  We must also consider and think through what we heard before we repeat it.  Most of us have heard something on the radio or television and thought, “That is stupid.”  With a little outside knowledge, logically, we realize how ridiculous the statement was.  Most of us have also found ourselves repeating something and later realizing how faulty our thinking was.  Such is the case with loyalty. 

Popularity has never been my goal in the ministry. I have tried to teach right and wrong as God demands of any decent preacher.
Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Many different philosophies exist in churches today. The biggest difference is in one simple thought: “Is it for me or is it for others?”

Over two years ago, many conservatives and countless Bible believers said that we were being lied to about health mandates, and that fear mongering was inaccurate at best. Slandered, criticized and attacked, many of these conservatives stuck to their guns. Now, after the nation has been ripped apart educationally, socially, religiously, and of course in areas of health, they admit they were wrong.

Although God is merciful beyond words, long-suffering, patient, and so very much more, make no mistake, God is holy, just, and righteous as well. God does get "fed up" (using our terms) with mankind at times.

Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan. Forty days later, they returned with not only the wonderful fruit of the land but also with the fearful news of giants and walled cities. We look at Israel with a measure of disdain for their refusal to continue on the path God had for them; but sadly, many believers today, through fear, walk away from their "promised land" as well.

Years ago, I read an article in which a pastor wrote that he did not want to become an old grump; that sounded good to me, and it got me thinking.


Trials are most often received as something bad – the result of our own wrong or that of another – but God says so much about trials that goes against our personal reasoning.


God created a perfect world; no place could be more wonderful than the blessed creation of God. Man and woman were placed into this wonderful world, and it was not long before they sinned and turned against God in disobedience. 


In recent years, we have watched protesters fight and cause great havoc, and all was done for one reason, they did not get their way. Whether it be a two-year-old wanting a candy bar in the store, or a Democrat wanting Hillary to be President, throwing a fit is common when you fail to have logic, reason, and facts.

While we were in Israel, we saw many historical places and gained insight into the culture and people — the trip was great! On our last day, we spent much of the day wandering through a shopping area in downtown Jerusalem. There were many ladies’ clothing shops that carried an amazing assortment of modest, fashionable clothing. While a few ladies in our group shopped, I began talking to the shop owner.