The Daily Scroll - Purify

Willie liked to walk the mile to his barber shop every Saturday for his haircut. Sometimes he took his grandson with him. On these walks he would tell stories and impart truths from the Bible to Billy. One Saturday, after a rain, they came across a mud puddle. As they walked around it Willie asked Billy, “Son, would you drink that water? “No Grandaddy! came a quick reply.” That’s gross! Willie laughed and went on. But son, what if we used it to wash my car.” Billy thought a second and told him, “I guess it would be alright. But it wouldn’t be as clean as if we used clean water.” Willie said, So if we could strain and purify the water so it wasn’t muddy, but clean, then we could use it for everything, right. “Yes,” Billy responded. 

“You know son, sin is like that mud puddle.” “What?” Billy replied. “Yes. When we commit sins, even though we try to live right, the sin pollutes who we are. Yes, we function, but not as well because we are polluted. But when we have Jesus in our heart and we’re forgiven of our sins, we are better because we’re clean. We feel better. We’re more useful to God and everyone else.” “Wow!” Said Billy. “ I’d rather be pure water than a mud puddle.” “That’s right son. Keep yourself pure and clean before the Lord. Live a good holy life and you’ll be happy.”

The Bible teaches us, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.” (I John 3:2-3)

The Daily Scroll - Don’t Believe It!

 Jesus warned us that in the last days false teachers, and false Christs, would rise and lead many astray. It’s happening all around us and all around the world, even as you read this. Even pastors can be subject to worldly distractions which bring on compromise. Pastors, don’t believe it. Lord Jesus Christ established His church with this simple fact. He died for us, suffered in Hell for us, then rose to life for us. 

When we accept what He did on the cross, repent of our sins, then we have new life in Him. Period. False teachers want to add on this and that, but His salvation is the only thing that matters. We can’t earn it, make it happen or really explain the mystery of it. Don’t believe all the add on’s that the satan inspired detractors throw at you. Like the Apostle Paul wrote about what this world has to offer. Count it as dung.

Jesus is coming so soon. We’ll meet Him in the air, and forever we’ll be with our Lord. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide living within every believer. Draw on Him to confirm your belief. He doesn’t mind if we challenge Him. He always comes back with the truth. With Him you’ll have peace in your heart. Other than Him don’t believe it. 

The Apostle John spoke about this in the Bible, “I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” ( I John 2:26-27)

The Daily Scroll - Me, a Sinner?

 Russell was a good man. At least that was what everyone at his church believed. But Russell had a secret. A secret sin. Lust beset his soul. As hard as he tried, he struggled with lust of the flesh. A proud man, he would barely admit his problems to himself, much less try counseling. Then one Sunday morning his pastor preached a sermon based on 1 John. He explained how we all sin, but God has made it possible for forgiveness and help in our struggles. Russell changed his life that day when he bent his knee and confessed his sins to God in prayer. A weight was lifted off his shoulders as he found forgiveness and grace to overcome his failures. 

The Bible teaches us, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.“ (I John 1:8-10)

Yes, God is faithful. Always.

The Daily Scroll - Patience, He’s Coming

 “It’s happening! Just like Jesus said in Matthew 24. Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes in different places. We had one in Virginia this week. People calling good bad and bad good and so forth.” Said George to his wife. “Don’t you think it’s the end times like the Bible says? Everybody is saying so.”

Erma replied, “Well George, all that is true, those signs are coming together all at the same time, but listen. Jesus also said in Matthew 24, “But the end is not yet.” These signs are showing us that we are in the season of His return so we are to be patient, live our lives, watch and wait. We should examine ourselves, and live holy blameless lives. Be ready, but also try to help as many as we can to be ready.

The Bible tells us, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (II Peter 3:8-9)

“And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” (II Peter 3:14-15)

The Daily Scroll - Hold On

 Phillip owned a small hardware store in a small midwestern town. His Father had started it more than 30 years before. He was a faithful church member and a financial supporter of the church and foreign missions. Then it happened. A deluge of rain came and brought floods with it. His store was flooded and lost. He had some insurance but not enough to cover a total loss. Fortunately his home and family was fine. Later, as the flood waters receded, Phillip stood looking at his store in unbelief. 

“What do I do now?” He asked himself. Inside, as he trudged through the muck and mud looking for anything, he prayed, “God, show me what to do. I don’t know what to do.” He looked down and saw a hammer coated in mud. He picked it up, wiped it off, and thought, “This is still a new hammer in great shape. This was a sign from God…rebuild. He dug out every salvageable tool, took them outside to the tailgate of his truck. People began to come to buy tools and he had them. If the people didn’t have the money they needed Phillip loaned them the tools they needed. 

Not only did Phillip recover and rebuild, he added a tool rental business to his hardware store. The townspeople remembered his generosity and his business grew better than before, while other businesses languished and died. 

The Bible teaches us, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.” (II Peter 2:9)

The Daily Scroll - Believe

 There is a common saying today used by unbelievers to reject Jesus Christ and all things God. It is, ”I don’t believe everything in the Bible because it was written by man, and man is fallible. It’s not the word of God, it’s the word of man.” My reply is, “the dictionary was written by man and you believe that. God used several men to write the 66 different books of the Bible, but it was given through Devine inspiration. We read it with faith. You read the dictionary with faith, so why not the Bible?”

I’ll tell you why. “It’s because the Bible contains life changing truth. It reveals the sin in our lives and the error of our ways. Much of it is a warning. When we come upon a stop sign on a roadway, we stop. Why? Because it’s a warning. One which could save our life if we obey it and stop. Or if we ignore it we could end up injured or worse.”

It’s better to have faith and believe so that when we meet God, we’re welcomed into heaven. If it’s wrong then our faith was still not in vain because the Bible give us life changing instructions on living a happy fulfilled life. It’s a win win!

The Apostle Peter tells of a life changing experience that he, James, and John had which was recorded in the Bible.

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one foryou, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.“ (Mark 9:2-8)

God the Father confirmed again who Jesus was, to three witnesses. Believe it. 

The Daily Scroll - Humble Yourself

The old man said, “Son, you better humble yourself or someone else will.” For George was a proud young man. The fact that he was unemployed and poor didn’t affect his pride one bit. When he was out with friends, he would spend his last cent to keep up with them, even if he didn’t eat the next day. Oh he was proud, but the circumstances in his world surely humbled him until he finally admitted to himself and his friends that he was broke and in trouble. 

A good friend talked to him about the Lord and how he humbled himself to live a hard, lowly life in order to reach the lost world. Even to a harsh death on a cross. He was and is Love and humility personified. Then, when His mission was completed, God lifted Him up and gave Him the highest honor. George thought to himself that he could never do that but with the help of Christ, he’d try. 

George changed his life and made it a point to help others in any way he could, and did it without taking any credit for himself. He gave Lord Jesus all the credit. Later in life George was called dear George by everyone who knew him. He was referred to as a sweet humble man. Always thinking about someone else first. 

The Bible tells us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (I Peter 5:5-7)

The Daily Scroll - Shut It!

 Did you ever talk back to your mamma? How’d that work out for you? In my experience, not too well. I learned at an early age that when it comes to mouthing off, you’re better off to just shut it. I remember a time when I had a meeting at church with some volunteers and afterwards one lady went to the Pastor and told him that I had said something derogatory about him which was a total lie. 

The Pastor knew better and came to me and told me what she said. I was flabbergasted. I had not said anything even remotely like that. So I went to the dear sister and ask her why she told the pastor I had said such a thing. She said, “ We’ll, that’s what I heard.” I reconfirmed that I not only had not said that, but I don’t even believe that. She repeated, “Well that’s what I heard.” Why this happened I don’t know, even to this day. 

But I learned that some people look for problems, and excuses to cause problems. I could share other examples, but suffice it to say, people will be people, even in the house of God. This is why the Apostle Peter wrote to warn us to be careful to please God by what we DONT say. In other words, when it comes to a wandering, troublemaking mouth…shut it. For our sakes and the peace of God.

The Bible says, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” (I Peter 3:10-12)

The Daily Scroll - Chosen

 Sammy was a shy High School Senior who was rarely noticed. He tried out for various sports but was never chosen. He joined the school newspaper club but his articles were never chosen for publication. He went to the neighborhood basketball court and watched but was never chosen to play. He tried to fit in with a group of friends but he was often overlooked and made the butt of jokes. It was humiliating. Sammy felt so alone. 

Then one day a fellow student, a girl who lived two doors down front him passed him in the hall at school and invited him to a youth social at her church. Sammy didn’t know what to say, but once he got over the shock he said yes and got the details. She said that her mother was driving several friends to the meeting and he could ride with them. He readily agreed.

That night changed his life. There was a speaker that made them laugh, and then got serious and explained the plan of salvation through Christ Jesus. Sammy had never heard that before. He believed in the existence of Jesus and that He was good, but on this night, with other young people gathered around him in prayer, he accepted Christ as his savior and began what was to become a life long journey, and relationship with Lord Jesus. 

Sammy continued coming to the church and joined as a member. He found what he was looking for finally. He was wanted, accepted, and part of something much bigger than himself. God saw him in his miserable life and sent a new friend to pull him out of his old life and into his new one. It wasn’t luck, it wasn’t chance, he was chosen. Chosen by God and adopted into His family of believers. 

The Bible teaches us,  “for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1st Peter 2:9-10)

The Daily Scroll - Bless Israel

 War has broken out. Israel was the victim of a sneak attack against its civilians. They cannot continue to sit still and die at the hand of evil actors. She will do what has to be done. We pray for the peace of Israel. But we have learned in these times that peace comes through strength. Pray for peace and bless Israel. From the earliest of times God made the following promise to Abram concerning the future of his family Israel…

3 

“I will bless those who bless you,

And I will curse him who curses you;

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:3

The Daily Scroll - Ministry to Israel

 For years now my childhood friend Gina Utterback and her husband Michael have worked in Israel. Michael is the Director of The Ministry to Israel for the Church of God denomination of which I an active minister. Gina’s mother led me to Christ when I was 12 years old. I say this to highlight the fact that these are very special people who have worked for years providing food, clothes, shelter, and the love of Christ to people in Israel for years. They are asking everyone to pray for Israel. Please go to Facebook and search Gina Eller Utterback. Look at their site. See the people they minister to. And help if you can. This is real.

For many American Christians, we know about Israel somewhat. We read in the Bible of events past and future prophesies, but one fact remains…just as we know the reality of God, let us realize and embrace the reality of the people of Israel. Days ago, atrocities befell them, but rest assured their suffering is not over. Pray for them as if they lived next door to you. Jesus desires this. 

And to my many readers in Israel, know that we love you, we weep for your pain, we understand the significance of what is happening. Millions of Americans and other peoples of the world stand with you. Don’t believe negative reports of protesters in America and around the world. We supporters are many and have taken this battle to Gd Almighty. He sees and He will intervene. Count on it.

A picture cries out to the world

 Hiding such small twins in the closet 😭😭😭😭

 And here comes an angelic soldier to save them

 A sea of ​​tears will not fill any river ❤️❤️😢😢😢

The Daily Scroll - Don’t Be Distracted

 Bill was raised in church. Every service he was there because his parents were musicians with responsibility to be there. At an early age he asked the Lord into his heart, receiving salvation. But as he grew older he began to have a taste for things of this world, more than the things of God. Eventually he succumbed to temptation and stopped living for God and began living for parties, for worldly acceptance, for sex, and drugs. Good friends left and the evil friends moved in. 

One day bill's mother discovered his lost condition and intervened in prayer. It was a long rough battle for his parents but eventually prayer overcame the enemy and Bill was saved. How easily are we distracted from the things of God by this perverse and lost generation. Misery loves company and therefore evil is always standing in the wings to swoop in at any opportunity. So remember your first love in Christ. Remember the clean feeling that comes with salvation. Guard against evil for it will surely come to distract and destroy you. 

The Bible says: “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.“ (I Peter 1:23-25) 

Remember the old rugged cross. Where your trophies at last You’ll lay down. And trade them one day for a crown.

The Daily Scroll - Prophetic vision, October 11, 2023

Israel has been attacked from its southern border in a horrendous massacre. I was In prayer this morning for the peace of Israel when I found myself caught up in the spirit before the Throne of God. I got down on one knee and bowed my head and said the Lord’s Prayer. I could see his face, and he had in his hand, a golden scepter, and Jesus, was beside him on his right hand, also in the throne. He told me that he was aware of the horrendous massacre of innocent Israelis in the last few days. He said that this will not stand, and that he will protect Israel with a vengeance. Even though our nation has a fleet of ships offshore to aid Israel, the aid that they really need will not simply come from United States, but from God himself. He said that Israel will continue to be attacked, and that there will be continued bloodshed, but the bloodshed will be on all sides. Dark clouds are rolling in to cover Israel on all sides, and he himself will defend Israel. Then he ask me to step back because he had to meet with his commanders. So I backed up about 20 feet and stayed on one knee. He had several commanders, huge warrior angels, kneeling on one knee in front of him, facing him. Leaning forward, listening, hanging on every word. 

Father was leaning toward them and motioning with his hand as he spoke. Jesus was also leaning forward listening intently. I couldn’t hear what Father was saying, but I knew he was talking about the fate of Israel. Then the angel commanders drew their swords and pointed them toward Father, touching tips. Father laid his right hand on top of the swords and they began to glow and turn into bright lights in the glory of God. 

Then the commanders rose together and walked around the throne to their prospective divisions. I could see ranks and ranks of warrior angels, too many to number, standing with their swords drawn pointed toward their commander in front of them. The commanders touched their fiery swords to the swords of their subordinates who likewise turned and touch the swords of their rank and file. All swords were lit as they stood silent for a moment. Jesus spoke in a quiet voice and said, “Go.” Then group by group they rose into the air and flew off in formation. 

In the timeless realm of God it’s hard to tell if what I’m seeing is currently happening or is this the future? Is this fulfilling the prophecy as told in Ezekiel 38? One thing I do know is that it happens. Wether now or in the future, the important thing is it happens. Be ready friends. And prepare your friends and family for what comes next…the rapture of the church.

The Daily Scroll - Is This Ezekiel 38?

This week, terrorist from the south attacked Israel, killed hundreds of civilians and kidnapped many women, children, and elderly, all the while murdering innocent people on the streets, at bus stops, all going about their daily lives. Here is a prophecy from the Bible:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.” (Ezekiel 38:10-13)

If today is that day as prophesied in Ezekiel 38, then this is soon to come. The Bible says: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you,

He continues: This is what will happen in that day: “When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord.

As I read this I wonder about that sword, that protector of Israel, as the United States have deployed the Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and battle group off the coast of Israel.

Theologians have debated if Ezekiel 38 will happen before or after the rapture of the church. I can’t say… but we’re still here, so if this is the beginning of the prophecy in Ezekiel 38, then we’re here for how long? People get ready. Get ready now!

The Daily Scroll - Humble Yourself

 Jason was a sometimes bully. He didn’t push people around too much but if you crossed him… lookout. After high school one Wednesday, his grandmother took him to church with her for revival service. Something the evangelist said gripped Jason’s heart and he accepted Christ as his Savior. The next day at school, friends noticed a change in him. When asked, Jason simply replied that he had met Jesus and his life was changed. 

Jason became a humble young man to the amazement of those who knew him. Another bully tried to provoke him one afternoon, but Jason literally turned the other cheek and was hit twice. He stood and said to the bully, “It’s ok Frank, I know you didn’t mean it.” Frank walked away with his head lowered in shame. Meanwhile Debbie, a Christian girl that Jason had his eye on, but was previously rejected by her, saw the whole thing and came up to him and said,”Jason here’s my handkerchief, you’re bleeding. He smiled and held it up to his face. As she walked away with a smile, she told him to bring the handkerchief to her house later. His life was changed in many ways.

The Bible says, “They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.“ (James 4:5-8)

The Daily Scroll - Peacemaker

 Annie always heard that her Aunt Gertie was a troublemaker who didn’t get along with anyone. Not her husband, friends, even her Pastor. So when Annie heard that her Aunt had fallen and hurt herself, she traveled home to see for herself. Sure enough, Aunt Gertie was fussing and fuming over this and that, making those trying to help her miserable. When Annie arrived she took Aunt Gertie for a walk and told her a story about a woman, (like her), and how she treated everyone. 

Her response was perfect. She said, “Why I wouldn’t put up with that. Anyone who treats their family like that doesn’t deserve them. Annie then revealed that she was describing her. Her mouth dropped open and she stopped walking. “You mean I treat people like that and they still love and help me?” She said. “Yes Aunt Gertie. They are precious people and they love you very much. From that moment forward Aunt Gertie became the person who Annie knew she could be. And she showed love to everyone.

Jesus said blessed be the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. With all the strife in this world, between nations, races, and even families, what we really need are more peacemakers. But aren’t all christians children of God, and therefore peacemakers you ask? No. Imagine if all Christian’s were as described by the Bible in the book of James…

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18)

I think we all fall short of the wisdom from above. However there is a promise in this scripture, plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. The other side is plant seeds of bitterness, jealousy, and hate and reap a harvest of unrighteousness. If you want to be Christlike and reap righteousness then become a peacemaker. Not a peace breaker. 

The Daily Scroll - Faith and Works

 Billy was a young Christian who felt a strong desire to work for God. He had been active in church but desired, by faith, to do more. Others in his youth group talked about the rough people downtown on the strip and suggested prayer for them. But Billy thought more should be done. So on a Friday night he drove down there armed with tracts, drinks and cookies. He walked the street and passed out tracts and invited people to stop by for free cookies and drinks. One by one people made their way over to his car where he leisurely explained the gospel while they snacked. Several young people accepted Christ as their Savior due to Billy’s outreach. He put legs on his prayers, action with his faith and look what God did.

In the Bible we learn of the faith of a woman called Rahab. “Rehab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.“ (James 2:25-26)

The Daily Scroll - Here and There

 People ask what is heaven going to be like? Well, there are many wonderful glorious sights in heaven, but heaven is mostly a place where God comes down to have fellowship with His children…us. People from all generations from every nation gathered together as one family to worship God, Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. That’s there. 

On earth we are a varied and all encompassing group of Gods children. Many of which come together to have fellowship and worship the Father, Lord Jesus,  and the Holy Spirit. That’s here. We need to become the people here that we’ll be there; loving, kind, preferring each other over ourselves. Faithful, all living in the will of God, not of ourselves. Helping one another grow in the Lord in quiet peace.

The Bible instructs us, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.“ (James 1:26-27)

We must strive to become Christ-like. Sometimes difficult, but so worth it. You can, just try.