"But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."
-- Colossians 3:25 (NKJV)

Billy Graham once said that if God does not judge America then He would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. This comment was made many years ago and was not meant to be cynical nor prophetic, but rather, it was meant to compare the erosion of values in America to those of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah (and the similarities are many). A sort of subtle warning of the potential risks of such a course. You may recall that Sodom and Gomorrah had become so wicked that God chose to destroy them completely; allowing only Lot and his family to survive (and Lot's wife was subsequently turned into a pillar of salt when she disobeyed God and looked back upon the destruction in progress). If there is one thing we humans have become skilled at, it is in our ability and propensity to disobey God. And all sin can be characterized as disobedience to God.

Will God judge those who have done wrong? The answer is most assuredly yes. And it will not matter who you are, how wealthy you are, how intelligent you are, how famous you are; for there is no partiality with God. The Scriptures exhort us not to judge others lest we ourselves be judged (and by the same measure that we might judge). True vengeance is the exclusive domain of God; always has been, always will be. There is no need to fear God (to be afraid), but there is a great need to fear God (as with reverence and respect). The good news of this message is this, though God will one day judge every man, woman and child, exclusions are available at no charge through the blood of Christ. For by grace we are saved by faith, not through our works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2). Today, may you know the God that has no partiality in judgment, and more importantly, that you may know that He is faithful to save you through His Son. 

"For there is no partiality with God."
-- Romans 2:11 (NKJV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more."
-- Psalm 71:14 (NKJV)

I am saddened to report that eleven year old Cody Johnson lost his battle with cancer this past week. You may recall that I first communicated Cody's plight to the GNN nearly four years ago; at a time when his doctors were giving him less than 6 months to live. I believe that it was a blessing from God that Cody was allowed to live these past four years. He provided great joy to his family and friends and his courage provided inspiration and encouragement to many; myself included. Many of you have prayed for Cody and his family and I am happy to report that today he IS healed and standing in the very presence of the Lord in glory. But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more!

There are many of God's mysteries which I do not understand (like why an 11 year old boy would suffer and die from cancer), but I do know that He is faithful to His promises. And the truth is that a physical death is not the end, but rather, the beginning of an everlasting life for those who believe. I exhort you to hold fast to the confession of your hope without wavering. Cody's passing would be incredibly sad if he were not heaven bound, therefore there should be great joy abounding in the Johnson family today. Though I rejoice for Cody's salvation and his relief from pain, I grieve with his family and pray for the Lord's mercy, grace, and comfort in this, their time of great loss. 

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
-- Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,..."
-- Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV) 

Seems I cannot say enough about relationships. As many of you may know, my wife Glenda and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in less than two weeks (Lord willing). I suspect it will come as no surprise to you that our relationship has not been perfect (just how did Mary Poppins do it?). Every couple, every friendship, every family, every co-worker will experience issues with relationships over time. The reason is simple, we all have faults and weaknesses that are a result of us being human. Frankly, truth be known, I have many more "issues" with relationships than does my wife. And we have had our share of problems over the past two decades. The difference between us and many other couples (or any kind of relationship, really) is that we have worked through our challenges, rather than take the "get out when the going gets tough" attitude (I have been there and done that, too). But the main reason is that we have found that when the going gets tough, we seek God.

Even though I am very shy (NOT!), I have told nearly everyone I run into that we were are about to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Without exception, EVERY single person I have talked to thought it is a major accomplishment (listen, my grandparents were married for over 50 years, my aunt and uncle 53, and my sister and brother in-law for 25) . Sadly, one waitress at a restaurant that I visited recently told me that none of her friends had stayed married longer than two years and another young lady said that she still remembers her parents divorce when she was in the 4th grade, and she even joked that she wanted to adopt Glenda and I as her parents. 

Though my informal poll is far from scientific, it clearly points to a sign of our times and provides evidence that we humans simply put too much trust and confidence in our own abilities to manage relationships and love. The Lord has given us many examples of what love looks like and how to manage relationships with one another. Simply put, be devoted to one another in brotherly love and honor others above yourself. Add a constant devotion to God and you will have a recipe for relationships that last a lifetime AND beyond. Today, may you desire these things for your life and your relationships; you will be blessed.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
-- Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
-- James 5:16 (NKJV)

You might not be aware of this, but today, literally thousands of kids will gather around the flagpole at their respective schools and pray for each other, for their families, for their teachers, for their administrators, and for their city, state, and federal government officials. The real excitement of this national vigil of young people is two-fold. First, we should be encouraged by the multitudes of young people who will turn out and take a stand for righteousness. Secondly, as a result of effective and fervent prayers, the very power of God will be poured out upon this nation to provide healing, comfort, strength, peace, wisdom, hope and encouragement for all. And the truth is, countless lives will be blessed because prayer is the most powerful force on the face of the earth. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

We so often take for granted the tools which God Almighty has made available for our everyday use. Prayer is a tool that anyone can use at any time and in any place. It need not be lengthy, nor articulate, nor profoundly wise, in order to be effective. And it multiplies in magnitude when two or more come together in prayerful agreement on any appropriate request that is made in faith. Much prayer is prayed at times of great stress or peril in one's life or prayed without faith believing it will actually be answered. I guarantee that today we will see proof of the very power of prayer as God intended. Many young people coming together to pray in agreement for the things that will benefit every man, woman, and child. Today, may you recognize that you truly possess the power to impact your life and the lives of those you love through the simple words of a faithful prayer. 

[Jesus said,] "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
-- Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!