Author Archives: Pastor Tommy

See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:19)

When was the last time you ran into someone you knew and asked, “How’s it going?” To which they responded, “Same stuff . . . different day!” Now that is a response the child of God ought never give. It comes from someone who sees life from inside of a rut – which, by the way, is nothing more than a grave with both ends knocked out. But this is not for you. In our passage today we have before us is what I believe to be a word of eternal encouragement, regardless of where this finds you.

For many, the past is paralyzing, which is why I often say from the pulpit, “Learn from the past, don’t live there!” When we cannot forget and rise above the former things, we are unable to focus on the new things God intends to do in our lives. We get trapped in a painful past that is marked by unforgiveness, bitterness, betrayal, and regret. Yet, in today’s passage we find the key that unlocks the door that opens to a new thing – focusing on the faithful One who has promised to do a new thing in our lives.

Notice what God says next in the same verse, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19). The wilderness can stand for any desolate and lonely place we have visited in the past – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually – and eventually we all find ourselves wandering through it. But God is telling us something that is designed to change our perspective and ultimately our predicament – “I am doing a NEW THING!” God is healing our past wounds – breaking down strongholds – shining light in our darkness.

In all my years as a pastor, perhaps the greatest “new thing” God is committed to doing in our lives is giving us a renewed living hope even when things seem utterly hopeless. That is the picture of rivers in the desert. God is in the business of doing what is impossible with man. So, what “new thing” do you need in your life right now? Personally? Professionally? Relationally? Look up and see the heavens open right before your eyes because your God is about to do a “new thing” in your life today.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

His mercies never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Because the morning meal is designed to break the fast from the night before, it is important to begin each day with whatever “break-fast” that works for us. But, in addition to what you put into your stomach, you need to be putting God’s Word into your soul.

In our passage today we have our Faithful God offering to us a cup of “fresh-brewed” mercy every morning. What that means is regardless of how things went the day before – from storms to sin – God has set before us a meal of new mercies for each and every new day. This truth is as certain as the sun rising every day, even on those days when we cannot see it because of the clouds that are covering it.

The prophet who gave us our verse today also gave us these words, “Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17). You see, God is bigger than any battle we are facing, greater than any giant that is taunting us, and mightier than any mess we might find ourselves in. And remember this: God’s power that is available to each one of us moment by moment, is made perfect in our weakness. When God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9), He meant what He said. And that is why we need to break the fast each new morning with the Word of God.

Remember, whether the day before was just a bit burdensome or marked by bitter brokenness, today is a new day and God has new mercies waiting for you in His Word. Experience has taught me that when we break the fast each day with time in God’s Word, we are restored, renewed, recharged, and repurposed to receive whatever the day has to offer.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15 – NKJV)

We all know the importance and value of light. Turn on a light in a dark room and what you could not see before is now made manifest. In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light in order to dispel the darkness. I pray today’s word of encouragement will both comfort you as the Lord’s light and challenge you to let it shine brightly before the watching world.

Knowing that we are the Lord’s light is a cosmic comfort unmatched. We are the Lord’s light by way of unwavering love, unimaginable sacrifice, and unmatched cost to our precious Savior Jesus Christ. We, who were once far off, have now been brought near “by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). But that’s not all. What comforts us must also challenge us. If we are the Lord’s lights, should we not shine so brightly that no one could come near to us without coming near to our Lord? Both the words we say and the deeds we do should shout to the world the witness of our walk with Jesus.

We must remember that we were once in darkness until someone else let their light so shine before us. We were drawn to the light by the power of the Holy Spirit and given the greatest gift the world has ever seen – eternal life in Christ. Now, as the Lord’s lights, we are to shine so that others who currently walk in darkness will be drawn to the light. Our words of light should lift others up. Our deeds of light should lead others on. Our thoughts of light should love others into the kingdom of heaven.

So, how brightly is your light shining today? Is there anything that is shrouding your light and making it difficult for others to see? Perhaps a critical or unforgiving spirit? Maybe an angry or self-righteousness disposition? We have been given light to be a light to others and I can tell you from personal experience, there is no greater joy than to know that your light has dispelled the darkness of discouragement, despair, or spiritual death in the lives of others.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When    Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:4-5)

A completely packed house and a totally blocked doorway, but a devotion that could not be denied made its way to the Master . . . for true devotion will always find a way to get to its Object.

Because His reputation preceded Him, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people flocked to receive Him. Some were interested in His message, but everyone was interested in His miracles. Earlier in Mark’s gospel account we read that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town because of the frenzied mob of people who were magnetized by His amazing ministry, a ministry unlike the world had ever seen. And in our story today, this paralyzed man and his four friends demonstrate a devotion that could not be denied in spite of the wall of people blocking their way to the Master.

The question we all need to ask ourselves is this: “Does my commitment to my Master demonstrate this kind of sold-out, single-minded, will not be denied devotion, regardless of the cost or circumstance?” I am convinced that this is exactly what the church needs today if we are going to fulfill the two top commandments of loving God faithfully and loving our neighbor completely. We need to demonstrate a disruptive and a disturbing devotion just like the men in our story. Putting ourselves back in the story sitting in the room with Jesus, can you imagine just how disruptive and disturbing their devotion was as they dug through the roof, with dust and debris from the roof dropping on the crowd below?

Let us all prayerfully consider this day how we can amp up a devotion that cannot be denied for both ourselves and our neighbors. Let nothing stand in the way between you and your Master and let nothing stand in the way of you bringing others to sit at His feet. To be sure, we should begin by knocking on the door, or climbing through an open window, but if we cannot make entry let us dig through the roof and stop at nothing to get ourselves and our neighbors in the presence of the One who stopped at nothing to get to us – going all the way to the cross – demonstrating a divine devotion that could not be denied.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Joshua 1:5)

These words were said by God to Joshua who was being installed as the new leader of the people Israel, for the torch had been passed from Moses to him. Moses had died and it was now time for Joshua to assume command and lead God’s people across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. But, make no mistake, these words are to be applied to every believer in every age, and facing every kind of circumstance. How do we know this? The Bible tells us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

What God promised Joshua, He promised to all of His children. Perhaps we are not conquering new lands to expand the cause of God’s kingdom, but life is every bit as filled with “warfare” today for us as it was back then for Joshua. Who reading this cannot testify to the truth of the battle that rages against the world, the flesh, and the devil? We have been promised times of trials, troubles, and tribulations. But we have also been promised One who would walk with us every step of the way. If it is strength you need, God will give you strength. If it is wisdom you need, God will give you wisdom. If it is patience you need, God will give you patience. Whatever you need, God has promised to not just meet your needs, but exceed them, in the glorious riches of Christ Jesus.

Is this not a word of great encouragement to you today? You are not alone in the struggles you are facing. You are not without the help you need to get through the waves of challenge that are ready to wash over you. Now you may have experienced a close friend or even a family member who has left your side to fight your battles alone. But not your God. He has promised to be by your side through both thick and thin, good and bad, sunshine and rain. Know this – you mean as much to God as did Moses and Joshua. You are a child of the Most-High God and you have been purchased by the blood of His beloved Son. God is faithful and will keep His promise to never leave nor forsake you.

One final word of encouragement. Would this not be a great time to consider your response to this cosmic comfort in these words – As you my Lord will never leave nor forsake me – I will never leave never forsake You. Remember, since God cannot fail you, your faith cannot fail him, and when you do fall short of your heart’s desire to please Him, know that you are completely loved and fully forgiven.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar. (Mark 4:39)

When Jesus prayed His high priestly prayer for His people, He did not pray that we would be taken out of this world, but rather, that we would be protected from the evil one. We must learn this truth today, what Jesus did not pray for us, we must never pray for ourselves.

It is wrong to cry “woe is me” and wish to be received into glory. We have been left here to carry on God’s work in this world just as our Lord did when He walked the streets of Palestine. We are in this world but not of this world and we are to be impacting this world for the glory of our God. Jesus has sent us into this world to be salt and light. We are to do everything within our power to preserve what good there is in the world around us and to shine His light on every dark place.

Where would you expect to find the doctor except where you would find the sick in need of his care?  Where would you expect to find the soldier expect where you would find the battle raging on? So too with the saints of God. We are to be found wherever Jesus is needed and that beloved, is EVERYWHERE on this side of the grave. To be sure, we dwell in Meshek and live among the tents of Kedar, for our world is filled with the powers of darkness and the forces of evil at every turn. But this is the very reason that our Savior has asked not to take us out, but rather to strengthen us within.

Remember, God has not left us to expand His kingdom in this world in our own strength. We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to do all He has called us to do and when we are doing it, we are bringing glory to God and eternal good to all those we come in contact with. So, if you find yourself weary in your witness, remember it is wrong to woe when you know your Savior has commanded you to GO! Let these words from Paul propel you forward in your ministry of service to God.

I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Philippians 1:23-24

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)

From sleeping in the boat to saving the entire fleet of boats, our Lord Jesus is the Cosmic Captain who protects all those who are His. Make no mistake, it is wise to sail with our Savior because when the storm winds begin to blow and the waves of challenge begin to wash over us, He will direct us toward the safety of the harbor . . . in His time and in His way.  

Now don’t miss this. When the disciples got into the boat with Jesus, and all the other boats followed along, they were not safe from the storm. The storm came up even with Jesus by their side. But they were safe IN the storm, as are all the saints of God. Jesus by our side does not keep us from going into storms, but rather, it gets us to the other side of it. The promise with Jesus is not smooth sailing, but sure arrival at our intended destination.

When the storms swept over that Galilean Lake, the disciples were convinced that shipwreck was soon to follow. Let that be a lesson to you today. When all hope is lost in the natural, we must shift our focus to the supernatural, because we have Jesus as our Cosmic Captain who has promised to get us to the other side of every storm we face. Not a single boat in the convoy of the disciples suffered shipwreck that night. Jesus was all they needed for safe passage and He is all we need too.

So, let me close today’s word of encouragement with this profound biblical truth the disciples and their friends learned that night when a furious squall nearly swamped their boats, that can strengthen you in any storm you are facing:

You will never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have!

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. (1 Samuel 1:27)

Hannah prayed for a child and the Lord answered her prayer. She named him Samuel and dedicated him to the Lord. He was an answer to her prayer and she delighted in delivering her precious child back to the One who had given him to her. For every saint of God, we too have our “Samuel” – “God heard” and answered our prayer. And when our answer is as precious to us as Samuel was to his mother Hannah, we will dedicate it back to the One who has given it to us.

Our God blesses simply because He is a God of blessing. But oh how sweet are the blessings received after earnest supplication and the continual cries of the heart. Like Hannah, we find ourselves overwhelmed with thanksgiving because of our God’s faithfulness to answer the petitions of His people. Here is the question that needs to be answered by every child of God, “What “Samuel’s” has God delivered into my hands through the doorway of prayer? Whatever they may be, let us dedicate them to the Lord just as Hannah dedicated her “Samuel” for God’s glory and the good of others.

The years as a pastor have taught me that the answer to our prayers are to be consecrated to our Christ. What we have received from heaven must be released back to heaven for the glory of the One who has given it to us. All that our God delivers to us must be dedicated back to Him. How much more must we dedicate those things which we cried day and night to receive from His holy hand of mercy?

So, let this day be marked by unceasing prayer and an unwavering promise that when your answer comes, you will consecrate it for the expansion of God’s kingdom, having given it the name “Samuel” because you asked of God and He heard and answered your prayer.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)

What a word of encouragement we have before us today. Our Redeemer rejoices over us and delights in doing good to us with all His heart and soul. To be sure, we find no reason in ourselves that this would be true in all of our imperfections. Yet, our Redeemer rejoices to meet us in our deepest place of need.

In the beginning, our Redeemer rejoiced over all that He had made in the heavens and in the earth, and He declared with infinite wisdom that it was not just “good” but “very good.” And of all that He made, He made only mankind in His image. Not even the angels know of this blessed gift from God. They are to be included in the “very good,” but not to be included in the very image of God.

Did you know that when the angels rebelled and fell from heaven, followed by the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it was not the angels that God came after with His redeeming love? The writer of Hebrews puts it this way.

For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abram’s descendants. Hebrews 2:16

Let that truth encourage you today. Let that truth lift you up above any waves of challenge that are coming up against you. Let that truth set you free to rejoice in your Redeemer because He is continually rejoicing in doing you good. Now, the good you might be expecting and the good you might be getting from His hand might be two different things. But is your Redeemer not in the best position to know what is best for you and how best to deliver it? I cannot find in sacred Scripture where our Redeemer rejoices in the sun, moon, or the stars. But time and time again, we read how God rejoices over those who bear His image.

I pray our passage today and these words from the prophet Zephaniah act as bookends to strengthen your belief in just how loved you are and how much your Redeemer rejoices over you.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)

The prophet Elisha was outnumbered in Dothan by an army with horses and chariots sent by the king of Aram. They surrounded the city, and Elisha’s servant was gripped with fear. But the prophet could see what his servant could not see and spoke today’s words of comfort that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Surrounding those who surrounded the prophet and his servant were horses and chariots of fire sent by the Most-High God. What was true for the prophet Elisha back then is true for the people of God today.

The adversaries of God’s people are many and mighty – the world, the flesh, and the devil. But God’s answer to all his adversaries are mightier still. No matter how many unholy horses and corrupt chariots line up against us today to keep us from being all God is calling us to be, they are outnumbered by Omnipotence because our Master always has the majority. You are protected on all sides and will not be overcome by your opposition because “those who are with you are more than those who are with them.”

Are the forces of fear coming up against you? Are the armies of anxiety attacking from all sides? Are the powers of the prince of darkness pursuing you? Fear not! Look with the eye of faith today and you will see past whatever adversary it is you are facing to the Almighty who stands at the ready to give you victory. Remember, not only is it true that those who are with you are more than those who are with your enemies, but so much greater is the power at work within you than any power that comes up against you.

To be sure, the fighting will be fierce and the battle will be brutal, but the outcome will never be in question because the One who fights for you fights with a force that simply cannot be overcome. Remember, the Master and you always makes the majority. Just make sure you are looking through the eyes of faith.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!