John 4:5-15

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her,“Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”


Please focus on verse 9 for a moment, 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

I wonder how many people living in our neighborhoods, working right beside us, deep down believe that we as children of God have no dealings with them because they are lost. Remember that last word "lost." You see our brothers and sisters in Christ know we have dealings with them. They understand that we are dealing with them, because we discuss their situation, we give them scripture, we pray for them, and yes we tell them thus says the Lord when they are doing wrong and not following the the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, sometimes we deal with the lost the same way. We tell them all that they are doing wrong, before we ever introduce them to Jesus Christ. So back to my original thought, I wonder how many people living in our neighborhoods, working right beside us, deep down believe that we as children of God have no dealings with them. What can we do to change that? Have dealings with them. When they come to you before you condemn that which is already condemned, why don't you tell them about the most beautiful love you have ever experienced. Tell them what Jesus did for you and tell them what Jesus can do for them. If rejected, pray for them, if turned away, pray for the revelation of Jesus Christ in their life. If mistreated, count it all glory because it is not because of you, but because of your commitment to Jesus. Now I want to get real with you today and just lay this out there, are you happy? Is there joy in your life? Are you living the abundant life? Or are you what I will call a "Plus One." A plus one person is that individual that will tell you 100 good things going on; however, brace yourself because 101 bad things and complaints are coming. You know the comments, every body is stupid and everything is stupid. This doesn't make sense and that doesn't make sense. DON'T BE THAT GUY (or GAL). WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T BE A "PLUS ONE." Speak positive uplifting things. When you can't do that, please do more than be quiet, pray and ask God to remove the junk in your heart and mind. Stop allowing the junk to circulate through your heart and mind. Love the children of Jesus man! Give them everything and stop destroying them in your heart and mind. it is only a matter of time before you hurt them with your words and actions because of what you allow in your heart. Examine yourself and ask yourself this question, What is eating at me? What makes me so unhappy? Then take the answer you just gave, you know the one where you said, nothing everything is all peaches and cream, but your actions, attitude and comments scream lemons and sour apples. take that answer flush it and really answer the question. Sometimes we walk around with this pent up frustration in our lives and those around us experience it. Our brothers and sisters in Christ deal with it because they love us, the lost they want no part of the life you show them because who wants to be bitter and sour. Let me ask you this, do you know who the "well people," are in your life. Who are those that you have to deliver the gospel to at all cost. Those in your family who are lost would be a good start. Now, what are you doing about it? Have they hurt you? Have you forgave them? I want you to think about that statement because forgiveness means that you put all that hurt stuff behind you and you love them. You pray for them. You talk with them. You build a relationship with them at a cost to you. If you are not willing to do, that then you have the wrong attitude. And certainly not the attitude of Jesus Christ as He hung on the cross beaten and bleeding making the following request, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." BE DIFFERENT! BE DIFFERENT TODAY!

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 


Romans 14:21-23

New King James Version (NKJV)

21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.


Are you genuinely concerned about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you believe that you have an impact on what they say or do? Do you have a genuine concern for the lost? Do you believe you have an impact on what they believe about Jesus? I am often faced with issues from people who are Christians, but their struggle is surrendering all the aspects of their life to Jesus Christ. They just have so many things that they want to do and they see everything in competition with Jesus. So I started looking at the scriptures asking, why were those who made it in the Bible different? What set Paul apart? What made Peter different? I believe I found it in two scriptures, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 and Romans 14:21-23. 


These scriptures are talking about eating meat. There was concern about eating meat that was sacrificed to idols and the sin there in. Paul talks about one's knowledge, strength and one knowing the Truth and being free having liberty in this area. However, he defines it all for us in a very powerful way when He says, 'if food makes my brother stumble I will never again eat meat.' You see Paul said it doesn't matter how big or small something is I will focus on the impact it has on the Kingdom! That is what you and I must do. When we allow the Holy Spirit to take over and when we think spiritually and supernaturally we will do whatever it takes to keep our brothers and sisters from sin. Then Paul goes one step further in Romans 14:21-23 and says to us, happy is one who does not condemn himself in what he approves? Well that adds a whole new element to the fire. What you approve can condemn you. It didn't say what you participate in, it said what you approve? So be careful in your conversations about what is ok and what is not. When we approve things we must know that God approves those same things. 



Once again to the great people of The Way Church you should have read Esther 1-3 yesterday. Today read Esther 4-6. Tomorrow read Esther 7-10. You will be super ready for service Sunday. Hey why not have a little family time and discuss what has taken place in the first six chapters of Esther. It will be nice. Husbands take the lead, wives if you know he doesn't read these blogs, read it to him and politely and gently suggest that you do what the pastor suggested. 


RAK CHAZAK,


Brother Big Daddy

Habakuk 2:2-4
Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

4 “Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith.


   The vision is yet for an appointed time. This is a very intriguing scripture because God says I am going to share something with you that right now the timing is not perfect, but it will be soon and I want you to be ready. We must understand that God is at work in, around and through our life. What we face, we face with Him. What we experience, we experience with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God says here in His Word that this vision will speak and not lie, though it tarries, WAIT FOR IT. Did it really say wait for it? Man that is some pretty serious stuff. We don't like to wait, we want it right now, we want it immediately. God says, when the timing is right I will take care of it perfectly. If we are to be "just," we must live by faith. That means we will always have to depend on God; however, we should always be working for God in the present. Now I want you to apply this scripture differently. Do you realize that where you are at this very moment is not by chance or accident? God's timing is perfect and He is always at work in and through your lives. We must understand this. We must embrace His timing, but we must ask ourselves why does God have me right here right now? What does He want from me? You see, you are because He is, and thus there is work to be done where you are because of who He is. With that said, preach the gospel, proclaim Jesus Christ as your Redeemer, as your Savior tell those around you what God has done in your life. Speak boldly your God Story. Take the difficult stand for Jesus. Walk mightily and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Feed the hungry. Clothe the sick. Teach those who are in need. Spread the gospel. Love those who are hurting. Speaking the Word of God to those who are proclaiming but profaning. Have courage to take a stand. RAK CHAZAK! God demands it, surrender now! Love Now! Worship Now! Live Now!

   Call what is Holy, Holy, but if it is unholy let it be known. Do it lovingly and with the intent of bringing home the wayward son, but love them enough to tell them. Help them through their struggle. Do not compromise what you believe is the Truth. God is perfect, His timing is perfect and His love is perfect. How is your love? It is not perfect if it is not Christ loving through you. So let go of you and hold tightly to Jesus and DO HIS WORK. Realize that today is an appointed time in your life for you to do certain things for Jesus and DO THEM!

For my people of The Way Church I ask that you do something before Sunday, please read the book of Esther. It is 10 Chapters; however, chapter 10 is very short. So read Chapters 1-3 today, 4-6 Friday and 7-10 on Saturday. This will prepare you for Sunday's message. 
You need this to be prepared for the message Sunday so lets all lock arms and agree to bring our worship to church Sunday. We should walk through the door prepared for God's Word and surrendered to His direction.

RAK CHAZAK,
Brother Big Daddy

Romans 8:5-8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

So are you still walking 10 feet tall from Sunday's service? I hope so. God is at work. We must be at work as well. Today, the battle rages on. Your flesh versus the very spirit that has breathed life into you. The very life that was placed in you by Jesus Christ when you surrendered your life to His life. What we must understand is that is really what we are doing, we are surrendering our life to His life. We are saying I will not satisfy the lusts of the flesh, instead I will surrender to the lead of the Holy Spirit. How you ask? One simple step at a time. You must follow Him in the smallest of details and understand that Jesus is at work in you, around you, and through you. He guides you through each and every day, each and every moment; however, we must follow each and every moment. The Holy Spirit will always point you in the direction of Spiritual growth. The flesh is not so warm and positive. The flesh leads us down the pathway of destruction. So today who will you follow? You? Or Jesus? It sounds like an easy answer because it is. However, it is a difficult question when think about the action steps required. Today, you report to work to achieve spiritual growth. You have a job to do, yes for your employer or your customers; however, you have a far more important job to do for Jesus Christ. DO WORK! No turning back, no half way efforts, a completely sold out effort to make Jesus Christ your everything.     Here I am Jesus send me. Say that to yourself all day long today, here I am Jesus send me. Whereever you place me today dear Jesus, I will DO WORK...YOUR WORK...YOUR WAY. Then tell Jesus you love Him first with your lips, then with your actions. Tell Jesus you love Him first in your heart, and then in your love for His Children. Tell Jesus you love Him, first with your thoughts, then with your hands and feet as you love the lost.

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.


Yesterday I had an awesome day caddying for a beautiful girl in my life, Haley Wilson. Fellowshipping with friends and love ones as we watched her return to the game with a different attitude and a beautiful approach. it was a blessing to see her have fun and a blessing to have fun with her. A special shout out to Roger and Donna Newman as they have shared this week with us here in Tennessee. Roger is a master grill doctor and Donna a pretty awesome provider of the sides. We have eaten like royalty and I, as well as my family, thank you. Another shout out to JD (Jeff Davis) as he walked a course that requires a triathlon endurance with a broke down ankle. Anyway, back to the God's Word, Jesus showed me a valuable lesson yesterday as I walked the course and worked with Haley. Haley played very well yesterday and was hitting the ball great, on hole 18 (which was her 9th yesterday because she started on the back nine) she questioned using driver off the tee box for fear that it might find the lake. We had used driver in the practice round and she was short of the lake, but she was hitting the ball well and had some concern. It showed as she addressed the ball and consequently she hit the ball far right into a hazard and ending up making double bogey (two over par) on the hole. 2 Timothy 1:7 so describes this situation, as well as many situations in life. Jesus has not given us a spirit of fear. Some translations say a "timid spirit." He has not given us a spirit of fear and when we step out to do His work let us do so with confidence and with the power Jesus supplies. Jesus is awesome, He has supplied us with the power and the strength needed to accomplish any and all tasks He directs us to do. So today as you do God's work, do it with confidence. Do it with strength, do it with boldness. You see, any other emotion or any other attempt means you are depending on you and not Jesus. What can Jesus not accomplish? What can Jesus not make happen? What is bigger than Jesus? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! So as you go to work, as you step into that group of friends, as deal with struggles, as you deal with victories, as you put your hands to the plow understand that you have done what Jesus expects of you, which is grabbing the plow and being obedient. He will handle the results. So lay aside that fearful and timid approach and watch and experience a ride into the supernatural. Watch Jesus make you more than a natural man or woman but a supernatural, Bible believing, awesome soldier of the Most High God. Be strong in the Lord. he has you in His hands. They are strong, powerful and loving.

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

Psalm 18:32-34  the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer  and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

May God's children be strong and may they understand that their strength comes from Jesus. As a child of God you must be strong, you must call upon Him for the power to walk strong. You are blameless, why? Because of Jesus Christ. Because the blood of Jesus Christ has touched you. Do not depend on yourself. Depend on Him and walk strong. Your feet are are like the feet of a deer, swift, quick, agile and explosive. Stop thinking physically and think spiritually. God has made you spiritually fast and agile. Jesus lifts you up and secures your heights. You are strong because He makes you strong. You are bold because He makes you bold. You are a teacher because He makes you a teacher. You are a good listener because He makes you a good listener. You are loving because He is loving. You are caring because He is caring. You are ready for spiritual warfare because He trained you. You are strong enough to bend a bow of bronze. Wow strong enough to bend a bow of bronze. So here is the deal with all this valuable info get out there and walk the walk laid before you. Walk like an heir to the throne of God. Walk like a warrior and be a warrior. You are awesome prove it. You belong to Jesus walk that way.

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

Victory must be won and we must fight the good        fight.    

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay               hold on  eternal life, to which you were also called        and have confessed the good confession in the       presence of many witnesses.


Children of the Most High God, followers of Jesus Christ, stand up with confidence and know who goes out before you. You are powerful and you are strong. You are special. You have a unique set of skills. You Belong to Jesus Christ. He is not just the King of Kings, He is your King. So go out today and fight the good fight, knowing you will gain victory. Paul says to us in this scripture that we must fight the good fight of faith. What does the good fight of faith look like? It looks like a warrior prepared for battle. You are not scared; you are redeemed. You are not ashamed of the Gospel, you proclaim the Gospel. You lay hold to the victory. You lay hold to it now, it is right there for you. Jesus has brought you victory, live victoriously. Sickness does not have a chance. Your job search is destined for victory. Your marital problems are about to be handled by your almighty Savior. Your business belongs to Jesus; let Him run it. You lay hold to the victory. You grab a hold of eternal life and let abound. Jesus Christ has penned your name in the Book of Life, what can hurt you. You were called to this victory. God loves you and He drew you near to Him, to save you and to give you an abundant life. You are not defeated; you are the victor. You are not weak; you are strong! You do not stand at the cliff of destruction; you stand on the platform of victory. You have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, let Him be Lord. Lay hold to your victory. Believe in your victory. Demand an attitude of victory from yourself. Many have witnessed what you proclaim with their ears, let them see what you proclaim with their eyes.

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

I hope you all had a great 4th of July. I know it rained but the rain kept things kind of simple around here and we just sat around the table, talked and watched a movie. We had some quality time with quality people. I hope you all had the same. One of the best parts of my evening was sitting and listening to my brother in law talk about Jesus and his study time with the Lord. He has answered the call to preach and is preaching in various churches in and around Eufaula. He is preaching a revival at the end of the month and he was talking about the messages God has already put together. He is diving into the Word of God on a daily basis and it is obvious. I showed him a couple of videos last night and Jimmy talked about how we have stopped at the helmet of salvation, regarding the armor of God. I have been preaching for quite some time now that salvation is only the beginning but the church treats it like the finish line. I thought it was awesome to look at it through the perspective of the armor of God. We put on the helmet of salvation and cling to it, but we can't stop there. We are pretty much not ready for battle if all we have is the helmet of salvation. Don't get me wrong it is certainly the piece of armor we must have and it is absolutely necessary, without it the other parts really don't work for us. However there is more protection available to us. Let us go to the scripture and see what the whole picture is supposed to look like. 

Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


The first thing we need to understand is the armor of God is needed to stand against the wiles of the devil (Verse 11, and 13). Also please understand that we are not struggling against flesh and blood. We are not fighting against the wicked people of this world, our struggle is against evil. Read this scripture several times today and look for opportunites for the armor of God to protect you and keep you safe. Look for ways that the armor of God is necessary. But before you take on this world put on the full armor of God. Don't go into your day half prepared. Right now drop everything and ask God to empower you to be His witness, ask Him to fit you full perfectly with His armor so you are prepared. Then fight the good fight, be kingdom minded, do God's work today.



RAK CHAZAK,


Bother Big Daddy