Pavement Ends Ministry

God is a master at bringing beauty from ashes and joy from suffering. In Romans 8:18 we are promised that “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Yes, droughts and fires may be worrisome and smoke and haze may cause us pain and suffering. But look at that sunset!

In the Bible, God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” These days, wickedness abounds and evil is celebrated. So now, more than ever, we need to humbly bow our heads and experience His unmistakable sovereignty. At night the whippoorwill declares that God is good. In the morning the birds awaken to sing to the glory of the Righteous King. Just as the sunrise is inevitable, in the same way, we know that the Kingdom of God is unending.

A rich young man once asks Jesus how he could enter Heaven. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give away the proceeds, and follow Him. Sadly, the young man missed Heaven because he could not turn loose of his stuff. Does this mean that riches and wealth are evil? No! It means that we must understand that all we have comes from God. If you love your stuff more than you do Jesus, there will be no place for you in Heaven. If you don't have time for God now, He won't have time for you later.

the love of God and the wrath of God are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. In almost every book in the Bible, we read commands and admonitions to fear God. Throughout the Bible all the people that God used had one characteristic in common, they all feared God. The righteous people that I have known in my lifetime were used by God because they feared God. Until you humble yourself in fear and trembling at the feet of a righteous and wrathful God you can never receive the mercy and grace of a loving God.

Church attendance is down all over the country. And many churches struggle to keep their doors open. Why is that? I believe it is because most Christians don't want to offend anyone. They are unwilling to stand up for Jesus. When Christ is not lifted up, no one is drawn to Him. Therefore, churches all around are dwindling away. Will you be the reason that people are drawn to Jesus?

Strong is the heart of a daddy. The heavy-duty heart of a daddy has been crushed, broken, stretched, and swollen. It has soared like an eagle and yet stooped to a child's eye level. This great heart can roar like a lion and purr like a kitten. For the sake of his children, he will stand up and fight the fiercest enemy or kneel in prayer to the Holy Father. A good daddy places his heart in the hands of Jesus. He knows that he loves his children best when he loves the Savior the most. Listen to this podcast to hear more about A Daddy's Heart.

This is a retelling of the story of The Prodigal Son. But in this story, the emphasis is on the older brother. Don't let a hard heart become so cold and calloused that the embers of love cannot be rekindled.

The promises of God are as sure as the air we breathe. And like the air we breathe, the promises of God are necessary for our very existence. However, while breathing air is involuntary, claiming the promises of God is not. Listen to this podcast to hear more about the Promises of God

In Luke chapter 17, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus then told them that they could do great things if they had even a tiny bit of faith. Wow, that is a tremendous promise. That is what most of us want. Listen to this podcast to hear more about how God uses faithful people.

Christians have received tremendous blessings from God, but Satan hates you and wants to destroy your peace. And he especially wants to destroy your testimony. So, guard your heart and make sure you lock the gate.

Our nation has ceased to be exalted because righteousness has ceased to be important in our lives. Since righteousness is not important then neither is God's approval. If you do not seek God's approval, can you call yourself a Child of God? Let me remind you; God said: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) Listen to this podcast to hear how the corrosion of sin is separating us from the power of God.

We want to know if we are successful. But God does not measure success as the world does. The Bible tells us that if we obey the word of God then the Father's love is made complete in us. This is how the world knows that we are in Christ and Christ is in us.

Today is the day that the Lord has made and it is good. The wise decisions you made yesterday will pay pleasant dividends today. The good choices you make today will yield a sweet crop tomorrow. So, live in the here and now for the glory of God and the glory of God will brighten your path today.

How magnificent is the Power and Authority of the Lord my God. His shining glory illuminates the highest heaven. To Him be all honor and glory. Oh LORD our Lord How excellent is your name in all the earth.

I saw God today and He is good. In the waiting room of a doctor's office, I observed the people around me. This is the kind of place where people sometimes receive bad news. So, as I watched the people come and go, I sensed the presence of God and His grace all around me. I saw overwhelming evidence that God is good. listen to this podcast to hear about the evidence of God's goodness.

Lord, make me to know that my end is near. Teach me the length of my days so that I may know how frail I am. You have made my days short. And my age is as nothing before You. Every man at his best state is but a vapor. Every man walks about like a shadow. In this podcast, I talk about the brevity of life.

Indiana Jones never lost his hat, but Paul never lost his faith. Paul ran a strong race and fought a good fight. He knew that he would be all right. He once said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Jones faced danger for dead treasure. Paul gave his life for incorruptible glory. This devotion is about the Apostle Paul and his treasure that was laid up in Heaven.

By now almost everyone has heard of the “Asbury Revival.” A Wednesday night chapel service that continued for weeks. It has been reported that the Holy Spirit had taken control. It was also reported that the testimony, preaching, and singing of ordinary people were used in a mighty way. Evidently, this happened organically. There were no famous preachers, no well-known musicians, and no influence from religious denominations. It seems the Holy Spirit alone was in control. Jesus was lifted up and people were drawn to Him. And some people didn't like it. This podcast contains my thoughts on the people who have spoken negatively concerning the Ashbury Revival.

Jesus Christ is the only foundation stone for a civilized society. He created all things and in Him is the consistency of all things. He holds everything together. Without Him, nothing is built and nothing will last.

It was a cold day in February. I sat at my breakfast table and watched a couple of blue jays build a nest in a tree in my yard. As I watched, it occurred to me that these birds were exercising great faith. Listen to this podcast to hear about a Blue Jay's faith.

Your value, my value to God is so much that He gave His all, His very Son, to purchase your pardon, to redeem you from certain death. His love for you cost Him everything. Please don't waste His tremendous extravagance. Give your all to Him, because He gave His Son for you.

February the fourteenth of course is Valentine's Day. A day of celebrating the romantic love between men and women. It is also a day when Jared, Hallmark, and FTD Flowers celebrate an increase in their revenue. I do not think that many people know the real story behind all the candy, flowers, and heart-shaped cards. While it is good that we celebrate love and marriage, we need to remember the man who was Saint Valentine. listen to this podcast to learn the story of St.Valentine.

Jesus said; “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die — ever.” If Jesus can raise a dead man for the Glory of God, He can handle your problems for the Glory of God. Bring your mess to Jesus, loose yourself, and let yourself go. I promise you this, in Christ, there are no hopeless situations. Listen to this podcast to see how there are no hopeless situations in Christ.

Jesus began His ministry with this command; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  The word “repent” means, “turn around”. Now, we associate repentance with turning from sin, but there are other reasons to repent. For example, if you are going the wrong way or there is danger ahead, you need to turn around. On the other hand, if you are investing time and effort in things that don't work you also need to repent. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the importance of Repentance.

Thank you Brother Jack for your Godly influence on my family. Thank you for sharing Jesus with my family and asking us to come to church. By your love and faithfulness, you have proven that you are, “A man after God's own heart”.

Listen to my words all that are sick and lonely, afraid of the darkness that surrounds you. The Savior is calling out your name if you will just be still and listen. The Holy Spirit is the rod that will protect you and the staff that will rescue you. Jesus is the Seeker of the one that is lost.

Sometimes, like Hagar, we may think that life is unbearable. But we must never forget that He is the God-Who-Sees. He will bring clarity to your soul when life is intolerable and unsure. With artistry that can only come from the Creator, your broken heart and shattered dreams will be remade into a beautiful mosaic. Listen to this podcast to hear more about the God Who Sees.

An old year is passing away and a New Year is being born. Leave your worries and cares behind. Claim God's promises for the New Year. Call out to God and He will answer you. Listen to God and He will teach you. Look to God and you will see new things. Because every day His mercies are new.

The manger scene is all about you. You are lost in your trespasses and sin. But there is a gift for you. You won't find this gift under a tree. The tree comes later, in the shape of a cross. You will find this Gift beautifully wrapped, in swaddling clothes, in a manger, in a stable.

Sometimes you don't need a word from Jesus; you just need to rest in His presence. Sometimes you don't need to ask anything of Jesus, you just need to lean back against His chest and listen to His heartbeat. Close your eyes and rest, the enemy dare not attack, you are in the bosom of the King of Kings. In this podcast I resting in the arms of the Savior.

There is something more important than deer hunting. You must become a follower of Jesus. Salvation is not easy, but it is not complicated either. Jesus simply holds out His hand to you and says, “Follow Me.” Following The Savior is hard. It can and often does lead to danger and discomfort. But you must be determined to follow Him without turning back.

Everyone's life tells a story. Many of these stories are tragedies. We all need to learn to be understanding. We are all better off than someone else and where they are today, we may be tomorrow. Learn to be kindhearted because time is not wasted if it is spent being kind.

It occurs to me that “nothing”, is a very important factor in the Christian life. That may sound strange, but it is true. You see the essence of “nothing” plays an important part in our worship of Jesus. We even sing about it in church when we sing; “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Listen to this podcast and learn why you can be thankful for nothing.

I've had this hat for many years. That old felt hat has been in two countries, on two continents, in two hemispheres, and many of these United States. When it was cold, it kept my head warm; when it rained, it kept my head dry. Its broad brim shielded my eyes from the sun and often blocked the light when I took a nap. It is a good hat! Where is my hat? Losing my hat is not important. but our nation has lost its way. listen to this podcast as I talk about this.

In the song “God Bless the USA” Lee Greenwood sings, “I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died to give that right to me.” I believe this to be one of the greatest songs of all time. But in honor of all veterans, I would like to change two words. I would like to say, “I won't forget the Ones who Served to give that right to me.” On Memorial Day, we remember those who died in the service of our nation. Veterans Day however has been set aside to honor all who served and sacrificed so much for our freedom Listen to this podcast as I honor the Veterans.

I was twelve years old and it was the opening day of deer season. It was still dark. The sun would not even think about rising for another thirty minutes. I climbed into the deer stand as Daddy's flashlight illuminated the boards nailed into the tree. He watched as I got settled in then handed my new Winchester 30-30 up to me. Before he walked to his stand he asked me, are you scared? I said no, I'm all right. But I lied. Listen to this podcast to hear the rest of this devotion.

I especially like clocks with pendulums. The swinging pendulum is marking time as it moderates and motivates the clock. With every swing of the pendulum, another second is gone. Seconds add up to minutes, minutes add up to hours and hours add up to days. This is the passage of time and time is like a great threshing machine mowing down the days of our lives. Listen to this podcast to hear more about this thing called time.

We are blessed that the Bible does not answer all of our questions. We don't know what caused Paul to suffer, so we can identify with him in our suffering. Because we know God's grace was sufficient for Paul's thorn in the flesh, we can be sure it is sufficient for ours too.

I want you to picture in your mind a wheel. A wagon wheel, or a bicycle wheel it doesn't matter as long as it is a wheel with a hub, spokes and a rim. In this picture, you see the hub in the center with spokes attached to it. These spokes extend outward to the rim. The rim is the part of the wheel that touches the ground and leaves a mark. In this devotion i compare a well functioning church to well made wheel. Listen to here more.

When Jesus taught people He would often use parables. The word parable means “laid alongside of or parallel to”. Jesus would use earthly examples to teach spiritual principals. The parables that He taught took the people through grain fields, sheep folds and even into pig pens. Jesus was not one to make acquiring knowledge come easy. He knew that the experience of learning is often just as important as the knowledge itself.

A man whom I will call Mr. C is accusing God of committing crimes against humanity. He charges the Lord with malfeasance because of all the evil in the world. Referring to stories from the Old Testament he charges God with genocide. Now, Mr. C is demanding an apology from God and intends to hold Him accountable for His criminal actions. in this podcast i explain why only a fool will challenge God.

Remember this, the earth will shake, the fires will rage and storms will roar but God is always in control. He doesn't always calm our storms but He does always care for His children.

Since my porch is facing to the southeast, I am able to watch the motion picture that is the rising sun and wakening day. This morning I am watching a doe and her two babies as they feed on the remnants of my garden. From the woods I hear chattering squirrels and all around me is the unmatched music of God's orchestra. Listen to this podcast to hear more about God's Good Morning.

Satisfaction is sweet when it comes from a job well done. Sleep comes easy after a hard day's work. A sweat soaked shirt is a badge of honor that is achieved with honest labor. Food tastes better when you have earned it with your own abilities. Work is a blessing from God. Listen to this podcast to hear how Hard Work is indeed a blessing from God.

He was not a big shot preacher. If he were here today, he probably would not be invited to speak at the annual preaching conference nor would he be appearing at the denominational convention. And yet this simple man, while he was in chains, had the opportunity to stand before kings and governors and preach Christ and Him crucified. Listen to this podcast to hear more about the power of the simple gospel.

He is an omnipotent God with unimaginable power and ability. He is the God who spoke the universe into existence and directed light to come from darkness. He is superior to all things because He is The Maker of all things. He is the grand and glorious God who specializes in nothing special. Listen to this podcast to hear more.

If you have everything this world can offer, but you don't have Jesus, you have nothing. If in this world you have nothing, but Jesus is your Savior, you have everything. In this podcast i am reminded that all we need is God because He is enough.

Do you feel like a nobody? Have addictions caused you to spend all you have seeking relief from your demons? Are you broken and abused? Do you stand there weeping? Is your life filled with loneliness and do you spend your days untouched and unloved. Maybe it seems that no one sees you, because no one offers help. It seems that no one cares. To the world you are nobody. In this podcast I tell l about Jesus turning nobodies into somebodies.

Early morning is best. I sit on my back porch to read, write and visit with God. Even though it is going to be hot today, the air is still cool. While the breeze whispers a peaceful melody, the birds and bugs sing the lyrics of creation. I can almost imagine that the world is at peace. However, the sound of a jet overhead reminds me that a great big stupid world is never far away. Listen to this podcast to hear the rest of this devotion.

Do you remember the old schoolyard ritual of choosing teams? Remember how the two oldest or biggest would appoint themselves captains then pick their teams. They would always start by choosing the biggest or strongest or the ones with the most talent. One by one they would choose while the ones who were not so big or strong or talented would stand looking at their toes hoping and praying that this time, they would not be the last one picked. Listen to this podcast to hear about the joy of being picked first.

In the history of the Kings of Judah, Hezekiah was one of the best. He led His nation well and did many great things. However, toward the end of his reign he did something stupid. (Read this story in 2 Kings Ch.20. This thing that he did was a product of him doing what was right in his own eyes. The result was death and destruction for his children, grandchildren and nation.