The Marvelous Message

Who doesn't love an “underdog story” where there's a nearly impossible challenge overcome by an unlikely hero? We often attribute such news to the example of David and Goliath. It is encouraging to read about a faithful and humble boy being anointed king and then defeating an enemy that was literally of gigantic proportions. In Sunday schools across America, there are numerous lessons taught on the call and courage of David. In light of this, we don't hear much about his predecessor. All that some Christians know is that Saul was an angry and jealous king who tried to have David killed multiple times. They don't realize that even Saul's back-story was one of lowliness. He came out of one of the most insignificant households in Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). His family was poor and his tribe small. True he was very tall and handsome, but in his own eyes, he was unnoticeable (1 Samuel 15:17). Though he was anointed king, he was not pridefully eager to accept the royal r...

     In my last two articles, I explained two imperative steps that are needed for a diminishing church to thrive once more. First, genuine confession as revealed in James 5:16. Second , renewed dedication as revealed in Romans 12:1-2. As I stated before, I am in no way claiming to be some grand expert in the field of church growth. I am simply magnifying what has already been established in the scriptures. Also, I would encourage you to read the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer. It is an easy read, but very informative to what a dying church really looks like and what can be done about it.      You must understand that all of us has to be careful when it comes to relying on steps, formulas, and principles. Because, Christians tend to employ more devotion and care in following a “do good” checklist rather than in simply walking with God. Throughout my life, I have heard preachers say, “If you love God, then you’ll do more for Him!” Ins...

We have our spiritual programs, concerts, and conferences We have mounted our doctrines, promoted our denominations, and pushed our preferences We have booked calendars, busy lives, and countless bibles We have bumper stickers about faith, T-Shirts with scripture, and a mass marketed message of the gospel Yet, there is a steep decline in church attendance, a constant scorn for holy living, and a growing disdain for one's fellow man There is confusion over identity, carelessness over eternity, and an increase of biblical incompetence Perhaps it is because Christians have sought the favor of man above the fullness of the Spirit We have heralded our denominational differences, rather than proclaim the gospel to all who will hear it We mask our fear of complete surrender by hiding in a pew and handing over a tithe We timidly wade the surface of Christ-likeness rather than willingly take the glorious dive We must come ...

This new book I have published is listed on amazon.com, kindle stores, and createspace.com. I do not claim to be some grand prolific writer, but these devotions are simply from a pastor's heart. There are morning, noon, and night readings given after each devotion. Along with questions to encourage the reader to dig deeper into the Word of God. It is my hope that those who read this book grow and thrive in their walk with Christ.  God bless.

There is a site that I have just registered and I am hoping that in due time it will serve a great purpose. It is www.heartofjonathan.com . For now it is just a skeleton with only a couple of articles and an about page. To put it simply, it is a site for ministers to pray for and uplift one another. Hopefully, sooner than later, there will be a place where preachers can sign up, receive weekly emails, and share in the wonderful blessing of encouraging and being encouraged. For now, I am going to simply post two articles on this blog that I have written on heartofjonathan.com. Each post is on paticular verses in Psalms that end with "Selah."   Psalms 67:1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. When I reflect on the times that I have prayed, I'm amazed at how often my petitions quickly began with a barrage of personal needs and desires. If such prayers could be formulated into one scripted sc...