Sunday, September 26, 2021 - We Are All Called to be Ministers

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“We are all called to be Ministers”

           When we think of a Minister we think of our Preacher in our church, whose vocation is to teach us about God's word. But did you know that all of us are called by God to teach the Gospel?  (Gospel - " the good news ")

In the book of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 - 20, Jesus himself told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always,  even to the end of the age."

We have been commanded by Jesus to tell others of his great love for them, that he gave his life on the cross to save them and rose from the dead that they may have eternal life through him. 

It doesn't matter who we are, what we do, whether we're men, women, young or old, we are all called by Christ Jesus to tell others about his love for them. 

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, a young church leader, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.   Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." (1 Timothy 4: 12)

Others can see our love for Christ Jesus by us being examples of him through our acts of kindness, by our speech, by inviting our friends to come to church with us, spreading the gospel of Jesus to all the world, because we want all people to know the love of Christ. 

So, there you go, young minister's of Jesus!  Go out into the world, and let the world know that Jesus loves the world, so much that he willingly laid down his life on the cross, that whosoever believes in him will be saved (John 3: 16)

Let's thank God for the gift of his son, Jesus. 

  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus,  and thank you for the opportunity to tell others of his great love for us.  Help us to live in such a way that others can see Jesus in us.  In Jesus holy name we pray,  Amen

 God Bless

Sunday, September 19, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children

“God of Miracles”

One day at work I found on the years desk a child's book about the miracles of God from the Bible.  It contained the accounts of Jonah and the big fish,  Moses in throttle basket boat,  the burning bush and the miracles God used to free his people from Egypt,  the crossing the Red Sea,  and many other miracles mentioned in the Bible.  A little girl was sitting by the desk crocheting.  I asked her if she had read about these miracles before? She did know about some of the miracles and I told about a few to her.  She hen said,  " Well there aren't any more of those miracles happening now,  so I don't believe in God. "  

I said,  " God sent his very best miracle to us when he sent his Son Jesus to suffer  and die on the cross to take away our sins,  so we could receive eternal life. "  He has already sent us the best miracle of all,  he doesn't need to send more to prove He is God. "

Her eyebrows went up and she was silent. 

All throughout Bible, God sent wonderful and amazing miracles,  yet the people would not believe. 

After witnessing the miracles of the Israelites freedom from Egypt and the Red Sea crossing,  the people when out in the wilderness, while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments, lost faith and created the golden calf to worship.

In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich man,  Lazarus was a poor beggar who would lay at the rich man's door and would beg for scraps from the rich man's table, while the dogs licked his sores.  Finally, the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham.  The rich man also died, was buried and his soul went to the place of the dead. There in torment,  he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham.  He shouted,  " Father Abraham,  have some pity!  Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his fingering water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in these flames. "  Abraham reminded him of all he had when he was alive and Lazarus had nothing.  So Lazarus is now comforted and you are in anguish.  Besides there was a huge chasm separating us, so no-one could cross over anyway. 

The rich man then asked Father Abraham,  " Please send Lazarus to my father's home to warn my five brothers about this place of torment so they won't  have to come here when they die. "

But Abraham said, " Moses and the prophets warned them,  if they won't listen to them, they won't even listen if someone rises from the dead. "

Jesus said to the Apostle Thomas who had said he would not believe Jesus had risen from the dead unless could see his nail wounds and place his hand on the wound in his side,  " Put your fingers here and see my hands.   Put your hand into the wound in my side.   Don't be  faithless any longer." "Believe. "  Thomas exclaimed, " My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said,  " You believe because you have seen me.   Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway. "

In Hebrews 2: 3-4, "What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus himself? It was passed on to us who heard him speak and God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving the gift of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose to."

Jesus is all the proof we need that God is who he is and that we need to turn to him for our salvation. We can come to God,  ask for forgiveness of sins and ask Jesus to come into our hearts.  That is the greatest miracle of all. 

Thank you Father for your miracles,  and for your son Jesus.  Please forgive our sins,  and come into our hearts today.  In Jesus name,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, September 12, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“God’s Children”

              I was reading in John 3, chapter 1, verse 11, "Follow only what is good.   Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children,  and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. "

Well,  I thought,  right there is proof enough that I want to be good, because  I definitely want to be a child of God. 

God is so good to his children.  In the book of Psalms several verses compares God to a mother hen who covers her babies with her wings to protect them.  "He will shield you with his wings.  He will shelter you with his feathers.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalms 91: 4).

Psalms 91: 14 - 16 states, “The Lord says,  ‘I will rescue those who love me.   I will protect those who trust in my name.   When they call on me,  I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.   I will rescue them and honor them.   I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.’"

What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have, and isn't it wonderful that he gives us the privilege of being his children through faith in his son Jesus.  

If you don't know Jesus as your savior, you can.  His message of salvation is simple.  Ask Him to forgive your sins (the bad things you have done), ask him to save you,  tell him you have faith that he can save you because of his promises in the Bible.  God can be trusted, for in Hebrews chapter 6, verses 17 - 18  it states,  “God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind..”  So God has given us both his promise and his oath.   These two things are unchangeable for it is impossible for God to lie.   Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage,  for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.

Let us thank God for his promises,  for his son Jesus,  and for the privilege of being called his children.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and protection.  We thank you for Jesus, and for your forgiving our sins.  Help us to prove that we are your children by our actions, by obeying your word.   And Lord when we do wrong, please forgive our sin,  and help us to do what is right.  In Jesus name we pray,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, September 5, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Be on the Right Side”

              I like it when I have the right answer to a question.  I like it when I am on the side that is doing what is right.  I know I'm doing the right thing when I'm reading the Bible, trying to apply God's word to my life, and when I share God's message with others.  I know this because God is always right and He wants us to do what is right also. 

In this world we are tempted to do what is wrong in God's sight constantly.   Sometimes we yield to that temptation and do what is wrong,  but if we ask God to forgive us and help us to do what is right, the Bible says God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1: 9)

1 Corinthians 10: 13 states, "And God is faithful.   He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.   When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. "

It is comforting to know that our loving God watches over us, his children, so closely that he knows in advance what we are tempted by and contemplating,  and sends us a way to escape the temptation before we sin. He also loves us so much that he forgives us of the sin and restores us to righteousness and favor with him again when we ask. 

What a wonderful God we have. I'm glad he is right all the time and he wants us to be right with him too.  Let's tell God thank you. 

Father in Heaven,  thank you for helping us to do the right thing.  Thank you for always sending us a way to escape sin.  Thank you most importantly for your Son, Jesus. It is in his name we pray,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“I Am Loved”

              We hear so much about children being bullied, rejected by others, and not accepted as a friend.   Did you know that our own Jesus Christ felt that way also,  even by those in his own family, his brothers?

In the Book of Psalms 69: 8 it says, "I am a foreigner to my own family,  a stranger to my own mother's children.” 

In Matthew 13 starting in verse 53, in his hometown of Nazareth, the people said about Jesus, "What makes him so great?" 

Jesus said, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."

Yet we remember how God honored his Son, Jesus, after he was baptized by John the Baptist.  Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1: 17, when God said "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him."

This same God who is fully pleased with his son Jesus, loves us too.  He created us and blesses us with gifts and talents, and declared everything he created good.  

When we feel rejected and unloved by others we can remember that Jesus too had these same feelings.   We can also remember that just like Jesus, we are loved with an unfailing love.  We are loved even though we have faults,  failures,  physical imperfections; when we don't feel smart enough, good enough, or lovable.  But God sees our beauty, our potential that we cannot see or believe in.  He alone knows what is in our hearts, and the plans he has for us.  We just have to believe that God loves us, and trust He will lead us to do what He has planned for us to do in this life.  

We may feel rejected by others,  but we are accepted and loved by God; loved so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for us so if we accept His Son, we can spend eternity in God's home, and be His children.

Do you want this tremendous and unfailing love? God wants you to have this love,  just ask Him. 

Dear God,  please forgive my sins.  I believe I in your Son Jesus and I want him to live in my heart and be my Lord. Thank you God, in Jesus name I pray,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“We Have a Friend Who is Always with Us”

In the book of Psalms,  chapter 14, verse 1 it says, “Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’"

             How can anyone look up into the heavens at night, and see the myriad of stars, and deny there is a God.   

             I saw beautiful  butterflies in my flower garden this week and thought, how could something so exquisite not be created by a loving and awesome God. 

Look at all the beautiful growing plants, the earth's menagerie of wonderful animals, and the complex human body itself, and then deny there is a God. The Bible tells us that the planets, stars, and galaxies are held in place by God. 

King David wrote in Psalms 16: 2, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master!  All the good things I have are from You.’"

David was right, all good things come from God.   He is our Master, and He is always with us.  What a good friend we have in him.

David also wrote in Psalms 16: 8, “I know the Lord is always with me.   I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” 

Isn't that comforting to know?  We have a friend who is always with us. 

I am so glad that I had loving, Christian people in my life that taught me of God.  They taught me that his son, Jesus, loves me, and he gave his perfect life on the cross to take my sins away, and give me eternal life. 

I know that someday I will see Jesus, and what a glorious day that will be. 

So, if you hear others deny there is a God, pray for them.   Pray that their eyes will be opened to the truth, that they will come to know the Lord Jesus as their saviour, and realize that he is their best friend.  Let's  tell God thank you,  for his gifts,  his son, Jesus, and for being our friend. 

Dear Heavenly Father,  we thank you for being our friend,  for always being with us, and loving us so much that you gave your son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our wrong doings, not his.  Thank you for eternal life, for our belief and trust in him.  Help us to remember to worship him,  pray and fellowship with him.  Help us to remember to pray for others that they too may receive the salvation offered by him.  In Jesus name we pray,  Amen 

Sunday, August 8, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“The Lord’s Prayer”

 Every Sunday, we say the Lord's Prayer in the service.   It is important that we learn these words taught to us by Jesus himself, because he teaches us that God is our Father, he is holy and to be honored.  He teaches us that what is God's will is to be our will,  and that we can depend on God.

              Jesus taught that we should "go away by ourselves, shut the door behind us and pray to God secretly.  Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 6).

  "Your Father knows exactly what you have need of even before you ask!  (Matthew 6: 8b) 

  Pray like this:  

Our Father in heaven,  may your name be honored.   May your Kingdom come soon.  May your will become here on earth,  just as in heaven.   Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.   And don't let us yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.  For yours is the Kingdom,  the power and the glory forever,  Amen
(Matthew 6: 9-13)

 Jesus said,  "If you forgive those who sin against you,  your heavenly Father will forgive you.   But if you  refuse to forgive others,  your Father will not forgive your sins.”   (Matthew 6: 14-15).

It is important to forgive those who have hurt us,  just as Jesus forgave those who crucified him.   He stated, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do. " (Luke 23: 34)

Let us learn the Lord's Prayer as our model prayer, so we know how to pray reverently to our heavenly Father everyday,  and let us tell Jesus thank-you for teaching us how to  pray and the importance of forgiveness.

Dear Jesus,  thank you for teaching us how to pray to our Father God.  Thank you for loving us and taking care of our needs.  In your name we pray,  Amen

  God Bless

Sunday, August 1, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“God of Gifts”

             What a wonderful God we have.  He gives us gifts everyday.  The gift of life, and opportunity.  The opportunity to tell others of his great love for them.  The opportunity to praise him for his great love for us and for the lovely world he made for us.  He gives us the gifts of sight and hearing.  I see the beautiful summer flowers he created as I water them, their colors are so lovely.   Some colors are a soft pastel and some are brilliant in color.  The scent of the rose is so pleasant, compared to the pungent smell of the Marigold.  What a variety of flowers, their colors and scents to please our eyes and nose. 

God gives us of the gift of touch.  We can touch and feel the face of our loved ones as we give their cheek a soft kiss.   We feel the soft fur of a kitten and the cold wet nose of our puppy as he wriggles and licks our hands. We feel the warmth of a glowing fireplace in the winter and the warm breeze in the summer.

Let's not forget about the gift of taste.  The cold, refreshing, and delicious taste of homemade ice-cream on a hot summer evening, or the warming and delightful taste of a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter afternoon. 

God also gives us the gifts of talent.  Some of us play beautiful music,  sing beautiful songs.  Some are good in sports,  some are great orators, making wonderful speeches that inspire others to do great things.  Some have received the gift of the ability to comfort others just by being in their presence.  When they walk into the room,  your heart is delighted because they bring a joy and comfort with them.  That is a wonderful gift.

God gives the gift of hearing. We can hear our loved ones voices,  we can hear the beautiful music, the inspiring words, the chirping birds, and many wonderful sounds in this earth. 

Our God is great,  and so are His gifts. We need to tell God thank you for giving us a world so full of pleasant and beautiful things that are a delight for our senses and bring us so much joy.  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your gifts.  You give us families to love,  flowers to see and smell,  puppies and kittens to hold and hug,  ice-cream to taste,  and beautiful music for our ears to hear.  You gave us Jesus to save us and teach us,  and you give us your promise that you will always be with us, where ever we are.  Thank you Lord.  In Jesus name we pray,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, July 25, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“My Mentor”

             We have often heard people say, "He or she is my mentor. "  A mentor is defined as, "An experienced or trusted advisor."  Well, that is quite a title.   If others are looking at a person as their mentor,  then others see qualities in that person that are special and extraordinary that makes that person worthy of imitating or listening to that person. 

God is pleased when we make his son, Jesus, our mentor.  Let's face it, Jesus would be the ideal mentor.   He is the ideal 'human' leader.   From the Bible we learn from Christ's humanity that he is the perfect leader, he wants to lead us.

Jesus is the perfect model and he is worth modeling.   He sacrificed for us. Jesus died for us.   He is a conqueror.  He conquered death to give us eternal life. He is the High Priest.  Jesus is merciful, loving, and understanding. 

We are thankful for those who are our mentors  or have mentored us.  They are very special people that God has placed in our lives. But God wants us to put Jesus as our first and foremost mentor.  Jesus gave his very life to be our mentor.  Ask him to be your special mentor, friend, and saviour today. In Hebrews chapter 2, starting in verse 9, it says "What we do see is Jesus, who 'for a little while was made lower than the angels' and now is crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death for us.   Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone in all the world.  Verse 10 says “And it was only right that God- who made everything and for whom everything was made - should bring his many children into glory.   Through the suffering of Jesus, God made him a perfect leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation."  Wow! What a perfect mentor Jesus is for each of us.  Let's  tell him we want him to be our mentor and friend  and thank him for his great love for us. 

Dear Jesus,  thank you for being our perfect mentor and friend.   Thank you for loving us so much you sacrificed yourself on the cross to take away our sins.   Be our perfect leader whose perfect example will never lead us stay,  but will lead us to eternal life and fellowship with you. In your name we pray.  Amen. 

God Bless

Sunday, July 18, 2021 - Children's Message by Linda Shields

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“If You Could Have 3 Wishes”

In the movie "Aladdin," Aladdin, who is a young street urchin in Agrabah, finds a magic lamp with a genie trapped inside.  Aladdin rubs the lamp,  freeing the genie, who is so grateful he gives Aladdin 3 wishes. 

Wow,  that would great to have the opportunity to wish for anything you could ever want. 

Did you know that really did happen to a person— a real live person was offed anything he wanted,  anything he could wish for.  That person was King Solomon.   This account of Solomon is found in 1 Kings chapter 3 starting at verse 3.

Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his Father, David.   Solomon offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local altars, the most important of these altars was at Gibeon.   The King went there and offered a thousand burnt offerings. That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and God said,  " What do you want ?  Ask,  and I will give it to you!"  

Can you imagine what Solomon could ask for?  He could ask God for anything and the Lord God himself would give it to him, and this is what he asked for. 

"You were wonderfully kind to my father, David,  because he was honest and true and faithful to you.   And you have continued this great kindness to him today by giving him a son to succeed him.   O Lord my God, now you have made me king instead of my father,  David,  and I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around.   Here I am among your chosen people, a nation so great they are too numerous to count!  Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.   For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?"

Well!  This is Solomons's wish,  to be 'smart' so he could know the difference between right and wrong.  This wish is a little different  than what most people would ask for.  Most folks would ask for great wealth, fame,  swimming pool,  and Solomon asked to be smart!

But wait a minute, there's  more. 

The Lord was pleased with Solomon's reply and was glad that he had asked for wisdom.  So God said he would give him what he asked for, and he gave Solomon  a wise and understanding mind such as no one else ever had or ever will have!  And he gave Solomon what he didn't  ask for - riches and honor!  No other king in all the world would be compared to him  for the rest of his life.   God also said,  "And if you follow me and obey my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life. "

Wow!  Our God is great , he gave Solomon not only what he asked for,  but made that request the greatest ever,  and he gave him what he didn't ask for and made that the greatest also! God also gives us wonderful treasures to this day too.  He hasn't  given us wonderful gifts like Solomon,  but of course we aren't in charge of governing his people, Israel, but he has given us life,  he cares for us, and he has given us his Son, Jesus, that if we accept Jesus as our Savior,  we are made children of God and heirs to the riches of heaven.  Galatians 3: 29 says,   " And now that you belong to Christ,  you are the true children of Abraham.   You are his heirs,  and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you. "

Our wishes do come true through Christ Jesus.  He gives us eternal life,  he cares for our needs, and is with us always.  Let us thank God for his gifts and promises to us. 

Thank you Lord for all you give us and the promises you have made to us.  Thank you for your son Jesus,  who made all this possible. In Jesus name we pray,  Amen 

God Bless

Sunday, July 11, 2021 - Children's Message

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Love God”

In Matthew 22: 37, an expert in religious law, (who was trying to trap Jesus with a question ), asked him, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" 

Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,  all your soul and all your mind.   This is the first and greatest commandment.   A second is equally important, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets, are based on these two commandments."

Jesus also said, "Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me.   And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them.   And I will reveal myself to each of them."

So how do we love God?  We show our love of God by obeying him, doing what is right, and truthful.

We love God by being kind to others, sharing with others, helping those in need, treating others the way we would like to be treated. 

God loves us and showed us his great love for us by sending his son Jesus. In Roman's chapter 5 verse 6 it says, "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners."

Verse 8 says,  "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. “ and 9 says “since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ,  he will certainly save us from God's judgement."

God loves us, and we show God we love him by obeying his word, and showing love and kindness towards others. 

Let us thank God for loving us. 

Dear Heavenly Father,  we thank you for your love and kindness. For all the blessings you have given us. Most of all we thank you for your son Jesus.  Help us to show our love and appreciation to you by obeying you and loving others.  In Jesus name,  Amen

God Bless 

Sunday, July 4, 2021 - Children's Message by Linda Shields

Independence Day

On July 4th, we celebrate our nation's Independence from Great Britain. Two hundred forty five years ago,  our forefathers wrote the Declaration of Independence stating, "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal,  that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. "

The Bible states in Psalms 33:12, "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord."

Our Nation has been blessed by God and we as a people need to remember our nation in our daily prayers, to ask God to guide our leaders in their decision making and establishment of laws, to keep our nation safe and free, and to abolish all tyranny against it.  

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says to his people, " Then if my people, ( we Christians are his people) who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

We thank God for our nation, and for the God fearing men who established this nation and it's laws.  May we in turn follow our laws, pray for God's  guidance and ask for forgiveness when we fail. Let us never take for granted the lives lost that fought for this great land, to protect its freedoms.

God has blessed us, let us thank Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,  we thank you for these United States. May we always looks you for guidance,  may we never stray from you, please be with this nation always.  We need you our Father, may we always seek your face,  may we humble ourselves  before you and pray, and Lord we turn from our wicked ways to please you.  Heal our land Lord we pray,  I Jesus name.  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, June 20, 2021 - NO

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“I don’t like to be told NO!”

             I work with children. I talk with these children and we discuss things like their likes and dislikes.  One of the most common things they state that they dislike is being told "NO."  

I tell the children that the word "NO" is just a word we all have to get used to, to learn to accept, and to live with.   I say to them, "I'm  65 years old, and I still have to listen to and obey the word "NO."  "No-one should be provoked by the word, it is said to us for our good."  They look at me and frown, because "NO" is not a fun word. 

When our parents tell us "No" you cannot do something, or go somewhere,  or have something,  etc. etcera....  it is because they are older, they know things and experiences, (that you may not know and have not experienced ), and God has given them the responsibility and the authority over the children that he has blessed them with to raise.  Parents say no to their children to keep them safe,  to teach them right from wrong,  and this word "No," believe it our not, proves their deep love for them.  If parents didn't care about their children,  they wouldn't bother telling them "NO!"

I would rather know that my parents loved me by telling me "NO,"  than to be allowed to do whatever I wanted,  because when I was younger I didn't always make the best decisions, and sometimes I got hurt. 

Did you know that even the most famous, powerful and richest son who ever existed in the history of this world, who was loved and cared for the most in history, was also told "NO!"

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was told "NO" by his father, God. 

At the foot of the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his father, (in Luke 22: 41), "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.  Yet I want your will, not mine.”

Jesus knew he was born to die on the cross for our salvation. He was the only perfect sacrifice that would be able to take away our sin and save us from the eternal suffering of hell. Although this broke the heart of God, he had to tell his son Jesus, "No," he had to go through the agony and suffering of the cross to save us, his beloved creation. 

The word "No" is for our good.   Without that word "No," our souls would have been lost and separated from God and his love for all eternity. We have Jesus to thank for obeying his Father, and listening to the word "NO."

So the next time you hear the word "NO" this about our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, and the importance of that word "NO." It is for our good. 

Let us pray,   Heavenly Father,  help us to realize and appreciate the word "No." Jesus showed us how great his love is for us, by accepting "No," and obeying the will of his Father for our benefit.  Thank you Jesus,  Amen. 

 God Bless

Sunday, June 13, 2021 - It's Lesson Time on the Farm

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“It’s Lesson Time on the Farm”

             On the farm there are 16 new Canada geese babies that hatched earlier this spring.   It is so interesting to watch them as they grow and change almost daily.  Grandpa and I sit on the porch in the evenings as the parents bring their babies into the back yard to eat the corn we put out for them. God has given instincts (or instructions) to the papa goose to teach and protect his family.   He will lead the babies to the corn and the mama goose follows behind making sure none of the babies straggle behind.  Papa goose will then put his head down, flap his wings, and chase the other geese and ducks away from the corn so his family can have plenty of food.   It is funny to see the babies as they get older act just like their fathers, putting their heads down and charging at the other geese, while flapping their featherless, stubby little winglets.   They too can make the other geese run from the pile of corn. 

  Yesterday I was working in the yard when I heard a commotion out on the lake.  The geese families had their babies out on the water teaching them to flap their stubby little wings,  paddle their feet, and run on top of the water so they will learn how do take off and someday fly from off the water.  The babies were all practicing this procedure, and doing a pretty good job.

The parent geese were teaching their babies how to defend themselves and survive in the wild.   These lessons are necessary for the little geese to one-day be able to survive on their own, and in turn teach their babies these valuable survival skills. 

Our God gave us earthly parents to teach and protect us much like the Canadian geese teach and protect their young. It is important that the little geese babies (or goslings) learn to listen to their parents so they don't fall prey to predators.  Parents have a big responsibility to teach their children how to live and grow up to be responsible adults too.  God has words for children to help them know the importance of listening to their parents, so they will be safe and learn to do what is right.   

Ephesians chapter 6 verse 1 says, "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do"   Verse 2 says, " Honor your father and mother."  This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise.  Verse 3:  If you honor your father and mother, "you will live a long life,  full of blessing."

Just like the little geese listen and learn survival skills from their parents so they will be safe,  God wants us to listen and learn from our parents so that we too will be safe, and live righteous lives full of blessing.

Let us tell God thank you for giving us parents to teach and protect us. 

Heavenly Father,  just like you gave the baby geese parents to teach and protect them,  thank you for giving us godly parents to not only teach us for our own protection, but to teach us about you and your commandments.   We thank you for your laws that are for our good.  Your laws protect us,  and keep us safe.   Help us to honor our parents by obeying them,  and doing what they teach us.  Help our parents who have been given the huge responsibility of teaching their children about you, your laws and commands. In Jesus name we pray,  Amen    

God Bless

Sunday, June 6, 2021 - Be Good

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Be Good”

                 When I was a little girl, my mom say to me, (quite often), "Be good."   When dropping me off at school, or a birthday party, or a friend's house, "be good."  OK,  I'll be good.  (I'll try).  Why all the warnings to be good?  Of course, now that I'm older, I know the importance of self control and to follow rules, to "be good."   We need rules, laws to have order and to keep us safe.   We learn good manners, which show others respect and that we care for others.   God knew that too and gave us laws to observe and follow. 

"Be good," we try,  but sometimes we fail,  we "Goof."  We forget our manners, we disregard rules, we think of ourselves first instead of others, we think "me, me, me" when we should be thinking,  "others, others, others."  What would be the right thing to-do?  What would Jesus want me to do?   

2 Peter chapter 1 verse 6, Peter tells us this, "Knowing God leads to self control.  Self control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Verse 7 tells us Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.  Verse 8 tells us the more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

So that is why mom kept telling me to,  "Be good."  She, being older, wiser,  and more acquainted with the Lord than I was, knew the importance of being good and wanted to make sure I knew God's (and her) expectations of me. (Also, I knew the reckoning I would have to answer to if I didn't be good!)

So being good is actually beneficial to us.   Being good helps us grow in the knowledge of Christ, and our love for others.  Being good pleases God, and shows we love him and want to please him

1 John 2 verse 5 says, "But those who obey God's word really do love him. "

Let us thank God for rules to help us "be good."

 Dear Heavenly Father,  Thank you for rules to follow,  to help us to be good and  to please you so that we show your love to others,  and to grow to be more like Jesus.  In Jesus name,  Amen

 God Bless

Sunday, May 30, 2021 Trinity Sunday

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Special Treasure ”

             Do you like to read books or watch movies about discovering hidden treasures?  Books like "Treasure Island," or movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean?"  Did you ever pretend play that you found a hidden treasure chest full of diamonds, gems, beautiful jewelry and gold coins?  

  Wow, we dream of wonderful treasures, but did you know that God wants wonderful treasures too?  But God owns everything, all kinds of treasures. What special treasure could God want?  In the Book of Malachi, God tells what his special treasure is. 

In Malachi, God is telling his people about their unfaithfulness towards him.  His priests have been disobedient, they showed contempt and were disrespectful to God offering him blemished and diseased sacrifices on the altar.  This disrespect had also trickled down to the people, leading them into sin. They worshiped idols instead of the one true God.  They kept their tithes and offerings from God and called "evil" good.  

They shattered their relationship with God, and were unfaithful to him. In Malachi 4:1- 2, God says, "The day of judgement is coming".....  But, (our God is faithful and loving towards his people), "for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.  And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out pasture. "

  In the midst of all this disobedience, God heard a faithful few of his people talking amongst themselves. They still loved God, and respected him.  God listened to what they said.  In chapter 3 verses 16-18, ...."In his presence,  a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him." They will be my people, says the Lord Almighty.  On the day when I act,  they will be my own special treasure.   I will spare them as a father spares an obedient and dutiful child.   Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."

  God's special treasure is us!  He loves us and listens to us because we "love to think about him." I want to be in God's special treasure,  that would be more wonderful then all the diamonds, gold and gems in the world!  How about you? Do you want to be a part of God's special treasure?  Ask him, tell him you love him, thank him for his Son, Jesus, who loved you so much he took away every wrongdoing you and I ever did, so we could be apart of God's "special treasure."  Let us thank God. 

 Dear Heavenly Father,  thank you for your love and faithfulness. Lord, we sometimes don't  think about you and are disobedient.  But we want to "love to think about you" and thank You for Your blessings.  We want to be a "special treasure” to you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, May 23, 2021 - Pentecost Sunday

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Can We Call God ‘Daddy’ ”

            In the Bible, in Mark 14: 36, Jesus addresses his Father, God, as "Abba Father." Well, yes, because God is his father, but did you know that God wants us to call him Abba Father too?  Little Jewish children call their fathers Abba, which means Papa or Daddy.  Can you imagine us, just everyday people like us, being able to call God "Papa or Daddy?"  

            In Romans chapter 8, verses 14 and 15, it say, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves.   You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family- calling him "Father, dear Father. "

            Verse 17 states,  "And since we are his children, we share in his treasures - for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours too.”

            I don't know about you,  but I feel very blest to be able to call the Most High God "Father."  

           Our God loves us and wants us to be in His family.   He wants us to call him Father.  Do you want to be God's child?  God wants you to be his child!  He wants us to repent, (be sorry for our wrongdoing), and ask Him to forgive us.  He wants us to love his Son, Jesus, because Jesus suffered and died on the cross, then rose again from the dead to take away our sins,  (Jesus didn't have any sins but he took on ours).

            Then worship God, be thankful to him for the good things he gives us in this life: family, fulfilling our needs, joy, salvation through Jesus, and so much more.  

Let us pray and say thank you to God our "Father, dear Father."

Dear Abba Father, 

Thank you for loving us so much and wanting us to be your family.  Please forgive us,  we love Jesus because he first loved us and gave his life for us to take away our sins so we could be called Children of God  Thank you, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God Bless

Sunday, May 16, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“You Are Invited” 

           When you receive an invitation to a party, or play day with your friend,  don't you feel excited?  You dream about the fun you will experience on that special day.   What special event will we get to do?   The Bounce House, a swim party?  A concert?  Our minds imagine all kinds of fun events.   

           But the best thing of all is, your friend wants to spend the special day with you!  The friend thought so highly about you  that he or she wants to share the fun with you. 

            Did you know that Jesus feels about you the same way?  He is that special friend who is wanting to be with you.   He has sent out a special invitation inviting you to come spend time with him, to  be his friend.   

            In the Book of Revelations chapter 3: 20, He says.  “Look!  Here I stand at the door and knock.   If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and will share a meal as friends.”

            Can you imagine,  the Son of God wants to be your special friend.  He is at your hearts door,  asking you to accept him as your friend, to be your "best buddy."  Unlike our other friends, Jesus, the Bible says "sticks closer than a brother," (Proverbs 18: 24).  He will always be faithful and true (Proverbs 17: 17).  He will always help and be there for you.  

             Would you like to accept Jesus invitation to be his friend?  Jesus is  asking you today.  Would you say yes to him? 

Dear Jesus,  Yes,  I want you to be my friend,  and I want you to come into my heart.  Thank you Jesus,  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, May 9, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Mother’s Day”

           Thank God for the gift of God honoring mothers.  Through them, their children hear the accounts of God honoring men and women in the Bible and learn of God's  great love for them, of Jesus’ sacrifice for them on the cross, and God's plan of salvation for mankind. 

            One Godly woman told about in the Bible was found in 1 Samuel chapter one.   Hannah came to the temple to pray and ask God for a child.   She didn't have any children and this was her greatest desire.  She said to God, "O Lord Almighty,  if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.   He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut. "

            God was pleased with Hannah's prayer, for He did give her a son, Samuel.  Hannah kept her promise and when he was still very young she took him back to the temple to present him to God, to be used in God's service.   Samuel became the last judge of Israel.   God also gave Hannah five more children as a blessing for her sacrifice to him. 

             The Bible says in the book of Psalms 127 : 3, that "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. "

             God has instructed his people in Exodus chapter 20 verse 12, " Honor your father and mother.   Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord God will give you. "

             This Mother's Day,  let us thank God for our Mothers.  Let us ask his blessing upon them as they raise their children in the knowledge of God's word, to love the Lord their God with all their hearts, souls and minds.  Teaching them to love others as themselves.  Teaching them the way to salvation is through trusting in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

Dear God,  thank you for our God honoring mothers.  Bless them as they teach their children about you.  Give our moms wisdom, courage and strength to do your will.  In Jesus name.  Amen 

God Bless 

Sunday, April 25, 2021 - Children's Time

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields: Do You Know Jesus?

  Do you Know Jesus, or do you Know Of Jesus?  There is a difference.   We know of Jesus.   We celebrate his birth,  we ponder on his life and death,  we rejoice his resurrection and victory over death.   But do we Know Him?

                John 1: 1 states, "In the beginning the Word (Jesus) already existed.  He was with God,  and he was God. “

                John 1: 10 it says, “But although the world was made through him,  the world didn't recognize him when he came.   Even in his own land  and among his own people,  he was not accepted.”

Jesus was foretold to mankind since the beginning of time on earth. From Genesis forward over 350 prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah,  Emmanuel,  God with us. 

We read about Jesus’ life on earth in the New Testament, his teachings,  his miracles,  his betrayal, his death and glorious Resurrection.   All these things were written about him for our benefit and knowledge so that we may come to Know him,  put our trust and faith in him,  and at the end of our lives actually meet him. 

John 3: 16 states,  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."   17: “God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world,  but to save it.  There is no judgement awaiting those who trust him,  but those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. “

Jesus himself said in John 5: 24, "I assure you,  those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.   They will never be condemned for their sins,  but they have passed from death into life. “

In Revelations 3:5 we read, “All who are victorious will be clothed in white,  I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."

To know Jesus is to have faith in him,  to believe he is the Son of God,  he came to earth born of a virgin and  was both God and man; he lived among us, taught us,  healed us, did miracles,  suffered in our place,  was crucified on the cross for our sins for he was sinless.  He was placed in the grave and by the power of the Holy Spirit,  was raised to life again,  so that we who believe may also be raised again to life. 

We can all Know him.  We can acknowledge that we have sinned (broke God's  laws), ask God for forgiveness (tell God you're sorry), and ask Jesus to come into your life,  entrust your life to him and ask him to save you. 

1 John 1: 9 says, “God is faithful and just   If we confess our sins,  He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “

How about you?  Do you 'Know' Jesus or just know about Jesus?  Know Jesus today. 

In 2 Corinthians 6: 12 we read, "As God's partners we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God's great kindness for God says, ‘At just the right time I heard you, on that day of Salvation  I helped you. ’” Indeed God is ready to help you right now.   Today is the day of Salvation. 

Do you Know Jesus?

  Dear Father,  please forgive sins.  I trust in Jesus and ask him to forgive and
to live in my heart  Thank you,  in Jesus name.  Amen

God Bless