Sunday, April 18, 2021, Children's Time - 3rd Sunday of Easter

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields: 

“Canines for Christ”

Dogs!  We love them.  They love us back.   God gave us good friends when he created those furry, loving, boundless energy, dogs!  Americans spend billions on dogs annually. We provide food for them, homes, medical care, shelters, toys, the list goes on because of the all the joy and unconditional love that they give us. 

I've heard of a ministry that formed in July of 2007, called "Canines for Christ."

This organization, started by Chaplain Larry Randolph, is an international Christian based animal assisted therapy ministry that uses ordinary dogs to share God's message of love, hope, kindness and compassion to the community. Chaplains, volunteers and new dogs are being added constantly to serve God in this unique ministry, with hope and God's blessing, to expand into many more locations. 

These dogs serve in Cancer Centers, Grief Centers, Children's  Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Veterans Hospitals, Hospice Facilities, Special Needs Facilities for Mental and Physically Disabled, Home Visits, Prisons, 911 Call Centers, Schools, Crisis and Disaster Response Locations and many places upon request. 

We thank God for this ministry to reach the hurting and hopeless in this land and the world.  Dogs are loving creatures created by God for our enjoyment and an enjoyment they are.  Let us tell God thank-you for dogs,  and for His blessing on this ministry,  "Canines for Christ".

Dear God,  We thank you for dogs,  their unique companionship,  the love and
enjoyment they give us in this life.  We ask for your blessings on "Canines for Christ",
that this ministry will comfort the hurting and spread the love of Christ Jesus in a
hurting world.  Thank you.  In Jesus name. Amen

God Bless.        

Easter Sunday Message for The Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“God of the Living”

                 Easter has come, or more appropriately "Resurrection Sunday."  The day Jesus rose from the dead.   Through Jesus Christ our Lord,  we have hope of life eternal.  Our souls will live on with him in heaven.   Jesus said, in Matthew 22: verses 31 - 32, "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead- haven't  you ever read the scriptures?   Long after Abraham, Isaac,  and Jacob had died,  God said, 'I am the God of Abraham,  the God of Isaac,  and the God of Jacob.’  So he is the God of the living, not the dead."  We have hope of life after death because of Jesus,  and his rising from the dead. 

Matthew 28, verse 2, says, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it.   His face shined like lightning,  and his clothing was as white as snow.   The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.  Then the angel spoke to the women,  ’Don't  be afraid!’ he said.  ’ I know you are looking for Jesus,  who was crucified.   He isn't  here!  He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen.’ ”

  1 John 4: 9 -10 says, "God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.  This is real love.   It is not that we loved God,  but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. "

  Philippians 4: 9 says, "Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

This Easter,  let us thank Jesus for his great love for us,  he loves us so much he gave his life to take away our sins.  We receive this eternal life from God by believing in his Son Jesus and asking for forgiveness of our sins.  Then by having a relationship with Jesus, through daily prayer and reading God's word.  Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and to be his friend?   He is waiting.  Revelations 3: 20 says, "Look,  I stand at the door and knock.   If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in,  and we will share a meal as friends. "

Let us thank Jesus for his love, forgiveness of our sins and life eternal in him.  In him,  we can also be included  in "The God of the living "

Dear Jesus,  thank you for loving us, and giving your life for our sins.  Please forgive us and be our friend.  In your name we pray.  Amen

Sunday, March 28, 2021 - Palm Sunday

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“A Special Spring”

                 Spring arrives Saturday,  March 20th, and what a wonderful and special Spring this one will be.  The entire world has spent the whole year in lock down and separation from family members,  friends,  schoolmates,  coworkers,  church family,  and gatherings.  We haven't  been able to do common activities like shopping in person,  eating out,  attending sports events,  concerts,  and having holiday celebrations together.  This separation has taken a toll on our psyche. Many people have suffered from loneliness and depression due to the separation from others. 

Last March, a Rabbi remarked that 3000 years ago on Passover the people were instructed to stay in their homes and not go out because there was a plague upon the land.  Now, 3000 years later, we were instructed at Passover time to stay in our homes and not go out because there was a plague upon the land. 

But this Spring,  after a year of suffering with separation,  and the deaths of family members , acquaintances and friends, not to be able to socialize,  or come gather together,  and to just be free to live normal lives without that mask hurting our ears,  fogging our glasses,  muffling our voices and blocking our breathing, maybe,  God willing, we are at a place where we can start to have some kind of normalcy again. 

We have all prayed for an end to the plague,  we have prayed for those who suffered through the plague and for the families who lost loved ones to the plague.   If we learned anything from this year we learned that God is with us in our loneliness,  that he will heal and he will comfort us in our loss.  We learned to call on him and to bare our souls, be honest with him and to ask forgiveness for our shortcomings.  He supplied our needs,  he blessed us so we could bless others and help them in this trying time.   

God heard our prayers, our requests for forgiveness,  and our pleas for help through this plague.   Many people have discovered their need for God and have developed a relationship with him.  Families have come closer together, and many have gone above and beyond in helping their neighbors in need. 

So this Spring we have hope and life,  we long to be healed and brought together.   We have a whole year to make up for of lost togetherness and freedoms. 

We have God to thank for being with us through this difficult time and for his healing grace.   

Lamentations 3: 22 - 26, " The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!   By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.   Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.   I say to myself,  " The Lord is my inheritance,  therefore I will hope in him!  The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.   So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord."

Dear Lord,  thank you for the hope Spring brings. Forgive us, heals us, and brings together again that we may praise you for your wonderful goodness,  in Jesus name 

God Bless

Sunday, March 21, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“A Special Spring”

                 Spring arrives Saturday,  March 20th, and what a wonderful and special Spring this one will be.  The entire world has spent the whole year in lock down and separation from family members,  friends,  schoolmates,  coworkers,  church family,  and gatherings.  We haven't  been able to do common activities like shopping in person,  eating out,  attending sports events,  concerts,  and having holiday celebrations together.  This separation has taken a toll on our psyche. Many people have suffered from loneliness and depression due to the separation from others. 

Last March, a Rabbi remarked that 3000 years ago on Passover the people were instructed to stay in their homes and not go out because there was a plague upon the land.  Now, 3000 years later, we were instructed at Passover time to stay in our homes and not go out because there was a plague upon the land. 

But this Spring,  after a year of suffering with separation,  and the deaths of family members , acquaintances and friends, not to be able to socialize,  or come gather together,  and to just be free to live normal lives without that mask hurting our ears,  fogging our glasses,  muffling our voices and blocking our breathing, maybe,  God willing, we are at a place where we can start to have some kind of normalcy again. 

We have all prayed for an end to the plague,  we have prayed for those who suffered through the plague and for the families who lost loved ones to the plague.   If we learned anything from this year we learned that God is with us in our loneliness,  that he will heal and he will comfort us in our loss.  We learned to call on him and to bare our souls, be honest with him and to ask forgiveness for our shortcomings.  He supplied our needs,  he blessed us so we could bless others and help them in this trying time.   

God heard our prayers, our requests for forgiveness,  and our pleas for help through this plague.   Many people have discovered their need for God and have developed a relationship with him.  Families have come closer together, and many have gone above and beyond in helping their neighbors in need. 

So this Spring we have hope and life,  we long to be healed and brought together.   We have a whole year to make up for of lost togetherness and freedoms. 

We have God to thank for being with us through this difficult time and for his healing grace.   

Lamentations 3: 22 - 26, " The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!   By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.   Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.   I say to myself,  " The Lord is my inheritance,  therefore I will hope in him!  The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.   So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord."

Dear Lord,  thank you for the hope Spring brings. Forgive us, heals us, and brings together again that we may praise you for your wonderful goodness,  in Jesus name 

God Bless

Sunday, March 14, 2021 - 4th Sunday in Lent - Praise Band Sunday

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“How to be Happy”

             We all want to be happy and God wants his children to be happy.   He wants to teach us how to be happy. 

In the Book of Psalms,  chapter 119, there are several verses that tell us how to be happy.

Verse 1:  Happy are people of integrity,  who follow the law of the Lord. 

Verse 2:  Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. 

Verse 36:  Make me walk along the path of your commands,  for that is where my happiness is found. 

Psalms 37: 4 - Delight yourself in the Lord,  and he will give you the desires  of your heart. 

Roman's 15: 13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Psalms 112: 1 - Praise the Lord!  Happy are those who fear the Lord.   Yes,  happy are those who delight in doing his commands.   

Psalms 144 : 15 - Happy indeed are those whose God is the Lord. 

God wants his children to be happy,  and it looks like obeying his commands, doing what is right in his sight, and loving God and others  is the way to be happy. Micah 6: 8, tells us to do what is right,  love mercy and walk humbly with God pleases Him. 

Let's  ask God to help us read and obey his commands,  to love God and to love people.  That is the way to true happiness 

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us and wanting us to be happy.  Help us to remember to study your word,  so we may learn your commands and please you,  for that will bring us true happiness.  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, March 7, 2021 - 3rd Sunday in Lent

" And They will know we are Christians by our Love"

             Our little dog Nyla came from a rescue shelter in Parsons,  KS.  She was an abused puppy and not always shown the love that a puppy needs.   She is very loving and playful.   I was working out in the yard and I unknowingly dropped a work glove. When I reached for it I saw that it was gone.  I looked around for the glove,  then saw Nyla carrying it in her mouth. When I tried to get it from her she ran away from me, all the while watching me with one eye. She zigged and zagged in front of me and when I stopped she stopped.  When I came for her again, she started running away from me again. I tried throwing a stick to make her go after it and drop the glove, but instead, she tried to pick up both the stick and the glove together . Later, I tried to sit on the bench in the yard and she jumped up beside me and then the "mauling" began.  When she was finished romping and chewing on my gloved fingers she sat quietly with her head on my lap, letting me scratch her ears and pet her head.  She closed her eyes and just basked in my love, and at times looked up at me and licked my hand. 

Nyla  just wants our love and we do love her, even her wild little puppy ways.  God loves us, even though we have our own "wild little ways."  God wants us to love each other just as he loves us.   John 13: 34 states, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.   Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

God shows he loves us even though we have our "wild little ways " in Roman's 5: 8, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgement.

Since we have been right in God's sight and he loves us we are to show this love to others.  God says to "Love others as you love yourself. "

We love others by being  thoughtful and kind. We think of others comfort and needs above our own.  By being kind to others, it actually makes you feel better about yourself both physically and mentally.   God has a good system going on here. 

Old Satan tries to convince us to be selfish,  and God teaches us to be selfless.  In John 10: 10, Jesus says, "Satan comes only to steal, and kill and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in its fullness.” 

The Bible says "Love"  will last forever.  1 Corinthians 13: 13 says, "There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love.”

Nyla,  in all her "wacky little ways," has my love.  God loves us in all our "wacky little ways" and we are to love each other even though we  all have "our wacky little ways. "

Dear Father in heaven,  we thank you for loving us even though we are far from perfect.  Help us to love each  other with the love that Jesus showed us.   May we learn from his example.  In Christ's  name we pray.  Amen

 God Bless

Sunday, February 28, 2020 - 2nd Sunday in Lent

"Grandma, Why do you teach the Bible every time?"

            When the grandchildren  come stay with Grandpa and Grandma on the farm over the weekends, Grandma always has a Bible lesson for them.  This past weekend they studied how God gave Moses the 10 Commandments for the Children of Israel.  The grandchildren's father in passing by said, "Make sure they learn number 7." He was referring  to the command,  "Honor your father and mother.   Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God gives you."

They read the verses and talked about them.  Then Grandma asked the children, "Do you know why I read the Bible to you every time you come over to stay?" The children said, "Because you want us to learn about Jesus?" "Yes, and because of all the wonderful things we learn and do while on this earth,  learning about God, and his son Jesus is the most important life lesson that we could ever learn.  When we think about the timeline of this world,  God who has no beginning and no end, has always been.  Since the creation of this earth until now,  the earth's time is just a blip on the time line of life, and our entire life shows up on the timeline as a speck. So this tiny speck of time that we have on this timeline is very important.  This tiny speck of time is all we have to make the most important decision of our life, for this decision will determine where we will spend all of eternity. The important decision we have to make is, do we want to place our faith in Jesus Christ?  Do we want to repent of every wrong thing we have ever said and done, (because the Bible says all have sinned and come short of God's  glory- Roman's 3: 23), and do we want to ask Jesus to forgive us, declare us not guilty any more, wash away our sins with his precious perfect blood that was shed for us on the cross  and have Jesus come live in our hearts?” ( Roman's 3: 24)

Now when Grandma pointed out that the little speck of time is all we get on the timeline of all the ages, and how we have so little of time to make a such a very important decision, ("Do I want to live in Heaven with Jesus or be separated from Him for all eternity), and Grandma explained what the alternative was, as was explained in Roman's 6: 23, "For the wages of sin is death,  but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," then the grandchildren  had no problem raising their hands up when Grandma asked them, "Do you want to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and ask him to save you and give you eternal life?"  What a wonderful and important decision they made that day in accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  It is a decision  all of us will have to make.  Do you want to ask Jesus to forgive you and to accept him also.  You can, and this decision makes God so happy when we accept his son. Roman's 5: 8-9 says, "But God showed his great love for us  by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgement. "

Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of your Son,  Jesus.  It is because of his sacrifice on the cross and the shedding of his blood that we are cleansed of our sins and made right.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, February 21, 2021 - 1st Sunday in Lent

“Hope”

           These past few days, with temperatures well below normal for this time of year, I have been thinking a lot about spring!  My how I hope for an early spring. 

           I've been looking at the spring and summer flower pictures I took last year.   Wow,  how I miss those colorful beauties.   If I catch myself complaining about summer's heat this coming season, may I quickly remember how I  have been having to be out in the cold and snow to do chores this Winter.  

The weather man is talking about above freezing temperatures this coming weekend.  How I "HOPE" he is right.   Hope is a very special word, and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible.  Hope is defined as "confident trust with the expectation of fulfillment.” 

In Psalms 39: 7, King David wrote, "And so, Lord, where do I put hope? My only hope is in you."

Psalms 71: 5 says, “O Lord, you alone are my hope, I have trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.” 

In Roman's 15:13, Paul writes, "So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him.   May you overflow with hope through the Holy Spirit."

We hope for many things, for blessings from God  for our families, our country, our friends, and ourselves.  God promises to always love and care for us.  He promises us eternal life through his son, Jesus.  We have the hope of seeing loved ones again who have died and have gone on to be with Jesus in Heaven.  That is comforting to know,  that we will one day be with loved ones who have gone on before us. Jesus promised that he has prepared a place for us in heaven, that we may live with him there forever. What wonderful hope and promises God has given to those whom he loves and who love him. Let us thank God for the hope he gives us. 

Dear Heavenly Father,  thank you for the hope you give us.   Thank you for the gift of your son Jesus, who took our sins on himself when he died on the cross and rose again from the dead.  May we always be grateful for the hope Christ Jesus gave us.  Amen

God Bless. 

Sunday, February 14, 2021

“Faith”

                 In the book of Hebrews,  Chapter 1, it talks about "faith."  Faith is very important to God.  The first verse of Chapter 11 gives us the definition of faith.  "What is faith?  It is confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.   It is the evidence of things we cannot see.   God gave his approval to people in days of old  because of their faith."

The chapter then goes on to tell us that it is by faith we understand the whole universe was formed at God's  command.  That by faith Abel,  Adam and Eve's  son,  gave God the more acceptable sacrifice. 

It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood.   It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave his home and go to another land that God would give him as an inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 

It was by faith that even though Sarah was past child bearing age, (she was 90 years old and Abraham was 100) God promised them a son, Isaac, and that Abraham would be the father of a whole nation with so many people they would be like the stars  in the sky and the sand on the seashore to count. 

It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. 

Years later it was by faith that Joseph, when he was old and dying, confidently spoke of God's  bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. He was so sure of it that he commanded them to carry his bones with them when they left!  

It was by faith that Moses' parents hid him for three months, when  they saw that God had given them an unusual child,  and they weren't afraid of what the king might do.   It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. 

It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed they were all drowned. 

It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down. 

There are man more stories about people of faith in the Bible such as, Gideon,  Samson,  David,  Samuel and all the Prophets.  By faith these people  overthrew kingdoms,  ruled with justice,  and received what God promised them.   They shut the mouths of lions,  went through a fiery furnace, escaped death by the edge of a sword.   Their weakness was turned to strength and they became strong in battle putting whole armies to flight. 

Verse 39 says, "All of these people mentioned received God's approval because of their faith,  yet none of them received all that God  had promised.   For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit  them,  for they can't  receive the prize at the end of the race until they finish the race.”

In Hebrews 11: 6 it says, "So, you see,  it is impossible to please God without faith.  Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek 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."

We must have faith in our God to please him.   He is loving and faithful to keep his promises to us.   Lamentations 3: 23 says,  "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day."

Thank you Heavenly Father for the stories of old which tell of your people's faith in you.  Help us to have faith,  that we too may believe and obey your word.    In Jesus name, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, February 7, 2021

"Honey and the Word of God"

             On the farm our pastures are full of hay made up of fescue, lespedeza, and clover, which are grasses that are great for cattle and sheep to eat, but Grandpa and I don't have cattle and sheep, so we allow a neighboring farmer to come cut the hay and use it for his cattle.  This neighbor also raises honeybees and he collects the honey these bees make. The farmer gave us some of his honey.  He said his bees make honey from clover and soybeans.  The clover honey was a lighter amber color than the soybean honey. This farmers’ hives are placed close to a soybean field. 

Honeybees can gather up to 40 pounds of pollen and 265 pounds of nectar in a year.  I guess that is why people sometimes say someone "is as busy as a bee!"

The Bible makes many references to honey.  Such as in the book of Exodus chapter 3: 17, God refers to the Promised Land as a land flowing with "milk and honey."  In Proverbs 24:13, it says, "My child, eat honey for it is good, and the honey comb is sweet to the taste."  Also, in the book of  Proverbs 16:24, "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  In the book of Matthew chapter 3, it tells us that John the Baptist survived on honey, and in the book of Revelations 10: 8-11, it says, "Then the voice from heaven called to me again:  ‘Go and take the unrolled scroll from the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.’"  So I approached him and asked him to give me the little scroll.  "Yes, take it and eat it," he said. "It will taste like honey, but when you swallow it, it will make your stomach sour!"  So I took the little scroll from the hands of the angel, and I ate it!  It was sweet in my mouth, but it made my stomach sour.  Then the angel said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."  The message is that at first the acceptance of God's word is sweet knowing it to be words from God of reconciliation and peace, but the world reaching that peace involves judgement, mayhem and death.  In this passage, the Apostle John realizes that the bitterness of preaching the sweet word of God to the world is knowing that those who reject his words will face God's terrible punishment.

God's word, the Bible, is sweet and beneficial to us just like honey. We need to read it, and accept these sweet words from God.  The next time you eat a piece of bread topped with the honeybees sweet honey think about God's word, his love and his promises for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, your word is sweet and beneficial for us. Help us to read them and apply them to our lives so we will realize your your peace come to understand your saving grace through your perfect son Jesus Christ.  In Jesus name, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, January 31, 2021 - God's Gospel for Children

"The Cornerstone"

             On the front of our church building, on the northeast corner, you will notice on the bottom of the cornerstone an engraving with the date the church building was built. The cornerstone is an important part of the foundation of a building as it is the first stone set in the construction of masonry foundation in which all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. (Quora.)

The difference between the foundation and the cornerstone is the cornerstone is often inscribed with the starting and completion dates of construction, the architect's  and owners names and other details. The cornerstone is the beginning, the establishing, and the most important reference to the beginning of a structure from where to start the building.

In the bible, there is a reference to a cornerstone, in the book of Isaiah 28: 16, in which the prophet makes a reference to the Messiah, Jesus, "Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:  "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem.  It is firm, a tested and precious  cornerstone that is safe to build on.  Whoever believes need never run away again."  Isaiah prophesied this message about Jesus around 700 years before his birth.  The prophesy came to life in Acts 4, while Peter and John were speaking to the people in the temple.  The leading priests and Sadducees came over to them, disturbed that the two were preaching in the authority of Jesus, about the resurrection of the dead, and had healed a crippled man.   They had Peter and John arrested.  The next day they were brought before the council of the rulers and demanded of to tell what power and in whose name they had done this?  Peter was then filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, "Leaders and elders of our nation, are we being questioned because we have done a good deed for a crippled man?  Do you know how he was healed?  Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.  For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'”

"There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."

Jesus is the cornerstone of our Christian belief. Our foundation is set in him.  He is the way, the truth and the life, (John 14: 6).

Just as our church building has been built on a cornerstone, our salvation is  based on Jesus, who was crucified for our wrong doing, took on our sins, and cleaned us from all our sins. What a wonderful cornerstone.

Dear Jesus, as we look upon the cornerstone of our church building, help us to remember that you are the cornerstone we build our trust. It is through you that we win our salvation. Thank you. Amen

God Bless

Sunday, January 24, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children by Linda Shields

"Fred, from Pauper to Prince"

             All the dogs on the farm are either rescue dogs or strays who showed up hoping for food and a home.  Fred showed up while Great Grandma was alive.  She had the softest heart for anything or anyone who was hungry. So naturally when Fred, (I always called him the old red hound) showed up with those big pleading eyes, she could not help herself but give him something to eat, then there you go, instant pet.

The other day, Grandpa was filling out a survey on the internet with one of the pet food companies where he shops. One of the questions asked what breed of dogs do we have? 

Well, Kate is an Anatolah- Great Pyrenees mix, Buddy is a Black Labrador- Chow mix, Trixie is a Blue Tick Heeler, Nyla is a Black Labrador and whatever mix, and then there is Fred.  We had no idea what he was. Like I said, I always called him the "Ole Red Hound."

Grandpa started looking up dogs that had red hair and to our surprise, up pops a picture of Fred, lots of pictures of Fred. It turns out Fred is a somebody, a purebred. He is a Fox Red Labrador Retriever. Fred, the ole red hound, is practically royalty.  We had never heard of this dog breed before.

I feel like I should be calling him Sir Fred or Prince Fred. From Pauper to Prince. I feel we should start treating him with a little more pomp and circumstance.

You know the Bible says when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we too become royalty.  Children of the most High God, related to the King of Kings, (you don't get any higher than that).  John 1:12 says, "But to all who believe in him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

Good "Ole Fred" went from a lost, hungry mutt, to a well fed and loved purebred.  We can go from being lost in sin, too ( through Jesus Christ's suffering on the cross for our sins) being Children of God. Wow, doesn't that sound wonderful. We have an awesome God, an awesome Saviour.

Let us tell God thank you for loving us so much that he wants to make us his children. Revelations 21:7, "All  who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children."

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving the opportunity for us to be your children through your blessed son Jesus. There is no greater gift or blessing that we could have than this. Thank you Jesus.  In Christ's name, Amen.

God Bless

Sunday, January 17, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children by Linda Shields

Joy is a gift from God.  It is from deep down in the soul.  Joy does not depend on what we have or don't have.  It comes from a heart filled with thankfulness and gratitude for all that God has given and done for us.  This past Christmas we were happy about all the wonderful gifts given to us, but we experienced joy when we thought about the reason why we celebrated Christmas.   God in the flesh, came to earth to live amongst us, born for the sole purpose of becoming a perfect, sinless sacrifice on the cross to save us from the punishment we deserve for our sins.

Romans 15: 13 states, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  In Psalms 32: 1, " Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!" Verse 2 continues," Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!". Psalm 32, written by King David, tells of his repentance, and the joy he experienced.  He writes, "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.  I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord" and you forgave me.”  Verse 10 and 11 say, " Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.  So rejoice in the Lord and he glad, all you who obey him!  Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”

Isn't it comforting to have God's forgiveness, and the joy we receive from him through his son Jesus.   Let's tell him thank you.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the joy we receive when we ask for forgiveness of our sins and accept Jesus as our savior. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, January 10, 2021 - Gospel Time for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

"How to Make God Happy"

              Did you know there is something that we can do that makes God happy?  We all want to make God happy, but we may not know just how to do that. In the Bible it tells us what he wants from us that makes him happy.  In 1 Samuel 15 verse 21, Saul said he brought the plunder from battle to sacrifice to the Lord, but Samuel said in verse 22, " What is more pleasing to the Lord: your sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Obedience is far better than sacrifice.  Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams."

  In Psalms 51: 16 - 17, King David wrote, "You would not be pleased with sacrifices, or I would bring them.  If I brought you a burnt offering you would not accept it.  The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit.  A broken and repentant heart, O God you will not despise."  King David repented to the Lord after he sinned, and God forgave him.

  In the book of Micah  chapter 6: 8, "O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to  walk humbly with your God."

  God wants our faith in him.  In the book of Hebrews chapter 11: 1, Faith is explained as this, " What is faith?  It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.  It is the evidence of things we cannot get see.  God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith." 

  In Hebrews 11: 6, " So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith.  Anyone who wants to come to him just believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

  So what have we learned about what makes God happy ?  It is for his children to have faith in his word, to obey his word, to do what is right, show love and mercy to others, and to " walk humbly with him" that is to have a relationship with God, pray, read his word and think and act on his word.

  We have a new year, let us start the year off on the right foot by doing what pleases our Heavenly Father.  Let us read his word, ask him to increase our faith, and to love one another.

 Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love , your word, and especially for your son Jesus.  It is our faith in him, how he came to earth to offer himself as a sacrifice for our wrong doing for the forgiveness of our sins, that pleases you. Help us to do what pleases you. In Jesus name, Amen.

 God Bless

Sunday, January 3, 2021 - Gospel for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

"Wise men still seek him"

              January 6th is called "The Day of Epiphany" in Western Christianity, the day the Wise Men visited Jesus and brought him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The wise men studied the constellations of the stars and knew about the ancient prophecies which predicted the birth of the Messiah.  In the book of Numbers chapter 24: 17, "I see him, but not in the present time.  I perceive him, but far in the distant future.  A star will rise from Jacob."  The book of Numbers was written by Moses in 1450 - 1410 B.C.  

The Wise Men were rich, educated and gentiles ( they were not Hebrew). The first to meet the baby Jesus were the lowly shepherds in the fields watching over the sheep the night Jesus was born, after the angels of heaven told them to go see the child.  Now the gentiles came to see him too. God sent his Son Jesus into the world as a gift for all people.  Jesus came to save the poor, the rich, the educated, the uneducated.  He came first to the Israelites and then to the gentiles. He was born as a sacrificial lamb for the sins of all people of all time.  What a gift God has blessed us with his son Jesus. Through faith and a relationship with Jesus, we receive the gift of eternal life. To receive this precious gift, we repent (say I'm sorry) of all our wrong doing, (our sins), and ask Jesus to forgive us, (1 John 1:9 - "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong"), and accept him as our Lord and Savior. The gift of eternal life is the most precious gift we could ever receive. Ask Jesus for this gift today, he is always near and waiting to hear from you.

 Dear Jesus, I am sorry for all my sins, please forgive me and come into my heart today. In your holy name. Amen

Revelations 3:3, "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."

God Bless

Sunday, December 27, 2020 Children's Time

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

"Swaddling Clothes for Lambs"

             When I was little, I remember reading in the book of Luke 2:7, "And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in 'swaddling clothes' and laid him in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn."

           I remember wondering "what are swaddling clothes?"

             The shepherds knew what swaddling clothes were.  They also knew where to go look for the baby whose arrival was announced by the angels that night because of the term 'swaddling clothes.'  The shepherds were Levitical Shepherds, meaning their job was to raise the spotless and unblemished lambs used for sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem.  There was only one place where the mother sheep about to lamb were taken to birth their babies, "Migdal Eder," the tower of the flock,  It is spoken about in the book of Micah 4: 8, "And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, into thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem."

             This cave was prepared and cleaned for the arrival of the newborn lambs. The lamb was immediately wrapped in clean swaddling clothes, (cloths tied together by bandage like strips) to protect them from blemish and danger.

             The Bible says, "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."   Luke 2: 16

             How amazing, that God's plan was to send his perfect, spotless, and unblemished sacrificial lamb, Jesus, to us in such a way as this. He came into this world with the sole purpose  to be a sacrifice for us, to bear our sins, to suffer and die on the cross in our place, because he couldn't bear to be separated from us. What Love and what a Gift we have been given.

             This Christmas Season, let us be  joyful and thankful for God's wonderful gift of his son Jesus.

 Dear Heavenly Father, what a truly wonderful gift you have given us in your son, Jesus As we read and understand your word, let our hearts be touched, our minds be amazed, and our mouths confess our belief and praise. In Jesus name , Amen.
God Bless

Sunday, December 20, 2020 - 4th Sunday of Advent

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

"The Christmas Star”

             This December 21st, the Winter Solstice, God is sending the people of Earth an early Christmas Present! A Christmas Star. Astronomers are stating that the planets Jupiter and Saturn are going to come into alignment and appear so close together that they will make a bright light in the sky that can be seen with the naked eye.  The last time this occurred was March 4th, 1226.  It did happen again in 1623, but was not visible to people on earth. This close alignment will not happen again until the year 2080. Astronomers say  the alignment of these planets is rare occurring every 20 years, but this alignment is different in how close these two planets will appear, a tenth of a degree apart, (1/5 the diameter of a full moon).   Even though they will look like they are about to touch, the two planets are still 450 million miles apart.  The scientist compared it to the width of a dime held at arm's length.  

This December 21st, about 45 minutes after sundown, look towards the west, southwest sky.  The     "Christmas Star" will be bright enough to see with the naked eye.   You can also use a pair of binoculars or a telescope to make out a distinction between the two planets.

We know in scripture our Lord created the stars and planets and he holds them together.  In the book of Job, chapter 38 verses 31 - 33, God asks Job, "Can you hold back the movement of the stars? Are you able to restrain the Pleiades or Orion?  Can you ensure the proper sequence of the seasons or guide the constellation of the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?  Do you know the laws of the universe and how God rules the earth?"

When viewing the conjunction of these planets this Christmas season, contemplate on the wise men, who interpreted the  ancient prophecies, and studied the starry skies. Imagine their excitement upon discovering the "Star of Bethlehem," and traveling from their eastern land and after arriving in Jerusalem asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him." ( Matthew 2: 2).

This Christmas, let us come worship him also, for this newborn king of the Jews is our King too. God has promised that through this King Jesus, his precious son, all the world can receive his gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Wouldn't you like to receive these gifts? You can, free to all who will just ask of God. What a gift, to have a relationship with the holy King of Kings.

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus, and a chance of a glimpse of a Christmas Star to remind us of his incredible birth. All good gifts come from you.  Thank you, and Amen

God Bless

Sunday, December 13, 2020 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields
“The Light of the World”

             When our children were younger, Daddy would have them help him hang Christmas lights on the house, and make tall Christmas trees for the front lawn out of metal poles, wire and of course using strands of hundreds of Christmas lights.  Dad would say, "You see the biggest tree there? It has 1500 lights on it.” He usually made 4 or 5 trees, then tell us to get ready to be "awed" when he plugged them in. The awesomeness usually lasted a minute or two before a fuse was blown and dad would have to rearrange a few cords, and find another outlet to plug in the lights, but after that we would hold our breath as the brilliant and spectacular show of lights returned. 

As it got closer to Christmas, we would drive the children around town at night so they could see the light displays downtown and in the different neighborhoods.  You could hear their excited voices in the back seat, "Oooh, look at that house!" or  “Wow, look at all those lights!"

The custom of lights at Christmas goes back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles which symbolized Christ being the light of the world.

In the book of John, chapter one verse 5, " The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."

Verse 9 says, "The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world."

Verse 14 states, "So the word became human and lived here on earth among us.  He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.  And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father."

This Christmas season as you gaze in wonder and awe at the lights of Christmas, the Advent candles, the thousands of bright twinkling Christmas lights in your own town and on your own Christmas tree, remember the true light during this season of lights, our King Jesus, the gift of God, who lived here among us, God in the flesh himself.  John the Baptist said this to the people about Jesus, "We have all benefited from the rich blessing he brought to us- one gracious blessing after another." (John 1: 16)

This Christmas invite the light of the world into your heart, experience his gracious blessings.

Dear God, thank you for sending us your son Jesus. May we all experience the wonderful blessings of your precious gift. In Jesus name, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, December 6, 2020 - 2nd Sunday of Advent - Gospel for God's Children

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

                 December first, the beginning of Advent,  that which has been awaited, the coming!  It's finally here! The arrival of a notable person, thing or event!

                 As a child you know how excited you get about your own birthday, but also as a child you know how excited you get about Jesus' birthday, which is a thousand times more exciting!!!  Everyone in the world celebrates His birthday. Lights, decorations, parades, parties, presents for everyone, candy and the food! 

God was so excited about His Son's birth that he sent out birth announcements hundreds of years before his tiny son arrived in the world.

There was enough time to build him a world class hospital to be born in, but instead, folks were caught off guard and taken by surprise, so our little King was born in a cattle stall, in a sheep fold, greeted into the world by startled and humble shepherds. The wise men were somewhat more prepared at least, they brought baby shower gifts that were fit for a king.

In the book of Isaiah chapter 7: 14,  it says, "All right then, the Lord himself will choose a sign.  Look! The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel- ' God is with us.'” Also in the book of Isaiah, chapter 9:6 "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  And the government will rest on his shoulders.  These will be his royal titles:  Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah wrote these prophetic words 700 - 681 BC. These verses told who Jesus was In the book of Micah, chapter 5 : 2, written around 742 - 687, he tells the location where Jesus would be born.  "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah.  Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, whose origins are from the distant past."

The Life Application Bible states that "God promised to provide a new king  to bring strength and peace to his people.”  Hundred of years before Christ's birth, God promised that the eternal king would be born in Bethlehem.  It was God's great plan to restore his people through the Messiah.

The gift of salvation was God's gift to us through His Son, Jesus the Messiah.  The gift of eternal life when we leave this life, to be delivered by angels before our heavenly father in heaven, our new home.  A forever home, perfect in every way.  All because God loves us.  

This Christmas season, let us each and everyone accept the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ into our hearts.  In the book of Revelations chapter 3:20, it states, "Look!  I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."

Jesus is at your heart's door, will you invite him in this Christmas?

Welcome Jesus with your heart home, it's so much nicer than a stable.

  Thank you God for your gift of Jesus.  This Christmas we pray that everyone will accept him into their heart homes. Help us all to share the good news of his birth with others that they too may have the gift of his salvation. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Merry Christmas and God Bless

Sunday, November 29, 2020 - 1st Sunday of Advent - Children's Time

"The Eucharistia"
from the "Book of Mysteries,” by Jonathan Cahn

             The pupil and the teacher were sitting by the fire at night.  The teacher had in his hand a piece of unleavened bread, matzah.  He broke off a piece and handed the rest to the pupil.  They partook.

"The bread of the Passover," he said, "as Messiah gave to His disciples at the Last Supper."

"Communion," the pupil said.

"Which is from the Passover.  And do you know what some call that bread?"

"The Eucharist," the pupil replied.

"Yes.  And do you know where that word comes from?  It comes from the Greek word, Eucharistia.  It appears in the Scriptures.  But it doesn't mean bread."

"What then?"

"Eucharistia means to give or to say a blessing."

"So why do people think it's the bread?"

"It was what Messiah said over the bread.  It's what the Jewish people have said over the bread for ages.  It was the Hebrew blessing known as the Motzi.”  He said, "Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohaynu Melekh Ha Olam, ha motzi lechem min ha aretz," which means, 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."

"So the eucharistia is not the bread but the blessing of thanks for the bread."

"Yes," said the teacher, " And what does that tell you?"

"That life is not about things."

"Exactly.  It tells you that your life does not consist of objects, but of the blessings you say over them....the thanks you give for them.  You see, it doesn't matter how much or how little you have on earth.  What matters is how much thanks you give for what you have.  The one who is rich in possessions but poor in thankfulness is, in the end, poor.  But the one who is poor in possessions but rich in giving thanks is, in the end, rich.  And what was the bread over which Messiah gave thanks?  It was the symbol of His suffering and death.  Yet He spoke a blessing over it and gave thanks for it.  For those who give thanks in all things have the power to turn curses into blessings... and sorrows into joy... the power of the eucharistia... to live a life of blessing."

Seek today not to increase what you have, but to increase your thanks for what you have.  Give thanks in all things.  The greater your Thanksgiving, the greater will be your life.

Read - Psalms 136;.   Luke 22: 14 - 23;. 1 Timothy 6: 6 - 8

Thank you Father, for your many blessings, for loving us,  and for the gift of salvation through your blessed son Jesus Christ. Help us to learn to be thankful for what we have  In Jesus name, Amen

God Bless