Last week a friend said, “Take time to remember.” Perhaps, he suggested this because in 30 months, I will reach retirement age. So, I took his advice, and now thinking back, I remember how GOD choose to take little things in my life and make a Big Move for the cause of Christ. The year was 1994, and I was one of the leaders in church chaperoning our youth choir on a week-long retreat to Garden City Chapel at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. There would be group Bible studies, time for reflection, journaling, and prayer. However, there were rules the youth would not embrace.

Ø Everyone had to be on our campsite by 9:00pm, and in the rooms by 10:00 pm.

Ø Mandatory lights out at 11:00pm.

Ø No radios or televisions permitted on the site (This was before the iPhone era).

To compound the stress, we were going to be performing concerts, holding seven backyard Bible Clubs, and we would be witnessing to the Lifeguards, vacationers, and the homeless. No surprise the girls volunteered to witness to the lifeguards, leaving me with 15 young men who were not eager to talk with strangers, little alone share their faith. Now, as I stood on the beach wondering what to do GOD said, “Build a Sandcastle.” Not understanding why, I said “Yes LORD”, I knelt and began making a simple mound. Then, slowly but surely our youth began to ask, “Jay Adam what are you doing?”  To which I said, “Just building a sandcastle, would you like to help”? To my surprise they each said, “Sure, what’s the plan.” I replied, “I don’t have a plan, let’s just trust GOD.” One by one people on the beach came by to see what we were doing. Now here is a GOD moment, we never shared a verse of scripture. We did not have a chance as the crowd began to proclaim what they thought we were making. Sporadically they began talking too and listening to each other asking about their life circumstances. Then as the cross became evident one by one Christians in the crowd began to witness by sharing, praying, and praising GOD. Looking back, I realize all GOD desired was our availability. We planted a seed of faith that day, others watered, and GOD brought in the Harvest…isn’t that what we are supposed to do daily? I challenge each of you to incorporate a time to remember GOD’s Faithfulness. Let the cross of Christ become evident in your life. 

Every day we make hundreds of decisions. Many decisions we make we are not particularly aware of. Decisions like to stop here, to go there, to eat here, and whom we choose to interact with during our day. Nonetheless, some decisions before us are weighty with lasting consequences. Let’s examine how to make tough decisions in the light of GOD’s will. Many decisions will keep us up at night, and some decisions are life-threatening, or even life changing. These kinds of decisions are frightening and tough! Before we make decisions the first thing to consider is does this path align with GOD’s will for our lives! We want to be wise and discerning, and above all remain in the center of HIS will!

 

First, let me say all decisions should be made in light of GOD’s word. Therefore, the Bible should be the plumb line by which our lives are measured. However, there are some decisions that get muddled up with emotions, possibilities, and plain out indecisiveness. This is when we like Lauri need to listen for the voice of GOD. We know the prophets and patriarchs throughout the ages have heard GOD’s voice and proclaimed his message with confidence. We believe our GOD still speaks to us today, therefore we need to listen for HIS voice. But how do we hear GOD’s voice? Our lives are noisy, and our heads are filled with so many voices vying for our attention, and ways to influence our decisions. So how do we receive clear guidance from GOD for our everyday lives? I admit the answer is easy, however it is difficult to accomplish. The prophetic question, how to receive guidance from GOD? The simple answer is through listening prayers. A Listening prayer centers around a clear request for GOD’s guidance. In making our request, we submit to GOD’s guidance and authority over the other voices we hear throughout our daily lives. Then we hit the pause button. We wait on GOD in a time of silence, giving the Lord opportunity to speak to us. We focus our time of prayer on intentional, purposeful listening, and letting GOD do the talking.

In closing, I would like to share the following quote: “Sometimes in order to keep moving forward, not only must you take one step at a time, but you must be willing to look back occasionally and evaluate your past, no matter how painful it is. Looking back lets you know whether or not you are headed in the right direction” (G.K. Adams).

 

Soli Deo Gloria

Yours in Christ

Jay Adam Pearson   

 How do you measure a man? This question has often been posed, and when I served from 2011-2013 as Grand Master in South Carolina, I put together a short video. Recently, I was asked about the video and for a copy, so I have provided the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnG2OYIsOBI

 

Be it far from me

Have you ever heard or read something that did not make any sense? Not a ridiculous saying, I am referring to a statement that causes you to stop and say what and read the phrase again or simply ask the person who said it to repeat what they said. I have always loved history, therefore, and it was the Old Testament that I read first. Here we find little-known, and less-studied verses in the Bible.

2 Samuel Chapter 23 vs. 14-17

¹⁴ And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

¹⁵ And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

¹⁶ And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless, he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord.

¹⁷ And he said, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? Therefore he would not drink it.

2 Samuel Chapter 23 records the names of David’s mighty men and recounts some stories about each of them. One story is from David’s exile, when he had to flee King Saul who was trying to kill him. King Saul was well aware his days as the king of Israel were numbered. Not only had the prophet, Samuel, foretold the end of Saul’s reign, but Samuel had also anointed David as his successor while Saul was still the king. Rather than submitting to the will of the Lord, however, Saul considered David a threat and sought to kill him. Consequently, David was on the run, hiding from Saul throughout the land of Israel for over four years. From Gibeah to Moab, and from the wilderness of Ziph to Ein Gedi, David and his men hid in shelters, strongholds, and caves, and even found refuge among the Philistines. One of David’s earliest and most trusted hideouts was the Cave at Adullam.

Adullam was located in the Shephelah region of Israel just south of the upper end of the Elah Valley where the hills begin to rise into the Judean Highlands. It was just five miles from the site where David slew the Philistine giant Goliath, propelling him into fame throughout all of Israel. In these verses, three of David’s men overheard him longing for water from the well of Bethlehem, where he was born and spent the days of his youth. Imagine a sweltering, dusty summer day as David remembered the cool water from the village well of his tender youth. Since David had been a shepherd, we can infer he often stopped at this well for his sheep to gain refreshment. I can imagine this little shepherd boy longing for days of yesteryear when he thought of the refreshing waters. Certainly, David had not given orders for his men to bring him water from that well. Neither, had he intended his friends and companions to be prompted by his words to attempt a dangerous journey. Nonetheless, these three valiant men took his longing seriously and broke through enemy lines to draw water for David from the well of Bethlehem. Only to trod the same perils traversing back to their sanctuary to bring David what they perceived he desired. It was approximately 25 miles round trip. Yes, they were on a journey and a mission for certain. It was then as I reflected on those four words that perplexed me. I realized it was not the journey or even the destination. Because David’s men brought him water at the risk of their own lives, he considered it too precious to drink himself and instead poured it out as an offering to God. This was David’s way of proclaiming, the truth “Only God is worthy of such a sacrifice” this remarkable gift. This little shepherd boy, giant killer, and anointed King of Israel declares “Be it Far From Me” did you hear it, did you see it. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” David was in solitude and reflection in Adullam. GOD alone is worthy and desires the gift of our devotion. So as I pondered this magnificent journey called life I realized four truths:

1. Everyone is on their way somewhere.
2. The reflection we see in the mirror tomorrow results from today’s labor.
3. Servants exist to serve, not to be served.
4. There is a difference between isolation and solitude.

On Our Way Somewhere

 

From the dawn of life, we are on a journey,

 a destination for certain

What shall we each accomplish

before the final curtain?

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

In tender youth condemnation is certain

 but grace will never die

Relinquish your firm grasp

 emptying yourself of all futile pride

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

The time for committed – faithful –

 valiant men are at hand

Our best - our all - our devotion

 are what GOD demands

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

When we arrive will it be a warm embrace

 or utter despair 

Recalling each act done or undone

in love - and gentleness we shared

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

When evening falls waiting

in the darkness will be a saint or fiend

The result from our youth

what we embraced - nurtured and trained

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

Strangely it seems as if we just began

this road of pitfalls everywhere 

Peering back, we see more clearly now

 HIS mercy - love and sheltered care

After all - everyone is on their way somewhere

 

Our ransomed soul for all eternity

GOD’s amazing love now declares 

For then we will greet ourselves

 this man we have prepared

Only to walk together - on our way somewhere

 

Soli Deo Gloria

Jay Adam Pearson

    I hope you take advantage of the solitude during these trying times of countless holiday celebrations and connect with your family. Here in the scriptures, we read another insight into the life of this “man after God’s own heart.” David held his men in such high esteem that it is no surprise that these “valiant men” of Israel loved their king. Yes, the time for committed valiant men was at hand…and men of GOD nothing has changed.

Your friend and brother,

Jay Adam 

 

What is the Greatest Commandment of all?

This was a common question the Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots liked to debate. Consequently, Jesus was not the first Rabi to whom they had posed this question.

Like many of you, I have had many challenges in my life, including family, work, and personal challenges. Far too often, the older we get, the more we rely upon ourselves, and less upon faith, family, and friends. I have made this mistake far too often. So, as I sit here Sunday, November 17, 2024, I write this for myself and maybe someone who finds their way to my Blog. 

LIVE IT OUT

 

On the mountain or in the valley our daily walk with CHRIST is often filled with doubt and rejection of what we know we need to accomplish. Praise GOD for the struggles of life because this is when true growth will come. The Holy Spirit begins working in our hearts in our essence to bring us back into GOD’s will, ultimately living as GOD intended us to live. At the essence of each of the Ten Commandments is an underlying invitation from GOD to a better life. The commands are intended to help us live the life GOD intended for us to live, free from the consequences of sin while in a deep, personal relationship with GOD, and others.

Connect: The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family, and the few people who really know you and share their lives with you.

Grow: Allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in CHRIST is our greatest aim.

Journal: Claim GOD’s blessings by dating your entries. Dating your entries gives you a chronological timeline as well as allows you to note the space between journal entries. Another benefit is when Satan claims GOD is not faithful you can claim GOD’s faithfulness by pointing out specific blessings, times, and dates.

Go: Go to your prayer closet, and worship the LORD our GOD. Next, share the good news!

The Great Commission

^16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

^18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Let’s look at Matthew Chapter 22: 37-40

^37-40 Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

What do you think it means to love God with all of your heart? …soul? …mind?

I like the way the Message idiomatic translation/ personal paraphrase explains our text. “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.”

1^st Commandment

“You shall have no other gods before me”

Exodus 20:3

Deuteronomy 5:7

 

The remaining nine commandments proscribe certain actions for GOD’s people. The first commandment, however, is unique in it regulates a certain relationship between GOD and HIS people. Biblical morality is predicated upon the reality there is only one GOD, and HE must be worshiped to the exclusion of all others.

So how do we do this? I believe it comes down to four cornerstone building blocks.

v Adoration- Bowing in humility and  worship to GOD’s majesty

v Trust- Let go and rest secure in GOD’s power and perfection

v Invocation- Seek God’s Face claiming HIS promise to sustain us in our time of need

v Thanksgiving- We recognize God as the fount of every blessing

 

God never intended for the children of Israel to apply the 10 commandments so they could merit their own righteousness. Consider how the 10 commandments were given to Moses after the LORD redeemed them from Egypt by his mercy, love, and grace 430 years after GOD’s promise to Abraham. The children of Israel were to keep the 10 commandments in gratitude for a salvation already accomplished. Today, we obey GOD in thankfulness for His mercy, love, grace, and redemption accomplished at Calvary. We no longer have to wait for Jesus to come, instead of looking forward to the old covenant like the children of Israel did, we look back to Calvary. Here is how Luke records it: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood’ ” (Luke 22:19-20).

Questions to Ponder, Reflect, and Grown on:

1.    What gods do I need to forsake?

 

2.   Whom do I praise?

 

3.   Who is my refuge?

 

4.   Whom do I count on?

 

5.   Whom do I call for?

 

6.   Whom do I thank?

 

7.   Who is worthy of our true devotion?

 

May our prayer be today and every day,

 

LORD I WILL HAVE NOTHING BEFORE YOU!

I AM THE WAY

 

O Come, O Come, Emanuel

For night after night, they appear

Day after day beckoning farewells

Accusers rising to condemn and jeer

 

These cohorts of sin’s embrace

Obscured shadows in death-abiding

Ridiculing reproach in vile abase

Those in Jesus, who are confiding

 

Father, gather all who are yours

Amid the roar and reason of life

Crashing upon the battered shores

Of endless words in frantic strife

 

United in prayers fervent chase

Void of the burden of sin to carry

Grace, grace, unconditional grace

So, there is no need to sit and tarry

 

For Christ hath borne all our pain

 Amid every storm and tempest gale

To live is Christ, and to die is gain

 HE willingly carried our travail

 

Supported by GOD’s very breath

Sanctified forever never to feel

The chilling gust of looming death

Yes, by HIS stripes we are healed

 

Now, listen for HIS voice is calling

Salvation from thy tender youth

THE WORD didst all the proving

I AM the Way, I AM the Truth! 

 

Solus Christus

 

Jay Adam Pearson