CONTENDING WITHOUT CONTENTION Jude wrote, “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude v.3). Some become fixated on the words “contend for the faith,” and become quite contentious, following a “scorched earth” policy as they seek impose their image of…Keep Reading

Loved ones were away at war, and the battle was getting closer to home. There was no communication of any kind, except for the occasional rumor. You tried to keep the faith but worry and wait seem to travel together. Then it happens one day. You first hear a distant voice yelling something. A messenger from the battlefield is coming. You nervously wait as he comes down the mountain and…Keep Reading

KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF We are told, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” One man said, “Everyone is entitled to my opinion.” That is the mantra of many opinionated people who want to judge others who do not adhere to the opinions of the opinionated. Paul wrote, “The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God” (Romans 14:22). He was not talking about saving faith—faith in Christ….Keep Reading

“You should mind your own business and work with your hands…” 1Thessalonians 4:11 The Clock on the church wall seemed to never be correct. The pastor hung a sign below it that said. “Don’t blame the hands for pointing wrong, the problem goes deeper.” The same is true for us when we sin. If our hands are doing the wrong things it is because of a deeper problem. Sooner or…Keep Reading

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Read Matthew 18:15-29) These are good words, but many have been disappointed by them. The disappointment did not come because they are not true, they are very…Keep Reading

“Awake, awake; put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city!” Isaiah 52:1a What we put on this morning will probably depend on our plans for the day. The same is true concerning our spiritual attire. First, we must rise and shine. The enemy sows tares in the fields while we sleep. Do not say, “Just a little more sleep,” awake to the…Keep Reading

Mark Chapter 1 I will make you become fishers of men. Link to YouTube Video From Pastor Will Shewey 1st Photo: Caesarea Aqueduct by the Mediterranean Sea March 2023 2nd Photo: Daily Feeding Lunches the HungryToday, Bernadette and Becky are joyfully preparing sandwiches a try God’s Living Room this morning. Thankful for the faithful Shades family. NEWS AT SHADES OF GRACE: PAL – A group is being formed for support…Keep Reading

“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 These words were part of Jeremiah’s prayer. His meditation reflected the difficult and frustrating, even painful, times he was going through. Suddenly during his “Lord I’m hurting” prayer, he speaks joyfully about his rediscovery of…Keep Reading

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8 Sometimes it seems like our dog Duke just can’t get close enough. He will lay at my feet and look up with loving eyes. I wish that I was more that way about getting closer to God. In one sense God cannot get any closer to us than he already is; He is closer than our next…Keep Reading

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 Last evening at church, a friend and I were remembering the wisdom of Bishop L. Scott Allen back in the seventies. He said that pastors must be ready to preach, pray, and die at all times. While pastor of the Graham circuit (My second appointment)…Keep Reading

“Heavenly Father; I just feel the need to share a prayer with everyone. I know there have been times when I didn’t know what to say or pray to You. However, You have always been there for me, and given me strength and courage when I needed it most! I’d like to start by just saying; “Thank You” for this day, and “Thank You” for restoring my health to me….Keep Reading

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 Christianity is constantly making its way through many voices and opinions in the pursuit of faithfulness. One of our greatest priorities should be to strengthen our…Keep Reading