Pursue Truth https://pursuetruthministry.com Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com The Church According to Ephesians https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/17/the-church-according-to-ephesians Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:56:21 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/17/the-church-according-to-ephesians
The Church is called to be the visible presence of Jesus in this world. However, modern church culture has often reduced the church to merely a meeting that happens in a church building—an event people attend once or twice a week. With this mentality, the church often means very little to us, and it's no wonder we find our churches lifeless and full of empty religion. We must return to biblical New Testament Christianity.

So, what does a New Testament church look like? How is it structured, and who should be the leaders in our churches? Let's begin by going to Ephesians chapter 4 and discovering our blueprint.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV)

How Do We Grow?

Every Member Equipped for Ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12)

As we see, "some" have been given specific gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to equip the rest of the saints for the work of ministry. It's not solely the responsibility of "ministers" to do the work of the ministry; rather, it is the entire body's responsibility. Yes, even the ordinary churchgoer who thinks they have nothing to contribute to their local congregation has been tasked to do the work of ministry.

Without the few in leadership faithfully using their gifts of teaching, prophecy, evangelism, and shepherding, the whole body cannot be healthy. The church is the body of Christ, and our Savior did not die for a weak, useless body. Stop believing the lies the devil has whispered in your ears to convince you to stay on the sidelines of your faith. Your Father has given you unique gifts. While you may have similar gifts to others in your church, those gifts express themselves differently based on the unique "packaging" they come in—namely, the way you were fearfully and wonderfully made. Therefore, you are needed. Instead of your distinctiveness being a hindrance, it is precisely what God uses to do the work of the ministry. No one can serve like you because they aren't you.

Growing to Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13)

Verse 13 reveals what we should be striving for: unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and growth into a "perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." An immature, ineffective Christian is often weak in either their understanding of truth or their ability to apply it. Do you gather with the saints simply to check a box? Do you leave week after week unchanged and no closer to your Savior?

You cannot grow into the fullness of Christ without submitting yourself to Godly leadership. Just as little children need the protection and provision of their earthly parents, we need the spiritually compelling voices of those who have, with endurance, already traveled the road we are on. We do not learn the truth merely to be properly informed; the truth must also be properly applied in our lives so that we may grow to the fullness of Christ.

Avoiding Spiritual Instability (Ephesians 4:14)

Without the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our churches and in our own daily lives, we will experience what verse 14 describes: being "no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." This instability is prevalent in our day.
If this description resembles your church or your own personal story of sanctification, then your example of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom is suffering. The light you are shining is dimmed by a lack of consistent expression of truth and love in your life, which consequently hinders the work of the church as a whole.

Speaking Truth in Love and Mutual Edification (Ephesians 4:15-16)

These verses are the picture of the whole—the wonderful vision of what the Church should be. We are called to speak the truth, yes, but always, always in love. This isn't just about avoiding harshness; it's about the very motive and method of our communication. Truth without love can be destructive, and love without truth is ultimately empty. It's in this powerful combination that we "grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ." This growth isn't a solitary journey; it's a corporate one.

Notice the imagery: "the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies." Think of the intricate design of your own body. Each bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament has a specific function, and when even one part isn't working correctly, the entire body suffers. You might limp, struggle to lift something, or experience persistent pain. The Church is no different.

"According to the effective working by which every part does its share" – this is the core truth we must reclaim! It's not about a few super-Christians carrying the weight of the ministry. It's about every single member understanding and actively engaging in their God-given role. Your unique gifts, your specific passions, your particular experiences—these are not accidental. They are precisely what God intends to use for the building up of His Church. Whether your gift is hospitality, prayer, administration, encouragement, mercy, or a combination of these, your contribution is vital. When you withhold your "share," the body is weakened, and its growth is hindered.

The ultimate outcome of this faithful participation is profound: it "causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." The Church doesn't grow simply through larger numbers, but through the mutual building up of its members in love. This is a dynamic, organic process where each person’s ministry serves to strengthen and mature the others, creating a vibrant, living organism that truly reflects Christ to a watching world.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We stop seeing church as an obligation or a spectator sport. We embrace our identity as vital members of Christ's body. We actively seek to understand our gifts and how we can deploy them for the good of the whole. We commit to a community where truth is spoken in love, where leaders equip, and where every "joint" is supplying its part.

This is the New Testament blueprint: a call to a living, breathing, impactful Church that moves beyond the building and into the world—a powerful testament to the fullness of Christ in our lives. It’s time to stop standing on the sidelines and step into the vital role God has uniquely called you to play in His Kingdom. The health and mission of the Church depend on it.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/17/the-church-according-to-ephesians#comments 0 What Should My Church Look Like? https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/01/what-should-my-church-look-like Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:36:58 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/01/what-should-my-church-look-like
My church went without a pastor for 17 months. That kills a lot of churches. So now we have almost reached a reset - a blank slate. I think that when a young pastor is called to pastor a church, the church knows that a new and different vision is likely to come with him.

This church is a good church with wonderful folks. My vision is to have a church and ministry that is discipleship focused. We have to have new people to disciple… disciples of all ages. My current goal for our church is for each and every person to be able to disciple someone. So, let's look at what our church should look like when people walk in.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

I believe that this is vital to, not only church growth and survival, but also church health and viability in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Discipleship in Practice: Titus 2:1-8

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” - Titus 2:1-8 (NKJV)

This scripture splits the church into people groups. Not one can survive the church without the other. Let’s dig into what the Spirit inspired Paul to write in Titus.

Group One: Older Men

(V2) Sober - it is written of deacons and bishops in 1 Timothy 3:3-8, that they not be given much wine. Paul writes this of all older men in the Titus church. It is tough to give sound advice if your brain is swimming in liquor.

Reverent - KJV reads “grave”. This does not mean you must be a solemn, stone-faced man that never laughs. You should be respected. For good reason, not for fear that you may lash out. The word, “grave”, means to be dignified. There is a certain dignity that an older man must carry. This dignity, in the right situation, produces respect from those around him.

Temperate - this is a word, or rather an attitude, that leads to discretion and self control. This is all based in sound, biblical teaching. God wants us to be prepared for the unknown future, all while living a good life following scriptural principles. Frivolous and careless use of God’s provision is the exact opposite of this which is based in ignorance. One thing old men are not is ignorant and unlearned. Don’t act like it!

Sound in faith, in love, and in patience - All three of these go hand in hand. You ought to know why you believe something and be able to show why you believe it. Your convictions should be based on sound doctrine and scripture, not because that is what grandma taught me 60 years ago in Sunday school.

Now on the note of what grandma taught, let’s look at the next demographic Paul talks about:

Group Two: Older Women

(V3-4) Paul writes the word, “likewise” which means “in the same way, as well, also, in like manner.” This means that the older women should possess the same character traits listed for the men, plus a few that he lists for them as they fulfill their role in the church.

Reverent in behavior - these should be respectable just like the men. But so should your behavior. How you dress, how you carry yourselves, speak, and also how you teach your families.

Not slanderers - These women should not be treading over the same or reputation of another person. Not a word to run someone down should come from your mouth. That is not just for older women, but we should all live the same.

Not given to much wine - This is the same deal as the men. It is kind of tough to do this next part if you are hammered drunk.

Teachers of good things  - Many older women who are godly women are excellent teachers. These women are able to teach you not only to make your bed, brush your teeth, and cook, but also biblical principles to live by. These women, much like the older men, want to see the next generation grow into their spot knowing they have been instilled with biblical, Godly truth.

These women serve, among many others, one more purpose listed here: “teach the young women to…” So this will also hold to truth what our young women should look like in our church, which is our next demographic.

The older folks in our church are vital, they are the ground floor of this church. They hold experience, wisdom, and knowledge that is to be passed to the next generation.

  • “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31
  • “Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understand.” Job 12:12

They also help to grow a young pastor into a pastor to lead the future generations years down the road. Elder members should be like the wise man in the ancient proverb. Plant trees for someone else’s shade.

Group Three: Younger Women

(V4-5) Older women were responsible for teaching younger women these things because you all had to learn to do them too. So, as Paul writes to Titus, who better among them was there to teach things of this nature than the elder women?

Love your husbands - The love of the husband is the first step to a successful household. Many families split. Why? Because during the course of raising a family, the couple “love” the children so much and get caught up in the busyness of life that they forget how to love each other. Guess who is there when the nest is empty? Your spouse; loving that person is vital to a happy, healthy relationship.

Love your children - Building off the last statement, your children come second. You can always make more (LOL, just kidding). Your children are important. You should love your children so much that their butts get sore from time to time. That is part of raising them. Proverbs 13:24 says, “The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.” God uses discipline with us in love, so should we for our children also (Hebrews 12:7). Mothers are vital in this role even though most fathers are disciplinarians. If mothers play no role in discipline, then they become a safe haven for the child to escape their consequences.

To be discreet - This means to have a correct and disciplined outlook on her ministry, which is the home. Not only at home, but in public also. This can also be looked at through the eyes of “self control”. If us parents are not disciplined, how can we ever discipline your children?

Chaste - to be pure in mind, heart, and conduct. As a Christian, this calls for a life undefiled by sin, reflecting moral excellence and integrity, and aiming to honor God in all thoughts, desires, and actions.

Homemakers - This does not suggest that wives are to be kept in the house like a prisoner, but rather that they care for the home and guide the home. In 1 Timothy 5:14, Paul advises that young women manage the home. This is part of your ministry.

Good and obedient - These two go hand in hand. Good is better translated to kind. The christian wife should have no issue following under the leadership of the Godly husband.

Section Four: Younger Men

Now we have heard mention of husbands, let’s look at what Titus was instructed of the younger men. Just as older folks do, young men play a vital role inside the church: They are the upcoming generation to lead the church. Titus was to be the exhortation and example to these younger men. I whole-heartedly believe that just as much as Titus is to be the example, so should the elder men. To start, we hear the word “likewise” again.

Sober-minded  - These boys are to be sober and available to those in need. Young and old. They also need to be able to be taught or coachable. Uncoachable young men typically find themselves in trouble.

Now we see a shift in the writing, moving away from encouragement and to a teaching of doctrine and an example to the men. “Showing thyself” - your pattern should be followable. These young men should have a good example to follow by looking at you. That is a tall order, but scripture and biblical, Godly truth will keep you on the right path.

Now we see the teaching. “...in doctrine…” - showing different things doctrinally (biblical principles). The world’s manly man and the Lord’s Godly man are two totally different things. We need to be Biblical Godly men not worldly men.

Integrity - being able to be counted on and a man of your word.

Reverence - Being respectful and respectable. We should be worthy of the elder men’s respect and not expect it. Being humble is far better received than being arrogant.

Incorruptibility - This is not self-achieved. This is only achieved by the grace of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

(V8) Sound speech - so that when people slander your name, they will be shamed because they cannot find anything worth throwing you under the bus. That is tough with the temptations of today. We should all live by this exhortation also.
Every generation and every role is vital to our church's health and mission. God is actively at work in the life of every believer, preparing them for good works (Ephesians 2:10). If you are unsure of the unique part you play in the church, the Body of Christ, or if you desire to serve your purpose at a higher level, dedicating time to build your relationship with God is the most impactful place to begin.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/07/01/what-should-my-church-look-like#comments 0 Jesus Knows Us... All of Us https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/14/jesus-knows-us-all-of-us Sat, 14 Jun 2025 21:26:12 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/14/jesus-knows-us-all-of-us
Have you ever stopped to consider how intimately God knows you? Not just your actions or your words, but the deepest desires and hidden corners of your heart? This isn't just a comforting thought; it's a foundational truth of our faith, one that shapes everything from how we approach belief to how we truly follow Jesus. In a world that often tells us to "follow our hearts," scripture presents a radically different, yet profoundly liberating, perspective.

Today, we're going to explore this powerful truth: Jesus Christ knows our hearts completely. He sees beyond superficial appearances, understanding our true motivations and the very "soil" of our faith. This knowledge isn't meant to condemn us, but to call us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him—one that requires us to deny our flesh and embrace His path, finding true rest and joy along the way. Let's dig into the Scriptures to uncover what it means for the Lord to truly know what is in humanity, and how that knowledge invites us to a life of faithful obedience.

John 2:23-25

“While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.”  - John 2:23-25 (CSB)

  • (V23) Many believed. The Greek word translated for “believed” here truly means to fully commit one's trust. These folks did this. They committed themselves to Christ in the flesh, as a prophet, but not as part of the Trinity—God as the Son and Messiah. These people believed in Christ for superficial reasons, and Christ knew that.

  • (V24) Christ did not entrust himself to these people. He knew the soil into which this seed was sown. This soil was rocky. Their faith sprang up quickly, but as soon as the sun shone down and the water didn't soak in, weeds thrived in that environment. Guess what happened to that superficial faith? It was scorched by the sun, and then the weeds came up to choke out the young plant. Faith in Christ cannot be superficial. For you to grow in Christ and experience abundant joy and knowledge, you must be connected on a deeper level than just superficially.

  • (V25) Christ did not need anyone to tell Him about humanity. He knew what was in their hearts. They would no more commit themselves to Him than they would to "man on the moon" (a hyperbolic phrase suggesting extreme unlikelihood).

What does Scripture say of the heart?

“The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable - who can understand it? I, the LORD, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.” -Jeremiah 17:9-10 (CSB)

But Brother Jesse, didn't Jesus say to follow your heart? As a matter of fact, Jesus says the opposite:

“Calling to the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, ‘If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’” -Mark 8:34 (CSB)

Jesus doesn’t want us to follow our hearts. We've seen where God spoke to Jeremiah about what our heart truly is. Then we hear Jesus say this from Mark 8, “deny himself.” Deny the flesh, that prison that keeps you in shame and misery. It takes work, and that work can be hard, tough to deal with, and heavy to carry at times. But Jesus tells us:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB)

Jesus knows our heart. He wants us to deny our flesh and follow Him, cross on our backs. If you have that cross on you, I sure hope that you are prepared for it to get heavy at times. We don’t have the ability to understand all of God’s ways or His divine design. So sometimes that faith is tested and stretched. If you cling to the old rugged cross, one day you will exchange it for a crown. How true is that?

So, God knows our heart; He knows who we are. Do we know who God is? Do we truly understand the heart of the Father? Do we honestly know that the blood is applied to your name in that Book of Life? Jesus didn’t die on a cross and rise again to see you suffer. Struggle, yes, but not suffer. Don’t suffer with your heart any longer. Turn over a new leaf in life and try Him out. Don’t just try Him, take Him. Take Him at His word. That word is true.

I don’t know where your walk stands, but, church, I can stand before you and testify: Life gets way brighter when you walk God’s path for you. No more fleshly, childish things of the world, as Paul says. Stand up and walk with God. He makes all things possible—but only if you are walking in His way and His will. God doesn’t reward disobedience, but He does openly reward faithful obedience!
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/14/jesus-knows-us-all-of-us#comments 0 Being the Church Instead of Going to Church https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/04/being-the-church-instead-of-going-to-church Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/04/being-the-church-instead-of-going-to-church
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Church”? Gallup data from 2021-2023 shows that 56% of American adults attend a religious service once a year or not at all. So, it is safe to say that half of the country is unchurched. With this number climbing decade after decade, it is simple to assume that most people my age and younger have never had any significant spiritual influence in their life. I’m afraid that is just the start of the bad news. If you were to ask strangers at your local grocery store why they do not attend any religious service, you would probably get a wide variety of answers, but I know many would sound like this:

  • "The church is filled with hypocrites." (Matthew 23:27-28)
  • "They're filled with judgmental people who are ready to tell you where you are wrong, and think they are better than you because they have this religious list of things they Do and Don'ts." (Romans 2:1-3, Luke 18:9-14)
  • "Religion is for the weak-minded; I consider myself too educated and smart for that sort of thing." (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
  • "I don’t see a need for Jesus." (John 14:6)
  • "I have family members who say they’re Christian, but they aren’t any different than I am." (Matthew 7:20, James 2:14-17)

These examples paint a clear picture: the church today could easily be diagnosed with most Christians showing very little of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. Most of our services have been reduced to habits and traditions, where we compare ourselves to one another, wanting to look like we have it all together. (Galatians 6:4)

The church today could easily be diagnosed with most Christians showing very little of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

We go through the motions so much that we resemble Samson, who did not realize that God was no longer with him. (Judges 16:20) There also seems to be a growing number of people who have given up or are close to giving up on the church. I believe there are two main reasons for this. First, people have experienced “church hurt.” It’s no easy thing, but unfortunately, sometimes God’s people—who should be showing fruits of the Spirit like love, patience, joy, kindness, and self-control—are instead described as hypocritical, busybody, phony, or gossips. (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:31-32) Second, a "lone ranger" mentality has brainwashed some to think that "my walk with Jesus is mine and doesn’t affect you, and who are you to say anything to me about my walk; we can do church online and it’s just fine." This lie completely cooperates with our isolationist culture and goes against God’s design for His church. (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

It is time we genuine believers learn how to be the Church instead of just going to church.

Paul reminds us in Romans that the gospel is the answer to all our problems. (Romans 1:16) We must remember that the Kingdom of Heaven on earth is never built through the natural ability of the flesh, or programs, or institutions – it is built by the Holy Spirit! (Zechariah 4:6, John 15:5) The church has made two grave errors. First, the church has been running on the wrong power source, ourselves, and not on the power of the Holy Spirit. We have long forgotten that the same power that brought us out of death into life is the same thing that empowers my Christian life. (Ephesians 1:19-20, Philippians 2:13)

It is time we genuine believers learn how to be the Church instead of just going to church.

Lost people have no appeal to attend our worship services, and most saved people in our churches are immature, unfulfilled, and miserable, with no supernatural life showing up in our services. We go week in and week out, leaving the same as we came in. Many in our churches live what they think is normal Christianity when it is nowhere close to New Testament Christianity.

The second grave error I believe the church makes is, much like Esau, the church has traded its birthright—the gospel—for a bowl of success and worldly acceptance. (Genesis 25:29-34, Hebrews 12:16) The Gospel has been taken off the high biblical shelf and brought down to our level in the name of acceptance, tolerance, and outreach. We pull our punches, so to speak, to not upset the sinner. We do anything and everything to appease the lost into a comfortable, non-threatening environment, trying to remove any excuse for the sinner not to come to our churches. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Galatians 1:6-9) This seemingly small tweak goes unnoticed in most churches, but the disaster it leaves behind has become unavoidable in our country… This disaster is the erosion of the gospel's transformative power, resulting in lukewarm believers who lack spiritual depth, a church indistinguishable from the world, and ultimately, a mission that fails to genuinely draw people into radical discipleship.

If revival is to come to this country, then it must first come to the church. (2 Chronicles 7:14) This path can only be found through self-abandonment and a return to Biblical New Testament Christianity. Dear child of God, we must take God’s word and allow it to heal our past and prepare us for our future as a part of a body in a local church. Jesus is not physically present here on this earth, and He has given His bride, the church, the role of being His representative. Despite its flaws and messiness, you cannot separate Jesus, the head, from His body, the church. (Colossians 1:18) Do not think that you can love Jesus and not be devoted to His bride. Now, the question is, what does New Testament Christianity look like? In my next blog, we are going to look closely at Ephesians 4:11-16 in an effort to see what God’s word says a New Testament church should look like.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/06/04/being-the-church-instead-of-going-to-church#comments 0 Faith That Acts https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/28/faith-that-acts Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:01:47 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/28/faith-that-acts
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.” - Hebrews 11:1-3 (CSB).

This foundational definition sets the stage for understanding a faith that moves beyond mere belief.

Has anyone ever made a New Year’s Resolution? Has anyone ever followed through with it? I have and I have not. I decided not to make one this year, but I told myself I need to do things differently to continue to grow in Christ and be better for Him. One place I chose to make a few changes was in my faith. This year I am choosing to do some things more, some less; some I have decided I need to do, period, and others I would be better off without. This intentionality echoes the call in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves.”

I have leaned on God for different things over the years, and this year I have decided I want to grow in my faith. We can look through Hebrews 11 to see what faith should look like, but I want to highlight a few main characters.

(NOTE: This entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is one to go into the faith study books. If you want to deepen your faith, look no further. We all struggle with a lack of faith sometimes, especially pastors!)

I have leaned on God for different things over the years, and this year I have decided I want to grow in my faith.

We will call it “My” Faith Hall of Fame. We should start with the one we have all probably got in mind. Genesis 12:1-4. God told Abraham what He would do for him: Get uncomfortable, be vulnerable, and I will bless you. In verse 4, we see how Abram, at the time, responds to what God has told him. He acts. Not for fear of what happens if he doesn’t, but because he knows that God has a better plan for him. This aligns with Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” God has told him what he should do and Abram knew that if God said it, then He meant what He said and said what He meant. This conviction is the bedrock of faith, as Numbers 23:19 declares, “God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?”  

Now jump to Genesis 13:14-17. Keep in mind, Abram and Lot have separated their herdsmen, herds, and families. Lot has chosen to take the Jordan Valley and pitched in the plains near Sodom. (This is the land God told him about in Chapter 12.) Abram didn’t have half a clue where God was sending him. What he did know was the character of God. If God says He will do something, then somehow, someway, that thing will get done. Abram had faith and in his faith walked where God led. This willingness to follow without a clear roadmap demonstrates a profound trust, much like the instruction in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”

(NOTE: Abraham was, by no stretch of the imagination, a perfect man, but he had faith…faith that acted. He wasn’t afraid to follow God’s lead. Why are you? Why am I? Romans 8:28)

Willingness to follow without a clear roadmap shows you trust God.

Going into Genesis 22, God asks Abraham now to take the son He promised, lay him on the altar, and give him as a sacrifice. Abraham knew that, either through the resurrection of Isaac or something else, whatever happened, God would provide that son of promise back to him. Abraham trusted God and had enough faith that he picked up the knife to give his son back to God. This act, though difficult to comprehend, showcases a faith that prioritizes God's command above personal desires, a principle echoed in Matthew 16:24: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’”

That is some crazy faith! To be faithful enough to wander aimlessly, waiting for God to finally say, Here it is. To raise a knife to sacrifice your son because God told you to. That is faith that ACTS. Not just a faith that drags you to church when the doors open, but a faith that, even in the trials of Job, you can offer praise to God because He alone is worthy! Job's unwavering faith in the face of immense suffering (Job 1:20-22) serves as another powerful example of faith in action, even when circumstances are incomprehensible.

Not just a faith that drags you to church... unwavering faith in the face of immense suffering.

The faith of these men and women - not only written of in Hebrews 11, but all throughout Scripture - alone trumps the faith of many believers today. Why? Public opinion? Are we afraid of what people may think or say? Abram wasn’t… Noah wasn’t… Rahab wasn’t. Their focus was on God's approval, not human validation, a principle Paul emphasizes in Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

These are people throughout biblical history that proved faithful in a few things. What does Jesus say about that? “They will be rulers over many” (Matthew 25:23). These people in Hebrews 11 had a faith that ACTED, and as it was said of Abram, his faith was accounted to him as righteous (Romans 4:3). What kind of faith do you have? What kind of faith do you want to have? Come and talk to Jesus about it today! As James 2:17 reminds us, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/28/faith-that-acts#comments 0 Two Challenges to Better Our Walk https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/09/two-challenges-to-better-our-walk Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:31:09 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/09/two-challenges-to-better-our-walk
The scene is set on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, having just fed a multitude, directs His disciples to head across the water while He dismisses the crowds. In the midst of their journey, a familiar foe emerges: a storm. This powerful passage in Matthew 14:22-33 isn't just a dramatic sea tale; it's a profound reflection on our own walks of faith and the challenges we inevitably face. Let's dive into this story, unpack the lessons, and discover how it speaks to us today.

The Gathering Storm (Matthew 14:22-24)

Jesus, ever intentional, sends His disciples ahead (verse 22). He has a purpose in this separation, a lesson waiting to unfold. While they embark, He ascends a mountain to pray (verse 23). This act of solitude, of seeking communion with the Father amidst the demands of ministry, is a powerful example for us. How often do we carve out space to center ourselves, to listen for God's voice amidst the chaos of our daily lives? Just as Jesus sought refuge in prayer, we too need those moments of intentional connection.

Then, the tranquility shatters. Verse 24 paints a vivid picture: the disciples are far from shore, battling a relentless storm. Waves crash, the boat is tossed, and the wind is fiercely against them. Sound familiar? Life often throws us into turbulent waters, where our efforts feel futile against the overwhelming forces. We row with all our might, employing every skill we possess, yet the headwinds persist. We feel battered, overwhelmed, and perhaps even a little hopeless. It's in these moments, when our own strength fails, that the stage is set for something extraordinary.

Walking on Water, Wrestling with Doubt
(Matthew 14:25-32)

In the darkest hours of the night (verse 25), when their fear is likely at its peak, Jesus appears. But in their storm-tossed state (verse 26), they don't recognize Him. Terror grips them; they believe they're seeing a ghost. How often does our fear blind us to the presence of Jesus in our struggles? We become so consumed by the storm that we fail to see the very One who can calm it.

Then comes His comforting voice (verse 27): "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Even in their uncertainty, His words offer a beacon of hope. And here, we encounter our first challenge, beautifully illustrated by Peter's bold response (verse 28): "Lord, if it’s you…command me to come to you on the water."

Peter doesn't ask for the storm to cease; he asks for the impossible. He desires to step out of the boat, to transcend his limitations, to do something utterly dependent on Jesus' power. Jesus' simple command, "Come" (verse 29), is an invitation to step into the realm of the miraculous, to experience what God can do through us when we dare to trust Him beyond our own capabilities. And Peter does it! He walks on water, defying natural law, all because his eyes are fixed on Jesus.

But then (verse 30), the boisterous wind catches his attention. The raw power of the storm, the very thing he momentarily defied, now overwhelms him. He takes his eyes off Jesus, and fear takes root. He begins to sink. This is where our own stories often intersect. When we focus on the surrounding chaos, on the immensity of our problems, we lose sight of the One who empowers us. The "winds" of life – distractions, anxieties, worldly desires – can pull our gaze away from Christ, leading us to sink beneath the waves.

Consider the two paths outlined: the saved and the unsaved. Both face life's storms and the temptation to focus on earthly things. But the crucial difference lies in where they turn when they begin to sink. The saved recognize their need for divine intervention and cry out to the Lord. The unsaved may grasp for fleeting worldly comforts, which ultimately leave them empty and still sinking. The truth remains: apart from Christ, there is no solid ground in the midst of life's fiercest storms.

Jesus' immediate response is one of compassion and grace (verse 31). He doesn't scold Peter for his wavering faith but reaches out, catches him, and gently asks, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" This tender rebuke reminds us of God's unwavering love and readiness to help us, even when our faith falters. He doesn't abandon us in our doubt; He draws us closer.

Calm Waters and United Hearts (Matthew 14:32-33)

As soon as Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat (verse 32), the wind ceases. The presence of Christ brings immediate calm. This powerful image reminds us that true peace is found in His presence, even amidst the lingering effects of the storm.

The reaction of the other disciples is one of profound worship (verse 33). Witnessing this miraculous event, their doubts are washed away, and they declare, "Truly you are the Son of God!" They are reassured of His power and His divine nature. This leads us to our second challenge: to learn to pray for and with one another.

The disciples, having experienced Christ's power firsthand, are moved to worship. But their shared experience should also compel us to a deeper level of communal prayer. Just as they were in the boat together, weathering the storm, we too are part of a larger body of believers. We are called to lift each other up in prayer, to share our burdens and our joys with God as a united front.

This challenge begins in our homes, with our spouses and children. Let them hear your prayers, let them witness your dependence on God for their well-being. And it extends to our church family. Imagine the power unleashed when we, as a corporate body, commit to praying with and for each other, not just in formal settings but in the everyday encounters of life. Let's step out in faith and see how God moves when we unite our hearts in prayer.

One Messiah, Two Profound Invitations

This powerful passage from Matthew offers us more than just a captivating story. It presents us with two vital challenges for our walk of faith:

  1. Dare to ask God for the impossible. Like Peter, let us step out of our comfort zones and ask God to empower us to do things that are beyond our natural abilities, fully relying on His intervention.
  2. Cultivate a culture of prayer, both individually and corporately. Let us commit to praying for and with our families and our church community, creating a powerful network of intercession that invites God's presence and power into our lives.

In the midst of life's inevitable storms, may we keep our eyes fixed on our Messiah, the one who calms the wind and walks with us on the water. May we embrace these challenges, stepping out in faith and uniting our hearts in prayer, knowing that with Him, all things are possible.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/04/09/two-challenges-to-better-our-walk#comments 0 Closing the College Chapter https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/14/closing-the-college-chapter Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:40:04 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/14/closing-the-college-chapter
As I continued with college and life, I was in a constant battle about what to do. I was frustrated with school and lacked direction. I couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I guess that's still a bit of a problem I have even today. Many people still say I'm a kid at heart. In school, I never really felt a clear direction regarding a career. I figured if I just got started, something would come to me… it didn't.

I really enjoyed the Baptist Student Union (BSU) and the continued mission trips and studies we did. At one point, there was a leadership change, and adjustments were made on campus with the BSU. The new leader was rarely there, and I found myself leading most weeks. I did this for a good period until someone else finally stepped up to take over. Shortly after, I started losing a lot of momentum in school and began planning to drop out. At this point, I was about three years in and still hadn't completed my basic requirements due to the extra classes I had to take because of low test scores.

I ended up dropping out of college and jumping full steam into the workforce. I was already working several part-time jobs to fit in with school, but now I could focus on more full-time work with school out of the way. I don't always agree with this decision for everyone, and in no way am I saying school isn't important. It very much is. But for me, in those moments, it was a struggle, with no direction and limited guidance.

I was frustrated with school and lacked direction. I couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I was still growing in some friendships that would later play vital roles in my life, even in the present day. I was still dating this girl and growing closer to her and her family. Eventually, her father even asked me if and when I would propose to his daughter. I took that as his approval and started the planning process. Later that year, I popped the question, she said yes, and we started planning a wedding, all while she finished her senior year.

As our relationship continued to grow, my walk with God slowed down. I became distracted and made some bad decisions. At one point, she talked about going off to college, and we discussed what that would look like for us. She wanted to live in a dorm and attend a college away from our area. I wasn't a fan of this and suggested that if she wanted that, we would wait to get married a little later. She chose marriage and agreed to attend the local college. So we continued planning the wedding.

This is a part of my life that I have tried so hard to move on from. Yes, it has made me part of who I am today, scars and all. But I still don't enjoy typing these words and reliving these memories. Like a lot of couples, we had our ups and downs. We argued and disagreed a lot on things. I feel like a big chunk of our relationship was built on lust and selfishness.

She went on to finish her senior year in high school, planning a wedding and considering college for herself. Now, we did have some awesome moments of growth within our setbacks. We still tried to stay in church together and grow closer to God as a couple. That is really hard to do when sin is still present. I see many people in their lives wanting to grow or lead, but ultimately can't due to the sin in their lives keeping them away from God and His awesome love that He wants to share with us. Please, if you are reading this and this is you, STOP. Consider what you are doing. You cannot do this in your own way. God calls us to leave these sins so we can hear Him better and grow closer to Him.

Please, if you are reading this and this is you, STOP. Consider what you are doing.

I know so many people who struggle with this. It has destroyed families, relationships, and so much more. These sins we struggle with often don't just affect ourselves, but they affect those around us as well. God doesn't call us to Him saying we need to clean up first before coming. God says “come” and then let Him actually do the cleaning in our lives. The problem usually is we want God and we still want the sin. You cannot have both. Please pursue God, pursue His truth.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/14/closing-the-college-chapter#comments 0 Navigating a World of Deception https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/08/navigating-a-world-of-deception Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/08/navigating-a-world-of-deception
The Apostle Paul's letters to Timothy resonate with urgency, particularly his warnings against false teachings. For Christian men, navigating a world saturated with competing ideologies and "alternative facts" requires a robust understanding of truth and the ability to discern it from error. This isn't merely an intellectual exercise; it's a spiritual battle. As we've previously discussed - an intimate knowledge of God's Word, coupled with consistent prayer, forms the bedrock of our defense. We must be "prayed up and ready for spiritual warfare," as the spiritual battles we face are real and constant.

Consider the landscape of information we encounter daily. From social media algorithms to carefully crafted narratives, we're bombarded with messages designed to influence our beliefs and behaviors. How do we, as men seeking to honor God, sift through the noise and identify the truth? The process begins with recognizing that deception often masquerades as truth. It might be a subtle twist on Scripture, a half-truth presented as the whole story, or an appeal to our ego or desires. Developing discernment is paramount. It's not just about knowing the Bible; it's about understanding its context, applying its principles to our lives, and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate its meaning.

This is NOT merely an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual battle.

Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless wisdom: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse speaks to the core of discernment. We must acknowledge the limitations of our own understanding and submit to God's authority. A "skin-deep" understanding of Scripture leaves us vulnerable to manipulation. We become like "a dingy with a sheet for a sail," tossed about by every wave of opinion. True discernment requires a deep dive into the Word, a willingness to wrestle with difficult passages, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Think about the specific challenges men face today. We live in a culture that often glorifies instant gratification, material success, and self-promotion. These values stand in stark contrast to the humility, self-sacrifice, and service that characterize true Christian manhood. False teachings often capitalize on these cultural pressures, offering a "Christianity" that aligns with worldly desires rather than challenging them. We must be vigilant against these subtle forms of deception.

False teachings often capitalize on these cultural pressures, offering a "Christianity" that aligns with worldly desires rather than challenging them.

Church leadership plays a crucial role in safeguarding the truth. Pastors are called to be shepherds, not just administrators. They must be men of integrity, deeply rooted in Scripture, and able to discern truth from error. They are responsible for feeding the flock with sound doctrine and protecting them from wolves in sheep's clothing. Teachers, too, have a weighty responsibility. They must not only impart knowledge but also cultivate a love for truth in their students. They must equip young men to think critically, to question assumptions, and to test everything against the Word of God.

Deacons, as servants and mentors, play a vital role in the spiritual development of young men. They are often the first point of contact for those struggling with doubts or temptations. They should be men of character, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ. They should be readily available to offer guidance, support, and accountability. They are, in essence, the hands and feet of Jesus, ministering to the practical needs of the church community. They also play a critical role in modeling what it looks like to live a godly life. They are the examples that young men in the church can look up to and emulate.

Church leadership must equip young men to think critically, to question assumptions, and to test everything against the Word of God.

Beyond the formal structures of the church, mentorship is essential for young men seeking to grow in their faith. Older, more mature Christians can provide invaluable wisdom, perspective, and encouragement. They can share their own experiences, offer guidance in navigating difficult situations, and hold young men accountable for their actions. Mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about building relationships and fostering spiritual growth. It's about walking alongside young men, helping them to discern the truth, and equipping them to live lives of purpose and integrity.

Guarding the truth is not a passive endeavor; it requires active engagement. It demands that we cultivate a love for God's Word, that we immerse ourselves in its pages, and that we allow it to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. It requires that we be vigilant against the forces of deception, that we test everything against the standard of Scripture, and that we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires that we surround ourselves with godly mentors and friends who will challenge us to grow and hold us accountable. Only then can we stand firm in the truth and navigate the complexities of our world with confidence and integrity.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/03/08/navigating-a-world-of-deception#comments 0 College... the Beginning https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/21/college-the-beginning Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:16:23 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/21/college-the-beginning
In January 2003, I finally started college. Here I was, the new fish in a whole new world. I was struggling to find my classes on campus and still trying to figure myself out. I didn't test well in high school, so I ended up having to take extra classes in college just to complete my basic requirements. I had to drive an hour each way every day I went to school. That allowed me even more time in my little red truck. At that time, my radio was broken, and I would drive in silence. Honestly, those were some of my best driving times, working on my walk with God. I spent most of my time either in school or working my two jobs at the horse farm and doing landscaping.

I vividly remember one Friday while at school. I was sitting in class, and when it was time to leave, I needed to ask the teacher a question. I struggled to gather my things and get out the door in time. A large group of people started arriving, but it wasn’t normal class time; it was a ministry group called BSU, short for Baptist Student Union. They held Bible studies and church services on campus. I had heard a little about them beforehand, but I hadn’t really planned on joining. Now, here I was, awkwardly trying to leave when I was asked to stay. I believe God knew well enough to have it planned that way. I decided to give it a try and take a seat. A girl sat down in front of me, super friendly and full of life. She introduced herself and then asked me the weirdest first question I think I had ever been asked: “Where is Louisville?”

The question rang in my ears. I was slightly stunned by the look on her face. She was being serious. This wasn’t a “Where in the state of Kentucky is it located?” kind of look. This was more of a “Where in the entire United States is it?” I looked at her and said, “As in, in the state of Kentucky?” Her eyes widened, and she said, “Oh! Louisville isn’t a state?” Yes, folks, you read that right. This girl, super nice, but geographically inept. I later learned that many in the room knew this too. But there I was, in a room of people already laughing, feeling like I might fit in.

With the BSU, I went on to do my first of many mission trips, retreats, and seminars, all learning more about God. I drove that little red truck many miles, still with no radio. God used this group in many ways to help guide me down certain paths. I still have two really close friends from that part of my life.

There I was, in a room of people already laughing, feeling like I might fit in.

During this time in my life, I was heading home late one night. I pulled into a local gas station and ran into an old classmate from high school who worked there. The store was fairly empty. He asked if I had a few minutes to wait until he went on break because he had a question for me. After a few minutes, he came around, and we sat down at a table. He proceeded to remind me of the kind of person I was in high school, but then also acknowledged the positive changes I had made. He simply asked, “What happened? What changed?” I was able to turn around and start sharing the gospel in the middle of the night at a gas station lobby. He refused Jesus that night, but seeds had been planted.

God used that as a reminder of all those years. I felt like no one ever noticed me, and I was always overlooked in school. But we are seen, in the good and the bad moments. What we do and say definitely can make a difference.

He simply asked, "What happened? What changed?"

Sometime during college, I started dating a girl. Things were going well for a while, and then temptations set in. I quickly learned how weak I was in areas where I thought I was strong. Being too confident will get you in trouble quickly. This continued to be a battle for me for a while. All of this while I was still plugged into the BSU, my local church, and helping wherever I could. I went on to meet this girl's family and spend a lot of time with them. They did a good job of taking me in. I spent a lot of time with her father and continued to have these “snapshot” moments.

As we go into the next couple of blogs, this will be a time in my life that hurts in many ways. It’s uncomfortable for me, but I still feel like God is wanting me to share so others can see His glory. By the time of writing this blog, we will have released several in this series and started podcasting about my life, plus doing some other topic-related question-and-answer sessions. These blogs have been helping me in ways I never would have thought—to heal and grow. I have had a lot of good, positive feedback from folks. I started writing these in my head, gearing them toward kids without fathers and the dads out there. But I never would have thought about everyone else this can impact. This allows me to understand a little more of God's direction for me and where all this might go one day.

I don’t like being this raw about myself, but I am honored to have this platform to do so. In the next couple of blogs, we will see spiritual growth and decline, personal ups and downs, proposals, and heartbreak. As I look back at this part of my life, I miss some of those BSU moments, like the Bible studies and trips. These will be core memories and lessons for me for years to come. I hope and pray that as you continue to read about my life, it’s not me you are reading about, but it’s God you’re searching for within the stories.

]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/21/college-the-beginning#comments 0 Little Red https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/15/little-red Sat, 15 Feb 2025 08:10:55 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/15/little-red
School was in full swing, and the reality that this was it—that the real world was right in front of me—started to sink in quickly. I had no clue what that looked like for me. I felt like a little kid playing baseball, out in left field trying to catch butterflies with my glove. I was wearing the uniform and thought I was ready to play, but I was totally distracted and unprepared. Life is hard and confusing. I think this can be magnified when growing up fatherless. The leadership and guidance just aren't there like they should be. I want this to be a reminder for the men who are in their kids' lives: PLEASE actually be in their lives. Show up, be involved, ask questions, discipline them, love them, and help prepare them for life.

I want this to be a reminder for the men who are in their kids' lives: PLEASE actually be in their lives.

During my senior year of high school, like most students, I started driving. We didn't have a lot of money, and to be honest, I was shocked we ended up with a second vehicle. It wasn't fancy at all, but there it was, sitting in our driveway: a little red 2WD 1993 Nissan pickup. Yes, it had plenty of dents and scratches, and rust was starting to form on the rear fenders. It also had this bad habit of dying at the worst possible moments. I learned how to back a trailer, drift it sideways, drive in the snow, and, yes, get speeding tickets. I started my first side business mowing lawns and landscaping, putting many miles on it in the process. Man, if that truck could talk, I'd be in trouble.

I remember one day my truck had a starting problem. I wasn’t sure what to do or even how to diagnose it. Luckily, someone recommended a guy who lived a street over to help look at it. He took the time to show me how to check a few things. He even went a step further and fixed my truck while showing me the ins and outs of everything involved. This was huge in my life, and I count it as one of my many "snapshot" moments. Men, you'll never know what it can do for someone if you just take the time to listen and teach something.

In Acts chapter 9, we looked at Saul becoming blind. There was another man named Ananias, who was told by God to go talk to Saul, who had become blind. Ananias had heard of Saul and what kind of person he was at the time. He really didn’t want to, but God said, “Go.” Could you imagine how uncomfortable this probably was for Ananias? He showed up to meet Saul, as God told him to, placed his hands on him, and told him exactly what God had told him to say. The next thing you know, Saul could see again. I want us to look at one thing here: sometimes, as men, we don’t want to do something because it's uncomfortable. God calls each one of us to be more. I'm sure that neighbor of mine didn’t have the time to help me, but he did. He made a choice. As men, we need to be a little more like Ananias here. Yes, it was uncomfortable, it took time out of his day, and in his case, risked his life to talk to Saul. But because he did, God used something so simple to do a major thing. Saul later changed his name to Paul, who went on to become the most influential person in the New Testament in starting churches. I'm not trying to say I'm like Saul/Paul. My story is still ongoing, and God isn't finished with me.

Men, you'll never know what it can do for someone if you just take the time to listen and teach something.

Between keeping my truck fixed, oil changes, buying tires, and such, I didn’t realize I was showing my mom what she needed to see. Like many students when they graduate from high school, people buy gifts. Some are simple and small, while others are big, like a vehicle. My mother saw that I took care of what I had. So, when I graduated, she signed that little red truck over to me. She reminded me that I was the one to pay the insurance, put fuel in it, fix it, and so on. I remember taking the keys that day, and you could have sworn she had given me a brand-new vehicle by the way I reacted. That little red truck, scratches, dents, and rust, was finally mine.

As we continue on in my life, we will be talking about my early college time, a little more about the little red truck, God's divine appointments, and so much more. I really wish it was all good stuff, but it's not. There are setbacks in my walk, more financial issues, loss, and so much more. This is just the beginning of my adulthood. Sometimes, knowing what I know now, I wish I could go back to this time in my life and talk myself out of some things. But that’s all about finding yourself and who you're supposed to be.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/02/15/little-red#comments 0 Discovering Myself https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/28/discovering-myself Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:42:40 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/28/discovering-myself
Here we are, just a few weeks before my senior year in high school. Our school decided to let a revival come in to help start the school year in our county. I cannot remember who spoke, played music, or even much of the speaking. But I can remember the movement I felt, and the fire lit under my rear end by the end of that week. I still have the t-shirt some 30 years later; it stated “Body piercing changed my life.” It had a silhouette of Jesus on the cross with the nails driven through. A simple but powerful image. That whole week was geared towards salvation, rededication, and learning how the rubber meets the road, kind of thing for many people.

One of the last nights, I remember being so moved that I knew something in me had to change. I claimed salvation earlier in life, but I rarely lived it. I knew of God, but I didn’t really know Him. Salvation is more than a get-out-of-hell-free card. It is a relationship with God. We treat God like a drive-thru, barking our orders and getting impatient if we must pull forward to wait for a few minutes to get our answers. God is more than that and deserves more than that. That night on the way home, I asked my mom to pull over and let me out of the car.

We treat God like a drive-thru, barking our orders and getting impatient if we must pull forward to wait for a few minutes to get our answers.

We lived in a small town and were only a few miles from home. With it being late, there was hardly any traffic where we lived. My mom drove on, and I started walking. Tears in every step, that night I promised to God I'd do better. I must do better. I wanted a real relationship with Him. Truly get to know God and not just claim that I do. I walked and prayed all the way to the door of our house. All the way up the stairs and straight to bed. Call it true salvation or a rededication, it does not matter to me. After that night my life changed. My heart slowly started to understand “knowing” Him.

In Acts chapter 9, we look at this guy named Saul. Saul was a bad guy, like really bad. He would lead the way in killing many Christians to the point a lot of people knew his name and feared it. Saul is walking down the road heading to do some bad things, and then God enters his picture. I encourage anyone to actually go and read chapter 9, so you can see the change that happens in his life. Saul loses his eyesight for a couple of days until verse 18: 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.  I am not trying to say that I was like Saul and tried to kill people. But my heart was wicked, and that night on the road in that little town, I truly felt that I could see things differently. I was finally ready to desire God and have a true relationship with Him.

Now remember, if you have been following along in previous blogs, I do not have an earthly father figure in my life, and I have no clue what a father's love looks like. But I soon started realizing what God's love looks like. If you have ever watched NCIS, there is a character named Gibbs. Many times, he would “Gibbs” smack someone on the back of their head to get their attention and help teach them something. I began to realize the back of my head was sore from God's “Gibbs” smacking moments in my life.

Call it true salvation or a rededication, it does not matter to me. After that night my life changed. My heart slowly started to understand “knowing” Him.

My senior year finally gets started, and I have this new fresh look on life. Almost like a spring in my step. I'm finally trying to be a nicer person, cleaning up my act. Was I perfect at this? Definitely not. I still stumbled a lot and struggled when I was tested in life. As I go through my senior year, I try to dig deep and figure out who I was. All I knew was that I wanted to know God more. I got involved in more Bible studies, helping and serving in our church more, and even at one point helping lead devotional-type groups from time to time.

One day at my home church, I felt like God was calling me into ministry. I was excited and scared. I ended up standing before the church, as a senior in high school, and asked for mentorship. Crickets are all I heard. Now granted, I did have a couple of guys stand up and say they would help. But they had no clue what to do. I could even hear it in their voices. It's sad that in most churches that is a huge struggle; mentorship or discipleship is a lost skill. I would go on trying, on my own in many ways, to figure out how to grow in Christ. I did have some people that helped encourage me, but never in that scriptural kind of way. I will always remember our neighbor at that time. She was a sweet lady, laughed loudly, and walked fast. She would help encourage me, share wisdom, and give me my first teaching moments. She would let me fill in for her middle school Sunday school class from time to time. She taught me many things, even how to walk quickly with a cup of coffee. I consider that lady family, and always will.

As I go through my senior year, I try to dig deep and figure out who I was. All I knew was that I wanted to know God more.

As my senior year wraps up, people begin to notice changes in me. I can even notice changes in myself. I don’t say or do things like I used to. I started working a job at a horse farm and doing landscaping on the side. I'm growing mentally, spiritually, and physically all during this time. There are still issues to deal with like bills, depression, and what's next in life. I'm slowly growing into a young man in a world of ups and downs. I would, at this time, start picking up on what I call “snapshot moments.” These are random moments that I would see maybe in other people's lives or experience in my own life; like a father playing ball with his kid, or when you learn to go get your first horse from a field, you would file those memories away somewhere in your brain.

Those ‘snapshot moments’ became like pieces of a puzzle, helping me understand what it means to be a man, a friend, a follower of Christ. Even without an earthly father to guide me, I was slowly piecing together my own definition of manhood, one guided by faith, service, and those glimpses of love and connection I witnessed along the way. Senior year was just the beginning of that journey, a journey I'm still on, still learning, still growing, and still collecting those precious snapshots.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/28/discovering-myself#comments 0 Sanctity of Life https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/21/sanctity-of-life Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:54:51 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/21/sanctity-of-life
The overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, thrust the topic of abortion into the center of national conversation. While often referred to as "reproductive care," there is no care in the tragic taking of a life within the womb. Each child lost to abortion represents a profound loss and a deep wound to our society.

What was Roe v. Wade?

In 1969, a woman known as "Jane Roe" sought to terminate her third pregnancy in Texas, where abortion was illegal except to save the mother's life. Roe v. Wade was the landmark legal battle that ultimately legalized abortion across the United States, even in cases where the mother's life was not at risk. This ruling opened the door to abortion being seen as a matter of convenience rather than a decision of grave consequence. Sadly, this echoes the practices of child sacrifice condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31, 2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, Jeremiah 7:31, 19:5, 32:35). The enemy of life has always sought to destroy, but it appears he has simply found new ways to disguise his tactics.

God's Heart for the Unborn

Let's examine two powerful examples from Scripture that demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity of life:

  • Exodus 1:15-22: Pharaoh, driven by fear and a desire to control, commanded Hebrew midwives to kill all male babies. These midwives, fearing God, refused to obey. Pharaoh then ordered all his people to drown Hebrew baby boys in the Nile River. It's important to remember that the Egyptians worshipped demonic forces, even having magicians who could replicate some of the plagues God brought upon them (Exodus 7-8). Amidst this darkness, God had a plan. He protected Moses, a child destined for greatness, even using Pharaoh's own daughter to ensure his survival. God had a plan for Moses' life, just as He has a plan for every life.

  • Matthew 2:1-18: After Jesus' birth, King Herod, threatened by the news of a "King of the Jews," sought to eliminate this potential rival. He deceitfully asked the wise men to report the child's location, claiming he wanted to "worship him." Warned in a dream, the wise men did not return to Herod. Enraged, Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15). Herod, influenced by evil forces, committed an atrocity against the very people he was supposed to protect. Yet, God had a plan for Jesus. He protected Mary, Joseph, and the child, leading them to safety in Egypt. God had a plan for Jesus' life, a plan that would bring salvation to the world.

The Enemy's Strategy

Twice the enemy tried to destroy God's chosen ones—Moses and Jesus—after they were born, and twice he failed. Now, it seems he has changed his strategy, attacking life within the womb. Abortion is not simply a matter of personal choice; it is the taking of an innocent life. The "my body, my choice" movement, while advocating for autonomy, disregards the inherent value of the unborn child. It's a perspective that can blind us to our dependence on God's grace and the sacredness of all life.

A Call to Action

Every abortion grieves the heart of God. In 2020 alone, over 930,000 babies were lost to abortion in the United States.1  While we mourn this loss, we can take comfort that God, in His mercy, welcomes these innocent lives into His presence. Psalm 82:3-4 calls us to "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked."  

The Church has a responsibility to stand for the unborn, to be a voice for the voiceless.  Proverbs 31:8-9 urges us to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy."  

Let us rise to this challenge. Let us speak out against the injustice of abortion, offer compassion and support to women facing difficult choices, and work towards a culture that values every human life. Let us pray for our nation and its leaders, that their eyes may be opened to the truth, and that they may enact laws that protect the most vulnerable among us. The enemy's time is short, and the time to act is now.

References
  1. Number of abortions in the United States likely to be higher in 2023 than in 2020. Guttmacher Institute. (2024, July 10). https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2024/number-abortions-united-states-likely-be-higher-2023-2020

]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/21/sanctity-of-life#comments 0 Becoming the Bully https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/13/becoming-the-bully Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:47:40 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/13/becoming-the-bully
So here we are. In a transition place in my life that I absolutely hate. After all these years of being bullied, the winds change, and now I see my moment. This was not a great moment. This was not a time to be proud of myself at all. I remember the day like yesterday, of reality hitting me in the face and feeling the weight of what I have done. I became the bully that I had hated.

Sometime during my junior and senior year in high school, I became what you would call the “bigger fish.” I was no longer the small freshman struggling in the hallway. I was finally an upperclassman with baggage. I would roam the hallways like a shark looking for the weak one. I knew exactly what they looked like because I still saw it every time I looked in the mirror.

I would make fun of others, cuss them out, belittle them in any way possible, trip them, pull pranks, and tell bad jokes. I did all this while wearing the “Christian t-shirt.” My heart was horrible, my tongue was sharp, and I had no one anymore to keep me in check. I made so many bad decisions in this time of my life.

I would roam the hallways like a shark looking for the weak one. I knew exactly what they looked like because I still saw it every time I looked in the mirror.

I will never forget when the light bulb came on. We were in P.E. class, and I was chasing a kid that I had been picking on all year. He would get sick just before class, call home, or just lay in the corner so maybe, just maybe, I wouldn’t bother him. Here I was, chasing him like a lion on a gazelle, and then it hit me. I have become that bully that did these things to me. When I looked at him, I saw myself, tears and all. I stopped and let him go, all for both of us to hide in our separate shadows. I could not believe how far and so quickly I had fallen.

Psalm 37:23-24: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

Y’all, I didn’t just stumble, I ran into a wall and then smacked the floor with my face. I failed because I did not delight in the Lord. All these years of pain and suffering had built up, and I never knew why or how to deal with it. I grew up in church; my mom loved Jesus, and so did I. I just didn’t know what it meant. This will start the long journey of growth for me and my walk with God. Because of His grace, He never gave up on me. I was His adopted child. Even though I had screwed up, He picked me up and dusted me off.

I have become that bully that did these things to me. When I looked at him, I saw myself, tears and all.

I could not understand how to delight in the Lord. There wasn’t much in my life to delight in at times. Now, don’t get me wrong, there were moments of joy and laughter, fun and games. But it usually was overshadowed by the darker moments by the end of the day. I seemed to stay in a constant rolling wave, mentally and spiritually. It’s like going to an ocean where the waves crash on the beach. Only ankle-deep, it isn’t too bad. You can fairly easily keep your footing and stand firm. But as you walk out deeper, the more force you feel against you. Footing begins to get questionable, waves start pushing even harder. The next thing you know, you are neck-deep and struggling to keep your head above the water. Even the strongest swimmers can struggle in these conditions.

At this time in my life, seeing the fear in this other kid’s eyes, I realized how bad of a swimmer I was. I couldn’t even doggie paddle in these conditions. I’m reminded of the story of Peter walking on the water in the New Testament. Matthew 14:31- Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” This was a moment in my life where I felt God reminding me of who I’m supposed to be. His child. I was drowning in fear, guilt, and confusion. God reached down that day and picked me up and said, “Stop doubting me and have faith in me.” Did I know what any of that meant? Definitely not. But I knew something had to change, and that was me.

God already had stuff in motion to help prepare me down the road. As I wrapped up my junior year, I started trying to make a difference in my life. Clean up my act, my mouth, and my overall attitude. Like many times in our lives, we need a little boost and motivation to do something. I am thankful that I lived in a county that was willing to do different things within the school system. A week or two before my senior year, they held a revival in our school gymnasium. We will talk more about that in my next blog. That week would go on to help me in many ways. A lot of times, we never realize who is watching and paying attention to what we do and how we handle things. Little did I know that I was being watched. Me, the kid that was always overlooked in everything. My prayer for anyone who reads this is that you know God loves you. Even if you can’t see it right now because your head is underwater. Trust Him.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/13/becoming-the-bully#comments 0 Trusting in God's Provision https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/06/trusting-in-god-s-provision Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:37:11 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/06/trusting-in-god-s-provision
It's easy to say we trust God, but truly living it out requires a deep surrender and a confident reliance on His faithfulness. Think back to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. God miraculously provided manna, bread from heaven, each day! But He gave a specific instruction: gather only what you need for today (Exodus 16:16-21). Some, driven by fear and doubt, disobeyed and tried to hoard the manna. Their disobedience led to spoiled food and a stark reminder: true trust means believing God will provide, even when we can't see how. This reminds us of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  

Just like the Israelites, we often worry about our needs – our finances, our jobs, our families. But Jesus gently reminds us, "Do not worry!" in Matthew 6:25-34. He knows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8). He cares for the birds of the air, and we are infinitely more precious to Him (Matthew 6:26).  

Their disobedience led to spoiled food and a stark reminder: true trust means believing God will provide, even when we can't see how.

Trusting in God's provision is more than just believing He'll take care of us; it's a deep understanding of our dependence on Him. It starts with recognizing that everything we have ultimately comes from God. He is the one who equips us with the skills and abilities to work, opens doors for opportunities, and blesses the work of our hands. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today." Even the jobs that allow us to provide for our families are gifts from Him.  

We often talk about giving God ten percent of our income, but the truth is, it all belongs to Him! We are merely stewards, entrusted with managing His resources. This perspective shifts our focus from "how much can I keep?" to "how can I best use what God has given me for His purposes?" As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Everything you have, including your own self, is to be given back to God for His purpose and glory (Romans 12:1-2). Finally, trusting in God's provision means finding contentment in what He has provided, rather than constantly striving for more. It's recognizing that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in our relationship with Him and the eternal treasures we lay up in heaven. Matthew 6:19-21 encourages us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  

When it comes to provision, God offers us incredible promises. He assures us in Philippians 4:19 that He will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. This doesn't necessarily mean we'll all be millionaires, but it means we won't lack anything truly essential for life and godliness. Isaiah 40:31 declares that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. When we rely on God, He gives us the strength to face challenges and overcome obstacles. He empowers us to soar on wings like eagles, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint. And perhaps most importantly, when we trust in God's provision, we experience a deep peace that transcends our circumstances. We can rest in His loving care, knowing that He is in control, even when life feels chaotic. Philippians 4:6-7 speaks to this peace: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

It's recognizing that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in our relationship with Him and the eternal treasures we lay up in heaven.

How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision?

  • Reflect on His faithfulness: Take time to remember all the ways God has provided for you in the past. This will strengthen your faith and remind you of His unwavering love. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  
  • Bring your worries to Him in prayer: Don't carry your burdens alone. Pour out your heart to God, sharing your fears and anxieties with Him. 1 Peter 5:7 urges us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
  • Immerse yourself in God's Word: The Bible is filled with stories of God's provision and promises of His faithfulness. Reading it regularly will fill your heart with hope and confidence. Romans 15:4 reminds us, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."  
  • Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, cultivates a spirit of contentment and thankfulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Trusting in God's provision doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing. It means we work diligently, using our gifts and talents, while relying on Him to open doors and bless our efforts. It's like a farmer planting seeds – he does his part, but he also trusts God to send the rain and sunshine for the crops to grow. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"  

When we truly trust in God's provision, we experience freedom from worry and anxiety. We can focus on living a life of purpose, using our resources to serve Him and bless others. We can face the future with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching over us and will provide everything we need.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2025/01/06/trusting-in-god-s-provision#comments 0 Walking in Obedience https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/walking-in-obedience Sun, 29 Dec 2024 22:30:32 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/walking-in-obedience
The phrase "walk in obedience" evokes a sense of movement, a journey with purpose. Yet, it signifies far more than simply placing one foot in front of the other. It describes a continuous, active commitment to align our lives with God's will, allowing Him to lead us each step of the way. While we may literally walk and talk with God during our prayer time or while appreciating His creation, "walking in obedience" encompasses a much broader scope. It's about a transformed life, a continual surrender to His divine guidance.

Imagine life before truly knowing Christ as "B.C." – Before Christ. Not in the historical sense, but signifying a time when we were driven by our own desires, often wandering aimlessly without a true sense of purpose. Our steps were guided by selfish ambition, worldly pursuits, and fleeting pleasures, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled. "A.C." then marks the period after we encounter Christ, a life surrendered to His Lordship. It's a conscious decision to follow Him, no matter where the path may lead.

This surrender is not passive resignation, but an active pursuit of God's will. To walk in obedience is to embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment, recognizing that true joy comes from aligning ourselves with His perfect plan. It's trusting in His unwavering love, knowing that He will never lead us astray, even when we stumble or stray. Just as a shepherd diligently searches for the one lost sheep (Matthew 18:12), Christ pursues each of us with relentless love and compassion. He left the splendor of Heaven, clothed Himself in humanity, and endured the unimaginable agony of the cross. In response to such immeasurable love, walking in obedience becomes not a burden, but a joyful privilege.

But how does this obedience manifest in our daily lives? How do our steps change when we truly commit to following Christ?

  • A Heart for Community: Obedience compels us to prioritize fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). It means actively participating in a local church, drawing strength and encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ. We gather together to worship, learn from God's Word, and spur one another on in our faith. This sense of community provides support, accountability, and a safe haven to grow in our relationship with God.

  • A Life of Witness: True obedience is reflected in how we live. We are called to be "salt and light" in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing our surroundings with the flavor of Christ's love and illuminating the darkness with His truth. This means demonstrating honesty, integrity, kindness, and compassion in all our interactions, even when faced with adversity. It's about forgiving others as Christ forgave us, extending grace and mercy even when it's undeserved. Our actions become a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to the light of Christ.

  • A Spirit of Prayer: Walking in obedience is characterized by constant communication with God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). It's an open, honest dialogue with our Heavenly Father, bringing our anxieties, fears, joys, and gratitude before Him. It's trusting that He hears us and answers according to His perfect will (1 John 5:14). Prayer is not about demanding our own way, but about aligning our hearts with His, seeking His guidance and surrendering to His plan. Just as Jesus taught His disciples in the Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-4), our prayers should be filled with adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, always seeking His kingdom to come and His will to be done.

The Transformative Power of Repentance

At the heart of this journey of obedience lies repentance. It's the crucial turning point, the moment we recognize our own brokenness and our desperate need for a Savior. True repentance is not merely feeling remorse for our sins, but a complete turning away from them and a radical reorientation towards God. It's a change of heart that produces a change of action, a deep desire to please God and live according to His will.

Before repentance, our lives are marked by self-centeredness, disobedience, and a pursuit of fleeting pleasures. But when we genuinely repent and surrender to Christ, our entire trajectory changes. The Holy Spirit takes residence within us, guiding our steps and empowering us to live a life that honors God. Our priorities shift from self-serving ambition to selfless service, from worldly pursuits to eternal treasures. We discover true joy in pursuing holiness, sharing the Gospel, and using our gifts to build God's kingdom.

A Lifelong Pursuit

Walking in obedience is not a destination we reach, but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. It's a daily choice to follow Christ, even when it's difficult, even when we face challenges and temptations. It's a process of deepening our relationship with Him, learning to trust Him more fully, and allowing Him to mold us into the image of His Son.

As we walk in obedience, we experience the fullness of life that Christ promised. We find peace that surpasses understanding, joy that overflows, and a purpose that transcends our earthly existence. The journey may be long, and there will be times when we stumble, but with each step of faith, we draw closer to the heart of our loving Savior, who guides us gently towards our eternal home.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/walking-in-obedience#comments 0 Color Blind Bullies https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/color-blind-bullies Sun, 29 Dec 2024 22:14:01 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/color-blind-bullies
Growing up poor, especially in a small town, there is almost no way to hide it. It’s like you always have this cloud over your head. It’s amazing how things look different on cloudy days. The colors in nature don’t pop like they should. It’s also easier for animals to hide and blend into the background, like deer. I always had this ability to be looked over. Blend in, even when I did not want to. Usually, the last pick for team games, the teacher not seeing my hand raised, and friends forgetting to invite me to birthday parties are just a few examples. I wish that was the case for the not-so-fun stuff.

I found myself picked on a lot. I mean A LOT. Called every name in the book, pulled hair, pushed down, tripped, chased, hit with things, laughed at in so many different ways, and never seemed to get a break. Most of my elementary school years were like that. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe I had some friends. But they were either picked on with me or never would stand up for me. I remember many times other school-age kids, “the bullies,” would find ways to even get my friends to pick on me.

The last pick for team games, the teacher not seeing my hand raised, and friends forgetting to invite me to birthday parties are just a few examples.

Things got so bad one year, I told myself I would do what it takes to eliminate reasons for them to hurt me. For example, St. Patrick’s Day. You know the holiday; if you don’t wear green, you will get pinched. That’s a lie. Every year I always got pinched, even to the point of huge welts and bruises. I couldn’t run fast enough to get away from it all. And so I thought I’d wise up one year and wear a bright green sweatsuit. Side note, back in my day, sweatsuits and swish pants were a cool trend. I digress. I wore this suit proudly to school, thinking there is no way they could not see the green all over. I was wrong. Everyone ended up colorblind that day and still destroyed my spirit.

This is a prime example of the grace of God. If it wasn’t for God’s grace for me, my attitude and actions would have gone very much a different way at this point in my life. I didn’t know it at the time, but at an early age, I dealt with depression. Struggling with image and confidence, all I ever wanted to do after that was to disappear, blend into the background. Just like the deer get to do on a cloudy day, for their safety.

This pattern would follow me all the way up into high school. The only difference is, at some point, I finally became the bigger fish and became the person that I hated. We will talk more about that in the next blog. I feel that it is so important for you to understand part of where I had been to what God is working out. As I look back at that part of my life, I still don’t like it. It hurts and doesn’t feel good, even today. But I am able to relate to those that are trying to hide in the shadows of a cloudy day.

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  

You see, there will be cloudy days for all of us. This world is a cloudy place. God calls us as Christians to be a light in this world. I could not fully understand that in my early years. I was still struggling, trying to figure out who I was. God has reminded me several times since then that I’m a child of God, and I need to act like that. Which means, yes, even on a cloudy day when life kicks me in the face, I am to shine a light. This isn’t for my glory. This is all about God’s glory so others can see Him instead of me.

Struggling with image and confidence, all I ever wanted to do after that was to disappear, blend into the background.

All these years, I never realized that God was preparing me to not worry about being the center of attention. I don’t need it nor want it. Sometimes when animals “hide” in the shadows, it’s not out of fear... it is out of experience. They choose when to step out only when they need to. While typing this, I think it is funny that I used a deer for an animal reference…because they are color blind also.

Because of my experience, I have learned when to stand up for things, make my points, and also learned when to let things go that are not worth dealing with. I would love to say everything gets better from here, but it does not. A lot of people view Christianity like a sprint in a short, straight line. But in reality, it is more like a cross-country race.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/29/color-blind-bullies#comments 0 Growing Up Poor https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/25/growing-up-poor Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:59:53 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/25/growing-up-poor
Growing up fatherless is like driving a car down the road on empty and on bald tires. You run out of fuel quickly, and it's hard to get traction when the roads are wet. Growing up fatherless greatly increases your chances of poverty, trouble with drugs and alcohol, trouble with the law, and mental issues. You can do any internet search and find these statistics overwhelming, to say the least. Boys are more likely to grow up in trouble with the law and on drugs, while girls are more likely to get pregnant and chase all the wrong things. I wish I could say that I didn’t have any of these issues.

At a very early age, I learned what being poor was. I remember we always seemed to struggle with bills and visit churches with food closets. Our local church did a good job taking care of us, but I understand some people are not that lucky. This was another part of my life that was so difficult as a young child — never in the moment fully understanding how bad things had gotten quickly.

My mother later would go back to school to earn a degree just to try and better our odds. So here you have my mom working part-time jobs, going to college, and raising two kids all by herself. I wish this was more of a shock to people nowadays. We hear this so very often of mothers wearing multiple hats when they shouldn’t have to. Now, I understand my situation was a little different with my father passing away like he did, while in other families, the men just won't step up or they have stepped out in life. I know this may not necessarily be the Christian thing to say, but I struggle when I hear of men not stepping up in life. Be a man!

I know this may not necessarily be the Christian thing to say, but I struggle when I hear of men not stepping up in life.

With that being said, I realize the majority of men out there don’t understand anymore what that even should look like. As Americans, we have now become generational in broken homes. Fathers may have stayed in their homes but have no clue what it looks like to lead their family. We have slowly removed God out of the picture and our eyesight. When we stumble and fall, which we all do, instead of running to God, we struggle and pretend that we know what we are doing. All of this while slowly running out of gas.

I needed leadership, guidance, and a father's hand. I love my mom, but she struggled in these areas. She was always encouraging but never really guiding. You will see some of this unfold in the next couple of blog entries. I go from a generally good kid to a lying, cussing, rule-breaker that probably needed a butt-whooping more times than I got.

Fathers may have stayed in their homes but have no clue what it looks like to lead their family.

This part of my life did help drive me to be different. I never wanted to have to ask for help. I became stubborn about it. There would be many times I would work 2-3 jobs at the same time just to make ends meet. And even then, it proved to be extremely difficult at times.

Sometimes I wish my mom would have remarried while I was young, but she never did until I was on my own. I used to go with her when she would sit down and ask certain trusted people for help with bills. She usually would try to pay people back in payments, but at some point, there is no way to keep it all straight. I wish, in those moments, that I could have remembered more stuff from that time in my life. But I guess, in some ways, that’s how God protected me and my memories.

Many times, God uses things in our lives, even the smallest of things, to help us way on down the road. For this time in my life, God would use poverty to prepare me for other things to come. I look at many things differently than others do because I had to live it. It was not fun, but I can look back and cherish many of those moments now. I don’t want to have to relive them again, but I understand now why I had to live through some of them. Jeremiah 29:11 talks about God having a plan for each one of us. I feel like a lot of people read that verse with a mindset of security and safety. When in reality, it just means that God will be with us in His purpose. There will be storms and trials, and we must go through them. It’s how we can grow.

Many times, God uses things in our lives, even the smallest of things, to help us way on down the road.

This is where it’s hard not to chase the rabbits. There are so many stories to share, all based on the beginning of my life. But God has more in store for me. Some things I believe are because I make some really dumb decisions, while others are things I believe God wanted me to go through so He could prepare me to help others. I wish I could say I was an amazing kid. I never got into drugs and alcohol, but in reality, I was always one step away from some extreme stuff. It would not have taken much to lead me astray. As we look ahead, you will see the transition of stages in my life. My mental state changes drastically. I must tell you that the whole time, I’m involved in church. Not just a pew sitter, but actively involved. If someone had actually taken the time to notice or say something to me, things might have been different.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/25/growing-up-poor#comments 0 Are You Running In Place? https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/24/are-you-running-in-place Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/24/are-you-running-in-place
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 - "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?"

We find ourselves today in a secular culture that promotes immaturity. As a kid growing up, I heard many times the Toys R Us jingle: “I don’t wanna grow up. I’m a Toys R Us kid.” As innocent as it sounds, it perfectly voices what I believe has grabbed hold of American culture. We’re constantly being encouraged to live by our feelings and be true to ourselves, and honestly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. American culture is producing people who don’t want to grow up, who always want to live as if they are children, always doing whatever they want, when they want, and avoiding hard and uncomfortable things.

As we see in 1 Corinthians, Paul was dealing with the same problem. How many of us have sung the great hymn, “Prone to wander Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.” My problem is always a heart problem. It’s easy for me to chase after everything that doesn’t last instead of the thing that matters most. I can have as much of Jesus as I want, but can I put down my current distractions for the hard work of deepening my walk with Christ? I must say no to my desire for instant gratification, remember that this world is not my home, and abandon all the “important” things so nothing may stand in the way of obtaining Christ. Sadly, I believe most of us are essentially stuck in a cycle that keeps us in spiritual immaturity, never making much impact for the kingdom and, like children, constantly worrying about not knowing God’s will or not understanding what He is doing in our lives. I want to highlight two reasons for this: 1) the wheel of life, and 2) we are running on the wrong power source. For the rest of this blog, we will look at the wheel of life.

American culture is producing people who do NOT want to grow up, who always want to live as if they are children, always doing whatever they want, when they want, and avoiding hard and uncomfortable things.

The devil can’t take your salvation away, but he can take away your effectiveness. One thing that I think he does best in this generation is getting us to run on the wheel of life. The Bible refers to the Christian life as running a race (Hebrews 12:1-2). So, to combat Christians, the devil has developed something like a hamster wheel: the wheel of life. We get up in the morning, put our feet to the floor, and before we can even fully open our eyes, we have to hurry up and get ready for the day, get the kids to school, and get off to work. Then we work all day and hurry to get home to figure out what’s for dinner, take care of the family, and hopefully go to bed at a decent time so we can rest up and do it all over again. We run so hard on the wheel to work and to get somewhere with a career path. We try to find some vacation time in the midst of working ourselves to death because we have to achieve the American dream. We get on this wheel and run and run and run, and before we know it, there is no room for the Kingdom on this wheel. So just as the hamster that runs and never gets anywhere, we Christians also run and never get anywhere in our relationship with Jesus. It’s time we stop solely living our lives reacting to everything that life throws at us and live purposefully. Let me remind you, dear Christian, of Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NKJV):  

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and    not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and    pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search    for Me with all your heart.” 

Now before you go in the wrong direction with this verse, yes, if you are a child of the King, then He can do nothing but be loving, kind, and gracious to you. He is not mean or unfair; He hasn’t fallen asleep, nor has He forgotten you. Verse 13 can help us understand what our Father’s number one priority is. It’s not comfort, prosperity, nor having a wonderful life as we often define it. He simply wants all of our hearts, loving Him more than anything, and then advancing His Kingdom by living in the power of God’s salvation.

We get on this wheel and run and run and run, and before we know it, there is no room for the Kingdom on the this wheel.

You are saved to do great and wonderful things. You are saved to be a participant in God’s Kingdom activity on this earth. You are not a spectator, but one who brings tidings of hope and grace to those whose greatest need is to be rescued from their sin debt. It’s time to be effective for the Kingdom, no longer chasing after what will fade away. Let us fix our eyes on a city not made by human hands, a place where the very King of kings beckons us to abide in His presence and live forevermore. It’s time to jump off the wheel that leaves us in the pit of worthlessness, living in a constant search for purpose.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/12/24/are-you-running-in-place#comments 0 The Day It All Happened https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/11/07/the-day-it-all-happened Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/11/07/the-day-it-all-happened
Knock, knock, knock is what I heard one early Saturday morning as I sat on the floor watching cartoons. My mother goes to the door to be greeted by a police officer and our pastor. Even at 6 years old, I could tell something felt wrong. Years later, I was able to piece the story somewhat together. You see, they came by to tell her my father would not be making it home. He had an accident while fishing, and there was nothing left. No body, no boat, not even the minnow bucket made it.

My father loved to fish. He was always working, fishing, reading Stephen King books, and eating way too much buttered and salty popcorn. Oh, and the little weird orange circus peanuts. He also was a no-filter Camel kind of smoker. In no way was he a saint, and I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me. He rarely went to church, and to this day, I'm not 100% sure if he was even saved. But he was my dad, and now he was gone.

He went out that morning like usual to fish. He had a friend with him that happened to be in a separate boat and watched the whole thing unfold. Most fishermen know to catch some big fish you get close to the dams. Well, he did that morning. Lost his anchor and drifted too far into the suction zone. The motor would not start, and then boom, too late. To this day, I can't help but think of that friend that had to watch and was helpless to the situation. Like that, all gone.

In no way was he a saint, and I don't want anyone to misunderstand me. But he was my dad, and now he was gone.

That morning will live forever in my memories. The tears, confusion, and the unknown all twirling inside my body. My mom had to leave to take care of adult things, like planning a funeral for a body not found. So much of this part of my life was zero closure. I remember a friend of my mom’s from church coming over while my mom left so she could help watch me for a while. She sat on the floor and held me, we cried together, she read me books, and tried her hardest to love me through it all. I will forever be grateful for her.

As you read on with my stories, I want you to know that some of these early memories will come back into play. At such an early age, I had struggles and questions for God. The main question was why. Why did it have to happen? Why me? Why? God, later in my life, helps answer these things. I can look back at all of this and can understand that this chapter will and has molded me into the person I am today and still growing into.

At such an early age, I had struggles and questions for God. The main question was why. Why did it have to happen? Why me? Why?

For those that are struggling now with things like “why me,” “why now,” I want to highly encourage you to hold onto God. Some days, well actually a lot of days, that’s all I ever could do was to hold on to Him. I’m excited to have this opportunity to share my heart and my stories with you. If you continue to read on about my life, please understand I’m not perfect; I have and will make bad decisions. But even if one story can help someone get closer to God, then this will all be worth it. My life is like a crazy rollercoaster. You will be introduced to many people in my life that help mold and guide me to be who I am today. You will learn about “snapshot moments” and what that means to me. You will hopefully learn to look at things differently in your life.

I have been told by several people as they get to know me that I should write a book. I guess, in some ways, this is me doing so. I want you to be encouraged by these stories, laugh at them, learn from my mistakes, but most importantly, see how God works in all of this. I never would have imagined how God would use this very story years and decades later to reach other people. I just turned 40 this summer. I have an amazing wife that puts up with a lot, and we both chase around our two awesome kids. One is 5 and the other is 3, and both are full of life. I’m looking forward to sharing more about them later. I want to do the best I can to go in chronological order to help show the process that God has been revealing to me.
 
I don’t have many other memories of my dad. He worked, fished too much, ate weird things, and drove a little white stick-shift truck. There are days things will randomly hit me; the smell of a rare cigarette smoke, the sight of a fish being skinned, and those weird orange circus peanuts will bring back memories of him. As I have grown older, I have learned to cherish all of those things in some way.

About 3 weeks before Christmas in 1990, a fire sparked in me that I never knew I would have or need. Losing my father would later turn into multiple events of me being able to connect with other individuals hurting in their lives. God used me to encourage others in their desperate times. I have been blessed to guide others, especially young men with no fathers, down roads many can never dream about. I’m not saying this to bring light on myself; I’m saying this to look at God’s glory. Please consider, as you read these words, “God has a plan.” His plan is multi-layered, and it involves YOU. Don’t give up. If you are currently in a storm, hold on; it will be over before you know it, and God will be with you all the way through it.

Losing my father would later turn into multiple events of me being able to connect with other individuals hurting in their lives.

We will be looking at the aftermath in my life next. The hole that was left and the struggles we had to go through as a family. We will be looking at how God provides, protects, and loves us through our lives. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the ups and downs of growing up fatherless.
]]> https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/11/07/the-day-it-all-happened#comments 4 A Heartfelt Confession https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/11/04/a-heartfelt-confession Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://pursuetruthministry.com/blog/2024/11/04/a-heartfelt-confession
I grew up the son of a preacher man. I've heard stories of myself as a very young boy, going around shaking everyone's hand in my suit and tie, so to say I grew up in church is no exaggeration. Ever since I've been old enough to remember, I was taught God's word. I lovingly joke that as a preacher's kid, I received sermons every day of the week, not just on Sundays and Wednesdays. So, by the time I was converted at the age of 20, I had a treasure trove of biblical knowledge that I had been taught all my life.

I love the story in Matthew 15 where the woman basically told Jesus that even if she were a dog, she would gladly accept the crumbs from the Master's table. She came desperately but expectantly. I, unfortunately, resemble the disciples who, while blessed to be seated at that table, were satisfied and guilty of having little faith. I think there are times when we wake up to the realization that we are guilty of being satisfied with good gifts and forgetful of the Giver.

Somehow, over the last several generations, I believe we American evangelicals have morphed the Christian life into something that falls extremely short of the lived experience of the early church in the New Testament.

I think there are times when we wake up to the realization that we are guilty of being satisfied with good gifts and forgetful of the Giver.

Have you ever been reading your Bible and come across the life of Paul or another saint of old and asked yourself, "I wish my life could be like that"? You probably weren't thinking of their trials or suffering. But when we look at their lives and then glance over our own, are we left with the sense that something is missing? The saints in the Bible seem to have a strength that has somehow evaded the church at large today.

Since the local church is only as strong as its members, it stands to reason that we, as individual Christians, have lost something vitally important. Without even realizing it, have we exchanged the biblical description of being a disciple of Jesus with keeping a list of religious expectations and filling in the blanks of biblical knowledge? No one would say this out loud, but it's almost as if we don't care if the content doesn't drastically change our lives over time, just as long as we are growing in some knowledge and checking off religious boxes, then we are doing our Christian duty. We do the best we can, just as we would do anything else, and then go day after day after day, just to wake up with the reality of going through the motions and no heavenly reality lingering in our daily lives. We say that we are walking with Jesus, but the dust on our Bibles grows thicker, and if we pray, we don't expect our requests to go any farther than our breath may take them.

It's almost as if we don't care if the content doesn't drastically change our lives over time, just as long as we are growing in some knowledge and checking off religious boxes, then we are doing our Christian duty.

After being saved for almost 20 years now, I can tell you that I have learned a very valuable lesson that all of us as born-again believers must learn. This lesson is that there is a difference between religion and relationship. Is it important for us to grow in our knowledge of God's word? Of course. But what good is it if it just stays between your ears and never finds its way to your heart, to where it changes you inside and out? It would be like a married couple who only speak to each other if necessary and don't spend much time together, waking up one day and being very unsatisfied with their marriage. But friend, is this what you and I do to our Savior? We may do a bunch of religious things and think we are walking with Jesus, but are we experiencing Him in our lives as we would experience any other human relationship?

Are Christians new creatures? Yes. Do we have a new man? Yes. Has our criminal record been made clean by the blood of Christ? Yes. Are we perfect immediately after being born again? No. As the old song goes, "He is still working on me" because I don't automatically act like Jesus all the time. Even though my heart has been changed and I will never be the same, my flesh must be reprogrammed.

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." - Romans 8:6-8 (NKJV)

Oh, brother and sister, we cannot afford to let the devil ensnare us to go about our daily lives like the rest of the world; so busy doing this and going there and working a job that can hopefully provide for our families and grabbing our piece of the American Dream. This is a worldly mindset that cannot please God. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, I believe, really makes this as plain as possible.

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" - 1 Cor. 3:1-3 (NKJV)

I guarantee someone has thought, "If only they could be taught by Paul, then they would be a better Christian," but even under Paul’s ministry, there were ones who he wished could grow more, but they seemed to not have the ability to do so. Why? Because they were too carnal. Now you can substitute the word carnal for flesh, and maybe it will start to make sense. There must come a time in the lives of the believer where we must, with intention and perseverance, take God's sharp sword and put to death our flesh. Maybe the fact is that we spend so much energy trying to be comfortable and have smooth sailing in our lives that we are never able to let ourselves feel the desperation that would drive us to wrestle with God as Jacob of old. I want to be liked and have as few problems as anyone else may, but if that causes us to never take a stand for Christ, then we will fall for anything the world dangles in front of us.

But what good is it if it just stays between your ears and never finds its way to your heart, to where it changes you inside and out? There must come a time in the lives of the believer where we must, with intention and perseverance, take God's sharp sword and put to death our flesh.

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." - Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)

Oh, brother and sister, it is time for us to listen to the rumbling of our souls that desires to grow up spiritually speaking. To see God move in our lives and in our churches with power to the saving of lost souls and the perfecting of the saints. It's time that we turn the TV off, put the phone down, clear out the rooms of our hearts filled with entertainment, hobbies, and frivolous things galore, and throw them away so that Christ may have more room. May He increase, not just solely for the eternity of those we see every day, but just as a husband and wife grow in the depths of their love for one another. May we increasingly want Christ Himself more. May He be the treasure that we sell all to obtain. Do not settle for just forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternity one day! You were made to live for more.
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