In Times of Trouble

Posted on November 5, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.  – Psalm 37:25

King David called himself old when he wrote this Psalm.  If he was 30 when he became king and then ruled for 40 years, then he was 70 when he died.  Here I sit this morning at 50 years old.  I’ve lived on this planet about 71% of the time that David did.  I almost can’t believe the swings and shifts in society that I’ve seen with my own eyes.  

Right now, there are some serious issues taking place with this whole government shutdown mess.  People are being forced to work for free.  People are threatening to steal and rob if they don’t get money for food.  Each side of the political spectrum is blaming the other side as the primary problem.  There is so much unrest.  There is so little peace.

I sit here and wonder what I will do if things get worse in my lifetime.  Would I compromise my values in a serious famine?  If I had everything stripped from me and had nothing, could I remain faithful to the Lord?  As I read the verse up top repeatedly, it gives me great hope that I can and will.  I don’t think this verse means that no righteous person has ever gone hungry, but it does mean that they are empowered by God to never panic.  There is no need to lie, extort, cheat, steal or beg for our basic needs, for we have God as our provider.  There is no need to rush out to the grocery stores and empty the shelves before everyone else does, for God Himself will take care of us.  If we are truly living for Him and allowing Him to work in our lives, we have no reason to fear.

Lord, I’m so comfortable right now.  I’m typing on my MacBook, rocking in my chair next to my gas logs warming me in as fine of a home as You’ve ever given anyone.  I could never thank You enough and You know I could never pay You back.  My heart is so full.  I think of how far You’ve brought me along and how much You’ve changed me over the years.  I’m righteous, but only because You’ve been making me that way ever since I received Your righteousness 34 years ago.  Help me continue to trust that You will never leave me nor forsake me.  Help me continue to trust that You will always meet my needs according to Your riches in glory.  No matter what, Lord . . . help me remain Yours.  Amen.

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Kindness

Posted on October 29, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

Kindness Goes a Long Way

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . kindness . . . – Galatians 5:22

At the end of Fall Break, Tonya and I were to fly home from Miami at 1 pm.  We could tell by how time was creeping up on that 1:00 time that our flight was going to be delayed.  After all was said and done, the flight crew had “timed out” and in order for us to get home, a new crew was going to have to come in and fly us home.  They weren’t all going to be able to arrive until 6, so it was going to be a long afternoon.  

As we boarded the flight, you could just tell that the majority of the people on the plane were aggravated.  You could also tell that the crew was simply trying to make the best of it.  They didn’t want to come in early any more than we wanted to get in the air seven hours later than our original flight time.  It just seemed like this flight was going to be barely tolerable.

In just my little section of the plane, a dude cursed the female flight attendant for closing the bathrooms during turbulence, which she clearly announced over the intercom beforehand.  When confronted afterwards in front of his family, he tried to say he didn’t curse.  Another guy sitting next to me snapped at the cart group for not placing a water in his hands fast enough.  

The tension on that plane was so high, and I mean from me as well.  It was probably the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been.  When two of the workers came by me, the Spirit of God prompted me to tell them, “Thank you guys for coming in and helping us get home.”  All that seriousness and tension just broke.  It was the first time I saw them smile and laugh.  They couldn’t believe someone had said something nice to them.  The ride after that was much more tolerable.  

Later the next week, a student I had been working with for two years emailed me and thanked me for all I had done for him.  For just a moment, I think God let me feel in return what those two on the airplane felt. 

I don’t know what is going on in this world, but we are in trouble.  You can just feel the darkness getting darker.  When I’m sitting here writing about a “thank you” and what a difference it made . . . that can’t be a good sign for the direction our planet is headed.  

Lord, I don’t want to be pessimistic.  I know You can do all things.  I ask that You send revival to our nation.  May people grow in You and therefore grow in the fruits of the Spirit.  I don’t have any of them on my own.  I have no love for my enemies.  I have no joy in my responsibilities.  You know I have no patience.  But You give them to me at the right place and right time.  Help me display them simply because You are the Lord of my life.  Help us, Lord.  You know we need it.  Amen

Kindness (Part 2)

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? – Romans 2:4

It is almost unbelievable how badly this past Monday started out.  Of course, now it doesn’t seem like a big deal at all, but in the moment . . . it was crazy.  It was the first cold, rainy day of Fall.  I went to get my bus to start the day, and my heart immediately sank.  Two activity busses had blocked me from being able to pull out.  I tried to put on my best attitude and went through the process of moving one of the busses.  When I finally sat in my bus seat, the rain from my jacket streamed down the back of my pants.  I just said, “You’ve got to be kidding,” stood up, and adjusted my situation.  

I got to school, no umbrella, made a run for it, and got soaked.  Of course, being me, I forgot something.  So, I did the whole thing again and got more soaked.  During my first period class, I had forgotten my reading glasses.  I knew where I had left them, so I had a teacher stand guard and quickly ran off to get them.  When I was almost at the room, I said that really dumb thing we all tend to say when things aren’t going our way, “What in the world else is going to go wrong today?”  As soon as I picked those glasses up, I kid you not, the right arm of the glasses was all I was holding in my hand.  The little screw had popped out.  I couldn’t help but bust out laughing.

One of my teacher friends stepped out in the hall.  I gave him the quick version my day so far.  He smiled, immediately took my glasses back to his desk, pulled out a kit, and had those glasses fixed in about two minutes.  

As I walked back to my room, I slowed down a bit so I could thank God.  I had left earlier than usual that day, so I was still on time for everything even though moving that big bus in the rain stunk.  I was about to go a day without my reading glasses, yet they were fixed within 5 minutes of them falling apart.  I almost couldn’t believe how everything I needed was provided.  

All this led me on a nice string of praises where I was so thankful to God for his kindness.  I was sorry that I had complained and acted all miserable.  I have this saying, “If that is the worst thing that happens to me today, then I’m going to be alright.”  This was definitely the case, but I had forgotten for just a little while.  

Lord, how could I ever thank You for all these things in my life that have continually taught me over the years?  You are constantly molding me into Your image and setting these situations up so that I learn to be more and more like You.  Help me to keep a great attitude.  One day, my faith will be sight.  I look so forward to that day.  Until then, help me live in such a way that others want the same thing.  Amen.

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The Only Way They’ll Know

Posted on October 15, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

The ONLY Way They’ll Know

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  – John 13:34

Jesus tells the disciples this after he washed their feet, including the feet of Judas Iscariot.  They didn’t know Judas was off to betray Him, but I’ll sure bet that afterwards the disciples thought about this moment a lot . . . “Our Lord washed Judas’s feet, Jesus should have killed him, but He loved him anyway.”  

Someone recently told me that one of her friends was one of the finest Christian ladies she had ever known. Yet, this lady answered this question, “If I could delete something in the past, would I do it?”  She said that she absolutely would:  she’d delete a certain politician, and they’d never be born.  This begs the question:  If there is someone, anyone that comes to mind that I’d delete . . . is the love of God in me?  

I’m reading through the Kings right now and it flat out says that some kings tried to follow God and His ways, and other kings did evil in the sight of the Lord.  God could have deleted any of them at any time, but in general, their own choices led to their often-premature demise.   The Bible tells us that Solomon was the wisest king ever, yet he finished horribly.  If he is as wise as it humanly gets . . . where does that leave us?  I’m not all-knowing, nor do I want to be.  I want to simply believe God and make the best effort I can to love and serve Him.  I want to lead people far from Him to Him.  I want to pray that He changes the hearts of evil people and turn their lives around for the whole world to see.  I’m not saying I do a good job at this . . . but with all my heart, I want to.

Who do you despise the most?  Hopefully nobody comes to mind.  But, if someone does, would you have them drop dead? Or would you rather God grab a hold of his/her heart and begin His glorious transformative work?

I believe this with all my heart . . . If someone comes to mind, and you’d rather them drop dead, then you do not have the love of the Father in your heart.  You need to be saved.

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  – 1 John 3:15

Lord, give us Your love.  Change our hearts so that we love You and love one another.  We can’t love on our own.  We will love with a selfish love, but with Your love, we love properly.  With Your love, we have that true agape love that has no conditions.  Change this world, Lord.  Start with me.  Amen

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Filled

Posted on September 24, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

My cup runneth over – Psalm 23:5

Lately, I’ve been making more of an attempt to read the Bible much more slowly and methodically.  Instead of blasting through 3-5 chapters, I simply read one chapter.  I think of it as eating my spiritual meal much more slowly than just wolfing it down.  Ideally, I’ll read a chapter in the morning, one at lunch, and one at night.

I was about to head outside to be alone with the Lord, when I got a call.  I almost ignored it thinking I’d just call them back when I was finished.  I went ahead and answered.  What transpired was a conversation that led to talking about Jesus and learning what a blessing it is when we simply want to hang out with Him.  There is a place where we just enjoy His company and don’t make our time with Him a “gimme” and “help so and so” session.

I know I’ve done more than my share of “help me, Lord” prayers when I’m in distress.  But in moments like I’m in right now, moments of peace in my heart and mind, I love this idea of asking Him for nothing and just hanging out with Him and His Word.  I’m learning more and more that He makes my cup run over simply so the excess can pour into others.

Lord, there is no one like You.  Thank You for all that You are teaching me.  I’m just in a place that I want to hold onto for the rest of my days.  But like every other time, I’m prone to wander . . . prone to leave the God I love.  I can’t thank You enough for all the times You’ve led me back home.  Where would I be without Your loving hand that picks me up by the arm like a little child and places me back on the right path?  Keep my heart pure.  Keep my life simple.  Use me to fill others with the overflow from my cup.  Amen

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Fullness of Joy

Posted on September 17, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  — Psalm 16:11

This past Saturday, I found myself getting up early to drive a sports team a couple of hours away.  I got up and read the Word of the Lord along with this preaching book that I’ve been reading.  I prayed kind of a draggy prayer and was honestly wondering what in the world I was doing choosing to work on a Saturday.

As I started to drive, the team crashed out on the bus pretty hard . . . they certainly were prepared for it with their pillows and blankets.  The morning light began to fade in, and it was like my soul just woke up.  Suddenly, I had a goal to give the team the smoothest ride possible.  I began to think of how the Lord cares for me like that.  That team completely trusted me and my driving whether they thought about it or not.  I do the same with the Lord.  My trust is in Him.  I know at times when I’m not thinking about Him and all He does for me . . . He still wants to give me a smooth ride and to bring me to my destination.  I couldn’t help but begin to praise Him in my spirit and tell Him how much I love Him.  

As the sun rose, the light was reflecting off the lakes and trees.  The beauty seemed to be magnified tenfold.  I became aware of how much the Holy Spirit inside me was enjoying it all.  It made me, who took that stuff for granted all the time, enjoy it more than I have in a long time.  It is like we were looking at it all together.  I was experiencing true joy.  Out of nowhere I asked, “Lord, would You like to drive?”  In my mind, I allowed the Spirit to take the wheel and just enjoy driving like I had been.  I thought about how I wanted and needed to do that more in my life.  Too often, I want God to be with me while I do what I do.  How much more wonderful would life be if I’d swap places?  I’d like to be with Him while He does what He does.

Lord, thank You for bringing back to life what following You is really all about . . . a relationship with You.  Help me get on board with what You’re doing and stop trying so hard to lead my own life.  I want to stay in Your presence and remain in this fullness of joy.  You have guided my path for thirty-four years now, and that includes so many times where You had to place me back on the path because I wandered so far away from You.  You really do take care for me, even when I’m not thinking about it.  You really do love me.  Help anyone who reads this experience this fullness of joy.  This world is not my home.  Help me be a light that so shines before men, that others see my good deeds and want to glorify You, my Father in heaven.  Amen

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The Old Crossroads

Posted on September 10, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, and many there be go in there at.  But narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it.  – Matthew 7:13-14

Years ago, I’m talking probably 15 years ago, Tonya and I were coming home from Tennessee.  At a time and place coming down the mountain where I got no cell phone signal, there were only a few radio stations that would play clearly.  I landed on a bluegrass station that was cranking out some of the best gospel stuff I’d ever heard.

A song came on that just hit me in my spirit.  I loved it.  By the time I got home, I could only remember that the chorus was based on Matthew 7:13-14.  I Googled, looked up, and listened to a ton of songs hoping I might find it.  As years went by, I would tune in to old bluegrass stations, just hoping I’d hear it one more time.  My efforts were always fruitless.

Fast forward to this past Sunday.  I was preaching the Homecoming service at Mt Freedom in Mountain Rest.  There was a band playing called Tugalo Holler.  They played with excellence and as unto the Lord.  I haven’t thought of my bluegrass song in years, but something told me . . . “they know the song.”  I told them what I just wrote in the above two paragraphs, and they immediately said . . . “The Old Crossroads.”  

I listened on the way home a few times to the song.  I was so happy hearing the song, but also kind of sad that the search was over.  For probably a third of my life I’ve been searching for this song.  

It is all a reminder that one day, our faith will become sight.  We won’t be seeking after God anymore because we will be with Him in heaven.  We won’t have the opportunity to witness to people and try to bring them to Jesus because we will only be surrounded by people who believed and trusted in Him.  Imagine the day when our work here on Earth is truly done.  We have the opportunity now to make a difference.  When we get up there with God, the difference will have already been made.  When we get up there, we will have all of our answers.

Lord, thank You for finally revealing the song to me.  I sure prayed for it.  Thank You also for reminding me that I need to make a difference today.  I can’t wait around.  I must work today like I’m working for You!  I’m running out of opportunities to do so.  I must tell others about You and Your great salvation!  I’m running out of days to do so.  Help me to really know You!  Help me to soak in Your presence!  Help me let my light so shine before men!  You are the best thing that happens to people.  Thank You for saving me and working in my life.  Open the floodgates of revival upon this land . . . show us Your glory.  Amen.

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Three Ways to Worship God Today

Posted on September 3, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

Give and don’t tell anybody about it

When you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:3-4

Remember when Jesus would do all those cool things for people like open blinded eyes, make lame legs walk, and heal of leprosy?  What would he say to them?  “See to it that you tell no one!”  For whatever reason, we just can’t resist telling.  I know I end up posting about it on here or sharing it with someone.  Of course, I come up with a good reason to do so.  Today, let’s give/help someone and find out what a reward from the Father looks like.  I’d rather have that than another “atta boy” from another human.

Get completely alone with God and talk to Him

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6

Sometimes I’m super convicted when I feel like I’ve said a fervent prayer before or after I preach.  I realize often in that moment that I haven’t done anything like that all week with just Him and me.  I think of this verse, and it bothers me.  Today, let’s all get completely alone with Him and pour our hearts out to Him.  

Fast and don’t act like you’re fasting

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting.  I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.  But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.  Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private.  And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  – Matthew 6:16-18

Nothing lets your own flesh know that the Holy Spirit is in control of your body and mind than fasting.  I know I can let television shows numb my mind, I can let food comfort me, and too often I let all sorts of things that aren’t good for me bring me pleasure.  Remember when Paul said that he does the things he doesn’t want to do, and then turns around and doesn’t do the things he knows he should do? (See Romans 7) There is a cure for that . . . fast.  Force your body and mind to go without the phone, food, and tv.  Resist the temptation to tell others how difficult it is, because it is difficult.  Spend that time with God and His Word, and don’t post a pic of your open Bible with your coffee next to it and tell everyone you’re about to do it.  This doesn’t have to be 40 days in the wilderness.  We can do it for one evening, one weekend, or one week.  You and God set the parameters and the timeline.  Then, and only then, we just might find out what it looks like for God Himself to reward us openly.

Lord, there is no one like You.  Help us who say we follow You to really follow You.  I don’t want to go through this life wasting my rewards from You for some pitiful little praise from some person I may or may not know.  I want to live for You.  I want to do the things You ask me to do.  Unfortunately, I just do not seem to do them on my own.  Trust and obey . . . there really is no other way to be happy in You.  You say, “when you give, pray, fast,” not “If you feel like it” or “if you decide to.”  These are not suggestions, and what a promise You give us if we do them!  Help us to be obedient today, and may You richly reward all who choose to honor and worship You today.  Amen.

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Coming this Fall

Posted on August 27, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

This has been quite the undertaking, but I should be releasing my music CD by the end of next month.

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Built for This

Posted on August 20, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5

I believe the two people that had it roughest in the Bible were Job and Jeremiah.  Yet, I really doubt if I could talk to either of them that they would agree.  God flat out tells Jeremiah before he begins his ministry that He specifically made him for His purpose.  Jeremiah quickly disagrees with God when he is called, but God lets him know that he was custom built for this, and besides, He was going to be with him the whole time.  Jeremiah would preach and literally no one would listen to him.  His words were constantly rejected by the people.  Humanly speaking, it seems impossible that Jeremiah could endure all that he endured, but he did.  How?  Because God built him to endure.

Nobody would look at me, me included, and say “that guy has been through a lot.”  The truth is that this world and my own flesh have been enough to make me weak and feel like I should quit because there is no way that God could possibly be pleased with me.  I’ve felt like that more often than I’d like to admit, but it seems that every time I feel like this, God reaches down and strengthens me.  I’ll go to a “random” church service, and it will feel so tailored just for me.  I’ll be listening to something, and it will feel like those charged paddles the doctors use to restart a heart were used on me.  I sit here amazed at how God has truly kept His promise to be with me every step of the way.

I remember the first time God unexpectedly “spoke” to my heart and mind.  I had just come up out of the baptismal pool and I heard in my spirit, “This is my son in whom I’m well pleased.”  He was pleased with me before I ever lifted a finger for Him.  He was pleased with me before I played my first worship song, preached my first sermon, or wrote my first WMD.  Even the thought that I could be pleasing to God at this very moment is kind of hard to accept, but if it was based on our own efforts, who would ever make the cut?  Even Jeremiah quickly made excuses, rebuked God’s calling, and made out like He had made a mistake.

Without God in my life, I can only imagine how stressed I would be today.  I’ve got plenty to do and plenty to worry about.  But this morning I want to hand all that worry, fear, and doubt over to Him.  Instead of being overwhelmed, I want to walk in the confidence that He created me, and He built me to live this day.  How can I fail if He is with me?

Lord, it is crazy to think about Jeremiah’s life.  He was placed in stocks and thrown in a cistern simply because people didn’t want to believe the hard truths he was telling them.  Here I am . . . someone does listen to me occasionally.  I get to see good results from time to time.  Help me endure in what feels like the winter months of my spiritual life.  Help me to know that when all seems hopeless and helpless, that You are right there and there is nothing that is going to happen that You haven’t built me to endure.  I love You, Lord and want nothing more than to simply finish my race well.  Amen!

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All I Need

Posted on August 16, 2025 by wednesdaymorningdevotional

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  – 2 Peter 1:3

I got up Wednesday and wrote my customary WMD.  I was about to post it, but then I read it one more time.  It sounded like something I was supposed to write instead of something that I normally write.  I didn’t like it, so I didn’t post it.  

Sometimes life is hard.  Sometimes life isn’t going like I want it to go.  Too often, I think about praying and digging into the Word instead of actually praying and digging into the Word.  As far as being alone with God and learning like I’ve learned for the past three decades, I feel like I’m doing as little as I’ve ever done in my life, yet . . .

I’m absolutely amazed at the things God keeps allowing me to see and feel.  I would swear that I’m just coming up with something off the top of my head at a random moment to preach at the park.  That sermon ends up being exactly what a person who “randomly” came to the service on a whim needed to hear.  On a rainy, cooler temperature Sunday when I would expect maybe one or two hardcores to come to the service, twenty people show up and I get to baptize one of my students from last year.  Afterwards, a man who didn’t even have clothes to change into says he wants to be baptized.  I tell him we can do it next week, he said, “I’ll drive home wet . . . let’s do it now.”  There are two younger guys that I meet with regularly, one is learning to follow God, and the other knows about Him but isn’t yet a follower.  We read the scriptures, talk about God, and talk about what it looks like to have Him in our lives.  Those moments have been some of the most powerful moments of my week.

More than anything, I’m still learning that in no way, shape, or form can I earn God’s presence or favor.  I’ve done zero to receive the blessings I’ve been receiving lately, but I can honestly say that I do believe, and I have come to know God. 

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  – 2 Peter 1:3

I’m so glad He didn’t do it any other way.  

Lord, how amazing it is that You’ve given us everything we need.  Even after knowing You all these years, I think I have to do better and earn the good things that come from You.  I guess the evil one still comes like he did in the garden and whispers, “Did God really say . . .”  All I can ask is that You help me to stay faithful and help me stay grounded in You.  Help me to continue to know the real You and not the idea of You I can make up in my head sometimes.  I’m amazed at how quickly life passes by.  Work in me, use me, and make me more and more like You.  I ask all these things in the Name of Jesus . . . Amen.

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