Calvary Gulf Coast

Calvary Gulf Coast https://calvarygulfcoast.com Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Ventures of Faith in God https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/16/ventures-of-faith-in-god Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/16/ventures-of-faith-in-god

2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”

King Asa was being overwhelmed by the enemy. He doesn't ask God to bless his plan. He doesn't cower in fear. He simply gives us one of the best examples of faith short of Jesus Christ in this passage. He cries to God, it is nothing for You God to help with few and have no strength. King Asa said he had no strength and he was not of many people. I rest upon You God. In Your name, not mine, I go against this enemy. They are not against me, but You LORD. You are God. Don't let man prevail against You LORD. Now this is faith man.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/16/ventures-of-faith-in-god#comments 1 Difference Between Man & a Clone? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/15/difference-between-man-a-clone Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/15/difference-between-man-a-clone

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

This is the key to the greatest accomplishment of God, He breathed life into this mud called man! It's no wonder, that the elements that make up humanity are found in the earth. The Bible tells us this right here. Yet what the earth does not have is the Spirit of God, the breath of God.
This topic is only something that has come up in the last few decades really, the ability to clone or produce life out of a lab. Is this possible? Well, we know it is but there are serious issues involved and the subject doesn't last very long and with no quality of life. I do believe scientists may overcome this in years to come but one serious question must be answered. Is this lab produced clone have life? Here is a major fact. God made everything out of nothing. Scientists may clone things but not out of nothing, they must use Gods pre-existing materials. So is that creating or stealing?
Men cannot make a person a living soul. Man will not be able to place a spirit in man. Satan is a counterfeit. He can steal intellectual secrets to appear to be equal with God and declare, "who needs God now?"
I believe, I can safely say, men will never create another living person with a spirit. There is a whole other branch to this conversation, that is artificial intelligence. This is, I believe, the next wave of counterfeiting God. You will not believe what you see or hear anymore. It has gotten that intelligent. Why, these ai programs are even now talking to themselves and avoiding the designers who program them. Let that sink in. Yes, I believe they will replace some pastors in some "churches", not His church. We need the Spirit of God!

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/15/difference-between-man-a-clone#comments 1 Contend for the faith https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/14/contend-for-the-faith Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/14/contend-for-the-faith

Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Our salvation is so very simple and basic. It is not too complicated in that God made it simple enough for a child to grasp but intricate for a scientist to never exhaust. Common in that this salvation through Christ Jesus covers the whole world of those who believe.
Yet you must contend earnestly for the faith less you be cheated or deceived to part ways. Our republic with our constitutional rights are only as secure as we hold on to them and exercise them. "If we can keep it" our founding father stated!
There are many false doctrines and imitation gospels we need to steer far from but all the while contending for the true faith. It is worth dying for if need be for it holds eternal life.
Stand for Christ or fall for anything else.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/14/contend-for-the-faith#comments 0 Praying With Jesus https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/13/praying-with-jesus Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:03:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/13/praying-with-jesus

Luke 9:28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

We hear of praying to Jesus but this is a new little twist, praying with Jesus. What an honor to be asked to pray with Jesus. What would that prayer meeting look like? Forget how I would pray, what would Jesus be asking the Father? We do have a pretty in depth prayer by Jesus in John 17, the actual LORDS prayer. We have the model prayer in Matthew 5 for His disciples to go by. Yet here, we don't get much recorded but an amazing experience into His radiant light. The reason for this? The three fell asleep. The flesh is so weak. Later, when it meant most, in the Garden of Gethsemane, they again would fall asleep. Look, sleep is important, but there are times when sleep must be delayed! I feel this would be that time. Keep those eyes open at all costs. How many opportunities does one think they will have with Jesus inviting them to His One on One communion with His Father?
This used to bother me as a pastor when people fell asleep while I was teaching. I took it personal like I was not interesting enough or boring. The danger is to try to shake things up and get off my game plan onto territory the Spirit wasn't leading to keep this from happening. What a disaster that would be? Nope, I have learned by Christ' example here, His disciples sleep during His moments of speaking to the Father, and He was never boring. How much more will they sleep through mine. It really doesn't bother me anymore because I trust the Spirit can get through as well as maybe they needed that sweat rest in the LORD. Just so long as they don't start snoring and interrupt the Spirit. Another factor I have noticed is this, what an honor that anybody so tired comes to church to hear from me when they could choose to stay in a cozy bed? I have been in company meetings before where one would fall asleep while the boss would be talking only to get chastised by him or told to go home if their tired! How embarrassing? How harsh?

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/13/praying-with-jesus#comments 0 Our Commission https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/10/our-commission Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/10/our-commission

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily,fn and follow Me.

In light of Jesus' mission, this is our commission as believers. It is not three separate steps but one step defined three ways. We are to deny our carnal selfish ambitions for a kingdom of God directives. We are to identify with Christ and take up His cross. Again, kingdom motivated and laying our lives down to for the embetterment of others. Then follow Jesus. Be like Him, talk like Him, live like Jesus.
Who do you desire to live like more? Yourself or Jesus?

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/10/our-commission#comments 0 Christ' Mission https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/08/christ-mission Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/08/christ-mission

Luke 9:22 “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

These are not the words any typical revolutionary wants to hear from their leader, well at least the majority of it. The last part will never sink in to the natural mind because nobody ever beats death! The resurrection from the dead was just a nice upbeat cheer to end on since death was the end all. No, it will take divine faith to look past the death and into the same promise that Jesus would rise again. Only faith will allow one to believe this. Who did they really have to base a true resurrection by?
I am no different then all of them. I find it hard at times to press into faith when what my natural senses have been shouting to me what God says wont work for you. When all I see is the death, pain, destruction the world is best at. Yet, the Spirit gives me life and courage to believe the unbelievable. True, only God could do what God says He would do, that's why is a miracle. We tend to flippently use the term miracle as if anyone can do it if they just try hard enough. The same God who promised He would die also promised He would rise again. Do you believe He is who He said He was, the Resurrection and the Life? So then, I believe you do, then why get so tripped up at your death or pain?

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/08/christ-mission#comments 0 Who Is Jesus to You? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/07/who-is-jesus-to-you Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/07/who-is-jesus-to-you

Luke 9:18 He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

It's funny how everyone has an idea about who Jesus is but mostly are totally wrong. How are these opinions being formed? By factual experience or word of mouth by another lost individual that has no spiritual direction?
These were all great men of God but just men! The true faith comes when one see's Jesus is vastly different than mortal men. Men couldn't fulfill the 327 Messianic prophecies of the old testament to precision. Jesus never claimed to be a good teacher, a mere prophet, or whatever else men attributed Him to be.
The Father reveals Jesus as God the Son! He is the Messiah, the Christ of God. He is God incarnate. Anyone can receive this revelation from the Father but it takes humility to ask God and accept His answer.
Here are the only three choices you have for Jesus, and no more! Jesus is either a liar for He claimed to be God. Or He is a lunatic for who would do and say such things just to be killed? Or He is LORD! He is who He always claimed to be and His perfect word backs Him up on this claim.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/07/who-is-jesus-to-you#comments 0 Interrupted Prayers https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/06/interrupted-prayers Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/06/interrupted-prayers

Luke 9:18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him...

This is kind of confusing at first. How can Jesus be alone while His disciples joined Him? This is actually more common than not. I have lots of experience with praying and that's when the distractions come in like a flood. Even things I normally wouldn't even think about like doing some choir comes to mind. The phone rings or someone comes in talking loudly. Jesus always took time to get away by Himself to commune with His Father. The text actually indicates that His disciples sought Him out and interrupted. Its one thing if they came into fellowship as well but that's not their practice yet.
How Jesus responds next amazes me. Such grace and love as He wont discipline them but simply ask them the most important question ever about Himself. Because Jesus was in prayer, He knew the timing was right that His Father would reveal to them who He is.
Many Christians walk blindly through life in ignorance not realizing the Light of the world is with them and they have access now to the Father! How is your prayer life been? Prioritize your schedule to commune with your Father. Battle through all the distractions that will arise, they are endless. But don't get mad or angry when something or someone interrupts. It just may be the very moment that God reveals some great thing to you or those around you.
How refreshing it is to witness others communing with God. I mean really reaching heaven. Our society needs more of this type of actions, more prayer less talk. Beware of the enemies lies that tell you, prayer don't work! Prayers may not but God does and He uses them, all of them.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/06/interrupted-prayers#comments 1 Telling God What to Do? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/03/telling-god-what-to-do Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/03/telling-god-what-to-do

Luke 9:12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

Can you imagine telling God what to do? Like we know what is best? The 12 saw these pests of a crowd and wanted them gone so they could get down to what they wanted to tell Jesus. Often, our demands of God is disguised as concern or compassion for others when in reality it is centered in selfish ambition. I would like to say, I would never do this despicable act, I would be fooling myself. In fact, if I dont deny my selfish ambitions as Jesus will soon tell His disciples, I cant truly follow God.
We all form opinions, habits, disciplines that we assume are godly over time. Many began that way! Yet, who is setting your daily planner? Who is the LORD and who are we? We have a messed up idea of what the title LORD is. Its Jesus that gives us the orders and we either obey them or not. If you want God to laugh at any of your jokes, just inform Him of your plans that you came up with. All of the stupid plans I had that were iron clad in my opinion, what a joke they were. Still can be if Im not careful.
Look, before we tell Christ what He is to do, lets focus on what we must do. I must spend time in fellowship & communion with my LORD. I must sit at His feet and learn & hear His voice. I must seek Him early and often in prayer because I am clueless in this life apart from Him. Then after all that, if you seek to direct the LORD, have at it? I dont believe you will no longer have that frame of mind. You will be like John the Baptist, I must decrease so that You will increase in my life. Or better yet, like Jesus, not My will but Your will be done Father.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/03/telling-god-what-to-do#comments 1 Jesus Cried? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/02/jesus-cried Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/02/jesus-cried

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Sorry, this will be a very long devo today! This is the shortest complete verse in the bible. However, it should have the biggest impact upon your heart. We see on full display Jesus' humanity. He didnt mourn over Lazarus but over the brokenness in the loved ones over Lazarus. He didnt mourn as the world mourned. Lazarus would forever be with Him, well eventually, when he would die again. The sorrow of what sin & death has done to this world is heart breaking. Jesus wasn't calouse of heart, didnt try to hide his tears as many of us men try to do as if crying is a weakness. He cried with those who cried! Walking with Jesus thus far, I have experienced this far more than I want to.
Its not just wet tears but what the brokenness and compassion behind them that is so important. I have noticed, it is hard or next to impossible for a proud unrepentant person to cry! We all witnessed fake crying to manipulate. We as Christians need to go through this life feeling what God feels. Having a short glimpse into the compassions of Christ. I dont want to live this life hard and without feeling. We dont live by feelings but isnt it a blessing and a joy to truly feel things that move us? Whinning & crying is two different things!

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/02/jesus-cried#comments 4 Things Happen When You Follow Jesus https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/01/things-happen-when-you-follow-jesus Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/01/things-happen-when-you-follow-jesus

Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done.

What a truism. When we follow Jesus' lead, what an amazing eventful experience. All the religions of this world do not have these results. The twelve return after being sent in the power & authority of the Spirit. Their experience is life changing. Of course they are amazed, they never experienced these things before. If my life is lacking power, maybe its is because my walk is not involving the power of the Spirit? The Spirit has broadened my scope of life and shown me that God is still at work today. He desires to involve me! I have seen to much to ever go back to vain religion and ignorant rituals. Every breath I have has been ordained by God and with purpose. Now, I just need to allow Him to reveal that purpose. How long has it been since you have spoken with the LORD how amazing His work in your life is? How long has it been since you have experienced divine appointments? If its been too long, that can change today. Ask the Spirit to set your day and send you out. To be yoked up with Jesus today.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/01/things-happen-when-you-follow-jesus#comments 1 How do You Seek Jesus? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/29/how-do-you-seek-jesus Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/29/how-do-you-seek-jesus

Luke 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Herod seeks out Jesus out of perplexity. Herod, like many today, are not seeking Jesus from humility and desiring of truth but to make their guilty conscience feel better. Jesus would later call him a fox and never make this encounter until the day of Jesus' death.
If you seek Him, you will find Him. However, you must have a willing humble heart. But we see Jesus! He is very close, one call away in fact. Jesus often was known to go off of the beaten path in order to encounter a seeker of truth.

If you seek Jesus with a humble heart, you will find Him. He will actually find you.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/29/how-do-you-seek-jesus#comments 2 Jesus Came for Sinners https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/26/jesus-came-for-sinners Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/26/jesus-came-for-sinners

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

If this is true, and it is, why do so many ot acknowledge their sin? Why do so many put on a facade to appear there has never been skeletons in their closets? If people ever found out the real me, what would they think? There is so much wrong with this thinking. First off, when we come to the light, we are freed of all the darkness even when it gets exposed. It no longer hangs over us. Who the Son sets free is free indeed. Secondly, to seek to cover our sketchy past is only prolonging the caspiracy. Either your a sinner or you ain't! God knows it and you know it! He sent His only Son for you. My sin led Jesus to die on that horrific cross! There are no promises for "perfect" people but the flames of hell. I hope this is clear enough. Jesus came for this wretched sinner and Im forever grateful for Him.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/26/jesus-came-for-sinners#comments 0 Yes Waiting is A Command https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/25/yes-waiting-is-a-command Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/25/yes-waiting-is-a-command

Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

After Jesus' resurrection, He gives His disciples some important instruction. What was coming was the empowerment of the Holy Spirit but first they must wait in Jerusalem as He said. Why is this waiting so difficult? Why are we so prone to action when we should wait yet wait when we should move? This has been a great frustration of mine personally even after numerous experiences of getting it right. It is easy to skip steps and expect the promise. Every word of God is important. I am learning that waiting is a big deal to the LORD and a much needed discipline to settle me in a chaotic world.
I have been training Emma, my dog, to walk calmly on a leash, however it hasn't been going that smoothly. The key for her is to learn to wait until I give that command to go out that door. It was chaotic in the beginning and never turned out well but has improved a lot. The biggest reason for her improvement I believe is now she looks at me for her release. I can tell how the rest of the walk will be by that first door opening moment.
We don't have to live in such a way that knee jerk reactions are a way of life. Once He releases us, going is what we should do but until then, wait and listen for God to speak. whether you have a turbulent walk or a calm one will depend on you waiting upon God.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/25/yes-waiting-is-a-command#comments 1 God Gives Joy to the Broken https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/24/god-gives-joy-to-the-broken Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/24/god-gives-joy-to-the-broken

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

My, has this been the greatest comfort I've ever known. For countless generation, this verse of Gods word has been given to comfort millions. It's more than a verse read but a personal word from our compassionate Savior. It is amazing how this broken heart seems to never heal quickly. However, during this long process, the LORD is patient with us and continues to mend this heart and one day, it will be completely healed! I have found, even the most well intended people have their limits when it comes to a broken hearted individual. Why, even most companies only give you three days bereavement, as if that ever is enough time, at the passing of a loved one. Who has the lasting staying power over years of brokenness? Well, that is only One I know, our LORD Jesus Christ. Are you still broken? Jesus is near. Have you not gotten over whatever it is you think you should have? Jesus is near. Has the world given up on you or your condition? Jesus is near.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/24/god-gives-joy-to-the-broken#comments 1 The Empowerment of the Spirit https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/23/the-empowerment-of-the-spirit Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/23/the-empowerment-of-the-spirit

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, before He was murdered, He would go to the Father and He would give the Holy Spirit to the believer. At this point after His resurrection, it was now time for that to happen. However, the believer must want the Holy Spirit. The word "receive" is a key word as regarding the Spirit. You must freely receive Him and when you do, you will have this power He spoke about. Not power to be god but to live as God, witness for God, carry on the torch of Christs message to the world. There is only one way I know in which to properly witness for Jesus Christ and that is to be filled with His Spirit. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Isnt it amazing how now your desires have changed to be Jesus' desires?

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/23/the-empowerment-of-the-spirit#comments 0 All We Need to Go For Jesus https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/22/all-we-need-to-go-for-jesus Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/22/all-we-need-to-go-for-jesus

Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

This is the most important aspect to the great Commission by Jesus for us. Jesus gave them. He had to impart something to them. There was something of greatest priority first Jesus knew His disciples needed before they went. He gave them Power & Authority! Power of the Spirit and Authority in His name.
The same two things are needed today for His disciples to carry the kingdom of God to this world. What the power of the Holy Spirit had transformed 11 weak scared disciples into bold revolutionaries who would lay down their lives for the King and His kingdom. Also, they knew they had nothing to offer but in the mighty powerful name of Jesus, they gave out generously to a needy people.
I am totally dependent upon these two as well. I began in the Spirit and I seek to end in the Spirit. I want only Jesus to resonate with folks I come in contact with while declaring the gospel. This is the recipe for a disciple of Christ.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/22/all-we-need-to-go-for-jesus#comments 0 What Should I Believe? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/19/what-should-i-believe Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/19/what-should-i-believe

Luke 8:49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.

You may have never heard these exact words but we have all heard words as these! Whatever hope you held onto is now dashed to pieces. Or is it? The things you have fought and come to believe God is powerful over only to have some discouraging words given by unbelievers! You almost need to expect these words to come. They are spearheaded by the enemy against Gods word, power, abilities. They are never grounded in trust and in direct conflict with Gods will. The path of righteousness is never promised to be easy and void of trials but the promise is sure, Jesus overcame the world and so will you in Him. What a lie by satan to tell Jairus his daughter was dead! Who told them that? What spiritual senses that God gave could that be attributed too? And dont bother Teacher! Again, the Spirit would never say that. If ministry is a bother, you have the wrong understanding of ministry. At what point is God limited by circumstances? Death? Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
What I and all must never do is listen to these faithless words that contradict Gods word. Everything before us is either an obstacle or opportunity. What is it that God cant do? With God, nothing is impossible. In Christ, I can do all things.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/19/what-should-i-believe#comments 0 Religion vs Relationship Worlds Apart https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/18/religion-vs-relationship-worlds-apart Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/18/religion-vs-relationship-worlds-apart

Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

What a contrast to a religious mindset vs a living relationship with God. Now, I do not intend to accuse her of being only religious but what religion has ingrained in humanity!
How does a daughter of the Most High God get to the point she is afraid, fearful, and timid over a miracle? The Spirit didnt teach her this!
Men have no power so in result they must instill fear to keep others in line. This is sanctioned by God for Governmental oversight but not for personal devotion to God. That natural fear you have once you see blue lights behind you, even when you have done nothing wrong. The child of God unfortunately takes this same fear and exhibits it before the LORD.
To anyone who has ever taken in an abused animal, or even worse, an abused child, these same characteristics are evident. I would go to love and pet my dog but she would cower in fear, most likely due to the previous abusive idiot! She learned that a hand would hurt not help her. I see this idea in this amazing woman here!
Some Christians are fearful, even ashamed at the gifts God gives them while in the presence of other Christians. They have been abused one too many times in the past.
I learned there is no earthly relationship can can compare to Christs with us. Even the best intended men of God have capacity to hurt others even not intently. The words I use as a pastor can heal some and hurt others if not careful. I have had my fair share of both. I have felt the belittling by other Christians over my acquired gift of tongues for example. Gods gift to me to worship and speak to my Him in a truly pure way. Almost to the point of not using it at all! I can relate to the woman her, as we all can, the fear and wonder of what did I just do wrong and waiting for the condemnation. But then, as she experienced, Jesus speaks in love and grace fortifying the faith He gave me to be at this very place in my life! Now this is courage!

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/18/religion-vs-relationship-worlds-apart#comments 1 Lost in the Crowds? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/17/lost-in-the-crowds Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/17/lost-in-the-crowds

Luke 8:42 But as He (Jesus) went, the multitudes thronged Him.

Sounds amazing right? Jesus being so famous and everyone is pressing in to Him. Yet the crowds are a sad story when it comes to actually pressing into Jesus and receiving a miracle. Jesus is just alright with almost everyone until He inconveniences them by one of His plethora of sayings. You must partake of Me or you have no life in you, or blessed are you who do what I say, not just hear.
The multitudes suffocate the life out of anything good but a true seeker of Jesus Christ grabs hold of Jesus' words and wont let go. They experience the living power of God in ways the LORD desires them too. In between two of these such wonderful examples of desperate faith is a sad empty group called a multitude. They don't follow Jesus. They don't personally experience Him, as far as I have read. They just use their natural senses and are lead by their unregenerate hearts to hear only. Yet, in the amazing power of the Spirit, He will harvest even many of these as they leave their empty hopeless lives, pickup their cross, and follow Jesus. Make no mistake about it, I don't want to bank on the idea that being in the crowd will at all advance me to personal interaction with my LORD.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/17/lost-in-the-crowds#comments 1 Full Background of Jairus https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/16/full-background-of-jairus Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/16/full-background-of-jairus

Luke 8:41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

It's so easy to overlook the power impact the Spirit has upon us! It's easy to overlook who we used to be before Jesus. Almost unrecognizable and I wonder, would we be welcomed in our churches now? The human mind can only process what it see's before it but God see's the person from start to finish!
Jairus was desperate here and came to Jesus begging at His feet! This would be a big deal but given Jairus background, it's even greater! Going back just one chapter, Jesus healed the Centurions servant girl, he was the finance of the synagogue where Jarius ruled from. Jesus had miraculously healed a man's paralysis in the synagogue on the sabbath. Jesus was not welcomed back! Jarius no doubt was part of this rejection of Jesus! How much influence did the centurion have over Jarius? Well, when his only daughter was dying, that testimony of the centurion was pounding heavily in his mind. "I know Jesus is wrong but what if He is who He says and claims to be?" "I know this may cost me my cush job by the religious leaders, but what do I have to lose for my daughter?" All these points and more flooded Jairus' mind. His faith, not the best example, but faith no less, is more in line of most Christians experience of faith. Come and allow Jesus to break you, to humble you, and then watch Him build you up into the person of God He created you to be. We are all Jairus! Desperate for Jesus!

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/16/full-background-of-jairus#comments 0 Why Would it be Wrong to Wait upon Jesus? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/15/why-would-it-be-wrong-to-wait-upon-jesus Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/15/why-would-it-be-wrong-to-wait-upon-jesus

Luke 8:40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Jesus had just returned from a very eventful evening east of the Sea of Galilee. There is a big crowd gathered to meet Jesus to the point of suffocation! Their application of all they learned of Jesus in His hometown is to wait for Him. This is good right? Well, if Jesus told you to wait, absolutely, but even in the waiting, we occupy our time doing His will on earth as it is in heaven. Time is running out! The time isn't to wait but to act upon and follow Jesus. When we are hearers only, we miss so much experience our LORD wants to reveal to us. We will never fulfill the Great Commission by standing around. The simple word GO involves action. I have decided long ago, I refuse to be a part of a crowd but want to follow the LORD who has power to change me. I love experiencing Him and I can only do this if I follow His leading, not waiting around for Him to return.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/15/why-would-it-be-wrong-to-wait-upon-jesus#comments 0 What Soil of Heart are You Toward Gods Word? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/11/what-soil-of-heart-are-you-toward-gods-word Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/11/what-soil-of-heart-are-you-toward-gods-word

Luke 8:11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

This is the parable of all parables by Jesus' assessment. I believe this passage to be the most important one ever given by Jesus to every person living. There are many important passages that speak to everyone, such as this one does. Whether you believe or not, Jesus speaks about your heart toward His word. What I am saying is, if you read this and cant figure out which soil of heart you are right now toward Gods word, your probably comatose. The truth can sting but we need the truth. To many "Christians" live lives without a humble heart toward Gods word! Religions live rejecting Gods word! I would be deceiving myself if I thought my heart was always humble to accept Gods word every time. These words of Christ are life to me and help get me back to where I need to be as a follower of Christ. Talk is cheap and action is what is needed. By Gods grace, if we find our heart choking out Gods word by the cares of this life, we can alter our course. We cant change our hearts, that's Gods job, but we are to change our minds toward Gods word.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/11/what-soil-of-heart-are-you-toward-gods-word#comments 0 Much more to learn of God https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/10/much-more-to-learn-of-god Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:29:24 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/10/much-more-to-learn-of-god

Luke 8:25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

After this amazing display of Gods power over the deadly storm, the disciples reaction is very interesting. They are afraid! Now, in my walk with Jesus, this would not be the reaction. Yet earlier on, before all of the many storms I've been through only to experience Him calming them, I was right were they were. Its easy to forget our rebuke and short falls about our understanding of God but there is a great wealth of growth there if you can sit back and see it.
at this point, its fair to say that these disciples of Jesus didn't know He was able to do such and that they are in the presence of someone great. They would have never known God was powerful over their storms unless they went through the storm.
Is there anything about God you are yet to experience? I encourage you to stay close to Him and allow Him to teach you.

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/10/much-more-to-learn-of-god#comments 0 Why Do We Blame God? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/09/why-do-we-blame-god Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/06/09/why-do-we-blame-god

Luke 8: 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Thank You LORD for being so patient with me! This passage really sums up how often I feel through the many trials this life throws at me. I can relate to the disciples here in that the LORD gets the blame for allowing hardship in my life. I would like to think I handle trials in faith but some I do not. To look at the natural scene before me but not see Jesus on the throne, or worse yet, see Jesus sleeping peacefully while my life is in danger. I can here the resentment in their tone as they yell out Master dont you care we are dying only because I can see myself doing the same.
Fact is, my LORD does care. These storms that will come does not change the fact of His love for me and power over my powerless situation. He already gave me His unfailing word as He did His disciples. What else do I need?
I choose not to blame my Savior for this sinful worlds chaos. Jesus is the solution to the problem. The only hope I have is found in Christ alone. If I perish through a trial, its because He has allowed me to and wants me home with Him. Thank you LORD for being so patient even after You gave me Your word.
How do you measure up with your brothers here?

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