Author: pastorwendell

Serving, worshiping, waiting. All of these are ways to serve God. They all can be hard for impatient people like me. Yet, God is always faithful and I am glad He is in charge. In spite of your circumstances, or because of your circumstances, allow God to revel in your life. Let Him love you, guide you, discipline you. Live your life so others may see Jesus. God has called us to live in Him with joy. His word states, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Let that strength enable you to go forward in Christ faithfully and boldly. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you with His power and strength. Go forth in Christ today. Another day of rambling. God bless you.

In Christ,

Pastor Wendell

Recently, my wife and I visited San Diego. It was a trip for the two of us just to get away. As we explored Point Loma, Seaport Village, the beach, it was very relaxing for me. However, my wife challenged me to do something that was on my bucket list. Something I have wanted to do for a long time. But, the catch was, I was afraid to try. What was the bucket list item? Whale watching. I have desired to do this for several years, but I kept letting my fear stop me. You see, I am a lousy swimmer. I get in water over my head and I panic-not something a 55 year old man likes to admit. Yet, here I was wanting to do this but letting my fear stop me.

My wife finally said to me, “Let’s do it.” I came to the conclusion that I was tired of being afraid. So, we bought tickets and off we went-nine miles out on the ocean-nine miles! Yet, when we spotted that first whale, it was marvelous. When we spotted the second trio of whales and two of them breeched the water, the heads came up, I was ecstatic. As I stood fascinated by the whales, I thought, thank you God for your creation and how can people doubt His creation. It was a fantastic time, one that I will not forget. So, overcome your fears and enjoy what God as created for us.

In Christ,

Pastor Wendell

No, I am not apologizing for anything. What I mean is the defense of our faith in Jesus Christ. To many times, we remain silent instead of witnessing for the Lord. Apologetics simply declaring your faith in Christ by giving good reasons and doing it in a loving manner. God has not called us to argue but to love with words and deeds.

A good book to read is The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Another good book, which I just finished reading is Grand Central Question by Abdu Murray. In this book, he gives us excellent guidelines in sharing our beliefs with secular humanists and Muslims. It is worth reading. Do whatever you can to present your faith in a logical, coherent manner.

Defend your faith with love and see what God can and will do. God bless.

Pastor Wendell

God calls His followers to be holy. Why? His word says it is because He is holy. Holiness does not mean puritanical or angry. It is simply a desire to follow God with everything you have-heart, soul, mind, and spirit. It is a life worth living. Being pure in an unpure world. Becoming set apart. Let others know you follow Christ but do it in a loving manner that will attract them to Christ. Part of that is being holy.

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. I will try to do better. As we have just celebrated Christmas and the New Year is coming, let us celebrate Jesus. Life in Christ is very important. Let 2015 be the year you allow Jesus to have full control.

As I have been sitting here preparing for the Old Testament Survey course I teach for Western Bible College, it dawned on me that some people cannot see how the Old Testament can relate to their life in Christ, much less have even read the Old Testament in the last year.

Unfortunately, we do not hear many sermons or teachings from the Old Testament. However, it is full of doctrines, teachings, thoughts for our life in Christ. Just a few ideas:

1. Read the entire book from the OT in one sitting.

2. Ask the following questions-

A. Who wrote it and why?

B. To whom was it written and why?

C. What is the content of the book?

D. What is the message or meaning the author is trying to present?

E. How did it apply to the audience of that day?

F. How does it apply to me today?

I believe this will help greatly in studying the OT. So, have fun following Christ as you read and study the Old Testament.

In Christ,

Pastor Wendell

Well, it is cool here. At  least it is cool in the hotel room I am sitting in with wonderful air-conditioning. Outside it is 104. That is life in Arizona. Thinking of life, I am grateful for God’s hand in mine. What about you? Do you allow God to speak into your life everyday? Many times we go day by day without spending time with Him. Then we are upset when He doesn’t hear  or answer prayer. How about spending quality time with Jesus everyday? Let Jesus know your heart, and if you will listen, you will hear His heart.

Enough preaching, maybe. After all, that is who I am. I am in the process of reading a book titled, “The Grasshopper Myth,” by Karl Vaters. The premise of the book is how pastors should realize the privilege of pastoring a small church, under 350, smaller churches, under 200. We who pastor these churches make up approximately 90% of all churches. This is what I sensed he was saying. It is a must read for the small church pastor.

Give glory to God for this day He has given, in spite of what you are facing. May God bless your weekend.

In Christ,

Pastor Wendell

I am finally doing this-writing or attempting to write a blog. This is something I have thought about often, but was timid about doing. Now that I am, I think I will enjoy this-just have to remember to do it. I think about all that God has done and I am blessed. I cannot even imagine living without Him. You see, I am God’s handiwork. Even though you may not think I am handsome or debonair, God loves me just as I am. I work on getting better with Jesus by my side. Life can be hard and the world we live in today is and can be dangerous. Therefore, lean on Jesus and He will guide, protect, and direct you. I pray God’s blessings on you-the handiwork of God.

In Christ,

Pastor Wendell