It’s resolution time in America. My chief resolution is to do something that I have done for nearly 40 years. I resolve to read the Bible through in 2024. It is the best book but not necessarily an easy read. Bible reading requires prioritizing and diligence.

Take Heart Ministries continues to grow and we are so very grateful. From the launch of our website in May of 2022, radio spots in July of 2022, and the addition of Facebook in August of 2022, Take Heart has made strides to continue a thirty year ministry of urging listeners to take heart. Jesus cares for them. He cares for us.

Bro. Monte will be joining his good friend Bro. Manual Seaton at Campground Christian Church for Campground’s annual spring revival meeting. Services will be April 16-20 at 7pm each night. The Singing Disciples will join them Sunday night to lead in worship. The campground is 6 miles south of Meta on highway 133. All are encouraged to join us.

Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, some faithful women made their way to the place where the dead body of Jesus had been entombed. They had prepared spices and they were concerned about how to roll the stone away from the door. We worry about so many things God has already provided.

From the house of Caiaphas, Jesus was led away to Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman Governor and he actually was headquartered in Caesarea Maritime, down by the Mediterranean. He just “happened” to be in Jerusalem. Pilate sent Him across town to Herod. Herod sent Him back to Pilate.

Gethsemane. The word means “oil press” but so much more than oil was pressed in that peaceful little garden. For on that night, all the sins of all mankind throughout all ages were pressed down on Him. He prayed and His sweat was as great drops of blood. He drank the cup of suffering for us.

On the night that Jesus was betrayed, He took bread and broke it and said, “This is my body that is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

The Shrine of the Book is a museum in west Jerusalem, dedicated to the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in the preservation of God’s Holy Word. Scrolls that were buried for 2000 years emerged from the caves around the Dead Sea, well preserved in sands of time.

The Palm Sunday route began somewhere along the Mt. of Olives, descended down a steep hill through the Garden of Gethsemane, crossed the Kidron Valley and ascended to the walls of Jerusalem. Most worshippers would have entered Jerusalem on the south side. They would have made their way up the southern steps, singing as they climbed. We know the songs they sang. Psalm 120-134 are Psalms of ascent for the pilgrim making his way up to the temple.   

After Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus was invited to their house for a supper. John 12:2 records that Lazarus, who had been dead, sat at the table with Jesus. I wonder what they talked about.

Perhaps Jesus had no closer friends nor more loyal disciples than Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They lived in Bethany, a village just over the Mt of Olives from Jerusalem. It would have been a convenient place for Jesus whenever He went up to Jerusalem. Their door was always open, the welcome mat was out, and the light was on for Him. Jesus loved this family.

In the ancient city of Jericho lived two men from two different stations of life, with two different problems and one basic need.

I will never forget the first time I saw the holy, historic city of Jerusalem. In Israel, it is always “up” to Jerusalem. From Jericho, you travel a modern four lane, sometimes six lane highway upwards to this beautiful city situated on the mountains of Moriah. The song, “The Holy City” takes on new meaning as you emerge from the tunnel that goes through Mt. Scopus, and there it is. Jerusalem, the city of gold, is a sight to behold.

Fifty years ago this month, February 1973, I was invited by Bro Simeon Webster to preach at Clark’s Creek Baptist Church…

It is now time to cut back my grapevines. Winter is still here but springtime is coming. I am ready for it. If my vines are to produce grapes in August, I must tend to them now.

I stepped away as Senior Pastor of a wonderful congregation at the close of 2021. Thirty years of pastoring and preaching to that group of saints had brought much joy to my life.

In recent days, I have given much thought to the release of Brittney Griner from a Russian prison. Brittney Griner is a professional basketball player who had been arrested on charges of possessing drug paraphernalia and cannabis. She was found guilty and sentenced to 9 years in a Russian penal colony. It was clear that she broke Russian law and as someone who is famous, she would be used as an example.

David sat before the Lord. He was a young lion of a King. His kingdom was established and, for the moment at least, at peace. He had built a house of cedar for himself and thought perhaps The Lord needed one too. So David thought it was time to replace the tabernacle with a temple. In his heart he wanted to do something great for the Lord. The prophet Nathan said “Do what is in your heart.”