Text Messages

In today’s daily Psalms we read one of my very favorite verses. It is a prayer, a plea, a purposed desire. (19:14) “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” The two preceding verses instruct the sincere of the inner dealings that bring about this result. Understanding personal errors. Being cleansed from those secret sinful faults. Verse 13 is a request that we may not think of in daily prayer, Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins. There is a divine restraint for a devious rebellion. Presumptuous [1828: Willful; done with bold design, rash confidence or in violation of known duty; as a presumptuous sin.] In other words, the sin that we hide, continue in willfully, and keep as a pet that we believe no one knows about. Far be it from the child of God to actively pursue, or pet sin in the full knowledge that the Lord died for that and all sin, and that HE KNOWS all about it. It is an I don’t care attitude that keeps one under the dominion of sin (v13) and therefore makes our heart and words unacceptable to The Lord according to this word. Verse 14 are the words of an humble servant, not a rebellious sinner. It is a desire attached to a personal directive. I am accepted in Christ because of His Blood, His Seal, His Salvation, but my flesh is still an adversary against the divinity within me. My eternal soul is accepted but my heart contemplations and unholy conversations may not be. How can our meditations and words be accepted? By coming under the dominion, not of sin, but of our strength, our redeemer. Lord, help us to be under the dominion of the Holy Spirit. May we be vigilant in the activity of our heart and mind. We know that the heart directs the mouth. Let our lips bear the fruit of a heart that is clean and controlled. In the name of our strength, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Day 3, chapter 3. In today’s reading we find what could be considered one of the ‘greatest hits’ of the entire book of Proverbs. 3:5-6. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs is the book of Wisdom. In fact, chapter 3 personifies Wisdom as ‘she’. Perhaps it is because Solomon received so much instruction from his mother. Wisdom in these verses teaches us that primary trust in our life should be in the LORD, not partially but with all of our heart. That is our seat of thinking, believing, and action. The caution is against our own understanding as the final word on any issue. The phrases, “Just do what you think is best,” or “Follow your heart,” are in stark contradiction to Wisdom. The formula to follow is to acknowledge the LORD in all of our ways. Acknowledge; [to own, avow or admit to be true Websters 1828]. That means that God is right about everything. Everything He says is true. Admit and submit that His word on our life should be the first consultation and the following determination. The promise is that with this Wisdom in practice, He shall direct our paths. What, Where, When, How, and What for. Let no resolution be without wisdom of acknowledging Him. Let no 2026 vision board be absent of His glory, praise and purpose. Lord, in all our ways we believe with our whole heart that you are true and truth. We will find our first directions in your Word and in prayer. We believe you will give godly counsel to confirm our direction. Then, we will move forward knowing that you have laid the path before us. Amen.

One of the dedications that many people plan to do is read the Bible through in a year. Before some get to the “begats” the wheels fall off, the plan gets behind and then abandoned. “I’ll never catch up.” I heard someone say, a plan is not a prison. Let me encourage us as we put our reading plan in action.

A great tool for the lover of scripture. Many remember the Alexander Scourby Bible reading tapes. Used to be that they were very expensive. Now the brilliant British accent of Mr Scourby can be accessed for free on YouTube. I personally listen quite a bit while spending hours staring through the windshield. A few years ago I wondered how long it would take to listen all the way through. So, I am going to list the books of the Bible and how long it took for Mr Scourby to read all the way through the Bible at a comfortable pace. I think you may be surprised. If we compare the times to our screen time we might be convicted.

75 total hours. 2.5 mo @1hr/day 5x per yr. Based on 70yr life begin at age 12=278 times in a life. If we dedicated a Specific time rather than Spare time our time would be well invested.

TIMES hr:min:sec 0:00:00

Genesis 3:30
Exodus 2:58
Leviticus 2:07
Numbers 2:48
Deuteronomy 2:20
Joshua 1:37
Judges 1:36
Ruth 0:14:41
1 Samuel 0:58:00
2 Samuel 1:51
1 Kings 2:12
2 Kings 2:04
1 Chronicles 1:55
2 Chronicles 2:18
Ezra 0:40:00
Nehemiah 0:59
Esther 0:30
Job 1:46
Psalms 4:24
Proverbs 1:39
Ecclesiastes 0:35
Song of Solomon 0:17
Isaiah 3:43
Jeremiah 3:59
Lamentations 0:22
Ezekiel 3:31
Daniel 1:02
Hosea 0:29
Joel 0:13:03
Amos 0:23
Obadiah 0:4:53
Jonah 0:08:10
Micah 0:08
Nahum 0:08:32
Habakkuk 0:9:36
Zephaniah 0:10:31
Haggai 0:07:06
Zechariah 0:34
Malachi 0:11:01
Matthew 2:13
Mark 1:26
Luke 2:16
John 1:54
Acts 2:19
Romans 1:02
1 Corinthians 1:02
2 Corinthians 0:39
Galatians 0:20
Ephesus 0:19
Philippians 0:15
Colossians 13:33
1 Thessalonians 0:12:16
2 Thessalonians 0:07:22
1 Timothy 0:16
2 Timothy 0:12:15
Titus 0:07:02
Philemon 0:03:54
Hebrews 0:42
James 0:15
1 Peter 0:17
2 Peter 0:11:19
1 John 0:16
2 John 0:03
3 John 0:03:03
Jude0:05:26
Revelation 1:11

Honestly, who amongst the children of God ever thought we’d live to see 2026? But, here we are so let’s make the most of it. Before we get to the new year let us say thank you to pastors Collins and Hatley for allowing us to be part of your services in December. We were able to close out 2025 with a great deal of time with family. Looking back over the past 12 months the Lord was good and gracious to us to travel 54,000 highway miles without major incident. I am resisting the urge to number the hotels and prophets chambers, meals in a sack, bass lessons taught, services, messages preached, songs sung, and souls saved. Suffice it to say, the Lord has been better to me than I certainly deserve.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1 Paul said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” A word that has been ringing in my soul of late is Decisive. I do not believe we can allow ourselves to allow feelings to direct us. We must operate on decisions, settled principles, pre-established parameters on what we will and will not do. Away with this thought of ‘Let’s see what happens.’ Or ‘follow your heart.’ My decision is to preach the whole council of God, to have a full-proof ministry. With the strength of the Spirit of God and your prayerful support I can. I would ask that your prayers be toward that purpose. Also, continue to join me in prayer that He will keep sending me according to His calling. Don’t Stop Praying!

2026 Schedule

1/1-2 Albemarle NC Mtn View BC
1/4 Columbia TN New Life BC
1/11-14 Teays Valley WV
1/18 OPEN SUNDAY
1/25 OPEN SUNDAY

2/1 Clinton IL
2/5-6 Lexington NC
2/8 OPEN SUNDAY
2/15-19 Okeechobee FL
2/22-26 Bunnel FL Flagler Co BC

3/1 Eden NC Northside BC
3/2-6 Pisgah Forest NC WGCR
3/8 Florence KY Bethel BC
3/14-20 Valdosta GA Bemiss Rd BC
3/22am 2pm Spring City TN New Hope BC
3/22pm Wartburg TN Lighthouse BC
3/23-26 Rossville GA Bible BC
3/29 OPEN SUNDAY

4/5 Lyons GA Liberty BC Easter
4/6-9 Spotsylvania VA Calvary BC
4/12 OPEN SUNDAY
4/19-22 Randleman NC Abounding Grace BC
4/26-29 Mcclenney FL Faith BC

5/3 OPEN SUNDAY
5/10 OPEN SUNDAY
5/17-21 Luthersville Ga Faith BC
5/24 OPEN SUNDAY
5/26 Waco GA Annual Arbor Mtg
5/31 OPEN SUNDAY

6/5-6 NGSGM Work Days
6/7-12 Cumming GA NGSGM
6/14 OPEN Sunday
6/15-19 Titusville FL Way of Life BC
6/21-25 Jacksonville FL West Jax BC
6/29-7/1 Cleveland GA PO2 Jr Camp

7/5 Demorest GA Fairfield BC
7/6-10 Cleveland GA PO2 Teen Camp
7/12 OPEN SUNDAY
7/19 OPEN SUNDAY
7/26 OPEN SUNDAY

8/2 OPEN SUNDAY
8/9 OPEN SUNDAY
8/16 OPEN SUNDAY
8/23 OPEN SUNDAY
8/26-30 Piney Flats TN Pilgrim BC

9/6 OPEN SUNDAY
9/13 Maryville TN Fellowship BC
9/20 OPEN SUNDAY
9/27 Wartburg TN Lighthouse BC

10/4 OPEN SUNDAY
10/11 Vass NC Highland BC
10/18 Ashville BC Gum Springs BC
10/25 Hartsville SC Whispering Pines BC

11/1-4 Livingston LA Fundamental BC
11/8 Statesboro GA Temple BC
11/15 OPEN SUNDAY
11/22 OPEN SUNDAY
11/29 OPEN SUNDAY

12/6 OPEN SUNDAY
12/13 OPEN SUNDAY
12/20 OPEN SUNDAY

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1

When we were on the road together, Jay Parrack would always say, Praise the Lord, when someone would compliment his singing, and then he’d say, Thank you. I have never forgotten that. I remember learning a business maxim over the past 20 years or so years that went something like, we always accomplish more when no one individual cares who gets the credit. For a “words of affirmation” person that sounds like starvation. Then this thought comes to my mind. I wonder what it would be like if no one received any awards or recognition in 2026? No entertainment accolades, no business plaques, no trophies, no champions crowned, no ceremonies, no medals, no rankings, no names mentioned in appreciation, no thumbs up, hearts, or emoji’s. I think a felt a shudder roll through the fabric of social media. I missed out on a really good insurance job in 2012 because on the personality test I said I was not motivated by company awards. I have boxes of trophies, ribbons, from 4H and FFA, plaques, and HOF medals from my music career. Notice, in boxes. As Dr Hutson says, like curls on a sows tail. It doesn’t make any more ham. I wonder how much you and I do only because someone is going to see it, acknowledge it, and give us credit for it, give us glory. [GLORY: Praise ascribed in adoration; honor, fame, renown, celebrity, that of which one may boast. Pride, boastfulness, arrogance, as vain glory. Webster 1828] NOT UNTO US, O LORD, NOT UNTO US, but unto thy name give glory… For thy Mercy. It is of the Lord’s mercy that we exist and are not annihilated for our sins. He in mercy gives breath in our lungs and blood in our veins to do any and everything. AND for thy truth’s sake. His Truth is His Word. The Word of God never shows Jesus telling any of his 12 disciples Thank you or Good Job. Look what John did everybody! Man alive, Matthew, you keep good books. Great to have you on the team. Couldn’t do it without you. Not once. His Word is not about the flawed followers but the Sinless Savior. I preached a message a few years ago titled, Don’t Trade a Good Job Here for a Well Done There. Any reward that we will accumulate in heaven will immediately be laid at the feet of Jesus Christ because only He, not unto us, but unto HIS Name is glory due. Now if you will excuse me, I need another cup of coffee and time for self examination. P.S. verse 15 says, “Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” Whether anyone gives us recognition or not.

I don’t know if you do this but I have returned to reading 5 Psalms and 1 chapter in Proverbs that match the date. Once again, I am amazed at how apropos those words of wisdom seem to fit the state of my respective days. As a note of recommendation, today is the 18th of December. Proverbs 18 is a full 5 gallon bucket sloshing around some of the greatest wisdom in all of scripture. As in most of the Proverbs, the verses are not extended groupings of expositional alliteration, but fast-ball down the middle statements on life and living well. If this particular chapter had a theme it may be the connection of the heart and the mouth determining direction. Then there are the 5 Psalms, today’s grouping being chapters 86-90. In chapter 90 verse 17 I may have found my new favorite verse as a daily whispered prayer. “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” As we observe the societal slant to post the perfect life, which we all understand is fabrication of highest degree, the Psalms and Proverbs give real wisdom, real heartbreak, real repentance, real worship, real improvement, for real life. This daily dose of wisdom may surely keep the anxiety, self loathing, and the thief of joy away. Start today and find truth for real life.

AB

1/4 OPEN SUNDAY
1/11-14 Teays Valley WV
1/18 OPEN SUNDAY
1/25 OPEN SUNDAY

2/1 Clinton IL
2/5-6 Lexington NC
2/8 OPEN SUNDAY
2/15-19 Okeechobee FL
2/22-26 Bunnell FL

3/1 OPEN SUNDAY
3/2-6 Pisgah Forest NC WGCR
3/8 Florence KY Bethel BC
3/14-20 Valdosta GA Bemiss Rd BC
3/22am Spring City TN New Hope BC
3/22pm Wartburg TN Lighthouse BC
3/23-26 Rossville GA Bible BC
3/29 OPEN SUNDAY

4/5 Lyons GA Liberty BC Easter
4/6-9 Spotsylvania VA Calvary BC
4/12 OPEN SUNDAY
4/19-22 Randleman NC Abounding Grace BC
4/26-29 Mcclenney FL Faith BC

5/3 OPEN SUNDAY
5/10 OPEN SUNDAY
5/17-21 Luthersville Ga Faith BC
5/24 OPEN SUNDAY
5/26 Waco GA Annual Arbor Mtg
5/31 OPEN SUNDAY

6/5-6 NGSGM Work Days
6/7-12 Cumming GA NGSGM
6/14 OPEN Sunday
6/15-19 Titusville FL Way of Life BC
6/21-25 Jacksonville FL West Jax BC
6/29-7/1 Cleveland GA PO2 Jr Camp

7/5 OPEN SUNDAY
7/6-10 Cleveland GA PO2 Teen Camp
7/12 OPEN SUNDAY
7/19 OPEN SUNDAY
7/26 OPEN SUNDAY

8/2 OPEN SUNDAY
8/9 OPEN SUNDAY
8/16 OPEN SUNDAY
8/23 OPEN SUNDAY
8/26-30 Piney Flats TN Pilgrim BC

9/6 OPEN SUNDAY
9/13 OPEN SUNDAY
9/20 OPEN SUNDAY
9/27 Wartburg TN Lighthouse BC

10/4 OPEN SUNDAY
10/11 Vass NC Highland BC
10/18 Ashville BC Gum Springs BC
10/25 Hartsville SC Whispering Pines BC

11/1 OPEN SUNDAY
11/8 Statesboro GA Temple BC
11/15 OPEN SUNDAY
11/22 OPEN SUNDAY
11/29 OPEN SUNDAY

12/6 OPEN SUNDAY
12/13 OPEN SUNDAY
12/20 OPEN SUNDAY
12/27 OPEN SUNDAY