Calvary Gulf Coast https://calvarygulfcoast.com Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Love For Jesus' Body https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body
Matt 27:57 57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

The love of Jesus is the greatest measure of our Christianity.  How we love Christ' body is just as important or more so to Him.  All four gospels record the love and respect for Jesus' literal body after His death.  I mean, think about the respect and honor this was to handle Jesus' lifeless body in love, cleaning Him up somewhat, wrapping Him in this shroud, giving Him a proper burial.  Then there was the fact that this was during Holy days and touching blood or the dead would make you unclean.
Nobody touching Jesus was unclean that day but they were the cleanest they could ever be.
Do we, as the church, the body of Christ, love the spiritual body of Christ this much?  Do we go out of our way, even if it inconveniences us, to respect Christ' church?  Do we seek to help clean her wounds and give her honor?  We prove this when we love His body, the church.  Love the unlovable, because they belong to Jesus.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body#comments 0 The Word of God is the Key https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key
Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

Lets begin by defining this "key of Knowledge".  It is so major, Jesus hinged these religious scribes eternity upon it and their drive to keep others out as well.  
They prided themselves on their maticulous attention to the scriptures.  Yet, as Jesus stated, behold in the volume of the book, its written of Me.  The word of God is about the Word of God, Jesus Christ.  He is the wisdom of God that alone unlocks knowledge.  Any attempt to understand this creation apart from Christ, well, is futile.  Jesus created all things, and all things were created by Him and for Him.  The religious establishment rejected the Chief Cornerstone.  It gets much worse for them.  Not only did they reject Christ, all those free thinkers about Christ were threatened and hindered to approach Jesus as well.  Beware of anyone who puts ultimatums upon men.  They are used as leverage to get what they want from them.  Christ gives you a choice for the brains He created in man.  
Its one thing to protect those from false Christs or prophets by using the truth of the Bible to expose the lies.  Yet, Jesus fulfilled the very scriptures these scribes would copy day in and out seeing perfectly well, Jesus fulfilled these passages, yet out of envy, rejected Him still.  They lost the argument and they were losing their followers quickly.  
The midevil church put a death sentence upon any who would translate the Bible into English from Latin.  This was their attempt to keep the power with the only men who could read the scriptures, the hard hearted priests who practiced all sorts of unbiblical things, even unto this day.  We just know better now.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key#comments 0 Seeking the very best https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best
Luke 11:43 “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

The Pharisees loved the places of honor and recognition of men, especially in public places.  You know, just to build up their religious cred among others they sought to dominate over.  Jesus rebuke this lifestyle.  So why does so much of the church chase this very thing.
we see a wise practice that Abraham employed with his nephew Lott in Genesis.  Their business got so large they needed to branch out in different locations.  What Abraham did was gave Lott the first pick of the land.  Of course, a person seeking the Spirits lead would of alaays, without exception, choose the lesser of the two choices out of love for his brother.  Instead, Lott got eyes full of carnality and chose the seemingly best spot.  What does this mean for his uncle Abraham?  And the dishonor of sending his family elder to the lesser spot to struggle to survive?  How selfish our flesh can be, for real!  We know the story, that choice Lott made was his demise.  I have no doubt, God would have blessed them both if Lott just made decisions his Lord would have made.  I have chosen the lesser path on many occasions, not because they appeared better, they were just right!  And God blessed each one.  We have got to trust God as Abraham to know no matter which direction you are left, He blesses.  Yet we also need to set a standard to always if given a selection, always chose the lesser in preference of your brother.  Knowing, God creates beautiful things out of nothing.  
Now, these Pharisees are no different than you and I its just we are blessed to have the Spirit of God convict us not to live as they.  Who doesn't want to be honored & recognized?  The Lord places new desires within us to point others to Him, not us.  Please, do yourself a solid next time, learn from the scriptures next time you are given a choice of preference.  What would Jesus choose?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best#comments 0 Ambassadors & Translators https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

An ambassador has two primary goals.  1st to represent their leader and 2nd to relate to the foreign land in which they are sent.  Translators have a similar mission.  Its not enough that the messenger clearly defines the message, but the translator must articulate that message to the people.  Both these, the Christian should seek to be great at.
We should have the message of heaven but also be able to speak, or translate that message to earth, in a way common unchurched people will understand.  If we fail this, you fail being an ambassador.  How many Christians speak way over the heathens heads with Christian language?  Do they think these folks will miraculously understand them?  Paul became all things to reach all people.  
I have noticed some of the church only speak heavenly languages that are way over heads while other liberal churches speak watered down earthly messages that cant change anyone.  Is our church properly interpreting the Lord fur His people?  If He died for all men, we must do our due diligence to reach all men, no matter the cost.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators#comments 1 Majoring in the minors https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors
Luke 11:42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

I have experienced in my Christian walk that it is very easy to get caught up in the lesser things of life.  Not that they are not important but to leave the primary things undone will result in a frustrating life as a believer.  We need to focus our goals upon the weighter things of God like love and justice.  If I can do that, those other secondary things will naturally take place as well.  Not only will the secondary things happen, you will enjoy them.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors#comments 0 The moment you were aware of Jesus https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-moment-you-were-aware-of-jesus Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-moment-you-were-aware-of-jesus
John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

There are so many life changing texts in the bible as this but are often over looked.  My attention is drawn to a question and invitation by Jesus and then a very precise moment they were aware Jesus was Messiah. First, these guys start to follow Jesus, Im sure skeptical at first, and Jesus turns to them.  WHAT DO YOU SEEK?  This is what the Spirit leads us to do with Jesus, follow Him.  Where did Jesus ever ask them to follow yet?  He will much later, but conditions of their hearts were matured by then.  Seco d, Jesus invites them to COME AND SEE.  You must respond to His invite.  What will you experience? Don't know, but it will be an amazing journey.  You must come and see however.
Third, they recorded this at the 10th hour.  Some have tried to point out a specific hour of the day, but that is not the point at all.  The key here is whenever you have an interaction with God, you will know about it.  It makes a lasting impression upon you.  Every major event since I have been alive I can recall where I was and what I was doing.  How much more meeting God?  My Peter moment was when I was driving home and the Lord showed me a vision of myself spiritually as a shaky shack upon a solid foundation.  When I arrived home, I began to read from Romans and stopped in 1 Corinthians 3.  That's were the Spirit confirmed the vision I had on my drive home.  This interaction propelled my course with the Lord to great heights.  I have been coming and seeing every since.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-moment-you-were-aware-of-jesus#comments 0 How to Train for Spiritual Warfare? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/27/how-to-train-for-spiritual-warfare Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/27/how-to-train-for-spiritual-warfare
2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 

The day in which we live, our battlefields have changed.  We are tooling up for ai warfare rather than men on the battlefields.  Our troops are planning using drones and man less vehicles. If we dont adapt to this, thousands or worse will die.  Here the word tells us the same thing, but spiritually.  We need to tool up now!
It is easy for us as Christians to focus all of our efforts into the wrong strategy of the war we are in.  Since our flesh uses the natural senses, they can deceive us.  I must confess, the testosterone pumps when I'm around guns, survival equipment, so on and I start to plan for external threats when the most dangerous threat can not be seen.  Our battle is not people, they are just vessels, but the devil and his influence he has over such.  We are not defenseless, or even better yet, we can actually go on offense but we must prepare and train the correct way.  Less physical actions and more spiritual prayer coupled with the word of God.  Satan is a defeated foe but often the church doesnt act as though he is.  Last time I checked, darkness can not overcome the Light of Christ.  We must as Christians start thinking in these ways and judge everything by the word of God.  If something in our lives are suspect flesh, world, or the devil, they are to be brought into captivity by the word of God.  Gods word has the final say.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/27/how-to-train-for-spiritual-warfare#comments 1 What can One do to Please God? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/26/what-can-one-do-to-please-god Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/26/what-can-one-do-to-please-god
Hebrews 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Obviously, the number one answer is to walk in faith.  For without faith in Christ, it is impossible to please Him.  But here is an often overlooked verse, also in Hebrews about what pleases God.  This one requires faith in order to do.  We are to follow in our LORDS foot steps and do good and share with folks. We are told not to forget to do these things because they don't come natural to most of us.  Often, our muscle memory is to be selfish and if we have abundance, then we may think about some charity.  The only way I know to not forget something is to form a habit. Earlier on, when I was prescribed medication, it was difficult to remember if I had taken it or not.  Some even need daily pill separators!  Jesus went around doing good.  If you believe Him and want to follow after Jesus, you will also do good & share as He.  I have thoroughly rejected this destructive heresy found in some church circles that all Gods blessings must center around me.  God bless me!  God enlarge my blessings and who cares about others.  When I empty my time, treasure, & talent out that's when God refills me!  Yes God loves to bless you yet not just you, but the world around you.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/26/what-can-one-do-to-please-god#comments 0 The Light is Victorious over Darkness https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/25/the-light-is-victorious-over-darkness Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/25/the-light-is-victorious-over-darkness
John 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

God's light came shining in this dark world and the darkness could not overcome Him.  This is the case every time.  The Light of Christ is undefeated.  Naturally, light will always cast out all darkness.  It isn't even a match.  In God, there is zero darkness.  
Does it seem darkness is winning against you today?  The simple antidote is to allow the light of Christ to shine upon your life.  Darkness cannot overcome Jesus!
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/25/the-light-is-victorious-over-darkness#comments 0 Who or what do you seek after? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/24/who-or-what-do-you-seek-after Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/24/who-or-what-do-you-seek-after
Luke 11:29 And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, Jesus began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.

These are our LORDS words spoken.  Who does Jesus refer to as an evil generation?  Those who seek after signs & wonders rather than God Himself.  Who doesn't love action or miraculous events?  Yet, those that seek after them neither know the Miracle worker or the experiences of a personal relationship to Him.  At best, they witness the powerful display but have no clue how it happened.  To be fair, we do the same yet its not our prerogative to understand how God does what He does, just that we believe He is who He says He is.  I have no idea how God spoke the universe into existence but knowing Him personally, I understand He did.  I now can believe nothing is impossible for God knowing the person of God.  I simply seek the LORD, and He takes care of the signs & wonders that WILL follow as I believe in Him.  Any attempt to seek after anything other than the source, in this case Jesus Christ, is evil, and prone to be deceived by the wicked one.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/24/who-or-what-do-you-seek-after#comments 0 Mary Chose that Better Thing https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/12/mary-chose-that-better-thing Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/12/mary-chose-that-better-thing
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. 

Jesus' answer to Martha about Mary is life changing.  Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet in devotion to Him and then she could work for Him.  It is never the other way around.  We cant work ourselves to the point of devotion.  This is also a choice we must make.  Do we focus on what we do for God or focus on what God is doing for us?  The latter is what I believe the LORD leads us to do and when we realize what He has done for us, nothing will hold us back from working for Him and with Him.  I have done a lot of great things for God in my life but only because I have experienced what He has done for me.  It is a spiritual byproduct of His love flowing from my life.  When I get caught up in the rut of serving without knowing He is in it, thats when I need to step off and get back to the feet of Jesus. This is a willful choice to sit at Jesus' feet or busy yourselves to the point of stressed out chaos.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/12/mary-chose-that-better-thing#comments 0 On what high horse did you ride in upon? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/11/on-what-high-horse-did-you-ride-in-upon Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/11/on-what-high-horse-did-you-ride-in-upon
Luke 10: 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

Martha was a workaholic.  She set the measurement by which was right or wrong.  She confident enough that her side was right and she was going to get Jesus to back her up.  She was so busy, she never took the time to evaluate her own state of mind.  I see many Christians fall into her same traps because they never identify what they are.
1st She was distracted.  Distractions keep us from a proper focus and can often cost lives.  Many people these days get into major accidents due to looking at their phones rather than being responsible of several thousand pounds of steel at high rates of speed.
2nd she approached Jesus on a high horse.  No humility, truly inquiring of her opinion being correct.  Many Christians bring God their preconceived ideas in an unworthy manner.  He is God and we are not.
3rd Martha demands Jesus rebuke Mary for the added work load upon her.  This seems just but when you really look at this, Martha is commanding Jesus do what she knows is right and has belittled her sister Mary as lazy.  When you come to the LORD for anything really, do you command Him? If you do, this means you already know the correct action but Jesus is slow to get on board? I don't feel confident stating this to my LORD!  This is never a good idea.
4th Martha demands Jesus to tell Mary to help her.  Why not just ask Mary yourself? Is it because deep down, you know Mary may be right and Martha wrong? Obviously, Martha wasn't comfortable in her own actions so she needs support from Jesus.  When I make a decision, right or wrong, I own it regardless of who backs me up.  Now, this hasn't always been proven the best tactic but the point being, if you are correct, you really don't need anyone's approval.  I know that sounds strange since the one she sought was Jesus.  
We must make statements based off Gods word where we know we have His approval every time.  If it lines up with Gods word, I have all the confidence I need to stand on a particular issue.  There are grey areas in life that we can not be dogmatic upon.  Some Christians don't know the word of God so they really don't personally stand on issues for long.  I know God is love thus I will die upon that hill.  I don't need to question God if that is true.  
Look, if you have to tell God to do anything about someone else, most likely, you are in the wrong.  Don't you think He knows long before you do if things are wrong?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/11/on-what-high-horse-did-you-ride-in-upon#comments 1 Devotion or Works? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/10/devotion-or-works Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/10/devotion-or-works
Luke 10:38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving...

Here is a perfect contrast between two means in regards to God.  One sums up religion to its very core.  The other relationship.  You can work completely to the point of death without experiencing the LORD.  Or you can experience the LORD and then walk in the labor of love Christ has led you to do in the power of the Spirit.  
I am not saying Martha is a bad woman or her heavy task focus was all wrong.  What I am saying is she got into a place apart from where she needed to be, at the feet of her Master.  Mary, I'm sure, wasn't no lazy person, for it surprised Martha that she left her to sit at Jesus' feet speaks volumes.  
We can be of no earthly good if we don't have these heavenly encounters with our LORD.  It was Martha that was distracted with much serving.  Mary was focused upon Jesus.  Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Completer of our faith.  The time we give & spend with Jesus will never be lost or wasted.  I have never heard the LORD rebuke anyone who came to Him and sat at His feet but it is well recorded of many who worked hard apart from this simple process.  So why don't we spend more time at Jesus' feet?  I believe them out work will be more efficient and targeted, kind of like the example of Jesus.  Everywhere He went had purpose.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/10/devotion-or-works#comments 2 Path or Paths? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/05/path-or-paths Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/05/path-or-paths
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

This is the difference between selfish living and selfless living, or living after Jesus.  To walk in the Spirit means to refuse your selfishness, pick up Jesus' cross in your life, and follow Him.  Walking in the Spirit is a narrow path, few choose it but leads to abundant living.  Walking in the Spirit produces Christ like character in us.  
Walking after the flesh with its many lusts is every other path.  Many Christians choose these paths.  The choice really is ours because of Jesus' sacrifice He paid and the design He made in us with the capacity to choose Him.  
Here is the simple test to know whether the path you are on is after the Spirit or the flesh.  Is Jesus on it with you?  Does He shine in your path?  Will it lead you to Christ like character?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/05/path-or-paths#comments 0 Jesus is the Head of His Church https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/04/jesus-is-the-head-of-his-church Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/04/jesus-is-the-head-of-his-church
Colossians 1:18 Christ is also the Head of the church, which is His body...

This is of uttmost importance and yet, many of us will never feel a second of persecution for saying this!  I want to highlight an amazing group of martyrs over this declaration alone.
In the mid 1600's the church of Scotland signed a declaration called the national Covenant stating that Christ is Head over the church, not kings or men.  They would be named Covenantors.  This statement alone would be put under stress a few decades later under king Charles II.  He actually came into power by the help of the presbyterian Covenantors as one who would be tolerant to religious freedoms.  He was a liar and he began the biggest persecution known to Scotland named the Killing Times (1660-88).  1700 Covenantors were sent to enslavement camps & many more killed.  In 1660, king Charles II tore up the covenant demanding he be sole head over the church. Over 300 ministers who disagreed with him was forced out of their churches into the open air wilderness.  Many of the congregants would follow them.  In 1685, Charles II died and his brother, king James VII, intensified the trials.  Three ladies, Margret McLachlan (older), Margret Wilson (18 yrs old), and her sister Agnes (13 yrs old), were civil yet courageous in their faith of Christ.  
These three were imprisoned in the worst quarters for the simple reason they would not recant Christ is head of His church.  The judges over them were the worst of the Killing Times murders and truth wasn't the goal, it was submission to the king!  The charges all trumped up and false but only for the purpose that they recant. They were all sentenced to death by sea.  The father paid a ransom of 100 lbs silver for Agnes and rushed to plead for Margret Wilson.  He actually made it in time and this never happening before, they gave the two Margret's a reprieve and pardon.  They still carried out the sentence.
They would tie up older Margret McLachlan to a stake on the beach at low tide and further inland, Margret Wilson would be tied to a stake.  All with intention for the older to die and cause fear in the younger to save her life and recant!  Margret Wilson showed more courage than anyone else I've ever heard about as she was given another chance to save her life, one shouted out, "what do you see now Margret" as McLachlan drowned.  Her response was solid, "what do I see but Christ  in one of His members, do you think we are the ones who suffer?" Her last words were actually the Word of God as she quoted Psalm 25 & Romans 8 What shall separate us from the love of God?
Here death brought life to the church.  Shortly after, the people of Scotland overthrew king James VII and the Presbyterian Covenantors went on to thrive. 
How serious are you with simple passages as Colossians 1:18?  Dont fear men who can only kill the body but fear God who also has control over your eternity.  Jesus is my Head.  

]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/04/jesus-is-the-head-of-his-church#comments 2 Where Real Joy Comes https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/03/where-real-joy-comes Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/03/where-real-joy-comes
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit...

These subtle but power insights must be expounded upon.  They are for our great benefit to understand.  We must not just explain the experiences of Jesus away as just between Him & His Father.  He has given us a blueprint, a pattern if you will, on how we are to experience life with the Father.
Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit.  This is the only source of true joy.  Nehemiah stated, it is the joy of the LORD which is our strength.  Jesus mentioned, the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, & joy in the Holy Spirit.  The reason I often fail to have any of those three is because Im not in the Spirit, but the flesh.  As a Christian, I need to live in the Spirit and when I do, I will be blessed with this trifecta.  
Are you experiencing a joy filled life right now?  Not void of trials, because you can experience joy in the midst of trials with the Spirit.  But joy and wholesome satisfaction that the Spirit is leading you in life.  
What is the source that keeps you from His joy?  Fixing your face upon Jesus?  Maybe try making more time in communion with the Father as Jesus did on a regular basis.  Oh, and I'm fully applying my words here to myself as well.  The circumstances of this life is so depressing at best.  The hope of my future is joyous!
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/08/03/where-real-joy-comes#comments 0 Answering Gods Help Wanted https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/28/answering-gods-help-wanted Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/28/answering-gods-help-wanted
Luke 10:2b therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

How do I get involved in reaping the LORDS harvest?  How do I respond to the help wanted?  In light of understanding Jesus here, first thing to do is pray to the LORD about this.  Cultivate a heart for the lost who are going to hell without Jesus.  See the severity of what is at stake.  Knowing time is running out.  
Second thing is to understand this harvest belongs to the LORD.  He came to die for fallen humanity, not you!  When I know Jesus, I get to know His compassion for people.  He desires none to perish.  
Thirdly, answer the question the LORD asks, who will go for Me?  Of course, we can assume someone else who is a better communicator or well versed do this job but you would be wrong.  The implication is this, you respond.  You be one of the laborers.  Christ loves to involve us in His harvest.  
Like the LORD said Whom shall I send?  Isaiah said, I'll go, send me!  No excuses as Moses gave God, "I cant speak" or as Gideon said "I'm the weakest of my house" or Jeremiah "I'm but a youth".  You have been redeemed by the Living God and you are filled with the Spirit of God.  He will fill your heart & mouth if only you allow Him.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/28/answering-gods-help-wanted#comments 0 Many Lost & Few To Reach Them https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/27/many-lost-few-to-reach-them Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/27/many-lost-few-to-reach-them
Luke 10: 2a Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; 

If Jesus were to return for His church like right now, how many would not rise to be with the LORD?  According to Jesus, the field of lost people is a great harvest.  They are already ready to be spoken to about Salvation & grace.  They are inwardly calling out for hope.  The world system run by the devil has burnt so many!  The problem is not that people don't want salvation, the problem is really worse than that!  There are never enough Christians who see the lost as Jesus does!  Jesus isn't saying there isn't enough people who gather around Him or there isn't enough believers.  No, He said the laborers are few!  Those who actually obey their LORD to get to work no matter the heat or the pain involved.  And because there are so few, often those 10% do 90% of the work, or more!  
The question is simple.  Have you accepted what Jesus said here and are you one of the few that believe Him?  I so wished the church would caught Jesus' words here instead of increasing their building size or upping their salaries!  I would hope that when the books of accounting are opened, each one calling themselves the church really reflect the One whom they say they belong to.  Because what I see, is churches getting bigger, stealing sheep from other churches, but very few actually harvesting the lost world dying around their big beautiful multi million dollar buildings, complaining about interior changes while multitudes are going into hell every second! 
I'm far from perfect but I received this message like on day one!  Jesus died for more than just me and it has become my compassion in life to reach as many as I possibly can.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/27/many-lost-few-to-reach-them#comments 1 Gods Word is Spiritual https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/24/gods-word-is-spiritual Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/24/gods-word-is-spiritual
Luke 9: 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

What Jesus is requesting here is not intellectual understanding of His word or will but a revelation that can only come from God.  Peter had a brief moment of this a little earlier as the Father revealed Jesus is the Christ.  All the smarts and book knowledge in the world will never give one this revelation.  This revelation of Gods will comes from a humble willing heart to ask of God.  This only scared the disciples because they did not have the revelation needed to understand properly what Jesus meant.  What is God revealing to you right now about Jesus Christ and what you are to do with Him?  How do you receive His words?  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/24/gods-word-is-spiritual#comments 1 Direction of this World https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/22/direction-of-this-world Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/22/direction-of-this-world
Luke 9:41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you?

Jesus wasnt angry when He said this, He was actually giving an honest accessment of men's hearts.  Faithless, or lacking faith is not a path of success.  It is impossible to please God without faith in Him.  It also means unbelief or infidel.  Perverse means to turn from right path, to oppose, distort.  These two words invoke a bold change of direction and an honest assessment of one's heart.  The world systems are summed up in these two words.  
This is the point.  To follow Jesus, religion wont be good enough.  You must lean upon and desire the Spirit's led in your life.  You must exercise faith in the One whom is faithful.  You must choose the path of righteousness.  Narrow is the road that leads to life, and few find it.  If Jesus sums this up about you, be encouraged, because now you have an opportunity to turn from your perverse direction and unbelief and respond & follow Jesus!  I say this even more so to those of us who have known the right path awhile but let these doubts creep in and rule our judgment.  Is Jesus, full of grace & truth, speaking these words to you right now?  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/22/direction-of-this-world#comments 0 Powerless Ministry Without the Spirit https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/21/powerless-ministry-without-the-spirit Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/21/powerless-ministry-without-the-spirit
Jesus and the three disciples return from off the mountain and a desperate father pleads Jesus to help his son.  He already asked the other nine disciples at the base of the mountain but that didn't work.  What happened?  These same disciples were sent out and did these things in the beginning of this chapter.  This father had a glimmer of hope when he approached these disciples but the result was the same as any other religious group.

Luke 9: 40 So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”

How embarrassing this is in ministry.  When you have access to heaven, the empowerment of the Spirit, a direct connection to heaven, yet don't use it.  When we allow our pride to take over and assume because we once experienced the power of God that we will always do so, we are set for an embarrassing failure.  I never want to have anything in common with dead religion that is powerless.  I have access to the living God.  I desire to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh.  I never want to refuse to help anyone that comes to me because of the hope in Jesus they see!  In order for that to not happen, I must be engaged with the LORD, prayer & fasting!
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/21/powerless-ministry-without-the-spirit#comments 0 Few Go Up The Mountain https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/20/few-go-up-the-mountain Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/20/few-go-up-the-mountain
Luke 9:37 Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him.

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray and He choose three of the twelve disciples who desired to go!  He is returning down the mountain and notice this little fact.  The multitudes and the other nine disciples meet Him.  Meaning, none of them desired to go up that mountain.  None of them saw the glory of God revealed.  Most of humanity wont go up to meet God on the mountain.  Anybody can.
Do you desire to go up with Jesus on the mountain?  He wont force you and if you don't desire too, you wont be called up.  Wonderful news is this, the LORD will take you as far as you want to go with Him.  The deeper you desire to go with Christ, you will.  Don't follow the crowds, follow Jesus!
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/20/few-go-up-the-mountain#comments 1 Made Alive to Live https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/17/made-alive-to-live Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/17/made-alive-to-live
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

My old natural man is long dead and gone.  It cannot give me life.  The new life I received in Christ has opened the flood gates to experience abundant life.  I mean real living.  I'm not my own, I have been bought by the price imof Jesus Christ' blood.  I am born again from above, a spiritual birth!  I'm still living in this temporal body but one day I will shed it for that glorious new one that God has prepared for me!  Everyday until then, I live for Christ the best I can.  My flesh may fail me often, but my God never will.  I walk by faith until the day I will no longer need faith, for I will see my Savior face to face.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/07/17/made-alive-to-live#comments 1 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 2 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