But God

"But God, who is rich........" Eph. 2:4

Abraham found the odds stacked against him BUT GOD came to his rescue and produced a son in the barren womb of Sarah!

Noah faced real obstacles in constructing the ark BUT GOD came and the prophet found grace in the eyes of the Lord!
 

Elijah stood up to the prophets of Baal without much of a choice BUT GOD intervened when the man of God called down fire from Heaven!

I was sinking deep in sin BUT GOD reached down and lifted me out!

Doesn't matter the circumstances or the situation God comes to our help. Remember BUT GOD!

                                                       In Jesus;
                                                       Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Don't throw in the towel

"Man is born unto trouble......" Job 5:7

If anyone knew about trouble Job did! In a series of unanticipated disasters he loses all his wealth. Then suddenly his sons and daughters are crushed to death while partying in the eldest brothers house. Does Job rebel against God? No! He bows in submission! In scene two Job is physically afflicted and loses his health. Plagued by what appears to be a form of leprosy he is found among the ashes with his wife chiding him for holding onto his faith. Does Job throw away his confidence? No! Not on your life! He still holds fast his integrity!

We too will experience unexpected trouble but His grace is sufficient for us. Hold on child of God our troubles will soon be over!

                                                        In Jesus;
                                                        Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Addiction

"...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints." 1 Cor. 16:15

Addiction takes on many forms. Some are addicted to nicotine; they just can't break free of the smoking habit; some are addicted to alcohol; they just must have that wine or beer; some are addicted to gambling; they have got to be at the race track or gambling table.


Thankfully though there are those who have broken free by the power in the blood! They are still addicted but now they are devoted to Christ and His church. Their main focus is centered on Jesus and His people!


How about you and me? Are we addicted to Jesus?!


                                                        In Jesus;
                                                        Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Jesus Never Changes

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Something's never change! His love never changes, He loves us with an everlasting love. His grace never changes! His grace is sufficient to save us to the uttermost. His resources never change. He comes to give us life and life more abundant!


With all the turmoil and uncertainty thrust upon it is good to know He never changes!


                                                        In Jesus;

                                                        Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Prayer Changes people

"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer....." Acts 3:1

The importance of prayer was not overlooked by the disciples. Having been in the company of Jesus for three years they observed the priority He placed on prayer.

He prayed when the storms raged on the sea and they ceased! He prayed when hunger gnawed at the stomachs of the crowd and they were fed from His hand. He prayed when the disciples huddled in the supper room desperately in need of strength and it came when they gathered in the upper room.

Prayer changes things but more importantly prayer changes people. I am going to follow the advise of the Lord and pray! Remember this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

                                                           In Jesus;
                                                           Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

A Good Shepherd

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 3:14

Paul is an evangelist, a church planter, a teacher par excellent but first and foremost he is a shepherd. He is consumed with the needs of God's people. In Ephesians he is on his knees praying that they might know the riches of His grace; the strength of character He imparts; the indwelling presence of Christ; that they might know the dimensions of His love and the fullness of God.


He says "There are resources." There is a sufficiency." He wants them to enjoy all the blessings and benefits of being part of the family! Yes, I am a pastor at heart too! For I want that and more for my people. Help me Lord to be a good shepherd!


                                             In Jesus;
                                             Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Dig In!

"Jesus saith unto them, come and dine.” John 21:12

Resources! Provisions! Abundance! Wherever you see Jesus on the pages of the New Testament He is making provision for us. If we are sin sick He offers us forgiveness! If we are motivated by the carnal mind He offers us cleansing! If we are sick and suffering He brings us healing!

If we are down and out He offers us an abundance when He says, “Come and Dine!” What a meal they must have shared that day. One thing is certain they didn’t go away hungry! Speaking of being hungry I’m hungry too. I’m going to accept the invitation and feast at the table of The Lord! Why not join me!

                                             In Jesus;
                                             Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

He was there!

"And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

How could you deny it! The songs lifted us into the heavenly realm! The atmosphere was punctuated by amens. The joy of the Lord was apparent as the shouts of the saints rang out! God was in out midst. The anointing on the preacher couldn't be ignored. God's glory filled our sanctuary! Those looking on took knowledge that we had been with Jesus! We had church today and what a day it was! Wish you could have been there!


                                       In Jesus;
                                 Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

No Busy signal here

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, ...." Jeremiah 33:3

You talk about something bugging you. It the newfangled menu options you hear when you dial a number! You get half a dozen options and with each one a waiting period. It's enough to keep you away from the phone forever.


Not so with God! You can call on Him and he will immediately answer. No busy signal; no voice mail setup you can call and He will answer! I am surely glad for that. By the way I talked to Him direct today so I know it works. Go ahead and try it you will be pleasantly surprised!


                                                   In Jesus;  

                                                   Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

Got Prayer?

"Men ought always to pray...." Luke 18:1

If Jesus felt the necessity of praying how can we do less! He knew how weak we would be without our reliance on prayer. He taught us to pray for forgiveness; he taught us to pray for cleansing; he taught us to pray for healing. Whatever our need he taught us to pray. He said, "Call unto me and I will answer thee." Have you prayed lately?!

                                                In Jesus;
                                                Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth

The Party

"Bring forth the best robe......" Luke 15:22
 

The Prodigal had hit rock bottom. He couldn't get any lower. Just before he came to his senses we see him grubbing through the muck and mire of the pig pen looking for something to satisfy the cravings of his heart!
 

Suddenly he comes to the realization that even his father's servants have things better off then he does! At that point he decides to make his way back home. He doesn't know what to expect but things couldn't be any worse!
 

He makes the long trip with a confession on his lips. His father sees him coming and immediately plans a party.
 

He is to enjoy the best of everything. The best robe; not a hand-me-down! The best footwear; Dr. Scholl's couldn't begin to compare! The Best Jewelry; a signet ring! The best buffet with a grain fed calf! The bottom line is the father gave him the best. Our Heavenly Father gives us the best too. I am going to the party. How about you!
 

                                               In Jesus;
                                               Rev. W. Scott Lockard Bth