What Would It Take?

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This morning we will be reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16.

There are currently no trillionaires in the world. However, last month just over 75% of the Tesla shareholders approved a pay package totaling 1 trillion dollars for it’s CEO, Elon Musk. His current net worth is estimated to be only about 700 billion. Soon he may become the world’s first trillionaire.

Mathematically speaking, a trillion dollars is a lot of money. If you had a trillion dollars, you could spend one million dollars every day and it would still take you 2700 years to spend it all. Can you imagine what it would be like to be that rich? What would you do?

I bet I know … Jesus said you’d do pretty much the same thing you’re currently do with the $5 you have in your pocket.

What we do with what we have is what we will do with more. (Luke 16:10) This principle doesn’t only apply to money, it applies to our time, our talents, and the opportunities we are given.

About 1000 years before Christ, that’s approximately 3000 years ago, the richest and wisest man in the world did something unexpected. Instead of simply enjoying his wealth and trusting his own wisdom, King Solomon humbled himself, lifted his voice, and declared his dependence on the God of creation.

As well, King Solomon asked God to hear the prayers of everyone who sincerely called on Him; forgive their sins; and heal them. You can read Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles, chapter 6.

When King Solomon finished praying, God answered him by sending fire down from heaven and consuming the sacrifices. Those in attendance were overwhelmed by the presence of God and began proclaiming the mercies of God. It’s hard to find someone God has not helped and blessed at some point in their lives.

You see these ladies … they all have children … and without clean water them and their children will get sick and some of them will die?

            

God supplied this life-giving water to them yesterday in the name of Jesus … they too have a testimony about the goodness and mercy of God.

These aren’t just nameless, faceless people … they are moms and dads, sons and daughters, real people with real lives living in a real world with real problems and real opportunities. When they give their lives to Jesus, their sins are forgiven and they are just as saved as just as welcome into heaven as you are. Every person has the potential to hurt and to be happy just like you do.

Money does not exempt us from problems and the lack of it does not mean God cares less.

Something unexplainable happens when an individual, rich or poor, humbles themselves and turns things they cannot manage over and into the hands of God. And, something tragic happens when they don’t.

God answered Solomon’s prayer that day and the word God spoke at that time is still one hundred percent true today. God told Solomon:

2 Chronicles 7:14  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

This word is truth and truth knows no time barrier. This truth is just as true today as it was 3000 years ago. Jesus made a point of this truth by giving an account of two men in:

Luke 16 NLT

19 ¶  Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury.

20  At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores.

21  As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

·        The poor man’s problem is not the rich man’s fault. Don’t read what is not said – this is observation … Jesus is communicating a greater truth.

·        Jesus does not say the rich man was a bad man, only that the rich man did not feel the need to trust God.

·        Spoiler alert – they both die!

22  “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,

23  and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

24  “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

25  “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.

26  And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

·        This is observation, not causation - causation will come in a moment.

·        Eternal decisions must be made before we die …

27  “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home.

28  For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

29  “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

30  “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

·        That’s what the rich man knew – repentance and turning to God while on earth is the key to eternal peace and comfort.

31  “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

What is the difference between these two men?

In the eyes of men it was the wealth, station or status of life, but in the eyes of God it had nothing to do with money, power or position.

Notice the rich man was not charged with ill will or criminal activity through which he gained his wealth. Jesus didn’t charge him with anything untoward. Yet upon his death the rich man went to a place of eternal torment … not for what he had done, but because of what he had failed to do. Simply put, the rich man failed to acknowledge and include God in his life. He left God out.

Late in the conversation between the rich man and Father Abraham, we find the reason he went to the place of torment.

Luke 16:30  “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ ”

Repentance requires humility. It’s humbling to admit we have been wrong or that we need forgiveness or help, especially when we seemingly have everything we need or all we want. Elon Musk’s wealth cannot purchase him one moment with God or one second of eternal comfort … why? Because it’s free to all, even Elon. Just let something we cannot manage come along and see how quickly we realize we need help.

The rich man wanted his brothers to know they needed to acknowledge and embrace God. Perhaps the rich man was concerned because maybe they were also wealthy and men of pride, power, and position.

Some of us are destined and fortunate to be rich in this life, while others will live poorly. It may not be your fault but there may be something you can do about it.

I have seen good people suffer injustice and unjust men go free. I have seen rich men in prison and poor men on juries. Both experience joy and pain.

The lesson I take away from this account is that I cannot depend on the wealth of this life to sustain me in the next. God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble.

Humility is an attitude of the heart. Humility is not weakness and it is not just being quiet or refraining from being braggadocios.

Humility is recognizing and accepting one’s dependence on God – in this life and in the life to come. When we do that, it is easy to repent and turn to Him.

What would it take for you to humble yourself and pray? What would it take for you to seek God’s face and turn from depending on your own wisdom and resources to depending on Him? What would it take for you to repent and turn to God?

Jesus said: “If they won’t listen to the Bible, (Moses and the prophets), they would not listen if someone was to come back from the dead.” Of course He was talking about Himself and His future resurrection.

I want to invite you to participate with me and our Church family in a humbling experience in 2026 based on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I am going to encourage us all year to pray instead of complaining. Complaining is unfruitful and annoying to others. Cursing the darkness does nothing, we must light a lamp.

It is my hope that when you first have that thought or first hear yourself begin to complain about someone or something, you will instead hear a still small voice reminding you to pray first. Then if you just have to say it – say it but end the sentence with, “and I prayed for them …” lol

Then - - - I want to invite you to:

First Monday Prayer, Fasting, and Praise

·        Fast one meal on the 1^st Monday of each month in 2026

·        Take those few minutes and humble yourself in prayer

o   Your Family

o   Our Church

o   The Nation

·        Join me at 6:30pm on campus or online for 30 minutes of Praise, Worship and Prayer

Losing Your Life

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Mark 8

34  And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

35  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

36  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

37  For what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

The message this morning is simple yet serious.

·        The Lord is calling the crowds to Him again in our day.

·        Jesus is asking a simple question: Does anyone want to follow Him?

·        Whoever desires to hang on to this life – will lose it anyway …

o   Everyone leaves this world and takes nothing of this world with them.

o   The rich and the poor; the young and the old; the famous and the unknown all meet together at the Great White Throne Judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10)

·        Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ will save.

o   This is an all in, all done affair.

o   There is only one chance for a pardon.

§  Someone without sin must take your place.

Two thieves hung on crosses that day on Calvary. One on each side of Christ. Both were admittedly guilty and deserving of death. One thief thought only of himself and cursed Jesus … the other defended Jesus and asked to be remembered when He came into His kingdom. (Luke 23:39-43)

Which one are you today?

What would it take for you to give your life to Jesus?

·        What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

·        What would you give in exchange for your soul?

Better People

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Jesus is a good person. You can see it in the things He did and the things He said.  

John 1:17  The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

We know the love and the grace of God because of Jesus. Like I said: “Jesus is a good person.” 

The Bible tells us He loved us before we loved Him. And that He laid down His life for us while we were yet sinful and ungodly. Becoming more like Jesus means becoming a better person. Christians, especially Christians, should be good people. 

Being a good person is often a choice. Being good is intentional. 

• · Christians are better people when they are patient. 
  
• o better neighbors, better parents, co-workers, and better spouses etc. 
  
• · We are better people when we are kind. 
  
• · We are better people when we are trustworthy. 
  
• · We are better people when we are humble. 
  
• · We are better people when we are thankful. 
  

These things are intentional. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 – goodness = virtuous beneficence and uprightness of heart & life)  

We may not get to choose what we go through but we do get to choose how we go through it.  

We’re hearing a lot this morning about goodness, but goodness is not the topic for today. The message for today is about Choices … specifically one choice Jesus made for Himself.  

Our text for today comes from what we call the Christmas Story. Let’s turn and read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 

Luke 2 NKJV 

1 ¶  And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 

2  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 

3  So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

4  Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 

5  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

6  So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 

7  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Those of us who know Jesus would all agree that He and His Father are intentional. When God does something, it’s on purpose. When we read the Bible, we learn what is right from the choices Jesus made. 

There is a common saying often used when people are facing choices: “What would Jesus do?” 

The Christmas story teaches several powerful principles. The truth we will focus on today deals with God’s decision to create mankind as a dependent creature. What do I mean when I say mankind is a dependent creature? 

Luke 2:7 And Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger … 

Who wrapped baby Jesus and laid Him in a manger? Presumably, it was Mary; if not, it would have been Joseph. 

What does this teach us and why is it important? Because it shows us how dependent Jesus was, and everyone else is, on others. 

Jesus had a choice and He made the decision. Even though He was the Son of God and Creator of the Universe, Jesus trusted His life to a construction worker and a young girl, neither of whom had ever had a baby before. God chose unproven Joseph to be the stepfather of His only begotten Son Jesus, to protect Him, to provide for Him, to lead Him and guide Him through His early years.  

Jesus humbled Himself and submitted Himself to Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51) – and subjected Himself to them. He needed them; He appreciated them; He obeyed them; and He loved them. 

This is not to say that Jesus could not have miraculously made it on His own … however … the Christmas story points to the fact that neither God nor Jesus ever intended to live life outside of dependency on others.  

If Jesus trusted other people, who are we to imagine we can be all God intended by acting, living, and making decisions all on our own, and without the influence and support of others God has placed in our lives. 

Philippians 2:8 tells us that Jesus humbled Himself and lived His life by the rules.  

The Christmas story and the Christmas season both teach the unwavering design of creation. God intends we all enter this life vulnerable, trusting, and depending on the kindness and the care of others. We need others and Jesus needs us. He goes a long way to build community. 

Are you allowing yourself to be vulnerable? I know it can be disappointing at times and sometimes it can even be devastating. However, both the Christmas Story and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) teach us that God depends on others. It’s time the walls come down. 

If you have trust issues, pray and ask God to help you make the right choices this Christmas. And … 

If you are the person others depend on … ask God to help you be trustworthy. 

Life is meant to be lived depending on others. We are better people when we are dependable.

THE ARRIVAL — PART 2 The Promise Fulfilled

INTRODUCTION

Christmas has a way of bringing people to church. Even people who don’t normally think much about church or the Bible still feel something during this season. There is something about Christmas that makes people want to go to church. Why? Because Christmas is more than just gifts, and decorations, and caroling songs. It is also about God sending His son in order to come close to His people. 

When we come to church on Easter and on Christmas, we often come in our best dressed outfits. We want to come at our best! We want to bring our best! We come to show that we can clean up pretty well also! However, Jesus does not require us to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. He does not require us to have it all together in order to come to Him. He does not require us to be perfect to be fit to come to Him. Instead, what the arrival of the Messiah in a manger shows us is that Jesus is for everyone.

But to understand why Jesus ’arrival mattered so much, we have to look at what came before the nativity. 

BEFORE THE ARRIVAL: GOD’S PROMISE

Long before Jesus was born, people were waiting. For centuries, God had been making promises to His people that one day He would send a Savior. Someone who would bring hope, forgiveness, and peace. Someone who would make things right again. 

These promises were written down over hundreds of years. Different prophets, living in different generations, all pointing to the same truth: God was going to send a redeemer. 

One of the clearest promises comes from the prophet Isaiah: 

Isaiah 9:6 — “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

This promise told people to expect a child—but not an ordinary one. A child who would bring peace. 

Another promise explained where this Savior would come from: 

Micah 5:2 — “But you, Bethlehem…out of you will come for Me, one who will be ruler over Israel…” 

So people were waiting. 

Waiting for the child. 

Waiting for the Savior. 

Waiting for the King God had promised. 

And then—after all that waiting—Jesus arrived. 

That’s why Christmas is such a big deal. It’s not just the story of a baby being born. It’s the moment when God finally said, “its time.” And it was at that time that the long awaited Messiah had arrived. This was a big deal!! And when you read through the nativity story, you see how it is still a big deal today. Let’s talk about three reasons why the arrival of Jesus still matters to you today: 

1.   JESUS CAME FOR EVERYONE

When Jesus was born, God made a very intentional choice about how the news would be announced. He didn’t go first to kings, government leaders, or religious experts. Instead, the Bible tells us that angels appeared to shepherds—ordinary people who were working a normal job, out in the fields at night. 

The angel said: 

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today… a Savior has been born to you.” — (Luke 2:10-11) 

Not for some people, not for most people, but for all people.

From the very beginning, God wanted everyone to know that Jesus did not come for a select group. He didn’t come only for people who were wealthy, powerful, educated, or religious. He came for everyday people living everyday lives. 

Shepherds were not considered important or influential in society. In fact, many people looked down on them. Yet God chose them to hear the announcement first. That tells us that He does not measure people the way the world does. He does not overlook people who feel ordinary, unseen, or unimportant. 

Later, we see the same message reinforced when wise men (outsiders from a different land) also come looking for Jesus (Matthew 2:1–11). These wise men are also referred to as “Magi” in Matthew 2. These Magi could have been scholars or astrologers from the East (Persia/ Babylon). These people studied stars, signs, and ancient writings. They were considered outsiders of the Jewish faith, nor did they grow up with all the Jewish customs and laws. 

 

They didn’t grow up with the same background or beliefs, yet they were welcomed to come to Jesus as well. Different people, different backgrounds, same invitation. 

This shows us that Jesus came for everyone—people from all backgrounds, all walks of life, and all stages of faith. No one was too far away. No one was excluded. 

The Christmas story would not be the same without Jesus in it. In the same way, Christmas is not the same today without Jesus in it. Will Jesus be with you for Christmas this season? If so, Jesus made room for everyone to come. Why? Because He came for everyone. Therefore, let us make room in our hearts for others to this Christmas because Jesus came for them as well. 

2.   PEOPLE CAME TO JESUS JUST AS THEY WERE

Once the invitation was given, the response was simple. 

When the shepherds heard the news, they didn’t overthink it. The Bible doesn’t say they questioned whether they were worthy or prepared. It simply says they looked at each other and said, “Let’s go.” And they went. 

Luke 2:15-16 

“15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” 

They didn’t change first. 

They didn’t prepare first. 

They didn’t qualify first. 

They came. 

Later, the wise men responded the same way. They didn’t have full understanding. They didn’t have all the answers. They followed the star they had, and it led them straight to where Jesus was. The Bible says that they rejoiced when they arrived.  

Matthew 2:11 — “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.” 

Again, these are people from the East! These were not jews, these were gentiles. And yet, not only were they welcomed, but they fell down and worshipped Jesus. Pretty cool! But they did not have to change who they were to fit in the “Jewish way,” but they came as they were. 

This matters because it shows us that Jesus doesn’t place conditions on how people come to Him. He doesn’t say, “Fix your life first,” or “Know more first,” or “Be better first.” Jesus was not expecting people to be perfect (and neither should we). 

The Christmas story shows us that coming to Jesus comes before change, not after it. Jesus wants you to come as you are. Come.

3.   THE INVITATION IS STILL OPEN: COME TO JESUS

After Jesus arrived, something important became clear very quickly: the invitation didn’t stop with the shepherds or the wise men. What began at the manger continued throughout Jesus ’life. 

Jesus consistently invited people to come to Him. 

Matthew 11:28 — “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

An invitation was extended to people at the arrival of Jesus, and people came, people experienced Jesus, and people left changed. Jesus continued that invitation throughout His life and into His ministry. He said to all people, “come to me!” And people came!  

People came sick, and they left healed. 

People came broken, and they left mended. 

People came in despair, and they left with hope. 

People came lost, and in Christ they were found. 

Today, Jesus continues to extend that same invitation. Today is saying, “Come to me…” Let me encourage you, come to Jesus today! Lay down your heavy burdens and come to Him. The best thing we can do is come to Jesus! Let us come to Him and let us return to Him. Allow His love and forgiveness to wash over you, receive His grace and His mercy, and allow the Holy Spirt to transform you from the inside out. 

John 6:37 — “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” 

Jesus makes it clear that anyone who comes to Him will not be turned away. Allow the burdens of your heart and your life to be left at the feet of Jesus and receive the portion that He has for you today. 

The best gift we can give this Christmas is Jesus in our heart and an invitation for others to come to Jesus as well. Let me encourage you, extend an invitation to your loved ones this season.  

TAKEAWAYS

• 1. Come to Jesus (receive His invitation) 
  
• • Regardless of where you are with Christ, come to Him
  
• • Come as you are, you don’t have to get yourself all together
  
• • Receive His free gift of salvation and receive His forgiveness
  
• • Allow His grace to trade your burdens with His peace
  
• • Receive His invitation today
  
  
• 2. You don’t have to be perfect to lead people to Jesus 
  
• • The shepherds and the Magi came just as they were and they were not turned away
  
• • You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers to lead your family and loved ones to Jesus
  
• • In the same way you come to Jesus as you are, go with Jesus as you are. Rely on His grace, His mercy, and His love to lead you with your loved ones.
  
  
• 3. Christmas is not the same without Jesus in it 
  
• • The Christmas story was not the same without Jesus in the manger.  
  
• • In the same way, Christmas is not the same without Jesus in it. 
  
• • In light of all the gifts, family gatherings, and all the holiday cheer, be sure to make room for the reason for the season. 
  

The Set Time A Calendar and A Clock

Gtcotr/ss121425 

Biblical prophecy is such a fascinating subject. Reading the recorded Biblical prophecies written hundreds and even thousands of years before an event happened and then comparing that prophecy with the historical facts of that event’s occurrence gives the reader such confidence in God’s Word. 

This morning as we continue in the Christmas spirit, we are going to take a brief look at some Biblical prophecies and discover how we can participate in the unfolding will of God for our day. 

About one thousand years before Christ, God blessed King Solomon with wisdom that was unmatched on the earth until the time of Christ. In the Book of Ecclesiastes King Solomon wrote: 

Ecclesiastes 3 NKJV 

1  To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 

11  God has made all things beautiful in its time … 

Without a doubt God has both a calendar and a clock. He knows the end from the beginning, and He knows each minute in between. God is not one bit surprised by what is going on today. It is impossible to throw Him a curve ball He cannot knock out of the park. 

Solomon’s father, King David, wrote in his day about a set time to come. 

Psalms 102:13  You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come. 

Zion is the city of the great King … the place where Messiah rules and reigns supreme. David was prophesying in this Psalm about the birth of Jesus and what it would mean to God’s children when Messiah came. 

In the 8th century BC, just 200 years after King David and King Solomon, the prophet Isaiah wrote: 

Isaiah 7:14  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” 

Isaiah 49:13  Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. 

The prophet also knew that before the Messiah came, the children of God would grow weary, and many of them would imagine God had forsaken them. Isaiah continued: 

Isaiah 49 NKJV 

14  But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” 

15  “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 

16  See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 

17  Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you. 

Sons hurrying to Zion and enemies running from Zion. The book of Isaiah is often called The 5th Gospel because of the copious references to Messiah and what would take place at that set time. He further prophesied: 

Isaiah 51:11  Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. 

The promise of God was not only about joyful salvation but also about the deserved destruction of the enemies who constantly attack His Children. 

A promise from God is a sure thing. Even if a woman forgets her nursing child, yet the Lord will not forget you … He has inscribed you on the palms of His hands and He has a set time to draw you close and to also destroy those who trouble you. Of whom do I speak? Those who trouble you … 

• · It’s not your neighbor 

• · It’s not your ex … 
  
• · It’s not your last employer 
  
• · It’s not your sibling. 
  
• · It’s not the person who cut you off in traffic. 
  
• · It is the devil and his wicked evil demon spirits. 
  
• · Those you suppose are troubling you need prayer … they need to get saved and step into the will of God for their lives. 
  

The Bible says: 

Ephesians 6 NKJV 

12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

15  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

18  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —  

We get dressed up like Jesus, then we go to war for Him, not against Him. 

People all throughout the communities of Southeast Texas and around the world are coming to Jesus in record numbers. Families, old adults, young children, moms and dads, grandparents, and teenagers from every strata of society are turning their lives over to Christ as never before.  

We are in a set time of the Lord’s favor on Zion. People are getting saved, born-again as a new creation in Christ, opening their hearts to the Word of God, and publicly proclaiming their faith in Jesus more than I have ever seen before in my whole lifetime. 

Israel is our time piece, and we are soldiers of the cross. 

The Word of the Lord today is this: It is time!

It’s time for you and your family to dedicate yourselves to the call of God in the earth. It is time for you to join, so dress up and join the fight.  

There came a time in the life of Joseph to answer the call of God. He was betrothed to a young lady named Mary from the town of Nazareth. His answer to God was yes. It wasn’t easy but it was doable.

 Joseph made room in his life for Jesus.

Joseph got dressed in the truth, he was right with God, he got his mind straight in line with God’s Word, put on his shoes and followed God’s directions.  

What can you do to answer the call? I’m glad you asked.  

Jesus loves you and I have a plan for your life … lol. Seriously – God needs your help to wage war against the devil and drive out the enemies trying to destroy the fabric of family and the call of God on our nation and the Church. 

Beginning Monday, January 5th, I am asking our congregation and those who will join us all over the world to: 

• 1. Dedicate the first Monday of each month in 2026 to God. 
  
• 2. Fast one meal each first Monday. (12 times during the year) 
  
• 3. Spend the time you would have eaten that meal in prayer for your family, our Church, and the nation. 
  
• 4. Join us here on campus or online at 6:30pm each First Monday, for 30 minutes of corporate praise, worship, and prayer. 
  

This will provide the baseline for our year of fasting, praise, and prayer. 

This word is for someone listening: What you are facing is not a set-back … it’s a set-up! God has been, is, and will be in control of that situation. He has the calendar and the clock.