Posted in Uncategorized

The Church of the Frigidaire

Matthew 24:4-15 KJVS
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [15] When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Those red letter words. They often bear more weight to the reader because they signify that these are words that Jesus spoke. But let’s put the reality pin in that map, every word in the word of God is the word of God. Did you catch that? Every word from Genesis to Revelation is the word of God. Written for our edification. There are words to be used for application, words to be used for doctrine and words that speak of future events that may or may not pertain to us directly. Words for Israel, words for the Gentiles and words for the Children of God saved by the grace of God through the belief of Christ and His work on the finished cross.

Matthew 24 is also the title of a song that used to be a part of my regular repertoire of music. But I have since taken it out upon the understanding that those words were being spoken to the Jewish Nation and were prophetic to the end times. Those words speak of a time when we, of the church of God, will be raptured from off of the earth; but they still bear weight for the Christian who understands that among the prophecy are nuggets of truth that bear witness in many ways.

Walter Truss, a preacher who has gone on to glory but he is so often on my mind, because he really blessed and added wisdom to my worship. You may or may not remember some of his wonderful quotes such as his warning to never become “The church of the Frigid-Aire.” Oh how he made my heart happy as he said those words in his deep southern tone and preacherized from his Pentecostal preaching days. But when I met him he was Baptist and respected the Baptist doctrine, though he never lost his Pentecostal fire!

So as we read Matthew 24 and break down the verses listed above, we can see where Walter may have gotten his quote of the Church of the Frigidaire. “[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Jesus warned the children of Israel not to be deceived by preachers of false doctrine or worry about the rumors of the day. That may be directed to the Jews in end times, but it is still true today. Iniquity does abound and the church is as cold as ice in most church houses.

My question us why? Why has the church lost its fire. There are those who have fire from an unbiblical sense, I realize that. But that does not justify the real church losing its real fire. What is “real fire”? I’m glad you ask. The book of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 is spoken by Paul and as I read it I feel the fire stir within my soul!

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen

Does that sound like the words of a dried up old man?

I was commenting yesterday about someone on the 911 radio who was speaking too meek when dispatching an emergency. I couldn’t hear them well. I told a friend that they needed to learn how to project their voice. My friend said that I’d be a good one to provide that lesson! I guess that means I’m loud. But when it comes to the gospel, should the church not be an exciting place to be? Can you imagine hearing the Apostle Paul preach? Or whomever it was that was assigned to read this letter to the church, how do you suppose they read it? In a monotone method? I doubt that.

I grow weary of dead churches. It literally sucks the life out of me to see people sitting in a service with no emotion whatsoever. They are the church of the Frigidaire! I also understand that not everyone get’s excited. My Momma is one who is not a shouter. But I’ve seen the emotion in her. I’ve watched as the tears flowed down her face when she spoke of Jesus. I listened to my Dad testify and watched the tears stream down his face. My parents were never loud. But they raised loud children! I’m not saying you have to be. But the Spirit of God should stir your soul!

Glory to God I just wrote myself happy again!

I hope the fire of God stirs in your soul today! Blessings from the Jesus Chick.

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Heaven, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

End Times will come

The Israeli Air Force bombed Hamas’s underground tunnel network late Thursday night in the northern Gaza Strip in what military officials said was one of the most aggressive aerial assaults’ in recent years. Rockets continued to pound Israel as the Israel military pummeled Gaza in one of the largest bombardments of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad since the fighting started. In a 40-minute long air campaign which began around midnight, some 160 aircraft dropped over 450 missiles on 150 targets belonging to a network of tunnels dug by the terror group known as “the Metro” under Gaza city. This, according to the Jerusalem Post. 

Matthew 24:4-6 KJVS

[4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

It’s hard not to be troubled when news such as this is on the internet, television and radio continually. Anytime Israel’s name is in the news to this magnitude, many begin to think and ponder the possibility of end times; religious leaders use the information for fodder to stir souls and then there are those of us who know just enough to be dangerous from multiple sermons over multiple decades when wars, and rumors of wars have existed. There have also been multiple explanations given over multiple texts in the scriptures that point to coming of Christ. And I will not profess to be an expert on the subject, but I can say this as a matter of fact: It’s closer today than ever before. Nobody with a belief in Christ Jesus will say any different. But in this current era, what should our reaction be and our main concern in these current times?

The Return of Christ in the Air

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 KJVS

[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Those words do indeed bring great comfort to my heart, because I’m on the wonderful receiving end of the rapture as a child of God. Rapture defined is “caught up.” But what about the lost, those who have never accepted Christ as Savior, during this time? For them the world is about to go into a tailspin and the many worldly explanations for the disappearance of the saved will abound. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we are currently seeing reports of UFO investigations by the Pentagon and other national agencies.

The Pentagon’s inspector general is looking into the actions the military has taken to address the spate of UFO sightings in recent years involving high performance aircraft that have violated military airspace.

The probe comes as Congress awaits a public report, due next month, from a host of national security agencies on the issue, and as advocates complain that some departments and agencies are not fully cooperating by sharing data. (Source: Politico)

What was once considered fiction involving a tractor and too much corn liquor in a field in Iowa is now being discussed by congress. Satan is no doubt pleased with all this attention to alien forces and will gladly jump the band wagon to promote it as the reason children and beloved family members disappear off the face of the earth without reasoning. But there is a reason. It’s been preached from the days of Christ and has never been more evident to those who understand scripture than now. We see it. Most are like myself and do not profess to be a scholar on the matter, but that’s not necessary to understand the logistics of what’s taking place in the world. Christ will return for His church, and chaos will no doubt ensue. The Holy Spirit will remove Himself and His people from off the earth and life will drastically change across the planet. It will be Israel’s turn to once again be God’s main focus. There is no doubt in my mind why there currently is a rise on anti-semitism. Satan has always hated the Jews. He knows that God’s plan for them is mighty and involves his eventual demise.

I have always been taught that Matthew 24 is the current time we’re living in. And there is no doubt similarities, but the question of context is “who is Christ speaking to in the gospel of Matthew?” He’s speaking to the nation of Israel. It will be the Apostle Paul who brings the gospel to the Gentiles and those who in this era accept Christ as Lord and Savior:

Romans 15:15-17 KJVS

[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, [16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. [17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

It is through the divine revelations of God given to Paul that he presents to us what will come through the rapture and end times for us. But when this era is done, and Christ has returned for His church, then will Matthew 24 come into play as well as the anti-Christ and the damnation of this earth. For certain, nobody should desire to be here to experience it. 

I believe that I am here for such a time as this, to help present the gospel in layman’s terms as best I can. I want to see my people saved. I want to see your people saved! 

Today we not only need to pray for Israel but for our family and friends who don’t know Christ. Because as horrific as it is across the seas in Israel, it will be far, far worse for all the earth, including the United States of America in those last days.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

A Mind to Work

Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

“For the people had a mind to work.” Those words pierced my soul this morning. The people of God no longer have a mind to work. Fewer and fewer people are building the church, more and more people are drifting away and nobody seems to notice. I have no doubt that the walls of Jerusalem were much the same way. Slowly they began to crumble until the enemy could walk through without issue. But there came a day when Nehemiah’s burden became the burden of Israel and wall was rebuilt because they “had a mind to work.” One man had a plan and saved a nation.

Jesus had a plan too, and saved mankind.

My mind has been too focused recently the latter part of Matthew 24. Yes, Jesus is coming back and we need to be ready, but before He comes should we not “have a mind to work?”

Matthew 24:43-46 tells a story much like that in Nehemiah:

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

We do not live in a walled city like Jerusalem to protect us from the enemy. The enemy is right outside our doors and the only defense we have is the Lord Jesus Christ and His word; for which we’re left here to build on until He returns.

A mind to Watch

American is watching, but they’re not watching their home. More than likely they’re watching the television or computer screen. Kids are tuned into absolute garbage and what’s considered to be the “new norm” while most parents are oblivious to the effects. When children turn to drugs, alcohol and crime it’s blamed on the environment, for which I agree. The new norm is a tube filled with violence, sex, drugs and alcohol and children from the age of preschool are exposed to it. There’s a breach in the walls of our homes and it’s not on the outside. Just because it’s not real, doesn’t mean it won’t have a real effect on the mind of both youth and adults. I speak from experience, I know what it’s done to my own mind.

A Mind to be Wise

The scripture says if the homeowner had known what time the robber would come he would have been watching. We know what time the robber will come… this very day, and every day to follow until the Lord rids this world of him by throwing him into the pit. Have you prayed for your family minds to be guarded.

John 10:10a  tells us that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:”

Those of us who know the word of God are for certain without excuse, and those who fail to know the word of God will not have an excuse either when they face the Lord. But the children of God are going to stand accountable for the breaches we’ve allowed to occur in the walls of our home, schools and church houses. We need to stand on the walls of our faith and guard our family from the destructive devices in our world.

I’m not saying we need to throw out the television, computer and other means of media. But we should choose wisely what we allow our mind to be exposed to. Youtube and other forms of media are designed to draw your mind into place you wouldn’t think to go on your own. What a tool in Satan’s hand to tear down the wall of a family.

A Mind to Work

That’s what made my soul sick. The harvest truly is plenteous and the laborers few. Nobody thinks it necessary to work for the Kingdom. They’d just rather wait. And yet the verses about watching and waiting for the Lord also speaks about the work.

Vs. 45-46 – Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

What’s the servant doing? Giving them meat in due season. The word of God is also known as meat.

Hebrews 5:12  says For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Most of the world is living on milk (soft living), forgetting that meat (the word of God) even exists and servitude isn’t in their vocabulary. What a blessing they’re missing! Yesterday I did what I do most every Monday, I went to the nursing home to minister and serve in song and word. My, oh my! What a time we had.

Because I’ve been coming there on Monday’s for some time, I’ve developed a bond and trust between myself and the residents. We have a mutual love. I laugh with them, mourn with them, and pray with them. I serve them. The rewards for that service are not monetary but of far greater value. I long to live in the era for which they were raised. When “revival” wasn’t the name of an event but rather a way of life. But even of their era there were breaches in the walls. Satan has been around since eternity past and he never stops working. Neither should we.


This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.

Here’s the Link

Posted in Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Purple Lizards and Christ’s Return

chick watchThere was a time when I sang in another Bluegrass band that one of our most requested songs was “Matthew 24”. A song about the coming of the Lord and our need to be ready. Oh it was a beloved song, but the message in reality is not readily accepted. Nobody wants to hear about the return of Jesus Christ, and yet they do. I know… sounds like either a riddle or a bluegrass song. Perhaps I’ll write it! If there’s time. The blood moons got several people excited and ready for a major spiritual event. But what if that event was a major spiritual non-event.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 says But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This verse always causes me to roll my eyes when the predictors start giving dates of the Lord’s return. What part of Matthew 24:36 do they not understand when it says But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” God said simply to “Watch.” In verse 42 of that same book, and so that’s what I’ve been doing. Watching…

I’ve watched:

  • As many have professed to be God (Matthew 24:5)
  • As there have been wars and rumors of wars (24:6)
  • Nations have risen against nations (24:7)
  • Pestilences (diseases) have come (24:7)
  • Famines have come (24:7)
  • Earthquakes have occurred (24:7)
  • As Christians are killed and hated by all nations (24:9)
  • Many are offended (24:10)
  • False prophets deceive man (24:11)
  • Iniquity abounds (24:12)
  • Many wax cold (24:12)
  • The gospel is preached to all nations (24:14)

Yes, I may roll my eyes at the predictors, but I’m not fool enough not to watch.

Verse 42 says Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

Before I put the last dot on this blog… Christ could return. And that brings joy to my heart until I read  the end of verse 43 ~ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

That brought new definition to “Broken Homes” for me. And it breaks my heart to think that many of the people that I know and love, and who love me in return, won’t take heed. I might as well be telling them that there’s a purple lizard is taking over the planet; because for them the return of Jesus sounds just as crazy. And lest they take heed, their homes will be broken eternally.

Did it happen on the night of the blood moon? Nope. But it will happen. Look at those bullet points of Matthew 24 and tell me which one has not occurred. The “non-events” are precursors to “The” event. Don’t watch the predictors… watch the skies.

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Encouragement from the Field

bible

Good friend and Fire Chief of Grantsville, WV Volunteer Fire Department, Craig Gherke,  had this to say on a recent Facebook Post following a tragic fire that took the lives of the three members of the the small West Virginia Community:

As a good friend asked me about a bible on the scene of the fire on Leading Creek, I have thought a lot about it. The bible was in a section of the house that was completely burnt up, but it wasn’t. The only thing that was burnt was the cover. Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”. I Think it was God saying the Earthly bodies are gone but through Him their Heavenly bodies will live on. I also think the cover being gone represents that it doesn’t matter what the outside (or cover) is like, its whats on the inside that matters.

What many people don’t understand about small town Volunteer Fire Departments (speaking as the wife to the Assistant Chief) is that just because they’re volunteers doesn’t mean their job is any less than that of a paid fire fighter; nor is the tragedy and the angst any less. Everyone loves the firefighter who rescues the victim and is quick to give kudos and deservedly so. But at the end of a fire where there were lives loss is a fire fighter who is still very much a hero… he (or she) did all they could do, and the battle wasn’t their’s to win, and often times continues to rage on in their lives having to deal with the fact that they couldn’t save them all, which is their ultimate goal.

As Christians that’s our goal too! We want to see every soul go to Heaven, but the reality is, we can only see those saved who are willing to accept the help. The victims of a fire would have gladly accepted help if it had made it in time, but it wasn’t a part of God’s plan for what ever reason. And they’re now in eternity.

Hell’s fire is every bit as real as the fire my husband and his friends fought last week. The difference is, we’re alive today to make the choice, of going into the flame, or accepting the salvation that is afforded in Christ Jesus.

My friend Craig is spot on when he says that it doesn’t matter what is on the outside! Friend, is Christ living in you? Have you ask Christ to save you from Hell? If you ask, He’ll save you today.  For more information follow this link! https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/