J.T.'s WoodShack

09/04/2026

Quote of the Day:
If we don't come apart and rest a while, we may just plain come apart!
Read Mark 6:30-32; verse 31: And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...
Mark uses the term "apostles" in verses 30 and 3:14. "Apostles" means "one sent" and refers to messengers, authorized agents, or missionaries. This word became an official title for Jesus' twelve disciples after His death and resurrection (see Acts 1:25, 26; Ephesians 2:20).
Jesus recognized that His disciples were physically and emotionally exhausted from their ministry, so He invited them to retreat from the crowds for some rest. They had just returned from a busy preaching and healing tour and were reporting back to Jesus. He noticed how overwhelmed they were; they were so busy helping others that they didn’t even have time to eat. He said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
While doing God's work is extremely important, Jesus understood that effective ministry requires periodic rest and renewal. Jesus and His disciples often struggled to find the rest they needed, so they boarded a boat to travel to a secluded, peaceful location by themselves.
These verses highlight how Jesus models self-care and setting boundaries. Even amid urgent and meaningful work, physical rest is necessary. The disciples first shared their experiences and struggles with Jesus, demonstrating a healthy approach to prayer and communication with God. Jesus recognizes that people have physical limits and does not demand endless labor without the opportunity for recovery.
We, too, need times of rest, not only for physical renewal but also for spiritual refreshment through reflection, Bible reading, and prayer. Have you been working tirelessly for Christ? Are you feeling weary in your service to Him? It can be challenging to serve God with all your heart, soul, and mind when you are fatigued. As it is written in Matthew 11:28: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

09/03/2026

Quote of the Day:
Is your life ready for God to work in it?

Read Hosea 10:12: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you...

This verse is a call from God for spiritual renewal, urging us to repent and return to Him using the familiar metaphor of farming. "Fallow ground" refers to land that is hard, unplowed, and overgrown or compacted. This symbolizes a hardened, cold, or indifferent human heart that needs softening. Planting good seeds represents the choice to live righteously, justly, and in obedience to God. Instead of sowing the "seeds of sin," such as idolatry and pride, we are encouraged to intentionally do what is right. Just as farmers reap what they plant, returning to God results in a harvest of His mercy, grace, and unfailing love. It softens a hardened heart that has become resistant to God's word, making it ready to receive truth and undergo change.

The call to seek the Lord is an urgent reminder to stop relying on human strength and to actively pursue a deep relationship with God "until He comes and showers His righteousness." This is God's gracious response, where He pours out His blessings, mercy, and justice like refreshing rain on dry soil. You can break up the unplowed ground of your heart by acknowledging your sins and receiving God's forgiveness and guidance.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

Quote of the Day:
The only real thirst quencher is Jesus-the Living Water.

Read John 7:38: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water...

Anyone who places their faith in Jesus will experience profound spiritual satisfaction and become a vessel of God's life-giving grace and the Holy Spirit for others. Jesus spoke these words during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, a holiday that included a daily ritual of pouring out water for the Israelites in the desert. Standing before the crowd, Jesus declared that anyone thirsty should come to Him and drink. The next verse, John 7:39, clarifies that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus' followers at Pentecost (Acts 2) and has since been made available to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior.

True belief in Jesus provides an internal, unshakeable source of spiritual vitality that satisfies the deepest thirst of the soul. This spiritual water does not remain stagnant within the believer; instead, it flows outward like a river, refreshing and blessing those around them. The rivers symbolize the Holy Spirit at work in a person's innermost being, spreading spiritual life and the Gospel.

If we believe in Jesus, it is not about what we gain, but rather about what He pours through us that truly matters. God's purpose is not simply to make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that He can extract the sweetness within us. Our spiritual life cannot be measured by worldly success, but only by what God pours through us—and we cannot measure that at all.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

If you need prayer, healing, or a miracle, join us as we worship the only living God.
If you don't have a church family or are looking for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church full of loving people.
Come visit and be blessed! You will be welcomed with open arms.
Abundant Life Church, Gladewater, is located at 409 Money Street, Gladewater, TX.
Church Prayer is every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Wednesday Night Service is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Send a message to learn more

09/01/2026

Quote of the Day:
God has only one intended destiny for mankind: "Holiness."

Read 1 Peter 1:16: Because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy...

This verse instructs believers to lead lives that are set apart and morally pure, reflecting God's character. Holiness stems from God's perfect, sinless, and righteous nature. Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character in their daily actions, choices, and attitudes. The fundamental meaning of "holy" is to be separated from common or sinful worldly practices and fully dedicated to God. Peter quotes Leviticus 11:44-45 to highlight that God's expectation for His people to be holy has remained constant from ancient Israel to the New Testament church.

In the context of 1 Peter 1:13-15, Peter clarifies that this lifestyle is a response to the immense mercy and salvation that believers have received through Jesus Christ, rather than a means to earn salvation. Living a holy life cannot be achieved through mere human willpower; it requires the inner transformation and strength provided by the Holy Spirit. Holiness involves complete purity in our relationship with God, the words we speak, and every thought we entertain, placing every aspect of our lives under the scrutiny of God Himself.

Holiness is not just what God bestows upon us; it is what He has already given us that should be evident in our lives. God's ultimate goal is to create saints. He did not save us out of pity; He saved us because He created us to be holy. The atonement through the Cross of Christ enables God to restore perfect oneness with Him through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, removing anything that could come between us.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

08/31/2026

Quote of the Day:
Praise is the voice of a soul set free.

Read Colossians 3:15-16. Verse 16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord...

These verses instruct believers to allow Christ's peace to act as an inner guide in their decision-making and to let His teachings profoundly influence their community life. They emphasize the importance of unity within the church body, mutual spiritual encouragement, and maintaining a constant attitude of gratitude toward Christ. The term "rule" in verse 15 means to function as an umpire or arbiter. Christ's peace should help resolve disputes and guide decisions in our hearts.

Our hearts can often be the source of conflict, as our feelings and desires may clash—between fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. Believers are meant to be united, and this peace fosters harmony within the church community rather than isolation. The gospel message and the teachings of Jesus are highlighted in this verse. To allow Scripture to "dwell richly" means to let it play a permanent and active role in your life rather than just a temporary presence. Christians are meant to share God's wisdom with one another, which involves both encouraging teaching and gentle correction or guidance.

Music serves as a primary means of expressing faith. Singing biblical and spiritual songs helps internalize God's truth and binds the community together in shared worship. Genuine engagement with Christ's message naturally produces a thankful heart directed toward God.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

08/30/2026

Quote of the Day:
Let your fear drive you to your heavenly Father.

Read Revelation 19:10-11; verse 11: And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war...

These verses transition from a warning about proper worship of God to the dramatic and triumphant return of Jesus Christ as the conquering King. Overwhelmed by the angel's revelation about the wedding supper of the Lamb, the Apostle John falls down to worship the angel. The angel quickly stops John, saying, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant..." This emphasizes that angels, no matter how glorious, are created servants of God, like humans, and should never be worshiped. The focus of all biblical revelation and spiritual awe must point exclusively to God.

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, meaning that Jesus Christ is the core substance, ultimate theme, and defining goal of all true prophecy. Every prophetic message ultimately bears witness to who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. John's perspective shifts from the sounds of rejoicing in heaven to a monumental visual looking down toward earth. In the ancient world, a white horse was a universal symbol of a conqueror returning victoriously from battle. He who sat on it was called Faithful and True.

"Faithful and True" highlights God's absolute reliability in keeping His promises of judgment and salvation. Unlike human military leaders, whose wars are often driven by corruption, ego, or injustice, Christ's judgment is completely holy, morally perfect, and entirely aligned with God's standard of righteousness. Verse 10 establishes that Jesus is the ultimate focus of all truth and worship, while verse 11 dramatically depicts Jesus taking His rightful place as the active ruler and judge on earth. Together, these verses move the reader from humble devotion to the awe-inspiring realization of Christ's ultimate victory.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

If you need prayer, healing, or a miracle, join us as we worship the only living God.
If you don't have a church family or are looking for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church full of loving people.
Come visit and be blessed! You will be welcomed with open arms.
Abundant Life Church, Gladewater, is located at 409 Money Street, Gladewater, TX.
Church Prayer is every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Wednesday Night Service is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM

08/29/2026

Quote of the Day:
The Bible was given not to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

Read Matthew 11:4-6. Verse 6: And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me....

As John sat in prison, he began to doubt whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. John's purpose had been to prepare people for the coming Messiah (3:3), so he questioned why he was in prison when he could be preaching to the crowds and preparing their hearts. In response, Jesus pointed to his own acts—healing the blind, lame, and deaf, curing lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the good news to the poor. With so much evidence, Jesus' identity became clear. If you ever find yourself doubting your salvation, the forgiveness of your sins, or God's work in your life, take a look at the evidence in Scripture and the changes you’ve experienced. When doubts arise, don’t turn away from Christ; turn to Him.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

If you need prayer, healing, or a miracle, join us as we worship the only living God.
If you don't have a church family or are looking for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church full of loving people.
Come visit and be blessed! You will be welcomed with open arms.
Abundant Life Church, Gladewater, is located at 409 Money Street, Gladewater, TX.
Church Prayer is every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Wednesday Night Service is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2026

Quote of the Day:
Believers must regain the use of the mind for God's glory.

Read Romans 8:1-6, Verse 5: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit...

"What would the words 'not guilty; let him go free' mean to you if you were on death row? The truth is that all of humanity is in a similar situation, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God's Holy law. Without Jesus, we would have no hope whatsoever. But thanks be to God! He has declared us 'not guilty' and has offered us freedom from sin, along with the power to fulfill His will.

The Holy Spirit is the source of life. He was present at the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2). The text emphasizes that it is the driving force behind the renewal of every Christian. He equips us with the strength we need to live the Christian life. Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice, a 'sin offering,' for our sins.

To see clearly, we must view the world through the lens of Jesus. The Apostle Paul spoke of having the 'mind of Christ.' In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote, 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 2:5), and to the Corinthians, he affirmed, 'But we have the mind of Christ.'

Embracing the Savior's perspective is essential to having the mind of Christ. It means learning to think as He does, rather than following worldly thoughts. Those who focus solely on selfish, human desires often encounter spiritual emptiness and destruction. In contrast, those who are guided by God's Holy Spirit experience profound inner fulfillment and lasting peace. So, meditate on the Word of God and write it on the tablet of your heart, so you will not sin against God.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

Send a message to learn more

08/27/2026

Quote of the Day:
Every loss leaves a space that only God's presence can fill.

Read Romans 14:8-9; verse 8: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's...

Believers fully belong to Jesus Christ in both life and death, as His death and resurrection established Him as Lord over all people. Every breath and action of a Christian should be dedicated to pleasing and honoring God rather than fulfilling personal desires. Even in death, a believer’s passing serves God’s purposes and brings them directly into His presence. Individuals do not own themselves; believers are the eternal possession of Jesus Christ. He died and was resurrected specifically to gain ultimate authority over every human being. Jesus reigns over both the living—those currently on Earth—and the dead—those who have passed away.

The Apostle Paul wrote these verses to discourage Christians from judging one another based on minor personal opinions, such as dietary choices or the observance of holy days. Since Christ is the absolute master of every believer, individuals ultimately answer only to Him, not to each other. Not only does Paul tell us how much our Lord loves us, but he also reminds us just how powerful our God is. Jesus didn't just die for us; He rose again from the dead, and He did it all so that He might be the Lord of both the living and the dead.

God has used this passage to remind me of our purpose: "We live for the Lord." Our lives are not based on our circumstances but on His steadfast and unfailing love. We live for the Lord, and that is good news because He is the one thing in this broken world that never changes.

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

Send a message to learn more

08/26/2026

Quote of the Day:
Trials make us think; thinking makes us wise; wisdom makes life profitable.

Read James1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,...

This verse conveys that if you need guidance or good judgment, you can ask God for help, and He will provide it generously without judgment or scolding. Lacking wisdom means not knowing what to do, especially when facing difficult times or tough choices. God desires for you to seek Him for assistance rather than relying solely on your own understanding. He offers wisdom freely, but you must ask for it. When you turn to God for help, He does not get angry, shame you, or hold your past mistakes against you.

Wisdom involves practical discernment. It starts with a respect for God, leads to a life that aligns with His teachings, and improves your ability to discern between right and wrong. Although God is willing to grant us wisdom, we cannot truly receive it if our goals are self-centered rather than focused on Him. To understand God's will, we need to study His Word and ask Him to guide us in following it. Then, we must act on what He reveals to us.

Trials are unavoidable and unpredictable, manifesting in countless ways. However, knowing that our sovereign God will accompany us and use these trials to deepen our maturity, we can embrace them as opportunities for joy.
"Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whatever befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well" (Crosby)

I pray you all have a Blessed day.
Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I.

If you need prayer, healing, or a miracle, join us as we worship the only living God.
If you don't have a church family or are looking for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church full of loving people.
Come visit and be blessed! You will be welcomed with open arms.
Abundant Life Church, Gladewater, is located at 409 Money Street, Gladewater, TX.
Church Prayer is every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Wednesday Night Service is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Sunday School and First Word start at 10:00 AM, followed by the Main Service at 11:00 AM

Send a message to learn more