wvBc Updates https://www.wvbconline.org Updates to keep us connected as family. Wed, 20 May 2026 22:41:42 -0600 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Ignoring the Inevitable https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/ignoring-the-inevitable https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/ignoring-the-inevitable#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/ignoring-the-inevitable Recently I have been pondering the next critical events that are already pre planned for all believers.  The one we are aware of and most freely discuss is the “meeting in the air.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

But what major event occurs next once we are “with the Lord?”  We are pressed to remember it and slow to consider how essential it is.  I can limit your time of guessing what it is by giving you one clue, namely “bema” (I will guess that it has been so long since you contemplated it that you have forgotten what it means.  The “bema” was a platform where judges sat to observe the athletes during competition.  Their job was to assure that athletes followed the rules and to present awards to victors.  It was not for the purpose of reprimanding or punishing.  The apostle Paul had this in mind in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 in addition to our main passage in 2 Corinthians 5:10 where Bema is translated as “judgment seat” and in particular the judgment seat of Christ.  Keep in mind that our sin has already been judged on the cross.  This is the time for awards (2 Timothy 2:5; 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 22:12) based on the “quality of each one’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Here is an interesting thought that emerged from my musing.  We delight in the promise that in heaven there will be no more tears (Revelation 21:4) however, the timing of that is after the establishment of a new heaven and earth.  So back to the judgment of our works.  There we stand as the Lord brings before us all of our deeds.  Could it bring tears from us because of how little of our earthly activity was worthy of commendation?  Again, the measure is not on the quantity but on the quality.  I cringe at such thoughts that come to my mind realizing I will be in the presence of the one who said “come, follow me” as He intends to award for faithfulness to Him.  The good news is that there is time to do something about it.

The next major event for all believers is total rejoicing at a huge feast.  It is introduced to us in Revelation 19:7-9.  We know it as the marriage supper of the Lamb.  The passage informs us that “His bride has made herself ready.”  She has clothed herself in fine linen which is the “righteous acts of the saints.”  So what is determined to be a righteous act?  I’m suspicious that it is the same things for which we will be awarded for at the judgment seat.  We are presently preparing for that wonderful occasion when we will be with the saints of the ages.  Imagine rejoicing with your spiritual heroes throughout history.  More importantly, imagine the total intimacy with the bridegroom.  Today are we preparing for that precious occasion, or are we just anticipating receiving from the groom rather than giving a lifetime of righteous acts to Him?

How dare we ignore these Inevitable events.  How dare we live without anticipating them and living accordingly.

-Jay Letey

]]> Recently I have been pondering the next critical events that are already pre planned for all believers.  The one we are aware of and most freely discuss is the “meeting in the air.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

But what major event occurs next once we are “with the Lord?”  We are pressed to remember it and slow to consider how essential it is.  I can limit your time of guessing what it is by giving you one clue, namely “bema” (I will guess that it has been so long since you contemplated it that you have forgotten what it means.  The “bema” was a platform where judges sat to observe the athletes during competition.  Their job was to assure that athletes followed the rules and to present awards to victors.  It was not for the purpose of reprimanding or punishing.  The apostle Paul had this in mind in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 in addition to our main passage in 2 Corinthians 5:10 where Bema is translated as “judgment seat” and in particular the judgment seat of Christ.  Keep in mind that our sin has already been judged on the cross.  This is the time for awards (2 Timothy 2:5; 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 22:12) based on the “quality of each one’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Here is an interesting thought that emerged from my musing.  We delight in the promise that in heaven there will be no more tears (Revelation 21:4) however, the timing of that is after the establishment of a new heaven and earth.  So back to the judgment of our works.  There we stand as the Lord brings before us all of our deeds.  Could it bring tears from us because of how little of our earthly activity was worthy of commendation?  Again, the measure is not on the quantity but on the quality.  I cringe at such thoughts that come to my mind realizing I will be in the presence of the one who said “come, follow me” as He intends to award for faithfulness to Him.  The good news is that there is time to do something about it.

The next major event for all believers is total rejoicing at a huge feast.  It is introduced to us in Revelation 19:7-9.  We know it as the marriage supper of the Lamb.  The passage informs us that “His bride has made herself ready.”  She has clothed herself in fine linen which is the “righteous acts of the saints.”  So what is determined to be a righteous act?  I’m suspicious that it is the same things for which we will be awarded for at the judgment seat.  We are presently preparing for that wonderful occasion when we will be with the saints of the ages.  Imagine rejoicing with your spiritual heroes throughout history.  More importantly, imagine the total intimacy with the bridegroom.  Today are we preparing for that precious occasion, or are we just anticipating receiving from the groom rather than giving a lifetime of righteous acts to Him?

How dare we ignore these Inevitable events.  How dare we live without anticipating them and living accordingly.

-Jay Letey

]]> Progressive Comprehension of God https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/progressive-comprehension-of-god https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/progressive-comprehension-of-god#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/progressive-comprehension-of-god Over the years I have observed an interesting pattern in how people grow in their understanding of God as they pursue His Word.  In the first reading of the Old Testament the initial reaction is, “God is a big bully.  He completely destroys people for disobedience.”  Then the next reading they observe that God had warned them prior to bringing about their doom.  The next phase, having warned them ahead of time, the Lord is seen as being very patient before carrying out His judgment. 
Recently in a perusal of Ezekiel I saw this process unfold.  There is a repetitious pattern.  It starts with Ezekiel saying, “the word of the Lord came to me.”  That is followed by the announcement, “this is what the Lord says.”  Then following the delivery of God’s message the desired outcome is announced, “then they will know that I am the Lord God.”  This process occurs over and over.

So in the fullness of time we see that because God is holy, He hates sin.  Because He is righteous, He rejects sin.  Because He is just, He judges sin.  Because He is compassionate, He is patient. Because He is gracious, He restores the repentant.  We see His declaration in Ezekiel 33:11 at work.  “ . . . I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live . . . “

From a personal point of view the Lord challenged me about being one of His messengers to call people to repentance.  Repentance is a neglected and ignored concept in our culture.  However, that has been the case since the fatal fall in the garden of Eden.  Yet God’s message and plan remains constant.  I trust to not lose sight of that reality. I do so with this understanding: There is a price to pay, but the dividends are fantastic.

]]> Over the years I have observed an interesting pattern in how people grow in their understanding of God as they pursue His Word.  In the first reading of the Old Testament the initial reaction is, “God is a big bully.  He completely destroys people for disobedience.”  Then the next reading they observe that God had warned them prior to bringing about their doom.  The next phase, having warned them ahead of time, the Lord is seen as being very patient before carrying out His judgment. 
Recently in a perusal of Ezekiel I saw this process unfold.  There is a repetitious pattern.  It starts with Ezekiel saying, “the word of the Lord came to me.”  That is followed by the announcement, “this is what the Lord says.”  Then following the delivery of God’s message the desired outcome is announced, “then they will know that I am the Lord God.”  This process occurs over and over.

So in the fullness of time we see that because God is holy, He hates sin.  Because He is righteous, He rejects sin.  Because He is just, He judges sin.  Because He is compassionate, He is patient. Because He is gracious, He restores the repentant.  We see His declaration in Ezekiel 33:11 at work.  “ . . . I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live . . . “

From a personal point of view the Lord challenged me about being one of His messengers to call people to repentance.  Repentance is a neglected and ignored concept in our culture.  However, that has been the case since the fatal fall in the garden of Eden.  Yet God’s message and plan remains constant.  I trust to not lose sight of that reality. I do so with this understanding: There is a price to pay, but the dividends are fantastic.

]]> Moses the Shepherd https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/moses-the-shepherd https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/moses-the-shepherd#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/moses-the-shepherd Lessons from the Shepherd of the Largest Flock Recorded in the Old Testament

The First 40 Years

Exodus 2:1-10 - Provisions, Prestige and Power

Moses had the best of all that Egypt had to offer.  He is also aware of the plight of the Israelites.  He sees an opportunity for vengeance.  Notice his preparation to act in verse 12 “He looked this way and that (horizontal view) and seeing no one.”

Exodus 2:11-13 - Right intent, Wrong way, Wrong timing

“He struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”  The result was the stirring of suspicion and animosity among the Hebrews towards Moses.

MY LESSON: God uses all of my life journey in preparing me for His purposes. 

YOUR LESSON: ?

 

The Second 40 Years

Exodus 2:14-15 - Hebrew hatred, Hurried flight, Heartfelt reflection 

With his life in danger Moses hastens to the desert until he comes to a refreshing well that provides opportunity for reflection on all that has transpired.

Exodus 2:16-22 - New friends, New career, New family

 Moses solitude at the well is interrupted by the arrival of the daughters of a Midianite household bringing their flock for water. Other shepherds began arriving and “bully” the daughters away from the well.  Moses intervenes and provides water for their flock.  With that benevolent act he launches his career as a shepherd. Upon meeting the father of the Midianite daughters, Moses marries one of them and begins his family.

MY LESSON: My detours are part of the tapestry of God’s design for my journey with Him. 

YOUR LESSON: ?

 

Exodus 3-4 - Divine intervention, Disturbing dialogue, Dedicated leader

God has heard the desperate cry of of the Hebrews and uses the marvel of His voice coming from a burning bush to inform Moses that he is the Lord’s chosen leader. (3:9-10)

Moses starts raising issues that he thinks would disqualify him from being the leader.  Eventually Moses makes his final appeal, “Oh my Lord, please send somebody else.”  The Lord becomes angry with Moses and brings closure to the debate (4:13-16)

Moses informs his father in law that he is going back to Egypt.

For the longest time I wondered why Moses was so stubbornly resistant to the Lord.  Then I thought back as to the conditions that caused him to hastily depart from Egypt.  There were people in Egypt that wanted him killed.  He knows that upon his return they will be in pursuit.  Here is the interesting element.  After Moses made a commitment to return, the Lord then informed him, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who we’re seeking your life are dead.”  (4:19)  So why did God not tell him sooner?  He wanted Moses to be willing to go even if it meant facing death.

MY LESSON: 2 Timothy 3:12 is flooding my mind. “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  The little words in that verse are hauntingly powerful (“all”  “will”)

YOUR LESSON: ?


The Third 40 Years

Exodus 5-40 - Wilderness wandering

MY LESSON: Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (14:13-14)

YOUR LESSON: ?

-Jay Letey

]]> Lessons from the Shepherd of the Largest Flock Recorded in the Old Testament

The First 40 Years

Exodus 2:1-10 - Provisions, Prestige and Power

Moses had the best of all that Egypt had to offer.  He is also aware of the plight of the Israelites.  He sees an opportunity for vengeance.  Notice his preparation to act in verse 12 “He looked this way and that (horizontal view) and seeing no one.”

Exodus 2:11-13 - Right intent, Wrong way, Wrong timing

“He struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”  The result was the stirring of suspicion and animosity among the Hebrews towards Moses.

MY LESSON: God uses all of my life journey in preparing me for His purposes. 

YOUR LESSON: ?

 

The Second 40 Years

Exodus 2:14-15 - Hebrew hatred, Hurried flight, Heartfelt reflection 

With his life in danger Moses hastens to the desert until he comes to a refreshing well that provides opportunity for reflection on all that has transpired.

Exodus 2:16-22 - New friends, New career, New family

 Moses solitude at the well is interrupted by the arrival of the daughters of a Midianite household bringing their flock for water. Other shepherds began arriving and “bully” the daughters away from the well.  Moses intervenes and provides water for their flock.  With that benevolent act he launches his career as a shepherd. Upon meeting the father of the Midianite daughters, Moses marries one of them and begins his family.

MY LESSON: My detours are part of the tapestry of God’s design for my journey with Him. 

YOUR LESSON: ?

 

Exodus 3-4 - Divine intervention, Disturbing dialogue, Dedicated leader

God has heard the desperate cry of of the Hebrews and uses the marvel of His voice coming from a burning bush to inform Moses that he is the Lord’s chosen leader. (3:9-10)

Moses starts raising issues that he thinks would disqualify him from being the leader.  Eventually Moses makes his final appeal, “Oh my Lord, please send somebody else.”  The Lord becomes angry with Moses and brings closure to the debate (4:13-16)

Moses informs his father in law that he is going back to Egypt.

For the longest time I wondered why Moses was so stubbornly resistant to the Lord.  Then I thought back as to the conditions that caused him to hastily depart from Egypt.  There were people in Egypt that wanted him killed.  He knows that upon his return they will be in pursuit.  Here is the interesting element.  After Moses made a commitment to return, the Lord then informed him, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who we’re seeking your life are dead.”  (4:19)  So why did God not tell him sooner?  He wanted Moses to be willing to go even if it meant facing death.

MY LESSON: 2 Timothy 3:12 is flooding my mind. “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  The little words in that verse are hauntingly powerful (“all”  “will”)

YOUR LESSON: ?


The Third 40 Years

Exodus 5-40 - Wilderness wandering

MY LESSON: Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (14:13-14)

YOUR LESSON: ?

-Jay Letey

]]> Guidance and Power of the Holy Spirit https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/guidance-and-power-of-the-holy-spirit https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/guidance-and-power-of-the-holy-spirit#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/guidance-and-power-of-the-holy-spirit Read Luke 8:40-56

This passage reveals the Spirit of God at work in Jesus.  We need to start by remembering that Jesus never relied on His own deity during His earthly ministry (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28; 14:10).  With that in mind let’s consider what transpires one day as Jesus is traveling with the disciples.

First, a ruler of the synagogue interrupts Jesus to plead with Him on behalf of his dying daughter.  Apparently Jesus kept walking, making His way through the crowd surrounding Him.  Suddenly one particular person captures the attention of Jesus. It is a woman with an incurable disease.  She eventually works her way through the crowd so that she can touch Him and without saying a word, reaches out and touches the edge of His garment.  Immediately she was healed.

The amazing thing is what happens next. Jesus quickly asks,”Who touched me?”  All those immediately around Jesus denied touching Him.  Eventually Peter speaks up to verbalize what more than likely they were all thinking.  “Master, the crowd is surrounding you and pressing in on you.   Jesus repeats His awareness that Although many may have had physical contact with Him, there was one unique touch that generated a sense of power exuding from Him.  Talk about sensitivity to the working of the Holy Spirit!  Though it may not be as dramatic, when was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit uniquely working through you?

For me it was being awake at 3:00AM with a prompting to send encouragement to a daughter going through a critical event in her life.  If we are indeed growing in our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, should not such events be more routine?

When the lady realizes that Jesus is insisting on knowing who touched Him, she finally identifies herself.  By the way, isn’t it interesting that Jesus knew that power had been exercised through Him, yet He didn’t know who the person was?

We must not lose sight that Jesus was on His way to a dying girl when the encounter with the woman occurred.  That is brought to our attention in verse 49 when someone from the home of the girl comes to report that it was no longer necessary for the Lord to come since the daughter was now dead.  Jesus reassures that “she will be well” and continues to walk to her home.  He arrives and finds the home filled with mourners lamenting her death.  Jesus tells them to stop weeping because the girl isn’t dead.  She is sleeping.  That announcement generated a response of laughter.  The issue is resolved with two words from Jesus to the daughter, “Child, arise.”  The next verse (55) says, “her spirit returned and she got up at once.”   That sentence alone would generate an entirely different conversation regarding the spirit of the girl.  But for now let’s keep our focus on the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Consider this. We started with Jesus on His way to heal a dying girl.  His venture is delayed by the touch of His garment by a lady who had a serious illness for 12 years.  Let me ask you this; which situation is the most urgent?  The lady has lived with her condition for 12 years.  Presumably she could survive for a while longer.  Meanwhile, the girl is on her deathbed.  So which one should have the priority?  What was the criteria that led to time and attention being given to the woman rather than the dying girl?  Certainly urgency is not the answer.  

There is one hint in our text.  Regarding the woman, in verse 48 Jesus addresses her as “ daughter” indicating intimacy.  He then says, “your faith has healed you.”  It wasn’t the touch. It wasn’t His garment.  It was her faith.  In the case of the girl,  Jesus told them in verse 50, “Do not fear, only believe and she will be well.”  It is possible that the reason Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join Him with the parents was to add their faith to be exercised in the absence of belief of the extended family and friends. It is that stage of discipleship that we have labeled as “I do, you help,”  The unbelief of the household is revealed in their response of laughter when Jesus announced she was not dead.  It seems that perhaps the decision to meet the woman’s need first is because of the exercise of believing faith.

So, what about us?  How much faith are we exercising in accomplishing the essentials that we know will lead to disciple making? Are we growing in sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit?  

-Jay Letey

]]> Read Luke 8:40-56

This passage reveals the Spirit of God at work in Jesus.  We need to start by remembering that Jesus never relied on His own deity during His earthly ministry (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28; 14:10).  With that in mind let’s consider what transpires one day as Jesus is traveling with the disciples.

First, a ruler of the synagogue interrupts Jesus to plead with Him on behalf of his dying daughter.  Apparently Jesus kept walking, making His way through the crowd surrounding Him.  Suddenly one particular person captures the attention of Jesus. It is a woman with an incurable disease.  She eventually works her way through the crowd so that she can touch Him and without saying a word, reaches out and touches the edge of His garment.  Immediately she was healed.

The amazing thing is what happens next. Jesus quickly asks,”Who touched me?”  All those immediately around Jesus denied touching Him.  Eventually Peter speaks up to verbalize what more than likely they were all thinking.  “Master, the crowd is surrounding you and pressing in on you.   Jesus repeats His awareness that Although many may have had physical contact with Him, there was one unique touch that generated a sense of power exuding from Him.  Talk about sensitivity to the working of the Holy Spirit!  Though it may not be as dramatic, when was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit uniquely working through you?

For me it was being awake at 3:00AM with a prompting to send encouragement to a daughter going through a critical event in her life.  If we are indeed growing in our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, should not such events be more routine?

When the lady realizes that Jesus is insisting on knowing who touched Him, she finally identifies herself.  By the way, isn’t it interesting that Jesus knew that power had been exercised through Him, yet He didn’t know who the person was?

We must not lose sight that Jesus was on His way to a dying girl when the encounter with the woman occurred.  That is brought to our attention in verse 49 when someone from the home of the girl comes to report that it was no longer necessary for the Lord to come since the daughter was now dead.  Jesus reassures that “she will be well” and continues to walk to her home.  He arrives and finds the home filled with mourners lamenting her death.  Jesus tells them to stop weeping because the girl isn’t dead.  She is sleeping.  That announcement generated a response of laughter.  The issue is resolved with two words from Jesus to the daughter, “Child, arise.”  The next verse (55) says, “her spirit returned and she got up at once.”   That sentence alone would generate an entirely different conversation regarding the spirit of the girl.  But for now let’s keep our focus on the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Consider this. We started with Jesus on His way to heal a dying girl.  His venture is delayed by the touch of His garment by a lady who had a serious illness for 12 years.  Let me ask you this; which situation is the most urgent?  The lady has lived with her condition for 12 years.  Presumably she could survive for a while longer.  Meanwhile, the girl is on her deathbed.  So which one should have the priority?  What was the criteria that led to time and attention being given to the woman rather than the dying girl?  Certainly urgency is not the answer.  

There is one hint in our text.  Regarding the woman, in verse 48 Jesus addresses her as “ daughter” indicating intimacy.  He then says, “your faith has healed you.”  It wasn’t the touch. It wasn’t His garment.  It was her faith.  In the case of the girl,  Jesus told them in verse 50, “Do not fear, only believe and she will be well.”  It is possible that the reason Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join Him with the parents was to add their faith to be exercised in the absence of belief of the extended family and friends. It is that stage of discipleship that we have labeled as “I do, you help,”  The unbelief of the household is revealed in their response of laughter when Jesus announced she was not dead.  It seems that perhaps the decision to meet the woman’s need first is because of the exercise of believing faith.

So, what about us?  How much faith are we exercising in accomplishing the essentials that we know will lead to disciple making? Are we growing in sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit?  

-Jay Letey

]]> Where is My Treasure?> https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/where-is-my-treasure- https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/where-is-my-treasure-#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/where-is-my-treasure- It’s difficult for us in an affluent country to not buy into the idea of comfort.  We see those around us who have things and we oftentimes long for those.  These things aren’t necessarily bad but where is our heart when it comes to finances?  I believe it was Billy Graham who said something like show me someone’s checkbook (that dates things) and their calendar and I’ll show you where their heart is.  Although it’s not a perfect picture, I don’t know how to get away from the truthfulness of that statement.  We spend our time and money on what's important to us.  If our schedules for the last month and bank statements were revealed to everyone, what would it say about where our heart is?

My wife and I were recently convicted about giving to a charity that gives the gospel to women seeking an abortion and provides a multitude of services encouraging them to have their babies.  The next morning in my devotional time I read this in Proverbs.  Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.  If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?  I love this passage because it doesn’t give us any wiggle room.  Isn’t it cool that God uses his Word to both encourage and convict us?  God uses this to conform us into the image of His Son.

It’s super easy for me to get caught up in the temporary things of this earth and not focus on the eternal but then I read “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Father, help us to be a people who are less concerned about the temporary things of this world.  Please put in our hearts an eternal perspective.  Help us to be useful to the Master. 

Love you all,
Greg

]]> It’s difficult for us in an affluent country to not buy into the idea of comfort.  We see those around us who have things and we oftentimes long for those.  These things aren’t necessarily bad but where is our heart when it comes to finances?  I believe it was Billy Graham who said something like show me someone’s checkbook (that dates things) and their calendar and I’ll show you where their heart is.  Although it’s not a perfect picture, I don’t know how to get away from the truthfulness of that statement.  We spend our time and money on what's important to us.  If our schedules for the last month and bank statements were revealed to everyone, what would it say about where our heart is?

My wife and I were recently convicted about giving to a charity that gives the gospel to women seeking an abortion and provides a multitude of services encouraging them to have their babies.  The next morning in my devotional time I read this in Proverbs.  Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.  If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?  I love this passage because it doesn’t give us any wiggle room.  Isn’t it cool that God uses his Word to both encourage and convict us?  God uses this to conform us into the image of His Son.

It’s super easy for me to get caught up in the temporary things of this earth and not focus on the eternal but then I read “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Father, help us to be a people who are less concerned about the temporary things of this world.  Please put in our hearts an eternal perspective.  Help us to be useful to the Master. 

Love you all,
Greg

]]> Accurately Handle the Word of Truth https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/accurately-handle-the-word-of-truth https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/accurately-handle-the-word-of-truth#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/accurately-handle-the-word-of-truth Today, in my devotional time I was in Proverbs 21 where it says; Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.  This passage freshly reminded me of something.  

When I feel like I’m hearing from the Lord through his Word, I write a note down with a date to remind me of how God has used the Bible to speak to me.  I have numerous places in my Bible where I’ve done this.  As I go through His Word each year, I see these notations and I’m oftentimes encouraged about what the Lord has revealed to me through my time with Him.  Other times, when I see these underlined passages with my notes and dates written next to them, I cringe.  I cringe, because in retrospect, I realize I wasn’t hearing from the Lord. I was really looking for a verse to justify my position.  I’m very tempted to erase these notes but I leave them in there as a reminder that I can be deceived.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to accurately handle the Word of Truth.  One of the ways we do this is by understanding how to interpret scripture.  One is called exegesis and the other is eisegesis.  Exegesis is where we read the text for what it says and then apply it to our life or situation.  We look for things like the author’s intent.  What was he trying to address? What was going on in history during that time that would help us understand this?  Eisegesis is where we read into the text our preconceived ideas or thoughts and try to make the passage apply to our situation or we look for only those passages that might support our position.  We don’t seek the full counsel of God.  

Why would this be so important in our lives?  My heart is pretty jacked up and so is yours.  We desperately need to hear from God so we don’t sin against Him.  This could even be a burden we are putting on others that he hasn’t asked them to keep.  I also know I can get caught up spending a lot of time on things that distract from our King’s mission.  Paul says, “I know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.”  

“Father help me be focused on the things you want me to be focused on.  No good soldier entangles himself in things that distract from the mission, but I am so easily distracted.  Speak to me through your Word and show me the things in my life that are not pleasing to you.  Don’t let me think to myself, but rather, cause me to flinch to the authority of your Word.  Help me to understand the practical application of your Word in my life.  Not what I want it to say, but what it says.”

Love you all,
Greg Huber

]]> Today, in my devotional time I was in Proverbs 21 where it says; Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.  This passage freshly reminded me of something.  

When I feel like I’m hearing from the Lord through his Word, I write a note down with a date to remind me of how God has used the Bible to speak to me.  I have numerous places in my Bible where I’ve done this.  As I go through His Word each year, I see these notations and I’m oftentimes encouraged about what the Lord has revealed to me through my time with Him.  Other times, when I see these underlined passages with my notes and dates written next to them, I cringe.  I cringe, because in retrospect, I realize I wasn’t hearing from the Lord. I was really looking for a verse to justify my position.  I’m very tempted to erase these notes but I leave them in there as a reminder that I can be deceived.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to accurately handle the Word of Truth.  One of the ways we do this is by understanding how to interpret scripture.  One is called exegesis and the other is eisegesis.  Exegesis is where we read the text for what it says and then apply it to our life or situation.  We look for things like the author’s intent.  What was he trying to address? What was going on in history during that time that would help us understand this?  Eisegesis is where we read into the text our preconceived ideas or thoughts and try to make the passage apply to our situation or we look for only those passages that might support our position.  We don’t seek the full counsel of God.  

Why would this be so important in our lives?  My heart is pretty jacked up and so is yours.  We desperately need to hear from God so we don’t sin against Him.  This could even be a burden we are putting on others that he hasn’t asked them to keep.  I also know I can get caught up spending a lot of time on things that distract from our King’s mission.  Paul says, “I know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.”  

“Father help me be focused on the things you want me to be focused on.  No good soldier entangles himself in things that distract from the mission, but I am so easily distracted.  Speak to me through your Word and show me the things in my life that are not pleasing to you.  Don’t let me think to myself, but rather, cause me to flinch to the authority of your Word.  Help me to understand the practical application of your Word in my life.  Not what I want it to say, but what it says.”

Love you all,
Greg Huber

]]> Returning to Our First Love https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/returning-to-our-first-love https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/returning-to-our-first-love#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/returning-to-our-first-love As a father of three grown boys, I many times stand in awe of what God has done in and through their lives.  The one that stands out so vividly to me is the journey of my oldest son, Sean.  As with many of us in life, Sean chose the broad path which the Word clearly states leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13) and was a day away from being homeless, consumed by the things of the world.  Even though knowing that enabling him would only perpetuate the spiral downward, my heart, broken as it was, could do nothing but trust that the Lord was in control and the script was prepared before time began.  God specifically told me at the birth of Sean that he was going to use Sean in a great way, and to trust Him.

Although Sean was saved as a young boy, he wasn’t walking with Jesus.  Only after two plus years of rehab and being clean and sober for four years, did Sean begin to realize his calling and fully surrendered his life to the Lord.  He stayed with the Rescue Mission as a career and now has moved into a top tier position of leadership.  Why, because Sean returned to his first love, Jesus!  His passion is that these men can lead a sober life knowing their only hope is through a personal relationship with Jesus.  

My recent time in the Word is why I share this story with you because Jacob was the prime example of God desiring us to listen to his call, obey and return to where we first met Him.

Genesis 35:1-4

Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”

And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garment.  Then let us arise and go up to Bethel (Where Jacob first met God); and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.”  So, they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

Jacob, God’s man, struggled many times with God’s direction and understanding that God specifically told him He would be with him.  Dishonest, deceitful and a schemer defined who Jacob was but God had great plans for Jacob.  God told him to return to where you first met Me and I will bless you!

Oh Father, please help us to see the plans that you have for us as we hear you call, obey and return to our first love, where we first met You.  Create in us a  desire to put away any idols and remember we are clothed in your righteousness.

-Mickey McGee

]]> As a father of three grown boys, I many times stand in awe of what God has done in and through their lives.  The one that stands out so vividly to me is the journey of my oldest son, Sean.  As with many of us in life, Sean chose the broad path which the Word clearly states leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13) and was a day away from being homeless, consumed by the things of the world.  Even though knowing that enabling him would only perpetuate the spiral downward, my heart, broken as it was, could do nothing but trust that the Lord was in control and the script was prepared before time began.  God specifically told me at the birth of Sean that he was going to use Sean in a great way, and to trust Him.

Although Sean was saved as a young boy, he wasn’t walking with Jesus.  Only after two plus years of rehab and being clean and sober for four years, did Sean begin to realize his calling and fully surrendered his life to the Lord.  He stayed with the Rescue Mission as a career and now has moved into a top tier position of leadership.  Why, because Sean returned to his first love, Jesus!  His passion is that these men can lead a sober life knowing their only hope is through a personal relationship with Jesus.  

My recent time in the Word is why I share this story with you because Jacob was the prime example of God desiring us to listen to his call, obey and return to where we first met Him.

Genesis 35:1-4

Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”

And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garment.  Then let us arise and go up to Bethel (Where Jacob first met God); and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.”  So, they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

Jacob, God’s man, struggled many times with God’s direction and understanding that God specifically told him He would be with him.  Dishonest, deceitful and a schemer defined who Jacob was but God had great plans for Jacob.  God told him to return to where you first met Me and I will bless you!

Oh Father, please help us to see the plans that you have for us as we hear you call, obey and return to our first love, where we first met You.  Create in us a  desire to put away any idols and remember we are clothed in your righteousness.

-Mickey McGee

]]> Destruction or Life https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/destruction-or-life https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/destruction-or-life#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/destruction-or-life Recently the Lord has focused my attention on a very familiar passage. Before I mention it let me share some introductory thoughts. First of all, I am constantly amazed at how Jesus' teaching is so simple and concise and yet extremely profound.

Each day I determine how I will approach living out my faith. Put simply, it is as though I daily stand at an intersection with two options. One is very flexible, not demanding and most people prefer it. The other way is very selective on who can enter, offers hard situations and only a few choose it. Initially it sounds like an easy decision. Now with that in mind, consider what Jesus says in

Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV): Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Hmm, destruction or life- the outcome changes everything.

When I was a young believer a wise man shared with me something I have never forgotten. He said, "Jay, if you are being blessed without suffering it is because somebody suffered before you. If you are suffering without blessing it is so somebody can be blessed after you."

-Jay Letey

]]> Recently the Lord has focused my attention on a very familiar passage. Before I mention it let me share some introductory thoughts. First of all, I am constantly amazed at how Jesus' teaching is so simple and concise and yet extremely profound.

Each day I determine how I will approach living out my faith. Put simply, it is as though I daily stand at an intersection with two options. One is very flexible, not demanding and most people prefer it. The other way is very selective on who can enter, offers hard situations and only a few choose it. Initially it sounds like an easy decision. Now with that in mind, consider what Jesus says in

Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV): Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Hmm, destruction or life- the outcome changes everything.

When I was a young believer a wise man shared with me something I have never forgotten. He said, "Jay, if you are being blessed without suffering it is because somebody suffered before you. If you are suffering without blessing it is so somebody can be blessed after you."

-Jay Letey

]]> Struggling for Joy https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/struggling-for-joy https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/struggling-for-joy#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/struggling-for-joy I’m in the swimming pool industry and have been since the early 90s.  1990s not 1890s.  I currently work for a manufacturing company where we’ve been one of the fortunate ones, in that during COVID, we’ve absolutely exploded.  I was also self-employed in the pool business in 2008 when the housing market crashed where we lost 90% of our income in a single year.

During the crash of 2008, we didn’t know how we were going to pay bills.  We sold almost everything we had of value, including my wife’s wedding ring, just to keep from going under.  Our next step was to sell our furniture, but by God’s grace we didn’t get there.  We were also joyful.  Not perfectly, but we were joyful.

This time is harder for me.  I think it’s because I’m somewhat of a people pleaser and things are so crazy busy that it’s hard to keep up with everything.  Not just in work, but in life.  It’s really easy for me to get discouraged and lose focus. 

I’ve totally related to Solomon when he wrote in Ecclesiastes-

1:3 What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?

5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. 

When my focus gets off who God is and His great love for me, I struggle.  We are to be salt and light to a dying world.  I’ve realized that I haven’t been joyful when I’m interacting with most who are very stressed in the pool industry.  It probably bleeds into everyday life as well.  In the hecticness of this season of my life I’m grateful that God has convicted me of this and has shown me my sin.  I want to represent Jesus well.  Because of my time in the Word, I have a fresh perspective simply by being reminded of who God is. 

This is my prayer for myself and us as a church.

Psalm 16:11 
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

May we rest in Him and have the fullness of joy that only comes from His presence.

-Greg Huber

]]> I’m in the swimming pool industry and have been since the early 90s.  1990s not 1890s.  I currently work for a manufacturing company where we’ve been one of the fortunate ones, in that during COVID, we’ve absolutely exploded.  I was also self-employed in the pool business in 2008 when the housing market crashed where we lost 90% of our income in a single year.

During the crash of 2008, we didn’t know how we were going to pay bills.  We sold almost everything we had of value, including my wife’s wedding ring, just to keep from going under.  Our next step was to sell our furniture, but by God’s grace we didn’t get there.  We were also joyful.  Not perfectly, but we were joyful.

This time is harder for me.  I think it’s because I’m somewhat of a people pleaser and things are so crazy busy that it’s hard to keep up with everything.  Not just in work, but in life.  It’s really easy for me to get discouraged and lose focus. 

I’ve totally related to Solomon when he wrote in Ecclesiastes-

1:3 What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?

5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. 

When my focus gets off who God is and His great love for me, I struggle.  We are to be salt and light to a dying world.  I’ve realized that I haven’t been joyful when I’m interacting with most who are very stressed in the pool industry.  It probably bleeds into everyday life as well.  In the hecticness of this season of my life I’m grateful that God has convicted me of this and has shown me my sin.  I want to represent Jesus well.  Because of my time in the Word, I have a fresh perspective simply by being reminded of who God is. 

This is my prayer for myself and us as a church.

Psalm 16:11 
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

May we rest in Him and have the fullness of joy that only comes from His presence.

-Greg Huber

]]> An Unexpected Call https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/an-unexpected-call https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/an-unexpected-call#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/updates/post/an-unexpected-call During my first years of employment, I worked with a guy who had a personality like mine.  We probably did not get a lot of work accomplished, but we sure enjoyed working together. He and his wife had marriage issues, so Diana and I were praying we could be used to help them resolve their differences.  They had little to no interest in coming to know Jesus. They eventually divorced and he resigned his position and she moved out of state.  We were heartbroken because we did not hear another word from them.  Then 10 years later I received a call from her in my office.  She said that she wanted me to know that she had come to know Jesus as her Savior and Lord.  It was one of the most incredible calls I have ever received.  

The account of Paul in Acts 9: 1-31 brought that telephone call to my mind. Paul knew enough about the Christian faith to hate it and persecute it. He knew the claims of Jesus and the true history of God’s redemption preached. He knew the apostles and their associates Stephen and Philip and all the people who had been healed from their diseases. The Christian message he knew well, having debated it with Stephen. So really, Paul knew all about the truth.  The problem is, just knowing about it did not help Paul, he still was determined to go to Damascus and bring Christians “to justice.” 

On his way there, he was stopped by a “…a light from heaven…” and when Paul heard the words “…I am Jesus whom you are persecuting…” the light of truth was confirmed in his soul and the gospel became a reality to him.  His heart was repentant and by faith he was healed.  He testifies about God’s grace to save Him in I Timothy 1:16, “It is a trustworthy statement, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, whom I am foremost of all.” The verses in Acts give the best description of Paul’s changed life.  He went from “… still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…” in vs 1, to Paul “proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues…” in vs 20.  Amazing!!

Perhaps you are experiencing a situation in which you have poured out your heart in sharing Jesus with someone and there has been no response.  Do not be discouraged.  Please continue to pray and do not stop sharing Jesus because just when you think it is hopeless, you will get a call from that person who will “proclaim Jesus”.  We can ALWAYS trust God’s timing.

-Dave Magelssen

]]> During my first years of employment, I worked with a guy who had a personality like mine.  We probably did not get a lot of work accomplished, but we sure enjoyed working together. He and his wife had marriage issues, so Diana and I were praying we could be used to help them resolve their differences.  They had little to no interest in coming to know Jesus. They eventually divorced and he resigned his position and she moved out of state.  We were heartbroken because we did not hear another word from them.  Then 10 years later I received a call from her in my office.  She said that she wanted me to know that she had come to know Jesus as her Savior and Lord.  It was one of the most incredible calls I have ever received.  

The account of Paul in Acts 9: 1-31 brought that telephone call to my mind. Paul knew enough about the Christian faith to hate it and persecute it. He knew the claims of Jesus and the true history of God’s redemption preached. He knew the apostles and their associates Stephen and Philip and all the people who had been healed from their diseases. The Christian message he knew well, having debated it with Stephen. So really, Paul knew all about the truth.  The problem is, just knowing about it did not help Paul, he still was determined to go to Damascus and bring Christians “to justice.” 

On his way there, he was stopped by a “…a light from heaven…” and when Paul heard the words “…I am Jesus whom you are persecuting…” the light of truth was confirmed in his soul and the gospel became a reality to him.  His heart was repentant and by faith he was healed.  He testifies about God’s grace to save Him in I Timothy 1:16, “It is a trustworthy statement, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, whom I am foremost of all.” The verses in Acts give the best description of Paul’s changed life.  He went from “… still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…” in vs 1, to Paul “proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues…” in vs 20.  Amazing!!

Perhaps you are experiencing a situation in which you have poured out your heart in sharing Jesus with someone and there has been no response.  Do not be discouraged.  Please continue to pray and do not stop sharing Jesus because just when you think it is hopeless, you will get a call from that person who will “proclaim Jesus”.  We can ALWAYS trust God’s timing.

-Dave Magelssen

]]>