J.T.'s WoodShack

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

08/25/2026

Quote of the Day:
God's love never grows old!

Read Isaiah 46:4: And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you...

This is a promise from God that He will take care of His people throughout their entire lives, from birth until they grow old and their hair turns gray. God sets Himself apart from pagan idols, which must be carried by people. In contrast, God is the one who carries, sustains, and rescues His people. His support does not cease as we age; He remains faithful during every stage of life.

Since God created humanity ("I have made"), He takes personal responsibility for caring for, supporting, and protecting His creation ("I will bear and save"). In the broader context of Isaiah 46, man-made idols are heavy objects that worshippers must transport to prevent them from tipping over. The true God reverses this dynamic: He carries His worshippers instead.

There is one thing you and I will never lose—the love of God. "Even to your old age, I am He," God said to the prophet, "and even to gray hairs I will carry you."

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow;
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him. -(Warner)

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

08/24/2026

Quote of the Day:
All of us would be wiser if we resolved never to put people down, except on our prayer list.

Read Proverbs 11:13: A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter...

This verse contrasts two types of character: the careless talker who uses private information for attention or power, and the loyal person of integrity who protects others by guarding what they know. Proverbs warns against engaging in gossip, but what exactly is it? We all discuss daily events and the situations our friends face. So when does conversation turn into gossip? Perhaps it becomes gossip when we share something about another person that they wouldn’t want others to know—speaking behind their back in a way that could harm them.

The mouth can be used either as a weapon or a tool, capable of hurting or building relationships. Unfortunately, it is often easier to destroy than to create, and most people have experienced more destructive comments than constructive ones. Every person you meet today can be viewed as either a demolition site or a construction opportunity. Your words will make a difference. Will they serve as weapons for destruction or tools for construction?

Proverbs states, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. A gossip separates close friends. A gossip betrays confidence. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down." (Proverbs 18:8; 16:28; 11:13; 26:20, NIV). We must be cautious to avoid listening to or sharing harmful speech. Our words should always aim to build up, not tear down. Have you ever repeated unkind or unwise words? If so, ask God to forgive you and grant you the internal discipline to refrain from gossip. Be discreet; don’t repeat.

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

Send a message to learn more

08/23/2026

Quote of the Day:
Feeling hopeless reminds us that we are helpless without God.

Read Lamentations 3:22-23: It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not...

Jeremiah found a glimmer of hope amidst the sin and sorrow around him, stating, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail." God is always willing to respond with help when we ask for it. Perhaps you believe there is a sin in your life that God would not forgive. However, God's steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and He promises forgiveness.

Jeremiah had personal experience with God's faithfulness. He understood that God had promised punishment for disobedience, and that promise was kept. But God also assured His people of future restoration and blessings, and Jeremiah was certain that God would keep that promise as well. Trusting in God's faithfulness each day gives us confidence in His great promises for the future.

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.

Send a message to learn more

08/22/2026

Quote of the Day:
The cleansing power of Christ can remove even the most stubborn stains of sin.

Read Matthew 3:11: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire...

John baptized people as a sign that they had asked God to forgive their sins and had committed to living according to His will. Baptism served as an outward sign of this commitment. For it to be truly meaningful, it needed to be accompanied by an inward change of attitude that leads to a transformed life—the work of the Holy Ghost. John declared that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. This prophecy referred to Pentecost (as described in Acts 2), when Jesus sent the Holy Ghost as tongues of fire, empowering His followers to proclaim the gospel. John's words also symbolized the Holy Ghost's role in delivering God's judgment on those who refused to repent.

Jesus cannot perform His work in believers if anything stands in the way, whether good or bad. Repentance does not merely create an awareness of sin; it brings a deep sense of unworthiness. When I repent, I recognize my absolute helplessness and understand that I am unworthy even to carry His sandals. Ultimately, everyone will experience baptism—either now through God's Holy Ghost or later through the fire of His judgment.

"I indeed" reflects a past condition, "but He" came, and something miraculous occurred. Get to the end of yourself, where you can do nothing, and where Jesus Christ takes over completely.

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

08/21/2026

Quote of the Day:
Adversities are often blessings in disguise.

Read James 1:12-15, verse 12: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

The crown of life is similar to the victory wreath awarded to winning athletes (see 1 Corinthians 9:25). However, God’s crown of life represents the reward of eternal life—living with God forever—rather than seeking glory and honor here on earth. To be in God's winning circle, we must love Him and remain faithful, even under pressure.

Temptation arises from the evil desires within us, not from God. It starts with an evil thought, and it becomes sinful when we dwell on that thought and let it turn into action. Sin, much like a snowball rolling downhill, becomes more destructive the more we let it take control. The best time to confront temptation is before it becomes too powerful or fast-moving to manage.

God does not tempt people; He tests them. While He does not lure us into sin, He allows Satan to tempt us to refine our faith and help us grow in our dependence on Christ. We can resist the temptation to sin by seeking strength from God and choosing to obey His Word.

It is common to blame others and create excuses for our wrong thoughts and actions. These excuses may include: (1) blaming someone else, (2) claiming it couldn’t be helped, (3) saying that everyone is doing it, (4) dismissing it as just a mistake, or (5) insisting that God is tempting us. Those who make excuses are often trying to shift the blame away from themselves.

In contrast, a Christian accepts responsibility for their wrongdoings, confesses them, and seeks forgiveness from God.

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

08/20/2026

Quote of the Day:
No one is stronger than the one who depends on God!

Read 2 Timothy 2:22: Flee also youthful lust; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them call on the Lord out of a pure heart...

In this verse, Paul provides us with a clear two-part command for living a godly life: we should flee from moral danger and temptation, and actively pursue good spiritual habits alongside other believers. The term "flee" suggests escaping from immediate danger, much like a fugitive. It is important not to linger and test our strength. While this command includes escaping from sexual temptation, "youthful lusts" also encompasses immature attitudes, pride, heated arguments, and a desire for self-glory that are common among young adults.

Rather than merely stopping bad habits, we must replace them with positive goals. There are four key traits we need to follow to be successful in our walk with God:

1. Righteousness: Doing what is morally right in God's eyes.
2. Faith: Trusting and depending completely on God.
3. Love: Caring deeply for others, just as Christ did.
4. Peace: Living in harmony with others instead of initiating conflicts or arguments.

As believers, it's essential to journey together; you cannot do this alone. Paul advises Timothy to share this journey with other believers who truly love God with a pure heart and to choose friends wisely. Surround yourself with people who support your spiritual growth rather than those who might lead you back into old mistakes.

If you face a recurring temptation that is difficult to resist, remove yourself physically from any situation that triggers your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as crucial in spiritual battles as knowing when and how to fight. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man; God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

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