J.T.'s WoodShack

10/19/2026

Quote of the Day:
When life is filled with shadows, face the sunshine of God's love!

Read Luke 17:20-21: Verse 20: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. 21: Neither shall they say, Lo here!, or Lo there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The Pharisees wondered when God's Kingdom would come. They were expecting something visible and dramatic, something they could point to and say, "There it is." However, Jesus taught them that God's Kingdom would not arrive as they expected. He was already among them, bringing God's truth, demonstrating His power, and calling people to repentance. While they looked for outward signs, they failed to recognize the King standing right in front of them.

We can become so focused on expecting God to do something extraordinary that we overlook what He is doing in our hearts every day. Jesus explained that God's Kingdom cannot be identified by pointing to a particular place. His rule is not limited to a building, a church, or a specific group. God's Kingdom is about His authority, His righteousness, and His work in people's lives.

When we surrender our hearts to Jesus, we begin to learn how to live under His authority rather than merely following our own desires. Being part of God's Kingdom goes beyond attending church; it means allowing Jesus to be Lord over our thoughts, decisions, words, and actions. For believers, this truth highlights how God works within us as we follow Christ. He changes our hearts, renews our minds, and teaches us to love what pleases Him.

The main point I want to convey is that the Kingdom of God is not just something we look forward to seeing someday. It represents God's rule and reign, revealed through Jesus Christ and lived out in the hearts and lives of those who follow Him. When we allow Jesus to lead us, our priorities begin to change. We become less concerned with merely appearing religious and more focused on having a heart that pleases God.

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

Send a message to learn more

10/18/2026

Quote of the Day:
God invites us to burden Him with what burdens us.

Read Psalm 55:16: As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me...

In this passage, David expresses his confidence in God amid trouble. Surrounded by pain, betrayal, and distress, he chooses to turn to the Lord instead of succumbing to fear or despair. David resolves that no matter what happens around him, he will seek God. He doesn’t say he will only pray when life is good; he actively seeks God even when his heart is hurting, and his circumstances are difficult.

This serves as a reminder that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. David believes that God hears him and can deliver him from his troubles. This doesn’t mean that God will remove every problem immediately or answer every prayer in the way we expect. Rather, it means we can trust Him, knowing He is our refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble.

God may change our circumstances, give us the strength to endure them, or guide us through them according to His wisdom. Psalm 55:16 teaches us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone; we can call upon the Lord and trust Him with what we cannot control. Importantly, David states, "But I will call upon God." He consciously chooses to turn toward God despite the chaos surrounding him.

When trouble arises, let your first reaction not be fear, but prayer. When you don’t know what to do, call upon the Lord. When your heart is troubled, bring it to Him. You may not know how things will turn out, but you can trust Him while He works on your behalf.

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

10/17/2026

Quote of the Day:
God never tires of our asking.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing...

I've often asked myself what it truly means to "pray without ceasing." If you asked 100 people what it means, you would likely get 100 different answers. For me, it signifies maintaining an ongoing relationship with God throughout my day. It involves praying about every decision, action, thought, and desire.

Prayer isn't limited to bowing our heads, kneeling beside our beds, or visiting an altar. We can talk to Jesus in our hearts, wherever we are.

In the morning, take a moment to thank God for another day. Throughout the day, share your concerns, decisions, and needs with Him. When you face temptations, seek His strength to do what is right. If you encounter a blessing, pause to express your gratitude. At night, reflect on His goodness and commit your life to Him.

"Pray without ceasing" doesn't mean you need to be in constant prayer every second. Instead, it emphasizes keeping your heart turned toward God and returning to Him constantly in prayer. Philippians 4:6 states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

The Lord desires more than just a few words spoken at specific times; He longs for fellowship with us. You don't have to wait until you're on your knees to speak to Jesus. You can talk to Him while you work, drive, walk, exercise at the gym, or even in the quietness of your thoughts.

May the Lord draw you closer to Him each day and help you grow in prayer, faith, and love for Jesus Christ.

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

10/16/2026

Quote of the Day:
In prayer, God hears more than just words-He listens to your heart.

Read 1 Samuel 16:7: For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart...

People often judge others based on what they see. We may form opinions about someone based on their clothes, appearance, wealth, accomplishments, or mistakes. However, God sees things that people cannot see. He knows our thoughts, intentions, struggles, and what is truly happening within us. People may misunderstand you, but God never misjudges your heart.

In the scripture passage, Samuel searched for the man God had chosen as Israel's next king. Jesse presented his sons, and Samuel initially thought Eliab looked like the right choice. Although Eliab may have appeared impressive on the outside, God was teaching Samuel not to judge by appearances. We can easily make the same mistake today. Someone might seem religious, speak eloquently, or appear to have everything together, but these outward traits do not reveal the true condition of their heart.

God is not impressed by our public image; He cares about who we really are when no one is watching. He looks at our love for Him, our sincerity, our willingness to repent, and our desire to obey Him. God knows when we are trying to grow closer to Him, even when we fall short. You don’t need to impress God with elaborate words when you pray. You can approach Him honestly when your heart is hurting; He understands. He knows when you struggle with temptation, when you feel thankful but can’t find the right words, and when you sincerely desire to become a better disciple of Christ.

God values the sincerity of your heart more than your public image. Keep praying with a sincere heart, because God is listening!

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

Send a message to learn more

10/15/2026

Quote of the Day:
Instill in me a deeper hunger for your Word and a greater desire to pray!

Read Psalm 119:13: How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth...

This Scripture is beautiful because it teaches us something important about our relationship with God. His Word isn't just something we read; it's something our hearts learn to love, treasure, and desire. King David describes how precious and satisfying God's Word is to him.

Think about your favorite food. When you taste something you truly enjoy, you don’t have to force yourself to appreciate it. You look forward to it because you know how good it is. David expresses that God’s Word has become that precious to his soul. God's truth brings him comfort, wisdom, correction, encouragement, and understanding.

God desires for you to cultivate a relationship with His Word, opening your Bible not out of obligation, but because you sincerely wish to learn what your heavenly Father wants to teach you.

In David’s time, honey was valued for its natural sweetness. However, David isn't saying that God's Word always tells him what he wants to hear. Sometimes, Scripture comforts us. Other times, it corrects us by revealing our sins, challenging our attitudes, and showing us where we need to change. Even correction is good when it brings us closer to God.

A growing love for God's Word means being willing to accept all of it—not just the promises that make you feel good, but also the instructions that help you become more like Jesus. When the Word corrects your heart, don’t run from it. Pray and ask the Lord to help you obey it.

God's Word is meant to be more than something you read out of duty. It can become something your soul longs for, as you recognize the wisdom, comfort, and truth it brings into your life.

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

Send a message to learn more

10/14/2026

Quote of the Day:
Teach me, Lord, to love what you love and turn away from the things that grieve your Spirit.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Verse 5: Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil...

What is Jesus teaching me through these verses?

Paul teaches us that love is a decision we make and live out every day, not just an emotion we feel. It's easy to be kind when someone is kind to us, but it becomes challenging to be patient when we're frustrated, to be humble when our pride is hurt, and to forgive when someone has wronged us. This is where our faith is put into practice.

Jesus is our greatest example of love. He showed compassion to people, forgave sinners, spoke the truth, and sacrificed Himself for us. As believers, we should ask God to help us develop that same kind of character.

We can apply this passage to our lives in various situations: practice patience rather than anger when someone upsets us; rejoice with others rather than feeling jealous when someone succeeds; seek forgiveness and healing instead of revenge when we are hurt; show kindness instead of judgment when we see someone struggling; and continue to trust God and do what is right, even when no one is watching.

If we want to become more like Jesus, we must learn to love others not only when it is easy but also when it costs us something. The question we should consider is not just, "Do I love Jesus?" but also, "Can people see Jesus' love in the way I treat them and in how I live my life?"

We grieve the Spirit of Christ when we respond with anger, jealousy, revenge, or judgment towards others. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (LOVE)

The biblical definition of charity means selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others. This love comes from the heart and is demonstrated through our actions, meaning that biblical charity is patient, kind, humble, and forgiving. It does not focus solely on what it can gain from others; rather, it seeks to bless others.

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

10/13/2026

Quote of the Day:
When God stretches your patience, He is seeking to enlarge your soul.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13: Verse 13: But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing...

Paul encourages believers not to feel discouraged or to give up on doing what is right, even when life gets tough or when their efforts seem unnoticed. You might give your best to help others, love your family, serve your church, and follow Jesus, yet still face disappointment, criticism, or hardship. You may even wonder if your efforts make any difference. Paul's message is clear: don’t give up on doing good just because it becomes difficult. God sees what others may overlook. He knows your heart, your sacrifices, and your faithfulness.

When you feel disheartened, remember three important things:

1. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t measure your faithfulness by others' actions or approval.

2. Continue doing what is right. Don't let someone else's wrongdoing affect your heart.

3. Trust God’s timing. You may not see the results of your kindness or prayers today, but that doesn't mean your faithfulness is in vain.

Sometimes, doing good means taking action; other times, it means praying patiently, staying kind, or quietly trusting God during tough times. This reminder shows that the Christian life is not a sprint but a journey of faithfulness. The enemy would like discouragement to turn into bitterness, disappointment into anger, and weariness into a halt in serving God.

But remember Christ. Don't let the fatigue of doing good make you forget the goodness of the God you serve. Keep walking with Christ. Keep loving others. Keep doing what is right. Your calling is to remain faithful and trust Christ with the outcomes.

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

10/12/2026

Quote of the Day:
Only God can transform a sin-stained soul into a masterpiece of grace.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of god in him...

This verse from the Bible is one of the most powerful because it explains what Jesus did for us on the cross and how we can be made right with God. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for our sins. Although Jesus was perfectly holy and did not become sinful Himself, He willingly took our sins upon Himself and paid the price we could never pay. Think of it this way: we owed a debt we could not repay, and Jesus paid it for us.

Isaiah 53:5 tells us that He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Jesus lived a completely sinless life. He was tempted, tested, rejected, and mistreated, yet He never sinned. Jesus carried a cross we could never bear; He endured a beating that we could never withstand, faced mockery, was spat upon, and dealt with rejection that would break us.

This matters because Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, was the only One who could offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Here’s the beautiful promise: when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God forgives our sins and accepts us as righteous through Him. We don't earn this standing with God by being good enough, keeping every rule, or performing religious deeds. Instead, we receive it through faith in Jesus.

What does this mean for your life?

1) You don’t have to carry the guilt of your past. When you confess your sins and trust in Christ, you can receive God's forgiveness. Your past does not have to define your future.

2) Jesus took your place. He bore the judgment for sin so that you could be reconciled to God. That is the depth of His love for you.

3) You can live a new life in Christ. You don’t obey God to earn His love. Instead, you seek to obey Him because He has already shown you His love through Jesus.

One thought to remember today: You are not saved because you have lived a perfect life. You are saved by the grace of God through faith in the One who lived perfectly and gave His life for you.

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

Send a message to learn more

10/11/2026

Quote of the Day:
To be under Christ's control is to have true freedom.

Read Romans 12:19-21. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; i will repay, saith the Lord...

This scripture teaches us how God wants us to respond when someone hurts us, treats us unfairly, or does us wrong. These verses emphasize trusting God to handle justice rather than allowing anger, bitterness, and revenge to take control of our hearts. God assures us, "Let Me handle it." He sees what happened, even when no one else does. He knows the truth, understands our pain, and judges with perfect knowledge and righteousness. You do not have to repay the wrongdoing of others; you can trust God to judge rightly.

Paul instructs us to respond to our enemies with kindness instead of hatred. The goal is not to be kind as a way of secretly punishing someone, but rather to overcome hatred with genuine love. Do not allow someone else's evil actions to corrupt your heart. Let your actions reflect the character of Jesus.

Here’s how to apply these verses to your life:
1. Release your hurt to God. Be honest with the Lord about your feelings, and ask Him to help you let go of any desire for revenge, even if the pain takes time to heal.
2. Guard your heart. Do not let anyone's behavior determine what kind of Christian you will be.
3. Choose goodness, even when it’s difficult. Pray for those who mistreat you. Speak truthfully, act with integrity, and show kindness when appropriate.
4. Trust in God's justice and timing. You may never receive an apology or see the outcome you hoped for, but you can leave judgment in God’s hands and move forward in peace.

You do not have to fight every battle, respond to every insult, or repay every wrong. Sometimes, your greatest act of faith is placing the matter in God's hands, keeping your heart clean before Him, and continuing to do what is right.

One thought to carry with you today: When someone wrongs you, remember that you are responsible for your reaction. Let God handle justice while you focus on becoming more like Christ.

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

10/10/2026

Quote of the Day:
Those who see God's hand in everything can leave everything in God's hands.

Read Psalms 147:3-5; verse 3: he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds...

The passages paint a beautiful picture of who God is. He is powerful enough to know every star in the heavens, yet loving enough to care for a broken heart. These verses remind us that God's greatness is not only reflected in His creation but also in how He cares for His people. God understands the pain we carry within us. He sees the hurt caused by disappointment, grief, betrayal, regret, and the struggles of everyday life. Sometimes healing comes quickly; at other times, it requires prayer, time, the truth of God's Word, and support from others.

You don't have to hide your brokenness from God. You can come to Him honestly, knowing that He cares about your pain and wants you to draw near to Him. Think about the vastness of the heavens—there are more stars than we can easily comprehend, yet the Bible declares that God knows them all by name. If God knows the stars so completely, we can take comfort in knowing that our lives are not hidden from Him. He knows our thoughts, our struggles, our prayers, and our deepest needs.

Verse 5 teaches us three important truths:
1. God is great. No human being can fully measure His greatness.
2. God is powerful. His strength is not limited by the things that limit us.
3. God's understanding is infinite. He sees the whole picture, even when we can only see a small part of it.

You don't need to have every answer to trust the One who does. Keep praying, keep reading His Word, and keep walking with Christ. Remember this: The God who knows every star knows your name, sees your tears, and understands your heart. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can trust the God who holds tomorrow.

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