This Sunday, April 5th, believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

The Bible tells us  God sent an angel to roll away the stone at the tomb where Jesus was buried.  This was not so Jesus could get out, but rather so others could look in. He was not there!  God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

The words of the angel at the tomb over two thousand years ago still ring loud and clear today: “He Is Risen!”

Before he died, Jesus Christ cried out, “It Is Finished!”  And after three days and three nights, God Almighty raised him from the dead to die no more.

The cornerstone, the foundation of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God!

“He Is Risen!”  
and,
He Is Coming Back! 

Below is a chapter from the book,
What Does it Mean?

Chapter 42  Jesus Gave Judas the Sop

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. John 13:26

The event referred to as “The Last Supper” took place shortly before Jesus was arrested.  There were many significant things that happened that evening.  One of those was Jesus giving Judas the sop.

By the time of the meal, Judas had already arranged to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  It was a dastardly act to say the least, and according to the record in Mark 14, Jesus already knew who his traitor was by this last meal. Jesus not only knew Judas was going to betray him, but according to Matthew 26, Judas also knew that Jesus knew.  Yet, Jesus gave Judas the sop.  What is the significance of the sop?

The two most honored seats at a meal were those to the right and left of the host or the master.  That means the disciple whom Jesus loved, who rested his head on Jesus’ bosom (an act of deep concern, love, and intimate friendship) was sitting at one of the positions of honor at this meal.  Likewise, for Jesus to be able to give Judas the sop, Judas would have also had to be near Jesus, quite possibly in the other honored position.

The word “sop” simply means a small portion; “a little bit, a morsel.”^[1] In our western culture today, we do not use the word “sop.”  We use phrases like, a dab, a little piece, or a small bite.  Sop is just a word for a small piece of food.

In biblical times, it would have been customary to have a common dish on the table that everyone shared.  The flat, thin bread they ate was often used to dip into the common dish and wrap it around a small piece of food, a sop. 

The host or master of the house gave the sop to the person to whom he wanted to show his greatest love and esteem.  He did that by dipping into the common dish and then placing the sop in the person’s mouth.  This showed to all those present, and especially to the person receiving the sop, the love and honor he had for him.

Picturing this scene gives me chills.  Jesus knew Judas was about to betray him.  Judas knew Jesus knew.  Yet, Jesus gave him the sop.  By extending so much honor and love to Judas, Jesus gave him a chance to change his plans. The incredible and unconditional love Jesus demonstrated here is truly amazing.

God gives everyone free will to choose their own paths.  For Judas, however, even an act of love and honor directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself did not guarantee he would do the right thing — how sad for Judas.

John 13:21 – 30:
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Mark 14:18-20:
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

Matthew 26:25:
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
_________________________

 ^[1]  E.W. Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament (Zondervan Printing 1975), 718

The book, What Does It Mean? is available on Amazon:
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A new year is upon us. For some it’s just another year. But for others, there is anticipation of new things, new opportunities, new changes for the better. 

But whether it’s a New Year, or a new day, it’s good to remember that this life we are living is temporary. None of us are not going to live to be 150! 

Is this life all there is? If so, then what’s the point of anything? 

I Corinthians 15:19l
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Most Christians know there is a new life coming. And serious Bible students know  that new life begins at the return of Jesus Christ. For those who are born again, I Corinthians 15 tells us when that day comes, the dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible, and we mortals who are living, will be changed into immortality. 

I Thessalonians 4 tells us that we will meet Jesus Christ in the clouds. And it says, “so shall we ever be with the Lord.” At that point, our new life begins; eternal life, everlasting life!   What a day that will be!

And then what?

God in His Word gives us a little glimpse of that new life.    

Romans 8:18:
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

None of the sufferings we go through in this life can be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us in the new life to come. 

Ephesians 2:7:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Look what God is planning for us in the ages to come! The exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness toward us. What will that be like when God shows us the exceeding riches of His grace?  What will it be like when that glory is revealed in us 

In this new life to come, God has promised to reward us for the good that we have done. In a recent teaching, titled, What Does God have Planned?, I taught on the rewards that God has promised us. When Jesus Christ returns to gather us up together to meet him in the clouds, we will receive rewards.

In this New Year, people may make resolutions. Governments may make promises. But one thing is absolutely certain: eternal life is coming because God has promised it. 

Titus 1:2:
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

In thus New Tear, many our hoping it will be a good year. We, as born again ones, have a great Hope – the promise of God sending His Son from heaven!  So, regardless of the year, month, or day, we can live our lives doing the best we can to love and trust God in all situations, knowing there is a New Life coming. 

Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

It Could Be Today!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

God many times in the Bible encourages us to be thankful.  Certainly without question, God deserves our gratitude for many things. 

Not only does God deserve our giving Him thanks, there are some great benefits to those consistently practicing gratitude:  physical, mental, and spiritual,  And God knows all this; no wonder He encourages so often to give thanks!

Physically, scientific research shows that individuals who regularly express gratitude report fewer aches and pains, lower levels of inflammatory hormones, better cardiovascular health, and higher engagement in healthy activities and help-seeking behaviors. These individuals also demonstrate more vitality and emotional stability, and other benefits such as lower heart rates and better immune system function,

Mentally, studies show benefits of gratitude include increased satisfaction with life, reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, greater optimism, enhanced emotional regulation, and stronger social connections, as well as greater activation in brain regions associated with positive emotion and social behavior.

Spiritually, consistently thanking God, showing Him gratitude for what He has done for you, builds your confidence to trust Him, especially difficult times.  Complaining, blaming, feeling sorry for yourself, and focusing on all the negatives, never builds trust in God for His help. Too often in difficult times, some people end up blaming God, either for the situation they are in, or blame God for not helping them.

BELOW: 
A few of many verses from God’s Word on being thankful, and a video.
Psalm 118:29:
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Philippians 4:6 and 7:
Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15-17:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 5:20:
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:57:
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 2:14:
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.

II Corinthians 9:11:
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

I Thessalonians 5:18:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Thank Him For His Blessing  (Song written by Lee Russell & Al Rainy)

Thank Him for His blessing
Ev’ry single day,
For He has surely blessed you
In His own quiet way
Thank Him for forgiveness
For the times you’ve gone astray,
Believe and He’ll forgive you
In His own quiet way.

Do this and you’ll find
That when you thank Him you’ll receive
All the good that’s in His heart is yours,
If you’ll only believe.
Thank Him for His blessing,
Don’t forget to pray,
For He has surely blessed you
In His own quiet way.

To ALL Veterans, those serving, and those who have served,

Happy Veteran’s Day!
Thank You For Your Service!

Much has been said, and more will be said, regarding the horrific evil act that happened last Tuesday in Utah. 

This morning, on my His Word podcast, I shared some of my personal perspective. I mentioned in that podcast the teaching I did this past Sunday, at our Westbrook Fellowship.  In that teaching, I shared some insight, from the Scriptures, concerning what happened, and why, along with what we, as Christians, can do.

There are links below to both of those; the podcast is about 41/2 minutes, and the Sunday teaching around 34 minutes. Feel free to share those links with someone that you think might benefit from them. 

I take great comfort and get great encouragement from what the Scriptures teach. God’s Word declares there is a day coming when God will send His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ back to gather together all those who are born again. (Those who have confessed or acknowledged that Jesus is lord and believe in the heart that God raised him from the dead.) God’s Word says we will meet Jesus Christ in the clouds and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

Scriptures also say that after a period of time Jesus Christ will return to the Earth with his saints. Concerning that time, Jesus Christ spoke openly in the Gospels that the Father has authorized all judgment to be done by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the end, God wins!

And according to the Bible, when all is said and done,  “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.(Revelation 21:4)

In the end, God wins!

Until God sends His Son back, there will be evil in this world. But in the end, according to the Scriptures, both the evil one, God’s arch enemy, the devil, as well as death itself will be destroyed. 

In the end, God wins! 

What a great message we have to share with people, that if they acknowledge and accept that Jesus Christ is lord of all people and that God raised him from the dead, the Bible says,  “Thou shalt be saved.” They will meet Jesus Christ in the clouds and so shall they ever be with the Lord. And Scripture is clear that for those who are born again, they will not go through the judgment. 

In the end, God wins! 

And because of the completed work of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we win! 

Until then, Speak God’s Word!

→ His Word Podcast – 199  – Charlie

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901959/episodes/17854821 

→ Westbrook Fellowship, Sunday, ,9/14/2025 – Speak God’s Word

https://confidenceandjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9-14-2025-Speak-Gods-Word.mp3

This July 4^th, we celebrate 249 years of independence.  A government was instituted “in order to form a more perfect union,”  and we’re still working at it.  But despite our human frailty and mistakes,  God has indeed poured out His Grace on this nation.

In recent years there have been those who endeavor to criticize and degrade many of those who literally gave up everything trying to ensure life, liberty and justice for all.  Regardless of what people may say, our beloved country was founded by many who had great respect and reverence for Almighty God.

One of George Washington’s many prayers is printed below. Also, a few quotes that are indeed inspiring. God in His Word directs us to pray for those in authority.  I encourage you to continue to pray for our country.  May God be kind and gracious to help our country through these difficult days.  And most importantly, may those who hunger and thirst for the Truth, hear the good news of the Gospel of God concerning His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. For, no matter what country one lives in, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8

One of many prayers by George Washington:
“O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and hast given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body & soul. Direct my thoughts, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy holy spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever living God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life. Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings & direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labour in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments, make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of the conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more & more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favour, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends & kindred, unite us all in praising & glorifying thee in all our. works begun, continued, and ended when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed saviour, who hath taught us thus to pray, Our Father…”
—————
“God Who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.”.
Thomas Jefferson
——————–
“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be. ”
John Adams

——————
“The Bible … is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.”
Patrick Henry
—————–
“By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness.  We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced.

The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement ‘for the sins of the whole world,’ and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve.
John Jay. one of the framers of the Constitution, author of five of The Federalist Papers, and the first Chief Justice of the United States.”

May the Gospel of God concerning His Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, spread across the USA,
and around the whole world!, and, may God bless the USA

Happy Father’s Day, Dads!  Isn’t it awesome, and honestly quite stunning, that the Creator of the heavens and the earth, because of Jesus Christ, is our Father; our heavenly Father.  In that regard, every day, to and for Him, is Father’s Day.

My two children are grown and have children of their own.  As a dad, I will cherish many fond memories as they were growing up.

Below is a short video by Andy Andrews.  He shares one of his special moments with one of his boys. And in doing so, communicates a great lesson for dads.

Happy Father’s Day, Dads, and God bless you!

Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day. Once again, I am reposting 3 very moving videos.

Sometimes people get confused. Veterans Day, which is in November, is when we remember every military person who served our country, at any time, in any capacity.  Memorial Day, however, formerly known as, “Decoration Day,” commemorates the men and women who died while in military service to the United States of America.

It began as a way to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers following the devastating and bloody American Civil War.  After World War I it was extended,  to honor all American military who died in all wars; we remember those who gave their life in service to our country.

Congress actually established an exact minute of remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance Act, adopted in December of 2000, encourages every citizen to pause each Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember the brave men and women who died serving this country.

Thank God for the freedoms and liberty we still have in this country, because over the years so many gave their lives.  But it is still up to each generation to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy.  Pray for our country, for those in government positions, to make godly decisions that which will insure our liberties and freedoms to continue.

If you don’t live here in the United States, take some time to pause and pray for God’s help and blessings on your country.

And, regardless of where we live, how very, very thankful we are for the greatest ultimate sacrifice ever;  our Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so we could have eternal life – the ultimate freedom – freedom from death itself!

Below are 3 very moving videos that help put this remembrance into perspective.

 THANK YOU!

Happy Mother’s Day!

This year I am re-posting something I wrote a number of years ago about “mother’s.” If you’re a mom, I hope it blesses you to read this.  Feel free to share it with other moms!

                                                                     MOMS

Some governments use the word “ministry” to describe various functions, like ministry of finance, or ministry of education. The word “ministry” means service. Therefore, the minister of education would be one who serves the country with regards to education.

I believe being a mom is a ministry, a very, very unique service.

No woman can ever study hard enough or prepare long enough to be ready to be a mom. Moms surely need God’s gracious help and encouragement with the responsibilities and challenges.

It actually begins nine months before she is even officially called “Mom.” For nine months she serves with her own body; every day, she carries and nourishes. And, on top of that, her own body grows and grows until the day of the birth! For nine months she literally gives her own body in service.

Then comes the birth itself – one of the the toughest physical jobs a human being can do! And once labor is completed and the new baby arrives in the world, then the service really begins.

Mom begins the constant care for that completely helpless child, even feeding the baby from her own body! Those precious days, for both mom and baby, turn into weeks and months as the little baby begins to grow.

Soon, the little child begins to have some mobility – at first just squirming, then rolling over, and eventually crawling. And then comes the first big step, literally, and the child is now walking and words are coming out of the mouth of this little human being.

Involved in it all is the woman we call “Mom,” teaching, helping, guiding, directing, feeding, holding, loving and caring for this growing child.

And it continues, week after week, month after month, and year after year. As the child grows, Mom continues to minister, now teaching the child right from wrong, as well as a million other things.

Finally, one morning, her child is headed to school and Mom gets a break, sort of. Really, just some time to regroup and prepare for the next phase of being a minister to this child.

Outside influences will often carry diverse opinions about important issues Mom previously taught her child. Mom now ministers by answering questions and helping her child to be logical. She teaches the child God’s Word, which will keep her child on solid ground in a shaky and often confusing world.

In her heart Mom knows God is real, and His Word is true. But she also knows the day will come when her precious child will have to make up his or her own mind. Even though Mom knows her child may some day take another path, she continues faithfully ministering.

The day for her child to make all his or her own decisions is not here yet, and so Mom continues to do her best, loving and guiding and ministering.

The years roll by and the day finally arrives when the child leaves home, and heads out into the world. It is a day of tears: tears of joy her child is grown, tears of sadness knowing she will be apart from someone she has ministered to every day for so many years.

What life will this young person make? What choices? What decisions? Mom knows and has taught her child that choices have consequences, but she also knows she is not going to be there every day anymore.

And so, the next phase of ministering begins for Mom: a friendship relationship as a sister in Christ. Ready, if asked, to counsel; continuing to pray, and always demonstrating the love of God.

Ministering moms know, understand and practice the love of God. Her door is never locked; her arms are always open for hugs, in the good times and in the not so good. Her heart, even when hurt, is always full of unconditional love.

And regardless of how old Mom gets, she will always be ministering to her child, some way, somehow, until her last breath. All this, and so much more, is why being a mom is a great ministry, a very, very unique service.