J.T.'s WoodShack

09/10/2026

Quote of the Day:
Never take on more work than you have time to pray about.

Read Luke 10:41-42: 41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. 42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her...

Martha felt completely overwhelmed by her responsibilities, including service, chores, and work. Jesus kindly corrected her, reminding her that taking a moment to sit at His feet and listen—representing the posture of prayer and devotion—was more important than being consumed by her long to-do list. Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus and, at times, served Him. However, Martha believed that Mary's way of serving was inferior to her own. She failed to realize that in her eagerness to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest.

Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you aren't spending time with Him? Jesus clarifies that only one thing is truly essential. Mary chose the "good portion" by giving Him her full attention and devotion, which cannot be taken away from her. Jesus does not say that serving is wrong; rather, He warns against letting work and anxiety replace a personal relationship with Him. Don't let your service become self-serving. If your schedule is so packed with projects and responsibilities that you lack the mental space to stay connected with God, you may be crowding out the Biblical command to live a prayerful life.

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

09/09/2026

Quote of the Day:
Witnessing is not just something a Christian says; it is a reflection of who they are.

Read Romans 1:16-17. Verse 16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jews first, and also to the Greeks...

Paul was not ashamed because the message he preached was the gospel of Christ, the Good News. This message is one of salvation; it has life-changing power and is intended for everyone. When you feel tempted to be ashamed or afraid to share the Gospel, remember what the Good News is all about. If you focus on God and what He is doing in the world, rather than on your own feelings of inadequacy, you won’t feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel reveals God's righteousness in His plan for our salvation and explains how we can attain eternal life. By trusting in Christ, we can restore our relationship with God. "From first to last,".

God declares us righteous through faith, and faith alone. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4, which says, "The righteous will live by faith." This suggests that Habakkuk understood "will live" to refer only to our present life. However, he demonstrates that God's plan has always been for people to be declared righteous by trusting in Him, rather than by trying to earn their way with good works. Paul expands this idea to include the promise of eternal life. As we trust in God, we are saved and experience life both now and forever.

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

09/08/2026

Quote of the Day:
God can weave the thorns of life into a crown of glory!

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, verse 16: For which cause we faint not; but through our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day...

Paul faced suffering, trials, and distress as he preached the Good News. However, he knew that these challenges would eventually be over, and he would receive God's rest and rewards. When we encounter significant troubles, it's easy to focus on the pain rather than our ultimate goal. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we too must focus on the rewards for our faith and the joy that lasts forever.

No matter what happens in this life, we are assured of eternal life, where all suffering will cease, and all sorrow will fade away. Our troubles should not diminish our faith or lead us to disillusionment. Instead, we should recognize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Our problems and human limitations offer several benefits: (1) they remind us of Christ's suffering for us; (2) they keep us from becoming prideful; (3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life; (4) they demonstrate our faith to others; and (5) they provide God with the opportunity to showcase His power.

While physical and material things in the world are temporary, spiritual realities such as God, faith, and eternal life are permanent. Believers are called to focus on these invisible spiritual truths rather than temporary earthly problems. We should view our troubles as opportunities! Our hope during times of illness, persecution, or pain is understanding that this life is not all there is. There is life after death! Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place free from sin and suffering helps us rise above the pain we face in this life.

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

09/07/2026

Quote of the Day:
A timely word spoken at just the right time to meet a particular need; how good it is!

Read Ephesians 4: 29-32; verse 29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers...

We can grieve the Holy Spirit through our actions and speech. These verses urge believers to abandon toxic language, anger, and malice, and to replace them with uplifting words, kindness, and deep forgiveness modeled after Jesus Christ. We must control our words by avoiding harmful speech: do not let dirty, rotten, or harmful words come out of your mouth. Speak only words that help, are appropriate for the moment, and benefit the listener. Use your words as a gift to encourage and strengthen others, rather than tear them down. Hurtful actions and words grieve the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit signifies that believers belong to God and guarantees their ultimate redemption. We need to put away bitterness, rage, anger, shouting insults, and all forms of malice or evil intent. These old behaviors belong to our past lives, not our new lives in Christ.

We must practice compassion and forgiveness by being kind and tenderhearted. We should treat one another with gentleness, sympathy, and active compassion. Forgive others just as freely, quickly, and thoroughly as God forgave you through Jesus Christ. God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but solely because of His great mercy. However, as we come to understand His mercy, we will desire to be more like Him. Having received forgiveness, we should pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not truly become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified Him. I was always taught, "If you do not have something nice to say, keep your mouth shut."

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

09/06/2026

Quote of the Day:
Faith is the ability to see God in the dark!

Read John 1:16-17: 16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes, to the Jews first, and also to the Greeks. 17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith...

These verses convey that believers receive an endless and overflowing supply of spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, surpassing the old law given to Moses. Believers experience a continuous and multiplying wave of God's favor and gifts. As one blessing or phase of life is fulfilled, a new measure of grace takes its place or adds to it. Jesus embodies God's divine character completely. Since He possesses infinite abundance, people tap into a source that never runs dry.

The old law revealed God's holy standard but could not save people from sin or transform their hearts. Conversely, Jesus delivered the power, mercy, and reality that the law merely pointed toward. The gospel illustrates both God's righteousness in His plan for our salvation and how we can be made worthy of eternal life. By trusting in Christ, our relationship with God is restored. From beginning to end, God declares us righteous through faith and faith alone.

Abraham's faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. God did not desire Isaac's death; rather, He wanted Abraham to offer Isaac in his heart, demonstrating that Abraham loved God more than his long-awaited son. The purpose of such testing is to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our commitment to Him and His purpose. Through Abraham's faith and obedience to God's command, he was ultimately provided with a ram to sacrifice instead of his only son. Thank you, God, for providing Your only begotten Son as a sacrifice. Anyone who believes that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day shall be saved.

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

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

Send a message to learn more

09/05/2026

Quote of the Day:
God does not ask you to go where He does not lead!

Read Proverbs 3:6: In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths...

To receive God's guidance, King Solomon advised that we must acknowledge God in all our ways. This means surrendering every area of our lives to Him. About a thousand years later, Jesus emphasized the same principle in Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The key word in this verse is "shall," which denotes certainty rather than possibility—it's not "might," "could," or "may," but "shall."

This word serves as a modal auxiliary verb that expresses suggestions, formal obligations, or future actions. Take a moment to reflect on your values and priorities. What is truly important to you? In what areas have you failed to acknowledge Him?

Consider His advice: while you may recognize God in many aspects of your life, it is often the areas where you try to limit or ignore His influence that will lead to heartache. Make God an integral part of everything you do, and He will guide you as you work to fulfill His purpose. When we involve God in every part of our lives, rather than relying solely on our own wisdom, He promises to guide our steps and clear the path ahead.

This concept aligns with Proverbs 3:5, which encourages us to trust in God with our whole heart and not rely solely on our understanding. We must continually respect and consult God, living with the awareness that He is present and observing our actions, using His Word as our guide.

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

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

Send a message to learn more

09/04/2026

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

09/03/2026

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

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

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

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

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

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send a message to learn more

09/01/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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