Frankly Speaking
 
"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times." Mark 4:3-8
 
In this parable Jesus is drawing an analogy between farming (sowing and cultivating the land) and sharing the gospel (sowing and cultivating hearts). In either case, when we sow (or plant) we don't always get the same results. People differ as much as soils. Some are hard and allow satan to come and steal the Word soon after they hear it. Others might receive it with joy initially, but because they don't have deep spiritual roots they fall away as soon as problems arise or they are mocked for believing. Still others allow the worries of life or the pursuit of wealth or pleasure to choke out the Word so that no fruit can be produced. But then there is the good soil. Those are the people who receive God's Word with a right heart that not only hears, but fully embraces the message of heaven's kingdom realm. These people are the ones who produce a bountiful harvest. Of the four kinds of soil represented here, only the fourth type produces the bountiful harvest that God desires. What kind of dirt are you?  Are you hard, shallow, thorn-infested, or fertile? Regardless of your answer, there is hope. If you believe you are one of the first three then it is time to ask God to cultivate your heart. Allow Him to plow and break-up that crusty outer layer caused by years of being trampled on. Allow Him to remove the rocks of disbelief. Allow Him to clear out the thorns of distraction. Then allow Him to fertilize your soul with His Word and watch what happens.
                                                                                       ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psm 139:13-16 NLT
 
Much has been said in the past few weeks about the late-term abortion bill that passed with jubilation in the New York Assembly that would allow the brutal murder of a defenseless living, breathing human being. But nothing speaks louder than the cold, stoic response from the Democrat representatives during the State of the Union when President Trump denounced the bill. As you all know, I try extremely hard to not be political in this column, but I felt this issue needed to be addressed. "If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths." Eze 3:18 You might say, "There is nothing I can do, this is a New York issue." But be advised, there are similar bills being pushed through the legislative bodies in all fifty states including our own state of Texas. This evil will not go away unless we wake up as a body of  believers and realize that what we face is a spiritual battle. Satan is determined to annihilate the coming generation in order to prevent them from stepping into their destiny and he is using human 'pawns' to do his bidding. Pray for your representatives, that the hoodwink would be lifted and that they would see the evil of abortion and infanticide and repent. Pray that the Lord give them courage to stand up against party politics and vote for life. Pray protection over those who do. Church, this is our 'kyros' moment - we were born for a time such as this. If we don't rise up who will?
                                                                                    Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Last year few would have predicted that these two teams would be playing for the NFL championship. The New England Patriots are a seasoned team making their eleventh trip to the big game, having won five of them. The LA Rams will be going to the Super Bowl for only the third time, having won it all once in 1999. Although the Rams were tied for the best record in the NFL at 13-3, they are still considered 2 1/2  point underdog. They have a young quarterback and a young head coach - neither with much experience, much less a Super Bowl appearance. New England on the other hand is loaded at both positions. Brady and Belichick have both been a part of all 10 previous trips to the championship game. So, based on pedigree and record, New England should be stocking their locker room with cases of celebratory champagne. But, the predictable doesn't always come to be. Upsets occur quite often in sports and that's why we play the game. Upsets are also common in the Kingdom of God as well. Many times we feel overwhelmed and out-numbered. We find ourselves looking at the obstacles in our lives and feel like giving up. It is in those times that we must look to the One who gives us strength, to the One who is the Game-changer. God loves the underdog and is always ready to come when we call. All through history we see examples of the people of God overcoming against all odds. What makes you think He wouldn't do the same for you? If you find yourself feeling down and loosing hope, look to the One who has a perfect record. Your Heavenly Father cares about you and listens when you call on Him. He is able and willing to lift you up and bring you through any obstacle that is before you. So, don't lose hope, you will win if you put your faith in the Game-changer.

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isa 40:31

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9
                                                                                               ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

"All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong." Where I Belong-Building 429
 
I have always loved to sing this song, but the words just don't ring true to me anymore. I understand what the artist is trying to say - that he feels out of place in this world and is eagerly awaiting to live in his eternal home in heaven. Aren't we all? But I believe that we need to realize that this is our home for now and we do belong here because God brought us into this world and has "determined our pre-appointed times and the boundaries of our dwellings" Acts 17:26. We have a purpose here. Jesus instructed us to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and "go and make disciples." When we purchased the home  that we currently live in we knew it wasn’t the house we would grow old in yet we have cared for it and have taken possession of our neighborhood by loving our neighbors and discipling them. God also gave us dominion (Genesis 1:26) and authority (Luke 10:19) over this place we are to call home. We walk our neighborhood regularly, praying and interceding for those around us. This world needs us, it needs us to take ownership and exercise our God given authority over the demonic principalities that have taken it hostage. We need to love our home enough to fight for it. Yes, He is preparing a place for us when we die, but this is our home now. We need to quit focusing on Jesus' return, treat this world as our own, and go about the Father's business, here and now.
 
"It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping". Mark 13:34-36
                                                                                        ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

​Frankly Speaking
 
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr Day, a national holiday that recognizes, and honors, the life of one of the most influential men of the 20th century. Dr. King was a non-violent activist who championed the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's. His belief that all men are created equal and are precious in God's sight was biblically based. His teachings of "loving thy neighbor" lined up with the teachings of Jesus Christ who challenged His followers to love one another with a radical type of love known as agape love. During a sermon at Dexter Ave. Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957, Dr. King said this about love, "Agape is more than eros; agape is more than philia; agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And when you rise to love on this level, you begin to love men, not because they are likable, but because God loves them. You look at every man, and you love him because you know God loves him. And he might be the worst person you’ve ever seen." His words, like those of Jesus, were met with resistance and would eventually cost him his life. Although Dr. King is remembered for leading the Civil Rights Movement over a half-century ago, his words still challenge us today. Present day activists and so-called 'social justice warriors' could certainly learn a thing or two by studying Dr. King's life and taking his words to heart.
Your calling is to fulfill the royal law of love as given to us in this Scripture: "You must love and value your neighbor as you love and value yourself!" For keeping this law is the noble way to live. But when you show prejudice you commit sin and you violate this royal law of love! James 2: 8,9
                                                                                           Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10,11

Last week I was listening to a message from Dutch Sheets, a trusted prophet, and he made this statement, "God declares the end from the beginning." As I pondered those words the thought came to me that not only is God omniscient, having knowledge of all things past, present, and future, but He also controls all things as well. He knows how everything is going to play out because He orchestrated how they would play out. When God makes a decree, there is no question or doubt whether it will come to pass. God's voice is creative and it will set things in motion regardless of the circumstances or reality. When the angel Gabriel spoke to the young virgin Mary and said,"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus," Holy Spirit went to work to make it happen-and it did. God doesn't just speak words from a cloud to put things in motion, He uses human beings to speak them as well. In this fullness of time we live in, we are the prophetic voice God uses to speak His words. As soon as we speak, Holy Spirit goes into action. Your voice carries power because God has given you authority. This is something we really need to get. We are to be the messenger who carries the Word of God to the world. It is our responsibility to speak forth the prophetic Word in order for our families, our city, and our country to prosper.

Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:9,10
​                                                                               Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
"The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." Timbuk3
 
A blank slate. That was what my computer screen was a few moments ago and that is what 2019 is. For better or worse, things probably didn't turn out like you planned them last year and chances are they won't in 2019 either. "A man may have many plans in his heart. But the LORD's purpose wins out in the end." Prov 19:21. Although some might claim to know, no one really has a clue what will transpire in this new year ahead of us. This uncertainty about the future can lead to anxiety and fear for many people. Peace and contentment only comes when we cease worrying and choose to trust the One who actually controls the future. He has great plans for those who trust in Him. "I know the plans I have for you," announces the LORD. "I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come." Jer 29:11. Your future may not look too bright to you at all times, but your Heavenly Father knows what is best for you. His ways will test you, stretch you and take you places you have never been before. Your greatest responsibility this year will be to trust Him and His ways. Learning to do that will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. Yes, the future is bright for those who trust in the Lord.
 
"But those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak." Isa 40:31 NIrV
                                                                            Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
At midnight tomorrow, the year 2018 will be over and added to the annals of history. I'm not sure what kind of year you had, but Psalms 118:24 says, "This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Since a year is made up of 365 of these "days that the Lord has made," I believe that we should rejoice in each year as well. No matter what you have gone through this year, know that it was not in vain. God has a purpose in all things; not only has He been preparing you for this coming year, He has been equipping you to do what He has for you to do. The year 2019, like any new year, brings with it much uncertainty, but knowing that God is with us and has a plan for us will help us overcome any anxiety or fear. Get ready, 2019 will be a year of great opportunity for the church. Three months ago we entered into the Hebrew year 5779 which was prophesied to be 'the year to harvest the King's vineyard.' What does that mean for the church? It means that the harvest of souls worldwide will dramatically increase. It will be a year when believers will be called to intense sessions of intercession, watching and fasting. The supernatural power of God will escalate through His people as their kingdom gifts are activated. We will see witchcraft and the schemes of satan exposed as the Ekklesia rises up in the power of God and advances the kingdom. So, enter 2019 with excitement and expectation, believing that the Lord intends to use you mightily in His kingdom. Happy New Year!
 
"I will stand at my watch post; I will station myself on the rampart. I will look to see what [God] will say through me and what I will answer when I am reproved. Then Adonai answered me; he said, "Write down the vision clearly on tablets, so that even a runner can read it. For the vision is meant for its appointed time; it speaks of the end, and it does not lie. It may take a while, but wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay." Hab 2:1-3 CJB
​                                                                            Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

One night many years ago, in a field near the town of Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God. The shepherds were terrified. But the angel reassured them, "Don't be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyful news the world has ever heard. And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!" Then all at once, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: "Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men." Luke 2:8-14 TPT

What joyful news it was! The Messiah, God's own Son, leaving the splendor of heaven and coming to Earth as a man. His mission would be to rescue all mankind from enslavement to sin and sin's penalty of death.

"When we were juveniles we were enslaved under the hostile spirits of the world. But when that era came to an end and the time of fulfillment had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the written law. Yet all of this was so that He would redeem and set free all those held hostage to the written law so that we would receive our freedom and a full legal adoption as His children." Galatians 4:4,5

Be full of joy this Christmas season as you are reminded that your Heavenly Father loved you so much that He gave His only Son so that you could become a son and receive all the benefits of sonship. Merry Christmas to you all.
​                                                                             Pastor Frank Dodson
 

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 NLT

Let these word sink in. Memorize them and recite them to yourself every time you feel overcome by doubt, fear or worry. They will liberate you.
​                                                                                  Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

I can remember my Mom taking me shopping for school clothes when I was a kid. She never bought me clothes that fit, they were always too big. When I complained that the pants were too long or too loose in the waist, she would always say, "It will be just fine, you'll grow into them." The same was always true with shoes. She would feel for my toes in the end and if they weren't anywhere to be found she would buy me the shoes. Of course there was a reason for her madness- she knew that if she bought them to fit right she would be back in the store in no time, spending more money, buying me more when I outgrew them. The same is true in the Kingdom of God. We are all growing spiritually so when God gives us a vision for our future or a prophetic word is spoken over us it always seems 'too big'. Prophetic words are given to help us grow spiritually; to strengthen us, encourage us, and to comfort us. (1Co 14:3) Visions are a glimpse into what the future holds for us if we don't give up. Most times, prophetic words and visions seem far-fetched or unattainable. That's because your Heavenly Father doesn't look at you the same way you look at yourself. We tend to look in the mirror and think that the word or vision, much like those clothes our mom bought for us, doesn't fit. But God (like our mother years ago) knows that we will grow into it. The next time you receive a vision or a prophetic word is spoken over you don't doubt, but receive it in faith, knowing that your Father in Heaven sees what you cannot see.
​
That will continue until we all become one in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son. Then we will be grown up in the faith. We will receive everything that Christ has for us. Eph 4:13 NIrV

                                                                          Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
Do you believe in miracles? It has been said that a miracle is not the suspension of a natural law, but the operation of a higher law. One such miracle is celebrated every year by Jews around the world. Today at sunset the Jewish feast of Hanukkah begins. The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the unlikely Jewish victory over the powerful Syrian-Greeks of the Seleucid Empire in 165bc. The Syrians had purposely defiled the Temple by offering pig sacrifices to their god Zeus on it's altar. The victorious Jews, led by Judah "The Hammer" Maccabee cleansed the Temple and rebuilt the altar. The High Priest, who was anxious to relight the sacred Menorah which was to burn throughout the night, every night, could only find one small sealed jar of purified oil for the lamp. That was only enough for one night. The Jews, stepping out in faith, lifted up a prayer to God and lit the Menorah anyway. That's when the miracle occurred - the oil never ran out! The oil from the tiny jar lasted for eight days which was time enough to consecrate more oil. Jews celebrate this miracle every year by lighting the a special Menorah called the Hanukkiah and they give thanks to God for the miracle. Here's the good news - God is still in the miracle business! Are you needing a miracle in your life? Instead of waiting and doing nothing, maybe it is time to step out in faith and watch God move. Know that it brings your Father great pleasure to perform the impossible and pour out blessings on His children. Expect miracles knowing that His oil never runs out!
For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' 1Kings 17:14  
                                                                                  Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

​Civilized. I've been pondering that word lately. Most people would say that we live in a civilized society today, but do we really? To answer intelligently we must fully comprehend the full   meaning of the word. Webster's defines civilized as a society that is marked by well-organized laws and rules about how people behave with each other. We may score fairly high on that standard, but if we read on we are informed that it also means to be polite, reasonable, and respectful to one another. I think we could all agree that we fail miserably at those traits. There is definitely a lack of decorum and civility in the world today - even among those who identify as Christians. Why is that? I believe it is because most people have either forgot or never been taught how we should behave towards another. As Christians we have no excuse - we have been taught and should know how to treat one another. Jesus gave us, His followers, this commandment, "Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” John 13:34,35 TPT  Could it be any clearer? I believe that when we begin to treat one another with respect the world will take notice. Christians must lead by example, not just in words. The Apostle Paul pleads this case, "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." Eph 4:1 As Christians we are called by God to a higher standard of conduct. Why? Because the world is watching and observing us and they recognize hypocrisy when they see it. So, make it a priority to be polite and to treat everyone with respect. In this way you will not only be setting an example for them to follow, but you will be opening the door to share the love of Christ with them.
                                                                                     ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It is a day that Americans get together with family to cook, to eat, to relax, and to watch some football. Many view this day as nothing more than a secular holiday, but a short history lesson proves that it is rooted in faith. It is widely accepted that the present day Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate began at a Plymouth settlement. There in 1621 the Pilgrim settlers gathered to give thanks to God for the harvest. William Bradford, who served thirty years as Governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote this of the first Thanksgiving celebration, "Thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their outgoing and incoming, for which let His Holy Name have the praise forever, to all posterity." After the colonies became a country, President George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God." We sometimes forget the great favor that God has bestowed upon this nation and take for granted His provision and the prosperity that we enjoy as a result of that divine favor. This Thanksgiving, no matter what you have planned, make time to reflect on the goodness of your Heavenly Father and to give Him the gratitude He deserves. Honestly, we shouldn't wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks. We should do it every day.
"Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:3,4
​                                                                                                 Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2
 
Tuesday, November 3 is the much anticipated mid-term elections. There is much at stake this year including control of the house and senate as well as numerous state, and local positions. We must never take for granted the election process in this country. We are blessed to have the right to elect the ones who will lead us. Each candidate on your ballot will represent a set of core beliefs that are stated in his or her party's platform. These include critical issues such as human life, religious liberty, education, health care, marriage, and many more.  It is important to know these beliefs before you go to cast your vote - an uninformed electorate is a dangerous thing. Not only know the beliefs and issues before you go to vote, but prioritize them. As a political ad posted by the Catholic Church some years ago so rightly stated, "There are many important issues, but, some are more important than others." Accompanying this ad was an image of an unborn child. I encourage you to pray and seek guidance from your Heavenly Father before you vote. Consider the things that are most dear to Him, not what brings you temporary pleasures or benefits your pocket book.  Consider what His word says about the sanctity of life and the importance of traditional family values before you cast your vote. No candidate is perfect nor will they likely measure up to your standards, but that doesn't mean that God cannot use them to do His will. So, exercise your right, prayerfully and joyfully, knowing that many brave men and women have given their lives to defend this great freedom that you have.
 
God bless America!
​                                                                                             Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Wednesday, while most Americans will be dressing up and going out to trick-or-treat, one of the most important events in the history of Christianity will be largely overlooked. October 31st is the 501 year anniversary of the day in 1517 that a German theology professor named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Church of All Saints in Wittenberg, Germany. This event rocked the world. It sparked the Protestant Reformation which brought about the end of the practice of indulgences-the claim that freedom from God's punishment of sin could be purchased with money. Luther's theology challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church by teaching that the Bible is the only source of divinely revealed knowledge.  He did not agree with the idea that only a certain order of priests could make sacrifices for the peoples' sin. Luther considered all baptized Christians to be a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and taught that salvation is not earned by good deeds but received only as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Within weeks his Ninety-Five Theses was translated from Latin into German, and with the aid of the newly invented printing press, it was copied and distributed throughout Europe. Isn't it sad that Reformation Day, one of the greatest days in the history of the Church, has been overshadowed by a pagan holiday? Beware, the enemy is subtle like that. The Biblical Worldview would be to refer to October 31st as Reformation Day, and when asked what Reformation Day is, you'll have good news to share.
 
Happy Reformation Day!
 
"For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all." 1Tim. 2:5,6 NRSV
                                                                                                                 ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32
 
It has been said that education is freedom but I beg to differ. That statement might have been true in the past, but I'm not so sure anymore. While I am certainly not against formal education, I know a lot of highly educated people who are far from free. We live in the most educated society in history but to listen to the rhetoric coming from the highly educated in academia today you wouldn't know it. There was a time when formal education was for the purpose bringing up a future generation and preparing them for life. Children were not only taught the basics; reading, writing, math, history, and the sciences, but were taught life skills as well. They were taught to reason and think for themselves. Today however, they are told what and how to think. There is little room for any discourse or debate outside of what academia deems is "politically correct." On university campuses 'rogue' professors, who don't conform with the liberal agenda being perpetuated from the left, are being censured and even denied tenure. History is being rewritten to fit this agenda and our children are now being taught that America was never great. In a nutshell, education has become nothing less than a means of thought control. So, what can we do? Get involved, Christianity is not a spectator sport. We are in an 'all out' fight for the future of this nation. It is our responsibility to train our children in the ways of the Lord, not the schools. Vote for righteous leaders, especially on the school board. Pray hard. Walk around the schools in your neighborhood and pray as the Spirit leads. Pray for the teachers who are in the trenches. Get involved in a PTA and any other activity that gives you access. Finally, never forget who your enemy is. This is a spiritual battle and greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 
 
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Ephesians 6:12, 13
​                                                                    Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” Luke 9:18-20
 
That same question, asked today, would get the same results. Jesus isn't the same to everyone. That doesn't mean Jesus isn't who He is, it just means that not everyone knows, or believes, who He really is. A better question to ask might be, "Who is Jesus to you?" Who Jesus is to you will define who you are - it will affect every aspect of your life. If He was just a historical figure to you then your life will be no different than those who haven't even heard of Him. If you believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, then you are somewhat better than the first group, but still lacking. "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." James 2:19. You see, Jesus needs to be more than just "the Son of God" to you; He needs to be the Lord of your life. Knowing He is Lord and making Him Lord of your life are two different things. Making Jesus Lord of your life means giving Him everything, holding nothing back. When you make Jesus Lord of your life, then your life will definitely change. First, making Him Lord of your life is what brings salvation and the promise of eternal life. Second, making Him Lord of your life makes you a new person with a whole new world view. Your thoughts, views, actions, and reactions begin to line up with His - you literally become more 'Christ like.' When this happens, people will no longer have to ask you who Jesus is to you, they will know you by your fruit. 
"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." Matt.  7:20
                                                                                   Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
WWJD: What would Jesus drive? If there were automobiles back in Jesus' day, what kind do think He would choose to drive; a pickup, a convertible, or maybe a sport utility?  Would it be a Ford, Chevy, or a Dodge? No one knows for sure nor does it really matter.  Marvin Olasky who writes for World Magazine posed that question but concluded, "The right question is not "What would Jesus drive?" but how would He use it?" Wondering what Jesus would drive might sound silly, but pondering how He might put it to use is no joke. We must carefully consider how we use the gifts that God has given us, understanding that we are only stewards of them. Are we using them to satisfy our desires or to glorify God? Are we using them to draw attention to ourselves or draw others to Jesus? Some people get all caught up in the ostentatiousness of another's large house while not considering how it is being used for advancing the kingdom. How can we truly know another's heart anyway? Many like to point to the wealthy and quote Jesus, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25), while at the same time refusing to be obedient with the little they have been given. People with little can be just as guilty of this as the rich. It's not how much we have or how much we make that matters, it is what we are doing with it. Likewise God has entrusted each of us with various gifts, talents, skills, and abilities. Some may seem greater than others, but all are important in the kingdom of God. A common excuse is the misconception is that our gift, talent, or skill isn't good enough or big enough to matter. That simply is not true. Begin to use what God has given you for His glory and watch how He will multiply and increase it beyond your imagination.
 
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ (Luke 19:17) 
​                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1Samuel 15:22
 
How do we know God's will? We know by learning to listen to His voice. How does He speak? He never speaks the same way. Loud & thunderous? Usually not. A still, small voice? Usually. Through others? Many times. So then, how do we know it's His voice and not that of another? We must rely on the Spirit of God that lives within us. Jesus said,"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." (John 14:26)  When the Spirit takes up residence within us, we then have the ability to converse with God. To converse is to "keep company; to associate; to cohabit; to hold intercourse and be intimately acquainted with." The Spirit conveys God's will to us. Being in God's will is not about following endless rules and jumping through hoops to please God-it's about a relationship. When He tells you what to do, you do it; no matter how impossible it seems or how silly it looks, no matter what others think, no matter that others aren't doing it, and no matter that you may never figure out why He had you do it in the first place. It's simply hearing and obeying. God is looking for those who will listen and obey-they are the ones who truly please Him. They are the ones He uses to build His kingdom here on Earth.
 
Satan doesn't so much mind us sacrificing, but he hates it when we are obedient!

​                                                                                Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Yom Kippur begins at sundown Tuesday and ends at sundown Wednesday. The Jews consider Yom Kippur, also known as the 'Day of Atonement' to be the holiest day of the year. It is a time of personal reflection and prayer - a day to draw closer to God. It is also a day of reconciliation when Jews strive to make amends with others. The Day of Atonement was the day the high priest went into the Holy of Holies each year to offer a blood sacrifice for his own sins and the accumulated sins of the people. In Hebrews 9 we are told that Christ entered the Holy of Holies once for all and offered his own blood as a sacrifice for his people. This made the ritual of the Day of Atonement, which was just a shadow of things to come, obsolete. The Gospels tell us that the curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place split open at the moment of Christ's death in proof that the final and perfect atonement for sin had been made. So, although the ritual is obsolete, does it mean that we should no longer recognize this holiest of days? I think not. Yom Kippur should be a reminder of what Christ has done for us- how Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice of our sins. It should be a day of repentance, prayer and fasting. Additionally, Yom Kippur points to the day of the Second Coming of Messiah when He will return to earth. That will be the Day of Atonement for the Jewish remnant when they "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah.
 
So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Heb 9:11-12 NLT
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                                                                         Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

In ancient Israel, they didn't have holidays-they had feasts. Their feasts (seven of them each year) were all considered Holy Days because they were God ordained. Israel is the only Nation where God establish the holidays. Today at sundown Rosh HaShanah, one of the three fall Jewish feasts, begins and continues through sundown Tuesday. Rosh HaShana, literally "Head of the Year,"  is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, one of the two Holiest days of the year, and is celebrated with the blowing of the shofar to call God's people together. Although it is a solemn day of soul-searching, forgiveness, repentance and remembering God's judgment, it is also a joyful day of celebration, looking forward to God's goodness and mercy in the New Year. The Holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Wednesday, Sept 19, and ends at sunset the following day. Yom Kippur, also known as The Day of Atonement, is a day of repentance, prayer, and fasting. The ten days inbetween these two Holy Days are known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, during which Jews reflect upon their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for their transgressions. They are encouraged to seek out anyone they may have offended and to sincerely request forgiveness so that the New Year can begin with a clean slate. The common theme throughout these Holy Days becomes apparent- reflection and repentance. These actions, when done in earnest, will always get God's attention. When we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-8a.
                                                                                  Pastor Frank Dodson