Frankly Speaking
 
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:34-36

These tough words of Jesus were not only directed at His disciples two millennia ago, they are aimed at us if we truly desire to be His disciples today. Denying our own agenda and stepping out of our comfort zone is a prerequisite to being a disciple (follower) of Christ. A true disciple understands that his life is no longer his own. Our friend Scott Windrum says it best, "The difference between a believer and a disciple is that Jesus gave His life for the believer, but the disciple will give his life for Jesus." Being a believer costs you very little, but being a disciple comes with a great cost. That's why the world is full of believers, but true disciples of Christ are few. Don't let these words discourage you, but inspire you. The rewards of following Christ far outweigh the costs.  
    
"Religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. There are no spiritual gains without pains." J.C. Ryle

                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
The year 2020  is a blank slate. My bet would be that things didn't turn out quite like you planned them in 2019. Guess what, they won't in 2020 either. "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Prov 19:21. Uncertainty about the future can lead to 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. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11. Your Heavenly Father does indeed love you and has great plans for you. He doesn't always do things the way you would like, but His way is the best way. Make trusting Him one of your primary goals this year. Four months ago we entered the Hebrew year 5780 which ushered in a new decade - the Hebraic decade of Pey which means mouth. Pey is linked with calling back what the winds have scattered in past seasons. It is also linked with a declaration of our mouth for freedom. A few days ago we entered the year 2020. It is being prophesied that 2020 year will be a year of increased vision - that the Lord will be sharpening the spiritual vision of His people. I believe that all of our years of learning and preparation will be put to use in this new year as the Lord "sharpens" our spiritual vision so that we can focus on Him and what He is doing. Many of God's people, who in the past have been lost and searching, will begin to find their place in the kingdom of God. They will begin to see more clearly and speak the will of God with the  authority He has given them. As we begin to see and speak the atmosphere will begin to shift and change as well. Expect a repositioning and redefinition of positions, responsibilities, and duties in God's kingdom here on Earth. Enter this new year, not with fear, but with hope, trusting in One who writes history. He's on your side and has given you a part in it.
 
"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

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. Last Sunday at sunset the Jewish feast of Hanukkah began and it ends tomorrow at sunset. 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 165 bc. The Syrians had purposely defiled the Temple by offering pig sacrifices to their god Zeus on it's altar. After overpowering the Syrians 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 Hanukiah 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

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words to a people in desperate need of a Savior. They had turned their backs on God and chosen their own path - a path of destruction. But God never forgot His people. Isaiah's prophesy would be fulfilled seven hundred years later on a cold night as some shepherds were out keeping watch over their flocks. An angel, dispatched from heaven, appeared to them with news that would change the world forever.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:9-14

Their long awaited Savior had arrived, just as promised. God never breaks His promises, then or now. Today we live in a world that is still in desperate need of the Savior. This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of that Savior, Jesus Christ, let us not forget to share this good news with all that we meet. Merry Christmas.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16,17

                                                                                              ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
A few years ago Holy Spirit dropped a word into my spirit-SUMMONS. As I pondered this word  I heard Him say, "You have been sent a summons-you have been summoned." Holy Spirit then gave me a vision of a court convened in heaven. The Judge was seated but I couldn't see His face. There also was a jury seated, facing the judge, and standing between them was a defendant. There have been numerous books written on the court of heaven - among them Robert Henderson's Courts of Heaven stands out. In all of these God was the Judge, we were on trial, the prosecuting attorney was satan, and Jesus was our advocate-the defense attorney. But this vision was different. God was still the Judge, but satan was the one on trial, and we were seated as the jury. Satan, the defendant, didn't have an advocate- he was on his own. I don't recollect there being a prosecuting attorney present, but I suppose Jesus could be the Prosecutor, presenting evidence to the jury. In the vision, it seemed that all of the evidence had already been presented and the Judge was just waiting for a verdict from us, the jury, in order to sentence the defendant. Here's what I believe it meant. As the church, the  'ekklesia,' we have been summoned to a court in "heavenly places." Satan is the "enemy of the court." As jurors of this court, we have been given authority to issue a verdict to the Judge and He is waiting for us to issue this verdict, based on the evidence, so that He can bring judgement on the defendant. Judges listen to the evidence just as the jury does, but must adhere to the jury's decision. Earlier this year the Lord gave me a similar vision except this time it was a tribunal in session. A tribunal is similar to a court of law except the tribunal can be a party to the dispute and be partial, whereas a court cannot be a party to the dispute and must be impartial. As a tribunal, we can stand with God in heavenly places and judge the enemy. God has given us much authority in the spiritual realm and it's high time for the church, the ekklesia, to operate with this authority. We must answer the summons; our families, our communities, and future generations are depending on us.

                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson                                                  
 

Frankly Speaking
 
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Php 4:6,7 NLT
 
"Be at peace" someone will say. Easier said than done I say. What does it mean to "be at peace?" Does it mean that all difficulties, struggles, and battles will cease to exist? No, our peace is not dependent upon the external factors around us. Even if we could wave a magic wand and POOF all of our present troubles disappear, we still wouldn't find inner peace because something else would present itself for us to worry about. Peace is something that comes from within. If there is no water down in the well then lowering the bucket does no good. True peace, which comes from the Father, must reside within us. We will always face challenges and trials in this world and they will attempt to steal our peace and joy. This is a fact, but the truth is that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came and gave His life so that we could experience peace during life's storms. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 Maybe you are going through one of those storms right now and don't have peace in your life. There is a quick and sure cure. Call on Jesus right now, as you read this, and ask for His peace to come and invade your life. He is faithful to deliver. Remember, you have not because you ask not.
 
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2Th 3:16 NLT
                                                                                   Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It is a day that most Americans will gather with family to cook, to eat, to relax, and maybe 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 favours 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

Have you ever considered the word 'civilized' and what it means?. 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 defines civilized as a society that is marked by well-organized laws and rules about how people behave with each other. Our society 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 than anyone else. 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

Tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of the observation of Veterans' Day - a day set aside to honor those who served in our armed forces. It's a day to honor the living not the dead, many of whom still bear the physical and emotional scars of war. Without their dedicated and unselfish  service we would not live free today.
Veterans Day started out as Armistice Day - an opportunity to honor the returning veterans of the 'Great War'. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. He said this: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."
Sadly too many Americans take our freedom for granted. They fail to consider the great price that has been paid by so many sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and fathers and mothers to secure and keep that freedom.  They also fail to consider the price the veteran's family has paid.  The next time you encounter a veteran take the time to thank them and remember that it has been said, "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom."

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die, but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:7,8
                                                                                ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

When driving near the construction site of the new harbor bridge in Corpus Christi it is hard to miss the huge wooden structures being constructed on both sides of the port. These two legged monstrosities, surrounded by a gridwork of scaffolding, continue to grow larger by the day. Hidden from sight and within these giant structures is a steel skeleton being filled with thousands of cubic yards of concrete. All the wood we see now is just temporary. It serves the sole purpose of forming the structure to be what it was designed to be. One day all the wooden forms will be removed and the finished product will be revealed. The wooden forms will have served their purpose and will be removed from the sight. Like the wooden structures used to form bridge supports, trusses, foundations, all other construction projects, we too have things in our lives that are forming us to become who God created us to be. These 'life forms' come in the form of hardships, trials, and setbacks. They are used to shape us and help us grow into Godly men and women of strength. These life forms, just like their wooden counterparts, are temporary and will not last forever. James tells us to consider it great joy when troubles come our way, knowing that their purpose is to make us perfect and complete, lacking nothing. When completed, the two giant towering structures at the port will stand tall and provide the strength to support one of the largest cable stay bridges ever built. So, endure whatever it is that you are going through at this present time with the assurance that  God has a plan for you that is bigger than you can image.
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For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2Co 4:17,18 
                                                                                  Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

This coming Thursday, while most Americans will be dressing up for a Halloween party or going out to trick-or-treat, one of the most important events in the history of Christianity will be largely overlooked. On October 31, 1517, 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 opposed 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 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, arguably one of the greatest days in the history of the Church, has been overshadowed by a pagan holiday? The enemy is subtle like that. Now don't hear what I am not saying. My intention is not to judge anyone who goes to a Halloween party, gives out candy, or takes their children trick-or-treating. Please, receive no condemnation from me. I just feel it is necessary that everyone is aware of the significance of October 31st to Christendom. In the future consider referring 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." 1Timothy 2:5,6 NRSV
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                                                                                   Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

The Jewish feast of SUKKOT, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, began at sunset last Sunday and ends today at sunset. Sukkot is one of three pilgrimage festivals celebrated every year by Jews around the world. It begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishri and lasts for seven days. In ancient Israel, Sukkot was a time to gather together, celebrate, and thank God for the Autumn harvest. Jewish observers of this holiday often build small foliage-covered shelters called 'sukkahs'. They will eat, and sometimes sleep, in them during the week-long holiday. These 'booths' are patterned after the makeshift temporary shelters the farmers would build during the days of harvest. Sukkot is also intended to remind the Jews of the type of fragile dwellings in which their ancestors dwelt during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. It is important to note that God came down from heaven and dwelt in a tent, a tabernacle, among them. So, what does Sukkot mean for Christians today? It is a reminder that God want's to tabernacle with us - His adopted children. He wants to fellowship with each of us like He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Re-establishing that relationship has been God's desire all along since the fall of man when sin entered the picture and short-circuited things. But God was not caught off-guard at all. Somehow in His infinite wisdom He knew that man would not be able to fulfill his purpose here on Planet Earth without help. At the appointed time Jesus came, busting down all the barriers that sin had erected, and paved the way for a renewed relationship. In the natural the tabernacle was a picture of this, having a thick veil separating man from the Most Holy Place where God dwelt. At Jesus' death this curtain was ripped in two and access given to anyone who would believe. Let Sukkot be a reminder to you of how much your Heavenly Father desires to tabernacle with you and the great cost that was paid to make it possible.
 
So, friends, we can now--without hesitation--walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. So let's do it--full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Heb. 10:19,20 MSG
                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

I ran across this word that I wrote back in October of 2017 and felt led to release it again.

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:6

Did you know that this verse is talking about you? You were not an accident nor were you made inferior or defective in any way. You are the handiwork of the Master. Some translations say that you are a "masterpiece" of God. Do you think that an artist would waste his talent on a piece of art only to hide it away where no one could enjoy it? God does not waste His creation either. He has hand-crafted and equipped each of us to do "good works" here on planet earth. Do not think that what God has tasked you to do is trivial or unimportant. God is not in the 'make work' business. He doesn't just go around finding small, non-essential tasks just to keep us busy. He has a master plan and we are to be an integral part of it. Never feel that it is too late to be a part of His plan. Truth is, you came along at just the right time. Moses didn't begin to fulfill his calling until he was 80 years old. The sooner you accept who you are and how you were made the sooner you will begin to operate in the calling that God has on your life. It is only then that you will find true peace and contentment in your life.
                                                                                               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. In fact, Israel is the only nation in history that ever enjoyed the privilege of having God establish their 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, and repentance, 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 Tuesday, October 8, 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 between 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 whom they may have offended and 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.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1John 2:1,2 NLT
                                                                    Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
I was impressed to re-release this word I wrote back in September of 2018.
 
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? By learning to listen to His voice. How does He speak? Never 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 God tells you what to do, you do it; no matter how impossible it seems, no matter 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
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2

Have you ever wondered why some things are not so clear in the Bible - why the scriptures don't always make sense to you or answer all the questions that you may have at the moment? Why would God hide His truth from us? I don't believe that God hides things from us, He hides them for us! I believe that it gives our Father great pleasure for us to seek out and find the morsels of truth that He has hidden within His Word. You are probably asking yourself, "Why would a loving Father hide things from His kids and get pleasure from sitting back and watching them search for them?" Isn't that some sort of sick pleasure? Not at all. I believe that a person's willingness and diligence to search and dig for the "deep things of God" not only shows a desire within them for truth, but a maturity as well. Sure God could lay it all out plainly before us, but what would that accomplish? Nothing, it would cause us to forever be waiting for someone else to "spoon-feed" us like babes, never learning to feed ourselves. God wants us to grow up, and study is a form of growth.  He wants us to know His Word and be able to navigate the Bible with confidence. It is His desire for us to be fully capable and equipped adult Christians, able to discern truth from lies and to withstand the cunning ploy of the enemy to blow us off course. Holy Spirit has been made available  Being grounded in the Word is becoming more and more imperative in these perilous times of rampant deceit and debauchery in which we live. So keep digging-- those who seek will find..
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" Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." Eph. 4:14,15 
                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 I ran across this 'Word from Pastor Frank' that I wrote back in 2013. I thought it was worth sharing again. Pastor Frank.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Most of us cannot imagine what it would be like to go through life missing a limb. I remember a time, during my reckless boyhood, of having to wear a cast on my right hand. I was greatly limited in what I could do. Simple tasks such as opening a can or jar, brushing my teeth, or getting dressed became very  challenging for me.  Zach Hodskins, a high school student from Alpharetta, Ga., was born without the lower half of his left arm because of a birth defect. But Zach never let his disability hold him back from doing whatever he wanted. His love for basketball drove him to work through his disability.  He did more than just compete. He excelled at the sport. Not only has Hodskins become a star basketball player, which would be impressive in and of itself, he was offered a spot on the University of Florida basketball team. In his own words, "When I'm out on the court, I forget that my arm isn't there and just play ball. Passion and love for the sport helps me overcome all obstacles. To this day I haven't come across anything I can't do." What an inspiration for all of us who seem to make endless excuses for not doing what we were called to do. Do you have a passion and love for serving Christ? If we truly have a passion for Christ and the ones that He has called us to serve, then we should be able to lay aside anything that stands in our way as well. Always be reminded that your strength comes from the One who made you the way you are, and it is through Him that you can do all things. 
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1,2
 
                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
                                                                                                                

Frankly Speaking
"Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" John 4:35
Ruby and I just returned from a much needed visit/mini vacation in Southern California. When flying, I always try to snatch a window seat so that I can study the ground below. Of course the clouds don't always allow this, but last Thursday was a clear afternoon as we flew in on our connecting flight from Houston and I had a perfect view. One of the things that I could not help but notice were all the colorful cotton modules scattered across the landscape. In South Texas the majority of the fields are no longer white for harvest. The harvesters have picked and rolled the cotton into big round modules, wrapping them in a polyethylene film - some yellow and some pink. These modules, resembling giant easter eggs, are then grouped into fours and are left laying in the bare fields. Next they will be transported to the cotton gin where the seeds, burrs, and other foreign matter will be removed. The 'cleaned' cotton will be compressed, baled and then sent out to be used in creating products that we use every day. The cotton industry reminds me of what the function of the church should be like. We have fields full of people everywhere around us. Everyone of them is valuable to God so He sends the harvesters out to collect and bring in these precious souls to the church. Once in the church they are to be first loved, and then taught and discipled. The church should be a safe place where the lost, the broken, and the weary find rest and restoration. It should be a place where they learn to shed all the foreign matter that has held them back from becoming all they were made to be. Yes, God has a purpose for all of His creation and He has sent us, His chosen ones, out into the fields to spread the 'good news' of His plan. Jesus told His followers that the fields were "white for harvest" and He's telling us the same today. Are you ready for the harvest church?
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal. 6:9
                                                                                       ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
It is back-to-school time. The new school year begins for many of our children this week. Almost without exception, there will be change; new teachers, new curriculum, and new friends. For many this may even mean there will be a new school or campus waiting for them. Change, although scary and sometimes painful, is good. Change is what gets us out of our comfort zone and causes us to move forward. Without change there would be no new growth in our lives and we would become stagnant. But, it is human nature to resist change in order to keep things status quo and familiar. Because of this, our Heavenly Father sometimes must work overtime to get us out of our comfort zone so that we may grow and prosper spiritually. His desire is for us to become seasoned and mature, functioning in the capacity that we were created for. We may never realize all that God has planned for our lives, but we could start by allowing Him to grow us through change. We do have a choice-we can either go forward kicking and screaming or peacefully submit to His will. Learning to trust Him in all things is the key to being at peace through times of change. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress due to changes in your life, give it to God. Tell Him you trust Him and allow His peace, "which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
 
"God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love--like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do." Ephesians 4:15 MSG 
                                                                                    ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
 
Are you happy with your life? Don't answer too quickly - stop and ponder that question for a moment and then be honest with yourself as you answer. If your answer was no, you are not alone - a recent Harris poll revealed that only one in three Americans admitted to being very happy. That means that roughly two-thirds of the rest us are either unhappy or indifferent. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”  So, what gives? We are free and live in a nation of plenty, with a standard of living that is unsurpassed in world history, and still aren't happy. Growing up, I remember one of my Mom's favorite sayings was, "Money won't buy you happiness." She was right. So then, what is it that makes us happy? I believe that true happiness starts with thankfulness. We must learn to be thankful for what we have and where we are at. As Christians, even more so, we should always look for the good in our lives, thanking God for all that He has blessed us with. Whether you believe it or not, you have a lot to be thankful for. You don't have to look to far to see someone less fortunate than yourself. Think of all that you have to be thankful for and stop dwelling on the situations or people that bring you down. I challenge you to begin and end your day in thanksgiving to the Lord. This simple act of worship will turn your sadness into joy - I guarantee it.
 
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:11,12 
                                                                                    ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
There are many reasons to worship God. Rick Pino, a singer, song writer, and worship coach likes to highlight three. First and foremost, God is WORTHY of our praise and worship. Worship is the only appropriate response to our Creator. Listen to the song of the Psalmist, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." Ps 139:14 He goes on to say that God is thinking of us every single moment of the day and He cherishes us constantly in every one of those thoughts! Worship magnifies the Lord. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Ps 34:3 To magnify something, you have to focus on that object. When you do that everything else becomes pale by comparison. The things that caused you anxiety, worry, or fear begin to fade away. Secondly, worship brings us into agreement with God - what's important to Him becomes important to us. What makes Him weep, make us weep. What brings Him joy, brings us joy. His desires become our desires. As our heart comes into agreement with Him, our perspective of things begin to change and we begin to see things with a Godly perspective. A Godly perspective enables us to realize who we are and what we were created to do. It is then that the impossible becomes possible and we begin to have hope where hopelessness once reigned. Lastly, our worship actually enthrones God. As we worship, He is enthroned over our lives, our family, our city, our state and so on. To enthrone is to set over, to seat in a place associated with a position of authority. But wait a minute, isn't God already seated in a place of authority? Isn't He Lord over all? Yes, there is no argument to that, but enthrone is a verb, an act. When you enthrone a King, you bow before him and submit to his kingship. You say- from this day forward you are our king- we will respect you and honor you. Here's the result, when we enthrone God we are dethroning another ruler. As we, the Ecclesia, the chosen ones of God, enthrone God and establish His kingdom on Earth, the kingdom of satan is being toppled!
 
But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

                                                                                Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions. Ellen Glasgow
Have you ever been stuck in a rut? Sure, we've all got our car or truck stuck and the more we hit the gas the deeper we got. But, I'm not talking about your car being stuck in mud, I'm talking about a spiritual rut. This is a place where you have been doing the same old thing, over and over but never seem to get anywhere.  It may be a job, method, or activity, but whatever it is, it is slowly sucking the life out of you. Hopelessness, apathy, and even depression begin to set in. This has become the norm for a vast majority in our society today. The result of this is increased alcohol and substance abuse. These methods of dealing with the problem never fix anything, but only make it worse. So, how do you get out of a rut? Well, you either need a tow or a push. Many times we must reach up out of this 'shallow grave' and grab the hand of the One who is able to pull us out. Jesus is always there to help us. Many times it is Him who gives us the push we need to get enough traction to get moving. Most of the time this help comes in the form of people, those who He sends to assist us. Never be embarrassed or too proud to ask for help, no one ever gets stuck intentionally, it just happens. If this is you today call out to Jesus. Help is already on the way.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
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                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1
 
Next Thursday we Americans will celebrate Independence Day. Most countries on this planet have a similar day, a national holiday in which they celebrate their independence as well. For them it is usually the day in history when they won a significant battle, were liberated from tyrannical oppressor, or held their first free election. In France for example, July 14 commemorates the storming of Bastille, a prison in Paris, which initiated the French Revolution in 1789. For us, the fourth of July reminds us of the day that brave delegates of the young Continental Congress met and adopted the Declaration of Independence-a document that formally stated the colonies' justification to be free from British rule. Of course that resolution didn't settle well with the Brits, they resisted and two wars had to be fought to settle the matter. The difference is this; most other countries celebrate the day their independence was won, we celebrate the day ours was declared. For there to be a victory, there must first be a declaration made to state a cause. This is also true for individuals as well. Whenever we make a declaration for our freedom, regardless of what that is, know that it will not come without a fight. Freedom never comes easy. The one who holds another in bondage never lets go without a struggle. Whether your struggle is against an addiction, a besetting sin, an illness, or any other thing that holds you captive know that there is victory in Christ. Start with a declaration; declare what it is you desire regardless of how impossible the situation looks. Believe for victory and know that the battle is no longer yours but the Lords.

 "Don't be afraid or distressed by this great horde; for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2Ch 20:15b
                                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
Much is being said today about freedom; freedom to marry whomever we want-regardless of gender, freedom to exercise our "reproductive rights," freedom to choose to end our own life, freedom to practice our own religion, and the list goes on. Each camp believes that achieving their "right" is what brings them freedom, but Jesus tells us otherwise; "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. True freedom comes from knowing the truth, not some watered-down half-truth devised by man to promote an agenda or to legitimize a sin. Truth comes from God's word. Knowing and obeying His commandments is the truth that will truly set men free. Many believed that their new found freedom, handed down by the Supreme Court's redefinition of the sacrament of marriage a few years ago, would guarantee them freedom. It's proven to be quite the opposite. They are now bound in a false belief that man has the power to override God's laws and precepts. Pray for those who have made such laws and for those who have been deceived by such arrogant acts. Instead of pointing the finger and condemning them try praying for them to know the truth and to truly be set free.
 
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."  John 3:17
 
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
Near the end of every man's life there will come that moment when he must ponder all of his achievements. He will take inventory of all his possessions and accomplishments and wonder whether he had used his God-given resources wisely. God has a calling on every man's life and each man is given three resources to achieve that calling - time, treasure, and talents. How we use and manage these resources will determine the amount of satisfaction and peace we have at the end of our days on this planet. Of all the callings, there is no greater call on a man's life than to be a father. This charge encompasses much more than just siring, it is a lifelong calling. The Apostle Paul instructs men to "bring your children up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph 6:4. This requires a large investment into their lives, an investment of time. Men, we will be held accountable for how seriously we take this command. Training, as well as discipline, is a hands-on activity, not something to be delegated (or abdicated) to our wives, the schools, or our local church. Fathers are called to lead and set an example for their children to follow. Being a father requires commitment and sacrifice, but the rewards are well worth it. Watching our children grow into godly men and women and enjoying fellowship with them brings joy and accomplishment to our lives. But the greatest reward comes at the end of our lives when our Father in heaven says to us," Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over what I have given you" Matt 25:21. Keep up the good work and happy Father's Day men!
When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son, "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1Kings 2:1-3
                                                                         Pastor Frank Dodson