J.T.'s WoodShack

09/15/2026

Quote of the Day:
We experience God's strength in the strain of our suffering.

1 Peter 4:1-2; verse 1: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. 2) That he no longer should live the rest of his life in the flesh to the lust of men, but to the will of God...

Believers should prepare their minds with the same sacrificial attitude Jesus had, choosing to turn away from sin and live for God's will instead of selfish earthly desires. Christians should anticipate facing trials and hardships, just as Jesus did. A strong commitment to follow Christ helps individuals turn away from a life dominated by sin.

While some individuals may go to great lengths to avoid pain, as followers of Christ, we should be willing and ready to do God's will, even if that means facing suffering. In our suffering, sin loses its power over us when we keep our focus on Jesus and what He desires for us.

When our bodies are in pain, or our lives are at risk, our true values become evident, and the allure of sinful pleasures fades. If someone endures suffering for doing good and remains faithful despite that suffering, it indicates a decisive break from sin.

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

09/14/2026

Quote of the Day:
God's purpose always has God's provision.

Read Philippians 4:19: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus...

We can trust that God will meet all our needs. Whatever we require on earth, He will always provide. If we need courage to face death, as Paul did, He will supply that too. We must, however, remember the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people desire to feel good and to avoid discomfort or pain, but we may not always get everything we want. By trusting in Jesus, our attitudes and desires can shift from wanting everything to accepting His provisions and the power to live for Him.

The verses promise provision for our actual needs—such as sustenance, strength, and spiritual endurance—not an unlimited supply of luxury, greed, or personal whims. God's provision extends beyond material survival to include emotional, relational, and spiritual strength that helps believers endure hardships. Scholars advise caution when interpreting this verse as support for the "Prosperity Gospel," which claims that God rewards strong faith with financial wealth, physical health, and personal happiness. It is important not to misinterpret scripture and turn God into a means for personal gain.

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

Send a message to learn more

09/13/2026

Quote of the Day:
Nothing can be accomplished until we take the first step.

Read Romans 8:9: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit og God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Have you ever worried or wondered about whether you are truly a child of God? A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living within them. If you have sincerely trusted in Jesus Christ for your salvation—by repenting of your sins, acknowledging Him, believing that He died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected on the third day—and asked Him to come into your heart and change your life, and be baptized in Jesus name, you are a Christian.

In his sermon in Acts Chapter 2, the apostle Peter explains the concept of salvation. He says in verse 38, "Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

You may not feel a certain emotion to confirm that the Holy Spirit has come into your life; rather, you will know He has come because Jesus promised He would. When the Holy Spirit is working within you, you will believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and that eternal life comes through Him (1 John 5:5). You will start to act according to Christ's guidance (Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:22-23), find help in your daily problems and prayers (Romans 8:26-27), be empowered to serve God and fulfill His will (Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6), and become part of God's plan to build up His church (Ephesians 4:12-13).

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

If you need prayer, healing, or a miracle, join us as we worship the only living God.
If you don't have a church family or are looking for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church full of loving people.
Come visit and be blessed! You will be welcomed with open arms.
Abundant Life Church, Gladewater, is located at 409 Money Street, Gladewater, TX.
Church Prayer is every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Wednesday Night Service is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Sunday School and First Word start at 10:00 AM, followed by the Main Service at 11:00 AM

09/12/2026

Quote of the Day:
If you don't have anything positive to say, it's better to just stay silent.

Read Luke 6:37-38; verse 37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven...

The way you treat others—whether with harsh judgment or generous grace—sets the standard for how God and others will treat you. Jesus instructs His followers to avoid engaging in being overly critical or dismissive of others. When you show mercy instead of judging, you can avoid facing harsh judgment yourself. Letting go of grievances allows you to receive forgiveness as well. When you give to others, those good deeds will return to you multiplied.

A forgiving spirit reflects that a person has truly received God’s forgiveness. Jesus illustrates this concept by using the image of measuring grain in a basket to demonstrate the full amount. If we adopt a critical attitude rather than one of compassion, we can expect to receive criticism in return. However, if we treat others with generosity, grace, and compassion, those qualities will also return to us in abundance.

The phrase "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" refers to the practices of ancient marketplace grain vendors. A merchant would tightly pack grain into a basket, leaving no empty space, causing the contents to overflow. Jesus uses this imagery to show that God is overwhelmingly generous to those who live with a generous, forgiving spirit. We are called to love others, not judge them.

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

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

09/11/2026

Quote of the Day:
Gratitude should be a continuous attitude.

Read Psalm 104:31-34; verse 33: I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my god while I have my being...

Psalm 105 highlights God's sovereignty throughout history, emphasizing His supreme control over all creation. God possesses unlimited power over the entire universe; He creates, preserves, and governs it. Understanding God's power assures us that He is capable of handling our lives. The verses illustrate God's immense power over nature and call for our eternal praise and joyful reflection.

The psalm conveys powerful imagery: when God gazes at the earth, it shakes; when He touches the mountains, they smoke. These vivid descriptions refer to natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Even the strongest elements of creation—the solid earth and towering mountains—are completely under His authority and respond instantly to His presence.

The writer expresses their commitment, saying, "I will sing to the Lord for the rest of my life. I will sing praises to my God as long as I live." Recognizing God's greatness and care naturally leads to the choice of worshiping Him daily, not just during good times, but throughout all of life. The writer hopes that their thoughts and words will bring joy to God. The psalm emphasizes that true joy and gladness come from the Lord.

Deep meditation involves reflecting on who God is. When people focus on His power and goodness, their hearts are filled with joy and peace towards Him. In today's world, many individuals adopt an arrogant attitude, believing they do not need God. However, we should be grateful that He gives us every breath we take. Not only do we rely on God for our very existence, but He also desires what is best for us. We should strive to learn more about His plan for our lives each day.

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

09/10/2026

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

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

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

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

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

09/09/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

09/08/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

09/07/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

09/06/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send a message to learn more