When Sound Travels Faster than Light

R. Mangold

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Science will tell you light travels faster than sound. Sound travels at a mere 332 meters per second (depending on various factors) or 1,176 feet per second. I say, “mere” because light travels at an astounding 300,000 KILOMETERS per second, or 186,000 miles per second. Einstein’s theory posed that nothing was faster than the speed of light.

While light does indeed travel faster than sound, when it comes to God, the SOUND of His Word preceded the very existence of LIGHT. God spoke, and then the light came forth! Hebrews tells us, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

So God’s Word will always outpace, or precede the light. When being tempted by the devil Jesus reminded his foe that, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” 

Trust the Voice of the Shepherd – The Light is on the way!

Matter will not take shape. Answers will not come. And, Light will not shine unless the mouth of God has ordained it as such – The sound of God’s voice always precedes, takes precedence, or priority over things that appear.

As it was in the Beginning, so it shall be in our day-to-day walk with God. He said, “Let there be light,” and the light broke forth. Sound preceded light!

That’s why even during the dark times, we must walk by faith not by sight and trust the sound of the Shepherd’s voice…the light is on its way.

If God gave you a word or a promise, you can rest assured, the light is on its way!

John 1:1-4, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

My Hymn to HIM

R. Mangold

 

hymntohim (1)A short verse penned in a lucid moment of creativity as I pondered how inadequate my praise is in aptly describing the power, majesty, and sheer glory of God Almighty. ~ RDM

If each pedal from each flower blooms,
Each tree bring fruit to bear,
Each bird its anthem ring at once,
Your praise to fill the air.

If fountains of raindrops, and crashing of waves,
The tide retreating from shore,
In harmony break forth in chorus,
God’s Glory to implore.

Were the wind to whisper then muster a gust,
Or the whirlwind bluster with force;
All pale in meager homage,
To rival their Ultimate Source.

Your Glory spans the universe LORD,
Your Power knows no end,
Your Mercy is everlasting,
Your Love greater than any friend.

It’s Your air I breath, Your Life in my limbs,
Each day is a blessing from You,
May each step I take, each thought I think,
Each moment Your Glory shine through.

Try as I may to sum all Your works,
On pages in books to write,
My time on Earth will not be enough,
Writing from dawn until night.

My finite thoughts are inadequate,
My attempts more feeble than most,
To express my heartfelt gratitude,
For each day YOUR Glory grows.

 

Coffeemakers vs. Coffee Drinkers

R. Mangold

cmvscd (1)In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:37-39

There’s something almost intoxicating about entering Starbucks. Freshly brewed coffee, espressos, and the sounds of the froth machine; Starbucks isn’t selling just a cup of coffee, their selling an experience! Their baristas may enjoy the beverages they make, but they set aside their enjoyment to cater to the customer. Their service is “coffee making” not “coffee drinking.”

It’s time for us to take our evangelism efforts to the next level. We must move beyond the level of coming into our churches and enjoying a great move of the Holy Ghost. We have to be about our “Father’s Business!” He’s in the “winning souls business!”

When someone comes into our churches there needs to be an atmosphere so powerful and intoxicating the sinner can’t help but want a drink of what we have.

  • They may not know what to order
  • They may not know the lingo
  • All they know is they want a hot fresh cup of something and God’s got it all prepared for them…we need Holy Ghost filled “Baristas” to be passionate for the hurting and hungry souls of mankind!

There’s nothing wrong with coming to the house of God and enjoying a good dose of the Holy Ghost, but we need some folks that aren’t just Coffee Drinkers…We need some Coffeemakers too!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians! Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Touching God

R. Mangold

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We fixate on the idea that we want God to touch us, but when is the last time you touched God?

We think we touch God with praise and worship, and we most certainly do, but that’s a small portion of what touches God, the most powerful connection God has with His people is when we’re facing our infirmities, our weaknesses, our struggles, and our pain!

Hebrews 4:15 – 16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Rather than enjoy the closeness to God during these seemingly shameful moments, we recoil, and run in shame feeling as though God cannot connect to us during that time.

News Flash – Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

In another translation it replaces “contrite spirit” for “crushed spirit.” Have you ever felt crushed? The Lord has His Divine sights set on you when you’re crushed more than ever. He wants to come to your rescue. He’s touched by the feeling of your infirmity, your trial, your test, and your struggle.

It’s when we’re experiencing these moments of pain and isolation that we can boldly go to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace in the time of need!

God is touched by our pain, our weakness, our troubles, and in turn God lovingly touches us back to heal us of our pain. – Pastor RD Mangold

What We Tell Ourselves

R. Mangold

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But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. – Acts 5:3 – 4

It matters not what others may feel about the wrong you have done.
Search near or far for affirming tones, but true judgment is sure to come.

Lie you may to those you believe who are in league with your backward view,
There will come a day when each deed is weighed and God will reveal the truth.

Rehearse your score and spin your deceit to those you trust the most,
But remember sad friend, try as you may, you cannot lie to the Holy Ghost.

Pastor RD Mangold

Mansion Depot

R. Mangold
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Now days if we want to build something, anything, or at least try, we immediately head to our local home improvement store; Lowe’s, Home Depot, or my new favorite, Menard’s. But if you’re building an eternal mansion, where does one go to purchase the building supplies needed for such a monumental task?

Jesus said He went away to prepare a place for us (John 14). Even as you read this, preparations for your anticipated arrival are being made. Every attention to detail is feverishly being paid. What are the materials, the building supplies, the nails, brick, mortar, and accouterments needed for the preparation of such a magnificent “mansion?”

I submit, what if the substance of our mansions consisted of the prayers we’ve prayed, the tears we’ve cried, the burdens we’ve carried, and the lives we’ve touched? What if the royalty and splendor of our mansions were proportional to the amount of our humility, generosity, charity, and love in this present life?

If God used a rough-hewn cross, rusty nails, and a crumpled mess of thorns as the building supplies of our great salvation, how great a mansion He must be preparing for us using the seemingly menial things of this life? Paul stated in Romans 8:18, “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

What if the royalty and splendor of our mansions were proportional to our amount of humility, generosity, charity, and love in this present life?

And in 1 Corinthians 1:27 – 30, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

And, Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 6:19 – 21, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Like the old Capital One commercials used to ask, “What’s in YOUR wallet?” My question is, “What’s in YOUR mansion? Are you providing our Master Builder, The Great Framer of the Universe, with the adequate supplies needed to finish your mansion, or have you chosen rather to lay up for yourself treasures here, that will fade, rust, and wither?

Pastor Rodger Mangold

Photo credit goes to “Yours Truly.” We visited Buckingham Palace in September of 2005. Not too shabby a cottage if I do say so myself. As elegant and beautiful as that and Windsor Castle are, it will pale in comparison to the place God has prepared for those that love Him, and provide Him with suitable building materials!

From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color – Favor with God AND Man

R. Mangold

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Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. (Passage Link: Genesis 37:3-4)

Young, ambitious, and perhaps overzealous, Joseph soon learned that despite favor with his father, he would have to learn to harness his newly found gifts and couple them with humility.

At some point, our gifts will make a place for us; in fact, it will likely gain us audience with kings. But, there is no circumventing God’s process and plan. Given a preview of things to come in his life, Joseph surely must have thought this was going to take shape quickly, when in reality…it was going to take decades to fully come to fruition.

The other aspect of our gifts and skills according to Proverbs 22:29, not only will our skills allows us to stand before kings, we will not stand before “mean men!” Joseph’s brothers were not warm to the idea of their brother being their leader and were more than mean – they were bitter.

Even Jesus, God wrapped in flesh, followed the proper channels, Luke 2:52 teaches us, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

In short, you may well have the calling, the gifting, and the talent, but without the favor of God and man, you’ll run into angry men long before you ever appear before kings.

More on the Coats of Joseph’s Life – “From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color”

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold

From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color

R. Mangold

colorcoats

Now the love which Israel had for Joseph was greater than his love for all his other children, because he got him when he was an old man: and he had a long coat made for him. (Passage Link: Genesis 37:3)

Less a statement of fashion and more a statement of love, Joseph’s highly prized and colorful coat brought with it privilege but at a great price. From the moment Joseph donned his new coat his life was swirled with controversy. Yes, this coveted coat signified favor, but Joseph would soon learn not everyone views you through the loving eyes of the Father. Some view your calling through blinders of jealousy and envy; others through competition and rivalry.

Thinking no ill would come of showing them his new coat, Joseph would unknowingly instigate a devious plot by his older brothers to sell him into slavery and to convince their father Joseph had fallen prey to the vicious attack of an animal.

We enjoy the moments of basking in God’s good graces; when He showers His love and favor bountifully on us, as we should. Yet this favor is NOT to be used as a “cloak” of maliciousness. God setting you aside for His purpose is not intended to draw attention to you as much as it is to bring Him Supreme Glory. The “Thunder” Brothers, James and John, were seeking the position of “right and left” but neglected to take a peek at the price tag. Jesus warned them that to be granted such privilege would require them to be willing to “be baptized with the baptism” that He would endure (Passage Link: Mark 10:37-40).

You will note as we take this journey through Joseph’s life there is always an exchange of coats, and with each coat comes a new level of favor, growth, and glory for this beloved “Dreamer of Dreams.”

More on the Coats of Joseph’s Life – “From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color”

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold

Truth without Charity? Not a Chance!

R. Mangold

truthcharity-e1532095436348.jpgThough I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (Passage Link: I Corinthians 13: 1-3)

Many of us are so good at being religious that we spend more time polishing our crown and our religious attitude than we do actually evangelizing the lost. We are never called to be religious just simply servants. He set the greatest example in the upper room the night of his betrayal when he washed the feet of the disciples. He said, but he that is greatest among shall be your servant.

We are to love one another and remember all the while that it was God who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to die for it. We can’t be religious and not have love; otherwise everything we do is in vain.

If you want to add more depth to your spirit try loving people’s souls as much as you do your own. Try loving their heart as much as you do your own. Share with them the only true love there is to be had and that’s the love Jesus has for them. Don’t be judgmental of people, killing them, making them despise anything with a religious label on it. We are living in a very difficult day where many religious groups are labeled as HATERS. We supposedly hate gays, drug abusers, prostitutes, and every person that hasn’t got a religious background like us. We don’t hate them we hate the sin and the effects it has on mankind. Where’s your compassion tonight, where’s the mercy you so willingly accept from the Lord, where’s the love and charity that will take your walk with God from being like tinkling brass and a sounding cymbal to something far deeper and more powerful?

Is it possible to have truth without charity? God says NO!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold

When Silence Isn't Golden

R. Mangold

silencegoldenHow long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (Passage Link: Psalm 13:1)

There are many things to be said for silence. It has been said that “silence is golden.” Phrases like “getting the silent treatment” bring a smile to our face when we put it in terms of a wife having a fight with her husband.

But when you are facing a real life dilemma, an overwhelming trial or test, silence is no laughing matter. Silence can be destructive for some spiritually. It can cause you to fret and stew; to imagine God does not love you or care about you, but oh how wrong you are!

Mary and Martha surely knew had He shown up, Jesus absolutely could have healed Lazarus’ preventing his death, but they would never have witnessed one of Jesus’ greatest miracles and foreshadowing of things to come…A RESURRECTION!

Your answer will never be too late. God’s silence will not last forever. He hears your every prayer. No prayer or praise goes unnoticed, no tear falls without God taking note. Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning.

Jesus isn’t ignoring your situation. He’s not ignoring your cries for help, in fact, your silence is about to be broken. Your answer is on the way. And the miracle that will unfold will far surpass any answer or manifestation of God’s power you thought possible – Exceeding, abundantly, above all you could ask or think!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold