Wave 94

Jesus talks about judging, and I conclude that it is better for us if we don't judge other people.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I find this rule for life in the Bible: the best thing is to not judge.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I have discovered a rule for life.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

[verse 1]

Shabbat shalom,

(Shabbat shalom)

Rejoice, rejoice,

our Yeshua does reign;

He intercedes,

(He intercedes)

for us always,

His worship we sustain,

(His worship we sustain).

Shabbat shalom,

(Shabbat shalom)

Let us give praise,

and worship Him Who died;

for all our sins,

(for all our sins)

and lawlessness,

He was the crucified

(He was the crucified).

[chorus]

Shalom! Shalom!

We lift Him up!

We joy with great acclaim;

unto our God, our Lord and King,

Yeshua is His name!

(Yeshua is His name!)

[instrumental interlude]

[verse 2]

Shabbat shalom,

(Shabbat shalom)

Our hearts are glad,

salvation is our own;

He gave it all,

(He gave it all)

our sacrifice,

for sin He did atone!

(for sin He did atone!)

Shabbat shalom,

(Shabbat shalom)

soon comes that day,

He will in clouds appear;

His glory will

(His glory will)

then fill the earth,

let us worship and draw near!

(let us worship and draw near!)

[chorus]

Shalom! Shalom!

We lift Him up!

We joy with great acclaim;

unto our God, our Lord and King,

Yeshua is His name!

(Yeshua is His name!)

[grand finale]

Shabbat Shalom,

in one accord!

Shabbat Shalom,

we bless our Lord!

Shabbat Shalom,

sweet mishpocah!

Shabbat Shalom,

hallelujah!

(Shabbat Shalom,

hallelujah!)

"God saw all that he had made and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).

We live in a culture where the word "good" has become casual and ordinary. We use it to describe a decent meal, an entertaining movie, or the pleasant behavior of another person. Yet, when God uses the word "good," it carries a depth and perfection beyond anything human language can fully capture.

In the opening chapters of Genesis, God surveys the world He created and declares it "very good." This isn't a shallow compliment or a moment of personal satisfaction; it is a divine declaration that everything He made operated exactly according to His will—pure, harmonious, undefiled, and filled with purpose. God's definition of good is intimately tied to His character, and when He calls something good, it reflects His holiness and intentional design.

Human Goodness vs. Divine Truth

Humanity, by contrast, uses the word "good" in far less meaningful ways. What people call good is often determined by personal preference, cultural trends, or shifting emotions. A behavior considered good in one society might be condemned in another. A habit praised by one generation may be rejected by the next.

Because human nature is flawed, our understanding of goodness is often shallow and inconsistent. We may label someone as "good" because they're polite, generous, or well-mannered. Yet even these qualities can mask selfish motives or be applied only selectively. Scripture warns us about the danger of relying on human reasoning to define morality. Isaiah 5:20 declares, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil," highlighting the moral confusion that results when humanity abandons God's standard. Without an anchor in divine truth, society drifts toward relativism, reshaping morality according to convenience rather than righteousness.

The Nature of God's Goodness

God's goodness, however, is unchanging and absolute. Unlike human goodness, which is often conditional and inconsistent, God's goodness flows from His very nature. Psalm 119:68 proclaims, "You are good, and what you do is good." Every action God takes is rooted in His perfect character. His judgments, His mercy, His discipline, and His blessings all spring from a goodness that is pure and flawless.

When God called creation good, He was affirming that it aligned perfectly with His purpose. There was no corruption, no disorder, no deviation. Even in moments of suffering or uncertainty, God's goodness remains active. Romans 8:28 reminds Christians that God works all things, whether joyful or painful, for the ultimate good of those who love Him. His goodness is not dependent on circumstance; it transcends it.

Pursuing True Goodness

The superiority of God's goodness becomes clear when contrasted with the limitations of human morality. God's goodness does not change with time, culture, or emotion. In the end, the question we must ask ourselves is simple: Am I pursuing a human version of goodness or God's version? True goodness is not about being nice; it is about being holy, faithful, loving, and aligned with the heart of God. As we seek His goodness, our lives, our choices, and our witness will increasingly reflect the beauty of the One who declared His creation "very good."

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

The instruction in Titus 1:11, "whose mouths must be stopped," is one of the more striking commands in the New Testament. At first glance, it may appear severe, yet within its biblical context, it reflects Paul's deep concern for the health and stability of the early church. His goal was not to silence people by force, but to protect believers from false teaching and destructive speech that harmed the unity of the body.

When understood properly, this passage offers essential guidance for modern church leadership, especially in a time when misinformation, divisive teaching, and harmful words—including gossip—are widespread. In the first century, the churches in Crete faced significant challenges. Certain individuals were spreading teachings that distorted the gospel and confused entire households. Paul urged Titus to appoint mature leaders who could confront these errors with firm yet godly leadership.

The phrase "their mouths must be stopped" referred to silencing the influence of harmful teaching through truth, correction, and sound doctrine. This responsibility remains central for church leaders today, as believers continue to encounter misguided theology not only from the pulpit, but also through books, social media, and informal conversations.

Modern Application: Addressing Gossip

One of the most practical modern applications of Titus 1:11 is the need to address gossip, which functions much like false teaching. Gossip spreads quickly, damages reputations, sows division, and destabilizes families and congregations—exactly the kinds of outcomes Paul sought to prevent. Modern church leaders must help stop the mouths of gossip, not by intimidation, but by teaching believers the seriousness of their words and the biblical call to speak truth in love.

Encouraging healthy communication, promoting reconciliation, and intervening when necessary are all ways leaders protect the church from the destructive effects of whispered rumors and unverified stories.

The Method of Correction

The method of addressing false teaching or harmful speech is just as important as the action itself. Scripture consistently instructs leaders to correct with humility, gentleness, and patience:

2 Timothy 2:25: Paul tells Timothy to correct opponents with meekness.

Galatians 6:1: This encourages believers to restore others in a spirit of gentleness.

Effective biblical correction seeks restoration, not humiliation. Whether confronting false doctrine or discouraging gossip, leaders today must approach people with compassion, listening as much as they speak, and guiding others toward maturity rather than condemnation.

Truth Over Popularity

Another lesson from Titus 1:11 is the call to value truth over popularity. Just as false teachers in Crete distorted the gospel for personal gain, modern leaders can be tempted to soften biblical standards to avoid conflict or maintain influence. However, faithfulness requires courage, especially when addressing uncomfortable issues like doctrinal error or gossip. The health of the church depends on leaders who love the truth more than approval.

Ultimately, Titus 1:11 reminds us that the most effective way to stop harmful teaching and speech is through consistent, sound doctrine. When leaders faithfully teach scripture, believers grow in discernment, unity, and spiritual maturity. Grounded in truth, the church becomes a place where both false teachings and destructive gossip lose their power.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

From the day the prophet Joel spoke of "multitudes in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:14) even down to the present moment, decisions have played a vital role in human life. When God made man, He gave him the ability to think, to reason, and to decide. Man's superiority is seen in his intellect and will.

God created us with the ability to choose so that we could exercise the power of decision—choosing the course we will follow and how we will use the abilities and opportunities He has provided us. Scripture confirms this responsibility when it says, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Some people develop their ability to make decisions better than others. They learn to decide what should be done and apply themselves diligently to reaching their goals. Decisions are very personal; each individual must learn to make his own because each of us must bear the responsibility and consequences of those decisions, whether they are right or wrong. The Bible clearly teaches this principle: "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

Many of life's decisions must be made alone. Although we often seek help and counsel from those who are learned and experienced—something Scripture encourages (Proverbs 11:14)—we must ultimately decide for ourselves. We must also be prepared to enjoy the benefits or endure the consequences of the choices we make. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).

The Three Types of Decisions

There are different kinds of decisions:

Wrong decisions: These lead to painful consequences. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).

Right decisions: The final results reveal the wisdom of the choice. Jesus illustrated this truth when He spoke of the wise man who built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).

Indecision: This can be very costly. Indecision often reveals a weakness of character and may make the difference between happiness and disappointment, both in this life and in eternity. The Bible warns that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8).

How Should We Make Decisions?

Since we all recognize that decisions are unavoidable, it is wise to ask: how should one make them?

First, we must get the facts. We need to understand what is right and what is wrong, carefully weighing advantages and disadvantages. God's Word provides guidance and truth to direct our steps (Psalm 119:105).

Second, we must think matters through. Making impulsive decisions often leads to regret, even if we feel confident at the time. "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him" (Proverbs 18:13).

Third, we must seek divine wisdom. God has promised to guide His children. James 1:5 declares, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally." Through prayer and obedience, God helps us discern what is best and what is right. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Each of us needs wisdom from above. If we follow these simple principles—gathering the facts, thinking carefully, and seeking God’s wisdom—we can make decisions that honor God and lead to true happiness, both now and for eternity.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

What did you just see? There is an exercise we sometimes use in our situational awareness class. We tell the class to imagine the following situation. They have just stepped out of their car in the parking lot of a large shopping center.

As they begin walking toward the entrance, they notice a man rushing out of the store, carrying a little girl with his hand over her mouth. As he heads toward his car, his hand slips for a moment, and they hear the little girl cry out, No, no, let me go. I want my mama.

I want my mama. Then we ask the class, What did you just witness? Without fail, the answer is always the same. A kidnapping.

We then explain that their conclusion, although understandable, is wrong. They assumed the worst because they only had an outside view, a small portion of what was actually happening. Had they been inside the store, they would have seen a very different scene.

A dad had brought his daughter in to shop for a gift for his wife. While browsing, the little girl picked up a toy. Her father gently reminded her that her birthday was approaching and that they would not be buying toys today.

When she refused to put the toy back, the father placed it back on the shelf himself. At this point, the little girl launched into a full-blown temper tantrum. Embarrassed, the father tried to calm the little girl, but the louder she became, the more he realized the shopping trip was over.

He picked her up and headed for the exit. The girl, determined to resist, kicked, screamed, and cried for her mother all the way to the door. What appeared to be a kidnapping from the outside was, in reality, a frustrated parent trying to get his child home.

Once the class hears both sides, they understand that you cannot come to the right conclusion without having the complete view of a situation. And this principle is just as true when it comes to religion. Many people form opinions about what God wants based only on partial information.

When we rely on an outside view, we often jump to conclusions or cling to ideas simply because they justify what we already want to do. Some even claim Christian liberty without ever opening their Bibles to search out God's fuller, inside view. Scripture warns us about this very danger.

Proverbs 18.13 teaches, He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. In other words, drawing conclusions without seeking all the facts, especially God's facts, leads us into error. If we truly desire to know God's will, we must be willing to look beyond appearances, set aside assumptions, and let His Word give us the whole picture.

Only then can we judge rightly, live wisely, and understand what God would have us to do. Jesus teaches us the same principle when He says, Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. John 7.24 We must seek God's complete picture before deciding what is right.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

"Faith works by love. If you don't forgive somebody, you're not walking in love, and your faith will shrivel up."

--Betsey Dunkley

The Lady with the Sign: Lessons from the Lake Ella "Prayer Lady"

If you walk around Lake Ella in downtown Tallahassee, you might see a woman sitting behind a simple lawn sign that reads "Free Healing Prayers." To some, she is a curiosity; to others, she is a beacon of hope. Her name is Betsey Dunkley, and her journey to that park bench is a masterclass in hearing the voice of God and acting without hesitation.

Betsey’s story began in upstate New York. One day, while in her apartment, she heard a clear internal prompt: "It’s time to move." Testing the spirit, she asked God for proof. When she opened her Bible at random, her eyes fell directly on Zechariah 2:6: "Flee from the land of the north." Within days, she had resigned from her job, alerted her family, and packed her life into a Prius to head for the "free state" of Florida.

"When you know it's God, you don't delay," Betsey says. "That lets doubt in, and the enemy can stop you with doubt. If you don't act, you didn't really believe it."

Now a staple at Lake Ella for three years, Betsey doesn't just pray; she teaches. She carries what she calls her "ammo bag," filled with scriptures and lessons on everything from physical healing to breaking addictions. She believes the power to heal isn't reserved for "special" ministers, but for every believer who dares to obey Mark 16 and lay hands on the sick.

One of the most profound lessons Betsey shares is the "spirit law" of forgiveness. For 14 years following a difficult divorce, she refused to forgive her husband. She realized that while she was the victim of his actions, her own anger had become a sin that blocked her faith. "God can't sink the enemy destroyer in your life while you're on board," she explains. "To hold it is to suffer; to loose it is release."

At 74 years old, Betsey is reaching a new generation through her YouTube channel, where she shares "teaching songs," including a rap titled "Kick It." The message is simple: the battle is won by the words we choose and the authority we take in the name of Jesus. Whether she is confronting sexual immorality or commanding an injury to leave, Betsey Dunkley remains a handmaiden of the Lord, proving that one person with a sign and a heart of obedience can change a city.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Zechariah 2:6

-- Mark 16:17-18

-- James 4:7-8

-- Matthew 6:14-15

-- Ephesians 4:26

Encounters with the Miraculous: Healing, Protection, and Renewal

In this powerful second part of the interview, hosts Frank and Bobbie Agee continue their conversation with David Stallings. David opens up about the supernatural events that have marked his journey of faith, demonstrating that God is not just a figure in a book, but an active participant in our daily survival and spiritual growth.

-- David recounts the birth of his son, Joshua, who was born in distress with a diagnosed hole in his heart.

-- He shares the incredible moment he and his wife prayed in the ICU, leading to a doctor’s baffled admission the next day that the heart defect had vanished.

-- Listeners will hear the terrifying story of when David was crushed beneath a 1954 GMC bus after accidentally cutting an air line, and the witnesses who saw a "handprint" in the clouds at the exact moment he was saved.

-- David describes a solitary trip to the mountains of North Carolina where he felt a divine urgency to play his saxophone for the Lord at sunrise.

-- The episode concludes with David’s testimony of deep inner healing and deliverance from past trauma, returning home a "renewed" man in the Spirit.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Matthew 18:19

-- Psalm 91:11

-- Jeremiah 33:3

Television program initially aired June 12, 2018.

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