Month: July 2021

God’s Amazing Grace…Let’s Not Make It a Disgrace.

~ Pat Vick ~ 1 Comment

“We have preached grace until it’s become a disgrace.” -Unknown 

I have found this to be true. People who claim to be Christians, live any way they want, and claim God’s amazing grace as their hope of eternity with Him. We have come to think of grace as an all inclusive, anything goes, God will overlook all manner of sin salvation plan. Be assured, God still requires repentance, obedience to the gospel, and holiness in order to be saved.

If you are sinning against God’s commandments, you have no reason to expect God’s grace to save you.

What is grace? Let’s start by looking at the definition of both mercy and grace:

  • MERCY is when God doesn’t give you what you deserve. (Judgement)
  • GRACE is when God gives you something that you do not deserve. (Blessing)

Both mercy and grace feel awesome. It’s understandable why people come to believe that they are saved after being the recipients of these gifts. Along with feeling light and free of the burden of judgement, and all goosebumps and glory from His many blessings, we constantly hear of the love of God. Granted, He is a loving God…He is also a just God, a jealous God, a holy God and a righteous God.

Compare These Two Scriptural Accounts.

  1. God sent Jonah to preach to the wicked city of Nineveh. They repented of their sins, willingly accepting his mercy for the moment, and averting immediate judgement. Eventually, however, they were destroyed because they never followed through in His grace, and turned to Him completely.
  2. God met Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. Saul was a Christian killer. Not only did Saul take advantage of God’s mercy, he followed on into His grace. He was converted. He changed. He turned 180 degrees, and lived for God with everything in him.

There are going to be a massive amount of people who claim Christianity that will be lost because they accepted God’s mercy for the moment, but never followed on into His Grace. God’s grace is big enough to cover any number of sins, but only if they are repented of and turned away from.

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)

We do not receive grace so that we can continue in sin. Please hear me. If you are living in sin, judgement is coming to you.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)

Grace is a space of time that God allows us to repent and turn from wickedness. It is not God condoning sin. I beg you, if you are living in a sinful lifestyle, please repent and turn from your sin.

Be Not Deceived 

Please don’t be deceived into thinking that God’s grace allows you to live in sin. Don’t be deceived into believing that God’s love is so all-consuming that He won’t hold you accountable for your sin.

We are living in a space of grace in which God is drawing humanity to repentance by His Word and by His Spirit. Great deception has come upon the world. Scripture calls it “gross darkness.”

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.“ (Isaiah 60:1-2)

You might think that you could never be deceived by this spiritual darkness, but if you are living in sins such as are listed below, and believing that you will be saved doing so, you are most definitely deceived.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:7-8)

Note: The word fearful in the above scripture is Strongs #G1169, and means “faithless.”

Just because it’s accepted by a whole society to have intimate relations outside of marriage, or have an abortion, or identify as the opposite sex, or live a homosexual lifestyle, or consume drugs and alcohol, or steal, or lie, or dabble in witchcraft such as with horoscopes, or worship politicians and movie stars and sports heroes…and the list goes on and on…It is not acceptable for a child of God.

I beg you to take God at His Word, and take advantage of His Gift of Grace by repenting of your sins, and being Born Again according to Acts 2:38.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

IN SUMMARY 

  1. Have you ever felt convicted of something that everyone around you felt was acceptable?
  2. Have you ever repented of a sinful lifestyle, and suffered persecution from friends or family who didn’t understand your conviction?
  3. Think of a time when God’s Spirit brought conviction. How did you feel until you repented? How did you feel after you repented?
  4. Have you ever felt conviction over something that you had not even known was sinful?
  5. What has brought the most conviction in your life, the preached Word or the written Word?
  6. Be honest with yourself…Are you living a sinful lifestyle, and trying to justify why you think God won’t hold it against you?
  7. Why do you think it is so hard to repent and turn from sin even when you know it’s necessary?
  8. Do you truly believe God will forgive you if you repent?
  9. What is your greatest fear of turning away from sin, and turning fully to God?
  10. What sin is worth more than your soul?

As always, I encourage feedback.
Warm Regards, 

-Pat

 

Why After-Maintenance Is A Big Part of Fasting Success

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

There is a phenomenon among people who fast (including myself) where the person tends to be a bit (or a lot) overweight. You would think that if a person fasts regularly, they would be thin, or at least a moderate healthy weight. This has led many, many people to shy away from fasting because they have seen people who do fast gain weight afterward. I have experienced this phenomenon for myself, and I too have had to talk myself into a season of fasting when I know that I’m likely to gain weight after.

I actually complained to God during my morning prayer about this very thing, “God, I’m so frustrated that the more I fast, the unhealthier I get when it’s over.” In reply, He just silently nudged my memory to how I had gone back to unhealthy food and lifestyle choices after my fast…very effectively letting me know that it was my own fault.

I use the word phenomenon because most people don’t understand that it can be explained. (Along with UFOs) The problem is a lack of after-maintenance. Good intentioned people think of their seasons of fasting as a separate and set apart time from their normal life. They (we) are very committed to this fasting season. As a result, the body naturally gets healthier. Unfortunately, after this season of fasting is past, they (we) go right back to eating the way we did before fasting.

This is a terrible shock to our bodies after functioning in pristine conditions. Our bodies immediately begin packing on pounds, holding on to fluids and become unable to purge toxins or process foods properly. We soon start to ache all over. Our movements are restricted. We can’t, or don’t have the will power, to exercise regularly. Sleep evades us. Sicknesses begin to manifest in our bodies. We become cranky, and feel hopeless. Does this cycle sound familiar? (I can write about it because I’ve experienced it over and over.)

I’m telling you, as I tell myself, that this problem can be corrected. Fasting isn’t the problem. Fasting isn’t the problem. Fasting isn’t the problem. Our mindset after we end our season of fasting is the problem. Before we begin a fast, we need to already be thinking of how we plan to end the fast, as well as how we plan on maintaining the healthier state of our bodies.

Ending A Fast

No matter how long or short the length of our fasting season, it must be ended correctly. It should take as many days as you fasted to get back to eating normally. Even a 24 hour fast requires a 24 hour period of breaking back into eating solid foods so as to not shock your digestive system. 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 30 days…Take the time to end your fast appropriately.

Also, take care in what food you end your fast with. If you choose to end a 3 day fast with a pepperoni pizza, soda and a brownie delight topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, you will live to regret it.

Maintaining Fasting Results

Don’t let the words ‘eating normally’ in the above paragraphs mislead you. If you are going to fast regularly, and stay healthy, your normal eating must become healthy eating. If you go back and forth from a fasted state to an eat whatever you want whenever you want state, you will always feel bad, gain weight, and be discouraged.

Fasting is a discipline.

The act of fasting is not only for the immediate spiritual results it brings. It is also to teach us how to live consistently. If we refuse to hold on to the disciplines we learn while fasting, we can blame no one but ourselves that our health falls apart.

While we cannot live in a state of complete fasting, we can and should live a FASTED LIFESTYLE. It is not just something Christians do because we are expected to. It is something we incorporate into our lives that helps us live healthy.  It teaches us to not live in excess. It keeps lust and gluttony at bay. It instills good habits and structure into our daily lives. Fasting according to God’s Word is the basis for teaching us moderation in all things.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)

“Fasting according to God’s Word is the basis for teaching us moderation in all things.” -Pat Vick Click To Tweet

Tips For After-Maintenance 

  • End your fast properly with food suitable in health, portion and timing.
  • Continue to drink plenty of pure water.
  • Eat on a schedule, not giving in to mindless snacking.
  • Make healthy food choices. (If you have little will power like I do, you should make a plan and shop for appropriate food before starting your fast. If it’s in the pantry, I’m going to eat it…)
  • Continue with the good habits you incorporated during your fast such prayer and Bible study.
  • Continue to fast regularly, or satan will put fear and dread into your heart to keep you from pursuing a fasted lifestyle.
  • Move regularly whether it’s in an exercise routine or working around the yard.
  • Get daily sunshine.
  • Remember that the biggest battle before, during and after fasting is in your mind. God has put in you the ability to  make good choices.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As always, I invite you to leave feedback. Let me know your thoughts on fasting. What experiences have you had on your fasting journey?

Warm Regards, -Pat

Why Isn’t Believing In Jesus Enough To Be Saved?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Acts chapter 16 is the story of Paul and Silas being put in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. They begin to sing in worship while they are bound in stocks. The Lord sends an earthquake that rattles the prison, and drops the shackles off of all the prisoners, including Paul and Silas. The prison guard that is on duty is panicked because he knows that he will be held accountable for any prisoners who escape. However, none of the prisoners flee, and Paul and Silas have an opportunity to witness to the guard. He runs in, falls at their feet, and asked to know how to be saved. They respond with the following answer:

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

If you stop reading here, it’s easy to understand why many people think all that is necessary to be saved is to believe in Jesus. However, the passage goes on to say that Paul and Silas shared the Word of the Lord with his family, AND took them that same hour and BAPTIZED them.

“And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” (Acts 16:29-33)

 

  • SCRIPTURE MUST BE TAKEN IN CONTEXT.

We must read the Word of God in its entirety. It’s obvious that the jailer and his family didn’t believe only, but Paul and Silas thought it was important that they were baptized, as well. Not at some future time when it was convenient, but the same hour that they preached the Word of God to them, they took them to be baptized.

Anyone who is truly interested in understanding the Word of God can read the Book of Acts and see the pattern. Believers were expected to repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, and receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues. This is the New Birth Experience, and the pattern can be found in Acts 2, 8, 10 & 19, plus many other supporting passages. Here are excerpts, but I urge you to read all four chapters:

ACTS 2

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“ (Acts 2:38)

Although Acts 2:38 is not the only place the Plan of Salvation can be found, it is the most concise, because it was spoken by Peter in the first message to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus gave Peter the “Keys of the Kingdom,” and he laid out the plan perfectly. 

THE PATTERN

  1. Repentance -We apply Jesus’ death when we die to sin.
  2. Baptism -We are buried with Jesus when we are baptized in His Name.
  3. Receive the Holy Ghost -We are raised to new life, and receive resurrection power when we are filled with His Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues.

ACTS 8

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:14-17)

ACTS 10

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:44-48)

ACTS 19

“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:2-6)

We cannot choose to make the scripture mean what we want it to for the sake of convenience. 

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)

“We cannot choose to make the scripture mean what we want it to for the sake of convenience.” -Pat Vick Click To Tweet
  • BELIEVING REQUIRES ACTION.

Believing is only the first step in the conversion experience. When you believe in something, you will act upon that belief. The same is true of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When you believe on Jesus, you must act on that believe with obedience.

This obedience to the gospel is not works. Works are benevolent deeds. Repenting, being baptized in Jesus’ name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues is not works. It is OBEDIENCE.

Is it rational to think that all we must do is to think in our minds and hearts that we love Jesus and accept Him as our Savior? Jesus specifically said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) He also said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16)

  • BELIEVING WITHOUT ACTION IS WISHING

Isn’t it sweet to see a child blow dandelion fluff into the wind, scrunch tight their little eyes, and make a wish? Such it is when an adult believes in Jesus without following through with any acts of obedience. They are simply wishing. Placing their eternity in a puff of air and a feeling, and sending that wish into the great beyond. Hoping when they get to the end of their life that something magical has happened. All the while, Jesus has been waiting for their obedience to the Gospel.

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Romans 10:16)

If you have thoughts on this post, I’d love for you to leave comments. Even if you don’t agree. Truly. Tell me what you agree with and why. Also, tell me what you disagree with and why.

Warm Regards, -Pat

Day By Day

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment


We have each been called to walk a certain path with the Lord. One that He alone has chosen for us. I’m not referring to doctrine, but the course of events that comes after we are Born Again. If we could choose our own path, we would always choose the easy way. God, on the other hand, is more interested in our spiritual growth rather than our comfort.

The Fear
All of us have fears that would seem insignificant to others. Something that others would laugh at might make us quake in our skin. Such is what happened when I opened the mail a few months ago, and found a summons to federal jury duty. I would like to not share with you how embarrassingly nervous I was, to the point of physical sickness, but that would not benefit you.

After opening the summons, I knelt and prayed. It was during this prayer that the Lord impressed in my spirit that He would lead me day by day, and that He was using this process to teach me to trust Him day by day.

There was a short list of parameters that could be used to be excused from serving. Trust me when I tell you that I wanted very much to be able to claim one of them. I had been dismissed from local jury duty a few years back because we were already scheduled to be out of the country on a mission trip. That wasn’t to be the case this time around.

I immediately began to think of the month of days stretched out before me, and remember thinking, This is going to be a long month.  I was on call for the whole month of June, and had to call the jury line every weekday evening to find out if I was required to appear the next morning. The first few times I called, I literally thought I was going to be sick while listening to the recording. I called every evening for two weeks, and got the same recording informing me that, “At this time, you are not scheduled to appear.”

I was praying specifically every day, and multiple times throughout each day, that I wouldn’t have to appear at all. After two weeks of not having to go, I had let myself relax a bit. I mean, God knew how desperate and fearful I was, and I had been praying like crazy to not have to go at all.

The Submitting
The above facts made hearing the new recording, “You are scheduled to appear Monday, June  —— at 8:30 am,” very distressful. As soon as I heard the words, however, a determination came over me that could only have come from the Holy Ghost. As I had done when I first received the summons in the mail, I knelt down and prayed. I told the Lord that, apparently, what I wanted (to not have to go) and what He wanted were two different things, and I would submit to His Will. I told Him that I knew He must be working something that I didn’t know at this point, and that I would trust Him to see me through. Again, He impressed in my spirit that He would lead me day by day.

The Preparation 
So, back to the topic of all of us having fears. I do not drive downtown in any city. I. Do. Not. This was federal jury duty, so it was held in Jackson, which is over an hour’s drive from my home. This was Thursday. I knew there was no way I could wait until Monday morning to drive downtown Jackson, locate the federal courthouse, find public parking, walk several blocks, and check in by 8:30 am, so I determined to drive to Jackson the next day.

This may have been a walk in the park to you, but it was a very brave thing for me. I prayed most of the way, and for sure, once I got downtown. Thankfully, I found the courthouse and parking with little trouble. I decided to walk to the courthouse to see how long it would take. I got turned around a few times coming and going, but once I got back on the main highway, I felt so powerful, and was so thankful I had the mind to drive there ahead of time.

The Process
Monday morning came, and I set out at 6:30 am on my prepared route. I got there in perfect time, walked to the courthouse and checked in. Everyone was super nice. I’m sure they were use to many people being nervous and frustrated.

The selection process began, and that’s when it got interesting, and anointed. Some of the prospective jurors were given numbers. Others were not. I received number three which meant I was in the group to go first. The eight of us marched into the courtroom, and walked to the jury box, each sitting in our designated seats. One prospective juror was asked to step to one of several microphones placed strategically within the jury box, and tell about themselves. Thankfully, I was third, so I was able to listen to the first two, and gather my thoughts.

Again, at this point, I was so far out of my comfort zone. The courtroom seemed cavernous. The alternate prospective jurors were seated in the observation seats. The plaintiff and her lawyers were at one table. The defendant and her lawyers were at another table. The judge, in his formal robe, was reigned over the proceedings. I’m silently reminding myself that God is with me. He has either orchestrated or allowed this process. I am in this moment for a reason.

The Moment
When it was my turn, I stepped to the microphone, albeit clumsily. I looked the judge in the eyes and said in a sure voice, “I am a Born Again Christian. My husband and I have pastored a church for the last 23 and 1/2 years. Before Covid, we travelled extensively overseas, preaching, teaching and ministering. I am the editor of a Christian magazine.” I went on to tell him of our businesses and farm.

I wish I could tell you what happened inside the hearts of all those listening, but only eternity will reveal that fact. I do know that as I spoke, I was aware that my whole life came into focus for this moment. With every eye in the courtroom on me, attentive to my words, I felt the imprint of the Cross on my life, the Spirit of the Living God flowing through me, and Word and Name upholding me. I don’t believe they saw me. I believe they saw Jesus.

I wish I could say that revival broke out in that courtroom. However, in quite an anticlimactic dispersement, after all the jurors spoke, I, along with two other jurors were dismissed. Just like that. As I stepped out into the sunlight, I had a flood of emotion. Thankful for freedom and fresh air. Relief that this part of the ordeal was over. Also, an unexpected disappointment that I had been dismissed so easily after all of my spiritual and natural preparations. I still had to call every evening to find out if I had to appear for the next two weeks, but July came, and I was permanently dismissed without having to reappear.

Now, what in the world was all that about?!

Lessons From a Month of Jury Duty

  • The way to follow the Lord for one day, one week or one month, is the same way we follow Him for a lifetime. Day by Day.
  • We must be willing to accept the Lord’s will in every situation.
  • We must continue to trust the Lord even when it seems that He hasn’t answered our prayers.
  • We must realize He is working in other people’s lives as well as our own.
  • We must realize He is more concerned about our spiritual growth than our immediate comfort.
  • We must know He is very present with us even in the most trying circumstances.
  • We must accept that we may never know everything He is working through our situation.
  • We cannot follow the Lord for a lifetime until we learn to follow Him day by day.

“We cannot follow the Lord for a lifetime until we learn to follow Him day by day.” -Pat Vick Click To Tweet

Helps For Following The Lord Day By Day

Trust Him in Every Moment.

Pray Without Ceasing.

Pray in the Spirit.

Stay in the Word.

When Things Go Differently Than Expected, Continue To Trust Him.

Do Your Part. He Will Do The Rest.

Be Brave.

Speak The Truth.

Represent God’s Kingdom.

Offer Thanksgiving.

Take What You Have Learned And Apply It the Next Time.