Psalm 91 speaks of a special place. Notice the readings of Psalm 91:1-2 from both the NIV and the KJV versions of the Bible to catch the power of the words. First, the KJV He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. {2} I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Second, the NIV reads He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. {2} I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
     God wants us to come to Him and abide under His shadow because it is a place of expectation and consolation. It is a place ripe with the potential of hope and promise.  It is an inward retreat from outward disappointments. The secret place of shelter is a place of safety from spiritual evil.
     Satan has dubbed many people into taking the wrong definition of full-life. People spend their lifetimes lunging for the gold which they think will bring fulfillment and purpose only to find when they get there they are empty. Gusto living is about abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. For when we abide in His shadow we have a place of refuge and eternal peace. Gusto living can only be found in Jesus and in His church.

Clark Tatum

​Napoleon once said, “Let France have good mothers and she will have good sons.” Today, more than ever, we need mothers of character, mothers who will nurture their children in the ways of God. Many great men and women of God are still serving Christ as a result of a godly example by their mother. One day a year we especially honor God's creation of motherhood, but as Christians may we never forget it is right and pleasing to God to show respect and honor to our mothers all year.

Clark Tatum

​MOTHERS ARE SPECIAL
 
Mothers are very special
in God’s creation plan,
they were especially chosen
to give life to mortal man.
 
The heart of a mother
is tender, loving and kind.
This is why her children
are always on her mind.
 
Mothers gladly do without
and go the second mile;
they light the darkest night
with joy and a smile.
 
Mothers are very special
for a thousand unique reasons;
they are worthy of honor
regardless of the season.
 
(Poem by J.J. Turner)

How easy it is to be bogged down by the regrets of yesterday, and to be immobilized by the uncertainties of tomorrow. We often go through the day alternating between "Why did that have to happen yesterday?" and "What if I can't handle what may happen tomorrow?"  Neither your regrets nor your fears have anything to do with what really matters the remaining hours of this day. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Jesus said. No point in worrying about tomorrow when today's plate is already full. What matters above all else is the desire to seek first God’s kingdom (the church) and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-33). 
 
Remember yesterday, today, and tomorrow's plate is linked to God's mercy. It comes new every morning, washing out the remnants of the past, offering strength for today and hope for tomorrow (Romans 12:1-2). Decide today that you will give no weight to what's already gone and that you will spend no emotional energy on what is yet to arrive.  Concentrate on doing your best to please the Lord today (2 Corinthians 5:9). Philippians 3:13-14 gives us God’s advice for moving forward with faith steps - …Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Clark Tatum

If you asked the average American today what the difference was between the major world religions, they would probably mumble something about all religions being pretty much the same. People assume that all religions have nearly the same moral teachings and ideals. Many people believe although these various religions travel different roads they all lead to God. Wrong! Many people believe in a Higher Power and consequently think it really doesn’t matter what form your belief takes as long as you believe. Wrong! Jesus told His disciples in advance, “There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept My words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day” (John 12:48).
 
Jesus Christ makes Christianity unique in comparison to any other religion. There are many religious voices shouting at us from different directions today, but only God’s Word holds the truth in regards to God’s plan for saving sinners. Christians believe in a God who is the author of life. We believe God has revealed Himself in love to His creation in the person of Jesus Christ. We deserved to die for our sins, but Jesus died in our place that we could be forgiven. Jesus also overcame death through his resurrection so that we would know that we do not have to fear death. Here is the truth, there is only one way to our Creator God and that is through faith in Jesus (John 14:6). 

Clark Tatum