Glimpses of God

06/07/2026

TODAYS MESSAGE 6/7/2026. "IF NOT WHY NOT?" Have you ever wondered why you don't hear His voice, why you're prayers don't seem to be answered, why so many struggles and balltles? I believe the Bible gives us a clear answer to those questions, join us to learn more about why?

04/27/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yKVFZyueyA&t=767s

Faith to Trust God

04/12/2026

01/24/2026

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES AND TRIALS OF CHURCH LEADERS IN RECENT YEARS
In light of the many upheavals in the Church in recent days and in those to come, I feel led to share a passage of scripture that has truly influenced me as a Shepherd. In fact this passage has directed my path for over thirty years. John 21:15-17 "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep."
Jesus is asking Peter if he Agape's (to take pleasure in and esteem) Him, Peter responds that he Philos (dearly loves) Him. What does this matter? If you highly esteem and take pleasure in you're Master you will take pleasure in doing His will, serving Him. Shepherds /Pastors who Agape Jesus will care for His flock, His children just as if they were their own. True Shepherds who Agape Jesus will not compromise the flock to save face, twist scripture to fit an agenda, bring pleasure to themselves, abuse the flock by filling their bank accounts, nor seek honor for themselves. True shepherds will never allow Wolves among the flock nor defend them, they will rather at all costs protect the flock.
I am choosing to make this short because honestly we must each seek the Lord and the direction of the Holy Spirit to know for ourselves that the shepherd we are under is truly doing what God has instructed all Shepherds to do:Protect, instruct, love, and feed the sheep according to the will of his Master, not for his own gain, but for the Glory of God! Before I was a Pastor as a child I was a shepherd with my own flock, they loved me and I loved them, and I would never allow anything to harm them, for they were my responsibility..
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Arise Ministries
PS: Yes there are always those who will grow and receive Christ under misguided "Shepherds", yet the victims, are they to be sacrificed? Matthew 18:12-14

01/04/2026

Today at Arise "Preparing to be the Bride" not focusing upon what was, but rather working to make new, through Christ our Lord.

12/28/2025

Today at ARISE: "BEING THE BRIDE OF CHRIST"....Now is the time to leave 2025 behind and grasp all the Lord would have for us in the future!!

12/26/2025

WHAT HAPPENED TO CHRISTMAS?

This year 2025, bore a number of trials, frustrations, victories and triumphs, all of which I thank the Lord for, say one: "the killing of Christmas".. It has become ever more obvious that this World or at least our portion of it has determined that the celebration of the Birth of Christ is less and less relevant. Disagree? May I ask: "What happened to the streets of the city lined with twinkling lights, wreaths, decorations spreading the joy and peace of the season, reminders of our King? Why are so few lighting their own homes? How is it that the new hero of Christmas appears to be the Grinch who's entire purpose was to steal Christmas? Has he succeeded? In countless homes and on endless shows the Grinch is celebrated as if he has now become the symbol for Christmas rather than the Savior. My friends look beyond your own home, take a look at your neighborhood and see the lack of celebration of Christ.
In our own community the mall once hosted giant lighted figures and light posts wrapped in decorations, yet now, nothing, no indication of the celebration of Christmas. Rather than carols being played over the sound systems we hear the same latest Hip Hop or other secular music being played as it was the entire year. Christmas tree lots once filled with quickly emptying of the choicest of trees, now filled with leftovers to be burned for fuel. Try to purchase a tree stand in our area this year, impossible. Weeks before Christmas stores were barren of Christmas essentials already displaying their spring wares. The celebration of Christmas is now limited to what the retailers have pre-determined sales will be.
Even in houses of worship the sounds of the season are often limited to one service, and outdoor decorations voided. While the insides where we seek to encourage those attending are elaborately decorated, those on outside have few if any indicators that we are celebrating the Birth of our Savior. Have doubts about my statements, look around, tell me what you see more of? Do you see we as the Body of Christ, promoting the Saviors Birth to our community? Have we impacted our community by preparing meals, taking our neighbors baked goods or candies? Have we invited them to celebrate with us. Have we shared gifts with the poor. Are the downtrodden blessed by the body of Christ, envious of us, or even more so angry and judgmental for our lack of interest in their needs?
My friends I am judging no one, for I too have fallen into the "tyranny of the urgent", I too have drawn in, not done all I can to impact my community for Christ. I too did not do all I could or even should for my fellow man, for my community, and beyond. This will never happen again my friends, this I can assure you.
As we approach the season of Easter, may we as the Body of Christ step up and do our best to bring light unto this darkened World. May we do all we can to bring glory to our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. May we do all we can to prevent the same impact the World has had on the celebration of the Birth of our King, and take a stand for the Glory of God!
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Gene Burroughs
Pastor Servant
Arise Ministries