Held Ministries

Held Ministries Exists to touch lives through Anointed Worship, Biblical Preaching, and Strategic Evangelism

08/26/2026

Morning Manna: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.." Ephesians 4:1

When Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, he was imprisoned in Rome. So, these words "Prisoner of the Lord" can be taken quite literally. While Paul was in physical chains for Christ, I believe there is a greater underlining truth here: Paul was completely surrendered to the will of God. Being surrendered to His perfect will, Paul would go wherever God took Him even if that meant a prison cell.

Sadly, this level of surrender is rarely heard of today. Some will only serve God as long as it doesn't cost them something.

In Mathew 16:24-25, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Are you willing to obey the Lord, no matter the cost?
Today I am reminded of these words from the song, " I have decided to follow Jesus."

"Though none go with me, still I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back."

08/19/2026

Morning Manna: According to Sunshine Magazine, our forefathers lived without sugar until the 13th century, coal fires until the 14th century, battered bread until the 15th century, potatoes until the 16th century, coffee, tea, and soup until the 17th century, pudding until the 18th century, matches and electricity until the 19th century, and canned goods until the 20th century.

Given these facts, I’m surprised how much we feel we “need” to survive in society. In addition, there is a growing sense of entitlement bending hearts inward.

Paul found the secret to fulfillment in the Christian life. Philippians 4:13 says, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Paul is sharing with the church in Philippi a glimpse into his life and ministry. In verse 12, He says, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” NLT

Reaching this place of rest and fulfillment in Christ is more than possible. To Paul, Jesus became everything. When Jesus is your everything, other “stuff” will pale in comparison. When Jesus becomes your life, nothing else really matters.

Whether in the outhouse or the big house, we can find our contentment and rest in Jesus!

08/14/2026

Morning Manna: "Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica." 2 Timothy 4:9-10

Has someone ever let you down? A colleague, co-worker, or friend? Here in this passage, the Apostle Paul is discouraged. One of his trusted associates in the ministry, Demas, has deserted him while also forsaking his relationship with God. In Philemon 1:24, we see that Demas was an integral part of Paul's ministry. However, two years later, he abruptly left the Apostle high and dry.

How did Paul handle this betrayal? He kept serving God! While Demas's decision noticeably hurt, Paul continued to preach the glorious gospel.

In times of discouragement, we must do the same thing Paul did: Keep our eyes on the Lord! Friends will let you down. Your most trusted confidante will break your trust, and tragically, even worse, someone might forsake the Lord in the ministry.

The Apostle did not sulk or sink in his woes. He continued marching on for Jesus! He asked for Mark's assistance while instructing Timothy to bring his books and Bible study material. vs. 13

Paul did not give up!

Remember this: The nail-scarred hands of Jesus are holding you. People may leave, but God never will!

08/13/2026

Morning Manna: "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men."

One adjective Jesus uses to describe His disciples is salt. In Biblical times, salt was a highly valued commodity. It was used as a preservative, antiseptic, and spice, adding flavor to an otherwise bland meal. Salt was so desired Roman soldiers were sometimes paid with it.

There are two points Jesus is making here. First, you are valuable! You are treasured by God in Heaven. Your value is not determined by money, talent, or even other people. God determined your worth before time began. We are His most prized possession!

Secondly, how you live matters. While our works or performace does not save us, there is a powerful principle that needs to be addressed. Your life is either drawing others to Christ or pushing them away. Which are you? Does your walk with God, or lack of it, bring a sour taste to others?
When we marinate in God's word and in prayer daily, we reflect the one we are spending time with.

Let's get out of the salt shaker and make a difference in our world!

08/12/2026

Morning Manna: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

The Apostle Paul knew the secret to life. He learned that in joy, sorrow, abundance, and lack, he could be content because God would sustain him. You see, Paul had been...
– Imprisoned
– Beaten with rods
– Stoned
– Shipwrecked
– Snake bitten

Yet, it was the sustaining power of God that kept him.
(2 Corinthians 11:25)

Under similar circumstances, others would have walked away from God, but Paul knew the secret was in the source of his strength; Christ Jesus.

Through Him, we can defy the odds. This is not meant to bring us glory, but our Father in heaven!

What if I was to tell you the same power of God is available for you today? Can you imagine the joy and freedom that brings? By placing your confidence in Him, nothing is impossible!

No matter the circumstance, we can do all things because He gives us strength!

08/11/2026

Morning Manna: The Bible speaks extensively about the mind.

– Let this same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

- Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

- For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

If we are not careful, our minds can easily become preoccupied with temporal things. When this happens, we lose sight of eternity.

What's on your mind? Is it to build an earthly kingdom that moth and rust destroy? Is it to attain a lifestyle, buy a friend, or perhaps gain the approval of others?

Perhaps, you feel like you are losing your mind. If this is so, turn your eyes away from the problem and feast your gaze upon His promise!

When can either look down in discouragement, look around in fear or we can look up for His salvation.

There was a hymn we would sing in church growing up entitled, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus."

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full into His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace."

07/28/2026

Morning Manna: Alexander the Great was once asked how he had conquered the world. He replied, "By not wavering."

Though these words were spoken by a pagan, there is a powerful principle found in the Word of God:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

It's easy to get discouraged when you cannot see the immediate results of your faith. Sometimes you look around and see others getting blessed and wonder, “What’s wrong with me?”

Paul knew the temptation to give up was very real. This is why he wrote so passionately to the believers in Galatia to encourage them not to give up amid adversity.

Could it be that your greatest blessing is just around the corner?

Remember that the harvest season is among the seasons in life. Don’t give up or give in, God is always faithful!

You do your part and He will do His!

07/22/2026

Morning Manna:
“A wise old owl lived in an oak;
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?”

You can learn much about a person by just listening to them talk.

The Bible makes it clear. The mouth and the heart are connected. Luke 6:45 says,
“From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

The mouth is a thermometer that reveals strife, hurt feelings, opposition, trust, and support.

I once knew a man who was praying about starting a business with a friend. After prayer, he felt led to invite him and his wife for dinner. Through casual conversation, he learned this man had filed for bankruptcy multiple times. After hearing this, my friend didn’t have to pray another prayer. He got the answer he needed: DON’T DO IT!!!

Lord, help us to TALK less and LISTEN more!

07/21/2026

Morning Manna: “Beloved, believe not every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God for many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

We are definitely living in the information age. News and data are everywhere. The challenge, however, is differentiating between fact and fiction.

The apostle John understood this challenge as well. In Biblical times, there were erroneous claims of messiahs and saviors sent from God. With this thought, John would pen these words, "Beloved, believe not every spirit."

I've heard it said, "Smart believers believe only half of what they hear. Discerning believers know which half to believe."

So how do we test the spirits?

– We test them by the Word of God. Not everything spiritual is scriptural. In the 19th century, Baptist preacher William Miller believed Jesus Christ would return to earth on October 22, 1844. Scores of his followers gave their belongings to the poor in hopes they would see the return of Christ. Tragically, October 22 came and went. This day is remembered in history as "The Great Disappointment."
Mathew 24:36 says, " No man knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, but my Father only."

– We test them by the spirit of God. If you feel an uneasy feeling, more than likely it is not of God. Years ago, I preached a revival near Savannah, Georga. During the first service, I noticed something was not quite right about the Pastor- I just couldn't put my finger on it. I then dismissed this intuition for the rest of the meeting. One week later, when we arrived home, news broke the Pastor had been cheating on his wife with multiple women for years. As far as I know, he never repented and is no longer in ministry. I did not realize God was trying to warn me.

– We test them by the Son of God. What do they believe and teach about Jesus? The Jehovahs Witnesses will tell you they believe in Jesus, but they do not believe Jesus is God. Instead, they believe He is a created being, specifically Michael, the Archangel. Additionally, they believe He was not physically raised from the dead. This heresy is not only a departure from Christian tradition but basic Bible doctrine.

07/08/2026

Morning Manna: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” Hebrews 6:1

Pampers are cute on babies, not adults.
Yet, sadly many Christians are still in spiritual diapers. While they have received the new birth, they fail to continue in growing deeper in God. According to Christianity Today Magazine, less than 20 percent of Christians read their Bibles. This is one reason for the lack of growth and maturity.

My wife and I are proud parents of a two, five, and six year old. Here are a few things I have learned about babies.

-Babies are dependent on others to feed them.
-Babies cry when they don't get their way.
-Babies require special attention.

With these characteristics in mind, it's time for us to grow deeper in our faith. Don't let a Sunday sermon be the only Bible you hear. Next time you are tempted to focus on your preferences, look to meet the needs of others instead.

Let's commit today to move forward in God!

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Marion, AR
72364

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