God Is Good All the Time And All the Time God Is Good
ramblings from the rogue
forgiven much - loves much
forgiven much - loves much
forgiven much - loves much
6/3/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Paul in Ephesians 4:3 desires for us to live a full joyful life. A life void of strife and self-inflicted problems. What is one way to accomplish that? “Endeavoring to keep unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. Is a place to start.
In his letter to the Colossians in 3:13-14 he writes a similar instruction. “Forebearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the of peace of God rule in your heart”.
We are approaching the end of human history on this earth. We have been warned what to look for as the end approaches. Today we are experiencing many of what was told would be as the end nears. In Matthew we are told to learn of the parable of the Fig tree. The Fig tree representing the nation of Israel throughout scripture.
We are told to watch for its growth when the branches are tender, and the leaves are starting to show. The generation that experiences that will not pass away until Messiah returns for His bride. There are several more prophesies concerning Christ’s return that we see occurring today. Wars and rumors of war, we have false prophets speaking “another gospel”. Many have forsaken the true Gospel and have believed lies of Satan. Dark is light and light is dark, concerning our ability to discern right from wrong.
We are to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
We are to encourage one another in the love of Christ.
This is not a time to be involved in petty bickering, backbiting, speaking rumors, talking down one another, finding fault, you get the picture. Satan has used doubt to get his foot in the door of our hearts. He uses lies and deception. He causes disunity among believers. When we are tempted to join in with him is disorder and disrespect of fellow believers, we can counteract his scheme.
Jesus in Luke’s Gospel tells of a woman known in her community as a sinner. She enters the room where Jesus is sitting and she kneels at His feet shedding tears with which she begins to wash His feet.
Jesus speaks the following, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven- as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47
This principle- often summarized as “whoever is forgiven much, loves much.”
We often look at others as missing the mark by a country mile. We judge others conduct and forget ours. Each and every one of us has been forgiven much. Have you ever sat down in earnest and thought about how much you have been forgiven. I have and it isn’t a pretty picture.
When we start to think on how much God loves us through Jesus our perspective of others will change.
Ephesians 4:32 which we are all familiar with; “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
We can defeat the enemy if we love one another. Paul is his letter to Philemon tells him that if Onesimus owes him anything put it on Paul’s account. Jesus would say to us today if anyone owes us anything put it on His account.
Finally, 2 Timothy 2:24, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach , patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
And finally. 1 Timothy 2:1, “I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men; for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
what is your battle?
forgiven much - loves much
forgiven much - loves much
5/27/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - This morning I was reading in Joshua. Many lessons can be learned from his story. One that stood out to me was that if Joshua did what the Lord instructed him to do, they would be victorious.
March around the city of Jericho and blow a ram’s horn. That doesn't make any sense to us. However, they didn't question the instructions of the Lord.
What happened? The walls came tumbling down just as the Lord said would happen.
Next battle scene: Ai.
Initially the men of Israel did not seek the Lord. They devised their own plan to defeat the enemy. Failure was the result. After 3,000 men were lost Joshua fell on his face before the Ark of the Lord. He was broken. Joshua is feeling as if the Lord had abandoned them. And the Lord had abandoned them…sort of. "Israel hath sinned and they have also transgressed My covenant which I have commanded them". Joshua 7:11
Until the people sanctified themselves, they would face defeat at every battle.
Repent.
They did so.
In chapter 8 Joshua is told to fear not neither be dismayed.
Joshua and the people were obedient and were victorious over Ai. This is a perfect example of why it is vitally important to follow what the Lord is instructing us to do. If we expect the Lord to be in the battle with us then we must follow His instructions.
What is your battle?
Is it drugs, alcohol?
Is it pornography, adultery, idol worship, covetousness?
It could be anything that has separated us from the Lord. Have we turned your back and walked away in defeat? Turn back, repent, return to the time when we walked with and talked with the Lord. We need to give our heart back to the Lord. Victory over sin is ours if we will only be obedient.
Jesus reminds us,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself, on these two commandments hang all the law and prophets". Matthew 22:37-40.
Love the Lord.
No matter what the difficulty, no matter how big the enemy might seem the victory is assured if we will follow Jesus into the battle.
We can't, we won't be victorious unless we let Him lead.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
we will be glad
forgiven much - loves much
we will be glad
5/20/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - "I was glad when they said, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'". Psalm 122:1
Why do you suppose David wrote that Psalm? Why does that still ring true today? David knew that when we enter the house of the Lord something changes within our being.
Matthew 18:20, where Jesus states: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them".
Gang we go to church because it is the right thing to do. Maybe it is out of obligation, perhaps we have been prodded into it.
Perhaps we are weighed down by guilt if we don't go. It doesn't really matter we're here and our spirit is joyful even if our flesh isn't.
Psalm122:8 “For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.” We are being bathed in peace.
2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (or freedom)
This passage highlights that genuine spiritual freedom—liberty from sin, guilt, and the old way of living—comes directly from God's Spirit.
The weight of our present circumstances is removed. We are reminded that our sins have been removed by the Blood of Christ. We are free to seek the Lord; to worship the Lord, we can hear from the Lord.
In many places around the world this must be done in secret, yet they gather knowing it may cost them their life.
Let us be those who enter the house of the Lord with joy and expectation. The Lord will meet you and all the saints that gather in His name.
Give it a try see if it is not so.
We will be glad when we enter the house of the Lord.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Pleasing in his sight!
Who are we going to believe?
Pleasing in his sight!
5/13/26
Ramblings from the Deschutes - We're on a different river this day. Thinking on "grace" this morning. “But He giveth more grace, wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he shall flee from you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:6-7,10
We have used "grace" as a license to do what we know is against the will of the Lord in our lives. This verse comes from the Book of Job*.
Job learned humility when he submitted himself to the Lord. It was a tough lesson to learn. It can be for us also or we can learn from Job and humbly submit ourselves to the Lord. Not My will but thine be done, were Jesus words. Jesus submitted Himself to God’s will and look at the results we have been redeemed.
God’s way is always best.
Quit using grace as a license to be disobedient.
Job resisted the devil.
He was given double of what he had lost in the beginning. The Lord wants what is best for His children. When we resist our lives will be pleasing in His sight.
Blessings, Dan
*Job 42:6 “Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Listen to his heart
Who are we going to believe?
Pleasing in his sight!
5/6/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Our God is an awesome God who reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love our God is an awesome God. Words to a song you might be familiar with.
Do you know that same God, our Heavenly Father is a jealous God. He loves us so very much that He doesn’t want us to waste our affection on another. One of the commands God gave to Moses for His people was, “thou shalt have no other gods before Me”. Exodus 20:3
We became His people, His children, when we confessed with our mouth and believed in our heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. And as such we should obey His command. Why do you suppose He is jealous for you and me?
He knows that if we follow after other gods, other philosophies, idolize something contrary to His nature it will destroy us. Our Father desires the very best for us. When we put our trust in another besides Him, we are on a path that leads us away from Him and His very best for us.
How do we know if we are on the right path?
Easy peasy.
What does God Himself say about the direction we are headed. God comes to us in the volume of the Book. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God”.
There ya have it.
What you think the Spirit is saying to you will be found in Scripture.
Always be careful to read the whole context as there are those who will twist His Word to make it seem to say something that was never intended to say.
“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
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16/17.
Don’t listen to your own heart listen to His.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Who are we going to believe?
Who are we going to believe?
Who are we going to believe?
4/29/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - I come to you today with a warning. For those who once believed in the work of Christ Jesus when He was hung on a cross, died, and rose from the dead have now turned their back on Christ you are in danger.
We read that in the last days there will be those who venture away from the truth. Romans 2:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools".
There are those who are filled with an evil spirit parading as teachers of truth who are leading folks away from the truth. It started in the garden of Eden.
The serpent spoke almost truth. "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden." Genesis 3:1. After God said, "You shall surely die". Satan said, "Ye shall not surely die".
Who are you going to believe?
As we read further denying God's word leads to separation. According to Matthew 7:15 false teachers are wolves in sheep’s clothing who introduce destructive heresies, deny the Lord Jesus, and twist truths to exploit believers for personal gain. They bring "damnable heresies" and "pernicious ways," leading many astray through greedy, deceptive words, and their ultimate destruction is certain.
Don't get caught in their web of destruction.
How do we identify such teachers.
Here are a few ways. They use made up words and examples to exploit believers. They teach immorality. They follow and promote immoral lifestyles. They are arrogant speaking evil of Divine authority, perverting God’s Word. They teach of freedom and liberty while being slaves to Satan.
Our defense is to stay away from lying tongues and deceiving spirits. Is what they teach truth? What is the context? What are the verses before and after what they have "cherry picked" to make their point.
What is the spirit behind their teaching. Is their teaching leading to heaven or hell.
Stay in God’s Word. Search to see if these things be so.
Gang, our eternal dwelling place depends on who we believe.
Jesus was hanging on the cross between two men. Luke 23:39-43 “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him saying, 'If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us’. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we justly; for we receive the due reward for our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss’. And after he said unto Jesus, ‘Lord remember me when Thou come into Thy kingdom’. And Jesus said unto him, ‘Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise’."
If today, this minute you drew your last breath, where would you take your next breath heaven or hell.
This is a dire warning do not chase after those whose destination is everlasting darkness, separation from Almighty God Creator of heaven and earth. Who became a man, the man Christ Jesus and received the penalty that you and I deserve.
He hung and died in our place.
The choice is ours.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". 2 Peter 3:9.
This is truth spoken in love.
Please heed the warning do not harden your heart.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Forgiven...when...
Forgiven...when...
4/22/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Perhaps this is just a reminder for you.
Maybe you know someone who needs to hear this truth.
Be Gentle.
Do you know the wages of sin is death? Of course you do.
Maybe you didn't know that there are three deaths that occur to every human who sins. Death does not annihilate; it only separates. In the Garden of Eden, it separated man from God spiritually; this is spiritual death. In natural death, it separated the spirit and soul from the body; that is physical death. In final death, it separates man from the mercy of God forever; this is eternal death.
The wages of sin is spiritual death. Just as sin separated man from God spiritually and drove him from the presence of God out of the Garden, so sin will separate us from God. "But your iniquities (sin) have separated between you and your God, and your sins have His face hidden from you, that He will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
Sin causes physical death. We were all born in sin. “In sin my mother did conceive me." Psalm 51:5
The wages of sin is eternal separation from God. "The soul that sinneth, it shall surely die." Ezekiel 18:20.
Once the soul passes beyond the portal of hell it is lost forever. Eternal death separation from God.
However, there is a remedy.
Confess your sins.
He is eager to forgive us of all unrighteousness.
Cease from the sin you find yourself wallowing in.
Ask the Lord God Almighty to forgive you.
Repent and return to the Lord.
His blood was poured out.
He died.
He rose from the grave that your sins might be forgiven.
Go your way rejoicing we have been forgiven...when we believe in Him.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
shema - to hear
Forgiven...when...
4/15/26
“Ramblings from the Rogue - Blessed, delightful, beautiful morning to you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
These verses are referred to as the Shema.
Shema is a Hebrew term for hear.
Hear the first word of the verse. Shema is further rendered to mean, hear, to listen, to understand and to obey. How often do we read or hear scripture, and it goes in one ear and out the other.
Many of us have something else that has our attention.
When the Jewish folks recite this Shema, they often close their eyes as to pay closer attention to what they are reciting. They recite this twice a day.
In my two past careers loading weapons on aircraft and fighting fire if I hadn't paid close attention, understood what was being said and applied that knowledge, more likely than not I would not be sharing this with you.
It is vitally important to heed God’s Word our life here and our eternal state depends on it.
How are we doing?
Jesus refers to these verses in Mark 12:29-31 when the scribe asked; “Which is the first commandment of all? The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Jesus added mind.
The place where understanding, feeling and desire occur. The deepest part of our being.
My point is this, am I, are you, are we just hearing or are we listening.
That is, are we paying attention to God’s Word.
Are we Hearing, are we Listening, that is paying attention, understanding and obeying?
Are we following Shema.
After all this life and the one to come depend on our putting that into practice.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
we celebrate the rising of our lord
we celebrate the rising of our lord
4/8/26
Ramblings from the Rogue
Happy Easter or as we like to say Blessed Resurrection Sunday.
The day we celebrate the rising of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
Paul in his letter to us laid it out quite plainly. Take the time to let these words sink in.
Read slowly.
Lord open our eyes our ears our heart we want to see Jesus.
“…To the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:
5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;
8 wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:
10 that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:
11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:
12 that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:
18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:1-23
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
are we paying attention?
4/1/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - In Scripture, God’s Word is given to us that we might learn from it. Within are many examples. It all boils down to one basic example. Paul said it best, "follow me as I follow Christ". The Old Testament has many stories that are meant to teach us.
Joshua 1:3, the Lord is speaking to Joshua. He tells Joshua that every place the sole of his foot treads shall belong to the children of Israel.
Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua is a Hebrew form of Jesus, meaning Jehovah is salvation.
Joshua 1:8; "The book of the law shall not depart from out thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written within: for then thou shalt make thou way prosperous, and then shalt thou have success".
Moses points to the law. He brought the children to the edge of the promised land.
Joshua, Jehovah is salvation brought them into the promised land. You see when we follow Jesus, we will be led into the land of promise.
Recall Jesus words when asked "what is the greatest command", Jesus replies, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength". Matthew 22:37-40, echoing the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5).
This means aligning life choices, thoughts, and energy with God's will.
Is what we are doing, do our lives reflect what is pleasing to the Lord or are following the lust of the flesh, the pride of life? (1 John 2:16) It is a choice. In order that we might enter into the promised land we must follow the "command" given us by Christ Jesus.
We owe Him our lives as He gave His that we might have life everlasting.
"Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9
The Lord is next to us guiding and directing, are we paying attention?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
rocks
3/25/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Spring has sprung. Time to do the planting that has been put off. In late fall I purchased some trees. A couple of small firs, one gallon size, a red Maple ten-gallon size and our live Christmas tree a twenty-gallon pot. Time to plant. We picked a likely spot.
We are located next to the river. Over the millenniums the rocks were deposited on our little chunk of riverbank.
As I was digging, trying to make a hole large enough for the trees I asked the Lord to use this as a learning experience.
What is it that You would like me to know? What is it that I can pass on to others.
Rocks, that’s it.
Rocks among the soil.
Buckets full of rocks.
All kinds of rocks.
Big ones, little ones, smooth ones, rough ones, rocks of different colors and shapes.
I was on my hands and knees digging out rocks.
Yah, you guessed the Parable of the Sower. Jesus speaking Matthew 13:5-6 "Some (seed) fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root they withered away."
How does this parable fit.
I was planting already established trees. As seedlings they were placed in ideal soil, given plenty of water and nutrients so they would be hardy and well established. You know, like being brought up in the church. Now, into rough, rocky soil they were placed. A totally different environment. The rocks must be removed. The hard ground had to be opened up, the rocks removed and good nutrient rich soil placed in the hole.
Many of us and/or our children were raised in a fertile environment. We were fed the "Word" and prospered. At some point we/they were transplanted. The new environment is stony ground. The stones must be removed. Perhaps the stone must be rolled away to see that the tomb is empty. Christ has dealt with the stones in the new environment.
How can we remove the rocks from their situation.
Pray.
We can't remove the rocks, but the Lord can.
When the stones are removed, it becomes good ground producing abundantly. We are to pray, not doubting.
The Lord wants to give us the desires of our heart. He asks us to bring our worries before Him to place them at the foot of the Cross. In due time the stones will be removed. Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you and He cares for them as well.
Keep praying, keep asking.
You wait, you watch, you will see the stones removed.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Is Your heart warming up?
Is Your heart warming up?
3/18/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - In case you hadn't noticed Spring is upon us. In this part of the world the northern hemisphere creation is waking up from a winter nap.
The birds are starting to sing, the flowers are starting to open up, trees are starting to bud.
Easter is just around the corner.
Easter a time when those who believe in Christ Jesus as Lord celebrate.
Celebrate a risen Savior.
Our part of the physical world breaks forth in celebration also. How are we doing individually? Are we celebrating?
In the far north things are still frozen. Most of us are living in an area where the soil is warming up. Is our heart warming up or is it still frozen to the things of the Lord. It might be time to do a heart check.
I will, won't you?
This last season might have been rather rough. Maybe we are living out consequences of bad decisions.
Perhaps it has been a long battle with sickness. A loss of a loved one. Or doing those things we know are contrary to the will of God. It has just been a rough one.
There seems to be no end in sight.
Hang on just a bit longer.
“Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and the latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7-8.
Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in due season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
There it is.
Get yourself firmly planted in God's word and you will spring forth with much good fruit. His Word is all we need to get us to a place of peace and comfort, a place where the Son shines eternal on our dry and thirsty souls.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
listen to the voice of our father
3/11/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - As we see all that is happening around our community and around the world, we must ask ourselves, "Is harvest time near"?
Harvest time when the Lord with a sharp sickle will thrust it into the earth to harvest a crop of souls. Take a look at what Revelation 14:15-16, "And another Angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him (Jesus) that sat on the cloud, 'Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time of harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped'."
We know this occurs after the tribulation period. The church, the bride of Christ, has been taken to heaven for a seven-year honeymoon. Back on earth there is much pain, sorrow, and desolation. Where will you be, where will I be?
Follow me to Matthew 21-32 Jesus is in the temple where He is asked concerning His authority. His reply is to ask them a question concerning obedience. Two sons are given a command to work in the vineyard. One says "no" and yet after a while goes to the vineyard and works. The other son says he will go to work yet does not.
The question is which one did the will of the father. Some will appear to be obedient. They will say all the right things appear to be following the Lord yet never set foot in the vineyard.
Others who initially appear to be defiant followed the will of the father.
Are we just going through the motions of being followers of Christ? Those that are "just going through the motions" will be left behind.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to be around during the tribulation period where God pours out His wrath on a Christ rejecting world.
Listen to the voice of our Father.
Be obedient.
Be true followers of Christ.
In God’s Word there are so many examples of those who missed out on the marriage feast. Only a foolish person will ignore what the Lord is saying.
Don't be that foolish person who built his house on the sand only to have it washed away when the storms came.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
Be led by the spirit of god
3/4/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Today there are those who say that if you are "saved" God is so gracious, so loving, so kind that anything goes. After all they say, "God wants you to be happy".
Do not be led astray. As I have said before, scripture can be tortured to say whatever the speaker desires. We are in the end times. Satan knows the return of the Lord is at hand. He desires to sift us like wheat. God’s word is very specific concerning what we see unfolding today.
Take the time to read these verses. Read them slowly let the word of God speak to your heart. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul writes the following. Galatians 5:16-26
"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another".
If you find yourself caught up in these sins know this, God is for you. His desire is that none should perish. Make today the day of your salvation.
Turn around.
Do a 180.
Turn your back on the sin that Satan himself has devised to be a pitfall. After all he is a murderer and a liar.
Jesus in John 16 having spoken of how He has overcome the world. He is telling His disciples He is about to depart to go to the Father. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you that you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer I have overcome the world".
Take heed to God's word. We will be without excuse.
Gang, be led by the Spirit of God.
Jesus could come back today and if not today tomorrow.
Are you ready?
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
protection from wolves
protection from wolves
2/25/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - There is a storm brewing. Are you ready?
Musk Ox are always at the ready whether it is an Arctic storm or wolves. When danger approaches the Ox circle up together the more mature are on the outside of the circle the younger and more vulnerable are in the center.
If an Ox fails to be part of the herd, they usually fall victim to the storm or wolves. You see there is protection when one is part of the herd.
Are you part of the herd or are you standing alone in the wilderness? The church, the Bride of Christ is the group we should all be part of. Even though the Ox is an Ox he only receives protection when it is linked in with the herd. The same is for a Christian. If we believe and receive Christ Jesus and His work for our redemption we are saved, part of the church the bride of Christ.
However, if we are not part of the herd, we too can fall victim to storms or wolves.
We shouldn't try to endure the storm or the wolves alone.
Hebrews 10:22-25 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Be wise like an Ox. Be part of the body, the herd. When storms or wolves approach you will find that the body will surround you in prayer. Just as those Ox gather around one another for protection.
Hebrews 2:11-12 “For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call us brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.”
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord.”
Take the time, make the effort to go into the House of the Lord, you too will be glad.
You have His word on it.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
i found the cure - praise hiim!
2/18/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - How was your week? Was it filled with joy and happiness, perhaps it was just another week as time marches on. Maybe it was a week filled with sadness and uncertainty. Life is like that. Some days are diamonds and some days are coal.
In my searching for a remedy for those so-so days and those filled with sadness and uncertainty I think I have found a cure.
Praise. Yup. Praise.
When we Praise the Lord, our focus is on Him not our surroundings. God’s word is full of times when Praise chased away the darkness.
Psalm 111:1a, 10 “Praise ye the Lord, I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, .....
:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever.”
God's commandments are not difficult when we realize that not following them causes death. The bottle said, "Poison do not drink". Do we pick it up and drink it? Of course not.
Don't drink from the cup of sin. When the darkness starts to surround us, when the enemy comes in like a flood with temptation and promises.
Drown him out with Praise.
Turn on the light.
The devil hates it when we Praise the Lord.
Remembering it is praise that our enemy desires. When we sin it is giving praise to our enemy.
“Praise the Lord with our whole heart, lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We can Praise Him, when we read His Word, when we sing songs to Him, when we sit in His presence, when we obey His commands.
Psalm 147-150 the last chapters of the book are all about Praising the Lord.
Psalm 147:1 "Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant: and it is comely."
Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, Praise ye the Lord."
Darkness will flee, sadness will be turned into joy, uncertainties will disappear, when we give Praise to the One who gives us life and life everlasting.
Praise ye the Lord.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
our sins are removed
2/11/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - "Blessed the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ". Ephesians 1:3.
God is blessed because He has blessed us through Christ. God was pleased to send Jesus Christ to Earth as a deliberate act of love and mercy to reconcile humanity to Himself, redeeming them from sin and death.
How is it that the very God that created the universe would be pleased to send His only Son to earth to be sacrificed, to be slain as a lamb?
He was pleased because He knew that through Christ Jesus all mankind would be redeemed. Our sins would not only be reconciled but removed.
How can this be? By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I know we know this. It does good for us to rehearse it in our own minds.
Think with me for a moment all Christ endured (...............) that we might be saved from an eternity of hell.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". John 3:16.
Which one of us would be willing to sacrifice our only child so those who caused their death would be saved from the penalty of death.
Read that again.
Gang it will take all of eternity for us to comprehend what is the height and the depth and the length of the LOVE that God has for those who love His Son.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
connecting with one another
connecting with one another
2/4/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - In Utah there stands the largest living organism on earth. Pando, a group of Aspen trees that originate from the same tree. Pando means, "I spread". They are genetically the same. Their roots are interconnected.
Each is clinging on to others. The root system of each is individual is connected to other Aspens making it a part of the whole body. They maintain their strength and vitality due to their connection to each other.
Christianity is similar in that we each came from a single individual. Christ Jesus is our beginning. We maintain our vitality due to our interconnections, that is in fellowshipping one with another.
Pando is being threatened by insects, and over browsing which are weakening the whole.
Again, we see a similar occurrence within Christianity. Hebrews 10:24-26, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”
Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
When we fellowship, that is staying connected, we grow in strength and we are able to withstand being spiritually sickened. Just like Pando when the bugs come and chew on the trees, they become sick and some have even died.
In Pando there is sharing a collective strength and resiliency that can overcome stresses and challenges like disease and fire. This is due to their connectivity.
We as Christians must maintain that connection to one another.
Our connection to one another encourages accountability. Recalling Hebrews 10:26, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”
Sin quickly follows when we lose our connection to the body of believers.
We are to encourage one another.
We are to hold each other up.
When we are alone, separated, cut off from the body of Believers the insects, sin, starts chewing away, eventually causing a falling away and death.
We have seen three examples in God’s Word of why we are to stay connected. There are more.
Don't be like the lone Aspen that dies because insects chewed away at it.
Stay connected.
Stay strong.
We will endure to the end.
Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.
Are we spreading out, connecting to others or are we standing alone?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
what makes him so special
1/28/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - What do you, what do I, what do we do with the person Jesus Christ?
Jesus is His first name; Christ is His title.
Christos is Greek for anointed one.
Anointed by GOD.
There is nothing more important than what a person believes about Jesus Christ.
The very GOD that created the universe and everything in it.
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not".
John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth".
Now that it has been established who He is. What makes Him so special?
He came to take away the sins of the world. Your sins and mine. This was accomplished by Jesus being perfect without sin, Jesus was sacrificed, Jesus died.
What sets Him apart from the other sacrifices of the Old Testament?
He, Jesus was GOD in human flesh. The perfect sacrifice, removing our sins. They were not covered by His blood, they were removed.
Don't you think in response to His love for you and I…we owe Him respect?
We owe Him our very lives.
If it weren't for His life, death and resurrection we are destined for an eternity of wailing, gnashing of teeth, a place of everlasting torment.
What do we do with the person of Jesus the Christ?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
am i really going to heaven?
1/21/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Have you, have I, have we ever asked ourselves the question, "Am I really saved, am I really going to heaven to spend eternity with Christ Jesus."
I think that is a question that bears much consideration. Perhaps one metric might be, does my life reflect a close relationship with the Lord. How does my life stack up against the Ten Commandments? A good place to start is can we recite the Ten Commandments? Are they written on the tablets of our heart.
Wait a minute you might say. I thought Jesus came to fulfill the Law.
Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled"
Jesus didn't come to replace the Law. Oftentimes we think because Jesus came, died, and rose from the grave the Law was done away with. Not so. The Law is still in full force and those who break the Law are going to reap the reward. Sin has consequences.
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth, that he shall also reap." Galatians 6:7.
Romans 6:1-23 look it up read it for yourself. *
Are we to continue in sin NO.
Does the blood of Christ cover our sins?
Absolutely.
Why then should we continue in the very thing that Christ suffered and died for. When we practice sin, our prayers are not heard. Psalm 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”
If you find yourself practicing sin, stop, turn around. Jesus is waiting to receive you.
Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
All of us are dealing with sin daily.
Let's not let sin rule and reign in our heart.
Blessings, Dan
* Romans 6:1-23 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: 6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. 10 For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, His servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Where We Spend Eternity Depends Upon It
Where We Spend Eternity Depends Upon It
1/14/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - Mornin’, who are you, who am I, who are we following?
God’s Word reminds us that in the last days there will be those who are sent out by our enemy to deceive us. These people, some are pastors, others seemed to have gained credibility on Social Media. These wolves in sheep’s clothing will quote scripture out of context only telling part of the story.
We are told that in the last days some will call black, white and white, black.
We are admonished in Matthew 24:3 … Jesus saying, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying; I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
When we read or hear someone saying something that heretofore we were in disagreement with.
Stop.
Take the time to verify what is being said.
“Did God say…”.
That tiny seed of doubt was enough to start Eve doubting what God actually said.
You see there are those who want us to believe their way is correct.
There is an agenda.
Satan wants us to believe living in sin is ok.
Remember God hates sin.
Why does God hate sin, because it kills His kids. Who are His kids, you and I. Don’t fall for half-truths. Take what you hear, check it out, verify it against scripture.
Read the whole story.
Paul in 2 Corinthians speaks to us a warning. In Paul’s warning of false leaders in chapter 11, he concludes in verse 14 “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Their works will end in destruction.”
Make sure what you are hearing, what you are reading, what others are telling you concerning something coming from scripture is true.
Where we spend eternity depends on it.
We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
The finish line is in sight
1/7/26
Ramblings from the Rogue - A new year is unfolding before us. I suggest we start the year with a question.
Who or what will guide me this coming year?
Joshua as he was coming near the end of his days had this to say. Joshua 24:15-16 "Choose this day whom you will serve."
Joshua was saying there are choices out there of whom we can serve. There is only one choice that does not lead to destruction. He went onto say, " but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
How many of us made that declaration when we were first saved?
As time has passed, we found ourselves getting a little weary. We experienced worldly temptations that once turned us away are not so offensive now. This is not the time to become weak and frail. Satan the toothless roaring lion is seeking whom he may devour. Don't fall for his attempt to get you to become lukewarm in your walk.
God’s Word is as powerful today as when it was written. Stand strong for the truth of God’s Word. Don't let others talk you into believing times have changed. They will say we need to adjust our thinking to come in line with worldly ways.
No, we don't.
The Word of God can be tortured to say what is contrary to what is truly being told.
God would rather have us hot or cold. If we become lukewarm, He will spew us out of His mouth. When we are lukewarm, we are apathetic, spiritually useless, compromising.
Revelation 3:15-16 “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.”
The finish line is in sight.
Return to your first love, Christ Jesus the Lord.
He is waiting for you, me too.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
I resolve to be more like christ
12/31/25 Ramblings from the Rogue - The end of the year is a couple of days away. Seems as though a few days ago we were complaining it was hot outside, now it is freezing.
My, how time flies. Seasons may come and go. Years may fly by. There is one constant in all of this, God’s Word. It is the same as it was when it was first written and will endure throughout eternity.
I would like to share a thought from Ephesians 1:9. “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.”
Wow.
The mystery is the Gospel, God became a man, dwelt among us, was sinless becoming the perfect sacrifice, died, rose from the dead, will return to claim the Church.
You see this was the plan from the beginning. God knowing man would sin and that sin requires payment. God could have come up with another way it would seem. We are told there is no other way.
God didn't need to create us, but He did. He wanted you and I to experience being in His presence. A place that is so wonderful and perfect our minds cannot conceive of its magnificence.
It was His pleasure to do so.
Many folks make New Year's resolutions. Some last year, others not so much.
How about you and I resolve to be more like Christ this coming year.
In fact, let's get a head start resolving to be more like Christ today. It's the goodness of God that brings repentance. As Christians that is little Christs, we have an obligation to be good to others.
“Be ye kind one to another forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
He had a plan to redeem you and I from the fires of hell.
He did His part, will we do ours?
Our part is simple to receive salvation and walk in His ways.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
The Christmas Gift of Forgiveness
The Christmas Gift of Forgiveness
12/24/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - This Ramblings is from a few years back. I don't know about you, but I felt it is necessary to revisit this verse.
You see I still carry a grudge about several situations perpetrated by folks who I know and by folks I have never met. When I look at the world today, I start pointing fingers at this or that group and putting the blame on them for my troubles and all the troubles around the globe. Cede would say, " why can't we just get along".
A simple reminder is, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood”. The evil in this world is perpetuated by Satan and his demons. People like you and I are the vehicles he uses. Some of us have fallen for his lies. Don't blame them.
Romans 2:1-4 reminds us not to judge others for we will fall into the same trap.
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Paul concludes this axiom with; ”that the kindness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”
Let that same kindness of God work through you and me.
With that in mind.
How's your Christmas shopping going? Are you done yet?
I didn't think so I have an idea
Make it easy on yourself and give the gift that will return back to you many times over.
Ephesians 4:32 “Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.”
Let it go
Forgive everyone, of everything, your burden will become much lighter, and they will be Blessed.
A simple Christmas gift Try it, I know, you will be much richer.
If it doesn't work, you can have your money back.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
feed my sheep
12/17/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - Sunday I heard a great message. "Where are you" the first question God asked of His children. The point being they, Adam and Eve had walked with God in the cool of the morning and now they seemed to be hiding. Why? Sin had separated them from God.
Where are you, where am I, has sin separated us from God?
The last question asked by our Lord Jesus, (God in the flesh) was to Peter.
Recall that Peter had denied Him three times. John 21:15 “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah lovest thou Me more than these’? He saith unto him, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee’. He saith unto him, ‘Feed My sheep’."
“Do you love Me? ”Jesus asks each one of us the same question. How do we exhibit our love to others? We share the same love that Jesus gave to us.
"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. "John 15:13. The greatest gift Jesus gave to us is that He laid down His life for yours and mine.
Paul describes love as this; "Charity (love) suffereth long, is kind, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself
(is not pushy). Doth not behave unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. Rejoith not in iniquity, but rejoith in the truth. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
Jesus says to Peter “if you love Me feed My sheep”.
If we love Jesus, we too are to feed His sheep.
Share the Gospel, love folks like Jesus did. Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all He laid down His life for you and me.
Jesus, teach us to be more like You.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
no matter how far we've strayed
12/10/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - How are you doing so far this day? Some of you are cruising along quite nicely. Others are feeling like they are in the midst of a storm.
Storms will come and storms will go. Today might be a blue-sky day, there will be days that the sky is dark and dreary. That is just the way it is.
Whether it is a blue bird day or a stormy day we all need help to make it through.
How we gonna make it?
Where do we find our hope?
Psalm 121 gives us the answer. "I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
This Psalm goes on to describe how He will protect us. We are in His presence always. He will never leave or forsake us.
8 "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and forever more."
The hills we are to look to are located just on the outskirts of Jerusalem. A hill called Calvary. The place where all that which kept us from a relationship with the only true, living and wise God the maker of heaven and earth, was dealt with. The hill where Jesus suffered and died to take away our sins, yours and mine.
The Blood of Christ was poured out for you and me.
The Blood of Christ which provides atonement, forgiveness, and redemption from sin, making those who believe, righteous and offering eternal life through faith.
No matter how far we have strayed, no matter how many times we have turned away from Him, no matter how many times we have denied Him, His mercy endures forever.
The Lord will sustain us.
Look to the hill of Calvary where Jesus reconciled us to Himself. Our sins were removed, just as if they never occurred.
This could be the best day of our life if we would look to the hills where our help comes from.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
The last drop of blood fell
The last drop of blood fell
12/3/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - We recently discussed being filled with all the fullness of God.
My hope and prayer are that each of us would have thought on that prayer of Paul for us.
It seems as though Paul knew what he was praying for. He spent three years in the desert of Arabia with the Holy Spirit.
When Paul prayed for us to be filled with all the fullness of God, I believe it was due to the fact that he had experienced that very thing. When we look at the life of Paul, we must wonder how could he go through all that he encountered unless being totally convinced it was worthwhile.
Paul received the Gospel from the One who the Gospel concerned.
He tells us, Galatians 1:11 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Where are you going with all this background, Dan you might ask.
Ephesians 3:19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
When we know the love of Christ it is then that we will experience the fullness of God.
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,(and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
We also read in Philippians 2:5-7 Paul speaking; “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Jesus the Christ, (God in human form), was wrongful accused and convicted, He was tortured, beaten with a scourge, placed on a cross, nails driven into His hands and feet, raised up on the cross for all to see.
After hours of suffering the last drop of blood fell to the earth.
He died.
He was placed in a borrowed tomb. There His body lay. Three days later the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty.
Jesus had conquered death.
Jesus went through all that just to prove His love toward you and me.
And gang He will return just as He promised
When we fully grasp that truth it is then that we will be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Blessings,
Dan
Dan,
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
To Be Filled with God
11/26/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - Ephesians 1:1 “Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
The faithful...that’s us; we are faithful if you do what Jesus commanded us to do.
Jesus said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself". Matthew 22:37
Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote what for me has become life changing.
This portion of Ephesians is Paul praying for the saints in Ephesus and the faithful in Christ. This prayer being inspired by the Holy Spirit which of course is the whole of scripture.
Ephesians 3:19, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
What is the fullness of God that Paul prays for us to have?
The fullness of God is the totality of everything God is—His attributes:
His character.
His perfection.
His holiness.
His power.
His love.
His creativity.
His joy.
His mercy.
Everything that makes God, God.
The desire of the Holy Spirit as spoken through Paul is that we would be filled with God in such a way that we would perfectly reflect who He is.
The goal of every Christian is to be filled completely with God, so that His character, His attributes, and His love define our existence.
Clark in his Commentary on this verse put it this way; "To be filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with the fullness of God is still greater; but to be filled with ALL of the fullness of God, utterly bewilders the sense and confounds the understanding".
Be filled with all the fullness of God.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
the lord will fight for you
11/19/25
Ramblings from the Rogue, Exodus 17:8 “Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim.”
9 And Moses said unto Joshua, 'Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.'
So, Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.' And Moses built an altar and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi: 16 For he said, 'Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation'.” Exodus 17:9-16
A moving true story. What part are we playing?
Are we Moses holding the power of God in our hands?
Maybe we are Aaron or Hur encouragers by being there when Moses becomes weary holding up his hands.
Or perhaps Joshua and the troops fighting.
At any given time, we could be one of these mighty men.
Are we holding up and proclaiming the mighty power of God?
Are we there when one who is going through a difficult situation, and they have become weary because the battle is long. Perhaps we are on the front lines. If we are, know that someone is praying for us and the power of the Lord is over us. Whatever position we are in whatever part we are playing know this,
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.
As you read the story; Jesus is the rock that Moses rested on. The sword used to defeat the enemy is the Word of God.
The rod is the Power of God.
Amalek is our fleshly desires.
Take heart we are not in this alone. Jesus is closer than a brother. Be strong and courageous.
You see the battle was won on the Cross of Calvary.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
are we a stumbling block?
are we a stumbling block?
11/12/25
Ramblings from the Rogue, "Get behind Me Satan," Jesus said to Peter. How many times have you or I deserved that admonition?
What have we done that is contrary to the Lord’s direction in our lives?
No, the Lord Jesus was not calling Peter Satan. When we miss the mark, He doesn't call us Satan. What I believe He is meaning in this context is, Pete you’re acting like Satan. Pete you are, in your way tempting Me. Pete you are a stumbling block.
You see Jesus knew what was necessary for Him to do to save Peter, to save you, to save me, and to save all those who would follow after Him.
Peter's flesh was rearing its ugly head. Jesus is reminding Peter; God’s ways are higher than ours.
Peter having spent countless hours with the Lord, didn't want Him to go through what Jesus had just stated was about to happen. Matthew 16:21 “From this time forth began Jesus to show His disciples, how He must go into Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
How many times after hearing from the Lord...do we become a stumbling block?
Do our lives reflect a close walk with the Lord?
In 16:16-17 Jesus asking His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" They answered, some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, others Jeremiah. He saith unto them, " But whom say ye that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus tells Peter that the God the Father had revealed to Peter that Jesus indeed was the Christ.
Which Peter are you, which Peter am I?
Do we reflect that Jesus is Christ, that He was sent to earth to suffer and die and be raised again the third day. Or are we a stumbling block?
Do our lives reflect a trusting relationship with Jesus the Christ?
Do we profess Christ and cause folks to stumble because our actions define our lack of obedience?
Later we see Peter after denying Christ three times weeping bitterly. Will we weep bitterly because we failed to give worth to the work Jesus Christ did on our behalf? Will we weep bitterly because we caused others to stumble?
We should be praying that we don't become a stumbling block.
Dan,
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
11/5/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - As I sit here looking towards the East the sky seems to be saying, "Sailor take warning". We are seeing many signs of rough days ahead.
We know of friends who are enduring all sorts of maladies. Cancer, strokes, Parkinson's, and such. We know of folks whose marriages are falling apart. We read of people being killed for their belief in Christ. We see pictures of people being killed trying to protect what is theirs. We read of stabbings and shootings. It isn't a pretty picture.
The whole world is in turmoil.
Here's the deal, we should not be surprised. We are told this is what we are to expect. Our enemy is not disease, our enemy is not the other guy with a gun, our enemy is not our spouse or our family member. Our enemy is Satan; he knows his time is limited. He knows the scriptures. He knows.
What can we do to stem the tide?
An interesting thing just happened. A few moments ago, the sky was starting to turn pink on its way to red. My thoughts were focused on Jesus as I write this "Rambling". The sky is no longer pink. There are blue skies ahead.
I am reminded of a simple truth.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face and the things of this world will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace".
The song continues.
"His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell"!
When folks come to you and to me broken hearted, bodies broken, hopeless. Remind them, remind ourselves; The verse is from the Bible, specifically Acts 3:6, and reads: “Silver and gold have I none; but what I have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”.
In this passage, the apostle Peter is healing a lame beggar by using the power of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that spiritual power is more valuable than material wealth.
Gang it is ALL about Jesus. He is the answer.
We are told to turn our eyes toward Him. His desire is that all would be healed from the devastating effect of sin.
He came, He died, He rose from the grave and glory hallelujah He is coming again.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
God’s Word Left Unopened
10/29/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - Recently I came across a letter from a man. This fella had gone to church in his early years, went to war in Viet Nam, came back home and for quite some time was caught up in the world. Finally settling down, married, raising a family.
At some point he decided to return to church. He had been chewed up and spit out by the world. He had been used and abused. He was wandering around trying to make sense of it all. There was an emptiness that he had tried to fill yet was unsuccessful.
He remembered back to his youth. He met a man who had given his life to this fella. He was exposed to truth. How that all mankind were born in sin. We as a species had been given the opportunity to live a life without sin, however temptation was too great, and we fell into a trap. The trap was set by the Serpent.
You see this serpent thought he was equal with God and convinced one third of those dwelling in the heavens to follow him. God being just kicked he and his followers out of the heavens. They took up residence here on earth deceiving and destroying mankind.
This fella remembered what he had learned in those Sunday meetings he would attend. He remembered how that even though there was sin in the world there was a way to not be given over to those sins. How that sin has consequences. How that sin leads to death. He also learned how the very God who created heaven and earth became a man and took the penalty we earned and how that His death wiped all of our sins away.
With remorse and regret of all those wasted years this man wanted to start fresh. He wanted his family to be brought up in the ways of the Lord. In the ways he had learned of yet foolishly walked away from.
He wanted to find that place where on Sunday he and his family could come and worship, learn about, hear truth and know he was doing what was right.
His greatest desire was to bring up his family in the ways of the Lord. He would tell them of his experiences and his regrets. Of the mess his life had been. He wanted more than anything to spend eternity in the presence of God in the heavens with his family.
He set out to find a place that he could take his family to hear about truth. Hear about how there is sin in the world.
How that sin carries a penalty. How that there is forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
For many Sundays he searched for such a place. What he found were buildings filled with people who had little Hope.
These were meeting places where a person in front spoke of headlines, divisiveness, of hatred. Of how if you were good enough and followed so many steps. God's grace would overlook all your sins.
There was no mention of the sufferings of Christ, no mention of what scripture had to say about living life, no mention of the penalty of sin. No mention of eternity in hell. He said whatever he could to tickle their ears. The pews were full of a bunch of folks who were being fed cotton candy. There was no truth in what they were hearing.
God's Word was left unopened.
He eventually found a place where his and the needs of his family were met. A place where every Sunday God’s Word was opened.
They heard the truth about heaven and hell. They heard the truth about the wages of sin. They heard about Christ Jesus who came to pay the price for their sins. They heard of a God who loves them and wants the very best He has to offer.
They are doing fine. They are walking in the truth, and the truth has set them free.
How are we doing?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Lamps Filled - Wicks Trimmed
Lamps Filled - Wicks Trimmed
10/22/25
This morning the cease fire in Gaza was broken. News reports that Hamas fired an anti-tank missile at IDF forces. For those of us watching from the sidelines, during this process, could not help but to recall what the Prophets, Jeremiah and Ezekiel had to say concerning peace. The Lord declares in Jeremiah 6:14 & 8:11."That they will declare Peace, peace; when there is no peace."
The story is quite similar. Judah was being dealt with harshly because they had turned their backs on the Lord. The battle that goes on in Gaza is because, Israel has allowed an idolatrous group, Hamas to control land that was given them in the beginning in Genesis. All the attempts to trade land for peace have ended in death and destruction.
God will not have His land shared with those who hate His people, those who are bent on the total annihilation of the nation of Israel and all of its people.
Ezekiel 13:10 & 13:16 "...the Word of the Lord through Ezekiel said :10 Because, even because they have seduced My people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo others daubed it with untempered mortar; Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall."
That wall of peace has once again fallen.
All this is to say that until the day God delivers His people from the hands of those who seek their destruction there will be no peace. That day will come as a thief in the night.
Will you. will I, will we be ready to meet Jesus in the air to spend a seven year "honeymoon" with Him in the heavenly's as hell is poured out here on the earth?
Are our lamps filled with oil are our wicks trimmed? Matthew 25:1-13 [1]
"Lamps filled and wicks trimmed" is a phrase that has both a literal and a symbolic meaning, most famously from the Biblical parable of the ten virgins.
Where it refers to maintaining an oil lamp by adding oil and trimming the wick to ensure a steady, bright flame. Symbolically, it signifies being prepared and watchful, with the oil representing the Holy Spirit and the trimmed wick representing a clean, well-maintained heart and spirit, ready for a significant event, the return of the bridegroom.
As much as folks work toward, as much as the world desires, there will not be lasting peace, where the lion lays down with the lamb, until Messiah, Jesus the Christ sets up His Kingdom here on earth.
Until then as much as we hear of peace, peace, it will not happen until He returns.
Keep looking up, we're going up, if not today, then tomorrow.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
[1] "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five werefoolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
10/22/25
Ramblings from the Rogue, “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 3:5-7.
A powerful truth indeed.
Saturday was one of those days that started out a total jumbled mess. As some of you may know I am driven. Driven to accomplish something of worth. Of course I am the one who makes the determination.
Brush to be trimmed, including a big pile of blackberries, 20x40x8 ft in size. It has been months since my shop floor was swept, vacuumed. To add to what needed to be done, there was a memorial service for a friend at 1:00.
How was all that work going to be done? Maybe I won't go to the memorial. After all, why would I go to a memorial for a guy who I haven't seen in years?
This guy was a man's man. A logger, a rancher as hard working a guy as there is. I had worked on his ranch haying and working cattle 40 years ago. Two of his kids were in my 4H club back in the day. To top it all off I didn't know how he stood with the Lord.
There was quite a wrestling match going on as whether to go or not.
Lauralee and I had started out the day reading from a devotional. We discussed my dilemma. Which by the way has been somewhat of a lifestyle. We prayed for our children and asked for guidance and wisdom for our day.
It is time to get after it. Maybe I'll start with cutting brush. Should I go to the memorial or not?
Grab the hedge trimmer. That _____ won't start. I get fuming because the spark plug wrench is in the shop 150 yds away. Stomping down the driveway to get the wrench. Should I go to the memorial, the argument continues.
When I get to the shop maybe I should clean the floor. I'm here, why not. I do. It takes about an hour and half.
If I go to the memorial, why am I going?
With a bag of tools back to the house I go. The back and forth continues about the memorial. Why is there such an argument going on about the memorial? Is it the enemy attempting to keep me from going?
The trimmer starts right up. Nice. Trimming I go. About an hour and half later all is looking good.
It is now 12:00. During the trimming it dawns on me that I should go to Dwain's memorial. Maybe I will be called on to say a word or two. Probably not. I must go.
On my way to the service the Lord listens to my carrying on.
What is this all about?
What to expect when I get there.
What will I say?
On and on. I arrive a couple minutes late. There is fellow, perhaps a pastor sharing scripture and song. My heart jumps for joy. This fellow goes on for some time reading scripture singing a song pointing to Jesus and how my friend had walked with the Lord for nearly all his ninety years.
I can't tell you how overjoyed I was to hear that Dwain was in the presence of the Lord. Dwain's son spoke of Dwain's life. Then Chris Cross, Dwain's grandson an Army Chaplain spoke about leaving a legacy of pointing to Christ. Of being a leader of the family guiding and directing in the ways of the Lord. Dwain did that.
When the service was over, I met with Casey Dwain's daughter. As I talked to her tears fell down my cheek, words were slow coming. There was extreme joy in my heart to know Dwain's was one of His.
That day I asked the Lord to guide my thoughts, to give me wisdom, to be pleasing in His sight.
He gave more than I had ever dreamed of. The shop was clean, the brush was trimmed, my friend was in heaven, and there was time left to mow the lawn.
What a glorious day.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
I know this is long. Just one more thing.
I sent this to a couple of my kiddos a couple of days ago. As I read it again, I thought maybe this is for me also.
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
You’re going to be okay. God knows you're exhausted not because you gave up, because you've kept going.
He sees the nights you cried, the days you kept pushing through, and the moments you showed up anyway.
You're not alone in this. He's been guiding you through the quiet. Right now, even you can’t feel it God is clearing a path He is removing what needs to go.
He's arranging what's about to come.
Don't lose heart. You’re closer than you think. He didn't bring you this far to leave you now.
Stay ready, what you prayed for is already on the way. And when it comes, you'll say: "God, this is more than I asked for."
Truly it was a struggle.
Tears were shed.
It was more than I could have hoped for.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
that is kindness
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
10/8/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - Paul concludes his thoughts in Ephesians 4 by exhorting us; “Be ye kind to one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
C.H. Spurgeon explains "be ye kind".
"This gives us an assurance of forgiveness – that it is for Christ’s sake. “God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven thee. Get hold of that grand truth, and hold it, though all the devils in hell roar at thee. Grasp it as with a hand of steel; grip it as for life: ‘God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven me,’ – may each one of us be able to say that. We shall not feel the divine sweetness and force of the text unless we can make a personal matter of it by the Holy Ghost.”
It is the kindness of God that brings us to repentance.
God’s kindness is exhibited by His coming to the earth as a man.
The man Christ Jesus.
Becoming sin Who knew no sin.
Being the perfect sacrifice for your sin and mine.
Being nailed to the cross, died.
After three days He rose from the dead.
Death could not hold Him.
Jesus Christ has promised He would come again and receive those who have believed in Him.
He forgave you; He forgives us. Our sins have been washed away.
That is kindness.
Let us start today by letting the love of Christ reign in our hearts and lives.
Be kind to one another just as God for Christs sake has been kind to you and me and has forgiven us of all our sins and iniquities.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
all the goodness of god
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
all the goodness of god
11/11/25
Ramblings from the Rogue, "Get behind Me Satan," Jesus said to Peter. How many times have you or I deserved that admonition?
What have we done that is contrary to the Lord’s direction in our lives?
No, the Lord Jesus was not calling Peter Satan. When we miss the mark, He doesn't call us Satan. What I believe He is meaning in this context is, Pete you’re acting like Satan. Pete you are, in your way tempting Me. Pete you are a stumbling block.
You see Jesus knew what was necessary for Him to do to save Peter, to save you, to save me, and to save all those who would follow after Him.
Peter's flesh was rearing its ugly head. Jesus is reminding Peter; God’s ways are higher than ours.
Peter having spent countless hours with the Lord, didn't want Him to go through what Jesus had just stated was about to happen. Matthew 16:21 “From this time forth began Jesus to show His disciples, how He must go into Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
How many times after hearing from the Lord...do we become a stumbling block?
Do our lives reflect a close walk with the Lord?
In 16:16-17 Jesus asking His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" They answered, some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, others Jeremiah. He saith unto them, " But whom say ye that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus tells Peter that the God the Father had revealed to Peter that Jesus indeed was the Christ.
Which Peter are you, which Peter am I?
Do we reflect that Jesus is Christ, that He was sent to earth to suffer and die and be raised again the third day. Or are we a stumbling block?
Do our lives reflect a trusting relationship with Jesus the Christ?
Do we profess Christ and cause folks to stumble because our actions define our lack of obedience?
Later we see Peter after denying Christ three times weeping bitterly. Will we weep bitterly because we failed to give worth to the work Jesus Christ did on our behalf? Will we weep bitterly because we caused others to stumble?
We should be praying that we don't become a stumbling block.
Dan,
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
10/15/25
Ramblings from the Rogue, “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 3:5-7.
A powerful truth indeed.
Saturday was one of those days that started out a total jumbled mess. As some of you may know I am driven. Driven to accomplish something of worth. Of course I am the one who makes the determination.
Brush to be trimmed, including a big pile of blackberries, 20x40x8 ft in size. It has been months since my shop floor was swept, vacuumed. To add to what needed to be done, there was a memorial service for a friend at 1:00.
How was all that work going to be done? Maybe I won't go to the memorial. After all, why would I go to a memorial for a guy who I haven't seen in years?
This guy was a man's man. A logger, a rancher as hard working a guy as there is. I had worked on his ranch haying and working cattle 40 years ago. Two of his kids were in my 4H club back in the day. To top it all off I didn't know how he stood with the Lord.
There was quite a wrestling match going on as whether to go or not.
Lauralee and I had started out the day reading from a devotional. We discussed my dilemma. Which by the way has been somewhat of a lifestyle. We prayed for our children and asked for guidance and wisdom for our day.
It is time to get after it. Maybe I'll start with cutting brush. Should I go to the memorial or not?
Grab the hedge trimmer. That _____ won't start. I get fuming because the spark plug wrench is in the shop 150 yds away. Stomping down the driveway to get the wrench. Should I go to the memorial, the argument continues.
When I get to the shop maybe I should clean the floor. I'm here, why not. I do. It takes about an hour and half.
If I go to the memorial, why am I going?
With a bag of tools back to the house I go. The back and forth continues about the memorial. Why is there such an argument going on about the memorial? Is it the enemy attempting to keep me from going?
The trimmer starts right up. Nice. Trimming I go. About an hour and half later all is looking good.
It is now 12:00. During the trimming it dawns on me that I should go to Dwain's memorial. Maybe I will be called on to say a word or two. Probably not. I must go.
On my way to the service the Lord listens to my carrying on.
What is this all about?
What to expect when I get there.
What will I say?
On and on. I arrive a couple minutes late. There is fellow, perhaps a pastor sharing scripture and song. My heart jumps for joy. This fellow goes on for some time reading scripture singing a song pointing to Jesus and how my friend had walked with the Lord for nearly all his ninety years.
I can't tell you how overjoyed I was to hear that Dwain was in the presence of the Lord. Dwain's son spoke of Dwain's life. Then Chris Cross, Dwain's grandson an Army Chaplain spoke about leaving a legacy of pointing to Christ. Of being a leader of the family guiding and directing in the ways of the Lord. Dwain did that.
When the service was over, I met with Casey Dwain's daughter. As I talked to her tears fell down my cheek, words were slow coming. There was extreme joy in my heart to know Dwain's was one of His.
That day I asked the Lord to guide my thoughts, to give me wisdom, to be pleasing in His sight.
He gave more than I had ever dreamed of. The shop was clean, the brush was trimmed, my friend was in heaven, and there was time left to mow the lawn.
What a glorious day.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
I know this is long. Just one more thing.
I sent this to a couple of my kiddos a couple of days ago. As I read it again, I thought maybe this is for me also.
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
You’re going to be okay. God knows you're exhausted not because you gave up, because you've kept going.
He sees the nights you cried, the days you kept pushing through, and the moments you showed up anyway.
You're not alone in this. He's been guiding you through the quiet. Right now, even you can’t feel it God is clearing a path He is removing what needs to go.
He's arranging what's about to come.
Don't lose heart. You’re closer than you think. He didn't bring you this far to leave you now.
Stay ready, what you prayed for is already on the way. And when it comes, you'll say: "God, this is more than I asked for."
Truly it was a struggle.
Tears were shed.
It was more than I could have hoped for.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
that is kindness
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
10/8/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - Paul concludes his thoughts in Ephesians 4 by exhorting us; “Be ye kind to one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
C.H. Spurgeon explains "be ye kind".
"This gives us an assurance of forgiveness – that it is for Christ’s sake. “God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven thee. Get hold of that grand truth, and hold it, though all the devils in hell roar at thee. Grasp it as with a hand of steel; grip it as for life: ‘God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven me,’ – may each one of us be able to say that. We shall not feel the divine sweetness and force of the text unless we can make a personal matter of it by the Holy Ghost.”
It is the kindness of God that brings us to repentance.
God’s kindness is exhibited by His coming to the earth as a man.
The man Christ Jesus.
Becoming sin Who knew no sin.
Being the perfect sacrifice for your sin and mine.
Being nailed to the cross, died.
After three days He rose from the dead.
Death could not hold Him.
Jesus Christ has promised He would come again and receive those who have believed in Him.
He forgave you; He forgives us. Our sins have been washed away.
That is kindness.
Let us start today by letting the love of Christ reign in our hearts and lives.
Be kind to one another just as God for Christs sake has been kind to you and me and has forgiven us of all our sins and iniquities.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
all the goodness of god
A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do
all the goodness of god
10/1/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - This morning as I sit perched 1000 feet above the Pacific looking at the beautiful blue Ocean, I have a strawberry rhubarb popover sitting in front of me. Yesterday Lauralee and I shared one it was fresh and delicious.
So it is with great anticipation that I am anxious to take a bite. Oh. As expected, it was just as delicious this morning as the other one was. The rhubarb had just the right tanginess and the sweetness of the strawberries made the perfect combination. It is so good that I want more. I think you get the picture.
You see we should be looking at our time in God’s Word with the same enthusiasm. We need to be expecting our craving for a closeness with our Lord to be filled.
I want us to extract every bit of goodness that we can from the following passages in Ephesians 2:1-6.
As we read these verses, we need to read slowly, taking each word and extracting all the goodness that it holds.
When we take a bite of our favorite steak, or dessert we chew on it and allow all of the goodness, flavor and nutrients to be released. We don't just gobble it down. I suggest we do the same with these verses. Before we dive in one more thing.
Something that recently became evident to me. Forgive me as I am often a little late to discover such things.
John, in his epistles, wrote several times, " My little children". We often read in the Old Testament, "The Word of the Lord."
This declaring what follows...is the Lord speaking. I often read scripture and think it is Paul or John or Samuel, or some other author is writing their thoughts down. Not so. They are writing what the Holy Spirit or the Lord Himself is instructing them to write.
Hopefully, prayerfully that is so with Ramblings.
We just hold the pen.
Ephesians 2:1-6.
“And you who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewithal He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved; and hath raised up together, and made sit together in heavenly in Christ Jesus: In the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For it is by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: the gift of God.”
Ephesians 3:17
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all saints what the breadth, and length, and depth, and height. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the goodness of God.”
Chewing slowly, allow all of the goodness, flavor and nutrients to be released.
Let these words fill you to overflowing.
The words that the Lord Himself speaks to you and me this day.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
It Is Not Too Late...
9/24/25
Ramblings from a Rogue - "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." 1 Timothy 4:1-2
In Genesis 2:1 "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman,' Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden.'"
That is NOT what God said at all.
You see living up to God's description of the serpent, "more subtle", the serpent, the devil, a seducing spirit, the father of lies, is seemingly quoting God. What he is saying is partially true. There is just enough truth to start Eve believing a lie.
Gang...that was way back in the beginning. That serpent has had a few thousand years to perfect his delivery.
Today we are seeing some who walked in rightness have fallen away because they listened to a partial truth. There are just enough of the fiery darts of doubt that hit the vitals of the intended victim.
The devil isn't stupid he is very clever. He doesn't know our thoughts he relies on our actions to discover our weaknesses. Once he sees a weakness he attacks. His attacks are the same as in the beginning.
"Didn't God say"... (fill in the blank).
Some of us may make decisions based on what we think will make us happy, then experience despair when happiness never comes.
People who assume that God wants them to be happy may justify activities clearly prohibited in the Bible by arguing that such choices are necessary for happiness.
Happiness is like cotton candy it looks to be full of fluff, when we take a bite, it is mostly empty full of air. Our pursuit should be for joy.
Joy comes from a close relationship with the One who saved us from the penalty we so justly deserve. Jesus paid for our mistakes; He paid for our wanton disregard for the truth.
Just because we fell for the lies of deceiving spirits, just because we fell for the lies of Satan, it is not too late to repent.
Change direction.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".
Gang here is a tip to cut of the fiery darts.
Ephesians 6:16 " Above all, taking on the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one".
No matter how tempted we are God has provided a way of escape.
Where we will spend eternity depends on the decisions we make daily.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil". Ephesians 6:10-11.
It is His power that will lead us on to victory.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
we can learn from our mistakes
9/17/25
Ramblings from a Rogue - Have you ever wondered, "What is God’s will for my life"?
Certainly, that has been a question I have asked several times perhaps daily.
Maybe you have.
I know I have.
Looked back on the day or a week and said, "I think I missed it".
What I did that day or that week was a complete waste of energy and or resources? What I did wasn't pleasing to the Lord, so I thought.
Seemingly I missed it.
But in reality, maybe not.
What do ya mean?
As I looked back, I saw where I took a wrong turn or went in a total wrong direction. The sad part is I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway.
Here is the thing gang, we can learn from our mistakes.
We can learn from our wrong turns.
When we do, we can put that in the column of, I don't want to make that mistake again. Pray it in. Ask the Lord to remind us the next time we are at that junction where that wrong turn led.
God is merciful. Our offenses, our sins, carry a death penalty. Jesus died in our place so we would not have to. He took the punishment that we deserved to Calvary and died in our place.
1 Timothy 2:3-6 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all.”
Micah 6:6-8 “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
The Lord doesn't require sacrifices. His desire for you for me, for us is...
8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Daily we should ask the Lord to direct our path.
That He would give us wisdom and understanding.
That we would be pleasing in His sight.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
unchained and set free
unchained and set free
9/10/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - This rambling comes from Acts 12.
Prayer is still something I don't totally understand. What I do know is that God hears the prayers of those who have put their trust in His Son Jesus Christ.
Peter was imprisoned. Herod had killed James and saw it pleased the Jews and wanting to be in good graces with them, so he threw Peter in prison. Acts 12:5 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
The church prayed without ceasing for Peter.
Peter was in lock down.
Chained between two guards and two guards at the door. Escape seemed impossible. An angel showed up and told Peter to wake up, put on your sandals we’re leaving this place. My words.
We are not told how they prayed only that they did. Might I suggest it was simply, "Father please release Peter from prison". We are to approach our Heavenly Father from a position of humility. After all He is God, we are His creation, we are subject to Him.
Our prayers are only requests not giving orders. We might think we have the solution. It is best to let Him work out the details. Not my will but thine Jesus said to the Father. God's plan is perfect.
So, what was the result of the church praying?
Peter was released. We are given a detailed account of what occurred in Acts 12.
The church prayed, and Peter was released.
As the church, the body of Christ, we know of folks who might be of the church and those outside the church who are captives, who are chained and prisoners.
Church, are we praying for captives to be released?
We should be, we need to be. It was the prayers of the saints, those in the church that got you, that prayed for me to come to Christ and be set free. We need to do that for others that they would be unchained and set free.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
on the seventh day
blessed is he whose sin is covered
9/1/25
Rambling from the Rogue
Sept 1, 2025 - Labor Day in the US. We take Monday off. Most folks do except those who are retired or because of their schedules must work that day. One day a year to celebrate hard work, a job well done, so forth and so on.
Wow, one day out of 365 to celebrate a hard year’s work. Isn’t it just like the government. Giving laborers a day to celebrate working hard.
Our forefathers from Biblical times insisted on having a king. They wanted a king. The other people groups had a king. With a king also comes taxes, sons and daughters being sent to war, so forth and so on. Hey, I am not knocking our government it is the best on the earth as far as I am concerned.
There is a better way there is a higher King to be subject to. The Lord God almighty Creator of heaven and earth, He says we need to take one day in seven off, as He knows we need a day of rest. A day to reflect on His goodness.
A day of rejoicing. God Himself set the example. "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done". Genesis 2:2.
We should do the same.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29 Tells us, you and me, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls".
Take one day in seven to rest, to reflect, to rejoice, to be refreshed. While we rest, I suggest that we think on all Jesus has done for you and I.
He took all the sins that we committed to the cross. There He conquered death.
His death completely erased our sins and transgressions. There we were justified. Just as if they never occurred.
Oh, what a beautiful Savior we have in Jesus.
One day in seven we can do that can't we?
Jesus is coming back soon
Are we ready?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
https://www.applegatefellowship.org/
blessed is he whose sin is covered
blessed is he whose sin is covered
8/27/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - “Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no guile.” Psalm 32:1-2.
David says that a man is blessed when his sins have been covered and there is no deceit in him. David goes on to say that his bones ache and he can find no relief from the torment of unconfessed sin.
When I trespass, that is knowingly commit a sin, I am tormented. There is an aching within me that will not go away. I am tormented. I know better yet I continue on.
Relief will only come when I repent that is reverse direction.
David continues. Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin unto Thee (God), and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah “(think on that).
Psalm 32:7 “Thou art my hiding place, Thou shalt preserve me from trouble, Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.”
David is thinking on how there is relief in confession. He was tormented now he is hearing songs of deliverance.
The Lord now speaking Psalm 32:8. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.”
When we are walking in sin, we can't expect God to guide us. He doesn't hear our petitions. Only when we confess and ask for forgiveness does He hear.
Psalm 32:10 “Many sorrows to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.”
Psalm 32:11 “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all that are upright in heart.”
You see unconfessed sin weighs us down. We are caught in quicksand there is an aching within that won't go away. We have done wrong; we are doing wrong in spite of the fact that we know it is wrong. There can be no relief until we stop, ask for forgiveness and turn our back on that sin that is destroying us.
When we do, we will find relief. We will be righteous. We will shout for joy. Our hearts will be right.
You see, like David I have experienced this. I have knowingly trespassed and wallowed in sin. I was tormented. Relief came when I confessed. There is a cleansing affect in confession.
In the beginning of this Psalm David speaks of how his sin is covered. We can speak of our sin being removed.
Jesus took my sin and yours too to the cross. Where He died. Our sins have been removed. Jesus paid our debt. We can go our way rejoicing.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
If We Walk in Truth
If We Walk in Truth
8/20/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - 3 John 1:1 “The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”
3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”
John is thoroughly pleased because he has heard Gaius has been walking in the truth of God’s Word. By the way, Gaius means, happy, one who rejoices. I want to be like that.
In those times there wasn't a book to go to for instruction. They didn't have the Holy Scriptures. What they did have was letters that were being circulated through the believers. They also had the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them.
Jesus upon His departure from the earth left us with the Comforter. Just as then, today we have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to guide us.
There are so many distractions, so many things that can keep us from following what is true.
How do we know what is true and what is false?
We can find the answer in God’s Word. Paul in his letter to the church in Rome concerning the scriptures: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4. John in his gospel quoting Jesus; “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.
If we desire to walk in the truth the question is, what does God's word say about _______?
The truth can and will be found in Scripture. Are we willing to seek what is true?
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
We are the children of God.
Is my desire, is your desire to bring our Heavenly Father joy. We can if we walk in truth.
Where do we desire to spend eternity?
I can safely say that it is in heaven where there is fullness of joy.
We can, we will, if we walk in truth.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
reflecting his glory
When our connection comes loose
8/13/25
Ramblings from a Rogue, - “How did you sleep?” My sweetie asked.
“Ok.”
Last night I went to bed and my face was hot/ burning. Was it a fever starting or was it from being in the sun?
We are on the Oregon coast. Yesterday was spent lying on the beach at least that was what I was doing. I found a comfortable log to lay my head on. At about six inches above the sand, I was looking out at the surf pounding on the beach.
As I lay there, I spent an unusual amount of time talking to the Lord. Likely you were mentioned, asking the Lord to Bless you, to keep your focus on Him. That all you do would be pleasing to Him.
As I write this I am reminded of Moses. Moses spent an unusual amount of time in the presence of the Lord. Forty days he spent in God’s presence. When Moses came down from the mountain his face shined. This is found in Exodus 34:27-35.
You see when we spend time with the Lord we take on a glow. Our countenance changes. When we are in His presence we come away changed.
Yesterday as I lay on the beach communing with the Lord the sun was shining brightly on my face. During that time, I was thinking about and praying for you.
Perhaps the burning glow on my face was because I had been in His presence even if it was for a short time.
Today take an extra bit of time to spend in His presence. Perhaps you too will reflect His glory.
Blessings,
Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
When our connection comes loose
When our connection comes loose
8/6/25
Ramblings from the Rogue - A few days ago we attempted to take a trip to deliver some Redwood to Ross on Center Island in the San Juan Islands in Washington. We were going to return with a trailer. That was the plan.
Sometimes plans are interrupted.
Around Rice Hill on I-5 the truck wasn’t running right. It seemed like it wanted to shift out of overdrive to high. We stopped, checked the transmission fluid and it was fine. About this time the check engine light came on. Continuing north the problem kept getting worse.
We made it to Jessica's where I was scheduled to Baptize my grandsons. What a huge blessing that was.
I decided to try to find out what the check engine light was indicating. The parts house in Brownsville was closed. The closest parts house was in Lebanon twenty minutes away. The problem got worse and worse, barely able to limp into Lebanon. The parts guy at O'Reilly's diagnosed the check engine light and it was determined the injector pump was failing. The closest pump was in Salem.
The truck was left in the parking lot. Jessica came to pick me up in a borrowed pickup. The lumber had to be transferred to another truck. Didn't want to leave it overnight in the parking lot, $470 worth of Redwood might disappear. We went back to Brownsville. Khaidyn and I headed to Salem forty-five-minute drive. By the way the pump was $1900. We had a chance to discuss further about baptism. A great opportunity to share with him the love of the Lord.
Sunday morning and we headed to Lebanon to replace the pump. Wouldn't you know it. When we arrived at the parking lot I went to unlock the truck.
No keys.
I called Jess, and she graciously brought me the keys. Jess has a friend whose son Wyatt is a diesel mechanic. After church the dad and Wyatt came by to help. Sharp kid. I had started to remove the pump when they arrived. He wanted to make sure the lift pump was sending fuel to the injector pump. It wasn't.
It was determined that the lift pump ground wire was not completing the circuit. No ground and the pump wouldn't work. I could return the injector pump for a full refund. Thank you, Lord.
All along I was asking the Lord, "what is this all about, what are You trying to show me". Through this problem what was brought to my attention was, when there isn't adequate grounding things will not work correctly and eventually it will cease to work all together.
What the Lord was showing me is that unless I am grounded in God's Word this engine, me, will not operate as designed. Sure, I will run along seemingly fine. Then once in a while I will sputter a little bit. The sputters will become more frequent, and their intensity will increase. At some point I will be barely limping along.
Eventually this engine will quit all together. I will have run out of fuel.
The connection between the Lord and myself has been severed. Gang it is a matter of life and death that we spend time in God’s Word. There is where we will find the keys to life. It is there we will find hope. It is there that we will experience our faith growing. The more time we spend in His Word the more we will see just how much we are loved by Him.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 “But continue thou in the things which thou has learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which was in Jesus Christ. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
The following was found during my research on being grounded in God’s Word.
“Paul has just given Timothy a heads up on how he would be able to face the things that would come upon him. Basically, he says, "Ground yourself in the Bible, for out of it will come the strength to do these things." We should not limit it strictly to the words of the Bible, per se, but also to the Spirit and inspiration behind them. That the Spirit would be with him if he would do these things, but the constant inspiration and help that he would need would come out of Scripture. By these things he would be able to remind himself of the truth and grow in it. He would be corrected by it, instructed by it, reproved by it. All of these things are necessary to mold the faithful minister. The Bible is where his nose needs to be at all times, so that he has the proper foundation, motivation, inspiration, and resource for everything he does.”
My words following.
When our connection to the Lord becomes loose, we will start to falter. The longer it is neglected the looser it becomes. Without proper maintenance the connection will lost altogether. A matter of life and death.
Keep in God’s Word. The more we read His Word to us the stronger our connection to Him will be.
Stay rooted and grounded.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
REMIND ME, DEAR LORD
REMIND ME, DEAR LORD
7/30/25
A couple of days ago we lost a dear saint. A pillar of a man. A man who spent his younger days in the Congo. His parents were missionaries. Jim Nilsen shared his young life in a book, Born in the Congo. Fascinating story of growing up in a distant land.
Jim had a powerful voice. The Lord blessed him with a beautiful voice that Jim used to praise the Lord. Jim sang a solo often, "Remind Me, Dear Lord". *Steven Wood on YouTube, "Remind, Me Dear Lord", reminds me of Jim.
Remind me, Dear Lord.
The words bring tears to my eyes. Some of you know my story. It has some dark chapters for sure. What really stands out is how the Lord has brought me along according to His gracious and merciful ways. The song starts out, "The things that I hold dear to my heart are not mine at all, Jesus let me use them to brighten my life".
That is where you come in. Each of you in one way or another have brightened my life. I thank the Lord for you.
The song continues, and I am reminded of how things could have been had the Lord not intervened.
As a youngster, not having been raised in a Christian home. Mom did think it might be good for me to go to church even though it was by myself.
Summertime came around and I went to Bible camp. On a Thursday night around the campfire where the speaker was telling us about a beast with seven heads and ten horns would devour me if I didn't give my life to Christ. Revelation 17:7
This scared little boy was the first one down to accept his invitation to accept Jesus as Lord of my life. It wasn't long and I headed down many paths that could have led to my destruction. But God. You see God heard the voice of a scared little boy. He protected him all these years.
Twenty-three years later the bottom seemed to drop out of my life. I found myself in a perilous spot. My wife and children had been praying that I would come to church with them. In October 1982 I did. The message hit me like a ton of bricks. He was speaking about a beast with seven heads and ten horns. God hadn't given up on me. I came back to where I belonged.
Remind me dear Lord. I praise God often that He didn't give up on that scared little boy.
I share this with you hoping praying that you to will think on how it might have been had you not surrendered your life to Him. If you're wandering around lost dazed and confused ask the Lord to brighten you day and He will.
2 Timothy 1:12 states, "For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. He will keep that which is committed to Him.”
*Steve Woods – Remind Me, Dear Lord https://youtu.be/aRyf7D1KoKw
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
what garment will we wear?
7/23/25
Joseph was hated by his brothers.
“Now Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all their brethren they hated him.”
Genesis 37:2-3. Jacob showed partiality to Joseph and made a very special coat that caused him to be set apart.
A coat of many colors.
We see this coat again as it was dipped in blood when presented to Jacob. Genesis 37:33, "My son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in many pieces.”
Joseph had been propositioned by Potiphar wife, lie with me. Joseph would not. Genesis 39:12 “And she caught him by his garment, saying ‘Lie with me’: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.”
She accuses Joseph of mocking her. Joseph is thrown into prison.
All this time we are reminded; the Lord was with Joseph.
Joseph endured years of being a slave. Then He was made prosperous by the hand of the Lord. His prosperity was taken away and he was cast into prison.
We don't read of Joseph proclaiming his prosperity or crying at his imprisonment. What we do read is the Lord was with Joseph.
Joseph is one of two men in scripture that there is no record of sin. Daniel being the other.
There are rewards for being one who recognizes the Lord is with them in feast and famine. Genesis 41:42 “And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.”
Joseph goes on to save God's people. Through the leading of the Lord of course.
Gold and fine linen are signs of rightness. We too can be robed in rightness if we are led by the Lord. For many years Joseph had enjoyed good times and bad times. He endured what Satan meant for evil. Through it all Joseph trusted God.
Are we trusting God to see us through? Times when all seems well, times of temptation, times of imprisonment, of resentment of remorse. Through it all Joseph learned to trust in the Lord.
Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.”
2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”
What garment will we put on this day?
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Those Who Speak About the Lord
7/16/25
Good morning from PDX after a restless night returning from Iliamna, Alaska.
A couple of us were talking about the Lord and I mentioned our conversation was being recorded.
Malachi 3:16 “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.”
That is so awesome to think about. The Lord hears us when we talk with each other mentioning Him. He is so interested in our conversation concerning Him that it is written in a book. Will your, will mine, will our book be a novel or a short story?
Malachi continues; “And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serves him." :18 "Then shall Ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves Him not.”
Are you a servant?
Do I serve the Lord?
We are, if we talk to others concerning Him. There is a reward for those who speak about the Lord.
Malachi 4:2 “But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.”
What a wonderful promise. We are told that our every need will be taken care of if we serve Him, when we talk to others about Him.
In another place we read that Jesus came to serve and not to be served. Wow.
His thoughts toward us are more than sands on the seashore.
Think about that. We on occasion discuss with others, things concerning the Lord. Those are written down.
Perhaps a novel’s worth. Yet His thoughts toward us cannot be numbered.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
The Next Time You Pray
6/29/25
This Rambling comes from 30,000 feet as I make my way to Anchorage.
A few days ago, I read a prayer that was written by George Washington, which I have included at the end.
As you read the prayer you will be struck as I was at the humility that he approaches our Heavenly Father the Lord God Almighty, YHWH, the I Am that I Am, the Creator of heaven and earth. The One who descended to the earth and took on the form of a man. The sole purpose for this descending to the earth was to rescue mankind, you and me.
Speaking for myself, I don't very often approach God in a way that shows upmost respect and honor. He is the One who gives us life. He is the One who sustains our lives. Without Him we would not be. He through Jesus has set us free from the bondage of sin. We all have sinned, yet He took our punishment. He deserves all honor, glory and praise.
Solomon the wisest of men bowed before the Lord God. “Oh come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm95:6.
Paul in Ephesians 3:14 praying for the church in Ephesus; “For this cause I bow my knee unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul prays a beautiful heartfelt prayer for the church there and for the church today.
In his letter to the church in Philippi and the Church today he tells us; “That the name of Jesus Christ every knee should bow, of things is heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Philippians 2:10.
I know it is difficult physically for some to bow the knee. We can all bow our hearts to the One who loves us so much that He died for you and me.
Next time you pray take a moment to think on Who it is that you are praying to. The Lord God Almighty is His name.
Prayer written by George Washington - "O Lord our God, most mighty and merciful Father, I, Thine unworthy creature and servant, do once more approach Thy presence. Though not worthy to appear before Thee, because of my natural corruptions, and the many sins and transgressions which I have committed against Thy divine majesty; yet I beseech Thee, for the sake of Him in whom Thou art well pleased, the Lord Jesus Christ, to admit me to render Thee deserved thanks and praises for Thy manifold mercies extended toward me, for the quiet rest & repose of the past night, for food, raiment, health, peace, liberty, and the hopes of a better life through the merits of Thy dear Son’s bitter passion, and O kind Father continue Thy mercy and favor to me this day, and ever hereafter; prosper all my lawful undertakings; let me have all my directions from Thy Holy Spirit, and success from Thy bountiful hand. Let the bright beams of Thy light so shine into my heart, and enlighten my mind in understanding Thy blessed Word, that I may be enabled to perform Thy will in all things"........... George Washington
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
After the Dust Settles
6/25/25
Matthew 24:42-44, “Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the Goodman of the house had known in what hour of the watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken. Therefore be ye also ready: for in the hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
We are in the midst of a fight.
Wars and rumors are flying.
There is sickness and famine, the earth is quaking. In another place we read that the Lord doesn't come in the midst of fire and storm, but He comes in a still small voice. After the dust settles and things calm down, will we be as anxious for His return as we are in the midst of the turmoil.
We should be ready at all times for His return.
Are we allowing ourselves to be caught up in our own personal agendas.
Attempting to selfishly satisfy our earthly lusts and desires or are we putting those aside and desiring to be pleasing in His sight. When He calls us up to meet Him in the air it will be too late to change direction.
Each one of us has someone who is watching. Can we honestly say to them, “follow me as I follow Christ."
Are you watching for His return?
It could be today and if not today tomorrow.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
WAS HE SAVED?
6/18/25
During Friday’s Bible study there was a question concerning Nicodemus. Was he saved? That is a great question.
There seems to be a new buzz word going around "community". What if that question was asked of those in our community. Would there be enough evidence to convict us of being born again? Let's look at Nicodemus and see if there is enough evidence.
His story is seen in John 3. Nick came to Jesus at night. Was it because he was afraid of being seen talking to Him in the day? We don't know. What we do know, 3:2 Nick’s words; “Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”
Jesus goes into great detail concerning being "born again" and the importance of such an event. It seems as though Nick held Jesus in high regard. He wanted to know more. Verse 3:16 has probably been seen by more people than any other verse in the entire Bible.
Jesus also says to not believe is to be condemned. Jesus concludes His conversation with Nicodemus 3:21 “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, (that is he comes to Jesus) that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
Are our lives being lived in such a way that darkness has been overcome by light?
Was Nicodemus born again?
We don't read of his conversion, or being baptized. What we do know is when the Sanhedrin was considering what to do about Jesus Nicodemus said: “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” John 7:51
Nick is standing up for Jesus, we need to let Him speak for Himself. Nicodemus felt that if Jesus were given the opportunity to speak before the Sanhedrin, they might not be so fearful of Him. They were afraid that the people would follow Him and not be ruled by the dictates of their order.
How many of us want it our way? The Sanhedrin knew the "Old Testament". Remember Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin. Very learned men. Very religious.
Their "way" to heaven was by following rules and ordinances. That was not what Jesus was teaching. The way to heaven and everlasting fulfillment was through Him. Back to Nic. After Jesus death Nicodemus along with Joseph of Arimathea went to the tomb to prepare Jesus body for burial. That they did.
That is the last we read about Nicodemus.
Is there enough evidence to convict him of being "born again" of being a true follower of Jesus the Christ?
That is up to God.
He will be the judge.
What about you, what about me.
Are we born again, are we true followers of Jesus the Christ?
Was there a change in our heart, were we altered at the alter when we first asked Jesus into our lives? Do you remember the day you received new life. Since then, have you been walking in the light as He is in the light? Are we having fellowship with one another?
We desperately need to take a look at our lives. Are we true followers of Christ or are we just going through the motion?
If Jesus were to come back today, would you, would I be caught up to meet Him in the sky? All the riches all the self-satisfaction does not compare to the joy heaven will be.
We need to quit serving ourselves and start serving the One who exchanged His life for ours.
Jesus loves you, and me, this we know for the Bible tells us so.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Anniversary Edition – June 9, 2024
6/11/25
This is the message I sent out the day before Lauralee's "event". June 9, 2024 It is almost as if the Lord was preparing us for a time in which we would "know nothing but Christ and Him crucified". 1 Corinthians 2:2
Illustrations from Iliamna, Alaska - “Beloved, wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thou prospereth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:3-4
It's tough out there. The world is trying to rip us apart in every way conceivable. We slip, we fall, we bump our heads. What is important is we get back up. We get back up because a better thing awaits us as we stand steadfast in the love of the Lord.
If we like Paul keep focused on one thing. "This one thing I know is Christ and Him crucified". In these dark days the only thing that will sustain us is keeping our eyes on Jesus. As we do the things of this world will grow strangely dim.
He loves us so much that He willing took the punishment that we deserve. "It is finished" He cried. His work was completed. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Keep close to Him. Encourage one another. We will finish the race strong in the strength of His love.
Blessings, Dan
ONE YEAR LATER, June 9, 2025
Ramblings from the Rogue - One year ago today I was in Alaska. I was working on one of the boats used to transport fishermen up the river. Bill, one of the owners and a dear friend and I had been talking about prayer.
As I was walking back to the boat I was working on, I received a message, Lauralee was headed to the hospital as she was feeling very sick. I called home, talked with and prayed for her. About thirty minutes had passed and another call telling me to get home asap.
Bill contacted the local airline and made arrangements to get me to Anchorage.
I sent a message to many of you, "Lauralee has been taken to ER she had a heart attack it doesn't look good." Please be praying ".
For some reason it didn't go through. Alaska you know.
Bill got me to the landing strip. I hopped on the plane and for the next one and half hour I was shedding tears and talking to the Lord on my way to Anchorage.
The message finally got through. You all began praying. Some were a bit upset. “How could You allow this to happen you asked.” Others were just praying for a complete recovery.
There is so much that went on in a short amount of time.
The Medics had shocked her three times; she came back twice. It was determined that what they were doing would only prolong the inevitable.
They stopped CPR.
You know her, she is a fighter. John, our son noticed she hadn't given up, she was trying with everything she had left to stay alive.
After one hour of CPR, she arrived at Asante. They put on "rocket fuel" put in a breathing tube. And prayers were ascending.
Through this ordeal you didn't give up on the ability of the Lord to heal her. Neither did I. Family, Friends, those friends of friends prayed also. Your prayers were spot on.
Thanks be to our Heavenly Father your prayers were and continue to be answered.
During that twenty-eight-day period there were some real dicey moments. God intervened through the Docs and Nurses, and it worked out.
My heartfelt thanks to each one of you for hearing the call to pray.
You see I believe prayer is God's way of rallying the troops. He puts out the call, “Who will go with Me to tend this situation?” You heard and God answered. Buckets of tears were shed during this experience. Someday soon all those tears will be wiped away. No more sadness, no more heartaches, all the former things will be passed away.
The day is coming when we will be caught up to be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The day is coming when the trumpet will sound and we will meet our Bride Groom, Jesus, in the air. We will be reunited with the saints that have gone on before. What a day that will be.
In the meantime. When you feel the tug to join with the Lord. When you hear that someone is in the “need of prayer” answer the call. Be part of what God is doing in that person's life. Be part of what the Lord is doing.
Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to the earth to receive the punishment you and I deserve. Jesus willingly gave up His life for yours and mine.
Thank you again for your faithful prayers. Today Lauralee is doing well. One year ago today, we thought we might not see her this side of heaven. God had other plans.
Father, thank You for allowing my sweetie Your servant to remain here with us.
The Lord bless you, the Lord keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
There Is Coming a Time…
There Is Coming a Time…
6/15/25
Occasionally, we'll have a 100+ degree day here in the Rogue Valley.
Why do I, why do we seem to get overheated when it gets to that magic number one hundred. Ninety-nine is hot but not nearly as hot as one hundred or so it seems.
Here is the wonderful thing, air conditioning. When we get uncomfortable at whatever temperature we can cool off by going to an air-conditioned space.
There is coming a time when that option is no longer available. When the power goes out no more cooling. When we leave these physical bodies behind, where will we go? Will it be a place of comfort or a place of unquenchable heat and torment? Jesus seemed to speak more about hell than heaven. Why do you suppose that is?
In my considering that question I believe it was so that we would know exactly what the result of our choice would be. Heaven or hell is a choice that we alone must decide on. Jesus painted a clear picture of hell.
To illustrate the reality of hell, Jesus used the Valley of Hinnom, a detestable place near Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, the Jews rebelled against God by performing child sacrifice in this valley, particularly to the god Molech.
Mark 9:47-48. Prophets like Jeremiah condemned the valley for the idolatrous practices Jeremiah 7:31-32 and it was also defiled by King Josiah
2 Kings 23:10.
During Jesus’ time on earth, the valley was a public dump, a place where refuse was burned and the corpses of animals and criminals were thrown. Like Gehenna, hell is where all uncleanliness and death will remain.
Jesus also referred to hell as “outer darkness” and as “fire” Matthew 5:22.
Jesus doesn't want us to choose to go to hell.
His vivid accounts, His warnings and His sacrifice for us is a testament we should pay close attention to. He was willing to die in our place. To take the punishment we deserve. He stands before almighty God and declares our innocence. We are declared innocent if we follow Him. If we turn from our selfish sinful ways.
Satan and the world will say, don't worry be happy that sin is no big deal after all God wants you to be happy. What they say is partly true. God does want us to be happy. God desires that none should perish. We will not perish but have everlasting life if we follow His commands. What are we doing that separates us from the Love of God? He will not hear our prayers if we are living a life of sin.
Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
Time is short. Jesus is the Way.
Psalm 16:11 “Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Hear my heart on the matter.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
To Bind Together Pt 2
There Is Coming a Time…
6/5/25
If you’re anything like me, now don’t deny it. It is easy to say that we trust in the Lord. We say it with our mouth, but do we truly believe it in our heart?
That’s a tough one. How do we truly trust in the Lord? All I can say is that it is vitally important to start out each day asking the Lord to guide and direct our paths.
Many years ago, when our family was young our prayer was if we weren’t leading our kids as we should, Lord take us out of the way. Well, He didn’t.
What can I deduce from that?
He saw the direction we were taking our kiddos, the mistakes I was making, and He determined, I can use that to further My work.
We know He hears our hearts cry. Each of us has family members that are headed down the wrong path. They are messing up; they are missing the mark. If we think back a little to our younger years we can recall where we messed up where we missed the mark.
Hang in there gang. Paul in his letter to the Philippians reminded them that he, Paul was, “Being confident in this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
The Lord has started a good work in you, me too, our children and theirs also and He will see to it that when He call us home, we will be fit for use in His kingdom.
“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
It is up to Him to strengthen our hearts.
All mighty God the Creator of Heaven and Earth says to you and me and to our children and those closest to us; “Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:10-11.
God loves us so much that He saw it was necessary to come to the earth as a man, the Man Christ Jesus, to receive the penalty for our sins, to be beaten and crucified, to die a horrible death. He overcame death rising from the grave that you and I would be redeemed.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
To Bind Together Pt 1
6/4/25
“One thing have I desired of the Lord And will I seek after That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life To behold the beauty The beauty of the Lord To inquire in His temple The temple of the Lord”
These words come from Psalm 27:4. A Psalm of David.
David a man who seemingly had it all. A king and a warrior. Yet it seems as though something was missing in his life. There was an emptiness…
David starts the Psalm...
“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life whom shall I be afraid.” Psalm 27:1
I suggest that these are a couple of reasons that David is known as a man after God's own heart. David learned through experience that the emptiness was filled in seeking after the Lord.
David concludes this Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the Lord.”
Here the word wait is to look for, to hope, to expect.
Wait is derived from the Hebrew
kaw-vaw to bind together.
When we bind ourselves to the Lord, that is stay close to Him, receive from Him all He desires for us, we will dwell in His house forever and ever, Amen.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
NO MIDDLE GROUND
5/28/25
Memorial Day. This day was first recognized for those soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic who lost their lives fighting in the Civil War.
During the Civil War where families were torn apart, brother fought against brother. Slavery was one of the issues being fought over.
Today, one hundred sixty some years later we are fighting a similar battle. This one deals with slavery also. Families are torn apart brother is fighting against brother. Mothers and daughters aren't speaking to one another. You get the picture.
Micah 7:6 “For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth against her mother,...a man's enemies are the men of his own household.”
This battle is centered around the belief in Christ. Whether we will become slaves to sin or be set free from the penalty sin requires. Families are torn apart. This battle is one of a spiritual nature. Those who believe in Jesus Christ and the work He accomplished are pitted against those who do not believe. The irony here is there doesn't seem to be any middle ground. There is not any room to disagree agreeably.
Scripture warns of this division in the last days. Matthew 10: and Luke 12.
We must resolve to not be haters of those who don't agree with our belief in Christ. Jesus said to you and me, John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.”
One more thing. We have reached a point where there is bickering and squabbling amongst believers. This should not be. Satan will use division to keep us off the front lines. Don't engage in petty arguments, they only cause division.
Let us be united in our fight against the wiles of our enemy who seeks to destroy. Paul reminds us, “follow me as I follow Christ”. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Let us be those who do likewise.
Every day should be a Memorial Day remembering the One who gave His life for you and for me that we might have everlasting life.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
THE GOODNESS OF GOD
5/21/25
Think with me for a moment. If today God said to His Son Jesus the Christ, "Son go get Your bride." Would you, would I, would we be one of the faithful who rise up to meet Him in the air?
1Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Most if not all who read this have asked Christ for forgiveness and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. What about believing in your heart? Do you, do I truly believe the Words of Jesus? Are we living a life that points to the goodness of God.
“It is the goodness of God that leadeth thee to repentance.” Romans 2:4
You see in response to the Goodness of God; God sent His Son to die for our sins.
What else can we do except turn from our foolishness, do an about face on the sin that so easily besets us.
Hasn't the Lord been good to us?
He has done everything He said He would.
Love God hate sin reckon the old man dead.
Love God hate sin and by the Spirit be led.
Comfort one another other with these words.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship
He Seeks to Restore
5/14/25
Once again, my thoughts are turned to Mephibosheth. Many of you know the story of how he fell and became lame in his feet when he and his nurse were fleeing when she heard that Saul and Jonathan were slain.
2 Samuel 4:4 tells the story. Further in chapter 9 we read where David asks, “Is there not yet any of the house of Saul that I may show the goodness of God unto him?”
David a man after God's own heart.
David sought out any of the house of Saul. He finds Mephibosheth and restores all that was rightfully his.
There is One who seeks to restore all that was taken. You see way back in the beginning everything was perfect. That is for a short time it was perfect. There was no sin. Then sin entered by one man when Eve was deceived, and Adam did not intervene. What should have been was interrupted for about 6000 years or so. Then along comes the greater than David.
Jesus Christ came to set the captives free.
He came to restore what had been taken a long time ago.
Just as David kept his promise to Jonathon, Jesus has kept the promise made by God. Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6 “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light…For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden. and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian…for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
The goodness of God has been brought to you and I through Jesus Christ. What God promises, He has delivered.
We have been promised new and everlasting life if we put our trust in Jesus.
Trust in Jesus.
He will deliver us from the evil one.
Blessings, Dan
Dan Patterson
Pastor 55-Live Senior Group
Applegate Christian Fellowship