RAMBLINGS FROM THE ROGUE

Ramblings from the Rogue

4/22/26

shema - to hear

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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?

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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?

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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?

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.

How many times after hearing from the Lord...do we become a stumbling block?

Do our lives reflect a close walk with the Lord?

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?

We should be praying that we don't become a stumbling block.

Dan,

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

10/15/25

A powerful truth indeed.

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?

There was quite a wrestling match going on as whether to go or not.

It is time to get after it. Maybe I'll start with cutting brush. Should I go to the memorial or not?

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?

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?

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

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".

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

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

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Safe and Secure

5/7/25

2 Samuel 3:32 “And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. And the king lamented over Abner, and said, died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.”

What a story. Abner had fled to a city of refuge. As long as he stayed within the walls of the city, he was safe. Abner had gone over from being a soldier in Saul’s army to David. There was a dispute over Abner’s allegiance. Read 2 Samuel 3 for further details. As long as Abner was in Hebron a city of refuge, he was safe.

Here is an example for you and I. As long as we are in a place of refuge, we are safe from the enemy.

We have a place of refuge. Jesus covers us with His wings as does a mother hen when her chicks are threatened. As long as the chicks remain under cover, they are safe. As long as we stay under the cover the Lord provides, we too will be safe and secure.

Abner went to the gate and was slain. He didn’t even go outside of the city wall he was just in the gate. He became vulnerable because he didn’t stay within the walls of protection. He was being lured by his enemy his curiosity got him killed.

The lesson for me and perhaps for you is stay within the walls of protection provided for by Jesus Christ. The blood of Christ is that protection. We must, if we are to survive apply the blood of Christ to our lives.

When we do we become Holy as He is Holy.

Don’t even go near the gate stay deep within the protective walls that a loving relationship with Jesus provides.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

The Way It Had to Be – Pt 2

5/1/25

Love allows for a choice, otherwise it is considered rape. The Lord loves you and me so much that He gives us a choice.

Choose life, everlasting joy and peace or choose death, everlasting torment, “Where the fire is never quenched and the worm dieth not.” Mark 9:44

I can't get over that some would choose a moment of pleasure, self-satisfaction, self-gratification over an eternity of joy and happiness.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”1 Corinthians 2:9.

We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity. A new heaven and a new earth await for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior.

Let go and let the Lord live in and through you. If we do, when we do, we will realize that this world is not all there is. We will be reminded this is not our home, we're only sojourners. A wonderful, glorious sin-free eternity awaits those who do not allow themselves to be swallowed up in sin.

Sure, we fall from time to time. That will happen. What we mustn't do is become a slave to it.

Sin separates us from the love of Christ.

Confess,

Repent,

Return.

Jesus with open arms awaits our return.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

The Way It Had to Be – Pt 1

4/30/25

We know that God hates sin.

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Everything that has ever or will ever exist He created.

Sin is the absence of God.

God hates sin because of the effects it has on His children. We are His children every human that has or ever will be is a child of God. He does not want His children to live in sin because of the effects it has it has on them. Sin destroys.

In order for sin to be dealt with once and for all God determined it would be necessary to deal with it Himself.

Almighty God came to this earth, He became a man. He is Jesus Christ. Sin which results in death had to be dealt with.

A sacrifice for sin was needed.

It was necessary for blood to be shed.

This was the way it had to be.

Jesus Christ the God Man was sacrificed so our sins would be erased. Completely atoned for. If we are to be saved from eternal death, we must believe that Christ was that perfect sacrifice, that His death on the cross paid the price and that He rose from death.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Confess with your mouth, Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart.

If you do when you do, you will be saved.

Sometimes we need a reminder.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

To Know His Voice

4/23/25

There is story concerning a woman who had seven demons. As we know, the number seven denotes completeness. We know that Mary called Mag-da-lene was one whom had seven demons cast out by Jesus. We also know she had many infirmities. Luke 8:2. This Mary became a disciple of Christ following and learning of Him.

She is a very prominent figure in the New Testament. She was the first to visit His tomb. John 20:1 “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.”

She leaves and reports to Peter and John that He is not in the sepulcher. They check it out. They notice the napkin covering His face was lain aside folded. In Jewish etiquette when a person expects to return to a meal the napkin is neatly folded. If they do not expect to return it is tossed aside. In folding of the napkin Jesus is indicating that He would return.

John 20:11 “Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping.”

She sees two angels, they ask why is she weeping she replies, “because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid Him.”

Then she turns back and sees a figure standing in front of her. Here is where it gets beautiful. Jesus asks, “Woman, why weepiest thou? Whom seekest thou?”

She supposing Him to be the gardener asks, “Where have they taken Him.

Here it is, Jesus saith unto her, “Mary”. She now recognizes this figure to be Jesus Christ the one who had cast out seven demons and cured her of her infirmities.

I can only imagine the love that Mary heard when she recognizes the voice of her Savior.

She knew it was Him not by appearance but by His voice.

Would we recognize our Savior’s voice if He called our name?

Mary knew it was Him she had spent hours listening to Him. She was familiar with His tone; she was familiar with the affection with which He spoke. We will recognize His voice if we spend time listening to Him speak. He comes to us in the volume of the Book, speaking of the scriptures.

Get to know His voice, so when He calls your name, you too will say as Mary did, “Rabboni”.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Built on the Rock

4/16/25

Blessings to all. For a few days I have been thinkin’ on a scripture that causes me to be fearful. Oh, I know the Lord in His Holy Word tells you and I fear not, do not be afraid. 365 times we are admonished to not be afraid.

In Mathew's gospel verse 7:23 is a stark warning. Jesus words, “And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: departure from Me, ye that work iniquity. Speaking to those who find pleasure in sin.”

These words He spoke to those who had, cast out demons, who prophesied, who had done many good works in His name.

These are they who outwardly claim to be His followers but whose actions and hearts do not align with His teachings.

A few verses before this we read: but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

Are we doing the will of the Father? He tells us to follow the teachings of Jesus.

In Matthew 7:24 Jesus says to you and me, “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”

Is your house, is our house built on a rock? Are we firmly planted in His Word? Or are we one who is parading around and pretending to be His follower?

I am convinced that we need to be driven by this one fear, the fear of hearing, "depart from Me I never knew you".

Follow Jesus, do what He commands. When we do, we need not walk in fear.

If we do, when we do, we will be greeted by Jesus and hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

REASON

4/9/25

Reason, an interesting work. What do you mean work? For me, perhaps you as well, when we think the word reason it could take work to come to a reasonable conclusion why thus is so. You have lost me already. Me too.

That is why I am writing this so that I might better understand Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

There is a move that is sweeping the scientific community. Scientific facts based on consensus. That is to say if more than fifty percent agree with the hypothesis it can be considered reasonable. Currently the Scientific method is a bit more complicated.

Make an observation, create a hypothesis, attempt to disprove the hypothesis, if it cannot be disproven it is reasonable to conclude it must be truth. Criticism is the backbone of this method. Got that?

This new way of looking at a matter creates group think. There is an axiom, the researcher will agree with the one paying for the research. The old scientific method which has been the norm since the 1600’s is not based on who is paying for the research. Much of what we see today in science and that has spilled over to politics is, if you agree with me, I will agree with you.

Reason is based in evidence much like the scientific method. In my research I have turned over every stone possible and there is only one conclusion that I can agree with. The facts are in, every possibility has been examined there is only one answer that is true. Back to Isaiah 1:18. God in Isaiah chapter one is calling court in session. He is saying let’s look at the facts.

By the way, this was a time of great upheaval. Assyria was becoming the dominant power. We know of their exploits. Terrible barbaric people indeed. 185,000 Assyrians were outside the walls of Jerusalem. God through Hezekiah had declared Assyria would never take Judah. However, God was preparing Babylon who would capture Judah unless Judah turned to God.

Court is in session. God lays out what has occurred. He has treated them well, yet they rebelled. The ox and the ass know better than the people of Judah. The prosecution continues. Judah has done nearly everything possible to turn its back on Holy God.

The accusation is this, spiritual apostasy. They are doing the right things according to the letter of the law, but their hearts are in rebellion. Today we are in the same dilemma. We have a form of godliness, but we deny the power of the God the Creator of heaven and earth.

In :18 God is saying let us sit down and think this out. Like He did with Judah. Just like Judah we are guilty. God says there is a way to reconcile this matter. There is reason to believe it is so. God throughout His word has given us illustrations. If we do this, this will be the reward or the punishment. He doesn’t beat around the bush.

We are reminded over and over there is a way. Jesus is that way. The Blood of Christ will remove all our sins when we apply it to our life. There is a time coming when every tongue will confess.

There is also a time when it will be too late. Today is the best day to receive the forgiveness of sins. Apply His Blood to our life. In the old days it was the blood of bulls and goats that was used to cover the sins. Some years it worked, others it didn’t. What was the intent of the heart of the Priest who entered into the Holy of Holies?

God isn’t calling us to be perfect. He is calling us to receive the gift of the One who was perfect. His Blood poured out for the sins of the whole world.

Are we willing to receive what He was willing to give?

1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Reason comes with work. We have researched, we have asked the Lord to open our eyes, we have tried through our foolish actions to disprove the hypothesis. At the end of the day, we have every reason to believe.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Do Our Roots Run Deep?

4/2/25

Several times since we had high water, I have walked along the riverbank. The storm sent the river to over 10 feet which is 5 feet higher than it is today. And which is about 7 feet above normal.

What I noticed is that a lot of the soil was washed downstream. Rocks of all different sizes were left. The grasses that covered the riverbank are gone. There is a tree that should have washed downstream it wasn't. This particular tree fell into the river, and it was a group of 4 that were intertwined. Three are washed away.

This particular tree has held on.

It does show scars of being battered by material being washed downstream.

You see its roots run deep into the bedrock.

Some of the roots are as big as your arm, others are the size of your fingers. This tree has held on tight to an immovable object. Bedrock a solid mass of stone. As mentioned before there are many rocks of various sizes. They get moved around. Those rocks were held together by the soil that was easily washed away.

Here is what I am getting at. Do your, do mine, do our roots run deep? Have they found themselves working into bedrock? If so, we will be immovable when the storm rages and floods seek to wash us away.

What are we so deeply attached to that no matter how high the water gets we will not be shaken loose. God’s word should be the bedrock of our lives. When folks walk by us after the storm, they will see we were not moved.

Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings (storms) of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Storms will come and go. IF we are to withstand, we MUST be firmly grounded in God’s Word.

Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love.”

When Jesus dwells in our hearts we will be rooted and grounded.

We shall not be moved.

Draw near to the Lord and He will draw near to you.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Live Peaceably

3/26/25

Paul is his letter to the Romans in chapter 12 starts out with stating we as believers are to present our bodies as living sacrifices. We're not to be conformed to the world. Our minds are to be renewed. In that, we will prove what is the acceptable and perfect will of God.

And in Romans 12:18 Paul declares; “If it be possible as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount declares to us we are to agree with our adversary quickly.

It doesn't take me very long as I look out on this world, whether it be locally, on the state level, nationally or on a world scale to want to pick up rocks and hurl them at those whom I disagree with.

The point is we're to be peace makers.

Do I agree with everyone?

Absolutely not.

In many cases I hate what they are doing. However, I must not hate them.

God is going to judge. When we start judging others, we soon find out we are guilty of the same things. Somehow, we judge other's actions on a different scale than we use to judge ourselves.

You may remember a previous Rambling, it bears repeating. Romans 2:6-10 “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”

Let go and let God.

He will in due time judge all things.

Let us do our part.

“If it be possible as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 1:12

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Not Making It to Your Heart?

3/19/25

Most recently I have been wrestling with several issues. One that seems to be resurfacing is, why is this happening and what is the spiritual lesson to be learned. I would like to be able to determine what it is that I should be learning from that experience. If only I could get it on the first lap rather than the fifth or sixth.

For example. My truck was experiencing fuel issues. The gauge was reading incorrectly which led to running out of fuel. Fortunately, Shane was nearby and was able to get fuel for me. Unfortunately, he had to tow me to the shop. Only a couple of miles.

Doing a bunch of research I determined the fuel pickup/float needed replaced. Did that. Truck quit in front of Coastal Farm supply on the way to Bible study at 06:00. Had to get towed to the shop.

Fuel was getting to the engine but insufficiently. Finally figured it out. Fuel in tank couldn't get it to engine.

That was one.

Jonathan and I went snowmobiling. We were having a great time. Everything was working fine. At the top of Pelican Butte his machine quit as we were headed up a steep turn. We wrestled it around and headed it downhill.

Changed spark plugs checked other things, plenty of fuel. After several attempts it dimly fired up. Ok we're on the road again.

Down the hill we went. Doin’ fine. Got to bottom, Started for the parking lot. Yep, she quit. Tried to figure it out. Ended up towing a few miles back to the truck. Into the shop. Did a little research and found the pickup tube for the fuel was broken. Even though there was fuel in the tank it wasn't getting to the engine.

Number 2. What are You trying to show me Lord?

There is fuel in the tank, yet it isn't getting to the engine. After several days of trying to figure out what is the lesson here…

Could fuel be God's Word.

Could the engine be my heart.

Lord, are You telling me that even though my tank is full the Word isn't reaching my heart?

Many of us can quote scripture. We have our favorite verse or verses. We can share how God's Word has changed us in the past. That was then what about now?

Our head is full of knowledge about God's Word. Is that knowledge making it to our heart?

1 Corinthians 13:2 “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, love, I am nothing.”

Is the knowledge, fuel, stored in my mind, tank, making its way to my heart, engine?

Is your tank full? Yet is the engine sputtering? It might be the line to the heart needs to be opened.

Lord, open my eyes, open my ears, open my heart that I might be more like Jesus.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

We Have His Word On It

3/12/25

What an incredible sunrise this morning. We're usually up at 5:00 am.

This morning it was 4:00 daylight savings you know.

Well, it started out very, very dark. Then ever so slightly a change could be seen coming out of the east. A very light pink and as the minutes ticked by more pink all across the sky north to south. There was a buttermilk appearance also. Like the sky was starting to curdle.

We know from experience this points to, what some would call bad weather, not me I like a good storm. A storm has a way of cleansing.

We're told in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus speaking to the learned men of the day. How was it they could predict the weather by looking at the sky yet did not know the signs of the times. The Message puts it this way. He told them, “You have a saying that goes, 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning. ' You find it easy enough to forecast the weather—why can't you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders.

The sky has lost its beauty, becoming a dull gray. If you had not been watching, waiting, anticipating you would have missed it. So too those who were desiring a "sign" missed the very sign that was in their midst. Jesus and the Prophets had told them what to expect. Yet they ignored them.

Are we ignoring what Jesus said would be occurring prior to His return? Gang, don't give into your fleshly desires. Satan desires to sift us like wheat. He wants to destroy each of us. He does this using lies and accusations. Don't fall into his trap.

Jesus is coming back we have His Word on it.

Jesus speaking, John 14:2 “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there you may be also.”

Paul tells us in Romans 1:17-32. To be aware of the times. And how to live. Skipping down to Romans 2:7 “To them who by patience continuance in well doing seek glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. :8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.”

When we find ourselves enjoying and clinging on to the things spoke of in Romans 2:17-32 everlasting evil waits.

We know Jesus has provided a way for you and I to escape the wrath to come to those who reject the Love of God through Christ Jesus.

Romans 2:4 “…the goodness of God leads thee to repentance.”

Are you, am I, are we headed in the wrong direction? Today is not too late to turn around and head back to Jesus. He has saved us. Don't let the dark sky overtake you.

Your Heavenly Father asks us to follow Jesus.

This earthly father asks you to follow Jesus.

Your eternal peace and happiness depend on it.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Hope or Despair

3/5/25

How ya doin today? How was your week?

If today is like last week, we'll get through.

Are our days full of hope or despair?

Perhaps a bit of both.

Sometimes we get down and it's hard to get back up. It is too easy to get self-focused.

How am I doin’, why can't I get ahead, why don't they like me? Me...me...I...I...I.

When we take a look around, we see a lost and dying world. The world in general has a broken compass. If we could put on our spiritual wings and fly high above and if the world were flat, we would see battles raging everywhere. With our spiritual eyes open we would see battles within each and every person. There is an ongoing battle for our souls.

The hatred we see being played out before us is inspired by the father of hatred and lies. Satan would have us believe that there is no Savior. Oh, he isn't worried about us knowing God exists. He knows only a fool would not believe God exists. His concern is that we would believe in Christ Jesus. Only those who believe on and accept His life, death and resurrection will be saved from an eternity of aloneness.

We have all been called sinners over and over so much we have become used to the accusations and have shut them out.

We might feel safe in knowing God. Again, that isn't going to get you, me either to heaven. Belief in Christ and what He accomplished will.

My heart aches for those who are making a decision to turn their back on Christ and walk away. Perhaps they believe no one could forgive their trespasses and sins. Perhaps they do want to give up their lifestyle. Perhaps they feel unworthy.

None of us are worthy.

God will make a way for us to get out of the mess we are in if we turn to Him. We all deserve hell. That is just the point even though we are not deserving, Jesus with outstretched arms is welcoming you and me to be His friend, to be His bride.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou will be saved.” Acts 16:31 Romans 10:9

Look to Jesus receive from Him.

Maybe you have Jesus in your heart if you do then this isn't for you. There are many in our circle that need to hear. Time as we know it is drawing to a close. Share Jesus' Love with others.

“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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”

John 3:16-17

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Encouragement

2/26/25

Last Sunday I had a chance to pray

with a young man. After a bit of encouragement, we went to the prayer room. He was down. Recently had his hours cut at his job, his car is acting up, single parent house. So much in the negative column.

His Grandpa is trying to encourage him as is the way with a caring, loving Grandfather. We want our Grand-children to do well. Sometimes our encouragement can be misinterpreted. God finds it necessary to encourage us from time to time.

“But made His own people to go forth like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And He led them on safely, so that they feared not.” Psalm 78:52-53

“For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isaiah 28:26. There are many other verses of encouragement.

This young man is searching for who he is, where he belongs, what will the future hold, and a bunch of other questions that are so, so important to a young man of 18.

My encouragement to him was hang in there. God has a plan. Knock on doors. Hang out with God’s people. My prayer was that he would reach out and grab hold of the hand that is reaching down to him.

This is a similar situation that is close to home for me. We have kiddos who know the Lord. Who have walked with the Lord, who have faced challenges, some have swam out others are treading water.

We cease not to pray for each and every one of them. I believe God who has started a good work in each of them will complete it. I believe that because God Himself declares it to be so.

A side note: for those who are treading water all they need do is stand up. The water is not that deep.

We parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters should not cease to pray.

Ephesians 1:14-20 “After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”

Let the Lord reign in our hearts. Give Him all honor and glory. He loves us so much that He came to the earth as a man. He, becoming the perfect sacrifice for sin, died, was buried and rose from the dead that He might rescue us from sin.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Words Are Not Enough

2/19/25

This morning as I look out, I am awed by the________of God. The blank was intentional. After some time of trying to describe God in terms of His Majesty I find I can't.

God the Creator of the universe and everything that is within it. Philippians 2:5-7, “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.”

There is a song,

"Listen to Our Heart".

If you can find it on your phone and let the words sink in. If not here are the words to the song.

How do you explain

How do you describe

A love that goes from east to west

And runs and deep as it is wide?

You know all our hopes

Lord, you know all our fears

And words cannot express

The love we feel

But we long for You to hear

Chorus: So, listen to our hearts

(oh, Lord, please listen)

Hear our spirits sing (and hear us sing) A song of praise that flows

(a simple song of praise)

From those You have redeemed (from those You have redeemed)

We will use the words we know

To tell You what an awesome God You are

But words are not enough

To tell You of our love

So, listen to our hearts

Verse 2: If words could fall like rain

From these lips of mine

And if I had a thousand years

I would still run out of time

So if You listen to my heart

Every beat would say,

Thank You for the Life

Thank You for the Truth

Thank You for the Way.

Words are not enough.

If you're anything like me a tear or two appeared on your cheek.

Let go, let God overwhelm you with His Love.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

They Would Not Believe

2/12/25

Only a couple of times do we see Jesus weeping. Jesus had just entered the city of Jerusalem and was headed to the Temple. He was standing on the Mount of Olives.

Luke 19:41 “And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it.”

Jesus goes on to say if the people had known who He was they would have peace. But they wouldn't. He tells them the city will be torn down and not one stone shall be left unturned.

A dire warning.

Even though they should have known who He was. The prophets had told them of the very day He was to enter Jerusalem. They would not believe.

Matthew 23:37-39 quotes Jesus: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often have I gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

Jesus weeps because of the folks who will not accept the protection He offers. He was willing to give up His life so that we would have eternal protection from sin. Sin destroys. It eats away at us until nothing is left.

Gang, seek shelter under His wings. Jesus says, “Come unto Me all who labor and who 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Satan seeks to destroy us. He is cunning, he is a liar, a cheat, a scum bag. He uses deception in an attempt to cause us to turn our back on Jesus and what He did for us.

Don't fall for his lies, don't fall into his trap. What he offers is an eternity of wailing, gnashing of teeth, where the fire is not quenched and the worm dieth not.

Jesus offers an eternity of peace and joy.

Follow Jesus.

Listen to the Holy Spirit He is speaking to each of us.

Don't shut Him out.

The Spirit of God speaks only truth.

The spirit of the anti-Christ speaks only lies.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Brought Before Him

2/5/25

Mark 2 is a very interesting and powerful story.

As we read this account, which part do we play?

Are we the palsied man or are we the friend?

“1 And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them. And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?’

And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, ‘Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the pals), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw it on this fashion’.”

Are we willing to take our friend, perhaps a family member, and bring them before the Lord?

These men were willing to go to the extreme. Tearing off a roof was not an easy task. Who would pay for the repair or clean up the mess. Lowering him down would cause quite a commotion. All this was inconsequential when compared to the result.

These had known of the great power Jesus exercised. It was their faith that Jesus saw and because of their faith this man's sins were forgiven and he was healed.

Who was it that brought you or me before the Lord? It was their faith that made us whole. Faith the size of a grain of mustard seed. Jesus says if we have even a little bit of faith nothing is impossible. Of course, our faith must be in line with Him. His thoughts toward us are of good and not evil.

Which one are we?

At different times we're both.

When brought before Him our sins are forgiven.

Whom do you know that needs to be brought before Him?

Perhaps we need to spend time in His presence.

Do not cease to pray.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Who Do You Say That I Am

1/29/25

Jesus just had an encounter with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They had tempted Him, desiring He would show them a sign from heaven. He replied that only a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign. We see that today.

There were two thieves on either side of Jesus as He hung on the cross.

Luke 23:39 "And one of the criminals which were hanged railed on Him, saying, if thou be Christ, (the Anointed One, the Son of God) save Thyself and us."

This criminal was asking for a sign like the Pharisees and Sadducees.

This criminal did not believe this was Christ. He did not fear God. He received his reward, being cast into outer darkness. The other criminal confessed Jesus was Lord. He knew they both were guilty and deserved punishment. He also knew Jesus had done nothing wrong. And did not deserve to be punished.

This man said unto Jesus, "Lord, remember me when Thou come into Thy kingdom."

Jesus said, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."

This man acknowledged that Jesus was whom He said He was. He believed He was and called Him Lord.

Jesus speaking to His disciples:

"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"

"Some say John the Baptist: some Elijah; others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Jesus said to them, but whom say ye that I am?"

Hebrews 1 tells you and I, "God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. (That is to say in times past He spoke to our fathers through the prophets)."

"In these last days, (the days we are living in) He has spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds. Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, (He received the punishment that we deserve thus declaring us not guilty) sat down on the right hand of Majesty on high."

That is Whom the writer of Hebrews declares Jesus Christ is.

Whom do you, who do I say that He is?

Does this sound familiar? It should.

Every day we should ask ourselves, whom do we say Jesus Christ is. Is He Lord or just one of the prophets. If He is Lord, then we will follow Him.

If not, we will join the first thief who denied He was the Son of God, spending eternity in outer darkness.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

He Simply Believed

1/22/25

“You have heard it said, that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9.

Why must we complicate what is uncomplicated?

It is so simple even a child can understand. That is just the point. We are told to have childlike faith and elsewhere we are told to have faith the size of a grain of a mustard seed.

I know that we know these things. We have heard them many times.

For me I can't be reminded often enough that it is not complicated. So often we think there must be more to salvation than simply confessing and believing. Jesus said, "if you believe in God believe also in Me".

“Only a fool has said in his heart there is no God…” Psalm 14:1 Creation itself reveals that there had to be one who created all we see around us. Romans 1:20 “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3

That is to say we can't see what it is that holds everything together. All we see was spoken into existence by God, Elohim.

My Grandfather was, by worldly standards a successful man. He worked very hard. The fruits of his labor were many. He owed his success to having sold his soul to the devil. His words, not mine. A year before he left this world, he had been ill. I was concerned where he would spend eternity. One day I asked him if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart he replied, "No".

"Would you like to", I asked.

"Yes". And he did.

He confessed with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. Believing in his heart he experienced it until he went to be with the Lord.

He simply believed. He is in heaven for eternity. He simply confessed, "Jesus is Lord".

A reminder for us to share the simple Gospel. Don't make it more complicated than it is.

Hang in there. The storms will rage. We will make it to the other shore because He is in the boat with us.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there's just something about that name.

Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim.

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,

But there's something about that name.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

That Still Small Voice

1/15/25

How many times do we find ourselves in a place we never intended to go?

As we look back at how we got there it was a wink and a nod. It's no big deal.

I will be careful, we say to ourselves. We have a dozen reasons to justify our actions.

We have heard that still small voice within.

We have heard, stop, don't go there, turnaround.

Yet we again have justified our charging ahead. At some point we find our choice to block out that still small voice has led us into a mess. That was a waste of time, that was a waste of resources. That was stupid. We shake our head in disbelief. We justified our actions because all along we thought the outcome would justify the means.

How many times will we repeat that same mistake.

Some would call it insanity.

Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome.

Ignoring that still small voice will always result in the same outcome.

Paul one of the Apostles was a very wise man. He spent 3 years in the desert with Jesus. In that short period, he learned a lifetime of lessons.

Here is just one: In Romans 7:15 Paul speaks about doing what he knows he shouldn't and not doing the things he should. In Romans 7:24 he declares he is a wretched man. Romans 7:25 he thanks God that through Jesus Christ those sinful things have been overcome. We are reminded that we can do right if our mind is fixed on Jesus.

Further in Galatians 5:16 Paul declares, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill 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 we would.”

Listen and obey that still small voice.

The still small voice is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily obeyed, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Be led by the Spirit.

As much as possible do that which is good.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Our Creator Cares

1/8/25

“How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.” Psalm 139:17

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

“He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. “Isaiah 40:11

“When I consider Thy heavens, they are more work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man, that Thou visitest Him." Psalm 8:3-4

Who is this that Isaiah, Jeremiah and David are speaking of?

Isaiah answers that.

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and compre-hended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity.

To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.

Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth the princes to nothing; He maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and He shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.

Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:12-31

God, YHWH, the I AM that I Am.

It takes my breath away to know that God the Creator cares for you and for me.

He loves us so much that He became a man, the man Christ Jesus, and dwelt among us. Becoming the perfect sacrifice. That through Him we might have life everlasting.

He loves us, oh how He loves us.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Religion vs The Gospel

1/1/25

From time to time there is a portion of God's Word that needs very close examination. You know something that hits you right between the eyes. Such is Paul's letter to those at Colosse. Here he is reminding the folks anything less than the Gospel according to Christ is a lie, is heresy. Anything is permissible as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else, is a lie that will lead one to everlasting torment.

Today we hear that everywhere. There are those who maintain all roads lead to heaven, all religions are equally valid. As far as religions go that may be so.

Religion is not the answer it is "Relationship" do you we know Jesus Christ on a personal basis. Do we hear the words He is speaking to us? Take the time to read today's message, let it sink down deep inside. Rejoice that Jesus Christ is the Way, what Jesus says is the Truth and He is Life.

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” Colossians 1:3-23

That says it all. Praying that your days are filled with the joy of knowing Him and believing in Him. He is the Way, He is the Truth, in Him is everlasting Life.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Doubt Had Crept In

12/25/24

Once again, I want to bring our attention to John 3:16. “For God so loved the world...”.

The world a place originally designed for man to inhabit and be at peace. Then that same man fell for a lie that has plagued mankind since that fateful moment. Doubt had crept in. “Yea hath God said?” That seems to be the question that causes doubt to creep into our lives.

God’s word is pure. No ifs, no ands, no buts. We can find no fault in His Word. We know that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God became a Man, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah.

In John’s Gospel Jesus is referred to as the “I Am”. Do you recall when Moses asked God what His name was, He replied, I AM THAT I AM. John is reminding us that Jesus is also the I AM THAT I AM.

Have you, have I, thought on the enormity of that declaration?

Almighty God Creator of heaven and earth and everything that dwells therein came down to a place filled with sin and depravity. We know God hates sin for what it does to His children.

By the way we are His children and someday soon we will become the bride of Christ. We were not created to live a life and spend eternity in a place where He is not. We were created to bring Him glory. I think He is glorified when we choose to accept Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

John 3:16 continued: “…that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Christmas is the time to consider what the birth of Christ has done for us, for you, for me. He is our hope. We celebrate His birth, we celebrate His sinless life, He was the spotless lamb, and we mourn the horrible torture that eventually led to His death. It is His death that brings us eternal life.

Do you, do I believe in Jesus?

“Lord, search our hearts see if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

We believe. Help our unbelief.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

DO THEY KNOW YOU BELIEVE

12/18/24

There are a few scriptures that most people have read or heard. Perhaps it was at a wedding, a funeral, a sign in the end zone, eye shadow on a player’s face.

"For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. That is likely the verse everyone in the western world has seen or heard.

A couple that are nearly as familiar are Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt believe and be saved.”

John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, you may be also.”

John was writing the things Jesus said. Paul in Romans was speaking concerning what the Prophets had told.

Where do we stand as it concerns these scriptures?

Do we believe?

Thomas said he would not believe unless he saw the nail prints in His hands. Thomas saw and spoke, "My Lord and my God".Thomas believed after he saw the nail prints. Jesus went on to say, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and yet believed."

I know you believe, you know you believe, do they know you believe?

They, those whom you have contact with. Friends, family, neighbors.

Now is the time to stand up and be recognized as one who "believes".

Matthew 10:32 where Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

In these last days we should be not giving into our fleshly desires. We are near the finish line it is time to give our last burst of energy that we might finish the race strong.

When we stand before the Judge will there be enough evidence to convict us of believing?

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

NO THANKS, I’M FINE

12/11/24

Recently we have seen an upsurge in illness. How many of our folks have been inflicted with some sort of medical issue? And as often happens spiritual doubts creep in also. How often do we quote scripture to help them get their mind off their infirmity? I wonder how often our attempts at bringing some relief are met with wa wa wa wa wa.

That might be how the physical part of our being receives scripture. They are sick, perhaps miserable with no end in sight. God’s Word the Scriptures are chock full of reasons to be hopeful.

What if the physical part of us was not fully receiving God’s Word. What about the inner man our spiritual side? What if that part of us was being encouraged, nourished, given hope?

Think with me. We're hot, dry, thirsty, someone comes along and offers us a glass of water. How many times have we refused to be refreshed? For me a prideful man would respond naw, no thanks, I'm fine. I don't want to appear weak and in need. I don't need help lifting that heavy load. We are a prideful lot.

Here is what is important to remember. Matthew 25:34-40 “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”

When we visit the sick, the imprisoned, when we lend a helping hand, when we share Gods Word, we are reaching out to Gods children, and we are reaching out to Him.

Their flesh may not respond to the Water, but their spirit will be refreshed.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson Pastor 55-Live Senior Group Applegate Christian Fellowship https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

Feeling Forsaken

12/4/24

Yesterday an Elder and I were called to visit a man who was in deep despair sobbing. I have known him for 20 plus years. This condition has been ongoing for much of that time. A month or two of going fine and all of a sudden, he is slammed down seemingly with no connection as to why.

This condition can continue for months at a time. He knows the Lord and knows how much he is loved by Jesus. Yet he has these bouts of bitter sadness. He cries out for mercy. He asks, "where is God"?

We felt powerless to console him.

Here is what I do know. King David found himself often in a similar position. "Why has thou forsaken me"? David would cry out.

As you read his accounts, his life had mountains of joy, happiness, fulfillment.

Conquering enemies.

Being led by God.

Followed by valleys of despair and loneliness.

Feeling cast out and lost.

I had to tell my friend, I had no idea what he was going through, but I know a Man that went through a similar time in His life. Jesus cried out, "Eli, lama sabachthani", that is, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?"

Jesus and David both felt rejected and alone. Jesus had to go through His lonely despair seemingly forgotten. His journey was to save you and I and my friend from an eternity of wailing and gnashing of teeth, where the fire is never quenched and the worm dieth not.

David's journey was so at the end he would realize that God was always there and he kneweth it not.

Gang Our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is right beside us no matter what. David said if he made his bed in hell, the Lord would be by his side.

When we feel alone and forsaken, destroyed, with no hope, remember the Psalmist also felt the same way. He wrote in Psalm 147:1 "Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God". :3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

He opens prison doors; He is able to deliver us from our despair.

Several times David reminds himself and us, "Praise the Lord."

When we praise the Lord the things of this earth grow strangely dim. He is glorious, He is gracious, He is love. He is right beside us. "Lord open our eyes we want to see Jesus.

Reach out and grab His hand, He is reaching out to you.

Blessings, Dan

Dan Patterson

Pastor 55-Live Senior Group

Applegate Christian Fellowship

https://www.applegatefellowship.org/

walkingbyfaith.us In the Sunset of Our Lives Yet On the Dawn of Eternity

ramblings from the rogue

STARTING WITH CURRENT DEVOTIONS - CHECK THE DATES ON 2-3 PART DEVOTIONS TO GET IN RIGHT ORDER

Ramblings from the Rogue

shema - to hear

we celebrate the rising of our lord

we celebrate the rising of our lord

are we paying attention?

rocks

Is Your heart warming up?

Is Your heart warming up?

listen to the voice of our father

Be led by the spirit of god

protection from wolves

protection from wolves

i found the cure - praise hiim!

our sins are removed

connecting with one another

connecting with one another

what makes him so special

am i really going to heaven?

Where We Spend Eternity Depends Upon It

Where We Spend Eternity Depends Upon It

The finish line is in sight

I resolve to be more like christ

The Christmas Gift of Forgiveness

The Christmas Gift of Forgiveness

feed my sheep

no matter how far we've strayed

The last drop of blood fell

The last drop of blood fell

To Be Filled with God

the lord will fight for you

are we a stumbling block?

are we a stumbling block?

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

God’s Word Left Unopened

Lamps Filled - Wicks Trimmed

Lamps Filled - Wicks Trimmed

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

that is kindness

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

all the goodness of god

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

all the goodness of god

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

that is kindness

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

all the goodness of god

A Dilemma: What to Do-What to Do

all the goodness of god

It Is Not Too Late...

we can learn from our mistakes

unchained and set free

unchained and set free

on the seventh day

blessed is he whose sin is covered

blessed is he whose sin is covered

blessed is he whose sin is covered

If We Walk in Truth

If We Walk in Truth

reflecting his glory

When our connection comes loose

When our connection comes loose

When our connection comes loose

REMIND ME, DEAR LORD

REMIND ME, DEAR LORD

what garment will we wear?

Those Who Speak About the Lord

The Next Time You Pray

After the Dust Settles

WAS HE SAVED?

Anniversary Edition – June 9, 2024

There Is Coming a Time…