Paul wrote passionately about Jesus and His work of salvation.

Jesus drove money changers from the temple because of his love and zeal for his father's house.

John, the author of the revelation of Christ, had such a zeal and love for Jesus that he is the only disciple mentioned at his crucifixion. Jesus entrusted him to take in his mother and care for her for the remainder of her life.

Today, our zeal causes us to set up weeks of vacation to pursue a deer.

We will paint ourselves in different colors and stand in the cold for hours to follow our favorite team.

People will camp out for days before the release of the newest gadget, or waiting for a sale to begin.

Oh, let our favorite entertainer come to town and we are in line to buy their tickets.

These things, and people, have never done a thing for you, and yet we will chase after them like rabid little sheep.

My friend, we need to re-examine our priorities. Our zeal, our desire, our passion, should not be necessarily geared at a church, but geared toward God. He is the only one that loved us enough to give his only son that we might have eternal life. Jesus chose to die on our behalf, so great was his love.

We cannot attend church, pray, read our Bibles, or even reach out to someone because our own passion is not geared toward the father.

We as people need a passion injection to be able to complete the works the father has called and is calling us to do.

Jesus stated that his father's house was designed to be a house of prayer, and yet it was turned into a den of thieves.               

The Bible teaches us that we are a temple. Should we not be a habitation of prayer and praise? Or have we robbed God of the honor of being the object of our passion and turned ourselves into a den of thieves!

Get your priorities right, develop that zeal and passion once again for the one that created you. Be blessed.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Gear your passion toward God

In the Bible, Romans 16 verse 22 often is overlooked, but it holds great meaning.

It states, "I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord."

Paul often used a scribe to pen much of the letters that he wrote. Most notable of his scribes was probably Luke, the physician.

This particular passage tells us that, in this case, it was Tertius.

Some theologians state that this is probably another translation of the name Silas.  However, let us take this at face value and just declare it is Tertius.

During the salutation at the end of this letter, Paul writes of dignitaries crucial in his current ministry.

In the middle of this greeting is the name of a man, acting as a scribe, declaring his own greeting.

Why is this so important to us?

Simply put, no matter how small or mundane the task given, it will always be duly noted by God if obediently accomplished.

For all that I know, Tertius could have been a well-known man. He may have stooped well below his stature to provide this service for Paul.

Regardless, he has stepped into the annals of the Bible for his obedience.

My friend, God recognizes all of the things we do, large or small, when we do them in the spirit of obedience to His commands. Many times we feel that we should be doing greater tasks — whatever they are — because we are preachers, teachers or deacons.

I wonder, when we get to heaven and receive our reward, how many great pastors will stand before Christ, having done great works, only to find that had they been obedient — taken care of someone, said a kind word to them, or just included them in their inner crowd — they could have won the world.

Better to obey God joyously in the small things than to do great things out of disobedience.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Obey God joyously in the small things

Sometimes, it can be easy to say no. "No new taxes!" "No more utility rate hikes!" No to this candidate or that candidate.

But fighting temptations, especially when we can rationalize giving in to them, is difficult.

Jesus was confronted with three temptations tailor-made for him, just as ours are for us. On the surface, they sounded reasonable.

"If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread," the Devil said.

Yes, Jesus was hungry. On the surface, this temptation was for him to take care of his own physical need. But it went much deeper than that: namely, it tested his obedience and fidelity to God. If he created bread in the wilderness, Jesus would have engaged in an act of willful disobedience to God. Such behavior would undercut Jesus’ identity as the obedient, loyal son of God.

To the Devil’s temptation, Jesus said, "No!" He would stand firm in his obedience to God, no matter what.

The second temptation was to cast himself off the temple roof. This way, Jesus could prove he was God’s son by demanding God keep him from harm.

Again, Jesus responded with no. He was not going to intentionally demand that God prove himself. He was not going to prove his unique relationship with God by making a public display of himself.

The third temptation was to worship the Devil, and the Devil would see to it that Jesus controlled all the world's kingdoms. Jesus was being offered the keys to secular power. He would be seen as a hero.

Jesus responded again with "No!" Then he said, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him."

Stones into bread and a high-dive spectacle would have wowed the people. Restoring the people of Israel to God during his lifetime would have elated the people.

But it would have cost Jesus everything because he would have been disobedient to God. He would have been unfaithful to God. 

Saying no is sometimes necessary to say yes to following God's path. Jesus said no to the Devil because he already said yes to God.

In matters of faith, you can say no to this world's powers and principalities by saying yes to the ultimate power and authority — God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Fight temptations and follow God's path

While October was Pastor Appreciation Month, it's now November, and I would like to recognize a certain group of people in our churches. 

Many times, those who do this do not get the accolades they truly deserve, and are often referred to as having a "nice" ministry. 

Their hearts will be broken time and again, and they will see the miracles of healing and sweet tenderness mixed with unfettered anger and brutally honest statements.

For children and youth pastors, Sunday school teachers, bus drivers — any and all involved with our young people — you are my heroes. 

Having had the privilege of being a district youth director for several years, and seeing some of the finest and best out there, I appreciate all that you do. 

Our soul's enemy is after our families, and would love to stop today's young ones from realizing their full potential. 

Abortion is an example of such attacks.

 The heartaches and disappointment you see and feel are also the result. 

And that anger that comes from some people?  You have to spend a lot of time in prayer to fully minister to one child.

You see, when you win one adult, you may win a family, depending on the age. But to win a child and capture their imagination means to bring about change in an entire generation. 

What a difference. 

Again, you are my heroes, and you have this pastor's ear and attention. 

May God bless you deeply.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: God bless those who help children

2 Corinthians 5:18 and 19 says we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus came so He could be the bridge between God and man. 

In other words, man's atonement depends on the blood of Christ being shed at the cross. 

We have been given the ministry to bring our fellow man to an understanding of that atonement and to help bridge the gap that sin has placed in all of us to keep us away from the Father. 

We do this through the preached Word and by way of our example and lifestyle. 

If we continue in sinful acts and appearances, how can we help others reach the Father and get to know His great love and forgiveness? 

The truth is, we cannot. 

We must once again remember where we came from and what we once were.

We are forgiven — not perfect.

Watch our example, listen to not only the words that come out of our mouths, but the tone and the way we say them. 

Do we exemplify Jesus in all of our daily walk? 

We all fall short of the goal at times. Do not take that statement as an excuse to fall short, for if we would observe ourselves daily and allow Him to correct us, our path would be so much more victorious. 

In John 17:16-20, we find a prayer made for those who followed Jesus then, and for all those who would follow Him later. 

By reading His Word and allowing it to get deep within us on a daily basis, we can be so much more effective in our efforts to help bridge the gap between God and man, one person at a time. 

Don't just seek His will — do His will. 

Win others through your relationship. May God bless you.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Do God's will — don't just seek it

'Tis the season to be jolly — in September? 

I have a son-in-law who loves the Christmas season and decorating his home; he's already making preparations and testing sound equipment. His zeal and joy over this is exciting and, I must admit, contagious.

Incidentally, this is also the bow-hunting season.

It seems that everyone is preparing for something — a holiday, special event or retirement.

In the Bible, Noah was told to build an ark for a promised flood.

I can imagine God telling Noah it would rain — and Noah nodding along, all the while wondering what rain was! After God explained, the prospect of water falling from the sky must have been very frightening to Noah. (Editor's Note: Some Christians believe scriptures support the notion that it did not rain before the flood.) 

I can also imagine those around Noah, scoffing at his work to build the ark, stating that "rain" could never happen.

I believe that Noah and his family got a lot of grief for their belief, simply because others could not — would not — grasp the concept that water could fall from the sky, or even that God would destroy them for their wickedness. 

Still, Noah built the ark. God filled the ark with animals, and Noah's family, and shut the ark.

Picture those scoffers as they realized that what Noah heard had indeed come true; imagine their panic as they raced toward the ark with hopes of salvation.

I wonder if Noah and those inside heard the screams and pleas of rescue, the banging on doors and walls — the absolute terror of those who did not heed the cry.

Dear friend, there is coming a judgment from God's throne, and we have been given an ark of safety called salvation. We did not build it, but we embrace it. 

We may be accused of judging people, but we still must warn of sin's consequences and salvation's rewards.

To not  "push our beliefs upon others," as is often stated, is to show that we do not care for them. 

I've had the agony of being beside individuals who left this earth, screaming and begging to be saved from the stench, the flames, those things tearing at them. 

This sobering sight strengthens my resolve to do better to warn others. 

I have also had the opportunity to sit beside those who have accepted His offer of salvation as they too leave this earthly realm. Their bodies relaxed, they smiled and their hands reached out in joy. 

At that time, you can almost sense that someone greater has entered the room to lovingly take that person home. 

Christ, walking into the room, is who we seek.

Keep warning, preaching and testifying while you can. Stay prepared. Look for God, and take as many as you can with you. 

Be blessed. God does love you!

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Keep warning, preaching and testifying while you can

Legend has it that the Roman emperor Charlemagne asked to be entombed sitting upright in his throne when he died. 

He asked that his crown be placed on his head, with his scepter in hand, the royal cape draped around his shoulders, and an open text be placed in his lap.

That was in 841 A.D.

Almost 200 years later, Emperor Othello decided to see if the burial request had been honored. He sent a team of men to open the tomb and make a report.

They found the remains just as Charlemagne had requested.

And there, on skeletal thighs, was the text Charlemagne requested — this passage from the Book of Matthew: “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?”

Charlemagne wanted to pass on an important lesson: What good is all the power, prestige, wealth and position at the end of your life if the price is your soul?

No earthly possessions that people struggle to acquire and maintain do any good at the end of life. And because a person may have spent so much time pursuing “good things” in this world, and only engaged in a cursory pursuit of the things of God, this life might be enjoyed to some degree, but that person will be miserable for eternity.

Pursuing the things of this world means your soul will starve to death.

If you continuously search for the “good things” in this life, if you make a priority of security, ease and comfort, if every decision you make is based on what the world says should motivate you, you will lose everything of true importance. 

You will lose sight of the fact that God is your creator.

You will lose sight of the value of every person around you.

You will lose your integrity as a Christian.

You will lose sight of your own soul's worth.

Ponder this question: “How do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?”

Remind yourself constantly to pursue the things of God in Jesus Christ, not the things of the world.

By doing this, you will gain everlasting life in the eternal presence of God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: What if you gain the world but lose your soul?

Jesus says to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” But perfection — as the world understands it — is an impossible goal for anyone. Rather, we are to strive for God’s perfection.

God is completely consistent. He does not waver in what he says is right or wrong. He does not waver in his love for every individual in creation. He knows what he stands for. He does good in all things.

Jesus calls us to know God’s teachings and expectations, and integrate them into every fiber of who we are. We are called to be persons of integrity. We don’t behave one way when with one group of people, and then behave in a different fashion when with another group of people. Who we are, as Christ's disciples, is constant and consistent.

It is challenging — we may want to join in a bit of gossip; we might want to spread a malicious rumor; or we may laugh at a raunchy, sexist or insensitive joke. But these things disappoint God, and those who know we are Christ's disciples. We lose some integrity in their eyes.

During these times, sincerely apologize to those around you, confess to God and move forward. Strive to be a person of integrity, fully integrated in the knowledge, teachings and ways of God in Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Strive to be a person of integrity

As a child of the 1970s, we are labeled the apathetic generation. 

The generation before us was remembered for protests and riots. 

Protests against the Vietnam War were large, loud and vocal; even at times violent. The civil rights movement had massive numbers of people, including women, uniting under one banner of equality.

This generation stood for things they believed in.

Then came the '70s. The war was over, oppression became less noticeable, and our generation discovered the phrase "whatever." 

Many of us did not care. 

Nothing so single-handedly caught our attention, and was our biggest passion at that time — which thankfully was very short-lived — as disco.

 Now, we are well into our 50s, and wonder why this country is in such turmoil.

The apathetic generation tuned out. "Whatever" became the rule. 

Now is the time to change all of that.

In the Bible, Joshua showed us the way to capture our purpose and redirect our lives. He issued a challenge: Would they choose God and follow Him — or would they go another way?

He then directed a statement that should resonate off our hearts and minds and knock away the apathy from our lives: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Serve Him, stand for Him — loud, long and in numbers too numerous to ignore.

I am not talking about church as usual, but a personal relationship with our Creator. By recognizing our flaws and placing them under Him, we can have an immediate effect on our corner of the world. 

I, for one, do not intend to leave my part of the world without making a bold statement for serving Him. 

In our churches today, we talk about many things, but do we teach and act upon — even hold one another accountable — for our actions outside of those walls? 

Today's events have many proclaiming Christ's quick return, but why are we, as a body, not going full out to win as many as we can? 

Crowns await us for being overcomers, not bench sitters. These crowns are for soul winners, not those sitting in the pews shouting "Amen" and doing nothing.

If we acted as though we truly believed in His return, would we not seek His face continually and be praying for all those that do not know Christ and His redeeming grace? 

We should be able to see large numbers added daily to our churches, opportunities for others to win their families; friends becoming closer. 

Yet a generation is dying and headed for hell, for we will not stand up and live according to His Word and serve Him fully. 

Apathy is indeed a killer, but it is merely one symptom of a lack of love. 

Maybe we each should heed Joshua's challenge, and ask the Father to eliminate apathy in our lives, and act to change today's generation. 

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Eliminate apathy; change today's generation

Summer storms can pop up seemingly out of nowhere. 

You see a few clouds gather; you suddenly hear thunder; and the rain begins — hard. 

A pop-up storm may catch you while you're working in the yard. It may surprise you when you are on the river fishing. You may take a much needed "over 50" nap (they will get to you one day — after you turn 50, when you least expect them) and the crash of thunder suddenly awakes you.

Our Lord's disciples were in a boat upon the sea when a pop-up storm caught them. Lightning broke forth from the clouds; thunder rolled and the storm grew closer. 

On the opposite bank stood Jesus, looking at the storm, worrying for His children. There is only one way to reach them, so He begins walking on the sea. 

The boat is tossed around like a piece of driftwood, for that is what it has become to this storm. Facing their demise, the disciples cry out to God and continue fighting angry seas.

Looking out, they see a figure of a man walking toward them on the water. At first they are frightened, but soon realize this is not just any man; it is their master, Jesus. 

Peter calls out and the Savior answers, bidding him to come walk with Him. Peter does, but his faith is still weak, and he stumbles and sinks. Reaching down, Jesus pulls him out of the sea; together they climb into the boat and the waters calm. All are safe once more.

Are you a traditionalist who easily sees Jesus walking on the sea with no problem, unbothered by the storm? Do you picture Him being "gnarly," hanging ten without a board, falling off that big wave "just to save His bros, dude?"

I do not have a problem with either scenario. But may I share with you the vision of Jesus that I see and need?

I see the man, with eyes fixed and locked on me, knowing the storm is coming long before I saw it developing. 

Stepping on to the water, He has single-mindedly purposed to be my protector. 

He feels the waves crashing around and on Him; the sting of rain pelting on His face, and fierce winds howling in His precious ears. Picture Him fighting the elements, knowing He too has faced all that I am about to face; He presses on.

Amid my battle, He appears. 

Battle worn, touched by all that has touched me, he steps in to my life and causes the storm to cease to rage. 

I need a fighting savior; one who has been touched by disappointment and heartache, loss, and anything else life has to throw at me.

I need Jesus, the Christ; Son of the living God.

Perhaps you do, too. 

The Bible says He came to seek and save; why don't you help Him by making yourself available?

He can calm the storms, and will go against hell itself for your benefit, given the chance.

May God bless you.  Seek Him today.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Make yourself available for salvation