I am sitting here on a Wednesday night after our Bible study, just relaxing before calling it a night. 

My wife tells me to go ahead and write my column for this week. You know, just get up and out of the blue write your thoughts down and put them in an order that makes sense. 

After writing a column for six years in Walton County and the time here, apparently my wife thinks that "it just flows without any effort." 

Does she not know there is planning, praying, research —  all things that take vast amounts of time to make it sound feasibly sane? 

She has to be joking!

No, it really isn't all that hard.  You see, I have been doing this type of thing for most of my life. Writing plays, training material for different age groups, Sunday bulletins, having a book written and published, even some ghost writing for other ministers. 

I love it. 

As a young teenager, I had the privilege of proofing another weekly newspaper when others were too busy to do it. 

Putting my thoughts and opinions down on paper, in all of its various forms, is so much easier sometimes than trying to express myself with my voice.

In Psalm 45:1, the last part states that "my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

I can relate to that from this viewpoint: my pen is ready, therefore I write, and my voice is prepared to proclaim it.

Dear Saints, it should never be difficult to express our love for our Heavenly Father. God's Word is never so complicated that we cannot understand it when we would but learn to love it.

Loving Him and His Word may start out as a chore, but the more you read, as well as spend some quality quiet time with Him, the more readily the Word and the Father can communicate to you.

When this happens, then your tongue can be as the pen of a ready writer. We may not always get it right, our thoughts may come out as a rambling, we may feel inadequate in expressing how we feel.  However, the more we practice, the easier it becomes and, yes, it does flow oh so easily.

Take me to task.  Sit down with pen and paper and write what is on your heart. 

Tomorrow night, make it sound a little better. Add more to that thought. Do this for a week, each day, changing it to make it better. After you have corrected and enhanced it for a week, throw it away. Now rewrite your original thought.

You will discover your first draft was with your heart, which is what God really wants to hear.

May God's Word become a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path. Be blessed.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Write to God straight from the heart

Solomon —  considered the wisest man who ever lived —  could derive tremendous lessons for living simply by observing human behavior.

The book of Proverbs in the Bible has one-line bits of advice that contain mountains of food for thought. For example, in Proverbs 4 you find, “Guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”

This is true physically and spiritually. 

Physically, if the heart is not cared for by a good diet and exercise, it can weaken or become damaged. Stamina decreases; energy levels plummet.

Spiritually, the heart is the center of emotions. If care is not taken to protect it, melancholy, anger, hatred, bitterness and the like can creep in. Actions and reactions then stem from those hurtful emotions.

How can you guard your heart when it comes to your spiritual life? The Bible is full of recommendations for that.

If someone has something against you, go to them and try to make peace.

If at all possible, resolve your anger toward someone by the end of the day. Don’t let it fester.

Love your enemies.

Pray for people who don’t like you.

Love your neighbor.

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Give thanks and praise to God in all things.

Strengthening your heart physically will provide great stamina for enjoying the activities in life around you. You will be able to participate in more family activities, sporting events, walks in God’s creation and ministries of Christ’s church.

Strengthening your heart spiritually will give you greater enjoyment of the people around you, more sound and reasoned responses to life’s circumstances, and the desire and ability to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.

As the wise king said, “Guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Guard your heart physically and spiritually

In the book of John, chapter 20, Jesus makes Himself known to His disciples after His death, burial and now resurrection. 

To me, a key scripture seldom discussed is verse 23, where He states, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Many call this one of the hard teachings of Jesus, but in reality it is not. Forgiving another person's sins should be an easy task for those of us who have been forgiven much. 

Jesus provided forgiveness for us, and as a result we definitely need to learn to forgive. 

Matthew 6:15 states, "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

If we cannot forgive, we will not be forgiven — that is as cut and dried as it can be.

So how do we retain someone's sins?

By not making someone aware of sin in their lives, we do not give them the opportunity to seek forgiveness; therefore, we are retaining their sins. 

As a Christian, we should be committed to living and teaching an example each and every day. Our first priority in the morning as a part of our morning devotion should be to ask God to search our hearts and bring out everything in our lives that would hinder someone else. 

We have no excuse to not witness to others, and to even lovingly correct a brother or sister in a fashion of brokenness on our part. 

It is not a joyful thing to make a fellow believer aware of something that is wrong in their life. However, let others say when you are in error and be willing to learn from it.

Every day forces us to make judgments.  The devil has done a good job of telling us to not judge — so good that we will be silent and allow our neighbors, friends, even family members, to head right on to hell's gates without us once opening our mouths in love to warn them and head them away from that awful place. 

We need to be broken enough to realize that Godly judgment from us is designed not to tear down, but to bring life.

If we do our part, then judgment unto salvation, or condemnation, will be issued by God Himself.

Ananias and Sapphira knew the truth of who Christ was. Still, they tried to deceive God. Peter gave them the opportunity for repentance, but they refused.

Ananias and Sapphira died. Peter did not retain their sins; he gave opportunity to them. Their blood is on their own head.

If Peter had not confronted, or judged, them, and made the effort, their blood would be on his head.

Will you retain another's sin by being afraid of how they may perceive you? Or do you love them enough to take that risk that they might be forgiven?  

You and I have a choice: forgive or retain. Which will it be?

Pray about it.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Forgive sins or retain them — it's your choice

As the nation and church come to grips with the bone-chilling reality of the massacre at Mother Emanuel, lives will forever be changed and we seem to experience a period of disconnection.

Bishop A.J. Richardson calls the shootings “SAD” because indeed we are sorrowful, angry and dismayed. The resilience of our core has been rocked, but not moved.

On Thursday evening, June 18, I was attempting to give a comforting voice of reason and strength to Northwest Florida residents. However, through my passion and feeling of hurt for our brothers and sisters, the tenet of my message was completely distorted and cyber media took a headline and completely ran with it.

I would like to reaffirm my position of nonviolence and stricter gun laws: I do not endorse, and have never endorsed, bringing any weapon into any sacred house of worship.

I have been praying, and will continue to pray, for the strength and courage of all lives touched by this massacre.

I pray for Dylann Roof, his family, friends and supporters, because love and forgiveness must prevail and hate for anyone cannot do what love will do. We are a forgiving people, and we must spread love instead of hate and lies. 

Let me set this record straight: The pastor, nor any disciple of Mount Zion AME Church in Crestview, has never participated, and will not participate, in any violent activity or exercise any use of guns or violence during my tenure here. 

I have never used a firearm or encouraged a firearm to be used. I am always for peace to all mankind. The pastor and disciples of Mount Zion AME Church will go out of our way to give comfort, support, prayers, love and encouragement to all mankind. 

We believe that prayer protects, and that only prayer changes things and changes people. 

The bloodstain of the Charleston Nine will be forever etched in our hearts and minds as we will have to ponder security at multiple levels of work, church, or play.

The conversations of Confederate flags in South Carolina, gun control overhaul, or race relations must not be “swept in a corner”; we must work toward common good for all mankind. 

This shooting was not an isolated incident; this was a planned, heinous crime that has raised our level of awareness and asking, "Where do we go from here?"

 My voice is that there must be emergency plans in place but at no time would my emergency plans include any weapon of destruction. 

Jeremiah 31:3 says it best: “With loving kindness have I drawn thee.” Loving kindness effects the victory.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction…

"The chain reaction of evil — hate begetting hate; wars producing more wars — must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."

It is and has always been my desire to love, pray and treat everyone the way I would like to be treated.

 I have been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and lied on, but I know that I love, I pray, and I care about all lives and all souls. 

It is my intention to continue spreading love, prayers, praise and thanksgiving.

The Rev. D. Sinclair Forbes is pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Massacre of Charleston 9: Where do we go from here?

You've probably heard people say, “The church needs to get with modern times.”

Here are some discouraging statistics from the 1991 book "The Day America Told the Truth: What People Really Believe About Everything That Really Matters," by James Patterson and Peter Kim:

•Just 13 percent of the population believe in all the Ten Commandments.

•Nine out of 10 people lie regularly.

•Nearly 50 percent of married women and 60 percent of married men will have an extramarital affair.

•One-fifth of the nation’s children have lost their virginity by age 13.

•For $10 million, 7 percent of Americans would kill a stranger, 23 percent would become a prostitute, and 25 percent would abandon their family.

•Religion plays almost no role in shaping most lives.

•While 90 percent of people say they believe in God, just 20 percent have talked to a minister, priest or rabbi about a personal problem.

•Four in every five said they believe in an afterlife.

•Almost 50 percent believe they’re headed to heaven; 4 percent expect to spend time in hell.

These numbers are from 24 years ago, and I am sure matters have only gotten worse.

What we allow to influence our lives as individuals says a great deal about us. Some feel they are entitled to a certain lifestyle. Some believe no one has the right to tell them how to live their lives.Others believe living by Scriptures is the only way to live.

What many don’t realize is human beings need boundaries. There are reasons God set down commandments and expectations. People need to know what is acceptable behavior.

Otherwise, chaos reigns.

Some will claim they have a right to their own personal freedoms. But what happens when those personal freedoms step on another’s personal freedoms? Conflicts arise. And those conflicts can have dire consequences.

When we allow God to change us from the inside out, we develop a Christ-like character.

When we set our minds on the things of God first — no matter the pressing circumstances of life around us — we will develop the moral center to deal with each difficulty that arises.

The Spirit of God leads us away from the spirit of uncertainty — to a deeper understanding of our rightful place as children of God. The Spirit of God shows us how to live in harmony with others, even when we have to agree to disagree.

For life to have true meaning, there need to be boundaries. It cannot be “anything goes.” God’s expectations are the best ever. Live within them and find out for yourself.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Boundaries set standards for behavior, deflect chaos

The first sin began with just a simple bite.

Eve tasted forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, and the results were devastating. Innocence was lost.

Adam and Eve's purity of heart and life became a muddled mess that immediately caused them to want to hide from their Creator.

The world has continued on the path of sin with wars, perversion, lying, hatred and the list goes on.

All because of one taste.

Why does God not put a stop to it? In His wisdom, He had to give mankind a choice to love Him or refuse Him.

I do not like things associated with sin — child abuse, hatred, lies and the like. But I do have the choice to put up with those things or make something good come from them.

Without hate, we would not comprehend love. Without sickness, you have no healing. Without sin, there can be no forgiveness.

You see, the flip side is in the story — just a little further on.

We are told that when man recognized his nakedness, God provided a covering for him and the woman. To make this clothing of skin, some animal had to die. This is an indication of what it would take to cover this world's sins. The Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed the one true sacrifice that would eventually come about: the sacrifice of the true Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

All sin begins with a small sample: a first taste of alcohol; that first dip; giving in to various lusts of the flesh; and that first lie to keep from getting in to trouble.

We all have faced them. Not all will forsake these things, and they grow into a lifestyle of addiction, perversion, and in light cases become bad habits. We will turn from God, even try to reinvent Him and His intent to appease our conscience.

All because of that first taste.

We are called to taste of God and see that He is good. With just a simple gesture of talking with Him, we will see and feel the renewing touch in our lives.

He can not only cover us, but heal and change our lifestyle, regardless of the sin or sins.

Choose what you will follow: Him or sin.

Really, for me there is no choice.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Choose your path — Him or sin

A typical day of tournament fishing would go like this for me:

Motor upstream a long ways from the launch point. When you see the pine tree swaying with the current, approach it carefully. Lift the small tree up and pass underneath it.  On the other side is a small slough full of stumps, ready to destroy your engine. Carefully work through that mine field — in one piece, hopefully.

The river is down from the last time; that small tree you had to ease by to go further is now closer to the bank. Find a way to slightly tip the boat and side through it manually.

Now, the river opens up into a large area to fish in. Catch a few fish, eat lunch, and take a dip in the water.

Life can echo this pattern. You travel along a nice, easy path, and discover there are treasures ahead, if you are willing to get off the beaten path. 

Should you decide to follow the path of the Cross, there will be obstacles, like pride and self-reliance. Then it seems old pitfalls are always under the surface, waiting to destroy you, bit by bit. The way does not get easier; many trials will test your faith. However, if you stay the course and allow God to assist you on your journey, the rewards are endless. 

A refreshing dip in the Savior's presence will make the day a full and complete one.

This is one trip you do not have to come back from. The final destiny is not a weigh-in station; it's Christ's judgment seat.

An overcomer's crown is the final reward for those that persevere. What a great day that will be.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Spiritual 'overcomers' can expect one great day

My son-in-law, who recently returned home from a foray out west, shared pictures of some of the high-level cloud heads that they had to fly around. 

As a fan of weather, nature and, well, anything outdoors, I was fascinated by these images. The magnificent beauty, the serenity of billowing white clouds, all from a little over 35,000 feet up. 

Then you see the pictures from the storm's underbelly: lightning, high winds, trash being blown around, and torrential rainfall that washes away the land many times instead of healing it. 

Beauty and beast wrapped in one. 

My friend, I see many people who profess a relationship with God, and what I get to see on the outside is beautiful. 

What I do not see under those white clouds are these people's true actions; the words that come from mouths that are detrimental to others; the habits and lifestyles that may not be as they seem from my point of view. 

Perhaps life is not so sweet amid the storm we call life. Many are deceived by these clouds of indifference for their own brothers and sisters in the Lord. Allow me to speak to the heart of those who are genuine in their love for God, but misled in their activities. 

Loved one, listen to me.  Sometimes, we need to step back and look at the example by which we are leading others. Often, we do not realize the harm and confusion we are doing to others in our family, friends, and others that are looking to us for guidance in the search for eternity through Jesus the Christ. 

Paul said in Ephesians 4: beginning with verse 24, that we are to put on the new man, not hang on to the old.  He explains how we are to seek changes in our life as proof of our maturity in our daily walk with God. 

Your salvation is indeed a treasure that you need to guard. Let no one have it in their heart to not worry about church, or salvation, because they act just like you. 

I close with a warning in Matthew 18:6: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  

Let your testimony match up to your profession. The warning is His Word, not mine. 

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Let your testimony match your profession of faith