The Special of The Day...From the Orange Moon Cafe

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Orange Moon Wednesday, July 22, 2026 "Access"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

“Access"

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Grace, the freely given favor of God in the Lord Jesus Christ, ever awaits born again believers. Our Heavenly Father will always be and do all we require, and superabundantly more, according to His glory, understanding, wisdom, and purpose, of course. Will we avail ourselves of such grace ever available, but which may or may not be obtained. “Ye have not because ye ask not” (James 4:2).

The matter involves remembrance, awareness, and the faith that chooses to believe the numerous assurances of Scripture that our Lord is who He is, and does what He does. Is He the “I AM” the Bible declares? Is He faithful to His “I will do” also proclaimed by His Word? (Exodus 3:14; 20). Certainly He is, as we have all discovered over and over again. Further experience of such grace depends on God continuing to be who He is and do what He does. This is, of course, eternally assured - “I am the Lord. I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

Whether we will avail ourselves of the grace that ever awaits, however, is not so certain. Consider the matter(s) at hand of our present experience. Have we “come boldly (confidently) to the throne of grace for God’s help in this “time of need?” Have we returned as often as necessary, considering faith affirmed will not go unchallenged in this present lifetime? “I’m back, Lord, to reaffirm my confidence and to be strengthened by the communion with You that keeps me taking one step after another of this “walk by faith” as by Your grace I “fight the good fight of faith” (II Corinthians 5:7; I Timothy 6:12). Does this moment find us walking and fighting regarding whatever tempts and challenges us?

The throne of grace and its glorious and faithful Lord of grace ever await our approach. The Spirit of God moves upon us and within us to motivate and enable our access. We play the vital and necessary role of response. Faith does not simply just happen in our hearts. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee” declared the Psalmist of access to the mercy and grace that awaits at the throne for all who trust the Lord Jesus (Psalm 56:3; emphasis added). Will we avail? Will we access? Will we “come boldly?” May we respond to the grace that beckons from the throne, in order to find the grace that provides, strengthens, encourages, comforts, and forever abides in abundant availability and faithfulness.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.”

(Isaiah 12:2)

Weekly Memory Verse

"They which receive abundance of grace and of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

(Romans 5:17)

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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Orange Moon Tuesday, July 21, 2026 “The Message You Will Never Read"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

(a repeat from 2013)

“The Message You Will Never Read"

I wrote a message yesterday that, upon reflection, I realized to be little more than a rant. I therefore chose to not foist upon you that which fails to meet the test of Biblical communication and ministry.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).

I believe the thoughts I expressed in the essay to be true, and I am confident of my analysis and interpretation. Moreover, I believe that Christians must express the bad along with the good if we are to faithfully declare the truth. “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 511). The Bible does not fail to expose and warn, and we do ourselves and each other no favors by ignoring the present darkness in which we live as "the children of light" (I Thessalonians 5:5). The Apostle Paul declared his ministry to involve "warning every man" in the clear determination of love that lets people know when the path ahead leads to danger and destruction (Colossians 1:28).

The problem involved my attitude and intention. Upon reflection, I realized I had climbed onto a soapbox for the purpose of expressing personal distaste rather than seeking to edify. I can assure you that no grace would have been ministered by the words I wrote, but rather a grating snarl with which I suspect you'd agree, but which would have dragged you down into the murky pond into which I descended. I wrote angry, as it were, which violates a rule by which I seek to minister, namely, that I attempt never to "preach angry.” I have never found that to accomplish anything more than a personal catharsis and venting that may cause me to feel better, but which provides little benefit to hearers. Again, there is certainly much in this present world that elicits a proper and righteous indignation. Preaching, teaching, and writing from such an emotional sensibility, however, rarely ministers the genuine grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, you will not have to read about the scandalous fact that they have changed the chocolate on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!!!! :):) Of course, serious a matter as that is (!!!), it was not the issue I addressed in the message you will never read. I traveled a wayward path for awhile yesterday, a detour upon which I almost invited you to journey with me. Paul's admonition to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" provides a vital warning sign to erect in our hearts and minds regarding the sharing of our perspectives. I barged through the barrier myself in what would have been a rant rather than a ministering of grace and truth. I am glad the Lord kept me from taking you along.

"Grievous words stir up anger."

(Proverbs 15:1)

"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

(II Timothy 1:15)