And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 KJV). The story of the Prodigal Son gives us a great picture of the Father’s love for his children. The son had recognized his … Read more>>>
Dear Friends and Partners, One of the great joys of my life is sharing the Father’s love with people who don’t know Him. I can’t think of anything that I could do that would be more of an act of kindness than sharing the good news with someone who needs Jesus in their life. For many years, I have done … Read more>>>
By Susan Shanklin When I was growing up as a child in Levittown, Pennsylvania, Easter was my very favorite holiday. It would all start on Palm Sunday, or the Hosanna parade to me. It was in Sunday school that I learned about Jesus’ triumphant ride into Jerusalem where children waved palms to the coming King. What came next was my … Read more>>>
Dear Friends, In March I had some powerful meetings in North Dakota. The emphasis of my preaching was what it means to be a child of God. At Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock, where I ministered for the first time, I preached on “You Must Be Born Again” on Sunday morning. About six people responded to a call for … Read more>>>
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16, KJV). Today, I want to encourage you to use the name of Jesus to overcome the enemy and to see miracles. … Read more>>>
Dear Partner, In February, we had our annual board meeting for Tom Shanklin Ministries, which was a great encouragement to Susan and me. Each year, we look back at the past year and move ahead with our goals for the future. Glory to God! Here are some things that were accomplished in 2024: We saw a large increase in our … Read more>>>
“Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, (Acts 13:38, MEV). Are you living under condemnation? Maybe it’s a sin from years past that continues to hang like an albatross around your neck. Or it could be judgemental words spoken by a family member that are like daggers ripping … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Ephesians 1:3, NKJV). There is a place in God where we can receive every good thing which he has provided for us in Christ. If our blessings are to be found in … Read more>>>
By Susan Shanklin I think it’s closer to spring than it really is. I was telling my 10-year-old granddaughter that I thrifted a bouquet of faux daisies for a wall vase on my outdoor shed, for springtime. She said, “You know grandma, Spring is far away,” with her eyes rolling. Spring is far away in the natural, but it is … Read more>>>
The Mt. Moriah Bible School and Vocational High School, which we are helping to support in Benin, West Africa, is going well. Presently, there are 13 students in the Bible School and 40 in the Vocational High School. The schools function under the covering of the Messenger Church of God in Benin. Nine girls are among the students in the … Read more>>>
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105, NKJV). In the mornings, I like to get up before my wife, Susan, and enjoy some alone time and prayer. On the nightstand next to the bed, I have a battery-powered light, which I use to move about without disturbing Susan by turning on … Read more>>>
Dear Friends and Partners, As I write this first letter of the new year. I want to talk to you about your spiritual vision. I want to share three portions of scripture, one about your past, one concerning the present, and one focusing on the future. The Bible says that we walk by faith (that is, unseen realities) and not … Read more>>>
What is God saying about 2025? In this message, Susan and I share some of the thoughts that the Holy Spirit has been bringing to us for this new year. We have an excitement about 2025, the year of our Lord. For one, 2025 is a new beginning! We believe God is telling us to leave the past behind … Read more>>>
In the above video, Billy Graham shares the story that is mentioned in this article along with some other powerful truths about preaching the Gospel. Take eight minutes and listen. You will be blessed! By Tom Shanklin I have heard many great sermons, but often I find that one thing is missing. It’s a very simple thing really–the preaching … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin Jesus is God’s gift to the world! He was born of a virgin and lived among us. He lived a perfect, sinless life. Then, He demonstrated His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins and rising again. Jesus is the perfect Christmas gift! But today, I want you to see that if you … Read more>>>
By Susan Shanklin Whenever it’s newsletter time, and I need to write the back page [for our print newsletter], it’s usually true confessions. Laying my attitudes, successes, and failures out for the world to see. I’m pretty much an open book to the world, like it or not. Just the other day, actually, it was October 31 when it started … Read more>>>
We always appreciate the feedback and encouragement that we receive from our friends. It’s been a while since we’ve published any letters so we are catching up a bit on your responses to our articles. Thank you! Tom and Susan The Wonderful Grace of God So enjoyed your writings about grace in your newsletter. Good to have a review. Your … Read more>>>
Dear Partner, But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18, NKJV). As we transition into a new year, my prayer is that our path will get brighter and brighter, and our guidance will grow clearer and clearer. This is my prayer for Susan, me, and you. In … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:34-35, KJV). Are you living in torment because of unforgiveness in your … Read more>>>
