“O LORD, you have searched me and known me!” Psalm 139:1

There I was… like ‘groundhog day…’ standing on a ladder gazing into a piece of rotted fascia board. And it wasn’t just deja vu! I had LIVED this before… right HERE… at this same location some 20 years ago! I had repaired it then, and now, staring back at me, was the symbol of my abject failure! Had I fixed it RIGHT.. it wouldn’t be WRONG NOW! NOW… I need to apply experience with wisdom!

Having lived in the same house for 30 years, I have outlived a lot of things that came with it. A third water heater, new plumbing, another electrical box and now.. painting for the third time. Having been a carpenter years back, I knew how to cut and apply a board. I had sealed it up with caulking and painted over it. But the MOISTURE problem that had caused this rotting… TWICE… dominates my intentions. And it is winning!

It is not a far stretch to use this moisture rotting problem as a metaphor for old habits and sin in my life. Every time I get angry or desire something that had my attention long ago, I am reminded of how weak and frail my flesh actually is. Trying to FIX it is a useless waste of time. It will just come back! I can fix this fascia like I did the last time, figuring that I will be dead before it needs repaired again but… It is a relief to know…God does not work like that!

Did you now that God studies and takes exams! Or… the way this Psalm is written…God, long ago, already PASSED and received His Doctorate! And the field of His study? ME! The 139^th Psalm is about ME. How God loved me, made me, knit me, and cared for me. ALL before I was even conceived or born. He KNOWS me better than I can even know myself. He planned and executed my restoration and perfection before I was even a thought… by taking it all my rot out on His own son!

This rotting fascia problem has hit far too close to home for my comfort. Dealing with it AGAIN makes me angry, frustrated, fearful and desiring substitutes that never worked before. I can’t stop it, I can’t fix it, and I sure can’t ignore it! It needs attention… but not mine! I need to go to the expert… and ask, beg, plead, hope and seek HIS solution to this ‘problem of Me!’ It is ONLY in Him that I will receive ANY permanent relief. Thank God He studied ME so long ago that He already knows the solution!! And… He has been waiting for this moment!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

On the crest of my 64^th birthday, the inevitable has come. So facing the music I don’t always hear, I went to my audiologist. I say ‘MY’ because I now have one! The diagnosis was as I expected and her words were prophetic…”you have significant hearing loss and if you ‘WANT’ to hear you will need hearing aids.” I LOVE people who simply ‘tell it like it is.’ That she is a Christian is a plus! The question hung in the air as I left her office… ‘if you WANT to hear.’

Pastors spend a lot of time alone, studying, praying, meditating, preparing, recovering. But the other times are with people. It had been O.K. for me to miss some things in conversation. My squealing grandkids really didn’t need to be heard as much as watched. But lately I have noticed missing names of people, their comments, their stories. All because I inherited my parents ears!

Though my parents have been gone for years, the stories persist. Like the time my mother, eating peanuts with her hearing aids out, accidentally popped one in her mouth… CRUNCH! Like my dad’s pulling his out of his ears as we walked into the house with the kids. Apparently some noise NOT be enhanced! And the tinnitus?? I live, as he did, with screaming in my ears like an electric motor needing oiled! “Do I WANT to hear?” she asked.

When God wanted Moses He lit up a tree with fire! When He called Isaiah, He did so after summoning him before His heavenly throne. The same way with John in ‘The Revelation.’ Rebellious years of saying to God, “if you want me you’ve got to be miraculous in your call,” are LONG gone. The verse today is all the call He is going to give me. And to YOU TOO, most likely. NOT heeding is rebellion!

The most precious and enjoyable times I have spent on this planet are the times I have shared Jesus Christ with people. Whether for salvation or maturing, the sweetness of witnessing fills my heart with joy. He promises that the joy will linger for eternity when He will bless me for being faithful. It is my purpose!!! Do I WANT to hear, act, reach out, touch, witness and make a difference for Him here on earth? Do YOU? No question! I am getting the hearing aids!

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14

We don’t have live TV in our house. Since live news only seemed to make me angry, I discontinued it 2 years ago. My daughter had an older Roku device she gave to us and after some learning, we were able to watch movies and TV shows without losing our minds. This Mother’s day my daughter asked if mom would like a newer, faster unit. While I am sure it had never entered Katie’s mind, I couldn’t think of anything either. So…. SURPRISE!

My son-in-law was sweet to hook it up too! The power cord didn’t mesh with the older unit, so the tiny wire had to drop to the floor. About 6 months ago I had granted Katie’s long wish of mounting the TV on the wall and running the wire behind it. She was happy. Three days after getting her mothers Day present, she asked this question…”Is that new TV unit really all that much better?” Being a husband for almost 42 years…. I froze!

Some of my Father’s wisdom actually sunk in. He used to say, “never give a job or tie up a newly married couple’s time for their first year of marriage. They are adjusting.” I never really knew what that meant until I got married. One of the biggest lessons a man needs to learn is the secret verbal code of their wives. While it can NEVER be fully mastered… it had BETTER be part of the commitment. I just KNEW Katie’s comment about that TV unit was a code I’d best ‘cipher!’

God created men and women and gave them each a differing part of His character. When either party demands their own way without consideration of their spouse, God’s best way usually gets set on the shelf. So it is true… together we’re better. This verse today might be considered a female version of the Great Commission. Jesus had said, “GO!” Here, the Word throws out several questions to help The Church ‘get it’ on their own. So…. do you?

Wednesday nights at Bible Study we have been learning HOW to ‘GO’ and ‘LIVE’ our life as God’s called into the world He wants to save. God is pleading with us to proclaim the Gospel in several languages. Sadly, most Believers sit there on the couch…fearfully thinking, “what does He mean?”

Compromise is not an option here. I figured out that Katie would rather have a slow TV unit with NO wires hanging down the wall than a fast one ‘with’ wires. My wife is not mean, brutal or unrealistic. Because I love, her I will fix that wire! Likewise, our Lord will not compromise in His methods. When He said ‘Go,’ He meant it! He was talking to ‘ME!” Do I really need to say that includes ‘you’ too? Or do you understand ‘The Code?’

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

This past weekend had us spending time with some of our kids and grandkids. Being an affectionate bunch, greetings and hugs are a standard. When a grandchild comes through the door I don’t just holler, “hey!” from across the room. I get up, walk to the door, bend down and give them a big hug and an excited “WELL HELLO! And HOW are YOU doing? I’ve MISSED seeing YOU!” They KNOW they are loved and welcome here. Then they run to the toys!

Usually, there will come a time in their visit when I will ask them the question…”Hey… who loves you?” It is a simple and fun way to remind them of my heart towards them. More often than not, I will get, in response, “Gigi!” their pet name for my wife! It’s a game we both know very well, because what happens next is EXACTLY what they expect!

The laughter starts when I chase them, which is what they want. When I catch them I ask again.. “who loves you?” If they started the game, they will say again…”Gigi!” Which is a signal for the tickling to begin! After a short while, and while they are giddy, I’ll ask them the question again and get… “Papa!” MAYBE! And here is where I have to be VERY discerning!

We have all been tickled and laughed while enjoying the game. We have all experienced that point where tickling becomes torture! There have been OODLES of article written on the subject that any discerning parent should know. ‘Fun’ can easily become ‘fury’ when the line of ‘force’ is crossed. Fun can easily become rebellion. It is a fact that God knows all too well.

It is easy to coerce a verbal response out of someone weaker. Push them past the point of comfort and their WORDS may change. But the inner heart of a child is precious and tender. Pressed too far, rage and rebellion can easily become an unwelcome response. God, being infinitely strong, could EASILY FORCE us to bow to His demands… if He wanted to. But the response would be the opposite of what He really desires.

God wants me to love Him voluntarily. He wants me to GIVE Him my heart, and REFUSES to TAKE it if I don’t. Even God knows where the line is drawn. That is why I felt drawn to today’s verse when it dropped into my spirit. It was as if God was asking me… “HEYYYY…Who loves ya?” I realize after all these years that He is asking for the both of us! It is my honor to respond with my life!

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

A fellow Jesus guy and I were discussing our favorite hobby of target shooting when the idea hit… “why not start a group shoot?” The idea made me smile because in today’s world, a certain group of people want the eradication of guns. SO, like it or not, we naturally considered the politics of our hobby and if it was practical for a Christian group. It took 2 minutes to decide! Our first gathering at the new indoor gun range was last night! 11 people showed!

I had invited a High School student who was in JROTC. He had just graduated and I knew he would have a blast. He brought a friend! Another church member, brought a neighbor I had never met. Together, we all registered, made our way to the range and, in groups of 2 to a lane, started the fun. Even though our group didn’t have a name, we were a group!

Shooting is different than bowling or golf. In those groups, emphasis is mostly on scores…even when scoring against oneself. Shooting has that same kind of thing, but with an addition. A LOT of talk and show is about the equipment. “Hey… what are YOU shooting?” This question is most generally followed by a reveal… with the words,” let me show you…” and then… “Would YOU like to shoot it?” Sharing is big in this kind of group.

Tom’s friend was at the end and I HEARD what HE was shooting. If you shoot pistols, you probably already know. This .50 caliber cannon of a pistol is BIG…. LOUD and costs $1.00 just to pull the trigger. He let me take a shot and even recorded me on video.. Yes… it was a big deal!

The Bible, or Word of God, is sometimes referred to as a sword. It is the weapon of our warfare against evil. To wield it correctly means one has to KNOW it, spend time with it, practice using it and then execute it properly. It saves, protects, comforts and keeps us. God’s Word is also the name for His Son (John 1). It is both a tool AND a person!

Believers in Christ are called to unite ‘together’ with The Word as our center. The Word is NOT a toy or an icon. The Word is LIFE. After shooting I went to a fast food restaurant to get a sandwich. I asked the guy behind the counter, “so how are YOU doing?” He didn’t hesitate… “well you know… life!” My reply was from God… “As a matter of fact I am a MASTER at it! Why… are you a Jesus guy?” He said, “no… I meant life… like it’s ups and downs.” My reply was, “exactly!”

It is important to understand that life is a war. He knew it and so did I. The difference between he and I was, I had THE weapon… he did not!. I wanted to share mine! You know… show him, let him take a try to see if he might love it as much as I. He changed the subject. As I left, I could almost hear demons laughing at my loss in the conflict. But I know my similes.. AND my Master. So like the Terminator.. I made a promise… “I’ll be BACCCCCK!”

What weapon do YOU carry?

“Whoever has ears, let them hear – Jesus” Matthew 11:15

I have an earworm and it’s driving me crazy! You know… a song that gets stuck in your head, continually playing over and over? It recently became one for me when my wife came home a few months ago and said, “Hey.. did you ever hear the song, ‘Can He, Could He, Would He?’” I hadn’t… then I did…and now I cannot get it out of my head. I decided to pass on the love!

Last night at choir practice, I unveiled the song for Sunday! I carefully watched everyone as ‘the worm’ did its job! It was HILARIOUS! When ears heard, eyes opened and then rolled in needless rejection! Yup!!! That was the first stage when ‘I’ had heard it too. Then the jokes started! “You’re kidding right? This sounds like a hick song from the hills!” I agreed! So far so good! Then I passed out the music!

True to form, the ear worm had babies, as even the complainers were toe tapping and smiling after a couple times through! Not one person said, “I am NOT singing that song!” If anyone wakes up and recovers from the incident they might write an article on, “HOW to Get Rid of an Earworm!” Oh wait!!! That’s already been done! And it doesn’t work!

After considerable thought, I have concluded that Jesus is the author of ear worms. In fact, with the verse today, I believe He actually encourages them! “If you have ears… HEAR!“ Then He gets specific with truth that hits home!! If it sticks… it’s meant to!

Life carries with it LOTS of things that drive us crazy… and WORSE! I heard it said that the difference between a Christian and non-Christian is that the Christian KNOWS life is tragic! We are stuck in a horrific story that we KNOW was not meant to be. And we ALL search for ways to cope… many of us becoming ‘stuck’ or ‘addicted’ to the worms of this world. But Jesus!

I have tried many things.. some of which still haunt me to this day. But I have NEVER EVER been let down or disappointed by Jesus Christ or the Words that He said. And if you have ears to hear… hear THIS earworm from years ago, which could have come straight from Jesus Mouth… “Don’t stop Believing!” GOTCHA!!!

Oh… and try this for fun…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZfnoo9pFfw

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8 NKJV

I love to people watch! What different people do, how they do it, what they wear and the mannerisms displayed while doing things is fascinating. And so it was, as we sat in the restaurant, that I watched people ordering and eating their Mexican entrees. While all the adults displayed different techniques, wore different clothing and conveyed differing expressions… EVERYONE I saw knew HOW to eat!

Mexican fast food is pretty much all the same stuff… in a different order. Meat, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, tortilla! The order you place the items, and the particular tortilla you choose, determines whether you are eating a taco, burrito or a nacho. Additional items only serve to ‘kick it up a notch.’ But eating a nacho vs a burrito requires a different style of eating. I noted everyone had mastered the various techniques of getting the food into their mouths. Some just had more style!

I’ve learned learning to eat is a basic requirement that MUST me mastered to survive. God bless the moms who teach it with patience, because it can be a LONG process. But by the time a child is walking, talking and using the bathroom, it is pretty much a conclusion that they know how to eat as well. But for people who call themselves believers in Jesus Christ, the basics can go without being mastered, for very long time. Sometimes NEVER being mastered!

Belief or Faith is the basic building block of Salvation. We do not know or get saved based upon what we see, but by faith in the unseen! Meeting God personally at that level is generally a miraculous event generally remembered. But to grow on and learn to WALK by Faith requires practice. Unlike eating, no one physically DIES if they don’t learn how to Walk by Faith. And maybe that is the problem! Humans generally don’t DO what we don’t HAVE to!

We were created by God to do His Work and Will on this earth. Learning HOW to see and hear Him ‘instruct and deliver’ requires paying attention and practice! Maturity in the Faith cannot be reached until that lesson is learned. It starts with paying attention to HIM. To look out at the world with SPIRITUAL eyes means we must BELIEVE before we CAN see! It is much like learning to eat. Only in a different order!

I have learned that mastering seeing things, The Master see’s them, requires the DESIRE to see them in the first place. Once I focus on HIS focus, I can practice focusing WITH HIS focus. It’s a learned art that He REALLY wants us to master! Lord, here I am! PLEASE send and teach ME how to be YOUR hands, feet, heart and voice in a VERY hungry world. No matter HOW or what you order!

“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” Psalm 104:12

Walking past the our side glass door where we have plants, trees and a bird bath, movement caught my eyes. There was a male cardinal, 2 other little birds (I don’t know what they are because I am not a bird expert) and a squirrel. The birds seemed to be taking turns in the bath.. which I thought was interesting. “Are they smart like that?” I thought. The consideration vanished when one of them took a drink… “NOPE! Definitely not!”

Looking on, the scene was peaceful and serene, causing me to just stop and watch. There was no worrying on their part. They seemed completely contented as thy chirped, rinsed and fluffed. The squirrel, never taking his eyes of the ground, could have cared less. He was digging around looking for a place to hide something which he will never again find! And all was right with the world!

It seems like a silly thing to think about or to ponder upon. That is, if it weren’t for the creator of the Universe making a big deal of it Himself. There is no way that finding this Bible verse 2 days later was an accident. The moment of sight, and the moment of remembrance were brought to me, deliberately, by the Lord of the Universe. Do I think He is trying to tell me something????

Birds were created by Jesus. Jesus even refers to them in His parable, using them as an illustration about not carrying for their own needs, since His Father supplies them without their even asking. He reminds me that I am MUCH more important to God than THEM! Take THAT lil birdie! I noted a peace and quiet inside my own spirit. As I watched God caring for them… I felt His hand upon me as a reminder that I am in His care too!

I didn’t ask for the scene. I wasn’t begging for a sign or looking for any confirmations. God simply reached in and blessed me with His presence. Lately I HAVE been diligently working on paying more attention to Him though. Which caused me to wonder… how many of these special moments have I missed because I hadn’t been paying attention!

Yes… He really WAS telling me something!  

“We are instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

Grand-kid performances are not a rare… especially when you have a bunch of ‘em. This week we had been invited to several. Last night was a different ‘talent show’ and our dancing grand-daughter had chosen to perform. Since our schedule was open, we chose to go. Now while there is no doubt my 4^th grade G-kid was a hit, I was also amazed by the singing performance of a girl in 1^st grade. I closed my eyes and heard ‘Disney!’

Little kids are usually shy when they go on stage. She wasn’t. They also don’t really sound that good either. She did! They also tend to strain and forget words to songs. She made it look easy! Some folks would say, “she’s a natural!” And I’d agree! In thinking about what God has been focusing on in my life and in the church, I don’t think it was a coincidence that this Bible verse fluttered before my eyes the first thing this morning.

There was no prize or ‘First Place’ winner at the talent show. Kids were offered a chance to perform and they chose to do so. Piano players didn’t dance and actors didn’t sing. They chose to use the talent they felt most natural in displaying. ALL of them prepared and ALL were ‘special!’ Thank goodness for Cell phones! Every parent had cameras rolling… no doubt… saving forever their children’s growing up years for future remembrance. I am reminded…God has a camera too!

YOU are SPECIAL! God knows EVERYTHING about you. Where you were born, the family and times, the successes and trials, the hardships and pain! You are UNIQUE! And since there is NO ONE LIKE YOU, God, in His plan of love, has chosen YOU to be an instrument of delivery for His mission and plan for the Earth. He has given YOU talents, likes and capabilities, that when merged with YOUR story, fits ‘hand-in-glove’ into His. He asks me today… “What are your plans for a performance? I want to see!” A CHOICE has been handed to ME… and I can do with it what I want!

Sadly, some of us choose to pick up the booze instead of the guitar. To become bitter instead of better at dancing, singing or playing. With SO many people and SO many choices… the combinations for God’s outreach is impressively complex. NO talent is too small and the ONLY thing He asks of us is… “will you use your talent and heart for ME today?”

I have heard that the hardest thing to hear is God’s voice. Someone asked, “Is that God talking or just a voice in my head?” I have discovered the answer is… “Yes!” God does NOT need the supernatural to do the impossible. He created YOU! The natural voice, impulse, urge or desire to help, reach, give or serve… is HIS! All He is asking of you and me to simply.. “DANCE!”

To me, there was nothing more frustrating than when one of my kids would refuse to do something because they felt stupid or embarrassed! If they liked going to dance class, why would they be embarrassed to dance for family, church or ANY gathering of people? But we all refuse at times.

God gave me talents and he wants to use them for His best good. The choice is mine alone!

I hope you see me dancing? But please don’t judge…I’m doing it for my Father… and HE is recording!