“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

At Easter time I wore ‘The Suit.’ I call it that because it was given as a rite of passage. My father used to wear it that 1 time of the year to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. When He died, I got the job…AND ‘The Suit.’ That was over 20 years ago. Naturally I have replaced it, due mostly to its shrinkage! This year I had to have it cleaned. A painful process at best.

I spilled something on it this year and it had to go to the dry cleaners. Since I have until NEXT Easter, there’s no hurry. It sat around for a couple months, until about 3 weeks ago when I finally remembered to take it to the Dry Cleaners. History tells me that I usually remember dry cleaning AFTER I have driven PAST the place. FINALLY, yesterday, it all came together and I remembered. Pulling up to the drive-thru, I was told I’d have to come back later. “Our computer is down so we can’t do business!.”

Obviously, getting a suit cleaned is NOT a huge priority. And I DO have PLENTY of time before I need it next spring. Besides, it’s not a big deal…I have other priorities AND a backup suit if needed… though it doesn’t fit me very well now. And then this Bible verse fell from above… right into my spirit.

One of the greatest dangers facing Christians is time. Even though we KNOW we are mortal, it is SO easy to forget about important stuff, like our purpose for our Savior. At first we may not notice. But everything goes on as usual…need fall way to time and time to other priorities. Tick Tock…and then life goes down.

Jesus said that we were created for HIM. To truly do what we were created to do, we are required to REMAIN in Him. If not…we can do NOTHING. His business with us is not possible if we do life alone. We are not called just CLING to Him in difficulty. We are called to Bear Fruit! A business that requires a CONSTANT connection. I’m not going to forget that. 

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

As usual, I opened my email to spend time with Jesus. I subscribe to almost a dozen devotional sites and love reading them. They help guide and grow my faith as I add them to my reading of God’s Word. For the last week I have resisted reacting to an underlying theme that has been coming through their messages. That I…and Christ’s Church…are racist!

It is a common and successful method used to change society. Say something long and loud enough and it becomes truth. With repetition, masses of people begin to believe, or at least ACT like they do. Often a person or group will willingly buy into a lie, simply to avoid being labeled a ‘hater.’ The next step is to at least SAY something favorable about the subject, even if that something is nothing more than a platitude. Then…the hook is set!

‘The Church,’ the body of born again believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, is the ONLY ‘God ordained,’ life changing, organization on Planet Earth. She is called ‘The Bride of Christ’ in the Bible because she IS! Though comprised of sinners, hypocrites, failures and even the confused, she is the ‘weak’ vessel that God is using to bring HIS truth to this planet. That ALL have sinned and need a Savior. If you are a true member, you smiled at the word ‘weak.’

It takes a LOT of work, patience, persistence and grit for a Believer to avoid losing control. We are called to ‘love,’ but not to blind ‘tolerance.’ To serve…but not ‘enable.’ To give, but to do so knowing that our very motives will be judged by our Lord. We are NOT called to be foolish or deceived. The latest groups of devotionals I have received are baited hooks for the deceived. And God’s Word DOES have something to say about that!

‘In later times’ is now. Deceiving spirits are the demonic liars who make evil pronouncements in an attempt to deceive and sway the masses. God’s Word goes on to say what Believers are supposed to DO when we see or hear their outRAGEous rants. Verse 7 says ‘be Godly’ and to ‘have nothing to do with the godless!’ So hey man… don’t try to label ‘The Church’ racist! She has been trying to reach and teach Christ’s Truth to the world for over 2000 years. The label just doesn’t stick….and this fish, in particular, ain’t bitin!

Get Jesus!

“He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:26-28

I can count the number of months on 2 hands, though I cannot remember the actual date. It was a typical Sunday Morning at Church, though that day we would be celebrating our Christian Faith by remembering those who brought us, and kept, our United States of America. Freedom, Sacrifice, Duty, Service, God and Country! It started typically, but did not end that way.

‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ was sung in an upbeat, lively manner. That historical old Civil War song actually had it roots in an unexpected book of the Bible…Revelation 14:14-19. No matter who you are, the song still applies, for this prophecy has not actually happened yet! It states that in the end, some will receive God’s Glory. Other’s…God’s wrath. One of our parishioners was caught up in the Glory part!

Diana is a little lady with more fire in her bones than most people a quarter of her age. She had served in the military during WWII! When we sang the part, “Glory Glory Hallelujah,” she became animated and joyful. When everyone else stopped… she kept singing. Her daughter succeeded in gently calming her down, but after a while, Diana would start up again…”Glory Glory Hallelujah.” Even during the sermon. At one point we all joined in with her… again.

It is one of those times that I can’t forget. Nor do I want to. Her love for Jesus Christ AND her Country made her the highlight of the day. She became the perfect symbol of what we were trying to celebrate. She served her God and Country, and without regret. Even now I smile when I see her in my mind’s eye.

Last night, I received an email from her daughter, Amy. It said, “Diana passed away peacefully in her sleep last night. She was 97 (and a half) years old. She was not sick nor was she in pain — only affected by dementia which gradually took away her personality.” And I just could not let this opportunity pass.

Thank you Diana for your spark, flame and persistence in your love for God and Country. At times like we are living right now, we really needed to hear your voice again. “Glory Glory Hallelujah!”  Please save me a place in the choir.. right beside YOU!

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

I guess that I can say my wife was acting like a child. In a GOOD way that is. The title I gave her long ago, “greatest preschool teacher in the History of the World,” still applies. She has a way of making things come alive to kids and to make learning exciting! School is out now, so for the last 10 days she has been naturally using her skills on ME!

One of the things she likes to do is show her kids live feeds from the International Space Station. She knows ALL the apps for tracking, history and news. For the last 6 days or so, the Space Station was going to be flying overhead. All she had to do was look up and see it with her own eyes! What she DID was try to drag me with her and see clouds! She’s SO cute that way. With all the rain… there was NO way she would see it! Until last night!

I was lying in the couch when the door burst open, “COME.. YOU CAN SEE IT!” I hadn’t even noticed her get up and go out. Now she was taking the time to come and tell me about it and invite me to join her! Rushing out, she was standing there like a little kid with some space app on her phone…pointing to the sky! And then I saw it! And I fell under the spell! MAN that thing can MOVE!!! As it dipped behind the trees, I heard her say, “G’bye guys…see you again soon!” Silly girl!

You don’t have to be a genius to know where this is going. We are here on Earth and God is in Heaven. Yes, we have The Holy Spirit and CAN message back and forth using a sophisticated communication system. But it isn’t the SAME as BEING there WITH HIM! We have all the apps and tools to learn about Him. But SOMEDAY!!!!! We will SEE HIM AS HE IS… and get THIS for a promise…BE LIKE HIM!!!!

Does that excite you? It does me! I get all giddy like a kid at Disney World when I think about it. If you are around me enough, I may even drive you crazy with my zeal… and press YOU to see what I see! Katie didn’t DRAG me…her zeal and invitation LED me. When I saw what SHE saw, her excitement became contagious. How do I know?? Well…last night, I caught myself actually WAVING goodbye to an object on the horizon. What a dork, huh?

Are YOU excited to see God?

“So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:25

The week of the mower finally came to an end. Deciding between buying a new mower or ordering a new cable to try to fix old one…again, I succumbed to the temptation of ‘cheap’ and ordered the cable. When the wrong one came in, I reordered it. Having just spent 2 hours rebuilding and repiecing what I had rebuilt and repieced FAR too many times, I began cutting the grass. After 1 pass around the yard…the engine blew up!

I confess that when this kind of thing happens, my NORMAL reaction is absolute rage! After all, deep down it SEEMS that that there HAS be SOME kind of overseeing judge, or equalizer, that dishes out ‘fairness’ after so much suffering. Other religions refer to it as ‘Karma.’ But if there is such a thing…I had just been ripped off! With mower still smoking, all I could do was laugh.

The world is going crazy and it has been taking me along for the ride for FAR too long. Grasping for some kind of solid ground between the ‘Covid 19’ and ‘racism’ eruptions, I have been screaming to God for some kind of answer, “How can all this be FIXED, God?” With the old mower still hot and smoking, I finally heard His answer…”It CAN’T be!”

It took me a lot of years reading, meditating, asking and pondering to finally MENTALLY reach the mucky bottom it this Bible verse. Persistence kept me searching because living with nonsense is not acceptable. “My mind is a slave to God’s law!” But God’s LAW is impossible to KEEP! Furthermore, ‘my flesh is slave to sin,’ from which I can NEVER break free! Crying out, “WHAT CAN I DO NOW??” The smell of burnt oil hit home with God’s answer…”not a thing, my child!”

Slaves have no rights. The only hope for a slave is freedom. But freedom HAS to come from the outside, as it is NEVER an inside job. What EVERY sick or protesting person needs is freedom and a new life. Karma or slave justice carries no weight in the eternal realms of God. The GOOD NEWS is, wat “I” cannot do.. Christ did FOR ME! He paid the ultimate price for my slave life, and then offered me His life in exchange! For FREE!

The lesson of the smoking mower??? When ya can’t fix the old one, it’s time to get a new one! Thank you Jesus for the offer of NEW LIFE!

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10

Since I don’t like to repeat, and because it’s just me and no staff, and because we had an anniversary and got to bed late last night, this devotional is going out later than normal. I feel guilty about it…but know I have no reason to be. I mean it isn’t every day a 4 year anniversary comes around. So why not celebrate…right? Even if the Anniversary it isn’t mine!

Our youngest daughter married my favorite son-in-law 4 years ago. I know…I performed the ceremony. ALL my kids were there, including my other favorite son-in-law. The ONLY way that the happy couple could enjoy the evening was if they made provisions for the care and safety of their 2 children. Being their grandparents, we joyfully accepted their request.

As you can see, it poured down rain last night. Taking them out to the garage to ‘LOOK’ at the rain turned out to be TOO much of a temptation. “Uh uh uh” turned into “no no no” and then into “you’d better go get ‘em” from Gigi. I have a short video. If I could…I WOULDN’T play it for you. It’s embarrassing.

The rain proved a playground for my grandkids. Being responsible for their safety, the video is FILLED with joy sucking phrases (mostly from my wife). When correction and instruction finally became exhausting, this ol goat threw in the towel and took to the rain. And I had a blast! They giggled, I laughed and we all got wet. Except Gigi!

The intro and body of this writing are filled with protective excuses as I attempt to keep favor among people, my grandkids safe, get myself off a hook, or use my age and position to justify my actions. At the writing of that last sentence, I could literally feel God smile! And I just realize why!

When God delivered Jesus home from the graveyard, after an intentional trip of suffering, He was FINALLY able to deliver what He had promised His people…JOY! HE took the responsibility, called for the party… and then WE jump ahead and mess it up with a bunch of rules. Instead of celebrating with our Savior…we became God’s OSHA!???

I forgot how much fun playing in the rain can be. ESPECIALLY in the company of little ones who have no fear of fun. SO THANK YOU Parker family, and God, for the opportunity to experience REAL JOY!  And Happy Anniversary!

“So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” Romans 14:22

NO! It was just as simple as that. NO! Having posted a story on a neighbor’s grass getting WAY too high, I received a response from my pseudo mother. At least I guess that is what I could call her. She was my mom’s best friend growing up and we stay in touch. She is smart, funny and quick. I received an email from her with the subject header, ”SUGGESTION.” I began laughing before I even opened it.

It was no surprise, even though it may have been an accident, but ALL the words were in capital letters. Years ago I used to send emails in all ‘caps’ and someone responded, “why are you yelling at me!” With a chuckle I realized that, even if it was unintentional, she was serious. She wrote, “CUT NEIGHBORS GRASS AND SAY…..CALL IF I CAN EVER HELP YOU ACT LIKE A CHRISTIAN…..YOU CAN DO IT..…” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Have you ever been faced with a supernatural request from God? One where you KNOW that you KNOW He is telling you to DO something. Part of the fun of being a believer is learning how to hear His voice…and then act on it. Over the years He has asked me to do some pretty crazy stuff. At the risk of seeming to justify myself, I’ll refrain from specifics and keep them between myself and God. Wink wink!

So there it was! At ‘mom’s’ suggestion I realized I had a decision to make..again. Having already considered and made it over several weeks, the decision remained the same. “NO!” Now I have to live with the consequences. In this case, I’m OK with that!

I have learned that God’s will, even His suggestive will, comes in several ways. It can be a still small voice deep in my brain. It can be a visual that sparks the flame. The Bible or other reading material may plant the seed. Or it can be at the nudge of leaders or other people. In any event, the decision to do, or NOT do, ALWAYS rests with me. God’s approval or disapproval follows. It is a daily, and sometimes hourly, seesaw.

In the end… it was the 2 big dogs that helped my decision. I think you get the picture. The ‘zing’ of the email wasn’t enough to change my mind about the grass. And “No” stayed no! But I can live with that. Especially since someone else has already cut it! WHEW!!!! I’m glad God talks to more people than just me! AND glad I still have mom to keep me honest!

“From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.” Psalm 73:7

Receiving the call that my lawnmower cable was in, I drove to pick it up. The process had been so unbelievably fast and efficient, I couldn’t help but praise the shopkeeper’s efforts. “You are SOOO AWESOME,” I said. “I don’t find this kind of service very often…kudos to you!” He humbly thanked me but said it was simply his job and he was delighted to help. Ringing up the purchase with my credit card, he then lay the cable on the counter. It was the wrong one!

NATURALLY I was disappointed, but not overly so. Stuff happens! But after the praising I had given him, his natural inclination was to find out how the order got messed up. What he was REALLY looking for, was a way to direct responsibility from himself. And even though I told him, “it’s OK, not a problem, I get it…” he kept fishing for an excuse. I smiled.

I have a neighbor I do not know who is renting a house near me. The grass is about 10” tall. For some weird reason I began thinking about the unfairness. Here I am trying to be responsible while someone else…isn’t! For fun I just thought about how “I” might try to get a slice of their pie! Then the thought hit, “the store ordered the wrong part, maybe I should simply use this as an excuse to NOT cut MY grass.” Then I felt heaven scowl!

Psalm 73 may be considered the “Not Fair” Psalm. After seeing the rewards of the carefree, irresponsible life, the writer’s quill begins to whine! Looking up several versions, the picture painted is that ‘hardened hearts produce fatty eyes!’ In other words, irresponsibility produces the desire for more irresponsibility! Sadly, I see it every day!

The clamor for ‘Fairness’ seems to be following the same path, as the masses demand more. Governments are now expected to guarantee personal safety, while at the same time prevent all injustice. It is a dangerous requirement at best. Since fairness is actually a heart quality that is taught and not caught!

#73 is a great humbling Psalm. In reading it, I am reminded that God NEVER added ‘fairness’ to His list of promises. ‘Personal safety’ is not there either. In fact, The Word goes on to say that followers of His standards would actually suffer more injustice than normal! But there is an addendum. Justice for the responsible WILL come…just not here!

I reordered the proper cable for my lawnmower. 

“For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 2:22-23

Did you ever have one of those days? While cutting the grass, the lawnmower broke… AGAIN! I had pieced it back together before, knowing full well it wouldn’t last. It is a poorly designed machine built to NOT last. The company that built it may have filed bankruptcy, but my grass still needed to be cut. Wading through the options, I was trying to find a sensible plan.

“I COULD just go buy a new mower, I thought. But I did NOT want to spend $400. Sweating, I took it apart to discover the problem, then shopped online for the part. Delivery would take 2 weeks. The local mower shop MAY be able to help sooner. But they weren’t answering their phone. Driving there, I was glad to hear they could have the part the next day. “VICTORY!!!!” Getting back in my 100+ degree truck cab, the fan for my AC abruptly stopped fanning. “WHAAAAAAA,” I hollered in frustration.

That I had just saved almost $400 was destroyed when I THOUGHT, “I’m going to have to take this to the shop! Is something out there determined to make me pay $400 today?” It was a real question. Suddenly, from the back of my mind I had the thought…check the fuse! I did…and even had a spare! “VICTORY!” Excited, I wanted to tell my wife. When I walked in the room, she dropped her glasses… and they broke! “AAAAAAA!”

Did you ever have one of those days? The Bible tells us the richest, most powerful and wise person in the world had them. In fact, he wrote a book about it called Ecclesiastes. It sums up the life of man in 1 word…MEANINGLESS! I felt my life at that moment, was just like that! In despair, I put on some Jesus music and decided to just keep busy while talking to God. Which is EXACTLY the conclusion of Solomon’s book! It eventually worked!

At the end of the day I don’t know much more than when I started. SOMETHING seemed to want to make me spend $400. I know.. it sounds crazy. But thinking through and talking to God seemed to bring solutions that worked on my heart. Even my wife found acceptable replacement glasses online…3 for $20! After all is said and done, I guess I can affirm that living with Jesus Is NOT meaningless. Even if I would have had to spent $400!