“Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

My wife was out of town with friends this weekend. That left me in a position my father used to refer to as “Baching…” his word for being a bachelor for a weekend. As I spoke about this in church yesterday, I ratted myself out with the fun I was having leaving the toilet seat up, dropping and leaving clothes and dishes anywhere, leaving fishing gear in the living room etc…etc! Everyone laughed because we KNEW what I was going to be doing that afternoon!

Thankfully, my ‘Bride’ being gone, then coming home, is a rare occurrence. To be honest, I don’t enjoy it. I LOVE being around her. When she is in the house, I put the seat down, kinda sorta pick up after myself and try to limit my piles. When she’s gone…what’s the point?

This is FAR too good a lesson to not speak about again. I had a general idea of when Katie would be coming home and KNEW what she likes when she is home. So time and tidiness converged into an afternoon mission. When she got here, the house was in order, the tub, shower and sinks all cleaned, and candles were burning! To be honest, she hardly noticed! Which was no surprise at all.

The REASON she hardly noticed was because it was pretty much like that before she left (sans bathroom fixtures). Knowing what she likes, and expects, plays a MAJOR role in how I live on a daily basis. It is the same in my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Grace and forgiveness mean just that. I am fully forgiven! Not so with my wife. Had I used her time away to indulge in seedy behavior thinking, “how would she find out?” is NOT an option. I’m far too old and tired for that kind of thinking. When it comes to my Christian walk, I realize I am not as mature!

Having received Christ as Savior makes me like a baby’s diaper…I am CHANGED. The stronger my relationship grows, the more mature I should become. THAT concept changes my behavior. USUALLY! But sometimes I live, and act, like I’m not connected to someone who’s values are higher than my own. When that happens…I KNOW it. Which motivates me to clean up my act.

So here’s the lesson….Jesus is going to return! What He finds me doing WILL make a difference in our relationship. Am I ready?

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus (living in Nokomis!)” Ephesians 1:1-2 NKJV

Going through some old boxes left by my kids, I found a copy of Alice in Wonderland. I confess to never having read the story, nor seen any of the movies. The characters, ESPECIALLY that ugly cat, just never appealed to me and seemed rather frightful. But for the second time in a week I had references to the story fall into my view. When that happens, I always WONDER if God is trying to tell me something.

Apparently this is the original story and not a children’s adaptation. Since it was written long ago, it is taking a little time to adjust to the words and writing style of the author. But even though I have only read the first chapter…I can tell you there is some WEIRD STUFF going on! It will be interesting to see if I finish.

My devotions today found me in Ephesians. It has been a little while since I have focused on that book, but I had to smile when I turned there. My Bible is so full of colored markings and notes from the past, that I need to get another Bible if I want to write any more. Like Alice and her journey, this is God’s written decree about a TOTALLY different kind of life than is available in THIS world.

The first clue that something strange is going on comes when God calls church folk ‘SAINTS!’ And on PURPOSE! Now I know me, and even ‘I’ would not define myself with such a term. But GOD does! Which means that, unless I want to fight with Him about it, I may want to give the thought some consideration. The rest of Ephesians gets even more bizarre!

Today’s world is changing dramatically and at hyper speed! It is easy to see that 2 opposing views are on the horizon for America’s future. And just like Ephesians, the 2 views require an individual CHOICE! I must decide to ‘separate’ myself (the meaning for saint) for Him and live as HE sees me. Or stay as ‘sinning Joe ordinary!’ Though it may be easier to stick with the familiar than it is to jump down a rabbit hole, God is calling me to jump!

I don’t know where this whole ‘Saint’ life will lead me. But I know God enough to know it is a WHOLE NEW WONDER to look forward to. I don’t need to know the ending since the beginning is already beyond spectacular!                 

Are YOU jumping in?

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

“Now you’re micromanaging!” said Mike. Those were the words said to me last night at Church. And I couldn’t have been more pleased or blessed! In fact I STILL have the smile on my face!

It all started a couple weeks ago when a couple of men got together and decided it would be beneficial to the Church to move the TV screen to the other side of the sanctuary so it could more easily be seen. That transitioned into buying an even BIGGER screen. Last night I met with them for a few moments as details were planned, then had to leave. Later on I made a suggestion I thought would be helpful. That was when I received Mike’s response.

No one else in the room knew what the laughter from the rest of the men was all about. But I did. And the reason it made me smile was because I recognized the gift as it was presented. Something had been suggested to benefit the whole church, a group of guys took it seriously, and getting it done was NOT going to require ME DOING IT! Ahhhhhh!

Being a pastor comes with certain requirements and attitudes. Becoming the chief servant is a prerequisite! In a small church, it can sometimes become depressing and tough serving alone. One of the weaknesses I inherited from my father is just doing things because they need to be done. After all, that’s easier than trying to kick a committee into action. Now… there I was, summarily dismissed while hearing, “we’ve got this!”

What a joy it is to receive love like that! To have others notice when I’m down, tired or overwhelmed is a HUGE blessing. To notice a need and then step up to fill it is called ministry! And I couldn’t be more blessed or proud of the guys!

Marriage requires servant-hood like that too. The principles of Jesus very often come as paradoxes. Like a diamond ring wrapped in toilet paper, the Word He gave usually shocks me at first! And NO paradox is more humanly resisted than the principle of giving! He PROMISES that we will GET…ONLY AFTER we first GIVE! The ONLY way to actually receive the benefit of His paradox, is to give it a try and SEE (Malachi 3:10)!

So thank you guys for the gift! I PROMISE I will not butt my nose into it or mess it up! But I’m looking out for ways I can serve YOU all as well! After all, why should YOU hog all the blessings????

“When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” Ezekiel 3:18

About 6 years ago we bought a small potted lemon tree and planted it in the yard. We were attracted to that plant because it had 1 lemon hanging from it in the store. We figured it came with good potential. The first year we ended up with 5 lemons. The next 13. This year we have well over150! The tree looks horrible and has cost me time $$$ and frustration! But it’s mine!

It started about year 3 when it turned all gnarly. Someone told me it was citrus canker, so I investigated, cut it back, fertilized it, then sprayed and prayed. I can’t tell you how many times I have done that with 1 thing or another. The leaves get bugs, mold and whatever! The fruit gets crusty, then brown. BUT… they always taste like lemons! Katie especially loves them.

This year, because of the number, several folks have asked about it. Some have said, “when will your limes be ready?” I love to say, “when they turn yella…their lemons!” I always invite them to come and pick them as they ripen. Lord knows WE won’t be able to eat them all. I GUESS you can say we are ‘kind of’ successful lemon tree growers. Even though the tree may be UGLY!

We bought the tree for fun and NEVER figured it would cost so much in time and money to keep it up! We DIDN’T see or know the potential issues until they came up. Our goal of having lemons kept us working at whatever came up because of our decision to buy the tree in the first place. I guess I could say it represents a certain CARE-taker attitude!

The Bible verse today is a solemn reminder to me. As we study ‘End Time Prophecy’ in the Book of Daniel at our Church Bible Study, a certain seriousness arises as these days in which we live seem to be getting uglier! It would be easy to just chuck it all and say forget the whole thing and not care. But there’s that highly motivating and serious ‘sequitur’ added at the end of the Bible verse…” I will hold you accountable!”

God has given me, and YOU, a job, a ministry, or a responsibility. Whether it’s Faith, a spiritual gift, a vocation, marriage, kids, or responsibility… it comes from Him. And HE WILL hold me, and YOU, accountable, whether I, or we, like it or not. I CONSTANTLY need to be reminded that He’s looking for FRUIT! NOT a pretty tree! And have I got some lemons for Him??!  

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17

I had quit fishing several years ago when I lost a good place to go, then found myself in a slump of not catching anything. I got tired of gathering the gear, driving to the bait shop, then to a new place…only to get skunked! I guess I just lost interest. So it was a treat last week when my son called and said he wanted to come down and fish with me! Apparently it was supposed to be a good night!

I searched around and dug up my old gear, much of which was now trashed, but was able to clean it up and get ready. He arrived with an anticipation that was contagious. Heading to the bait store I spent about $35 in bait and lures. Then we were off. We had a fun time.,.but STILL got skunked!

Riding by that same spot yesterday, I saw a man fishing there and HAD to go see how HE was doing! “I’m slayin’ em,’” he said! I was shocked. Me being me, I started asking questions that…THANKFULLY…HE was happy to answer! I not only got tips on how to do it better (tips are STILL NOT guarantees) but suggested reasons as to what we had done that HADN’T worked!

Obviously I am no fishing expert. But I CAN say that, after his lesson, I am anticipitorily enthused once more! One doesn’t need to be an experienced to know that fishing can be both fun AND frustrating. I was told by a friend, “that’s why they call it ‘fishing’ and not catching.” OBVIOUSLY…the odds are increased when teaching and learning are applied!

I’d imagine I’d be rather nervous and skeptical if I saw a table with a 10 course gourmet meal set up just outside my front door. Even it if was steak and lobster, I’d STILL approach with caution. Since fish LIVE in the water, they know what’s what, and do not grab at just anything! Bait needs to be presented NATURALLY. Even SATAN knows THAT! (James 1:14) It seems to me that a KEY to good fishing is the necessity of being a good STUDENT FIRST!

I think being a good student ALSO has a prerequisite, starting with a DESIRE to learn! Even though my house is FULL of material, needles, tools, and a great teacher, I have ZERO desire to LEARN how to sew! Being a Believer comes with much the same problem. The MASTER TEACHER WANTS to teach us HOW to ‘fish for people.’ But do ‘I’ want to learn? Do you?

After preaching on 2 Peter 1 yesterday, and the list of attitudes and characteristics we are to build upon for a sanctified life, I saw this devotion by Jill Driscoe.  Taking a pen I wrote down the 2 lists side by said to see if or what differences there might be.  I won’t tell you what I discovered because you may, if you desire, come up with something different for YOU!  And how is that possible?  The Holy Spirit!  He is the PERSONAL teacher and Director of YOUR faith… YOUR Prompter!   We are NOT the same and what he wants YOU to discover will be applicable for YOUR Gift and Call.  So… WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT PROMPTING YOU TO LEARN?

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” Galatians 5:22-23

What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s working in us? Present-tense Christianity doesn’t live itself out in memories of past churchgoing but vibrates with vitality in the here-and-now. Our “sinful nature loves to do evil” (Galatians 5:17), and it can easily be fed with wrong food, such as what we see on TV, what we read, and what we think about.

Even after we become believers, we still have that sin nature, and it declares war on the Holy Spirit. The reason for this conflict of interests between the old and new natures inside a Christian is that the old nature wants to go on being sinful and selfish, while the new nature of Christ, imparted by the Holy Spirit, wants to be just like Christ! “The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires” (5:17). Christ urges us not to give in to the selfish, insistent voice that tells us to shut our ears to the Spirit’s prompting and do our own thing. He urges us to heed his whisper and obey his word. The prompter at a play stands in the wings, eyes fastened to the script. If an actor stumbles, the prompter is quick to prompt so that the actor can do and say the right thing at the right time. We need to listen to our prompter, Christ himself.

We are to keep in step with the Spirit. Only with his help can we live the holy lives that God wants us to live.

For further study: Galatians 5:16-26

In College, I had a GREAT History professor that said that we got Columbus Day all wrong!  Chris wasn’t financed by the Queen of Spain.. but by Jews who were looking to find a place to go to escape the inquisition!   He DIDN’T discover America but the West Indies!   And History rewriters are working to rename this Indiginouse People’s Day… to celebrate the folks who USED to live here!!!  Confused??  

The point is… don’t be a wishy washy, non learning, non growing confused Believer in Jesus Christ.  Because There WILL be a test!  Your answers determine your future residence!   Happy Whatever Day!  Enjoy the Savior! 

As the Election is coming closer, I will forward information from a Christian Biblical perspective.  This article just came to me and is too significant NOT to share.    

Dr. Dobson’s Open Letter To Christians Regarding The Election

AUTHOR:

DR. JAMES DOBSON

Dear Friends,

This will be my final letter to 800,000 people before Americans cast our ballots on November 3rd. It is a breathtaking moment in the history of the United States. Perhaps I will be permitted to repeat a brief comment I made in my August letter because of its relevance to today. Many political commentators have stated that this election is the most significant since 1864, when Abraham Lincoln vied for a second term against Democratic nominee, George McClellan. The future of our beloved nation hung in the balance that year. If Lincoln had lost, the Civil War would have ended precipitously and the wretched evils of slavery would have remained legal in the Confederate States, and perhaps even in the North. Had Lincoln been defeated, the Union would have been torn asunder. Thank God Mr. Lincoln won, even though it cost him his life!

Now we are approaching another presidential election that carries enormous implications for the stability of our democratic system of government. Indeed, Newt Gingrich said that what we are facing now might bring an end to civilization as we have known it. He may have been referring to a possible revolution. Regardless, I believe his grave concern for our nation is valid. For centuries, America has stood as a shining light for liberty and freedom in our nation and around the globe. If we abandon our founding core values, the world will suffer for it. The binary choice before us is that stark.

How will Americans, and how will you, decide who to vote for as our Chief Executive Officer? I have heard from dozens of friends and acquaintances in recent weeks who tell me they will base their decision solely on a candidate’s rhetoric, tone, style, or likeability. Does that describe your thinking process?

Just now, as I was about to react to that idea, my wife, Shirley, brought in an email that she had received a few minutes before from a friend. It quoted an anonymous statement that gets to the heart of the issue, as follows:

“This is not a junior high or high school popularity/personality contest. I’m not voting for the person—I’m voting for the platform!

I’m voting for the Second Amendment. I’m voting for the next Supreme Court justice. I’m voting for the electoral college. I’m voting for the Republic in which we live. I’m voting for the police and law and order. I’m voting for the military and the veterans who fought and died for this country. I’m voting for the flag that is often missing from public events. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored for it. I’m voting for secure borders. I’m voting for the right to praise God without fear. I’m voting for every unborn soul that is at risk of being aborted. I’m voting for freedom and the American dream. I’m voting for good and against evil. I’m not just voting for one person.

I’m voting for the future of my country!”

I couldn’t have said it better, although I want to add to the writer’s list. I’m also voting for candidates who will exercise sound leadership internationally. I’m voting for those who will support Israel. I’m voting for those who will protect children from leftist curricula. I’m voting for the nation’s fiscal integrity. I’m voting for parental rights. I’m voting for school choice and home education. I’m voting for freedom in the suburbs. I’m voting for Little Sisters of the Poor and other Christian organizations. I’m voting for racial unity. I am voting to support “In God we trust” and school prayer. I’m voting for freedom of conscience for physicians and other professionals. I am voting for marriage. I am voting for life in all its dimensions. I am voting against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. I’m voting for wisdom in handling the pandemic. I am voting for protection for the Church from oppressive politicians.

One final thought: With all respect, this election isn’t about you. It certainly isn’t about me. It is about our kids and grandkids. It is about those who are yet to come, if they are allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable, God-given rights it protects. It is about values, and truth, and greatness, and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.

In summary, this election is for all the marbles . . . the Presidency, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Together, they set the agenda for this country.

If you love America and don’t want it to be “fundamentally transformed,” it is time to do three things:

1. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty.
2. Volunteer to help your candidates.
3. Vote for the candidates who will best uphold your values and convictions.

Also, consider forwarding this letter to your friends, family, and others whom you might influence.

May God bless America!

You may see the full article and more at this link:  https://www.drjamesdobson.org/newsletters/october-newsletter-2020

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19

Last evening I saw a body moving toward our church entrance and didn’t immediately recognize who it was. When he cleared the bushes, I saw Jimmy walking up to join us. Jimmy is one of our ‘snowbirds’ and the first to arrive this season. I was SOO glad to see him. I asked, “are you finding everything Chicagoans are saying about Florida true?” He answered, “Not a word!”

Yesterday morning, while standing on U.S. 41 with several Jesus guys and holding up Gospel signs of hope, a man gave me a dose of ‘haughty eyes’ AND the finger! I now know what that means because I looked it up! Haughty means ‘arrogantly superior and disdainful.’

Later last night we started watching the VP Debate on TV. Before the main delegates even took to the stage, I was fed up. I made it about 5 minutes, then got up and went to bed. This morning my wife told me I was grumpy! After taking inventory, I must confess that I am.

It has been said that opinions are like elbows…everybody has a couple. But I see a surge in something that is growing out of control. It seems there is a major attempt to perfect what I would call, ‘the beneficial lie.’ And it’s scary! It’s kind of like the picture here of Pinocchio, nose growing, but with a sheepish smile! He’s caught.. but there’s no guilt!

The Bible says that before Noah’s ark, ‘The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5). I can’t help but wonder if we are receding!

When a lie is perpetuated in order to gain benefit, it stirs up conflict. Worse, is when the hearer fails to verify what is said and joins in the perpetuating! In an American political debate, where “In God we Trust” is our slogan, it was sad that God’s name was not mentioned even once! A sure sign that, if this continues, Judgment will soon be on the way!

I’m think it’s time I spend measure my attitudes and actions against what GOD has to say about the, then ask HIM to help me make a transition. I don’t want to be grumpy! And it is clear, neither does God…or my wife!

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Katie had asked if I would fix the outlet in her sewing room. So there I was, staring at the breaker box trying to figure out which ‘switch’ cut the power off to that particular ‘plug.’ About 25 years ago I paid a guy to put in a new circuit breaker box and I have never taken the time to individually ‘LABEL’ where each switch goes. So I had 2 choices!

#1 I’ve done it many times before…wire a switch or outlet with the power still on. Yup!!!! Just to see if I could do it. You know…like that old game ‘Operation!’ I’ve also gotten shocked a few times that way! Not feeling very adventurous, I opted for choice #2, which was to GUESS which breaker goes to THAT outlet! So I started flipping switches!

You’d think that after living in the same house for that long I’d have taken the time to label the switches! But seeing as how I don’t often do DO this kind of thing, I just never got around to it. Besides, the worst case scenario was having to reset a clock or 2. Which is no big deal to me. Flick, flick, flick, flick…flick, flick …GOT IT!

I remember, when I was younger, being prodded by Jesus to get to work serving others in His Body – The Church! There was a rather long list of ‘Spiritual Gifts’ outlined throughout the Bible and it was time for me to find mine. I knew enough that just PICKING one could get me burned…if I only GUESSED. So I started doing research and got to ‘flicking’ at a few!

Fortunately I discovered what He wanted me to do! But then came the work of learning and honing the gift to practical use. I’d like to say it was easy, but it wasn’t an ‘instant’ kind of thing. As I tried and applied, I got zapped a few times. But nothing serious. Just enough to know not to do THAT again. I’m STILL learning and honing.

To be a ‘Faithful Steward’ I must first become a ‘willing recipient!’ From there it was a matter of application and growth. But I can’t think of ANYTHING more fun than actually USING the gift that God gave me to bless and grow His House! Even after all the work and few zaps…it is WELL worth the effort to serve Him and His!

So…what is YOUR gift and what charges YOU up?!