How about some JOY today STRAIGHT out of God’s Word?

¹ Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”^[b] Since we have that same spirit of^[c] faith, we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ¹⁵ All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

“When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'” John 22:21-22

I have a leaky gutter! Which is both bad news and NOT so bad news. Bad because I have to fix it…since ‘I’m the gutter-man!’ Not so bad news because…’I am the gutter-man’ and I know how! Many years ago I had a job hanging gutters for a living and still remember my exhaustively, intensive training! If YOU are, or were, a gutter-man, you’d laugh at that!

I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that there’s never been a person who grew up with their life’s goal being a ‘gutter-man’…or gutter-person!’ It isn’t a sexy or sophisticated job that pays a lot. Gutter-men kind of ‘fall’ into the job since, when one needs a job, that one is often available since, EVERY house needs a gutter!

One of the most critical laws, and therefore RULES a gutter-man must remember is, “water ALWAYS runs downhill!” You may laugh, but if you ever had to ‘guarantee’ that YOUR gutters obey that rule, you know it isn’t always easy! As an old Italian Baker man used to tell me, “Every job has it’s bones to chew!” Oh, I also know how to bake a pie!

That leaky gutter is MINE. Unless I want to PAY someone to do it FOR me, ‘I’ am THE gutter-man. It is MY responsibility either way. This led me to a complaint in the Bible where Peter was given his job by Jesus. The outcome would NOT be a good one! When Peter pointed to John and asked, ‘What about HIM?” Jesus said it plainly, ‘That is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! DO WHAT ‘I’ TELL YOU!

In these days of collective side choosing, folks are fighting over every little thing. News folks, bloggers and advertisers are doing everything they can to ‘get you’ on their team! After all, there’s bragging rights and $$$ to be made if you select THEM! ‘Cept JESUS isn’t on the popular ballot!

God called me out of the world to be His. And with that distinction, to FOLLOW HIM! Can I be honest? OFTEN…that isn’t FUN OR sexy, according to the world’s standards! Like Peter, I have tried the complaint and bargaining methods with the Lord of Lords and…neither work. His answer to me is always in that same tone too…”That is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! DO WHAT ‘I’ TELL YOU!”

I grew up realizing I was going to have to have A job. Little did I realize that my job and vocation (God-calling) would be calling ME out! I guess you COULD say, since I AM in God’s business…I am a gutter-man!’ And if you’re reading this…so are YOU! And ‘wink wink,’ you understand EXACTLY what that means!

So…what does Jesus want from YOU?

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23

It happened again! But having been made aware of it, I am now of the opinion that it always will and NEVER change! Wearing many hats requires a LOT…lots of pre-planning, skill, education, experience, determination, decisions and FATIGUE! And yes…I realize I am writing this to someone who wears many hats as well. So YOU probably already KNOW this and I’m preaching to the choir!

Yesterday I HAD to be in several places and WANTED to be in several more. Each place required something different in the way of dress, preparation, timing and skill. The weather didn’t help matters either. The cold, rainy and damp weather made it important for me to take along extra clothing. The tasks ahead also meant taking along supplies and tools. Mental planning done, I executed the plan. In the end, the JUDGE in me said I didn’t do so bad, but I COULD have done better!

This is not a new subject! It’s just that it’s been given more consideration these last few days. Which also points out the old saying that, ‘wherever I go, there I am!’ It is in the ‘here I am’ where God meets me and teaches me all the good stuff. He’s trying to tell me something…and I’m LOVING it!

I know today’s Bible verse ‘by heart’ and have quoted it MANY times in my life. I say I KNOW it, but like ALL things of God, I am learning MORE about it than I did before. God uses experiences and seasons of life to intrigue me to GO DEEPER. It is in the DEEP things that I learn to love, trust and appreciate Him even more than before.

I must confess that I generally looked at this verse as a confirmation that whatever I did, I had a buddy along with me for the ride and that no matter WHAT…He’d be there if and when I needed Him. But ‘I” usually determine the what, when, where, and how. I am seeing how He USES ALL things to help form and teach me the what He wants me to learn.

I am NOT a glove on the hand of God. That thought is WAY too much “predestination’ and far too little ‘free will’ for me to accept. But MAYBE when I approach a door and ask God, “are you coming?” I am learning to ask Him, “Will YOU go First?” And really MEAN it! Because these hats are becoming WAY too confusing!    God has a way to teach an old dog new tricks after all!   What say YOU?

“…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Having JUST been convicted of my own stinkin’ thinkin,’ I got up to prepare for the day. I had some painting that needed done, but needed to run to the store as well. Deciding between “what to do and WEAR,” I started to do BOTH! It was between deciding against going to the store in nasty painter’s clothes, and ‘I’ll just carefully move that painted work aside…’ it happened! And ‘just that fast’ I was defeated!

Katie thinks I should look respectable when I go out in public since, “you never know who you might run into.” Standing there with paint on my hands AND jeans, I was upset with myself because I had already seen the potential of this very problem and thought, “I’ll just be VERY careful!” Then, “you dummy WHY did you….?” And the demons laughed!

As I sit here, I’m thinking that this is a dumb subject AND so tiny, that It isn’t even worth mentioning. Yet, this is the EXACT attitude the enemy of my soul wants to have! So while I feel bad about myself, HE sneaks off unnoticed! Leaving me with my peace destroyed! And it all started with that simple thought, “Go ahead, YOU CAN DO IT!”

As I see it, the BIG word in today’s verse is ‘EVERY!’ I have to admit that it doesn’t take much to get me off track, distracted, upset with myself and ‘out of the game.’ I can almost FEEL that evil referee pointing and shouting, ‘FOUL…DISQUALIFIED!’ All because I KNEW the potential for a problem, but FAILED in taking steps to eliminate it altogether! Enter Umpire Jesus.

Jesus is ALWAYS SO patient and gentle. I’ve NEVER heard Him call me ‘stupid’ or ‘idiot!’ He’s ALWAYS encouraging and kind, bathing my soul in His Grace. He’s always setting me up for another try, even when I want to quit! Sure…this is a little thing! But the outcome is the same as the intention of my enemy…to TAKE ME OUT! And I ALMOST fell for it!

In the end, whether the enemy’s shot hits my head or foot doesn’t matter. If that wound takes me out of the mission God has for me, my defeat is the same. That is why this Bible warning is SO crucial to me. There ARE NO small things and EVERYTHING MATTERS! If I am to get where god wants me to go, I need to pay attention to the small stuff!

Maybe THAT’S why I’m remembering a slogan, used by the U.S. Army for over 20 years…“Be all you can be!” Could that be God’s desire and goal for me too?

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

Standing in a long line at the store, I could tell the woman, 2 ahead of me, was a heathen and headed to hell! She was slow and chatty with the checkout girl and the line behind me was long! When it came time to pay, she only THEN started fishing for her credit card, which she had no idea how to actually USE! I remembered this verse AND an episode of Star Trek!

If you are old, like me, you MAY remember Star Trek and Spock’s unique ability to implement “The Vulcan Mind Meld!” Placing his ‘V’ shaped hand on the subject’s face, Spock could actually meld people’s minds to his and get them to DO his bidding! With Ephesians 6:18 in MY mind, I decided to give it a shot…since it was OBVIOUS the hell-bent, insensitive heathen in front of me had NO clue on how to be a good Christian! Mesmerized, I could slowly FEEL my mind begin to meld…

Imagine my initial surprise when I realized MY mind was soon ‘melded’ with Jesus Christ! MY last thought before conforming was, “Oh RATS.. where did HE come from?” But I was already under His conviction. I KNEW, because I felt rather stupid! Not that Jesus made me feel that way! It’s just my usual feeling when confronted with my own selfish failure!

Initial reactions to being caught by Jesus in a wrong attitude are not abnormal. ‘Shame’ shows up, but NEVER hangs around long…since J.C. doesn’t like him much! ‘Conviction’ gives me, then Jesus, a high-5 before leaving a hole the line for ‘Dr. Peace’ to cut in. But I don’t mind cuz…I actually like the Doc! He’s pretty cool and USUALLY helps me see the light.

Back to reality, I KNEW that Prayer RARELY changes my situation, circumstances or other people. But I ALSO know that, when implemented properly, it can USUALLY and successfully change ME! I knew I HAD to be under the full control and spell of Jesus when I walked up to the lady (she MOVED slowly too) and asked, “May I help you load those groceries into your…CAR??????” OH NOOOO!!! SHE DRIVES!!!!!  

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

WHAT was I thinking? Like the old song, was I looking for a taste of things ‘The Way We Were’ or for a little, ‘I Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day?’ Either way, my downhill slide began at the first snap of the Steeler-Browns football game. The ball went over the head of Ben, into the end zone and a Browns player jumped on it! Touchdown! I couldn’t believe it! My old friend, disappointment, sat beside me and smiled! My OWN fumble was my next mistake.

By the time the first quarter of that game ended, THEY had 28 points. WE had ZIP! Though born in Pittsburgh, I had lived in Cleveland for 8 years! Now I live near Tampa! I SHOULD have been happy, since all 3 of my ‘hometown teams’ had made the playoffs! Then I remembered the MOST important thing. My happiness is not, and never should be, centered around a ball, a score, an outcome or other people. DUH!!!!!!

Years ago I had the opportunity, and honor, to deliver the Baccalaureate address to 2 of my kids graduating High School seniors. I preached on this very verse as a way of escape when life deals a disappointing blow! Like ALL good advice, the HARDEST part is FIRST humbling myself in order to receive it. In order to get RIGHT, I had to FIRST admit I was WRONG! And boy…was I ever!??

Losing is HARD. Not getting my own way is PAINFUL. Dying to my own desire is DEPRESSING! The really ridiculous part is, I should be good at it by now! It should be simpler! But it isn’t! So much of the time I have to remind myself that life, ‘ain’t about me!’ Which takes some convincing before I can start to see a turn around.

‘He who expects nothing ain’t gonna be deceived,’ is one way of looking at life. But it isn’t God’s way. He WANTS me to have goals, plans and expectations. But those plans are EXPECTED to be rooted in HIS plan for me. The WORLD likes to create its own truth. In fact, Baccalaureate Services are no longer even held anymore. But that doesn’t stop God’s Expectation that I will place my life and hope on HIM! ALWAYS

Now that I admit my attitude was wrong and admitted it to God, I have a new ‘old’ song to sing! Today…I’m going to, ‘Fly Like an Eagle!’ How about you?

“Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world… with integrity and godly sincerity…relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.” 2 Corinthians 1:12

Apparently I had done it again! And once again, I hadn’t even realized it. But the look of the faces looking back at me confirmed that what I had said was not in the realm of what the other folks in the room were used to hearing. I wanted to crawl under a rock!

Being WHOSE I am comes with significant benefits! Being HIS for a LONG time has significantly CHANGED me. The problem is, I don’t usually SEE it in myself. For example, imagine if, in the middle of your church, work or classroom, the door opened and Donald Trump walked in! Or Tom Brady…or Taylor Swift! Can you imagine the faces in the room? Yup…it was just like that! But without the fame!

I spend a LOT of time reading, studying, praying and preparing to be a better more faithful follower of Jesus. Yes…some days are better than others! But slowly and over time, that kind of effort AND, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, changes a person. I am a Faith guy! And much more so than when I started out on this journey 53+ years ago. Knowing WHO HE IS has seen to that. Thus…the problem!

‘KNOWING God’ always trumps thinking you know ‘God doesn’t exist.’ The former is personal. The latter presumes the knower ‘knows’ everything! Having seen the work of God SO many times, I realize nothing is impossible for Him. And while I believe flashy miracles are so passe! The BIGGEST miracle of God performs these days is a changed life filled with peace and joy. Which are promises from God Himself.

I wasn’t TRYING to be a jerk when I walked into a room of fear with my normal Faith face. I guess I COULD have been more considerate, which MIGHT have prevented such a reaction. But I didn’t! Hence…the stares! BUT…I WAS honest and sincere! Maybe this is what they meant back in the 70’s when they called followers of Christ…’Jesus Freaks!’ Go figure! Maybe I gotta work more on that Grace thing!

How do YOU look to the world?

After yesterday’s news, my phone rang and I heard from many.  People are ANGRY.  And I believe, rightly so.  But God!    And after all, isn’t HE The Point?  Most folks, when pressed to their limit, want to FIGHT!  But that ISN’T God’s Way!  God knows PERFECTLY what is going on.  And He is NOT going to call you to be a 1 man or woman army to take up arms and go to war. He wants us RESTING in HIM..NOT RESISTING everything else!  This devotion says it well.  THIS is the Call of Christ to His Church.  If you want peace and joy… Let God have it!

Love in Him – K.C.

For all who love pride and power with empty vanity and the display of arrogance, and all spirits who desire such things and seek their own glory by dominating others, are bound together in one association… And all men and all spirits who humbly seek the glory of God and not their own, and who follow Him devoutly, belong to one fellowship. Nevertheless, God is most merciful and patient with the ungodly, and offers them an opportunity to repent and be corrected. ~ On the Catechizing of the Uninstructed, 19.31, trans, S. D. F. Salmond*. 

Have you ever found yourself in a conflict without hope of reconciliation? Perhaps someone wronged you, and the person who hurt you was unwilling to ask for forgiveness. Perhaps you were the one at fault and weren’t able to swallow your pride. 

We have different ways of responding to these situations.  

Sometimes we lash out and let our anger get the better of us. Sometimes we do everything in our power to make the other person go away. Sometimes we do our best to ignore the individual, despite the unresolved conflict lingering in our hearts and minds.  

Augustine tells us unresolved conflict lies at the heart of every culture: Those who seek justice often find themselves at odds with those who seek domination.  

The humble will never find common ground with the proud.  

Yet God chooses to be patient even when we are not. Until the bitter end, He gives even His worst enemies an opportunity to change and to be reconciled both to Him and to those whom they have harmed.  

If you are like most people, you have unresolved conflict in your life. It might be ever-present, or it might wake you up in the middle of the night without warning. Ask the Lord to take your place in that argument. Give the conflict to Him. Pray He will give you His heart, His patience, and His grace to desire reconciliation — even until the bitter end.  

Excerpted with permission from God Above All, copyright Zondervan. 

God is most merciful and patient with the ungodly, and offers them an opportunity to repent and be corrected. Have you ever been locked in a conflict you can’t get out of wondering why God doesn’t intervene? Maybe He is! Maybe God is using this conflict to get into the heart of the person on the other end of the conflict. Have patience. Give it to Him. 

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Hebrews 12:7

In order to give my wife the new pavers she wants, this palmy, planty thing must first disappear. When I asked if it was valuable in the landscaping world, my contractor friend simply said, “nope!” And with those words, I set out to remove it…only to discover WHY it could never be transplanted in the first place. This thing is just one big system of ROOTS!

Having been told, “ALL those roots have to come out,” I didn’t think it would be such a big deal! Until I started. Dig, dig, dig, cut, chop, snip, dig! And while it LOOKS gone, I’ve barely scratched the surface! I have my work cut out for me and I’m already sore and worn out! Having started, it seems a long way to the finish. This is HARD!

I have discovered that ‘easy’ and ‘fair’ are NOT God words. In the verse today I note that God doesn’t even TRY to disguise that fact. He sounds more like a Marine Drill Sergeant than a tender mommy. Which is exactly the point he is trying to make. With a whistle in hand, God often barks and bites because He’s called FATHER! Having kids of my own, I appreciate the position.

This last year has been like a sea of emotions, with it’s up’s and down’s! Last night I heard news that will, more than likely, make life for my family and friends even more difficult. When I turned to God to whine, THIS is the verse that popped into my head. Which really means…hardship is where I’m headed. God already has my suit of armor ready!

To eradicate old sin, habits, attitudes and stinkin’ thinkin’ takes work. HARD work. There’s no getting around it. My conscience meter is ALWAYS running, pointing out areas that need cutting, chopped or trimmed to make way for God-like attitudes. I’ve TRIED to ignore, brush off and even disregard His directives, but it only delays the inevitable.

Hardship is a promise from God, but today I read a little farther to learn that IT comes with a promise as well. Verse 11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” And while I may rebel at the idea of getting righteous at times, I ALWAYS love peace! I’m pressing on!   You dig???