“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 ESV

I didn’t even notice when my tongue got caught in front of my eye teeth and I didn’t see what I was saying! Looking back, I should have! Words that I had spoken in jest, in a joking manner, were not received that way. I became guilty of hurting a very dear Christian brother. Thank GOD, and him, neither of them let it go!

Being called to preach is not all it’s cracked up to be. Preaching the Gospel to a world of sinners is ALWAYS offensive. ESPECIALLY today, when reminding people that sin is Biblically wrong in God’s eyes, is becoming a HUGE NO NO! Usually folks will decide they don’t like me because of the message I’m demanded to to tell. But that was not the case this time. I had no excuse and SHOULD HAVE known my brother well enough to know his soft spots. Stupid me!

The Bible verse today is a 2 way street. It is a COMMAND from God and presumes that BOTH parties are dedicated to Him enough to both WANT and DO His will. EVEN if it becomes an uncomfortable experience! When I got the message of my offense, I had the option to just ignore the pain I had caused, or to be reconciled.

Maybe it is no accident that ‘reconciling’ starts with the word ‘recon.’ A word defined as ‘the exploration of an area to gain information.’ I desperately wanted to know how to repair the relationship. So after he called, I dug in and listened. Thank God he talked! Many do not! I recognized his bringing up the issue was loving, brave, honest…and Biblical! I am honored to know such a man.

I THINK everything is going to be OK. But fixing hearts isn’t like fixing a car. Hearts can take time. Knowing my friend as I do, and knowing his love for God, I believe we’re on the right track to get it right! He was obligated to TELL ME what I had done, and he is obligated to ultimately FORGIVE ME! Even if it takes me ‘70×7’ plus requests! This writing is like # 10!

I know there is NOTHING on this planet more important to God and people as relationships! I also know that as long as sin and people are on earth, there will be fractures. But that God He has a way of dealing with those. I thank God for ‘BRAVE JESUS WARRIORS’ who aren’t scared to confront and fix broken things! So thank you James for letting me know of offense! I am blessed to have such an honorable friend who actually DOES what God says.    IOU!  

From whom are YOU estranged…and what are YOU DOING about it? 

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:17

Needing to find a receipt for tax purposes, I emptied the ‘glove box’ in the consul of my truck. I don’t know WHY they call it that? I’ve never kept gloves in there! But I DID find found enough junk in there I COULD call it a STY box! The evidence shows – I am a pig!

Have you ever heard the explanation or concept of a White Elephant? The King of Siam would sometimes bestow a white elephant to someone he didn’t like as a gift, since the maintenance and cost of keeping it FAR outweighed the gift itself. Receiving elephant was an honor, and not one that could be rejected. But if the recipient was not REALLY wealthy, it would often lead to their financial ruin! Almost like acquiring a used BOAT!!!

This made me think of the free Gift God gives to me in the offer of His son, Jesus Christ. Since He is God and already KNOWS the thoughts and intents of my heart, I cannot surprise Him. He already knows what I think about Him and His gift. AND whether I appreciate and want Him or not! The biggest difference, is God’s Free Gift doesn’t just show up with an obligation to receive Him. I must willingly want and ask for Him!

In reading the verse above, two words jump out quickly. ‘Whatever’ and ‘all.’ Meditating on my life and holding it up to that verse is like standing on a scale which makes me question if Jesus Christ really carries all the wight in my life! Sometimes, I feel like that rich young ruler in Mark 10. You know the story where the expectation for eternal life is expressed by Jesus to a self called ‘do-good-er!’ “Go and sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and follow me!” It became the straw that broke the white elephant’s back!!!

When I made the great exchange with God years ago, I traded MY life for His. I heard that His eternal life was a free gift and I jumped all over it! A decision I have NEVER regretted. BUT… I didn’t realize that it came with BIG White Elephant expectations! Over the years I have learned that God’s expectation is that I grow up to LOOK and ACT like Jesus! He expects me to do what HE would do as He leads and guides me!

Sometimes, in rebellion, I have grown to I miss His hand of guidance and peace, when I step out of His will and into my own. But even then, His absence becomes a compass that points me back. I have found that this God of expectation is just like that BIG white elephant! He wants ALL of me! Which isn’t a bad thing at all…since I get ALL of HIM in return! Not a bad trade for a pig!

How do YOU see God’s Gift and…what’s in YOUR barn?

“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26

It was a BEUUUUTIFUL spring morning. The sun was beaming down and all creation was singing the glory and wonders of Earth and sky…seemingly. I was doing what I like to do most, by silently sitting there taking it all in and then talking to and thanking God for all His blessings. For me, it doesn’t get much better than that. Then I saw HIM…running up the road…beating the air like it was his archenemy!

It’s not that I am condemning or judging. It’s just that there couldn’t be 2 more polarizing opposites under heaven! I was sitting there, relaxed, at peace with God and full of joy. This guy was all tensed up, angrily running nowhere in particular! His fists pounded the air as if landing blows upon a foe attempting to punch HIS ticket! As sweat poured from his body and soaked his shirt, I thought…”that’s FAR too much work for me!” So I smiled, waved and then turned around to face the opposite direction!

Lately I have been seen with my wife pushing heavy stuff around a gym. SHE decided that we had better get in better shape in our older age so we won’t end up living like invalids…a burden on family and society. My Doctor gave me just enough encouragement, after a physical, to make her crazy words seem logical. So we go. But I don’t like it! Even though new friends at the gym encourage and cheer me on, I have to admit that I only go there because I HATE the thought of my life actually becoming ‘in-valid!’

I know a guy named Paul who, during his lifetime, felt the same way I do. Though he’s a LOT more famous than me, we still share the same best friend named Jesus! Paul and I also share a favorite pastime together, setting alone while talking to God and pondering the REAL meanings of life! He liked to write too! Though much of his work was done in a prison and often in chains (showoff!). He actually wrote much of the New Testament! The Bible verse today is HIS quote!

I wasn’t looking for a metaphor for 2 differing kinds of lifestyles when I saw that shadowboxing jogger. But I did see him. At the time, the ‘high-five’ nudge from my best friend was kind of like looking at a scale, after watching what I eat and pushing some weight around! After the wonder comes the actual realization that, “Hey!!! This really works!”

I STILL don’t put much stock in bodily exercise. Because my friend Paul ALSO wrote, “for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 NASB. I may not look like an Olympian on the outside. But inside my heart, with my best friend showing me how, I am contentedly and joyfully magnificent!

How do YOU see things?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2

Ever see a car with a curious bumper sticker that you couldn’t read? One that grabbed your attention and had you asking…”what’s that say?” It happened to me the other day. Luckily for me, up ahead the light turned from green…to yellow…to red! So I had a chance to get up real close to read.  You’re looking at a version of it!

I hate red lights! But THIS time, interest grabbed me and I had a chance to really think and ponder what that sticker meant. Thus distracted, God and I had a little conversation. If you want to call it that! You see, I know what the Bible says. I ALSO know the Author! So…going to Him I asked Him if that sticker was OK!

When I talk to God, I use words. When He talks to me, He uses practically everything BUT! Which doesn’t bother me. I have to admit that it took time for me to learn His language and to know when it is Him speaking. You see, God’s arch enemy ALSO tries to speak to me as well…with a goal of confusion and distraction! But I knew in my spirit God was talking when I broke out in a smile!

God even wrote it Himself…right there in Genesis!! Before He spoke, all was empty, formless and DARK. Kind of like a painters canvas…only black! And while you and I have absolutely NO power to CREATE ANYTHING, God created, simply with WORDS! LET THERE BE!!!!” And just like that…it was so!

One of the proofs of God’s existence is Creation. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Simply looking at the beauty and complexity of creation SCREAMS GOD! The Universe literally has His fingerprints all over it!

As I sat at the light and talked with Him, I finally got around to asking the obvious question! His answer came in the beauty of His silence when the thought came…”Sure…you can call me that!” So I did:

“Dear Art: Thank you for bringing beauty, imagination and wonder into my life. I really appreciate and LOVE you and your work! I’d like to see more please!” And just like that…the light turned green!

How do YOU see the universe?

“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” Ephesians 5:25-26

It was time to face the inevitable. The Oven at the church had gotten so dirty over the years, it puffed smoke like the magic dragon every time it was turned on! My approach to cleaning an oven is the same as my doing my own dental work…I don’t! But it was time and I was free so…

Before I go too far, I need to explain that the attached picture is NOT of our church oven. Ours was bad…but not THAT bad. Which is funny in itself! Why do I feel like I have to make up a disclaimer about an oven because…like…who cares? I mean, never once has anyone used the condition of my oven as a prerequisite to friendship! But after doing some research, maybe I lack quality friends!

I invite you to Google ‘Oven Cleaning’ and see for yourself just how many products, methods and experts there are on the subject. There are soooo many, it’s humorous! Who thought it was so important! I didn’t care to go NATURAL…using baking soda and vinegar as encouraged by apparent conservationists. I went the cheap and powerful chemical method! Now that I am an expert, I can’t imagine taking the time and energy to do it any other way! My method?

After turning on the oven to 200, I sprayed the heck out of the inside until it was all white and foamy. After 20 minutes, I took a huge bucket of water and towel and wiped out the goo! It was both easy AND disgusting! The chemical did what it was supposed to do, and when I was done, I felt like a doggone hero! I even showed it off to a couple ladies at church last night. All I got was…”That’s nice! Do mine next?” Typical!

Now that I am an expert oven cleaner, having taken the time to become one, I felt compelled to write about it. MOSTLY because I was out of ideas! But I couldn’t help but remember this Bible verse and throw it out there too! Because, after all, I’m stretching! ‘The Bible is like Oven Cleaner…use liberally and let it do it’s job!’ Haaaa yup! I just said that!

It may surprise you to learn that the above verse is actually part of a bigger one. The ACTUAL verse starts off with, “HUSBANDS LOVE YOUR WIVES LIKE…!” And UH-OH!!! Just like that! It’s turned to meddlin’! With that, I think I’ll sashay to a conclusion! How does this sound for a symbolic metaphor? Husbanding is like oven cleaning! Liberally use the Bible like a can of oven cleaner…and let it do its job! After all…you’ve got time…and you’re free!

You’re welcome!  

“some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” John 16:17

AHA!!!!! I finally got it! But what I got really isn’t what I really wanted!

For YEARS I have pondered a spiritual question that seemed to have no real solid answer. And by that I mean, an answer that ‘I’ was satisfied with! As so often happens, when I have one of these ongoing research questions, the answer seems to come when I am not immediately looking for it! Now that it is here, I don’t know what to DO about it! “Is God an ‘IMMEDIATE Gratification,’ or a ‘DELAYED Gratification’ kind of person?”

My personality is kind of simple. I want it all and I want it NOW! If I have to WAIT for it, I’m really not that interested…patience not being my strong suit! Stick-to-itivness, focus and perseverance are not naturally arrows in my quiver. I’ve long since traded them for a candy bar! Now that I have need for that arrow, I’m stuck here calling out for God’s help! It seems…He’s been waiting for me to catch up!!!!

I’ve known lots of folks who were savers. My brother was one. When we got our allowance as kids, he immediately put his in a piggy bank. I immediately ran to the candy store. He was usually right there with me… asking if he could borrow a nickel! Not that that was bad. After all, when it came down to it, he HAD money. I didn’t! It was no surprise he went into the area of banking and finance!

Maybe it’s the time change this year! At 65 I don’t recover as fast as I did at 18. I’m still playing catch-up! Maybe it’s that I have so much to do? The clock is ticking on the Easter Holy Week and taxes are due soon as well. I’ve put off the taxes until I have time! Which is exactly what I do EVERY year! This only proves that ‘I’ AM an ‘instant gratification’ guy. Who has just realized that…God is not!

As a believer in Christ, I am ALWAYS moving forward, TOWARDS something I do not yet have. A stronger or better life in Him, a spiritual treasure yet unopened, more fruit of the Spirit and ultimately…HEAVEN! All things coming ‘in a little while!’ Which means that I am, I guess, always supposed to be MOVING FORWARD! I guess! But how do I do that when I’m pretty worn out?

I’d LOVE to spend more time on this, but I have someplace to be and I’m outta time! 

 So….what do YOU think?

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst (within you). “

Driving my 265 horsepower truck yesterday, I had things to do and places to be! I came up on a vehicle doing 10 mph slower than the speed limit. Moving over into the passing lane, I came up on a Ford Mustang doing exactly the same thing! Once I passed the first car, I moved over into the middle lane to pass the second. But the angry Mustang would have none of it! It sped up, using it’s 310 horsepower, then slowed down to 15 MPH below when I got behind it! It kicked ME…so I murdered it by getting angry (Mt. 5:22)! Then I felt bad!

It ain’t easy being me! I don’t run around looking for trouble, but it seems to find me when there is no reason for it! Apparently…Mustang’s goal was to be FIRST no matter what! Possibly because it COULD! Me? I just wanted to get where I was going to do the job I needed to do. My anger subsided and was replaced with a smile when God reminded me that I was wearing a hat with a big Cross on it!!! I don’t know the HorsePower of ‘conviction,’ but I DO know…it FLIES!!!

When Jesus said today’s words, “The Kingdom of God is within you,” He was speaking to everyone. Pharisees and unbelievers included! The power of His Kingdom of Truth lies within ME. But it also lay within ‘Mustang’ as well. We BOTH had a choice to allow THAT Kingdom to rise, or to rebel against it. Having often rebelled against God’s kingdom in times past, I have learned that fighting Him is of no use! Because He ALWAYS wins in the end! Which leads to a question!!

Does God want, demand, desire and command that we put Him first because He CAN? Is God foolishly arrogant and just WANT to be ‘top horse?’ If so, then God is no better than Mustang in His demanding and requiring ANYTHING that puts Him first! Even if it is unreasonable and selfish! Or is God First because He is PERFECT…therefore unable to be surpassed? My smile and conviction was proof enough that the latter is true. Evil, unjust selfishness may be in front of me for now, but God’s Kingdom is a marathon…not a sprint!

Soon we will celebrate the ultimate challenge between an angry mustang and the Godly Human…Jesus Christ. Easter is when He voluntarily laid aside His rights and allowed Himself to suffer and die in the place of under-horses…like me! His Kingdom comes with an invitation, at His own request, to join Him on the journey to His perfection! His only requirement is that I give up my own kicking rights!

What’s inside of YOU making YOU run? 

“Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” Job 38:33

I’ve known where I was going to be, this last weekend, for over a year. It was back then that I was asked by my niece if I would marry her. Which really ISN’T strange, since I’m a preacher, and her request was to officiate her wedding to her fiancé. The wedding was in North Carolina, which makes me wonder if she really KNEW what she was asking?

When asked, I didn’t hesitate. I simply asked them if they wanted Jesus at their wedding! When they said, “yes,” everything just fell into place. Time, money and resources converged to make her 1 sentence request, and my 1 word answer, a reality. Thursday, ten of my family members packed up our rented vehicles and drove the 11 hours to make it to ‘The Wedding.’ It’s Monday…and for us, the wedding is over. But for them…it’s only just begun!

George Moore, a long dead Irish novelist, said that, “The difficulty in life is the Choice.” I love that line because ‘I’ have discovered it to be TRUE. As George discovered, THAT is the way things ARE! Years later, Christian Missionary, E. Stanley Jones said, “In this moral universe, we are free to choose, but NOT free to choose the results of our choosing – they are in hands other than ours.” A scary fact that ought to make every thoughtful person…cringe!

I realize man is NOT a creator. At best, we are puzzlers…taking pieces and parts of the universe and assembling them into…something. We are DISCOVERERS…capable of evaluation and decision…but not in control of consequence. Which is NOT a funny matter. God created the systems of sowing and reaping… of reason, choice and judgment! He even takes HIS loving time to WARN us in advance. It is often unheeded!

I love to write about fun, and funny, stuff. But after spending so much time and money these last 4 days, over an event that OFFICIALLY lasted less than 30 minutes, I am compelled to look at MY own life’s decisions and wonder, “what am ‘I’ going to reap after all my years of sowing?” This last weekend, after seeing my wife and family through the lens of other people’s ‘choices, and KNOWING what God has taught me these many years…I smiled! ‘Thank you God for EVERYTHING!’

What say YOU?

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.“ Jeremiah 29:13

My wife was passing a TV in a restaurant when she saw a notice that the International Space Station would be visible last night in Florida. Making note of the time, she set the alarm on her phone. Having seen the ISS SEVERAL times this last year, it was going to be a revisit with a wave and a goodbye. It happens that FAST. Or…it’s SUPPOSED to!

At precisely the right time, she fired up her phone and held it in the direction the cellphone compass had stated. As we looked to the southwest, her concern grew. I heard her say, “No Space Station? Where did it GO?” Her tone changed when she looked at another app. “OH NO…WE MISSED IT!” It had already descended below the horizon in the northeastern sky! We were looking…180 degrees in the WRONG DIRECTION!

Until tonight, I would have voted her “Space Station Groupie of the Year! Not now! Which led me to think about the Bible verse today and the Easter season approaching. What if God would have set a star in the sky for the ordeal of Christ’s Resurrection with the message…”HE’S OVER HERE!!!?” I wonder how many people would have bothered to go look? Well…actually, I don’t have to wonder at all!

The Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah took a memo from God in Chapter 29. You can read the whole thing yourself. Written in the 7^th Century BC, it’s pages have been around for a LONG time. In it, God sets the standard for those who truly want to find Him. It’s not really a SEARCH as much as it is RESEARCH! It’s not like He’s HIDING. It’s more like He wants to be WANTED enough to be DISCOVERED! It isn’t HARD. It just takes heart!

I met a young man the other night and asked Him if he KNEW God and if he knew for CERTAIN that he would go to heaven when he died? He was uncertain and started making up religious sayings, presumably to convince me that he really wasn’t THAT uncertain. I suggested he relax and that if he really WANTED to know, I could point him in the right direction toward discovery! As he left, I think he thought I was a wacko! God was more disappointed than me!

ALL people know they are sinners…and that perfect heaven is OUT of the question for ‘they’ like ‘we!’ What we DON’T know or understand is just HOW much God loves and wants us TO BE with Him. But the price of imperfection is FAR too high for us to pay. So He sent His son and paid it Himself…then made an offer! “It’s all yours FREE…just come find me and ask! I’ll prove it to YOU!” Sad thing is…most people are looking at something else…180 degrees opposite of the greatest treasure in the Universe!

What are YOU lookin’ at?