“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.” John 3:14

I recently got back from summer vacation, having flown to rest at our cabin in the mountains of Pennsylvania. I love flying because it is SO much more convenient. Having flown for many years, I have learned a few things along the way.

There are only 3 essentials to Fly in an airplane. 1. A Destination. 2. The time necessary to make the reservation and 3. the money to pay for the trip! That’s it! Simple right? A place, a plan and the price! That said, I have learned that EVERYONE who gets ON a plane in 1 city, will get OFF TOGETHER in the next! Seating makes ZERO difference. That is…until it does!

I like to save money by flying an inexpensive carrier where I don’t PAY to pick my seat in advance. I prefer to take the one the airline offers to me for free. I don’t usually begrudge people who pay to sit in a particular seat. Except THIS time, when I landed with a prejudicial view that shall continue until I figure out the reasoning behind it. I no longer trust people who CHOOSE to sit by a window, but then keep the window shade down!

The airline NEVER gives me a free window seat. Those are reserved for PAYING customers. But this trip I noticed MOST of the window sitters never even peered out at the view!!! And as I sat in the mostly darkened plane, I wondered WHY someone would pay to have the opportunity to look out at God’s fascinating creation, and from a SPECTACULAR view… but would choose not take advantage of the opportunity!

But maybe It should not surprise me! God exists! That fact is plain and foundational because… God has MADE it plain (Romans 1:9)! That said, all humans are born with the same 3 essentials for a trip to His home with a guaranteed SAFE landing. To make it easier, there are really only 2 destinations. Heaven or hell! We are born with knowledge enough to see, then given the time needed to plan the trip. The price, according to our verse today, has already been PAID by God Himself!  Which leads to a wondering question!

By Birth and creation alone, we all are sitting by a window seat with the opportunity to see The Spectacular Beauty of God Himself!  Why?  Because God has PLACED us there. The essential answers are available to anyone who simply seeks for them by asking! But I can’t figure why so few bother!  Are you sitting by God’s window with the shade drawn? If so, my wondering question is…WHY??? Can somebody PLEASE tell me WHY!!!! Because it seems to be getting much darker around here, and the trip is getting bumpy for us all!

What do YOU see?

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

Last night was ‘Ladies Night Out, and Katie… being an elegant lady… actually went! I was neither invited… NOR welcome! Even though I had an official right to go, I wouldn’t have and didn’t need to. But I DID receive all the benefits as if I had. Even though I didn’t! This time, they even had SNACKS!

I’m not a fan of the modern day ‘Ladies Night Out.’ I used to tell my kids as teenagers that, ‘nothing good happens after midnight.’ The idea of women getting together to drink together at a bar rings LOTS of warning bells. Yesterday’s occasion, which my wife attended with my daughter AND grand-daughter, was not in the darkness of a bar, but in ‘The Church’… and with Ladies who love Jesus!

It COULD be called ‘Woman’s Group,’ because it is composed completely of females. But thinking about it, that title is a disservice. Even calling them ‘Ladies’ undervalues them. They call themselves ‘Bible Babes’ and describe the group as ‘Gospel Gorgeous!’ Last night they decided to add a charcuterie tray! I didn’t get any of THAT either! But as usual, I got more by not going!

When Katie got home last night, she hadn’t even closed the garage door before she started talking. With face glowing a big smile, she paused to give me a kiss, then started in on some of the highlights. I have learned if ‘Ladies Night Out’ was a good one by how long she talks! One thing that stood out was the absence of gossip. Because Bible Babes know better!

Being the Pastor, I LOVE our ladies. And I COULD have gone to the meet! The office I hold, and the Church’s statement of Faith, give me that permission. But I m not stupid! I know that I will reap HUGE benefits if I keep myself to my place and follow along with the rules in the same Bible THEY are studying. Because ‘I’ am not in charge of ‘The Church.’ JESUS IS! And I know my place!

The cost of joining ‘The Bible Babes’ is expensive! It is the same price to join ANY ‘Church’ or ‘group’ therein! The first requirement is to figuratively tear up your Driver’s license, Passport or any other form of ‘I’-dentification, and ‘PUT ON’ Jesus! The biggest enemy of beauty in Christ’s Church is ‘I, me and my!’ When those wicked sisters show up, the whole atmosphere changes for the worse.

In 1964, Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart, in discussing the characterization of pornography, simply said, “I know it when I see it!” And while it may seem out of context here, I cannot think of a better illustration for the description of Christian Unity. Because Unity is not a suggestion by our Lord and Savior, it is a command! And while I may not be able to describe unity, I KNOW it when I see it!

Thank you for the gift Ladies!         Are YOU GOSPEL GORGEOUS?

“I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:29-30

As I focus on the outside through the glass door, I’m sitting in my air conditioned living room and can see it is shaping up to be an ‘I don’t know kind’ of a day. The sun is trying to shine, but it is overcast. And to top it off, a dang mourning Dove just won’t shut up! It’s like nature just knows!

Yesterday, I received a text yesterday that warranted an immediate callback. My 73 year old friend Dickie lived most of his life with Cerebral Palsy. And he was dying. I met him years ago when they wheeled him into church. In all that time, I never understood a single word he tried to say. I didn’t need to. His limbs, features and speech may have been distorted, But His love for Jesus Christ wasn’t!

It’s impossible to describe our mutual friendship in human words. When I’d walk into the room and Dickie would see me, his eyes would pop and he would shake in excitement. Often, a tear would slip from his eye. The holiness of those moments had absolutely NOTHING to do with ME… but EVERYTHING to do with our mutual Lord and Savior. To Dickie, I was like Jesus showing up!

When Judy held the phone to his ear, I could hear his sounds. And I knew. When I spoke to him, he rallied and he tried to speak. Though no words were formed, I knew what He was saying. So I prayed… and he calmed down. Within a couple hours, Dickie was free! So this morning, as a mourning dove continued to cry in the misty haze, it just seems… I don’t know… so very Holy!

It is tough being an eternal being… trapped in a failing, fleshly body… in a war zone… behind enemy lines. I KNOW my destiny and future with Christ. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling pain and sorrow over tough moments when they come. Death, loss, betrayal, cynicism or apathy can come from any direction, both friend or foe. And it usually leaves scars of pain, wonder and worship.

Psalm 69 is not just some random song of sadness experienced by David on a bad day! It is called a Messianic Psalm because it tells the feelings and experiences of The Messiah, Jesus Christ, about 1000 years BEFORE God’s Son came to Earth as a Baby. Psalm 69 speaks His heart as He hung on the cross. It is His mourning cry before He was reunited with His Father at resurrection. It is sad.

But it is these holy moments that let ME know Jesus just walked into the room. Subscribing to at least 10 different devotionals, they all mostly had 1 theme yesterday… the holiness of pain, sorrow and suffering in THIS life, because we ARE united WITH HIM in the Eternal life. To a Believer like me, THAT is cause for joy and celebration! Dickie’s life proves, in Christ, I am destined for Freedom!

Thanks for the singing Lesson Dickie… I’ll see you soon enough! Are YOU free?

“God raised us (me) up with Christ and seated us (me) with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us (me) in Christ Jesus.“ Ephesians 2:6-7

My Bride has a BEAUTIFUL Diamond Ring. I know because I am the one who bought it for her. Years ago, I listened to the jeweler explain the properties of diamonds and how to pick a good one. I TRUSTED the Jeweler, took her information, applied it, and made sure I DID just that when I purchased MY bride the ring, which symbolizes my love for her! She loves it… BUT!

The platinum band of the ring recently broke. When the Jeweler chided me after many years as to why I hadn’t upgraded it, I did that too! Making the diamond bigger meant altering the band, which is right where it cracked. So I took it back to the jeweler where they are working on it. Every day my bride asks me, “when will my ring be finished? I feel naked without it!” So I call!  We wait!

Folks might think talking about my wife’s ring is arrogant bragging. While they may have a point, I don’t care! The point of the ring is to show off my love for and to HER. If the world looks at it with longing eyes, all I have to say is, “eh… get your own ring!” Because, believe it or not, that is EXACTLY the attitude Jesus has toward HIS Bride! Today’s verse is 1 of many which points out that fact!

If one takes the time to meditate on this verse, and I have, “Flabbergasted” is the best word I can find. God is saying that HE is going to use ME as a SYMBOL of HIS Love and Grace by SHOWING ME OFF in Heaven! ME!!! The angels are ALREADY confused and flabbergasted that God would stoop down so low to reach, and then DIE for… a filthy hopeless sinner like me!  They have a point!

Like a multi-faceted diamond, ‘The Church’ has many faces, each one reflecting light differently. Together, the light promises to be stunningly beautiful. But unlike a diamond, each face of ‘The Church’ shines because of God’s will and MY choice to receive His light and willingly reflect it out to the world. I Love God’s Church! I don’t have much patience for people who only fake at being His Bride.

THe point is, Christ is working on ‘The Church!’ And while He does, we wait. But we are NOT given the option to sit idly by as the clock ticks. We are called to let His Light SHINE by being about HIS work and to display HIS love and Grace to a dead, worthless, sinful world. It is His work of FLABBERGASTING EXPANSION that we are either doing, or not!! Are YOU a part of it? Do YOU care? Because His plan is to show YOU off as a symbol of His Love??!  How will YOU look?

“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

Well… it’s done! I can say with joy and pride, “We did it!” After years of school policies meant to indoctrinate our schools and children in an ungodly direction, yesterday’s election proved that caring, with my feet, makes a major difference. All 3 candidates the Church was in favor of… won! Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord!!! But now God says, “Roll up your sleeves… it’s time to get to work!”

The “Rosie the Riveter” image which became popular during the WWII era, was created by illustrator Norman Rockwell for the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943 — the Memorial Day issue. Out of necessity, the government embarked on a recruiting campaign, bringing millions of women out of the home and into the workforce to fight the war. To this day, Rosie the Riveter is still considered the most successful government advertising campaign in history. But the war isn’t over!

WWII was my dad’s generation. Things were different back then. After a depression hit and some bad people determined to take over the world, lifestyles were threatened and folks HAD to make a decision, both individually and corporately. “Are you gonna fight? Or lay down?” History showed that coming together to fight evil actually works! But God has been saying that for over 3500 years!

The idea that this life on Earth is meant to be fun, prosperous and fair is not found in God’s book. It came from the pit of Hell! People pulling together during WWII sacrificed and worked as a team. Today, people call for their ‘RIGHTS!’ But God says that those who decide to live and work for ‘His Will,’ will find it grueling, hard and filled with persecution and trial. Today’s verse is God’s way of saying, “Do it anyway!”

The hard work to get good people to the head of the class has paid off. But it is FAR from over! In fact, it is just starting. Going back to an easy ‘life as usual’ attitude would be more dangerous than having done nothing! NOW, ‘I’ am called to roll up my sleeves and GET TO WORK! God has plans that include hardship, sweat and a mocking audience with rotten tomatoes in hand! But WORK it is!

I am dedicating myself to God’s Work and Will, HIS way, in an unfair, evil world! Jesus just wants to know one thing… Are you?

“Jesus said, ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” John 10:9

O.K. I have to admit… we actually said it! Having tried EVERYTHING we read or could think of, we could not get our garage door to open. We’ve had that same door for over 30 years. The car, less than a week. FOUR of us read the manual and even watched a video on how to program the new car to open up the old door… but nada! Not even the magic words worked!

In the book, Ali Baba is collecting wood in the forest when he stumbles upon a gang of 40 thieves, who are visiting their hidden treasure. It is stored in a cave with a magical door that can be opened by saying, “Open Sesame!” Almost everyone knows the words, even if they don’t know the story. To keep the mood light, we said them in fun! Then went inside and pushed the garage door button!

I may not know how to program my garage door with the new car. But I DO know that I am doing SOMETHING WRONG! It’s not the door, it’s me! Because of my brain, understanding or lack of knowledge, I am not capable of getting this door open on my own. I need help! But I am not worried in the least because, “I KNOW PEOPLE!” People who are smarter than me when it comes to such things.

“Open,” is a verb. An action. Something I DO! It’s not a wish, hope or wanna! It is an ACTION. And Jesus Christ, The Savior and Lord of the Universe, tells me that if I want to go through the Door that leads to Heaven, ‘I MUST GO THROUGH HIM!’ invented tricks and ulterior methods will not work. Only Jesus! Because Salvation is a VERB that only HE controls!

Today is election day. In Sarasota County, TODAY is the day people can CHOOSE our leaders. Because we all follow SOMEONE, it is a privilege to have the right to VOTE for our leaders. And NOTHING is more important this election, than changing the direction of our school’s leadership. Evil has been reigning and it’s time to stop it. But like ‘Open’ and ‘Salvation,’ VOTE is a verb! Ya gotta DO it!

I have attached a sample ballot which was put together by a group of strong fellow believers in Jesus. Because of my position, I wasn’t on the panel. But I AM passing it on. Because I tire of complainers who, just like my garage door, only stand there shouting and complaining, but not DOING what it takes to get the door open and the job done!

This weekend I have VERY smart kids who are coming to my house for a get together. We even call one of them ‘Gig.’ because of his computer prowess. I know Gig like I know Jesus! And I know all I have to do is ASK if I want that stubborn old door to open. And I will!

Are YOU programmed for Heaven?      Oh… and have YOU voted?

“…(do) the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Ephesians 6:6-7

As I write this, a chill is running through my spine! THIS time, it is AFTER the incident occurred! I usually get a conscious warning BEFORE I sin, which is God’s way of leading me AWAY from possible failure. But now, I am literally questioning if I am a possible felon running from the law! And all I did was VOTE!

Around election time, I have a group of trusting people I go to. They are fellow Believers in Jesus Christ who are much more connected to the political process. I follow the process where it hits hardest in my world, like for School Board candidates and State legislators. But positions for Hospital or Charter Review board? I have no clue! So I go to trusted people who DO know and ask.

My request to the folks ‘who know,’ was to fill out a sample ballot that could be taken to the polls to check off the correct boxes. With that paper in hand, a voting official was yelling and accusing me of voter fraud! Folks started gathering around and my eyes were bugging out like a deer in headlights! The whole scene was as serious as it was silly. But rules are rules!

My accuser was stating that my sample ballot was ‘official’ and could not be used as a guide. After pleading for clarity, with both of us getting louder, I flipped the paper over and asked if an official ballot came with the sheet music for “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” on the back? Then THEIR eyes bugged out and several women began to laugh!

All this proves is that tensions are high right now. BOTH sides of the political world are crying “FOWL,” even while looking at a squirrel with no wings! To be honest I rather like it, because now that there is so much at stake in the electoral process, people are requiring REAL truth to clarify the issues and candidates. When it comes to REAL TRUTH… there is ONLY ONE TRUE SOURCE! Jesus!

I learned LONG ago that it IS possible to fool ALL of the people, SOME of the time. But I CANNOT FOOL GOD! HE KNOWS! He knows my heart’s intentions, desires and wants. When I am sitting in the hot seat, He really doesn’t even need to speak because His Word is written on my heart. All He has to do is wait for me to shut up, stew, simmer down and then YIELD! It gets uncomfortable!

In the end, a couple poll workers were in hysterics. One said, “we have been doing this for 10 weeks and this is the most fun we’ve had!” No Joke! God tells me to serve Him with ALL my heart. Joy is presumed! As I see it, VOTING in America is not only a right… it is a Godly duty! Tomorrow is Officially Voting Day! How are YOU serving the Master?  Are you DOING what you profess?

“’Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.'” Mark 10:29-30

The word is expressed REGULARLY and OFTEN in my house! And I ‘m not talking about ‘The Bible’ right now! It is the word, “HUH?” And it’s not just me! It comes from my lovely bride’s mouth almost as much as my own! Something is said, it is not clearly heard, therefore the next word is naturally logical… “Huh?” That is ‘IF’ the other person ‘REALLY CARES’ enough to know the will of the speaker.

Not usually one to defer responsibility or deflect failure, I admit my inadequacies. As an inherited trait, I don’t hear very well. My father wore hearing aids… now I do! It seems the older I get the less I can hear, smell, taste or stay awake! I don’t mind saying that Katie is superior to me in all those areas. But she is unwilling to admit that her hearing is beginning to wane. I’m yelling more!

“I can’t find my keys,” is a common statement from both of our mouths. “Huh?” is the response, because we love each other and want to know what was just said. No judgment or anger. Simply a request for clarification. In today’s Bible verse, I find Jesus, once again, responding to a “HUH?” from His people! I can tell when He starts off with, “TRULY TRULY!” It sounds like “HEY!”

The lesson Jesus is trying to get across is one that I proclaim more than any other. It is littered all through both Old and New Testaments. And so much so, that if that 1 message WAS litter all gathered together, the Bible would look like a dump! “HUH?” You say? But yes… you heard me! The message of serving the Master and the reward that comes with it is SHOUTED from His Word!

The central theme of today’s world is selfishness. I, Me and My are favorites that, even when not spoken, are clearly evident. And Jesus pulls ZERO punches. He says that ‘following me means SERVING me.’ And that ‘serving me WILL get you into harm’s way in the form of persecution.’ BUT HEY!!!! The REWARDS are HUGE! Even here and NOW! “Hmmmm…. did I hear that right?”

Did you?

“Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.” Deuteronomy 4:9

I had heard ‘the boys’ down in the valley as they rode their motorized chariots back and forth, over and over again. I knew they were limited in how far they were allowed to go. Which is WHY they were now in my driveway at the Cabin. Bored, they came to visit ME for a possible adventure! I snickered in shock when they said, “Hey, is that an ax? Can we try to split some wood?!!”

Now these 2 tough guys are in their early teens. Teenagers are not typically prone to hard work, especially work that involves a splitting maul! Years of experience with teen boys and splitting mauls, I figured out that they had NO idea how to actually USE a splitting maul. So thanking God for the opportunity, I grabbed my gloves and headed toward the wood pile.

“First things first boys,” I said. “You MUST learn HOW to SAFELY handle an ax, saw and maul.” Then I set about explaining THE RULES! It was a test in itself. If they didn’t want to learn HOW, they would only get hurt. Then I had shock #2. THEY LISTENED! Soon, I was watching, advising, correcting, rebuking for close calls. Over an hour later, I was satisfied that they had it down.

Today’s verse starts, “Only give heed to yourself,” God’s way of saying, “Hey! PAY ATTENTION!” But it does not stop there. It follows with an extensive list of rules ‘The LORD of the Universe’ expects from ME. He has a safe and secure plan for me and mine, requires that I learn it and pass it on. Not just with words, but action, resolve and purposeful attention. Because the world… is dangerous!

I had to leave, but the young men didn’t want to stop. “Can we PLEASE keep cutting and splitting!” Shock # 3! What could I say? I had taught them, showed them, watched and confirmed their safety, so I added incentive, “go ahead, but if you get hurt I’ll break your fingers!!!” Shock #4! When I got back, they were gone, the tools were placed perfectly, and there lay a half-a-cord of wood!

Are you diligently giving heed to yourself in the arena of God’s wood pile? Are you skilled at remembering what He has taught and shown you? Are you passing that on to those in your world? That Bible verse was written around 3500 years ago! Long enough to become boring… but STILL at the heart of God’s adventure!