“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

WHEWW… IT’S HOT out there! I know because I’ve been in it for the last several days! And it wasn’t to sit beside the pool or to go to the beach. The only relief from I got was to take a towel and wipe off the sweat from my face, after it’d run into my eyes. Then… it seemed the hotter it got, the less my brain worked!

I have a ritual when I work. Most people do. I gather and take all the tools I think I may need, throw them into my truck, along with Power-aid and snacks… AND my headphones for music. Focused plans typically follow the wind as I work from 1 thing to another, stopping to drink, munch, plan and wipe my face! Add heat!

If I take off my gloves to adjust the music, or if I drop a hammer or wrench to go find another tool, I’ll pass by another job that needs attending and pick up where I left off there. Which means, it doesn’t take long before I forget where I put my gloves, wrench or hammer! As my shirt gets drenched, my brain shuts down.

The combination of all these events take a brutal toll on my self worth. As I question how I got into this mess in the first place, I start to feel small and more useless. Then… satan joins in by having my music system play, “Have You Heard about the Lonesome Loser!” Soon, depression takes its toll and I feel like the song.

Getting out, or through that valley, always requires help. A literal BREAK from the process of what is going on, in and around me, helps. It takes God focus, The Word, people (thank GOD for my wife!) reminders and effort to get me THROUGH those times. The Promises of God, in today’s verse, are His… to me… IN the storm.

It is interesting to note that God’s method for storms of life is to GO THROUGH THEM WITH ME. He’s ALWAYS there. If I can just stop, wipe my eyes and see! So… how’s YOUR storm outlook progressing?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

I was wanting to get a particular job done, but I needed that ‘thingamajig’ to get it done… which I had! The problem holding me back was, I couldn’t find the ‘whatchamacallit’ that attaches to the ‘thingamajig’ to get it to actually WORK correctly. I’d tried a ‘thingamabob’… but that proved unsuccessful. So I searched.

It seems everyday, I have to SEARCH for something in order to DO something else. I can’t determine if I’m just not very well organized, or if I’m losing my mind! But when I can’t find a thingamajig, I’ve noticed that anger begins a slow burn inside. Given time, it can get very bad. I often swear satan owns a ‘thingamajig’ hider!

An ‘upset’ state of mind is not uncommon these days. In fact, ‘upset’ perfectly fits with ‘the pattern of this world.’ When I don’t get what I want easily enough, anger comes naturally! Using what ‘I WANT’ as a measuring device has no place in God’s economy… since I GAVE Him ‘me’ long ago. Now… I should want HIS wants.

Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Which is a GREAT way to ‘renew my mind for finding out GOD’S will. God isn’t concerned as much about the ‘thingamajig’ as He is my state of mind in looking for it. His will, made readily available, is always ‘good, pleasing and perfect.’

Do the things of the world cause YOU to become discombobulated? Why not try looking up and applying ‘GOD’S’ whatchamacallit attitude first. It sounds like a perfect plan to me!

“Continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

“I committed murder 4 times on the way home from Church!” That’s what one of my tough Jesus guys confessed to me. Then he said, “You’re my priest and this is my confession.” At that I interrupted. “Whoa… wait a minute… not me man.” We both laughed at the jokes which, in retrospect, weren’t really jokes at all!

His comment to me had followed my confession to HIM earlier. I was on my way to a Christian Middle School program when, once again, SEVERAL people cut in front of me and hindered my progress. My fleshy attitude is to get angry when that happens (yes… I know I’m working on it). Jesus calls that MURDER (Mt 5:22)!

These days there’s a LOT to be angry about! The other day I counted 7 cars that ‘just happened’ to block my exiting out of my subdivision. All within 1/10th of a mile from my house! I DON’T believe that coincidence! Satan hates me! He has workers that have ways of getting me upset and angry. Is it up to ME to stop it?

It is absolutely true that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for ALL my sins over 2000 years ago. Even the ones I haven’t committed yet! I’m forgiven before I even sin! Which is why we could laugh at our pre-forgiven ‘road rage.’ But Today’s verse follows deeper instructions to engage the enemy. The key is CO-OPERATION!

I’m called by Jesus to DO what He SAYS. But DOING takes MUCH more than superhuman effort. It takes God’s directed love, Christ’s perseverance and MY co-operation to pull it all off. Graceful responses are not auto-magical. They take determination and willful obedience to engage evil. ESPECIALLY in today’s world.

As our world becomes increasingly more evil and complicated, it will require even MORE dependence upon the Holy Spirit of God. What took Paul WEEKS to deliver in a letter, today can be done in nanoseconds! And OFTEN with negative repercussions! Are YOU working on DOING the things God commands in love?

God is trying to get your attention for a special delivery of love and perseverance!!

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

“WHAAAAT???” I said in my frustration at the Presidential Debate. I could not believe what was being said, and NOT said, between both candidates. The louder and nastier they got with each other, the more discouraged I became. It didn’t take long for me to simply walk out of the room. I just couldn’t take it anymore.

As a Believer in Jesus Christ I KNOW the History of the U.S.A. I KNOW we’re a nation that was ‘founded upon the Bible.’ I recognize that evil has been secretly creeping into the fabric of America since its inception. But it no longer creeps… it BULLDOZES! Evil is being CHOSEN as truth! I left to pray for God’s intervention.

For almost 7 decades I have lived in the aftermath of choices made by my parents and grandparents after a World War. In my lifetime, I have watched the most hideous and disgusting sins and lifestyles, be accepted and SOLD as an alternative to what I KNOW to be Truth from God’s Word. Now, TRUTH is difficult to even hear!.

We are a world at war with God. It is just that simple. As I talk with friends and fellow Believers in Christ, it’s becoming more difficult to find people even OPEN to hearing The Gospel…because to get The Good news, one must first agree with the BAD news… we ALL DESERVE eternal punishment AND banishment from God!

In my prayer of desperation, I felt just a tinge of peace come from the Prince of Peace. His Truth and Justice absolutely DO exist. He reminded me that my ‘fretting’ and ‘deep concern’ over the future of America is truly a temporary issue. I HAVE the Eternal Truth, and His Peace IS MINE… ETERNALLY! Then He asked me to simply FOCUS ON HIM!

When one can’t see land, and the boat is furiously rocking, it is easy to get seasick. Jesus reminded me that peace and sanity are as close to me as the stroke of a pen on election day. I simply need to CHOOSE Him! So… as for me and MY house… WE WILL serve The Lord Jesus Christ. No matter WHAT! What about YOU and yours?

“…but those who hope in (wait for) 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

“OOOOOOO!!!! THAT HURTS DEEP JUST LOOKING AT IT,” Katie said when I took off my sock. The picture proved that I kept the appointment with my foot doctor. But admittedly, that it LOOKED a lot worse than it felt. Dr. Cohen told me I could take the bandages off and go smaller ‘in an hour.’ But I couldn’t resist taking a picture.

Wrestling with toenail problems over the last year or so, I’d finally had it and called a new podiatrist in town. He is AWESOME. Given the choice to take care of one at a time or all 3 at once, I thought ‘getting it over with’ was the best method. Now… time, rest and care are what the Doctor ordered to move better… later.

Researching what causes ingrown nails… heat, moisture, genetics, nail care and age are the big factors. The older I get, the more worn out and tired my body can become. But Isaiah 40, and the verses before 31, have a lot to say about growing strong instead of tired and weary. I can Biblically say… God has a cure!

The cure for renewed strength and enthusiasm is to put “Hope in The LORD!” The Latin word is ‘en-theos’ … which means ‘God within.’ By focusing on getting God inside me, I can be renewed to run the race He has set before me, with success… no matter how old I am. It’s like having an ‘in-grown GO-nail!’

So how are YOU dealing with heat, humidity, genetics, spirit care and age? Are you being renewed by your Creator with His Hope and Strength? Has YOUR Faith ‘grown-in’ action for The LORD, to be seen by those around you? Are you running the race He has set before you? Are you placing YOUR feet into God’s hands?

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Romans 3:20

“EWWW… What is THAT?” Katie asked me. Which was a silly question… because the box clearly stated what it was. The crumpled package with the packing tape on top was what brought the abnormal reaction from my bride. “That looks DISGUSTING! Why are you buying it?” “FAITH!” I responded.

Going through Walmart, I had turned down the cereal aisle and was immediately drawn to the big yellow price sticker, AND the tape on top, which made the price necessary. The box had been crumpled and, in order to sell it to a customer, something had to be done to appease any buyer. But I had faith in the contents.

The box was not alone. There were at least 8 others sitting there, side by side. I figured something happened at the factory, or in the store, that caused the outside box to get disfigured. Knowing Walmart sells its products with a warranty, I figured I couldn’t go wrong. So I took advantage of the bargain.

Today’s verse sounds a little like legalese. Maybe even hard to understand. But God Inc. has His own set of rules and policies that MUST be met before ‘I’ can get into His Presence in Heaven. To God… “I” have to be PERFECT in HIS eyes! The 613 Commands of God only PROVE I am a disfigured sinner. They can’t CLEAN me.

God’s Law is impossible to keep. Its only purpose proves that I am, ‘in-deed,’ a SINNER. Not only do I look bad to God.. I look bad to ME! I need something MUCH bigger than a low price tag and a piece of tape to get God to notice and purchase ME. And I KNOW it! Thank God for Jesus! Look up and read verses 21-28.

Are YOU in God’s Shopping cart and headed for His House? Because He’s looking at you right now!

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” 1 Peter 1:12

“MAN, IT’S HOT OUT HERE!” Having worked out in the hot, humid, sunny afternoon, I made that statement to my neighbor when he walked out from his house. Sweat was pouring from every pore and fatigue had made it’s home in my body hours before. I was spent. But the job wasn’t done… so I slowly pressed on.

The headphone I wore was connected to a phone. The ‘app’ selected was playing Gaither Homecoming Hymns of old Church antiquity. Occasionally I would stop for a break of ‘Powerade,’ close my eyes and sing along… ‘It is Well With My Soul.’ If someone would have told me I was being watched in awe by Angels… NAH!!!!

Angels know nothing about sweat, fatigue, sickness, sorrow, sin, despair, human salvation or the Joy that comes with it. They don’t exist in vulnerable bodies that require hours of sleep to continue on. Stopping to think about that… I am in awe about being awed! They REALLY don’t understand why their perfect Lord died for me!

To further complicate the misunderstandings of the Heavenly Realm, satan and his army of demons HATE me more than anything! Being the object of love by the very same God who suffered and died for me, I have become the tool by which God will ultimately destroy him. Satan is not awed by me… he is disgusted!

With sweat in my eyes and exhaustion sapping what little strength was left, I whispered “I love you SOOO MUCH Jesus!” It wasn’t until later, upon reflection, that… that 1 little sentence must have sent a GASP throughout the Heavens… on ALL sides! Some being marveled… others made repugnant. But God smiled!

In a war I don’t fully realize, I schlep through days going from fine to frown, not really able to see or comprehend, ‘The Big Picture!’ I meter out my moods with words, feelings and actions that range from dismal to sublime. All on a stage that Heavenly beings intently watch, like a Broadway play. To all spectators, I am surprisingly… amazing!

No… I do not understand it. Most importantly I CANNOT comprehend why MY Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loved me enough to suffer and die for my future place… on a throne right BESIDE Him! The ‘Big Picture’ only starts to come into view when I consider, love and appreciate the Christ, and HIS Father, who made me for this very purpose! Amazing… Grace! Do YOU live in it?

Are YOU being AWESOME? Are YOU connected to the one who loves, saved and wants to use YOU to reach others who absolutely have NO clue what’s really going on? Why not take a moment and Thank Jesus for the honor!

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

My neighbors told me I needed to cut my grass! Well… not out loud or to my face. But the message was very clear and unmistakable. They had cut THEIR grass a couple days before, and now, looking at their well manicured lawn, mine looked like a disaster. If I let it go any longer, my lawnmower wouldn’t be able to do the job.

I gave myself the excuse that I really didn’t have the time. But I’d used that one the day before when I really didn’t. Now, having an hour to kill, I knew it only took 35 minutes from start to finish. So I grabbed the lawnmower, put on my headphones, found the music I wanted to listen to and off I went. It was the hottest time of the day!

It took 3 short breaks for Gatorade to get through it, and when done, I was soaked from head to toe with sweat. But God, long ago, blessed me with a swimming pool. So I jumped in! The prompting by my neighbors was not intentional. They were taking care of THEIR stuff, which made me want to take care of my stuff too.

The Holy Spirit is the Greatest gift Christians have, right next to Salvation in the first place. Residing in the hearts of all believers who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord, He has the same distinct skill my neighbors have. He doesn’t have to SAY ANYTHING to communicate EVERYTHING! When something needs done, or undone, I just KNOW!

I’ve tried a LOT of excuses to reason, argue or simply get out of doing something that I KNOW I should, or shouldn’t do. But in the end, my logic fails every time. I know, that He knows… that I know, He knows! It’s just the way God works. Do YOU have the Holy Spirit? How good are YOU at hearing and following His lead?

How does the lawn of YOUR life look?

“Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5

The night was uncommon from the beginning. Not being Baseball fans, we drove to St. Petersburg to see the Tampa Bay Rays. Our grandson’s High School Chorus was asked to sing the National Anthem, and we were invited. When we left, it was hot and sunny… and we were in a hurry. We arrived early, ill prepared for the storm that was rolling in.

Leaving in a rush reminded me of the Exodus story. I didn’t look or check the weather, so I didn’t even think to take my raincoat. While walking the area, a HUGE storm let loose and we got drenched. We found a little women’s shop and popped in to get out of the rain. Written on the wall was II Timothy 4:7… “I have fought the good fight!”

In the midst of the storm, as we found protection with a fellow believer, we chatted about Jesus. When the storm let out, we made our way to the stadium and watch and sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ We could hear “The bombs bursting in air’ from the lightning and thunder outside, while we sat cool and dry, comfortably inside.

It was a rocky night… but we were safe and secure. Driving home later, the roads were soaked, as a light rain fell almost the whole way home. As I prayed and asked for a safe trip, I could powerfully sense God’s presence inside the dry car that seemed to simply ‘cling’ to the road. I just knew we were safe as God rode along with us.

It is difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit in them. There is no way for me to remember all the difficult and stormy times I have been through with Jesus. But I am still HERE because he has been through ALL of them with me. I have found peace in learning that, wherever lightning and thunder are… ‘God is’ as well.

Have YOU found peace and shelter in the midst of life’s storms? Does lighting and thunder bring YOU comfort? Maybe, now that you know God is in it, you will find no need to have fear as your companion on life’s road.