“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

“Geet dat ting an bring it ova hea’!” the lady screamed in a Cajun like, foreign accent! At least I THOUGHT she was screaming. When we entered the store her loud voice was a shock. After we received our food and sat down, her boisterous voice ordered the staff around, shaking both the walls and our own sense of calm.

The woman referred to was clearly the manager. Her management and manners were loud, obnoxious and unwelcome. She got so loud it became uncomfortable to sit and enjoy our meal. As we left, an employee was sitting outside on break. I said,” I don’t know how you put up with THAT!” He nodded… slowly in the affirmative.

It was hard to determine if each sentence was said in anger, or if that was just her style. In either case, it was uncomfortable to everyone in the place… customers and employees included. I’m not sure if I could ever get used to hearing her tone. Katie mentioned, “I couldn’t work in a place like that!” I simply said, “I wouldn’t!”

Being honest, I haven’t had a quiet spirit lately. ‘Outside’ things have been seen and absorbed, leaving my ‘inside’ a rather irritable mess. This, I am sure, has made MY outside impression upon others… questionable. After all, who wants to hang around and listen to a grumpy, obnoxious, unhappy ‘Jesus guy?’ I sensed a need.

The experience in the restaurant wasn’t the fix for my heart. But it was a wake-up call. ‘The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit’ does not come naturally. But it IS a goal and work of art that’s actually EXPECTED from ‘The Master.’ Working on my inner spirit to make it ‘peaceful and quiet’ can be MY gift to God!

All Believers in Jesus Christ are witnesses called to go spread the Gospel, and God’s love from our insides, to the outside. People like to listen to ‘gentle and peaceful’ better than the obnoxious and raging! With Thanksgiving approaching, I believe I’ve just been given a hint from God on what HE wants for the Holy-Day.

How is YOUR inner spirit? How do YOU come off, as Christ’s representative, in a loud and raging world? Are you living with a Thanks-giving, peace-filled, gentle heart and spirit? Thank God we have a gentle Savior who majors in heart transplants.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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 4:8-10

Those were the last words of George Harrison, the former Beatle, before he died.”Love one another.” Which is interesting… because Jesus said them first. I hadn’t known George to be known for his Christian faith! But he must have discovered what love was, its importance, and passed on the inspiration.

I’ve been grumpy. VERY grumpy… tired and worn out. And I know why. OK… this is going to sound selfish… but it’s true. I’m grumpy because… I ain’t getting no love! There… I said it! It’s how I FEEL! That’s that! I’m this way because of my own description that ‘Love is not a feeling… it’s an action. A verb… not a noun!’

Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time on the love train. Added to an abnormally high volume of pastoral calls and requests, I’ve been working hard at the Church House. Which is not a problem. My problem comes when, after loving labor and Godly counsel are given… I look around and see that I am standing there… alone!

Love is not a feeling.. It’s an ACTION. And IF I am being loved… I should be able to SEE it. In the Pastoral business… which represents Jesus’ interests… I should be able to SEE the results of love by seeing OTHER people DOING ‘love’ for Christ. I’m simply not seeing it. MY problem and fault is that I take it personally. I’m sorry.

The most expensive and difficult adjective in the world is ‘Christian.’ Why? Because it costs EVERYTHING the Christian owns 2 B 1! There is NOTHING that should come before Christ… EVER! “I was busy,’ ‘I had to work,’ ‘I had other things to do,’ are some of the words I’ve heard far too often lately. My JOB is to say so.

Remember when Jesus said, ‘let the dead bury the dead (luke 9:60)?’ Or ‘any follower of mine must HATE himself AND his family” (Luke 14:26)? There are many more examples. I say these words because it is my ‘duty’ to say them. It’s the reason I never WANTED to have this job. But God insisted. And He insists NOW!

You say you love Jesus Christ… how are you SHOWING it? What are you DOING to PROVE that you do? Who is noticing? Is God pleased with your sacrifice? Ask Him? I don’t say these words to GET ANYTHING. I say them so that YOU will. So… where are you going to start showing your love for God in the service of others and Him?

Here is the Advent Devotional from Dallas Theological Seminary for 2024.  I pray you enjoy https://lps.dts.edu/2024christmasdevotional 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

“We’re Late?” was my exclamation when I hit the church. We had tickets to a concert at another church in town, and I’d THOUGHT that it started at 6:30pm. Walking in at 6:05, to be early, revealed my thought… as wrong. The concert had already begun. All eyes were on us as we walked down the middle aisle.

We really hadn’t missed more than half a song, but in reality, I had no idea what we had missed… because we hadn’t been there! One thing I knew for sure, I personally had missed the preparation time to get ready, mentally and spiritually, for what I was about to hear. The real feeling of loss was present.

Every activity I participate in takes preparation. And not just in the physical arena either. Even a laborer who simply gathers tools will not do his job well without mentally planning and ‘getting his head into the game’ before he arrives. Good workers are easily spotted. They come prepared… early!

I’d been pastoring about a half dozen men in regards to their lives and lifestyle choices. Several were facing difficult issues that were costing them ‘abundant life and peace.’ As I listened, it was easy to spot where their treasure lay. In every case, the treasure they were seeking was NOT Jesus’ treasure!

Jesus made it clear. Find out what is most important to someone, and it will be clear where they bank. The Bible stories about sowing and reaping prove it. If ‘self’ is the object, suggestions of ‘doing what Jesus says’ brings a scowl. No where is that made more clear than in the subject of ‘Church.’

One who puts Christ first can be seen in the Church because… Church is a bank. Just because one shows up at church doesn’t mean they are putting Jesus first! Here is a link that will help Church Bankers improve their investments. I pray you will read, ponder and listen to the Holy Spirit for what He wants and expects from YOU.

Where is YOUR Treasure?

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/make-the-most-of-sunday-mornings?utm_campaign=Daily+Digest&utm_content=Daily+digest&utm_medium=cio&utm_source=email

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36

“Let me know what you decide,” said the doctor. Which irritated me beyond words. I’ve had a medical issue for over 45 years. Medical knowledge and technology may have increased… but not far enough! Having seen many doctors for this inherited ‘condition,’ the next step is only a GUESS. “Maybe it’ll work!” Doc said.

Like my dad, I live with acid reflux… producing too much of the stuff. Antacids, and PPI’s to reduce acid production, work for a while. But then stop. While at least 3 Doctors cannot guarantee a cure, they agree that having my gallbladder removed MAY stop this condition. A guess. I must decide on having surgery… or not.

Telling this is uncomfortable because I know I’ll get a ton of well intentioned advice wrapped in love. But I tell it because this question, and MY decision, are not like, “do you want fries with that?” It’s a serious question with potentially serious results. Like my decision to believe or reject Jesus as Savior and Lord.

One would think that choosing Jesus SHOULD be EASY. Hearing His promise of Eternal Life and choosing to ‘believe in Him’ is like popping an antacid… easy and smart. Until the answering process hits a wall in the definition of ‘Believe.’ Belief that a plank can support me changes… when it is moved 100 feet into thin air!

I can believe the Bucs will win the playoffs. But I am not on the team. Jesus is asking me to join ‘His Team!’ He doesn’t want guesses, wishes and hopes. He wants a lifetime commitment. The longer I’m on the team, the harder it seems to get! But He keeps asking me to step up and out in Faith… proving He is my LORD!

He asks EVERYONE to make a commitment to Him. The results of the answer are VERY serious. Heaven or hell? Abundant, yet persecuted and tested, Jesus filled life or… eh? It’s my call. He isn’t looking for a 1 times decision. He wants every minute of every day to be HIS. Which, looking at it now, like surgery, is serious!

So what-cha-gonna-do?

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10

It was 1984. Daily, I was gleefully trapped in my Pinto Pony Station wagon for the 25 minute drive to my job selling computers. We were raising 2 sons and Katie was a stay-at-home mom. I hadn’t realized ‘I’ was being raised myself. Having just discovered a radio Broadcast teaching God’s Grace, I was being schooled everyday.

Having been raised by a Pastor father who loved the Bible, I knew a lot. But I really didn’t know a lot about WHY I believed certain things… other than ‘my dad said so.’ Bob George’s broadcast was teaching me about Eternal Security, Death and Life in Christ and the big differences between ‘Law’ and ‘Grace.’

Being a big man, his radio style was just as large. He didn’t cower to tough questions and when folks tried to bully him, his voice became ‘matter-of-fact’ and stern. He often quoted Romans 5:10 to set the record straight. Because Christ died… “I” died! And that I, now, live FREE because Christ lives inside of me.

The Christian 1 liners were slain regularly on his program… “Ask for forgiveness,” “Follow Jesus,” “Obey the Law” and others were constantly ground down to their root meanings. I learned that through Christ, I was forgiven ALL my sin, even the ones I hadn’t yet committed, 2000 years ago when He died on the cross! I’m FREE!

A couple I talked to last week had been feeling guilty and let down about their own failures. Questioning them I was able to determine that they didn’t really understand the concept of God’s Forgiveness. They kept feeling guilty and sorrowful. I dug up a Bob George’s recorded show and shared. They now smile.

I am adding the link to this devotional in hopes that you click on it and listen. He has LOTS of shows. Jesus’ death is OVER! And so is YOURS… if you have received Him as Savior. Now, it’s time to make Him Lord and LIVE with Him daily. Remember… “Born once, Die twice. Born twice, Die once!” Enjoy!

Call-ins Radio Broadcast Friday 11/15/2024

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

“James 1:2,” he said. But it didn’t help. I had been frustrated, complaining about how badly things were going on a project. ‘The guy’ was TRYING to help. But his words only proved him to be a smart-ass. He’d memorized a Bible verse once, and hurled it at me. Since I don’t memorize chapters and verses, I replied “Huh?” He smirked!

Being a preacher, one of my pet-peeves is when someone wants to try to impress me with their Bible knowledge by throwing out a Bible verse. It’s easy. When I say “Huh?” I immediately see a gleam in their eye… even if it was unintentional. That gleam says, “see how smart I am?” It really says, ‘I’m a smart-ass!’

James 1:2 tells ALL of us to “Consider it all joy when you face various trials.” I know the verse. I also knew I wasn’t DOING the verse when ‘I’ was talking to ‘the guy.’ He had pointed out that I hadn’t been DOING it when I was doing my project. Which proved BOTH of us were being nothing more than dumb ‘smart-asses!’

A little further down the chapter is another ‘Good Verse’ to memorize. It’s James 1:22 (gotcha)! It says to “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” If I had been in a competition, I would have been able to finish that verse after hearing only “Be doers!” Cuz I’m a smart-ass! But then The Holy Spirit hits me, and I know I’m just being a dumb one!

I am a walking, talking oxymoronic saint! I KNOW what the Word says! I have DECADES of study and knowledge that COMPLETELY fails to impress Jesus. He doesn’t CARE what I KNOW. He only cares about what I DO! That He loves, cares for and wants ME to be HIS is the motivation to stop being a smart-ass and DO.

So…. what about YOU? Do you prove your love and appreciation of Jesus by reading His word daily? Are you DOING what He says? Are you working on dropping the ‘ass’ from the title and becoming smarter in your willingness to be His disciple? Don’t be a dumb-ass or a smart-ass… just be His ass! After all, He’s known for Joy riding them!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

Hurricane Milton was a DOOZIE! Driving around town I still see the devastation, and clean up efforts that have been going on for over a month. Trees and 100+ MPH winds do not go well together. Sitting at a stop light, I studied the position of a HUGE Florida Oak tree as it lay on its side with roots exposed. It told a story.

The tree had been MASSIVE. Katie and I have a little thing between us when we see an Oak tree like the one I was considering. “What do you think about THAT one,” she’ll say. To which I’ll give a number from 1 to 10. If our numbers vary, we’ll explain and defend why we each chose that number. This tree LOOKED like a ‘10.’

I had been focusing on the huge limbs of the tree, my eyes searching from top to bottom. When I focused on the roots, the story became clear. The roots were only about a third of the size of the tree itself. Normally, a tree’s root’s underground will be as large or larger, as the tree’s branches above! It was no wonder it fell.

Today’s Bible verse isn’t rocket science. My Christian walk, though seen from the outside, is formed by the size and depth of my roots. As the windy trials of life blow, I will stand or fall based upon how well my roots have grown and adjusted from past storms. It is a never ending process. Growth is supposed to equal trial.

The goal of my life is to grow and bear fruit for Jesus Christ. That only happens as I read and obey His Word daily… digging in and growing up and outward. Jesus is not interested in a flowery, showy life that has no fruit. It is up to ME to make sure I give Him my attention and focus BEFORE the storms of life arrive.

So… what # are YOU? Are YOU an overflowing, thankful, fruit bearing tree for Jesus? Dig into His Word daily and grow up!

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

Last night, the words, “Oh, I LOVE working with your son” were said to me many, many times. They weren’t words for just 1 of my sons, but BOTH! Clint and Colt are in the Maritime business in Tampa Bay. Last night, being at a Festival among over 1500 people who have associations with them, I heard MANY comments praising BOTH my sons.

Am I bragging? Not at all! If you were to take all the knowledge I have about the Maritime and Shipping business and pile it all together, it wouldn’t fit inside a thimble. So they OBVIOUSLY weren’t impacting the maritime industry with ANY knowledge from ME. Being their earthly father, I did what dads do. I beamed!

A week ago we learned the reputation of a loud mouthed, bold and obnoxious man who absolutely loved Jesus Christ. Since his passing, I have been hearing stories, every day, about how he was a ‘great man!’ I knew James well. And I KNOW HE didn’t get HIS reputation from his earthly Father either. It was Heavenly.

The roll God plays in my life is absolutely essential to how people perceive me… AND the reputation I leave behind me. Even though it is not always shiny and good to some. How people view God often reflects how I am perceived. Often, having a reputation of telling Truth as it IS, can get me frowns… even from fellow believers.

The Truth is ‘The Truth’… And HE has both a name AND a Father! His Father is my Spiritual Dad, and HE INSISTS that I ‘tell it like it IS’ when it comes to His Son. Jesus Christ is the person I work hard to represent, and know, more than anything or anyone else. After all, I want MY Heavenly Father to Beam when He hears about my reputation too!

Are YOU working hard to please Jesus? How is YOUR reputation? Is God BEAMING at you because your words and footsteps have a heavenly Jesus glow about them?

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” 2 Peter 3:3

There’s a LOT of ‘em! Entertainers who supported Kamala Harris and the Democratic WOKE agenda. And they won’t shut up! This was brought to my attention by Katie, who became livid at the gym yesterday when the story broke on the news. Entertainers, news people and politicians are going crazy!

Their problem? They can’t figure out WHY they and their agenda lost the 2024 election! I read yesterday that Truth loves questions, but liars hate Truth! The Bible makes that clear. Now that the license to sin appears to be in danger, especially in the sex and gender category, those ‘Actors’ are again using their craft!

Katie wrote in her Journal, “Hey Hollywood! We don’t want your advice! You are ACTORS! We pay you to ENTERTAIN us – not enlighten. You became famous because you are good at your craft, be it movies, singing or sports. The King and his court never asked the jesters for advice. They only expected to be entertained by them. The same goes for celebrity sports. We have rejected your un-American attitudes, even in regards to our National Anthem. Now to play ball, sing or act!”

The Latin word ‘entertain’ means to ‘amuse’ or ‘hold someone’s attention for fun.’ Entertainment has no real value other than to take our minds off of the really serious stu,ff for a while. Today, sports players, actors and singers get paid a FORTUNE and are looked upon as idols and role models. Jesus say’s ‘NOT SO!’

The agenda of satan is to turn our attention from the Godly… to anything but. ‘Actors’ are upset that they may be labeled what they are… dark, empty, lust-filled slaves of depravity (2 Peter 2). Are YOU upset that your source of ‘entertainment’ is in question? Jesus holds the ultimate stage. Do you listen and focus on HIM?