“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Katie and I were driving home in a torrential downpour recently and it was hard to even see the road. Since it was about dinner time anyway, I suggested we stop to get something to eat. After ordering, she went to get her drink and find us a seat. After getting the food and grabbing a wad of napkins by accident, I saw she had done the same. Immediately my guilt meter went off!

Raising 4 kids, and being a certified Sheepdog for Jesus, I’m still like a Father to the sheep in the flock. That means I am to teach those under my care about the important things of God. Because Church membership is voluntary, I can’t just come out and say things like, “clean up after yourself, be on time, or stop wasting money!” Sheep like diplomacy. But there I was, guilty of stealing!

It may seem like a minor offense, but the napkin holder had spewed out about 6 at a time. And there Katie and I were, with a stack of napkins we weren’t going to use! Not knowing napkin etiquette, I didn’t know if it was OK to put them back, throw them away or leave them for someone else to deal with. All I knew was, waste was sitting in front of me… and I was personally guilty!

Little things like that bother me. Some folks may tell you that I should be more worried about more important things, but I am me! Therefore, unless I’m taught by someone else, or by experience, my bothers are my bothers. I’ve learned that if something bothers Father God, it SHOULD bother ME! Today’s verse tells me that saving to share with others is a big deal with God.

The average cost of 1 paper towel is $.02. Two cents doesn’t sound like much, but if everyone twirled off 2 paper towels to dry their hands every time, the waste would be immeasurable. As I sat in the restaurant staring at our pile of stolen napkins, I gave that some thought. And THAT is my two cents worth for today!

Are YOU using God’s resources wisely and He expects?

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” Mark 16:15

“Have ya heard the news today?” That statement is used regularly these days. In fact, I heard it from 3 different people over the last 2 days myself! In each case, I had to say, “no I haven’t,” since I chose to quit listening to news broadcasts a few years ago. But that doesn’t diminish the effect of the line when I hear it. My immediate reaction is to cringe and think, “what now?”

The old line, ‘no news is good news’ has a lot of truth to it. When the word ‘news’ is said, the anticipation is usually negative. The fact is, the worse the news, the more attention it gets… and more money for the deliverer. The term ‘Breaking News’ came into being when something SO shocking happened it demanded interruption of everything normal. Until ‘shock’ became normal.

The word for this process is propaganda! Instead of reporting news, some crafty folks paid attention to the results and figured out how they could MAKE news that would actually influence and change the thoughts of hearers… effectively making good evil and evil good in the minds of the hearers. Marching to the beat, whole ideologies were born, from communism to WOKE!

Being a genuine Believer and follower of the Creator of the Universe, my thoughts on ‘News’ changed when I heard what HE had to say. His Words don’t echo as loudly these days as they once did. But that doesn’t make them any less ‘Breaking!’ In a world where sin and evil reign, The Lord of the Universe STILL expects that ‘The Gospel’ be proclaimed! And that friends, is GOOD NEWS!

As Believers and followers of what was once called ‘The Way,’ it is our honor to DO what today’s verse proclaims. That is to ‘go’ out into our world and tell folks about the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ! How His grace and mercy can BREAK sin’s hold and deliver us from it’s clutches. The story finds Jesus instructing the 11 disciples, but there is no way 11 can impact the world without US.

Have YOU heard the Good News lately? Is it affecting you to the point of wanting to share it with a broken world? There are people near you who need to hear some. 

“Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” Psalm 62:10

Katie and I like to eat out at restaurants because, being just the 2 of us, most of the time it works out to be more convenient and economical. When we have Gift Cards from Credit Card points to offset the pricing, it makes dining out even better. One thing I have learned is that, like most people, servers are a strange and varied group. But the last time out caused me to question my sanity!

The food was great, the server was good. Knowing service goes down as the restaurant population goes up, I sometimes have to put on patience with love. Especially when, after eating, I waited 10 minutes for the bill which, this time with a gift card, came to $4. Knowing servers like TIPS in cash, I laid a $20 bill down and waited 5 more minutes. His response? “Do you want change, sir?” “HUH?”

With a $25 gift card the meal came to $4. I make it a point to leave at least a 20% TIP on the total bill, including taxes! That meant $6 for the tip. Add $4 for the food balance and a $20 bill should get me $10 back, right? And that’s generous, right? But the server threw me off when he asked if I wanted change! Having been in sales for years, I wondered, “does that line work for you often?”

Now I can’t blame someone for trying! Or can I? Trying to get more for less might be considered smart if I’m shopping. But seeking patronage through excessive or exorbitant charge is called extortion… which God hates! The irritating thing was, I wasn’t as irritated at the server as I was at myself because the Holy Spirit pointed right at my heart and asked ME… “how often do YOU do that?”

Getting by with minimum effort for maximum gain is a sinful human trait. Being human, I both hate and fight the inclination. But according to the Holy Spirit, that doesn’t make me innocent! Pointing the comparison finger at other people and claiming, “but Lord, I’m not as guilty as THEM,” does not work! Because Christ’s standard is perfection. A position I have yet to attain, and one which He continues to press!

Seeking oceans full of Grace from God, for the tiniest droplet of obedience in return, is extortion. I am finding that God is as shocked at MY response and efforts as I was at MY server’s statement. OF COURSE God wants me to serve Him well. OF COURSE He expects change in return! Why was I thinking anything less would be just fine with Him?  And then He reminded me… “No, I don’t care HOW busy or stressed you are!  PAY ATTENTION!”

Are you extorting God for His maximum benefits, but giving Him back mediocre service?

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46

From the parking lot, a sign on the door to the building read, “Please use other door.” So I did! It was a medical office and I was being herded into a designated area to be properly ‘checked in.’ After answering all their questions, waiting my turn, and then having a procedure done, I was led to the INSIDE of the “Please use other door” to go OUT. So I did! It was locked from the inside.

Going OUT the ‘do not enter door’ left me feeling slightly privileged. Because upon exit, I now understood the whats and whys of the whole process, having just experienced it. I KNEW what was behind that locked door, something the fellow, staring at it from the parking lot, did not. But based upon a conversation I’d had with someone inside, I left with some confusion about exits.

Since lots of people were inside that building, and since my Master is in ‘the people business,’ It was only natural that I struck up a conversation. As it turned out, they too were a sheep… a fellow believer, and follower, of the same Master as me! Eventually, I asked the sheep where their pasture and flock resided, “Where do you go to church?” I asked. Sheep said, “I worship at home.”

Over the last couple years, conversations with self-admitted fellow flockers have helped me discover LOTs of ‘pasture-less sheep.’ 9/11 left people with the need to go back to Church to flock together to meet each other’s needs. Which was exactly The Master’s point! When Covid hit, the same doors that swung open to welcome people IN, got padlocked shut from the OUTSIDE… by exiting sheep! And I don’t understand… why?

The Church is the ONLY God ordained, outreach mission oriented group on planet Earth. Being part of a Pasture, or local Church, is NOT an option but a requirement by our chief shepherd, Jesus Christ. NOT being part of a pasture may help one feel free from the irritability of other sheep’s attitudes, ideas and stink. But flocking alone is NOT how Christ intended His sheep to live.

So… where is YOUR Pasture? And if your Master is the same as mine, how do you justify calling Him so… yet not do what He says? Because, the Master’s Pasture Jesus makes sure that the door to His kingdom swings both ways. Are you in or out?

“Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15

The question kind of hit me out of the blue… and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I had heard it right. So I asked the Doctor to repeat it. “Yes… the C-Scan shows you need a root canal. Do you want it now? Or would you rather reschedule a more convenient time!” I WANTED to say, “HUH?” But asking for a three-peat would sound stupid! So all that came out was, “Uh.. gimmie a second, ok?”

I had been having a little pain on not one, but both sides of my uppers. Having learned LONG ago that it’s not smart to put off dental work because it ONLY gets worse, I scheduled an appointment with my favorite Dentist. After some x-rays, he said, “you want the good news?” I didn’t think he was kidding cuz he’s not really a jokester. He then handed me a card with a time for a specialist!

I’m old… so I’ve been around the block a few times! I’ve had lots of dental work and a couple root canals and questions. In fact I have an appointment with Jesus when I get to heaven to discuss what I consider to be one of His ‘less than 100% successful’ creations… TEETH! And skeeters! But I’m here, so I headed to the root canal specialist. After some fancy scans, she popped ‘The Question!’

I consider myself to be not just old, but tough too! I have seen some difficult times and have learned to take life as it comes. After raising 4 kids and pastoring for 25 years, not much surprises me, though some still question my capabilities! But tough or not, the Doctor’s question took me by surprise. Because it hit me like, “you want me to break your nose now or later!”

I needed a minute to think and process and to consider the balance in my bank account. But I REALLY took the minute to ask Jesus what HE thought about the ‘hole’ root canal business! The advantage to knowing His heart and mind, because I know His Word, is that He talks to me that way! His response was quick and to the point! “You know me man… I got yer back!”

With no reason to delay, I told the Doctor that I was good to go! “Let’s do it!” were the words I used! About an hour or so later, I was drooling and digging for my credit card! But the root problem was gone and Jesus had come through. I had no doubt that He would. Because, after all, a promise is a promise! And today’s verse is just that! A day of trouble had come… and so did HE!

So what about YOU? Are YOU ‘Good to Go?’ in any given situation because you have Jesus with you. Can you meet life’s surprises head on with full trust in The Master? Because THAT, my friend, is at the Root of all our concerns!

“Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:8-9

Approaching the grocery store from the north end, I was pleasantly surprised to see a group of Boy Scouts selling popcorn at the south end. Upon exiting, I was determined to donate. But my hand never made it to my wallet. When the Cub Scout before me turned around, she was spiriting a long pony tail! Exclaiming, “Wait, you’re not a boy!” One of the leaders said, “the Boy Scouts have changed!” I walked on!

There was SO much I COULD have said. But the man who was their leader didn’t know a thing about me, nor would he care! I am a former Scoutmaster with a hand in building 21 Eagle Scouts… two of whom are my own sons! Being too embarrassed by what I saw, I said nothing! Not because I didn’t WANT to. I just knew that nothing would change if I did! And maybe THAT is the problem! Because the assault didn’t stop there!

Later, while watching football, I was inundated with subliminal messages meant to confuse and question the very core of my existence. Some players still wore the ‘Stop Hate’ and ‘Black Lives Matter’ slogans on their helmets. Women commentators took center control. Commercials showed 2 girls kissing, mixed marriages and only few white men… those shown were displayed as dumb and inept! I just sighed!

Earlier I had played a little game at church, asking parishioners their opinions. While they came closer than most Americans polled, they were still WAY off on the facts. Only 1% of America is transgender, 3% are gay, 17% are Latino and 12% are Black! But the media world presses to force me to believe otherwise. There is a reason!

Today’s Bible verse reveals that God demands and expects that we keep first things first. And HE IS FIRST! His Will and His Way are to supersede EVERYTHING! Or else! Topping it off yesterday, I was told Disney is pushing satan’s agenda with a new show called ‘Little Demon!’ God reminded me, with this verse, that I’d better NOT keep silent, because silence is merely waving the white flag of surrender! So I SHOUT!

Actor Tim Robbins said, “In a free society the biggest danger is that you’ll become afraid to the point where you censor yourself.” The battle within is very real and satan is stirring the waters. I AM a Child of Most High God by Faith in His Son Jesus Christ! I WAS created for the Praise of His Glory! He IS the ONLY fact that matters. The more satan attacks with lies, the more I am called to Praise and Shout! Silence isn’t an option!

Are YOU determined to stand up and out, and to make some noise for Jesus Christ in the face of overwhelming evil?

“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.'” John 15:25 KJV

It happens more often than not. Whether I’m ordering a book, music, a product or just to getting into my bank account, inevitably my computer screen pops up the request… Password? With so many accounts and websites to keep track of, I TRY to obey their rules. Rule 1 is, make up a unique password – but don’t use the same one all the time. So I guess.. then guess again. Usually I go to a written list to look it up.

Back in the 60’s there was a TV game-show called ‘Password.’ I have a feeling that this is where the word ‘Password’ got it’s name! To me, the TV show was about as exciting as watching paint dry! It featured famous stars, coupled with ordinary folk, to outsmart another ‘somebody – nobody’ team. It was all too boring and brainy for me as a kid. So I didn’t watch it. With only 3 channels, I’d usually go do my own thing!

The same kind of thing was going on back in Jesus’ day when a bunch of self appointed smart guys started taking God’s Words, twisting them around to sound more sophisticated. It made them feel like stars! So God sent His Son Jesus down here to try to straighten them out! He gave them LOTS of clues, and even did a bunch of miraculous things that only God could do. But they didn’t want to play and did their own thing!

Flashing forward from my childhood, I see a FAR more sophisticated world that I could NEVER have imagined as a child. Information is KEY and technology has quickly overpowered the need and desire for God and what HE is trying to tell the world. Truth has become relative, as groups of people huddle together to come up with ideas that will not pass God’s clear directives or clues.

When I met Jesus over 50 years ago, He gave me some crystal clear Words that still impact me today. Rule 1 is to read His Word REGULARLY and USE IT the way He intended. Then He asked me to go out into the world and PASS Jesus, also known as The WORD, on to others. His Word says that MOST people are going to simply think that He and I are both nuts… and Pass! But I’m supposed to do it anyway!

So how about you? Are you paying attention to God and His Word? Or are you simply going to dismiss and pass Him by?  

“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24

Monday it was meatloaf, with broccoli, zucchini and cucumber salad.

Tuesday it was Rib-eye steak with Cauliflower, zucchini, and cucumber salad.

Wednesday it was meatloaf, Cauliflower, zucchini, and cucumber salad. PLUS a Caprese salad! OR the choice to go out to eat somewhere besides home! TO spice things up, I found some old baby potatoes, boiled them up and put Sour cream, garlic powder and some cheddar cheese powder on them.

Thursday, after eating leftovers for 2 days, it is looking like we will go out somewhere for something new and different. Because I have found that an appetite of just leftovers may sustain life, but when it comes to enthusiasm, leftovers come with built in limitations to truly satisfy. My God COMPLETELY understands. That is why, based upon today’s verse, it does not appear that God even bothers to serve them!

The Word tells me God Is INFINITELY CREATING and never tires of doing so. He WANTS me to learn to look out for His mercy, grace and Love Daily, for NEW meals of unexpected Joy! God’s overflow of Grace NEVER gets old and NEVER contains leftovers. It is new… EVERYDAY! MY job is to see His hand among the chaos and to joyfully partake in his unlimited provisions to ME… DAILY! All I have to do is to freely choose to receive them!

How long has it been since YOU have had a new touch and experience of God’s wonderful blessing? Because He wants to dish it out to you!

“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin.” Isaiah 30:1

My son introduced me to the Sous Vide method of cooking. Showing up at his house, he had a pot of water, a gadget hanging from the edge and several steaks submerged in plastic bags. I thought, “what foul thing is THIS,” and guessed he had gone over the edge by wasting good meat! That is until he presented the steaks and I ate! Guessin’ immediately flew out the window!

Impressed, I decided to get one for my house. Last weekend, I went to the store to buy some cheap meat. The butcher told me that what I had selected was NOT ‘Choice’ beef and recommended a better cut. I told him that for YEARS I had destroyed good meat by my cooking methods. This time, I wanted to see if I could turn low quality meat into something good! He laughed!

Asking the butcher some questions, based upon his expertise, educated me about the quality of meats. After he gave me his expertise, I began to think, using his knowledge, my experience, and then added some guessing. Having learned that ‘he who expects nothin’, ain’t gonna be deceived,’ I developed high hopes, buffered with low expectations. Guessin’ and thinkin’ were about to fight!

Belief based upon thinking about known facts, to me, is better than belief based upon guessing. The difficulty is to determine what is factual! To get there requires a little of both thinkin’ AND guessin!’ But in the end, the final decision will prove itself to be true or false based upon the outcome. God has a point of view that I have learned to trust. His advice? “Look to HIM FIRST!’

The Word of God has been laid down, tested and proven for over 3500 years. I have NEVER found it to be wrong, inconclusive or to lead me astray. That said, when I have a problem, issue or difficulty, I go to ‘The Word’ FIRST before I do any sort of thinking or guessing. Because, like with my Sous Vide machine, I like seeing something good come out of a low grade quality of life. So does God!

Are YOU trusting God and thinking about HIS ways? Or are you just going around guessin’?