“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

I have been putting of the inevitable and I don’t know why. I am turning 65 this year, and that means it’s time to sign up with the Social Security Administration and Medicare. I have been putting this off for a long time, but the clock ticks and time is running out. That is…unless I WANT to be penalized.

Without even trying first, I had gone to the local SSA Office and had asked for help, since I did NOT want to make a mistake. Thinking I’d get a hands on help guide, I was assigned a password number and told to “go online and register there.” I can’t tell you how many times I planned to DO that, only to NOT do it. But the clock is ticking.

The saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is true, not because you can’t, but because old dogs don’t LIKE to learn new stuff if the OLD stuff is working just fine. Which led me to think about my life in Christ…which is both old AND new. Having been a Believer since before I was a teen, I must honestly say that learning and doing ‘new’ things is tough.

When I get in a pickle, which is often, I turn to Jesus. He is ALWAYS there and has never failed me. But having done that, I take Him for granted. I mean…doesn’t EVERYBODY? And the answer to that is NO!!!! Now I find that along with dealing with the SSA… I am being pressed to do Jesus work…differently! And it’s giving me a headache.

Jesus is calling. His message is old… but the recipients aren’t even BORN yet. It is up to me (and you) to get His ‘OLD’ message of Love and Salvation out to a sick world in a ‘NEW’ way! The clock is ticking…

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people …” 2 Chronicles 7:13

There is no other way to say it than this… “I was wrong!” All of my years in ministry I have had an ‘open Book’ policy. When someone disagrees with my teaching or preaching interpretation from the Bible, they are EXPECTED to express their views so that we might ‘reason together’ and grow stronger. After all… I could be wrong! And I have been!

The Bible verse today is rather strange in that verse 13 is separated from verse 14 by a comma. It shouldn’t be. My understanding of verse 14 is a much quoted one that says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” In this verse ‘My people’ is ‘ISRAEL!’ NOT America. That said, I had been taught to NOT apply promises that do not apply.

This virus is a killer. And I’m not talking about just physical bodies. FEAR has gripped our world and country and the church has responded in fear. I have been told that meeting is illegal, irrational, stupid and irresponsible. Tucking my tail between my legs, I have felt like a criminal. Last night, I opened a news article and read the Florida Governor’s Executive Order. All I can say is…It confirms what I knew in my spirit and what we have been doing.

2 Chronicles 7 is about Solomon’s dedication of his Mega-Temple! It was his dad’s idea, but since David had blood on his hands, Solomon got the job. But even HE ended up as only a spectator when God showed and FIRED up the flames of His Glory EARLIER in the chapter. Go ahead and read it for yourself. What ensued was the biggest party in the History of Worship! But then came the warning that sounded more like a decree!

“WHEN I shut up the heavens…” not IF! God knew their hearts… and He gave them a conditional warning. ‘Turn to other God’s, and I will turn from you as disaster is delivered to your door.’ Friends, today in America, a land founded on God’s Word, the NEW god is FEAR! I am a CHRISTIAN! And God has convicted me in the study of John 17, that our attaching CHRIST to our lives MAKES us HIS PEOPLE! So I apologize to Him and to you! Now it’s time to act like what we are called… “Christ-Like.”

People who don’t know Jesus are scared out of their minds. The #1 priority and need is GOD! It is up to US to show Him. I find it oxymoronic that stores can stay open to provide ‘essential services’ but somehow a CHURCH has been labeled, by those who don’t know, as something extracurricular. Do you see the FIRST listing in the Governor’s “Essential Activities” list? Now you have proof.

In the coming days I will be sending out our ‘SMART-SAFE’ plans to serve, meet and reach out. We will do it SAFELY and enforce STRICT guidelines as recommended by Medical professionals. As we meed and discover the needs of our area, there will be SAFE ways to serve Jesus Christ in what one evangelist called ‘The Biggest Revival in History! Please stay tuned, informed and prayerful. And send me your ideas! Because It’s time for our land to be healed!

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

It was obvious I was winning. I had my opponent in a grip that was unbreakable…all I had to do was SQUEEZE! But then, my ears perked and a sideways glance forced me to make an adjustment…”HIIIIII_YAAAAAAA!” was the cry, as my younger grandson lept upon me in an attempt to rescue his brother. It was ‘game on,’ with giggles, squeals, screams and threats of annihilation if they didn’t ‘yield!’ Something that they NEVER do!

“I’ll crush your bones to powder and sprinkle it on my cereal,” was met with “Oh YEAAA? Take THIS!” As we rolled around on the floor and couch, even parents laughed, as I worked harder to make sure that my offspring DIDN’T get hurt!! Having raised 2 sons of my own, I’ve had LOTS of practice! In retrospect, we weren’t really wrestling or fighting. We were BONDING! And I was loving every second!

I had a great question come to me yesterday in Church. “Why was God so ‘grumpy’ in the Old Testament? You know…all that killing and threatening stuff?” It was a fair question and one that “I” know makes God smile on the inside. Because the question is REALLY and attempt by the questioner to ‘understand God.’ And NOTHING pleases ‘The Father’ more than an honest attempt at getting to know Him. Even if it comes in the form of a fight!

There is no question that humans are complex creatures. Developing even 1 personal relationship takes time, trust, vulnerability and work. I can’t even imagine how God does it with MILLIONS of people. Each of us is unique and demanding in our own ‘special’ way. In the ‘Old Covenant,’ God HAS to lay down the ‘Rules of The House!’ Having provide EVERY luxury in the Garden o f Eden, only to have it thrown back in His face, He was NOW faced with fighting to win back His own creation! Enter Jesus!

Jesus gives me ‘goose bumps!’ His prayer to His Father in John 17 is NOT so much for the masses as it is for ME! In the 47 times He prays for ‘those, them and they,’ He REALLY means ME! JESUS, who knows God best, wants ME to know His father in the same way HE does. The REAL question is… am ‘I’ ready for a bonding, Father-son wrestling match in order to get close? Are ‘you?‘

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

I awoke to a quiet house…which is normal for me. But not today. At least not after last night! Outside, the fog had rolled in and there was kind of a dullness to the normal Florida morning. Inside, the sunshine was at rest as well, since, all of my granddaughters were still asleep!

I surveyed the house with a smile, What a mess! The evidence of a memorable night was easy to see as EVERYTHING seemed out of place. My wife had invited JUST the ‘granddaughters’ for a sleepover. My own 2 daughters being long grown and gone, I had forgotten what a house with ‘just girls’ can be! Even as they lay sleeping in the quiet…I KNOW it is only a matter of time before squeals and silliness begin again. We are making memories!

We are in isolation because of this virus thing. That means, as family, we are isolated together! And I absolutely love it! Last night, while going through the ‘McDonald’s Drive-Thru’ we saw a lone semi-truck driver, walking around the crowded car lot, not able to order anything, as his truck could not able to fit through the line. When I drove over to him and offered him my sandwich, he cracked his window and turned it down. “Virus,” was all he said.

I tried to share the Gospel with someone yesterday. We had gotten close enough to strike up a conversation, but just close enough for these so called ‘pandemic’ times. As they poured out their life story, I offered them ‘Him’… Jesus! Unfortunately, even HE had gotten as close as He was going to be allowed. ‘Thanks… but no thanks.’ hung in the air as I walked away.

So we are in isolation…together. As Family. And between girly shrieks and squeals that can curl my hair…and even in a messy house, I KNOW that I am one of the most blessed men on the face of the planet! I wouldn’t have it any other way!

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:21b

Just wanted to pass on some information I just learned. Did you know that Laughing is a natural act? Yup! It comes on about the 3^rd day after birth. Babies laugh instinctively! And you already know that laughter is contagious. Laughter can be caught and it can be passed on. Tickling is a kind of laughter that comes because of surprise! Learning NOT to laugh at being tickled is a disciplined art. You can’t tickle yourself because your body isn’t surprised at what’s coming! No surprise… no laughter!

Lately, with all this virus talk, there isn’t enough laughter. And that makes me sad. When Jesus enters a heart, JOY follows. Joy and laughter are God’s way of reminding us that HE has us no matter WHAT the circumstances. I believe JOY and LAUGHTER should be signs of those who are trying to lead others into God’s JOYFUL Kingdom.

I laughed at this skit today. So I am sharing it with you as a kind of medicine.

I hope that this simple thing bring laughter to your soul. And as an assignment, why not google ‘funny skits’ or ‘Comedy’ (even ‘Christian comedians’) and see if you can find the best one that tickles YOUR funny bone.. and then SHARE IT with me so I can share it with the Brethren & Sisteren!! It might just lighten the load!

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20

Well… coronavirus or not, it’s that time of the month to pay my credit card bill. Having watched my mail and email for any correspondence eliminating my payment… none came. When I received notice that “they are behind me during this difficult time,” I found that the payment was still due! But when I looked closer, I was rather shocked!

A few years ago I took some long given advice and started putting everything on 1 credit card…then paying the entire balance off at the end of the month. Doing that not only gave me use of money with NO interest…it gave me points! These points could be exchanged for gift cards or cash back refunds. So far it has worked rather well! But I STILL have to make sure I pay the bill! And THIS one was strange!

The statement gave me the amount I had to pay, but the shockingly, strange part was that the balance due was LOWER than what I am used to paying! After looking at my transactions and figuring my figures, I realized that the coronavirus had indirectly SAVED ME MONEY! Since restaurants and entertainment establishments were mostly closed, I had no place to spend it! Therefore I naturally… saved it!

I LOVE this Bible verse today. It is one of my favorites. Jesus is talking here and He isn’t even pulling any punches. The SUBJECT of the sentence is ‘YOU!’ It is a COMMAND! He is saying, “Hey YOU… lay up treasure for YOURSELF!” Not for HIM.. but for MYSELF! In other words, He is commanding me to be ‘PIGGISH!’

God is EXTREMELY beneficial. He gives and gives and gives again! But if there are no TAKERS, there is no point to His giving. And that is the point! He wants us to take Him and try Him SO badly, He even commands us to do it for selfishly, piggy reasons! His goodness is SO good, He just can’t stand not seeing His children swimming in His good blessing. Even if it’s just to hear us squeal in delight!

I admit to taking advantage of God’s grace and doing things HIS way for reasons that may not always be Holy. Though sometimes out of ignorance, greed or even just to test Him, I have NEVER failed to receive good things from Him. Even when I’m being piggish! I just can’t wait to see what my piggy bank looks like in HEAVEN! How about you?

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4

Because of Covid-19 news, my mind was in preparation mode. I was a little rusty since the last time I was in this mode. It had been over a year ago since I prepared for a hurricane that never came. But I felt I had hit my preparation stride when, looking in the meat department, I spied a package of ‘Chicken Necks’ for $1.95! Folks…I am now prepared!

I was a Boy Scout for about 2 years as a kid. But I spent about 15 years in leadership in that program. Having 2 sons who are Eagle Scouts, I will never forget the time Colt and I were at our mountain cabin in a deluge with no power. We built a fire and cooked a meal, fit for a king, feeding family and neighbors. That skill didn’t come DURING the storm! It came LONG before any clouds were on the horizon.

On the edges of a ‘pandemic,’ it is interesting to note what people find important. Of all the things to fight over in a store, the LAST thing I would think about would be toilet paper! But the proof was before my eyes. While the TP isle was empty, there before me lay a whole case of ‘chicken necks!’ KNOWING what things would be important in a crisis, I grabbed some.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I will survive any crisis with chicken necks! But they DO serve a dual purpose for me. First, they can make a GREAT chicken soup and feed a lot of people. But more importantly, these ‘necks’ will serve as a kind of gauge for me. Strategically placing them at the bottom of my freezer, I know that if I hit the ‘necks,’ real trouble is soon to follow! I have prepared for that as well.

I have been teaching the Bible since High School. I have LIVED with it even longer. Having tested and tried God’s Words through MANY a storm, I can emphatically state that ”Jesus Works!” ALL THE TIME! Placing my Faith in Him is NOT a helter skelter, wishy washy kind of thinking. I have PROVEN that trusting Him keeps me sane and at peace during ANY crisis.

Please note I am NOT to saying that having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior guarantees physical, personal safety! It doesn’t! But what He DOES provide is what no one can BUY at any store. And that something is TRUE inner Peace and Security, right here and right NOW! He promises that no matter WHAT storm comes… NOTHING can snatch me out if His hands. And that wherever I may go…there He already there.

This storm will come and go… but once again, I am sticking my neck out for Jesus Christ. And because of that… I ain’t chicken! Now…what is most important to YOU?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus – John 14:27

Yesterday’s news was surreal. I don’t get live TV anymore but that didn’t stop news from leaking into my world. Cell phone, Computer, phone calls, Text’s, emails and opinions on top of opinions. The world is in a panic and there seems to be NO way to ACTUALLY determine what is REALLY going on with this COVED-19 virus thing. So, being it was St Patrick’s Day, we did the most logical thing. We made corned beef and cabbage!

Now most of the time I find it a WHOLE lot better to not focus on crazy. At my age I have seen a LOT of it! I remember, as a first grader, being assembled in the basement of our school and told to hunker down under the older kids standing above us as they stood against the wall. Somethin’ about bombs and such! Even then I couldn’t figure out the logic and felt sorry for those bigger than me who would supposedly die first.. then fall on ME! Not much has changed.

I told you I’ve seen a lot of stuff. And there re plenty of folks around WAY older than me you can spend time with, who can top MY stories. But I guess I have seen enough to learn NOT be scared of crazy talk! Getting through it, I have learned that often it isn’t what you DON’T know.. as much as it’s about what ya DO! And the #1 top thing I KNOW….Is Jesus Christ!

I LOVE this Bible quote from John. Jesus personally pulled his disciples aside and gave them an alien package. Something they had never even HEARD of before. Like NOTHING out of this world…He gave them Himself. “His Peace,” He called it. He told them that there was noting to compare it to on Earth. And then gave them 2 big no-no’s to go along with it. He said, If I have HIS Peace, I’m NOT to allow myself to be ‘troubled’ or ‘afraid!’ He says ‘I’m’ supposed to regulate those things!

I was thumbing through one of my old Bibles and came across this little poem I wrote years ago. I don’t remember the occasion, but whatever it was, God had made an impression upon me! Enough to write something down to keep. Maybe it might help YOU right now.

When obstacles and trials seem

like prison walls to me.

I do the little that I can

and leave the rest to thee.

And when there seems no change, no chance

that fear will set me free.

Hope finds your strength in my helplessness

and calmly waits for thee!

Do YOU know His Peace?

Keep me safe, my God,
    for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing

3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
    “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
    I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
    or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
    you make my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Yesterday I was passing a grocery store when I remembered that my wife had stated how much she’d like to have some meatloaf. I ran in…focused on the items I would need. Grabbing some items I ended up at the meat section… and it was all gone, except for a few hot sausages and miscellaneous stuff. I did a quick shift and changed the menu in my head, than made my way to the check out. I was NOT prepared for what I saw.

I had just heard the Presidents plea to not panic and go crazy. So it wasn’t in my head to even look for signs of crazy. But when I went to get into the exit line, every one of them were at least 30 feet long… and lined with people with shopping carts FILLED every crazy edible thing imaginable! Since I don’t do panic crazy…I put my items back and left!

I guess you could say that on the surface it looks like this COVID-19 has personally cost ME money. Over $2000! I got a message yesterday from a seasonal renter from New York that said they wanted to canceled their trip next week, since all the beaches and restaurants are closed here anyway! WHAAAAA? It is amazing to be sitting in paradise and hear local reports from 1400 miles away! Especially when they’re not true! Now that it was affecting MY bank account, crazy things started to burp up in my brain…until I put an immediate halt on it!

Rule 1 of ANY scenario is to remember that everything I own…isn’t mine! This isn’t MY life… MY home…MY body… or MY bank account! And “I” haven’t lost a dime! I am a child of the King who owns it ALL! And interestingly, while HE doesn’t CAUSE the COVID-19 virus, His Word says that He can USE it to TEST ME to see how firmly I TRUST HIM! Having been through so many REAL crises… I am NOT about to go CRAZY when it comes to trusting Him now! I hope you are being sensible and using this time to share your faith AND your goods with friends and neighbors who DON’T share your strength and faith in Jesus Christ!  And REMAIN CALM.