“Is not my word like as a fire? says the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29

were in scouts or Sunday School as a kid, you may remember this song… “It only takes a spark, to get a fire going.” Yea… me too! I’m older now, and having built HUNDREDS of fires in my life, I can tell you that there is LITTLE truth to the song. If I had to bet on the possibility of a fire from a small spark, I’d bet it highly unlikely. Almost a MIRACLE even! Let me explain.

For several weeks during the summer, our family sits outside at night around a campfire. The REASON we have a fire is twofold. 1. Everyone likes and wants one. And 2. ‘I’ am the guy that has the job of building it. I can tell you emphatically that building a fire is a learned skill. Not everyone knows how.

Kids, especially boys, love fires. They’re always trying to get away with sticking something in, or throwing a big log on. I’m the guy that usually tells them to ‘knock it off!’ Fires are not toys! As they get older, it is not uncommon for them to ask permission to build a fire themselves. I never have a problem with the request. Because “I” know that ‘wanting’ and ‘doing’ are 2 completely different things. A couple pieces of paper, a lighter and a log… do NOT a fire make! And don’t even MENTION a simple spark! After failure, a class in fire building brings wanted attention!

Fires are work. You have to have a clean pit, air intake, paper or tinder, and increasing sizes of sticks and wood to succeed. When assembled correctly, it is not hard to light a fire with a single strike of a match. The KEY is in the BUILDING. And building a good fire takes time to learn.

Here comes the simile. God is like a Campfire! Everybody wants to hang out with Him and enjoy the warm glow of His Spirit. Sitting around a fire singing Kumbaya has marvelous appeal. But a vibrant faith is much like a fire. It takes time, skill and desire to actually build a good strong one.

There are numerous warnings in the Bible about fire. The one thing that is best remembered about fire is that it is one of God’s favored tools. That alone may make you rather unsettled. It should! Jesus said in Mark 9:49 that, “Everyone will be salted with fire!” If you suddenly have become nervous, good! Because He meant it. The statement means that all of your life’s plans, achievements, hopes and desires will be tested by the fire of God to see if what remains will be Godly. If one has lived a life of selfishness without God, nothing will be left after the flames. If one seeks to know God and His will for their lives, following His will will certainly prove lasting.

Reading God’s Word, applying it, praying, being a functioning member of His Church in service and love is not an accident. It’s an ‘on purpose.’ And you already KNOW if you are doing it. The work and heart you put into finding and doing His will give you continued confidence that when He strikes His match… you will BOTH enjoy what the flames reveal. Got it Sparky??

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17-18

If ‘a picture says a thousands words,’ then THIS one has plenty of stories to tell. Up in the mountains there are old back dirt roads that seem to go on forever. One crosses another etc. etc. Along these roads there are ‘camps’ or ‘cabins’ that have been there for years. Getting to them easily can be tough. For several owners, the fastest way to get to their place is to ‘ford’ the creek. If the rains have swollen it’s banks, it can be a LONG and BUMPY ride around the mountains.

Our clan had been riding those muddy trails for over an hour, ending up at the ford. Pulling into the water about a foot deep, the 3 fathers looked and pondered. Finally one asked the inevitable question… “D’ya think we can make it?” Silence hung in the air until our most experienced dad simply took off, leaving the words in his wake, “let’s see!”

Running creeks are interesting. Especially when they are flowing fast. Even when the water is clear, you can SEE the rocks and the deep parts. But there is really NO way of determining HOW deep those parts really are… until you GET IN! In this Bible verse, Brother Paul is writing to us about the vast river of the Love of God… from the OTHER side! Like OUR experienced ‘Father Todd’… Paul dove in, went under and crossed over that river of Love… and he now taunts us ALL with…”C’mon over! The God’s love is FINE!”

I had shared this picture in church, and pointed out that it was snapped only AFTER the bold and successful trip across by another dad. HIS success gave courage and desire to another dad, who shared the experience with his young son. What APPEARED to be a hazard turned into a wonderful trip that we ALL chose to enjoy… over and over again.

Jesus Christ set out to deliver to us the message of God’s love from across the darkness of death. Arriving here on purpose, His mission was to win and rescue us ALL from the grip of the grave. He entered the tomb, came out the other side and BOLDLY called out…”Follow Me!” And Paul, the writer of Ephesians… did! Now PAUL stands on the other side WITH Christ, crying out to ALL of humanity…”Come on!!! God’s LOVE and GRACE are AMAZING!”

I don’t really know what it is that keeps people from jumping in after Jesus. His Word and Creation continually cry out loud and clear… “over here… over here!” MILLIONS of people have gone after Him and now cry out, “come on in… God IS GREAT!” But while most EVERYONE knows SOMEONE who has made the crossing, the majority can still be found holding back on the opposite side… pondering!

Friend… there is NO other way to cross but the cross…(John 14:6). Are YOU holding back?

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5b

I got bit! And RIGHT AWAY! The first morning of my vacation I woke up itching and scratching 5 insect bites! I KNOW how many because I counted them. These were no ordinary bites, because no amount of medicine would stop the itch. Going from the beach to the mountains is a drastic change. I was experiencing THIS one to the full!.

Different locations and climates carry different kinds of critter and bugs. At home, a mosquito bite is a minor irritation. So either these bites were from a swarm of hunky mosquitoes, or they were from something else. The locations of these bites were odd because they were UNDER my clothing. I did my best to ignore them and carried on with my vacation.

When some of my littlest grandchildren joined us, several cans of insect spray came out to protect them from what I had experienced. During the course of our weeks together, we battled, mosquitoes, spiders, bees, ticks and, at one point, a swarm of biting flies that apparently mistook my bug spray for shots of fly whiskey. They LOVED it! And do I have to mention the ‘look out for snakes?’

The biting incident happened a month ago. I have 2 spots that STILL occasionally itch. I am not sure if there is such a thing as phantom itching, but I scratch just the same. Which led me to think about what it is that might irritate my soul and spirit like that. In reading the story of Joshua, I discovered one… The Holy Spirit!

Have you been bitten by the Holy Spirit of God? If so, then you may have an idea of where I am headed. Have you noticed that one characteristic of God is that He never leaves you alone? Have you ever considered God to be like some irritating pest? He comes, invades my space, and when I have determined to go about doing my own thing my own way…ZING! There He is! Well ‘I’ have! And I can tell you from experience…. I can’t get away with ANYTHING!

The promise God made to Joshua He makes to US though His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus reconfirmed it to His beloved followers in Matthew 28:20, “YO, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Yes… I changed ‘lo’ to ‘YO’ because, BRO… He means it!

I have met many people who have told me that they feared committing ‘the unforgivable sin. Haaaaa! How silly! Worrying about ‘the unpardonable sin’ is proof that you WON’T! Non believers don’t even CARE about sin! But believers in Christ have the power and presence of the loving, caring, irritating Holy Spirit that is ALWAYS present to lead, guide, encourage, teach… and sometimes… even BITE!

Now THAT’S gonna leave a permanent mark!

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Luke 10:21

I am Giddy this morning! I just realized, again, that I am an honored and privileged man! I had the opportunity to take a vacation to a place that has rooted it’s beauty into my soul. A place which God has blessed me ALL of my life. As I reflect on this year’s trip, I realize that I am privileged to have been to, and seen, places that 99.99% of all humans on Earth have never seen. And WON’T!

Growing up in Pennsylvania, it was a treat each summer to be packed into a car for a 3 hour northbound trip to ‘The Mountains.’ There, My Grandfather had a rare place that was simply called ‘The Cabin.” Way up there on dusty, dirt roads carved by ‘CCC’ boys during the depression, I fell in love with something you cannot package, bottle or ship. It has remained in my soul all of my life and NEVER fails to bring peace and joy to my family and me.

Years ago a rare, and I believe divine, opportunity came up to acquire a place there myself. I now have the privilege of owning a place we affectionately call…you guessed it…“The Cabin!” Now, my own family gets the opportunity to share what I have experienced. The gift goes on! Traveling through the paths and woods that the majority of humanity never gets to see, I always find joy there as I gaze in wonder and rejoice at God’s creation.

I was reading a devotional, that sent me to a Bible verse, that cross referenced to another location, that shocked me! It was like a mountain view after a long walk uphill which took me by surprise! Luke 10:21 starts out with, “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said,” And I stopped right there! Jesus (God) experienced an epiphany, personally delivered by the Holy Spirit (God) directly from His Father (God)! And His reaction was to be FULL OF JOY! Shockingly, I again realized that God doesn’t need me at all! Even MORE shocking though, is the subject of the epiphany!

What brought the Creator, the Son of God, this blessing? It was the shocking truth that God had chooses to hide REAL ‘truth and life’ from stuck up, snooty folks… and delivers them, through Jesus, to ‘simple’ kids like ME! That means that… God CHOSE to CHOOSE ME! THAT brings ME Joy!

The majority of humanity chooses to be offended at the idea that God would entrust and bless undeserving simple kids with the magic of Eternally True Life. And I think that is just the point! While walking in the Spirit this morning, I came upon a verse that, like a vista overlooking mountains and valleys, is a timeless reality… God CHOOSES Me! And get this… ON PURPOSE! That makes me feel like only .01% of the population can feel. JOYFUL and BLESSED!! Do YOU see and feel it too?

May YOU have a JOY filled day!

“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

My bride and I were killing time at a store before we headed to the airport for our return home from vacation. I was startled when my phone rang, since I hadn’t really been using it most of the time I was gone. At the same exact time, I was joyful because the distinct ring indicated that the caller was my daughter! “Hi Sweetie… what’s up?” I asked. “I’m at your house to turn on the A/C and hot water for you… and the front door won’t lock!” was her panicked reply.

Before we go on our summer vacation, I do what YOU probably do. I turn off the things that provide us comfort and cost the most money. Not needing A/C or hot water… I save considerable money if I turn them off. The LAST thing I do before leaving is to make sure that my possessions are secure by locking the doors. The front main door had been giving me some problems, but I knew how to make it work. I passed that info on to her and she secured the door and left. I love my daughter.

I am back to enjoying a home with A/C and hot water! The door lock? It is still finicky! But as I said, I know HOW to make it work. But I also realize that time is ticking, and I have to DO something soon! The lock that locked will soon lock no more! It is a temporary item that needs to be replaced. Which brings me to gratefully reflect on the main security of my entire life. Jesus Christ!

The average price for a standard door lock set is under $50. It is a cheap price to protect all my earthly possessions! But MY life is NOT about my earthly possessions. That is why I am not panicked. I am a child of God who has eternal treasure placed, stored and protected by God Himself. I need not worry one bit about loss, thief, rust or insects (Matthew 6:19). I am secure… FOREVER!

I came home to more problems than just my door lock. Several things failed or broke while we were away. If I want to continue life here as I like, I have to DO something to repair or replace those items that no longer do their job. NOT so with my TRUE life and possessions. What REALLY matters to me is NEVER in danger of failure or loss, because Jesus Christ has given me EVERYTHING I need for life here…. AND a secure possession there. THAT is SECURITY.

As you know, life here can get hectic, busy and inconvenient. But MY Master Lock reminds me that I do NOT have to worry or over-react when it does. All He asks of me is to simply… ABIDE IN HIM! I took this moment today to lock everything in my life directly under His promise! Did you?

“So watch yourselves.” Luke 17:3

Just back from summer vacation in the mountains, I took time to go over notes of the experience. One of the great highlights was our annual adult ATV ride through the mountains. We have friends up there that know places one can only DREAM about in Florida. Places where the mountains are steep, secluded and at times, treacherous! That’s why we leave the kids at home!

We have all been riding ATV’s and dirt bikes together for years. The relationships have been cemented and we know each other very well. Each year we grow closer together and each year the bond gets better and better. Though I cant say the same for the 4-wheelers! My son-in-law just bought a brand new one, but he was the exception. The rest of us rode on old things that are in need of some repair. One of those things… is brakes!

I am sure you are thinking that mountains and ‘no’ brakes go together like filet mignon and rat poison! And you would be quite right. But our nature is not to pass up a good ride over some silly little thing like… brakes! So off we went! ‘No’ or ‘LIMITED’ brakes makes for an interesting adventure. As usual, the lead dog of our party never changes over the years, and his speed is ALWAYS fast. So we all have to ‘watch ourselves.’ Getting too far behind means we may miss the trail (I did)! Too close and well… you get the point!

Going up and down the mountains and through the streams of life is challenging. The verse today is a good technique for navigation. If you read the verse in context, you will see that it is NOT an ‘every man for himself’ mentality. It calls for us to watch, not only our own life, but to look out for the others close to us as well.

There is no real firm rule or gauge that says, ‘maintain 127.5 feet between ATV’s.’ Sometimes we get very close. Sometimes the distance grows. But at NO time are we EVER to NOT be looking out for our own welfare, AND ALSO…the welfare of the others with us! There are no rules except one… ‘care enough to care!’ Which can get rather exciting at times.

We made it back safely with the only incident being the lead dog breaking an axle! But it was a great time… one for the books! We WILL get together again around a fire and talk about the time when….” And that is just what the Christian life with mutual believers is like. Watching ourselves while watching out for each other. I wouldn’t choose any other way!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Do you ever wonder if you are truly saved? John wrote his first letter to give believers assurance of salvation by describing characteristics of those who have been born again (1 John 5:13). God wants us to know we are safe and secure in Him through the salvation provided at the cross to all who come to Christ in faith.

When we by faith receive Jesus Christ as Lord, the Father sets His Holy Spirit within us. Romans 8:16 tells us, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” His internal witness assures us that we are saved—regardless of how our feelings ebb and flow.

When the Holy Spirit takes up residence within the human heart, powerful changes occur. We are given new desires to know God and His Word and to live in obedience to Him. We now have the capacity to hate the sin we once loved and to quickly repent when we feel the Spirit’s conviction. 

If you’ve trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and can see the changes God’s Spirit has made in your life, then rejoice today as a saved and secure child of God.

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12

I was taking a nap and had just fallen asleep when I heard my wife scream! Being a man of action I lept from the bed and ran to the front door where she was hollering and flailing her arms toward the plant hanging on the wall. “WHAT, WHAT IS IT?” I cried! “SNAAAAAAKE” was her response. “WHERE?” I shouted? “Right there above your head…. QUICK… THE BIRDS!”

We have been watching a nest in that plant as a couple very small birds had built a nest there. They had grown accustomed to our comings and goings and stayed hidden in the nest most of the time when we passed. They were so quiet we didn’t notice the babies inside right away. Now 2 little birds were trying to fly from the ground as a large black snake hung from the viney branches above. The danger of the snake flushed the birds out of the nest just a little before they were ready!

I knocked the snake down and chased it away while the baby birds were trying to fly without much success. Mommy and daddy birds were carrying on feverishly tweeting better than Donald Trump! It was chaos! Using gloves, we caught and put the birds back in the nest, but watched from the window as mom and dad kicked them back out. The rest of the afternoon was quite entertaining!

Mom and dad knew… and so did the snake… that as long as those babies stayed in that nest, they were not safe at all. They HAD to learn to FLY! And IMMEDIATELY was none too soon! All afternoon the tweets and bird yelling went on and on, as babies would make their way to the top of a chair and leap in an attempt to fly! It took a LOT of tweeting and determination, but by dusk I said to Katie, “they’re getting it down. They’ll be gone by morning.” And they were.

We are born into a life of danger and death. That ol serpent brought death to man’s door and rang the bell. And Man answered! Now we ALL face death’s door… immediately! Even from the womb! One of the most dangerous enemies of our young ones is to coddle and pamper them, when teaching truth and squawking are what is necessary for Life!

If YOU have found true life in Jesus Christ, please don’t sit on the fence and watch as brother and sister birds lie in danger… SQUAWK! The serpent is quite determined!

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

The best friend I ever had in my life passed away and I had just completed the research needed to fly out of state for his burial. All I needed to do was press the computer icon labeled ‘confirm.’ My hesitation did not reflect confusion or want, but reality. I clearly wanted and needed to be there. But being in ministry, I knew what I was volunteering for. And this was NOT going to be easy or fun. This was going to hurt!

Everyday we face death. When turning on the TV or radio, we hear about it. Even if it is just a story for entertainment purposes, drama programs often center around death. But hearing and knowing ABOUT death is totally different than experiencing it. The finality and invasiveness of death’s reality is something no one can prepare for. When I stood before the casket, reality crashed in and crushed my heart. I was reminded how much I hate death!

Being a man of the Gospel, I know from experience that people who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are more prone to ‘hear’ it when death is in the room. I also know that Jesus Christ is especially present by the Holy Spirit as well. Mourning myself, I knew that I would be asked by my Master to share the Gospel to those in mourning. A delicate procedure, to say the least! Why? Because when Truth enters the room, hard choices will either be forthcoming… or evaded.

Truth has a way of clearing a room. If there IS TRULY, ONLY 1 Way, and Jesus Christ is it, then hearing and choosing HIM requires radical change. When a baby is born, the process is called ‘labor’ for a reason. It is painful and hard. Spiritual birth is no less stressful. Sharing the Gospel means clearly sharing the process in which we must CHOOSE to dive into our own grave to receive His divine Grace. Grace may be free… but it comes at high cost! There is NO way to be sneaky about its decision!

To live the ‘Free’ life requires work. Loving Christ means we will make the hard decisions to live HIS life HIS way. Reading His Word, praying, going to Church, giving up the sinful distractions He points out and unfriending some non-friends is a process that takes time and decisive effort. Most will CHOOSE death over life because of Life’s inconvenience. Sadly, there is no sound more sorrowful than a casket being locked… from the inside! Are YOU truly free?