“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 BSB

It was 1 shreek too many and I’d hit my limit. The middle school guys were playing dodge-ball and a young 9 year old had joined in. Standing aside and watching the action, I was talking to my tough-guy, Sheriff friend when a horrid screech cut into my manhood. Whistling, I got attention and called everyone together… because THIS behavior had to stop… RIGHT NOW!

With everyone surrounding me, I made the 9 year old the focus of attention. “SON,” I said… “How old are you and are you a boy or a girl?” Glad he got those 2 questions right, I then asked him another logical question. “IF you are 9 years old and a man-child, WHY do you scream like a girl?” His dazed look confirmed I’d gotten my point across. I moved to step 2.

I asked all the men and boys on the playground to lay their hands on this young lad because we were going to PRAY for this young boy to receive full rights of manhood ‘as of today!’ The leader of the program, and father of another young boy added, “let me get MY kid in on this. And he joined in. Together we all prayed for the 2 young boys to realize that they were MEN!

It was a simple act really. But one that had Biblical precedent. The act of anointing has gone on since Adam was christened “Man-in-Charge” by God Himself. It was an exclamation point on the dawn of His-story, that set things in a God ordained order. The playground anointing was no less real or authoritative. Standing aside, the quiet mood of the young man stood out.

Today’s verse has a sneaky, but very sharp point to be made. Reading it proves it is VERY possible to be saved, in Christ and on my way to a heavenly home, and yet STILL be DISQUALIFIED! I CAN be IN… and yet OUT at the same time! Just like it is very possible for boys to play and sound like girls, men to behave like children, and Christians to act ungodly!

One thing I learned the hard way, is that Christianity is NOT an accident. It is an intentional, full on, never let up choice to walk and FOLLOW the Savior… or sidestep and slide into the world. Christianity is not difficult… it is IMPOSSIBLE! That is without the anointing and intentional decision to walk, fight and follow Christ like men and women were intended.

Are YOU walking like Jesus expects? 

“Does a bird swoop down to a trap on the ground when no bait is there? Does a trap spring up from the ground if it has not caught anything?” Amos 3:5

I was at my son’s place doing some work when, over in the corner, I caught sight of his 3 fishing poles and a bag of gear. Having worked all day, I could hear him in my head saying, “Go on, take a break.. go fish!” The idea sunk deeper and sprouted into action as I thought, “Yea!!! Why not?” Looking through the fishing gear, I had to admit I knew little about using the artificial baits he had in the bag.

I’ve fished many times in my life, and used to be OK at it. But the plastic baits in his bag were the kind one needed to know HOW to throw and jig to attract a fish. My skill and energy level didn’t meet any of their criteria, so I mentally began to go through a list of possible baits I had in my cooler. Satisfied I had at least a possibility, I grabbed a pole and headed to the dock… with some beef jerky!

The stars were out and the night was beautiful. I felt like the luckiest man on earth. Being the only guy out there on the island, and sitting there alongside Jesus, I carefully stabbed the hook into a generous piece of jerky and lowered the line into the water. It didn’t take long for imagination to spring to life to give me hope! Soon, I was enjoying imagination FAR more than reality could offer!

“C’mon man! It’s BEEF JERKY!” I thought to myself. There is NO WAY some big sport fish is going to sneak up to that bait and think… ‘now would ya look at that… something different for dinner!’ But for a moment, Jesus and I had a laugh. And that in itself is enough for this story. Jesus and me… sitting on a dock together. Come to think about it, that is a WHOPPER of a tale.

Who could imagine? The God of the Universe wanting and loving ME SO MUCH, that He used His own Son as bait to catch me? And when at my worst, when I most needed to be caught and reeled in, He showed me something different than I deserved… and I bit! Are YOU magnificently caught by the Savior? Are you helping Him fish for others?

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” Proverbs 23:26

Shooting is a hobby of mine, and it’s not because I’m scared. I go to the shooting range mostly because of who I will see… not because of what I will do. My friend, who is much better at shooting than I am, is usually there to guide and teach me how to shoot better. It’s been a LONG time since he has taught me ANYTHING NEW! It’s more about the reminders!

The other day I set up and obeyed his instruction to “just warm up.” That means to set up a target about 7 yards down range and shoot 10 or 20 shots to see where I am and what I need to work on. After the first round, his words were not even SEMI-automatic… “well THAT sucked!” he said. We laughed because he was right! I love Dan’s way with words!

“FOCUS,” he said. “TAKE YOUR TIME!” “SLOW DOWN!” Which was a little shocking, because the last time we met he’d told me to shoot FASTER! Confused, I reminded him of that. He un-confused me with the word ‘TIMING!’ Getting started, I need to work on fundamental basics, then when all of that is in order, a natural rhythm and pattern will produce efficient results.

The day ended early when I never really got better. The glasses I usually use I’d left at home so my focus was hard to find. My teacher said, “well dummy, what were you thinking?” And he was right. I hadn’t been. And while all this sounds like a topic on shooting, it is more about hitting any target. In my life, the Word of God is INSISTENT that I NOT be a dummy!

Jesus Christ PROMISED me abundant life! That may mean something different to each of us, but HE said the words. So if I am not FEELING or HITTING the bullseye in ‘abundant,’ it isn’t the TEACHER who has the problem. It’s the STUDENT! Meaning ‘I’ am DOING SOMETHING WRONG! His Book is there, along with His Spirit, to help me find and adjust to the target.

Are YOU seeing and focusing on what Jesus wants you to see and do? Are you adjusting your sights according to His instructions and guidance? Or are you ill-prepared, rebellious or target free? I have found Jesus even tougher and more persistent than my shooting teacher. He’s ALWAYS talking to me. And if I’m missing His point… it’s MY fault! FOCUS!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

The lamp in the cottage was old, reflecting the ‘Lighthouse’ theme of the previous owner. The first time I turned it on I saw a potential for future irritation. The switch was tricky. ‘On’ meant ‘kinda.’ ‘Off’ meant ‘maybe never again.’ Being the only light in the room, I coaxed it on. ‘Flicker’ flashed me a ‘don’t leave so soon!’ We’re just getting started,’ kind of attitude!

After toying with the switch gently, I finally got it to stay on. I was going to paint the room and needed to ‘see.’ Listening to music when I work is a joy, so I fiddled with my old IPOD to connect the power line and cable to get it going as well. Selecting ‘K.C.’s Favorites’ from the playlists, I hit ‘enter’ and my conditions for work were maximized. Until the ‘light’ flickered!

I did the same things I had done before, but ‘flicker’ was all I could get. Turning to walk away I bumped the shade, which caused a flicker. Finally, the ‘dummy’ light in my brain told me, ‘screw the light bulb tighter into the socket! ‘Flicker’ bailed from the room, leaving me to wonder, “why didn’t you try that before?” I really thought I had! But then, ‘Elvis’ came on!

God is so personal! I had been enjoying my time alone at the old place, and even talked to God and read His Word that morning. When Elvis sang ‘The Wonder of You,’ I felt a flicker from the Holy Spirit with an invitation to ask HIM to join me in painting the room. We did! I’d worked hard to create MY perfect work conditions, but intimacy with God IS the condition!

The gentle hand of the Spirit pointed me to a Book that was written by a selfish, entitled, spoiled but brilliant brat. After making one wise request for his age, God blessed him with wisdom and wealth beyond dreams. Along the way, wisdom flickered out and left the ‘Book of Ecclesiastes’ in it’s wake. It’s theme, ‘Life is meaningless,’ blinks out, ‘So Love God First!’

I don’t know WHY it’s so hard! I KNOW that ‘The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing!’ I really subconsciously believe that I have Him at the center of my life. I’d pass any test with a ‘YES!’ answer, every time. In REALITY, I must confess that believing I do, and DOING it… are 2 different things. God wants me with Him 24/7. It’s MY hand on the switch!

Are YOU WALKING in fellowship WITH the Lord in ALL your ways? Is your desire to let Jesus ‘in’ and be ‘over’ EVERYTHING in your life… including your handling your time, money and decisions? Is His Glory lighting up your whole world… inside and out? Why not give Him a try?

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

It was an old upright vacuum cleaner that nobody was using. Having a vacuuming need at another place, I threw it in my truck. Had I known the trouble it was going to give me, I’d have left it and used a broom instead. Turning it on gave me the first clue by the sound it made. The engine was straining, the roller wasn’t turning… and it didn’t suck either.

Investigation found that no maintenance had been done on the machine for a very long time. Hair and fabric had locked up the roller, the hose was filled with some kind of gloppy dirt, and both filters hadn’t been cleaned since the last time I cleaned out my old truck… BEFORE I bought the new one! For over half an hour, I cleaned every piece. Then hummed!

The vacuum cleaner brought back a teenage memory that was etched into my brain. Coming home from school, I found my father, as they say in Pittsburgh, ‘running the sweeper.’ “Hi Dad,” I hollered. He gave me a look that could melt nails. I didn’t know why, but KNEW I was in DEEP trouble. He just kept ‘sweeping’ with his head down… leaving me to figure out why!

It turns out he had asked me to do that job several times, days before, and I hadn’t. The mess on the floor paled in comparison to what was going on in his head. He must have thought I’d end up in prison for my irresponsibility. He gave me a simple job. I didn’t do it. The excuse, though I don’t remember what it was, was unacceptable. But I didn’t go to prison!

Dad and I BOTH had maintenance issues on this issue. I disregarded my father. He stewed on it. It was a life lesson on maintaining relationships AND Godly responsibilities. The incident of the vacuum calls to my attention that God indeed DOES have expectations of me on a daily basis. Ignoring Him and His will STILL get me ‘The Look’… in Spirit. Have YOU seen it? Have you been neglecting your heavenly Father’s expectations of you on a daily basis? I’ll bet you know what they are too!

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

I met Marna at the Lumber store. I needed ½ a sheet of drywall, and she was standing right beside it. She looked like someone in charge so I asked her how I went about it. She radioed a guy! Funny! Telling him what I needed, I left for more stuff. On my return, a different guy was getting my drywall. “Why,” I asked. “Oh.. he left. He doesn’t like to cut drywall!”

I had gone to get some insulation and found that things are NOT what they used to be. I remember the pink rolls. It doesn’t come like that anymore! UGH! I made the statement to Marna, “things are just different now.” When I noticed and asked, “why do I have 2 halves? I only want ONE half!” She said… “no halves!” Drywall doesn’t come like that anymore either.

My T-shirt said it all. “Normal isn’t coming back, Jesus is!” It was the perfect lead in. “Well Marna… do YOU know Jesus?” “I’m not religious,” she replied. “That’s not what I asked you,” I said. She didn’t respond in the affirmative, so I gave her the quick rundown on “here’s what you KNOW! You’re a sinner, right?” “Yup!” “Then you’re toast and you KNOW IT!”

EVERYONE KNOWS they are sinners. And EVERYONE KNOWS, unless they are lying to themselves, that there is a God and He IS PERFECT! How can the 2 possibly get together? From there I simply told the Gospel. I had a card and handed it to her. She took it as I told her, “Read the book of John!” You’d have thought I had asked for her arm! “Yer TOAST! If ya don’t!”

Walking away I told her, “I’m praying for you!” But the decision was HERS! Intimate, private, personal, respected by me… and God. I did my job! Jesus said, “GO!” I went! That is all He asked of me. Who’s supposed to go? The Word is clear… “GO!” WHO? ME! YOU? YUP! ANY and EVERYBODY that has been touched by the Master AFTER they said yes! Is that YOU?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

It was Holy Week. For Maundy Thursday, most everything had to be removed to decorate, then be put back the next day. Easter held the promise of the famous ‘Sticky Buns,’ which had to be made first. Every step of the way, there were people in the Church who were there helping to get ready. It was a lot of work that we didn’t HAVE to do… or did we? Now Easter’s over, maybe it’s time to think!

Admittedly, there were times I got tired and a little down. Just a few years ago our church would throw a big breakfast along with the Stick Buns. We cut back on the BIG breakfast when we realized that help was getting harder to find. I realized asking people to do things, only to have them feel bad, or say no, made me disappointed that they didn’t come through. Does Jesus have that same issue?

Being drawn to read Ephesians, I see that Paul had to deal with this same kind of thing in almost every Church he founded. He starts the book off with the most powerful chapter in the Bible… Ephesians 1… by telling me who I AM in Christ. I counted at least 50 benefits! He then goes on to tell what the Godhead is trying to DO with all of us. Then by Chapter 3, he gets into the ‘DO’ verses!

Paul starts Chapter 3 with a couple of hinting ‘do’ things. ‘SURELY’ you’ve Heard! Did I? ‘READ THIS’ to understand! Do I? By firmly placing me in His will, He wants me to understand CLEARLY what He plans for ‘The Church’ and ME. By the middle of Chapter 4 he starts giving me some of the changes God wants to see ME DOING… ‘Speak the truth in love.’ ‘Grow up.’ ‘Put off your OLD self.’ ‘Stop anger!’

As the book continues, so does the intensity of God’s demands. Be Kind! Forgive! Watch your mouth! Care! Stop lusting.’ DON’T GET DRUNK!’ Then, he gets REALLY personal when he calls me out in my job as a husband to ‘LOVE YOUR WIFE!’ And to my wife, ‘HONOR YOUR HUSBAND!’ It goes uphill from there! DO Words. Expectations. Demands. NO exceptions. All with reason to say, ‘NO!’

In the intro I stated that Easter’s over. That was kind of a joke that came from a relief that I’m not now required to put in more extra hours than normal. But is that a true statement? Since I know that Easter was just a beginning for a NEW Life in Christ, what does that Master of ‘my’ Universe actually EXPECT me to Do and BECOME? I believe I just told you what He told ME. And now… you know! 

“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:25-26

I was NOT a fan of the guy sitting behind the wheel. Having ridden with him often, and more often than not, I could never get around to liking the guy. He was foul, rude, crazy and mean. I KNEW he was a Christian who had dedicated his life to loving and serving Jesus Christ. And he DID! But he could turn into a monster, like The Hulk, in an instant. Riding with him was insane. Ask my wife!

He displayed his mean side at a little ol lady yesterday before he’d even gotten out of the Walmart parking lot. Without looking, she had backed up into the lane, JUST before he was about to clear get past her. She had to back up and pull forward 3 times before she felt comfortable to slowly drive about 40 feet… where she sat at a stop sign… for no apparent reason. Monster paid a visit.

Words, thoughts, ideas and penalties involuntarily invaded the guy’s brain. It took about 5 minutes of sitting behind her at another stop before Jesus was able to strangle him into submission and repentance. There was no sense asking WHY he transformed so quickly, because he had absolutely NO idea himself. All he knew was that Jesus REALLY loved and died for him anyway!

Good Friday is the recollection of the event of Christ’s death. It’s traditionally been chosen to be on Friday, but in realty it was more like Wednesday or Thursday. There are good arguments for both. It’s called ‘Good’ Friday because, up until that day, nothing but ‘bad’ was in store for every human being born… or yet to be born. For men to be freed from what they deserved, Jesus had to die.

Calling it Good Friday is like taking a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. The medicine is the cure, but the sugar makes it seem bearable. What Jesus did, made everything in the life of the nut behind the wheel.. disappear like it never even happened… in God’s eyes! Now, the lesson becomes.. becoming LIKE Him. Because the guy behind the wheel… was ME! 

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lemasabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’” Matthew 27:46

The event happened a long time ago when I was a young boy. But the imprint of the memory remains fresh.  We were visiting friends of my parents out of state. Being bored and looking for something to do, I saw a wooden go-kart sitting in their garage. I had no way of knowing it would transport me to a place I would never forget?

I remember sitting in the go-cart on a downhill slope of a driveway. But it wouldn’t roll! When I began to rock back and forth to force it into action, my head hit a corner on the wooden frame. Instantly, blood poured into my eyes and I screamed… mostly out of fear! EVERYONE heard me, and soon we were rushing to a hospital.

I really don’t remember the pain. But when the doctor said I needed stitches, and then pulled out a huge syringe to numb my forehead… I went completely nuts and tried to get off the table. Overpowered and subdued quickly, I was placed on a rolling stretcher headed toward the emergency room. Still trying to get off, they strapped me down to hold me still. Screaming for my dad, I clearly remember them blocking him from coming along with us!

I will never forget my fear and the look on my father’s face, as the doors closed between the both of us. I cried out “Daddy, Daddy… don’t leave me!” But struggling, I could not move! Strapped to the gurney to hold my head still for the needle, the last thing I saw before the doors closed, and my dad was banned, were tears running down my father’s face.

Maundy Thursday is a big day for me, because it forces me to remember my own horrific event. When I think about Jesus and His prayerful agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, He begged His Father to NOT abandon HIM. For the first time ever Jesus, God’s only son, was about to experience separation from His Dad. He was going to have to trust His Father’s will and go it alone!

What if something had gone wrong and the prophecies could not be fulfilled. What if His enemy satan actually got a leg up and His sacrifice wouldn’t be good enough? As He felt His Father backing away, and after remembering the betrayal of Judas, He HAD to wonder. How could He be sure this would all work out if even His own Dad turned his back on Him?  

Back at the hospital, after the stitches were finally in, I was exhausted from crying. I was then rolled into a room where visitors were allowed… and my dad was the first in to see me. We hugged at the reunion and I was overjoyed that he hadn’t abandoned me after all. But we were changed by that event. He preached that experience many times over the years.  

Things have changed in medicine.  Now parents are welcome in the room with their children. I remember sitting with mine for stitches, grateful that they wouldn’t have to endure that sense of abandonment and fear. But I am also strangely grateful for my own experience… because it helps me realize the tremendous price both God, and His Son, HAD to pay FOR ME to be saved. Deep down, I never really FEEL like I’m worth God’s effort! But knowing the cost, and God’s willingness to pay it, makes me love Him all the more.

So on this Maundy Thursday, I ask this… will YOU betray the one who paid so much for YOUR redemption? And after what He did for you… will you turn your back on The Savior? Thank you God for your marvelous gift of Grace. I can’t believe you paid such a great price… for me!   I now realize you HAD to turn your back on Jesus… so I could hop on!