“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS.” It was a statement made by Dee when she got home yesterday afternoon, and by Jimmy on Wednesday when he heard that his daughter’s stroke was not as bad as originally thought. Notifications went out to church members and prayers stormed heaven’s gate. I reminded the church Wed. that NO ONE is alone. We are FAMILY!

With the topic of drones and UFO’s still a recent mystery, many have questioned AGAIN if there is other LIFE out there besides ours. Are there aliens, with more knowledge than us, coming to spy and take us captive? All MY life, it has been a ridiculous notion to me because of my Father’s teaching. He said “If there ARE other beings out there, God is an adulterer!”

This morning I was going through some devotions and came across one entitled “Are We Alone in the Universe?” Quickly answering the question I was about to move on, until something made me turn back to the article. In it, a compilation of scientific research on new data, along with mathematical deductive reasoning, my daddy’s theology was vindicated!

We all know that the Jews are considered by God to be His Bride (Isaiah 54:5-6) and that the Church is destined to be the Bride of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). We were created and bonded by God to Himself for the purpose of defeating satan and his evil plan to take over the Universe. God’s love was the basis upon which satan figured He could defeat God! Love will win in the end!

The article went on to say that after looking at all the necessary criteria for a planet to sustain life, the odds of there being another US is less than 1 in 10¹⁰³²_. I was settled before on the issue, and even more-so now. But being WAY outnumbered by Non-Believers in this world, it shows that we NEED each other to help, pray and support the Bride of Christ!

Don’t walk alone out there where God never intended!  You have God and His Church! Use them!

“Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.” John 8:43

“May I get our car out of the garage?” It was a simple sentence. But the 3 men I addressed it to couldn’t hear it. They were here to work on our roof and were blocking the driveway so Katie couldn’t get out. I tried asking several different ways, but all I received were smiles and head shakes. They didn’t speak English! Finally, motioning with my hands, they understood.

In my business, I find the language of God often very hard to hear. When ‘self’ is sitting in the cockpit running things, it can be very hard to hear God when He tries to tell me to do something foreign to my own plans or intuition. I don’t WANT to be in pain. But pain is often the most practical language He can use to manage, modify or move me toward Him.

The Law was written to give us insight as to how God operates. It is full of language, ideas and examples to help us see that what God wants, and what sinful man wants, are usually 2 different things. God cannot change! I do! I need to do the adjusting. A willing spirit to lay down my life to get His, usually comes at a very high cost. Death to my selfish ways!

A preacher and pastor’s job is to tell people the Truth of God. Unfortunately, most people are similar to me in that they don’t WANT to hear things that bring pain, trouble or inconvenience to themselves. Telling God’s Bible Truth, “see this verse? God expects you to….,” can get hard looks or glazed eyes, as the ‘preacher fan club’ diminishes in members.

I usually KNOW what God wants from me. So does everyone else. It is to put HIM FIRST and ME SECOND. To follow His instructions, no matter how hard they may appear. Are YOU following… or rebelling? Can you hear Him? Or are you tuned out? Because… I THINK He may be talking to you right now!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23

Driving home from on US 41, traffic ‘slowed quickly!’ An oxymoronic statement! Looking ahead, I saw cars moving to the right, as a young man frantically ran down the median chasing and picking up large pieces of paper. Apparently hundreds of those papers had flown out of his car! He was doing the responsible thing by picking them up.

As I got closer to him, I could sense he was grieved with responsibility. Frantically running and trying to pick up the papers, I sensed he needed help. While everyone else drove around him, I pulled over to help. After about 10 minutes, when the job was done, I approached him with my collected pile. With no time to talk, I simply said, “God bless you.”

It was a decision that had to be made in seconds. He needed help, and I could either help him or ignore him. The nudge from God was ever so slight… but I felt it. Taking time to ponder would have resulted in missing an opportunity. His voice inside left me the decision to help, but also presented a lesson in obedience. Do I help because I want to… or have to?

Every new day comes with opportunities for me to serve God… or myself. What does HE want, and what will it cost ME, is a continual issue? Do I respond because I ‘want to’ out of a loving heart, or because I ‘have to’ out of demanded obedience? I’ve learned in my relationship with God, it is critical to do things out of the right spirit. Anything less doesn’t count!

Today’s verse makes this point clear. And while it may sound oxymoronic, to truly love and serve Jesus Christ correctly, I really I ‘have’ta wanna!’ Do you?

“A psalm of David. Oh LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” Psalm 143:1

It was a tough week. I was experiencing it myself, but was not alone. It seemed the entire Church was under some kind of dark spell. Many more folks than usual were sick. Many others who were not, were going through some pretty difficult circumstances. As I prayed for myself, I found the list of those in similar situations, and in need of prayer, growing!

I have found a great remedy for care or need is to run across someone who is in worse need than me! I knew Dee was going into the hospital for surgery. I knew it was going to be more than a normal procedure. I had no idea HOW much more until I talked with Ed over the phone… he cracked. This was VERY serious. Like life and death serious! That changed things.

I don’t run to hospitals for just any reason. This hospital was WAY up in Bradenton’s east side in total ‘trafficville!’ I prayed David’s prayer and got there in decent time. Ed and I spent hours talking as Dee was in the surgeon’s hands. The situational need didn’t change, but the fellowship and focus on Jesus made it much more endurable. She came through well.

Those roads I took to get up, then back, used to be my way to go to work 50 years ago… back during the days of the OLD Skyway Bridge and NO I-75! As I drove I saw businesses that’d been newly built, thrived, and were now dead, empty hulks. New ones were taking their places. But Ed and I were blessed to hold on to Old Reliable Jesus who’s ALWAYS there!

Today, David’s prayer is available to you… or to someone in need with whom you can share. This world is filled with difficulties and pain, but the Church is a TEAM. When God’s People get together to pray and share, it only makes us stronger. Thank you for your continued prayer and care for Dee, Ed and the rest of God’s family. If YOU are a Special member of Jesus’ Team… THANK YOU!

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

O.K…. I was in a hurry. But I was so sure I could pull it off that I didn’t even consider what could happen. Thinning down some drywall compound with a drill and a mixing tool, I was inside the house. Something in the back of my head told me to do that outside. But I didn’t listen. With the drill on full power, I forgot that the variable speed button was broken!

Everything was nearing the end and I began to pull it out of the mix SLOWLY. But the drill HAD no slow. It was running fast! Lifting it up out of the top of the bucket, my jeans, and the walls, got a bath of splatter. Now, added to a simple task, was the additional job of cleaning up the mess! Being in a hurry had come with a price… again.

‘I want patience… and I want it right now!’ That is a theme of my life. When things are going wrong or I find myself in a valley, I want to hurry and get out as fast as possible. I keep forgetting that God uses the failures and trials of my life to build my character and dependence on HIM. Time too often feels more of an obstacle than a tool.

God and Jesus are at work. And the one thing I have learned the hard way is that they are rarely in a rush. It is HIS goal and will for my life that I must yield to. Hurrying and stirring things up only makes life a mess. When I yield and slow down, I can see His beauty and purpose in my life. Are YOU going through something too fast too? You can rest in His care!

“Then He said to them, “’Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19

My son booked a fishing trip, inviting his brother and me. His brother couldn’t make it, so he invited his nephew, my grandson. And we went fishing! By most accounts, it was a successful trip. We went to catch fish. My grandson reminded me that I caught 1… “and he was little!” But we didn’t really catch any ’keepers.’ Now the question… were we successful?

We had a fabulous time! The time spent together was priceless and made a memory that will never go away. I WILL hear, “remember the time we went fishing and you only got…?” Yea! Priceless! But a memory was made by fellowship. Spending time together. Watching and copying techniques and trying to duplicate success by mimicking the successful ones.

Jesus invited 12 guys to follow Him. To watch Him. To yield to and copy Him. All for the purpose of going out into the sea of God’s created ones to ‘FISH’… for PEOPLE! It was His idea, both in creation and within the Church, to try to get people to fall for Him… hook, line and sinker! He invited us to join Him… and even paid the price for the trip! It is His calling!

When I was a kid I LOVED to fish. I’d go out to a place and sit for hours in hopes of catching ANYTHING. These days, I’m a little more picky. My enthusiasm wanes when the catch, or the quality of the fish, is low. Lots of people who don’t like to fish… I get it. But fishing is bigger than just ‘reeling in a big one!’ It is a time to spend with Jesus Himself. And His folks.

So I’m going to move this last trip up to a 10 for quality time with my family. I look forward to Sunday when I will spend quality time in worshiping Jesus with His people. To learn more about Jesus and His fellow called ones. To learn how to show love and to duplicate what ‘The Master’ is trying to teach us all. Do you?

“having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:5

Going through a place of business, I had shaken some hands and said some hellos. Upon leaving I saw a very fancy, automatic hand sanitizing unit on the wall… the color of its contents adding to its appeal. It called to me! Placing my hand under the dispenser, nothing came out. I did it again… nothin’! Looking, I found no button. One more time… nada!

One of the employees saw what I was doing, so I asked if I was doing something wrong. Their reply was, “Oh that thing doesn’t work. It goes back to the COVID pandemic years ago. The stuff in there probably doesn’t work anymore!” “Hmmmm,” was all I could say. Glancing once more before leaving, I noted that it surely did look fancy on that wall… and then left.

In preparation for our upcoming Bible Study, I’ve been reading Leviticus Chapter 1 with guilty interest. Trying to get past chapter 1 without understanding my uselessness at cleansing myself from sin leaves me with no other option than to accept my dirty condition. I have NO way of cleaning myself! I am lost. No matter HOW clean I may look outside!

Paul warned Timothy to be aware that, people then, and especially these days, will come along and try to sell a bill of goods that may SOUND good for ‘religion’s sake… but their ways will be as useless as that hand sanitizer. Paul is very clear… know your Bible and your Savior… and stay away from people who may sound good… but aren’t!    Do you?

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

“Eh!” is now my response to any palmetto bug skittering from the light in my garage… or bathroom… or anywhere else. It doesn’t cause me alarm, surprise or anxiousness like it did upon my first encounter 50 years ago. Now it’s just “Eh!” An unwelcome irritation that needs to be taken care of. So I took care of it. Because that is what I’m supposed to do!

The age of Feminism blossomed a few decades ago. I was there and saw it… AFTER the decline of the age of Manliness. But Feminism cannot work. Proof is in the reaction to a roach! Some things remain the man’s job! I didn’t cry out “Oh Katie HELP!” I surreptitiously slipped on over… and destroyed the unwelcome visitor. Then sprayed to prevent more!

Having been convicted by the slinking out of darkness into the light, a lil bug of sin crept from the ‘dark side’ of my heart. I don’t let anyone fool me into the false sense of security of “once saved – always saved” where I can do anything I want without remorse, penalty or eradication. Jesus saves completely… but we’ve still work to do on the bugs of my life.

God’s light shines into the darkness of my heart to reveal the things that do not bring Him glory. He doesn’t share! His command to “Be Holy” still stands and requires action upon my part. My reaction to the glorious display of His Son in my life is to destroy the bugs of sin, and take measures to rid them from my life. It is ‘On Me’ to be ‘all in’ on His offer of Glory!

Fellow Exterminator…. are YOU ‘all in’ with, and for… Jesus?

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

“WOW! This place has been CRAZY!” We were standing in a long checkout line… and since we weren’t going anywhere fast, I struck up the conversation. “Yea,” he replied, “it’s that time of year!” I knew what he was hinting at so I asked him, “Resident or snowbird?” And the conversation was moving along. Things got real when I asked, “Go to church anywhere?”

My new friend’s response was instant… “daily living in grace and mercy.” His answer assured me we were brothers… and would spend eternity together. Then he told me his wife was recently diagnosed with cancer and that his father was failing with Alzheimers. An instant desire to pray for him came, and I told him so. We were both blessed by our meeting.

Love and Honor can come naturally between people who share common History. Family, friends, co-workers and associates can share good, or bad blood, depending on the circumstances. God tells me to make sure that whatever the circumstances, I am to love and honor them anyway. A tough sell when one has been burned or mistreated. God says ‘do it!’

God calls me to make conversations and relationships with people in this world for HIS Glory and purposes… not my own! So when I find myself standing in a line with someone, I make it a habit to start a conversation to see if we have any commonality between us… and to share Jesus when a door opens. It’s a blessing both given AND received.