“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1-2

“WHAAAAA?” was the surprise shock I registered to the number on the scale. I had been weighing myself regularly for sometime and the daily number averaged 166.3 pounds. I don’t know why I stopped, except that seeing the same number over a length of time made me believe that ‘THAT ‘ was my number. But one morning last week, the number on the scale was 172.2! “WHAAAAA?”

The very first question that came to mind is the normal one for anybody experiencing this kind of shock… “WHAT HAPPENED… WHAT DID I DO?” I didn’t remember pigging out on anything different. Surely I wasn’t eating ‘mass quantities’ of any food that could possibly do that to me. Disappointed, I went to get cream for my coffee and, at the bottom of the fridge lay the culprit!

The bright red color of the cut watermelon contrasted nicely with the green bowl in which it lay. I didn’t even think about it as I bent down, grabbed a pre-cut slice, then reached for the salt shaker! I was standing over the sink with juice running down my face and saying “MMMMMM,” when it hit me! I remembered it was the second watermelon I had eaten in a week. Belly Busted!

It just so happened that another indicator showed up when I received the results of my annual blood test. In the row marked sugar, the results read “HIGH.” BIG CAPITAL LETTERS! Thank you!!!! I got the picture. My childhood love for watermelon had come back to haunt me! Facts being facts, the choices were to ‘accept and change’ OR ‘ignore and continue’ as usual. I phoned a friend.

Recognizing that a confrontation with an ill-advised, wrong, bad, evil or self-indulgent thing is a daily experience on this earth. The issue lies not with the issue, but with the critically important point is the decision. “What will I DO about this?” is a daily reminder of man’s position when aligned with God’s. Born as sinful firewood, God points out the way out and calls. ‘I’ must decide to change.

Today’s Bible verse shows there are LOTS of ‘things and sins’ that hinder me. And while “ya gotta die a somethin’,” might allow some time to continue the indulgence, there WILL come a payday. I realize God isn’t NEAR as critical about how much ‘I’ weigh as He is about that ‘lil’ sinny thing I do, but He IS interested and invested in my ‘total package.’ The third watermelon in the garage? I gave it away!

What is hindering your walk, slowing you down, holding you back or getting in the way between you and God or other people? What is God trying to tell you to do? Are you at least thinking about it and asking for His help to make the Godly decisions?

“…you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10

Upon seeing the text, my mood became immediate consternation! I was filled with alarm and dismay because the text, from my wife, had been sent over and hour earlier. She had forgotten her glasses and politely asked if I would mind bringing them to her adding… “I don’t have to have them if you are busy” along with a heart emoji. I dropped what I was doing, grabbed her glasses and took off!

Katie was surprised when I walked into her classroom, although ‘I’ was surprised ‘she’ was surprised! I apologized that I hadn’t seen her text earlier and handed her a glasses case. When she opened it her face showed immediate disappointment! “Awww… these are the wrong ones.” The pair I had taken to her had the round frames she only wears at home, since they make her ‘look like an owl.’

Standing in a room with about 18 kindergartners, I apologized for the misunderstanding, then asked in a funny way, “Ms. Katie… are you saying you would rather portray an image than not be able to see?” That netted ‘The Look’ so I left with, “I’ll bring the other ones back.” She was sweet and said again, “That’s not necessary… after all, it was my fault. Kissing her goodbye the kids said… EWWW!”

When I ended up back in her classroom about 20 minutes later, WITH the glasses she had wanted in the first place, she was surprised! BUT… she was wearing the round glasses! That made me smile! Later, while talking to a friend on the phone, the subject of differences between men and women came up. When I relayed the story about going back with the right glasses, he said… “AWWWW!”

The “AWWWW!” I received was VERY telling because it confirmed that HE KNEW what love should, could and would do. When Katie registered surprise and my reappearance, I asked, “You mean you didn’t KNOW I’d be back! You’re my wife, my love, my babe! How could I NOT come back?” And while this could be an example for Christ’s return, it’s more about DOING what we instinctively know!

“Love Does,” is the name of a book I’d scanned a few years ago. The title is self explanatory, hence the scan. I am a child of God with His image stamped on my heart and spirit. I have found that the closer I get to Him, the more I KNOW Him and therefore, KNOW what He expects from me. I know Jesus would have gone back to give her the correct glasses. So I did! Life with Him is that simple!

“Follow Me” is a statement similar to “Walk THIS way.” Often the hardest thing I have to do is die to myself and give up my own selfish, sinful desires. But when I DO what He expects, the joy and peace He hand delivers to me, is ALWAYS worth more than the cost of my human sacrifice. How do YOU see it?

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive (zip tie) every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

“Oh… there’s another one!” was the thought I had in my head as I was walking along a back alleyway to my truck. The sun was bright so my head was down. Looking at the road in front of me, I saw a zip tie. Instantly, as I am prone to do, the thought in my brain was “treasure” and I started to bend to pick it up… until I saw another not far from it. Then came a question.

“Why do you want that zip tie?” was the question that came to mind. Honestly, I had no idea where the thought came from, though I presumed it was from the Holy Spirit because that is how He typically works with me. A thought, an object, a conversation… just about anything can be a God prompt. So I rolled the question around in my head and had a little ‘court session’ of my own.

‘To pick up or not to pick up the zip tie…’ THAT was the question. The arguments for both pro and con are too long and boring to go into… but the conclusion came with, you ALWAYS pick up zip ties… You have LOTS of them at home yet… you rarely EVER use them. So I left it lying for someone else’s tool box, picking up an appreciation for its lesson to me. Some seeming treasures are just junk!

Lots of ideas and emotions go through me on a regular basis. Being agathokakological (consisting of both good and evil… see Romans 7) I live with a war raging within me 24/7… as does every Christian. Which is the purpose for today’s verse. When something comes to mind or heart, The Word tells me to grab it, ‘zip tie’ it to His Will and then to store or dispose of it accordingly.

When the zip tie incident happened, I had actually been at a mental crossroads over something that was bugging me. Trying to make a decision as to what to do was tough, because there was no immediately clear moral right or wrong. After the zip tie event, I was able to use The zip tie lesson to see that the decision I made WOULD have long term effects that were VERY important.

So thanks for the head’s down lesson God! I appreciate your walking with me and looking out for YOUR and my best interests… even in the alleyways of life! Do YOU walk with Him too? DO you filter every thought and emotion through His will and Word?

“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Jesus John 7:24

Normally the morning would find me writing pithy thoughts at a different time. But today was different and I had nothing to do with it. If I had, I may have preferred to change the circumstances altogether. A Higher Power has called, and disobedience carries a penalty. ‘The Notice’ dictates I have been summoned, by Sarasota County District Court, for Jury Duty! Now where’s my hat and cowboy boots?

I am a legal resident of this county and pay taxes. That means, THEY have a right to call on me to serve Justice! Someone, somewhere has been accused of something ‘allegedly’ illegal! The law states ‘that somebody’ has a right to a jury of their peers. While I don’t know what THEY’VE done, I DO know I’ve personally done enough wrong in my own life to at least give ‘em a fair shake! So off I go.

The rock solid system of justice and judgment has been distorted to a point often unrecognizable. Most folks who avoid the strict interpretation of Jesus’ words are quick to report that “Jesus said, “Thou shalt not judge.””  Usually the reminder is used to get them ‘off’ the hook while trying to put the judge squarely ‘on!’   I love to tell them that Jesus said nothing of the kind!  In fact, when it comes to judging, Jesus even commands it!

Handing off a baby to a complete stranger, shouting a password or allowing a pedophile to become an elementary school teacher are exaggerated examples of WHY we are supposed to judge. As Believers we are called to admonish one another when error in judgment has been witnessed. When iron sharpens iron, sparks are the result! It is each of our duties to help one another stay within the lines!

I’d been called once before for jury duty and after arrival was quickly dismissed due to a ‘deal’ struck between the prosecution and defense.  But I was prepared then, as I am now, with ‘The Truth.’ My father, also a pastor, was once called to sit on a jury for a murder trial. When asked what he’d suggest if the defendant was found guilty, he said, “Hang ‘em high!” He was dismissed!

Jesus called His Bride, ‘The Church,’ to stand as witness to His perfect Glory, Grace, Mercy and Truth. That means I carry an obligation to always be prepared to stand for Him, no matter the case, be it in the position of defender, prosecutor or judge. God’s Word is the standard by which I am to be labeled. His word NEVER fails. I know THAT to be ‘The Truth’ because I have been ‘The Defendant’ WAY too many times!

Are you like Superman? A defender of Truth, Justice and the American Way??? hee hee…. Then keep your eyes open and go be fabulous!

“(Be prepared to) Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer (or address) everyone.” Colossians 4:6

There we were… all 27… ER… 28 of us! It started slowly, with just 6 of us, and then grew. It was a family gathering, all related and gathered for a kind of reunion, a matinee, (French for a daytime party) which was by then, turning into a soiree (an evening party). If you’ve ever tried to say goodbye to everyone in a big family, you know it’s time consuming. It was then I came face to face with # 28!

Bending over the hot tub end of my son’s pool, I was saying goodbye to several of my grandkids. Looking each one in the eye, I telling each one I loved them, I moved from one to the next, until it fell upon someone NOT one of my grand-kids! Having 11 of them, I’m proud to say I recognize each one. But # 28 wasn’t one of them. She was a neighbor girl visiting. I said “Hi- G’bye. I don’t know you!”

The girl, of middle school age, was in the hot tub with 5 of my grand-kids. Decorum dictates that an old guy like me does not focus on a young lady in a bikini, whom he does not know… for long. When I realized that I didn’t recognize her, I quickly bid her adieu. Unfortunately, God has laid upon my spirit that I did not handle the whole goodbye situation as well as I should have. So it’s class-time!

I can give excuses. It was getting late and I was worn out. Up at 5:30 am to prepare for a men’s breakfast, I needed to do the same again the next morning for church. Katie offered to drive and she doesn’t see as well at night so we needed to leave. Disquieted, the Spirit confirmed God wasn’t convicting me of anything wrong. He was encouraging me, for the next time, to do things better!

My whole life has meaning and purpose. I am God’s ambassador to the world. He reminds me the title came at a very high cost, which HE paid. And yes, He has high expectations of me. Had I been paying attention, I would have known she was there earlier and could have left a more God-like impression. In the rush I even missed a couple Grandkids! Patriarch-pastor grampa should do better.

The Bible verse today leaves room to add what I did… in parenthesis. And here’s the point! While I may not be answering someone’s question, I am ALWAYS leaving an impression of my King on someone I meet! I really want those impressions to represent Him well. Especially if they’re kids!  Do you?

“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.'” Song of Solomon 2:10

“Shhhhhhhhh… listen to me.” Though no sounds were heard, the secret, like a whisper, had been passed. The only recipient of the message was me. It both quickened and quieted soul and spirit. My Savior was speaking and, it appeared, He had much to say. With that intimate call came anticipation. I could almost not get to my Bible and study place fast enough. It was an invitation!

Every couple has a secret language, whether in words or gestures, that speaks clearly to one another, even when in a crowded room. It is an intimacy that excludes all others, reserved for the love of their heart. That language, unique as it is, exists between parent and child, friend and friend, husband and wife… and yes… Jesus to His Bride. He was trying to tell me something.

Recently, I have noticed that God has been taking a bashing in the real world… even among Believers! As the times become more confusing, evil and even dangerous, the shock of personal setbacks from sickness, death, financial loss or corporate failure automatically seem to look around for a fall guy through a pointed finger. Not being physically here, God is often on the receiving end of the blame.

I am embarrassed to admit that for many years God was my favorite scapegoat. I blamed Him for EVERYTHING! If He is ALL POWERFUL and can DO ANYTHING… it was obvious to me that HE HAD to be the one to blame for ANY setback or failure. It took a decades and a lot of tears, to learn that the problem wasn’t in my conclusion… but in my premise! Either I heard, or I was taught… wrong!

The idea that God can DO ANYTHING is one of satan’s biggest lies. He serves it up with extra gravy. Experiences, along with a desire to know the Truth, forced me to turn to the ONLY place where I could possibly find an answer to my questions… The Word of God! Jesus repeatedly ‘spoke The Word’ from God to His people. That Word cleansed, drew and strengthened His own to focus.

God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have an ongoing love affair with me. God, like a giddy guy in love, longs to have a deeper, more meaningful relationship with me. But to understand Him I must learn to master the method of His language. There is NO hocus-pocus! He whispers and speaks to me EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH HIS WORD! To understand His love, actions and directives I must READ!

Reading produces a spiritual sound that can take time to learn and understand. Since my ways are not His ways, the education and change must happen in ME. Like a school kid… I must show up for class, listen and PAY ATTENTION. Some folks learn faster than others. But I learned long ago that ‘The Word’ is The Teacher! It is through His Word, the Bible, that my ability to gain peace, joy and love, along with the ability to lose all fear, worry and anxiousness are acquired. God loves me enough to tell me what He wants me to know. Do I love Him enough to take the time to read and listen?

Do YOU?

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Being too young to worry about it and too old to take it for granted, the subject of ‘death’ somehow crept into my thoughts as I was pilfering through my room. I call it ‘my room’ because it’s not an office… since I don’t really DO anything in there except throw my stuff.   In the corner, instead of the attic, was a container labeled ‘Summer/Winter Clothes,’ which provoked another thought!

Early last fall I had climbed into the attic and pulled down the box to get some sweaters. Now that spring is here, it’s time to pull out the summer stuff and put away the sweaters! Living in a changing world, it’s a regular ‘thing’ I do! My room holds stuff that prepares me for that world. Out of nowhere a funny question hit my head, ‘what’ll happen to all my stuff when I’m dead?”

Though it hit out of the blue, it wasn’t the first time in pondered my passing. In fact, I already KNOW what will happen to my stuff, cuz my kids told me there’d be a dumpster rental! Which begs another question. Since I have it here but can’t take it with me, will I need this same kind of stuff when I get to Heaven? So I did what I do, turned to my Bible, and landed on today’s Verse.

‘No more tears’ says a lot! Not so much about me personally, but for the whole human race entirely! People cry over all kinds of things, some more than others. If tears are gone, then physical and emotional hurts and pains will have to be removed. That means I won’t need a lot of the kind stuff I’m holding onto now! Stuff like sweaters and shorts… or even workout equipment!

Being a Jesus person is a daily, interesting adventure! Things that come or happen often lead to questions or situations beyond my ability to know for certain. Because Jesus lives inside of me through His Holy Spirit, worry and wonder don’t have very far to go for solutions. The Master has already confirmed, in His Word, that He has everything in my world, and the next one… covered!

Are you sweating details better left in God’s hands? Do you worry about things or do you look at life through His ‘forever eyes?” Do you find joy and peace in reading His Word on a regular basis? 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

“Trash or recycle?” Katie asked me this morning. After my initial “Huh?” she explained that the handful of pens in her hand had quit writing. Her inquiry was in which bin to throw them… trash or recycle? Surprisingly, it was a spiritual moment! After telling her the subject of today’s message, her mouth and eyes opened in ‘WOW’ fashion, then we both exclaimed… “PERFECT!”

The theme for tonight’s Bible Study will be… what we ARE doing now, and what we WILL be doing in Heaven. The answer can easily be found in every book of the Bible. But I’m convinced that the proper description and display of ‘Worship’ has been abused. If someone asked for a modern example of worship, they’d be more apt to get a shiny gold pen rather than a written line of text!

The idea that worship is raised hands, closed eyes, swaying bodies and lips repeating, “You are worthy oh Lord,” just doesn’t sit well with what today’s Bible verse is trying to convey! God has perfect Holy Angels surrounding His throne continually proclaiming His Holiness and worth. My little voice adds no value to their message. What is God trying to say in the message of the pens?

Katie and I have different reactions when pens quit working. If it is in her hand and it stops, she tries a few times to see if it will go again. If it doesn’t, she throws it away! In her words, “a pen is supposed to work! When it doesn’t, I have no desire to try to coax it to do its job.” Me? I’ll try heating it in my coffee or with a lighter. I’ll even apply enzymes, sucking on the tip to make it go!

The purpose of a pen is to write. The purpose of man is to…? When Lucifer chose to oppose and take over God’s position, it is interesting to note that the weapon of God’s choice to defeat him was NOT to throw him away. His most bold move was to bend down to form a weapon out of… DIRT! Filling the dirt-bag with Himself, God announced His plan to all of creation. His enemies laughed!

Being a dirt-bag in a dirty world, getting dirtier by the day, is a tough assignment. Is my job to simply squeak out some shiny noise about God’s value among the dirty? Or, as seems to be indicated by today’s verse, am I to yield my life to Him and allow Him to personally introduce Himself to other dirty people by allowing Him to touch them through my hands?

Am I doing what He created me to do? Are you? Even in the dark times?

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.” Psalm 143:5-6

“There are 2 kinds of people,” I said to 2 of my grandkids. When I’m with ANY kids I like to dump wisdom on them! Since I’m more partial to my own grandkids, I REALLY like to slather it on! If they appreciate it or not is not really my call. Farmers farm, teachers teach and gram-paws are supposed to pass down wisdom! “Goal oriented and task oriented people,” I continued… “which are YOU!”

Driving the car I held them captive! Their captivity showed when they rolled their eyes in a, “here we go,” kind of way! They had been content to ride silently in the car, listen to the radio or look at their phones. Me? I knew that the time we share is rare and priceless… AND I want our time to matter since, one day I’ll be dead! I’d like them to have something WISE to say at my funeral!

Since they didn’t know about goal or task oriented people, I told them that Goal oriented people are focused on reaching a particular objective, while task oriented people focus on doing things. That while BOTH types of people are necessary, each of us has a bent toward one trait or the other. Summing the conversation, I said, “a way determine your own trait is to ask ‘whaduhyawant?’”

Being a goal oriented person, I don’t like rules. Rules are great for hemming task oriented people into their roles, but I have found that often, there are ways to get things done that don’t fit within a list of rules. Hence, my discomfort with the Old Testament Law! Since there are 613 laws, it’s not uncommon to focus on 1 so much that I break another without realizing. I needed a big picture!

As I was reading IN The Word that Jesus IS The Word, the Holy Spirit gave me an elbow nudge with the thought that “Jesus IS The Law!” When that idea exploded inside me, something actually settled in my heart too. I LOVE Jesus! I want MORE of Jesus. And maybe, If I put JESUS as the goal and head of my daily life, doing ‘The Law’ will just come about naturally. Whaduh’I’want? I want more Jesus!

So… that all being said, lemmie ask YOU… Whaduh’U’want? What and where do you focus your time and efforts? Are you reading and meditating on God’s Word… His Son? I pray today’s verse will be a big help to you… no matter HOW your oriented!