“Anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blaspheme the Name they are to be put to death.“ Leviticus 24:16

“Cuckoo… Cuckoo”! At least that is what is USED to say! Now, it doesn’t say or DO ANYTHING! Having purchased this Cuckoo Clock for my wife for our 18^th Anniversary, it has faithfully kept time over time… Kinda! There’s a little thing with temperature and humidity that makes me have to occasionally adjust the pendulum, but it’s been accurate for the most part. Until it isn’t!

Recently I noticed that the pendulum wasn’t swinging, so I pushed it to get it going again, only to watch it stop… again. This had happened once before, about 15 years ago, when I took it to an old clock master who specialized in lubing and cleaning. He was old then so I’m sure he’s not even around! So I YouTubed how to clean and oil a Cuckoo Clock… gave it a try and then… NADA!

I actually have 2 Cuckoo clocks. The other one doesn’t work either. We had purchased it for one of our kids for their wedding and I guess they didn’t like the Cuckoo or pulling the chain, so we ended up getting it back. A few years ago I slid the lever to stop the Cuckoo sound when sleep became harder to come by and it kept waking me up. Now I don’t know what to do with 2 broken clocks!

How far should sentiment over priority really go anyway? It’s a question I see in this verse today. Taking God’s name in vain in the form of blasphemy, or even speaking the word for God’s name “Jehovah,” under the Law, was to receive Corporate Punishment… CORPORATELY! Everyone in the Church, or Temple, was to pick up a stone and let ‘er fly until the offender Cuckoo-ed no more!

These days I find that, while there is ZERO penalty for blaspheming God, it’s getting to the point where siding with Him may very well get one silenced… or canceled. God’s Word describes these times very clearly and warns that His people need to stay with chains pulled and swinging together.. Cuckooing like crazy for Jesus! Are you?

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

“You missed it!” Had that statement come from anyone else but God, I maybe wouldn’t have felt so bad. But I clearly heard the words and knew EXACTLY what He meant. Having earnestly prayed for an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone yesterday, the opportunity came, and went, without me playing my part. Because while working on a good thing, I had missed the best thing!

After dropping Katie’s car off for service, we needed to eat. A project was waiting at home so I preferred to be quick. Turning down a busy restaurant, we opted for a slower place not as frequented. I had forgotten that the last time we were there, service took over an hour! As we sat at the bar, clock ticking, I was working on my patience when a man came and sat down right beside me!

Hunger, fatigue and time wasted are proven distractors. We chose to sit at the bar for speed, which didn’t work out. When conversation with the man started, I wasn’t really paying attention like I should have been. Being irritated at the horrible service, I debated simply leaving. So conversation with the man became trivial. As he was leaving, I got the call from Above! ‘YOU MISSED!’

I’m experienced at this enough to know that my NOT talking to the man about his Eternal Life doesn’t make for the possibility of his possible residence in the Lake of Fire. God grants many opportunities to everyone. But like tests in school, tests are meant to prepare me for the REAL world. I had flunked this one by paying more attention to behaving than evangelizing! 2 lessons in 1 experience!

I constantly have to remind myself that “THIS WORLD IS A WAR ZONE!” And that ‘I’ am His soldier. I realize how uncomfortable those statements can make people feel. Most, including satan, would prefer a quiet, easy, unspectacular arrangement. Heaven and Hell, life or death, can so easily be exaggerated or taken too seriously. I too prefer, “Oh well,” to “I’m ashamed of myself I missed!”

But as days tick by, turning into years, missing the point of my life and doing what God created me for, is up to ME to evaluate. I either am serious and getting better, or I’m winging it on a hope and a wish for more mercy. God reminded me this morning, in this verse, that if I want to serve Him, I’d better suit up and pay more careful attention. Distractions are simply weapons of the enemy.

Are YOU living with purpose and asking God to use you TODAY? What distracts you from that work? Are you learning, from the tests, how to be focused and successful for the real thing God is setting before you? Today, do you look forward to the opportunity God is setting up for you? Are you ready and willing to show up for Jesus and help or possibly take someone from the hand’s of the bad guys?

“If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.” Malachi 2:2

“Is that MINE… or does that belong to Jesus?” I asked it, shuffling through the tool room at the church and seeing a couple tools that I could have sworn came from MY toolbox. I had to force myself to remember if I had brought it from home and mentally GIVEN it to the church, or just accidentally left it there. Thinking, “THIS is not a common problem,” I sensed God saying, “Really?”

Being the pastor, and one of a few guys available for jobs needing done, I will often take my tools to the Church. Sometimes I see the tool as something Jesus could use and I’ll leave it. Other times I just forget to pick it up. When I see it later, I go through a long mental process to try to determine what happened and why. Why? Because, it seems to me, Malachi’s ‘honor-warning’ is really quite serious!

Now I know that Malachi was written in the Old Testament to the Jewish nation. I also know that this particular section is talking DIRECTLY to the Priests! They had been waffling on the rules of sacrifice, giving blind and blemished animals to God for their sin… keeping the best for themselves! God noticed! What ‘I’ might think of as a MINOR problem, GOD saw as a MAJOR CRIME… and cursed!

Sin is not a sin because it breaks a rule. God didn’t just decide to make all the fun stuff illegal to prove my loyalty! Sin is a sin because it breaks God’s HEART! I was CREATED to be God’s residence! My hands, mouth, brain, time and resources ALL come FROM Him. They are supposed to reflect my appreciation and service BACK to Him! Time and Resources are the 2 biggest God-Heart indicators!

During my search through the Church tool room, I recognized an extension cord that looked like one I had in MY garage for YEARS! It’s not like I need more cords. But as the thought, ‘that’s mine’ hit me, I KNEW came from the pit of hell. But I couldn’t remember how that cord got there, I decided I’d rather just give it to Jesus. Cuz if he gets that upset over a blind cow… well! OK, I’M KIDDING! Maybe!

Are you SERIOUSLY giving God His due? If you belong to Him, do you KNOW when He is asking you to step up and be faithful? Will you? What are you holding onto that SHOULD go to God? Are you faithful to God in YOUR time and resources… ALWAYS? What do you have that belongs to HIM? Have you ever experienced what might seem like a curse or withdrawal of God’s favor in areas of your life?  What are you going to DO about it?
 

“But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Colossians 1:22

“How may I help you?” were the first words the gal spoke as 4 of us sat down for dinner at a VERY busy, local restaurant. I thought maybe she was the hostess, since she was at our table so fast. Looking, she wasn’t the prettiest waitress I have ever seen. Her arms, hands and other parts of her body were all tattooed. She also wore 2 nose rings and a smile! “What can I do for you?” she asked.

While the hustle and bustle of the entire restaurant was buzzing like a bee, I made a comment about how busy it was. She replied smiling, “Well I’m not too busy, so what would you like to drink?” A friendly banter began between her and our host, and she gave as well as she received. Then she was off like a shot. Her quick return with the drinks and request for further assistance was surprising!

All throughout dinner she was in and out, continually asking, “how does the food taste? Can I get you anything else?” She knew when she could jump in, and served us like we were her only customers. In a world where care and service seem to becoming a dying art, she was a breath of fresh air. When she came to the table, she immediately had all of our attention. And NOT by force!

I must admit that I don’t understand the whole tattoo – piercing thing. Growing up, it was hammered in my brain that the Old Testament clearly prohibits tattoos, and that nose piercing was meant to be a sign of permanent servant-hood. And while I don’t hate them, I admit to having a learned bias that I must intentionally put away… just like OTHER biases. Wrestling with the matter is God’s classroom.

When the meal was done I wanted to reach in my wallet and throw her extra TIP money. But Katie and I were invited by another Christian couple to dinner, and doing that would have been rude. So I reached in my wallet and pulled out a Gospel Card and left it for her, noting our host had already been generous in his tip. I read this verse this morning and realized that a pierced Savior served me!

‘He was pierced for our iniquity’ and ‘By His stripes we are healed!’ are just 2 statements from Isaiah 53 describing my Savior. His act of love was literally the Greatest Sacrifice in the history of mankind. I remember when He came to me and offered to serve my needs! It was before I even knew I HAD any. Now, as a marked servant myself, I marvel at the many ways I can serve Him as I serve others!

Is the Love of Jesus Christ tattooed on YOUR heart? Do you actively look for ways to serve Him in the world? Are you insistent in trying to help and sacrificially serving the lost without being too much of a pest or rude? Does the world see you as His Server, pierced to the heart, by His generous love?

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14

“BANG!” And like a misfire of a gun… the tongue went off, shooting me in the foot! If it WERE a gun, it would have been considered an accidental discharge, the result being 1 and done. But this tongue-shot was FAR worse because, not only did I shoot myself in the foot, I continued to shoot! To demons, my attitudinal discharge must’ve made me look like Swiss cheese! They just laughed!

Having been around guns all my life, I have had it drilled into me over and over to where I NEVER ‘Accidentally’ point a gun toward ANYONE. The second I touch one, my mind goes on high alert to keep me aware of my surroundings, averting any ‘accidents.’ Oh how I wish it were the same with my loaded tongue. God has been convicting me that attitudinal discharges are NEVER accidental!

Being in my vocation, I sometimes feel like I should get a pass. Years of discharging and appealing have not gotten me any brownie points to that end. Instead of a pass, I can almost GUARANTEE a run-in with either an idiot, or circumstantial hindrances in the form of a yellow light or heavy traffic. Yesterday, it was the ol lady driving 15 under the speed limit in the left lane! I unloaded!

One would think I’d tire of the incidents and just DO what ‘The Boss’ tells me! But a man’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. And expounding Truth is my forte! The lady’s driving included weaving, proving she SHOULD have her license revoked! But God used her to let me know that I should have my tongue carved out… down to the HEART! So I’m in God’s traffic school!

In the verse today, the first 3 directives for a Believer are not really a problem for me. But that last one is a DOOZY! Some say that until I get this one down, God won’t let me die! If so, I may live forever! Truth be told, attitudinal discharges, even in the privacy of my own vehicle, are ALWAYS harmful AND intentional. The victim never changes because it’s always ME! Dear Lord… will You help!!??

Based upon your traffic record, what doozy of a problem is YOURS? How long have you been living with it? Is God putting it on HIS hit list to finally kill it off? Are you co-operating with Him?  

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

Before we married my son in law, I rode a dirt bike. When Todd came along he seemed to have an affinity for MUD! The idea of anything with wheels going non-stop thorough muck just seemed to draw him. His kids have picked up the bug because kids often follow their parents. Now I ride a new ATV with my grandson in nasty mud, trying not to sink it! The problem though, comes with cleanup!

The last time I went riding with them, I took my 4 wheeler to the car wash… one of those pay and spray kind. After choosing ‘soapy wash’ I had the pressure up and the whole quad looking like it was covered in snow. Hitting rinse, I pressure washed EVERYTHING to make it look just like new, then put it away. When I pulled it out, I was surprised to see dirty spots all over the black parts! ICK!

I didn’t think they were that big of an issue, so after I muddied it up again this last time, I ran it through the car wash, then took a wash cloth and rubbed over where the spots had formed before. Sitting in the sun, it didn’t take long before those dirty little spots and streaks reappeared… all over again! Now the issue wasn’t a dirty ATV… it became MY failure and inability to get MY stuff clean!

Yesterday I was shocked when one of our teachers started off the JYC middle School Ministry lesson by writing 3 words on the board… Justification, Sanctification and Glorification! I like to call those ‘The Big Three’ of God’s gift to all who take Jesus on as Lord and Savior. I was shocked, because he was going to try to EXPLAIN those 3 powerful mud-maneuvering words… to kids… in about an hour!

I’d like to say that my efforts in utilizing special cleaning agents and elbow grease succeeded in removing those spots and stains once and for all. Furthermore, I’d love to tell you that those kids walked away with a clear understanding of those 3 powerful words. But I can’t! Some things are just not humanly possible. Which makes what God does even MORE amazing when I see him moving.

Are YOU amazed by the Grace and gifts of God? Have YOU received the clean that washes whiter than snow? Are YOU grateful to be Justified and Sanctified in Jesus Christ?  Are YOU trying to clean what only God can?

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

“Why don’t you just get a connector cable?” Those words, from my son-in-law, produced both hope and discouragement! Hope, from the possibility that there WAS an easier way. Discouragement, because it was too late!  I had already CUT the wires, planning to splice and add length to them so I could connect a trailer to my truck!  It took all of about 14 nanoseconds! NOW I had a busy mess.

Standard trailer lights have 6 wires. But those 6 wires reduce down to plugs with 4 connectors, with EVERY wire having a specific job. NONE can be out of place! Running lights, turn signals and brake lights are determined by colored wires… and I had just cut them! Now I had to splice them back together. Had I KNOWN about the special extending cable, I could have avoided a serious brain issue!

Right-brained and left-brained people are SUPPOSEDLY good at different things. It has been stated that right-brain people are more visual and intuitive, while left-brained people are mathematical and analytical. When trying to get the colors and order of the wires to go together, I started to feel like I was in algebra class. I finally gave up and accepted that I MAY just have to pay a traffic fine!

I found out that the old research about the brain is actually NOT true! While I may have a proclivity towards words, my old bad grades in math class had NOTHING to do with the physical makeup of my brain. The brain sends equal signals for both. Knowing this fact, I must humbly admit that when it comes to math, I’m lazy and don’t WANT to do it! Which is EXACTLY the point of this Bible verse!

God gives us EVERYTHING WE NEED for life and Godliness. EVERYTHING! But He CANNOT provide the WANT TO! The reason is simple. MAKING me want to be God-like would make me a puppet! And God doesn’t want a puppet, He wants a LOVER! SO CHOICE is key! Do I WANT to be more like Him? Do I love Him enough to prove it by giving Him my time, resources and efforts? Hmmmmm!

Do you love spending time with Jesus and His people for His purpose? Do you actually try to connect your life to His to produce light to those around you? Or do you find yourself being more drawn to personal want-to’s? Tough question? I can completely appreciate it! But ‘news flash’ – He is WORTH your efforts!  SO if you’re feeling apart from God, this verse tells us… it isn’t HIS fault!  He’s waiting!

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11

“Hey… what movie did you see?” That was our opening evangelism line as 11 of us stood outside the movie theater. Having listened to a radio interview by Greg Laurie regarding the movie, “The Jesus Revolution,” Greg laid out the idea to be at the theater when folks leave, so that those wanting to respond to the Gospel could do so. With all the tools necessary, we had it all… except!

We STARTED gingerly enough. After getting permission and gathering the tools, we gently struck up conversations and tried to engage the subject of Jesus in a non-offensive manner. After a short while, the gang got more bold… then down right funny! “HEY… what movie did you see!” The question ultimately proved to us that ONLY JESUS people saw the Jesus movie! But we had fun!

I take the blame for the gathering. Upon hearing the interview, I had a vision of dozens of people exiting to receive Jesus! SOMEONE needed to be there! I sensed the Holy Spirit say… “why not YOUR team?” So I called and ‘The Team’ came! In retrospect, I questioned the whole experience and wondered! But then I read today’s verse and thought… “HEY..!!! WHATAYATHINKIN’?”

The purpose, definitely nudged by The Holy Spirit, was the most noble on earth… which was to share the Gospel! Thought, by Faith, turned into action… and we DID what we believed to be in accordance with the Word of God. Looking back, I now realize that The Team had a BLAST! We grew in friendship and made a few more. We even saw some old acquaintances in Christ! FUN!

Learning how to work and walk in the Spirit can be confusing for me sometimes. “What if that crazy idea is just MY crazy idea?” And because God doesn’t send specific texts or emails to me, I read His Word, survey my surroundings and often ask, “how may I serve you Lord?” This verse gives me comfort that even MY own good intentions will be used by God… to Glorify God!

Thank you Lord for the opportunity to join you in your work.. AND for the knowledge that YOU will even bother to join me and our own ‘team saints’ as we step out by faith to do your work. May we ALL be blessed! And will Ya point us to some non believers after we’ve practiced enough? Thanks!

“For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of His power working within me.” Colossians 1:29 NAB

Jesus had a problem! In this case, HIS problem became the problem for several of us. Since Jesus owns everything I own, including me, when Katie’s church computer broke down, she came to me. This computer is used to generate and produce Sunday’s Bulletin every week. Like me, it is getting older and slower. I looked at it, and determined it needed another of Jesus’ tools. I called Mike!

Mike belongs to Jesus. When Mike listened to me explain the problem with the computer, he asked questions. Then Mike made suggestions… which blew my mind. As too many explanations and options came hurling at me, I found myself struggling to keep up with his ideas as to the problem and solution. I just wanted the problem fixed. “I” didn’t want to PERSONALLY be part of “The Fix!”

Mike called me with an update last night, after I called him and left a message, after Katie asked me when she’d be getting her computer back to make Jesus’ bulletin for this Sunday! As Mike talked, I felt myself drawn back into the swamp of ignorance, information and decision. I didn’t want to go there again so I interrupted him with… “Let’s do lunch… I’ll buy!”

Struggling with people problems is, in my opinion, harder than going to the gym. When I go to the gym, I pick up weights and move them around methodically and with a certain number of reps! SUPPOSEDLY, in that work, I am chiseling my body into shape. Looking in the mirror, I don’t see it. But in struggling with people problems, I KNOW when a solution has been reached! I can see and feel it!

Jesus’ description of Paul’s work, to grow Faith in the followers under his care, is agonizing. I can easily break out in a sweat and get worn out just reading what Paul went through in trying to make spiritual warriors out of worldly babies. The struggle is real! Sitting in the same position as Paul, lots of advice and suggestions come my way. Along with sweat and labor. Results are slow.

I’m going to have a power lunch with Jesus today. I’m realizing that I’ve been trying to do some of this stuff in my own strength! It’s time to get some power and suggestions from HIM!

Are YOU operating on your own strength and wisdom?