“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.'” John 15:25 KJV

It happens more often than not. Whether I’m ordering a book, music, a product or just to getting into my bank account, inevitably my computer screen pops up the request… Password? With so many accounts and websites to keep track of, I TRY to obey their rules. Rule 1 is, make up a unique password – but don’t use the same one all the time. So I guess.. then guess again. Usually I go to a written list to look it up.

Back in the 60’s there was a TV game-show called ‘Password.’ I have a feeling that this is where the word ‘Password’ got it’s name! To me, the TV show was about as exciting as watching paint dry! It featured famous stars, coupled with ordinary folk, to outsmart another ‘somebody – nobody’ team. It was all too boring and brainy for me as a kid. So I didn’t watch it. With only 3 channels, I’d usually go do my own thing!

The same kind of thing was going on back in Jesus’ day when a bunch of self appointed smart guys started taking God’s Words, twisting them around to sound more sophisticated. It made them feel like stars! So God sent His Son Jesus down here to try to straighten them out! He gave them LOTS of clues, and even did a bunch of miraculous things that only God could do. But they didn’t want to play and did their own thing!

Flashing forward from my childhood, I see a FAR more sophisticated world that I could NEVER have imagined as a child. Information is KEY and technology has quickly overpowered the need and desire for God and what HE is trying to tell the world. Truth has become relative, as groups of people huddle together to come up with ideas that will not pass God’s clear directives or clues.

When I met Jesus over 50 years ago, He gave me some crystal clear Words that still impact me today. Rule 1 is to read His Word REGULARLY and USE IT the way He intended. Then He asked me to go out into the world and PASS Jesus, also known as The WORD, on to others. His Word says that MOST people are going to simply think that He and I are both nuts… and Pass! But I’m supposed to do it anyway!

So how about you? Are you paying attention to God and His Word? Or are you simply going to dismiss and pass Him by?  

“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24

Monday it was meatloaf, with broccoli, zucchini and cucumber salad.

Tuesday it was Rib-eye steak with Cauliflower, zucchini, and cucumber salad.

Wednesday it was meatloaf, Cauliflower, zucchini, and cucumber salad. PLUS a Caprese salad! OR the choice to go out to eat somewhere besides home! TO spice things up, I found some old baby potatoes, boiled them up and put Sour cream, garlic powder and some cheddar cheese powder on them.

Thursday, after eating leftovers for 2 days, it is looking like we will go out somewhere for something new and different. Because I have found that an appetite of just leftovers may sustain life, but when it comes to enthusiasm, leftovers come with built in limitations to truly satisfy. My God COMPLETELY understands. That is why, based upon today’s verse, it does not appear that God even bothers to serve them!

The Word tells me God Is INFINITELY CREATING and never tires of doing so. He WANTS me to learn to look out for His mercy, grace and Love Daily, for NEW meals of unexpected Joy! God’s overflow of Grace NEVER gets old and NEVER contains leftovers. It is new… EVERYDAY! MY job is to see His hand among the chaos and to joyfully partake in his unlimited provisions to ME… DAILY! All I have to do is to freely choose to receive them!

How long has it been since YOU have had a new touch and experience of God’s wonderful blessing? Because He wants to dish it out to you!

“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin.” Isaiah 30:1

My son introduced me to the Sous Vide method of cooking. Showing up at his house, he had a pot of water, a gadget hanging from the edge and several steaks submerged in plastic bags. I thought, “what foul thing is THIS,” and guessed he had gone over the edge by wasting good meat! That is until he presented the steaks and I ate! Guessin’ immediately flew out the window!

Impressed, I decided to get one for my house. Last weekend, I went to the store to buy some cheap meat. The butcher told me that what I had selected was NOT ‘Choice’ beef and recommended a better cut. I told him that for YEARS I had destroyed good meat by my cooking methods. This time, I wanted to see if I could turn low quality meat into something good! He laughed!

Asking the butcher some questions, based upon his expertise, educated me about the quality of meats. After he gave me his expertise, I began to think, using his knowledge, my experience, and then added some guessing. Having learned that ‘he who expects nothin’, ain’t gonna be deceived,’ I developed high hopes, buffered with low expectations. Guessin’ and thinkin’ were about to fight!

Belief based upon thinking about known facts, to me, is better than belief based upon guessing. The difficulty is to determine what is factual! To get there requires a little of both thinkin’ AND guessin!’ But in the end, the final decision will prove itself to be true or false based upon the outcome. God has a point of view that I have learned to trust. His advice? “Look to HIM FIRST!’

The Word of God has been laid down, tested and proven for over 3500 years. I have NEVER found it to be wrong, inconclusive or to lead me astray. That said, when I have a problem, issue or difficulty, I go to ‘The Word’ FIRST before I do any sort of thinking or guessing. Because, like with my Sous Vide machine, I like seeing something good come out of a low grade quality of life. So does God!

Are YOU trusting God and thinking about HIS ways? Or are you just going around guessin’? 

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” John 14:6

I was in my watercraft when I saw the sign! NOT a warning, question or suggestion… but a COMMAND! NO WAKE! The marker buoy was official, and there were more than 1! But I didn’t even think about obeying because I was in a kayak! I’ve never rowed fast enough to create a wake anyway! At first, the conditions of the signs left me confused. Then I was troubled!

Labor Day weekend found my bride and I rowing our kayaks up the backwaters of our beautiful state. We hadn’t kayaked in this place before. As the banks narrowed, the trees from each side providing only narrow passageways in places, I could see the rooftops of very fancy houses. Basically, rowing in their backyards, then seeing the buoys, became confusing.

‘No Wake’ buoys are located where there are docks and boats. The sign to ‘slow down’ keeps those boats and docks from becoming damaged by boat wakes caused by speed. But there were NO docks.. OR boats where we rowed! In fact, there weren’t even any pathways to get to the water from the backyards of those fancy houses. Which created a mystery to me.

Someone had taken the time and spent resources to place official signs in a place that did not even need them! In other words, someone had played God! One of the signs added a juicy tidbit to make a boater WANT to slow down by adding, ‘Hidden Rocks!’ I thought about that… if I can’t SEE the rocks, how would ‘slowing down’ keep me from hitting them?

Maybe I over-thunk, since it was Labor Day and I had some time on my hands. But I began thinking about the times we live in and the race to make up a bunch of rules to benefit some, at the expense of others. Jesus certified in this Bible Verse that there IS, in fact, a WAY to get to God, a TRUTH to follow and LIFE to be had! And His IS THE ONLY WAY! Oh BUOY!

There are people who live on water but don’t access it! Then make up rules and dangers out of things that do not exist, in an attempt to hinder and control those who do! Why? The only thing I can think of is that, in acknowledgment and affirmation, there is power! If a non-believer can get me to slow down and think about their way as being THE way… they can win! Even if only for a moment! I rowed faster!

Are YOU buying the lies being told today, or are you rowing and resting in the One and ONLY Savior, Jesus Christ?  

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Katie came home from work yesterday and her first words were, “You’re not going to believe what happened today!” “Do tell,” I replied. She said, “Today was ‘Firefighter’s Day,’ when the local fire department brings a BIG Firetruck and the Firefighters teach and impress the kids about Fire safety. Today, one of the Firefighters was a former student… I’ve got a picture!” When she showed me, I said, “He’s a big one!”

Katie started teaching our kids in 1980 and did an EXCEPTIONAL JOB. When they grew up, she began teaching other’s people’s kids. She started her current job at the European Academy in Nokomis in 1998. About 2005, John came to the school for a couple years… only a MUCH smaller version of him than now. Yesterday’s reunion was filled with pride and joy as she got to see how he turned out. She was all smiles.

Teaching and Preaching are really the same things, just in a different format. Katie and I had been teaching kids in church for years before we had our own. My dad threw me into the teaching process when I hit 9^th grade and no one could handle me as a student… and it worked! But teaching brings its own set of rules, the first being, the teacher needs to first KNOW the material being taught before passing it on.

I’ve had teachers in the past that took up the job, apparently because they didn’t plan anything better to do. You know the kind. The teacher who throws the book at you, passes out a pre-made test … then grades on a curve! Katie doesn’t do that. She not only knows the subject, she knows the students as well… AND SHE CARES! And they care back! A couple days ago she got face-timed by a student no longer at her school!

Passing along information that helps people grow up to be smart, caring successful adults is one of the most noble professions one can have. But it always comes with a cost. Investing in people’s lives can be rewarding, but also painful. Especially when they don’t take the material to heart and make it a part of them. It shows when life throws out a test. When I see a smart caring grown up I taught, it ALWAYS makes me smile.

Yesterday Katie got an email from John’s mom! She said, “I can’t believe you remembered him… Oh, and you look just the same as you did 17 years ago!” Which is exactly how teacher are SUPPOSED to look… caring, and engaged and ALWAYS TEACHING. Are YOU one?

“By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3

My whole family was here over the weekend and I just knew something was up! I heard a bunch of ‘guy’ laughter, then saw my grandson, eyes bugging out of his head, guzzling milk. Last I remembered, he didn’t even like milk! But I couldn’t tell it by the speed with which he drank! In between gulps I asked what was going on. Apparently my 2 tough guy sons had issued a hot nut or chip challenge… and grandson took it!

I know this wasn’t the big hot ‘Pique’ chip challenge that everyone talks about. It was a smaller and minor challenge issued to see who was tough enough to handle the pain. But it was also a challenge to see who would dare try! Trying automatically led to handling! And a question popped into my head. Does God ever issue challenges to me like this? If so, what do they sound like?

Now I am ABSOLUTELY 100% PROUD of my 2 sons! They are BOTH tough guys for Jesus, which is more than any father could want to see from their sons. But when they get together and that little mischievous spark hits even one of their eyes… it’s “FLAME ON!” At my age, I have learned it’s best for me to just sit back and observe. It’s still fun to watch, but I don’t have to pay any price when things go awry!

The thoughtful question God popped into my head began to fester and get hotter as God wouldn’t let me escape the search for an answer. What would someone, who took up ‘The God Challenge,’ actually look like? If sweating, hollering and milk drinking were signs of someone who took the nut challenge, how would ‘I’ look if I took up God’s challenge? Would anyone even notice?

Last night in our Bible Study class, I was proud of the 30 people who showed up for hot dogs and apple pie. Just showing up was proof of their taking up God’s challenge! I can’t take part in His challenge if I’m not there! But I was even MORE proud as Mike led the group in the quest to define ‘Worship.’ I basically did what I do when my sons issue challenges… I simply watched the clock and took notes. And got surprised!

The discussion at Bible Study went on, nonstop, for almost an hour! In fact, I had to step in and halt it for time’s sake. But in the end, the summary came up with today’s Bible verse. If one wants to know, or see what it looks like to take up God’s challenge, the evidence is displayed in their keeping of His commandments! In other words… obedience! And NO MILK is even welcome or required!

Are YOU a doing, tough guy or gal for Jesus? Or just a watcher? Cuz He’s looking for evidence!

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.” John 3:14

I recently got back from summer vacation, having flown to rest at our cabin in the mountains of Pennsylvania. I love flying because it is SO much more convenient. Having flown for many years, I have learned a few things along the way.

There are only 3 essentials to Fly in an airplane. 1. A Destination. 2. The time necessary to make the reservation and 3. the money to pay for the trip! That’s it! Simple right? A place, a plan and the price! That said, I have learned that EVERYONE who gets ON a plane in 1 city, will get OFF TOGETHER in the next! Seating makes ZERO difference. That is…until it does!

I like to save money by flying an inexpensive carrier where I don’t PAY to pick my seat in advance. I prefer to take the one the airline offers to me for free. I don’t usually begrudge people who pay to sit in a particular seat. Except THIS time, when I landed with a prejudicial view that shall continue until I figure out the reasoning behind it. I no longer trust people who CHOOSE to sit by a window, but then keep the window shade down!

The airline NEVER gives me a free window seat. Those are reserved for PAYING customers. But this trip I noticed MOST of the window sitters never even peered out at the view!!! And as I sat in the mostly darkened plane, I wondered WHY someone would pay to have the opportunity to look out at God’s fascinating creation, and from a SPECTACULAR view… but would choose not take advantage of the opportunity!

But maybe It should not surprise me! God exists! That fact is plain and foundational because… God has MADE it plain (Romans 1:9)! That said, all humans are born with the same 3 essentials for a trip to His home with a guaranteed SAFE landing. To make it easier, there are really only 2 destinations. Heaven or hell! We are born with knowledge enough to see, then given the time needed to plan the trip. The price, according to our verse today, has already been PAID by God Himself!  Which leads to a wondering question!

By Birth and creation alone, we all are sitting by a window seat with the opportunity to see The Spectacular Beauty of God Himself!  Why?  Because God has PLACED us there. The essential answers are available to anyone who simply seeks for them by asking! But I can’t figure why so few bother!  Are you sitting by God’s window with the shade drawn? If so, my wondering question is…WHY??? Can somebody PLEASE tell me WHY!!!! Because it seems to be getting much darker around here, and the trip is getting bumpy for us all!

What do YOU see?

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

Last night was ‘Ladies Night Out, and Katie… being an elegant lady… actually went! I was neither invited… NOR welcome! Even though I had an official right to go, I wouldn’t have and didn’t need to. But I DID receive all the benefits as if I had. Even though I didn’t! This time, they even had SNACKS!

I’m not a fan of the modern day ‘Ladies Night Out.’ I used to tell my kids as teenagers that, ‘nothing good happens after midnight.’ The idea of women getting together to drink together at a bar rings LOTS of warning bells. Yesterday’s occasion, which my wife attended with my daughter AND grand-daughter, was not in the darkness of a bar, but in ‘The Church’… and with Ladies who love Jesus!

It COULD be called ‘Woman’s Group,’ because it is composed completely of females. But thinking about it, that title is a disservice. Even calling them ‘Ladies’ undervalues them. They call themselves ‘Bible Babes’ and describe the group as ‘Gospel Gorgeous!’ Last night they decided to add a charcuterie tray! I didn’t get any of THAT either! But as usual, I got more by not going!

When Katie got home last night, she hadn’t even closed the garage door before she started talking. With face glowing a big smile, she paused to give me a kiss, then started in on some of the highlights. I have learned if ‘Ladies Night Out’ was a good one by how long she talks! One thing that stood out was the absence of gossip. Because Bible Babes know better!

Being the Pastor, I LOVE our ladies. And I COULD have gone to the meet! The office I hold, and the Church’s statement of Faith, give me that permission. But I m not stupid! I know that I will reap HUGE benefits if I keep myself to my place and follow along with the rules in the same Bible THEY are studying. Because ‘I’ am not in charge of ‘The Church.’ JESUS IS! And I know my place!

The cost of joining ‘The Bible Babes’ is expensive! It is the same price to join ANY ‘Church’ or ‘group’ therein! The first requirement is to figuratively tear up your Driver’s license, Passport or any other form of ‘I’-dentification, and ‘PUT ON’ Jesus! The biggest enemy of beauty in Christ’s Church is ‘I, me and my!’ When those wicked sisters show up, the whole atmosphere changes for the worse.

In 1964, Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart, in discussing the characterization of pornography, simply said, “I know it when I see it!” And while it may seem out of context here, I cannot think of a better illustration for the description of Christian Unity. Because Unity is not a suggestion by our Lord and Savior, it is a command! And while I may not be able to describe unity, I KNOW it when I see it!

Thank you for the gift Ladies!         Are YOU GOSPEL GORGEOUS?

“I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:29-30

As I focus on the outside through the glass door, I’m sitting in my air conditioned living room and can see it is shaping up to be an ‘I don’t know kind’ of a day. The sun is trying to shine, but it is overcast. And to top it off, a dang mourning Dove just won’t shut up! It’s like nature just knows!

Yesterday, I received a text yesterday that warranted an immediate callback. My 73 year old friend Dickie lived most of his life with Cerebral Palsy. And he was dying. I met him years ago when they wheeled him into church. In all that time, I never understood a single word he tried to say. I didn’t need to. His limbs, features and speech may have been distorted, But His love for Jesus Christ wasn’t!

It’s impossible to describe our mutual friendship in human words. When I’d walk into the room and Dickie would see me, his eyes would pop and he would shake in excitement. Often, a tear would slip from his eye. The holiness of those moments had absolutely NOTHING to do with ME… but EVERYTHING to do with our mutual Lord and Savior. To Dickie, I was like Jesus showing up!

When Judy held the phone to his ear, I could hear his sounds. And I knew. When I spoke to him, he rallied and he tried to speak. Though no words were formed, I knew what He was saying. So I prayed… and he calmed down. Within a couple hours, Dickie was free! So this morning, as a mourning dove continued to cry in the misty haze, it just seems… I don’t know… so very Holy!

It is tough being an eternal being… trapped in a failing, fleshly body… in a war zone… behind enemy lines. I KNOW my destiny and future with Christ. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling pain and sorrow over tough moments when they come. Death, loss, betrayal, cynicism or apathy can come from any direction, both friend or foe. And it usually leaves scars of pain, wonder and worship.

Psalm 69 is not just some random song of sadness experienced by David on a bad day! It is called a Messianic Psalm because it tells the feelings and experiences of The Messiah, Jesus Christ, about 1000 years BEFORE God’s Son came to Earth as a Baby. Psalm 69 speaks His heart as He hung on the cross. It is His mourning cry before He was reunited with His Father at resurrection. It is sad.

But it is these holy moments that let ME know Jesus just walked into the room. Subscribing to at least 10 different devotionals, they all mostly had 1 theme yesterday… the holiness of pain, sorrow and suffering in THIS life, because we ARE united WITH HIM in the Eternal life. To a Believer like me, THAT is cause for joy and celebration! Dickie’s life proves, in Christ, I am destined for Freedom!

Thanks for the singing Lesson Dickie… I’ll see you soon enough! Are YOU free?