“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.” Ephesians 5:25-26

“They’re WILTING – OH NOOO!” Looking out the glass doors, I saw what Katie was seeing… and saying. She had wanted butterflies, so I bought her milkweed. Placing the plants where she could SEE the butterflies left the plants under the hot afternoon sun… which was drying them out fast! It was a problem we’ve had before, but last year’s solution was not working now!

When wilting happened last year, I built a sun filtering screen above the milkweed so it wouldn’t dry out. Which worked! The butterflies last year already knew where the milkweed was, so flying under the screen was not a problem. The new butterflies this year weren’t seeming to find easy access to the plants, so we weren’t seeing many of them. Experimenting, I moved the plants out from under the screen. The butterflies came, but the milkweed wilted!  So I repositioned the screen. 

Watering plants twice a day isn’t impossible, when we’re home to baby it. But we aren’t always around. Milkweed attracts butterflies that lay their eggs on the leaves, which grow into caterpillars, eventually ‘morphing’ into more butterflies. Keeping the plants watered is critical. Plans to keep them watered, when we are away, are critical for the life of the butterflies. Just like humans!

The verse today is similar! Sin, and the effects of it, can wilt and kill the life in me that Jesus loves. Though He paid my price for sin, I STILL have the need to be watered and cared for. And He does that PERSONALLY though His Word. The Bible is my SON-screen… His Word, a filter for everything that comes into my life. It is MY responsibility to seek His direction and will by DRINKING IN His Word!

Jesus’ love led him to sacrifice Himself for His Bride… The Church! Knowing the Scripture makes that clear. But I cut the first part of the verse off… on purpose! The verse STARTS with “Husbands love your wives like…!” Hmmmm….! That He gave His ‘promised purpose’ AFTER giving ‘the command,’ makes clear what HE expects from ME! So BEFORE any heat rises, I’m going to The Word – FIRST!!

Are YOU spending time DAILY… bathing, drinking and being protected by the Water of Jesus’ Word?

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

I saw him come in, though he looked a little off! When he opened his mouth to speak, I knew something was wrong. He sounded horrible! I shook his hand anyway and we went into the office for a quick Church meeting. Moving from a chair, to standing, it was evident he was not comfortable. It may have been seeing Jesus’ picture on the wall, but I wondered, did Jesus ever get sick like Randy?

There are only 2 answers to the sick question… Jesus either did or didn’t. Everything we know, or need to know, about God and Son is found in the Word of God. If it isn’t in there, it’s questionable! And I’ve heard some crazy, unverifiable stuff. Like, ‘when Jesus was a child He healed sick animals for fun!’ Which cannot be found in PETA 4:7. But Jesus, like Randy, was a man. Did He ever get sick?

We have several folks in our church who are going through health issues. Some serious! When I talk to them on the phone or go visit, it is my calling to give them some hope to hang onto. So I pray to God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ His Son. I ALWAYS ask for healing or to help them to feel better. So I’ve wondered, “can Jesus even sympathize with one of His sick sheep?

The question of ‘did Jesus ever get sick,’ begs another. ‘Does it matter?’ In one respect, it doesn’t. God told us by His written Word what we need to know. If it’s not in there, we are not allowed to build fanciful sandcastles of Doctrine that can easily fly away on gossamer wings! Like Calvinism (that was a joke aimed at a few of my friends).

So did Jesus ever get sick? Looking at this Bible Verse, I’m going to make a 51/49 bet that He did. But I’m not putting money on it. We know, other than dying from the sickness of paying for our sin, He didn’t have terminal cancer. I doubt He had COPD or Cerebral Palsy because He appeared to walk and talk really well! But did Jesus ever catch a cold or the flu? I think He did… and here’s why.

Sickness, like breathing and sinning, is common to EVERYONE! Whether sick from flu, cancer or fatigue, we all know what it feels like to not feel well. That being said, it helps me to think my Savior has an ‘experienced’ empathy for my plight. Just like He did with my breathing and my sin. And that thought, unbelievably… gives me a LOT of comfort.

Whether healthy or sick, are you comfortable with Jesus?

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6

I had the need to see a doctor I had never met before. After the referral, I received an email from his office with instructions about the appointment. Several times I saw, written in bold print, “Please do not arrive early!” It was the first time I had ever heard THAT rule before!

With the appointment set for 9am, I arrived at 8:40am because of the rule drilled into me, ”early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.” So… what to do? I sat in my truck until 9:52. When I started heading toward the door, there was a man ahead of me by about 10 seconds. He was older, and I could have easily beat him, but rules of courtesy came first and I had time!

Once in, I heard him give his name and say, “I have a 9:30 appointment.” Astonished, I thought, “Flagrant violator! Didn’t you read the instructions?” When it was my turn I said “McCay… 9am… because I READ YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT NOT BEING EARLY!’” After helping them out with enforcement, I sat down. About 9 minutes later the door opened.. and they called HIM FIRST!

I wasn’t mad or upset, since I didn’t have anywhere else to be. But I was intrigued! So I asked, “I’m just curious as to why your office was so explicit, yet called the early guy first! She mentioned something about not having copied my paperwork yet! After about 10 minutes HE walked out and they called me in! I think I saw a snicker on his face!

I have a love/hate relationship with rules because I don’t like lots of them. Yet trying to live in a society without rules would be murder… Literally! Growing up, I was promised that life would be better for me if I simply obeyed ‘The Rules.’ But I have learned that not everybody does, and that rule breakers often benefit when there are no consequences. Like the snickering Mr. Early!

On the way home, I hit the Venice Drawbridge. I SAW a red light as I approached, but didn’t really comprehend what it meant, since the gates weren’t lowering. When I finally realized I was supposed to stop, I was just ‘at the edge’ of the decision. Then hit the gas!!! Yes, like Mr Early, I got away with it. But then I kinda sensed that Jesus wasn’t too happy about it!

Are you proving you love Jesus by following The Rules?

“The king of Israel answered, ‘Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.’” 1 Kings 20:11

It was last summer when I last rode my 4-wheeler with my son-in-law and grandson. We were in the mountains then, but some mechanical issues forced bringing the ATV home to Florida for repairs. It was time to test it out. So yesterday, the 3 of us headed to the flatland of Florida. For me, as a grandfather, it was a boasting kind of experience.

Having ridden dirt-bikes and 4-wheelers for most of my life, I forget the process of actually learning how. Now, it’s mostly instinct. Riding over dirt trails behind my grandson Cash, I noted his style and confidence as he showed off the skill of an experienced rider. When we hit some deep mud-holes filled with water and he got stuck, I watched him use his experience and wisdom to get unstuck. His dad and I were both proud! He’s 11!

My 4-wheeler is better than his. It has more capability and power because it was built that way! His is 2 wheel drive while mine is 4… and with twice the engine power! A couple of times, after he got stuck and couldn’t get out, his dad would shout further instructions. When that didn’t work, I went behind him and pushed him out. Even then, Cash was learning HOW to teach and to help others.

My father was called to be a Pastor almost immediately after being saved! He had to learn everything the muddy way. Trial and error, along with advice from experienced Pastors, brought lots of pain and failure. But over time, as little muddied successes became instinct, the Prince of Darkness came to know my father as an enemy and warrior. And God and dad pushed me!

I’ve heard stories from Cash. When the subject of riding comes up in the school yard, LOTS of his peers jump into the conversation, boasting like they know more and are better at it. Cash is learning to just ignore hollow boasting, since talk doesn’t prove anything. Only the muddy school of hard knocks and experience makes a true rider.

The same thing happens in the schoolyard of the Church. Over the years, I heard the stories around the house. As frustrations and pain, brought by a challenger of my father’s abilities, were discussed by mom and dad around the house, I overheard. Now, my wife and I have those conversations. It’s amazing how many people think they know more, and aren’t afraid to say so!

I’m proud of my Grandson. He’s learning LOTS of skills in many areas of life. Which is a good thing. Because, as I have learned, Life in Christ on this Earth is a very muddy business. And one needs to be VERY careful how they put their armor on!

Are YOU a true and experienced warrior for Christ? 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Spring sprung a while back here in sunny Florida, and doing anything outside had been mostly sweat-less. Figuring the job of sealing my dock to be about a 2 hour job, I was actually looking forward to it. Within 30 minutes, with sweat coming from every pore, I began questioning both my purpose and my abilities! I needed some help, in more ways than one!

I hate sweating… always have. After a while, whether at work or leisure, heat causes me to become fatigued, then nauseous. As the sun rose, so did the temperature and my comfort. Having about a quart of liquid to drink, I began chugging to offset the sweat. But I wanted to pace my work and drink to meet the time required. When nausea set in, I humorously said to myself, “Man, you’re gettin’ too old for this!” Then began to question if that was really true!

Getting older leads to questions I don’t like to ask because they can lead to realities I do not wish to face. At my age, I still feel like I can do anything I have always done. But over time, as I’ve started needing assistance in the form of a tool, like a dolly, or a person, I am realizing new limitations. But using a paintbrush and a roller was NOT on my ‘needs help’ list.

When brain started kicking out orders, “move faster, drink more, think smarter, take a break, quit now,” I did what I learned to do a long time ago. I talked to The Master. When this Bible verse came to mind, I had to question IT as well. “REALLY Lord? You mean like finishing this sweaty job?” That led to more ‘ability and purpose’ questions. Soon I saw myself being loaded into the fire of the crematorium!

The best help I received was after the job was done. Tired, sweaty and nasty, I told a person I’m close to about the experience. They said, “it was REALLY hot today… in the 90’s! That’s normal for ANYONE working under the sun!” Suddenly, I felt better about my lot in life, that I’m NOT close to death or uselessness, and that I actually finished the job ‘like a boss!’

I came to realize that “ALL THINGS” in this Bible verse doesn’t really mean ‘ALL THINGS!’ I am limited by my humanity, age and abilities in MANY areas. I’ll never have to fly a plane, drive a ship, or design a building. But I CAN do, though Him, EVERYTHING HE asks of me. I was reminded that it wasn’t HIS idea to seal the dock in the first place!

What is God asking YOU to do for Him?

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:13

It was overdue and had been a couple of years since I last sealed the dock. I remembered it took about 1.25 gallons of clear sealer the last time. Shaking the can from the shelf, I noted ALMOST a gallon.  Then I remembered there was about half a gallon of COLORED sealer of the same brand at the church. “I’ll just mix the 2 and avoid buying a whole new can!”

It’s not like I was stealing from Jesus. After all, I had bought the colored sealer myself. After the sealing project at the church was done, I knew Jesus didn’t really need what was left over anymore. “Besides,” I thought, “it’s probably going to go bad anyway.” So I picked it up, along with a clean bucket, and headed to my dock.

It SHOULD have been simple. I shook the can of brown sealer really well and poured it into the bucket. Then did the same with the clear. INSTANTLY I knew I had a problem! Though they were from the same company, it was obvious they did not have the same base ingredients! It was like mixing oil and water! OR… kinda like mixing Law and Grace!

One of the biggest controversial subjects in Christendom comes when Law and Grace are mixed together. As I stirred my mixture to try to force a blending of the 2 sealers, the brown stuff would immediately fall to the bottom and the clear would rise to the top! I snickered at the thought because it made so much sense to me! God hinted… “Write about that!”

I’ve said many times, “Heaven is like a good government job, it’s not what you DO… it’s who you KNOW!” Getting to know God through the 10 commandments was about as clear as my muddy mixture. But when He sent His Son to meet all the requirements of the law FOR me, He made it clear that Jesus Christ was my ONLY possible way to ‘seal the deal.’

Taking advantage of the clear stuff floating on top, I went ahead and trimmed out the dock by dipping my brush in and applying it 1 stroke at a time. Later, Katie called and asked if I needed anything from the store… since she was going there anyway. I asked if she would please purchase a new can of clear sealer… since she was going that way anyway! She did.

After His resurrection, Jesus was heading back to the Father in Heaven and wanted to make sure the pathway was clear so I could join Him if I wanted. But only on HIS terms. Since I really wanted to go… and He was going there anyway… I sealed the deal by simply giving up on my own muddy plan, and accepted HIS free offer of Grace… at His expense. It remains the best deal I have ever accepted!

Is ‘How to get to Heaven’ crystal clear with you? Or muddied?     

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

With Gift Card in hand, we headed to Panera for dinner. My eyes immediately fell upon the pastries, in particular, a presentation of Bear Claws. When ordering, I requested ‘the Bear Claw on the top right please.’ How was I to know that simple request would become a dagger to my heart… with a battle to follow?

I grew up in a small town south of Pittsburgh. While in Jr. High school, I was privileged with an occasional job at the local Italian Bakery. It was there I learned the art of baking, and acquired a taste for Louie’s Bear Claws. Having eaten so many, I learned to be picky. The one on the ‘top right’ was covered in icing and almond shavings. I HAD to have it!

I’m no dummy. I requested ‘top right’ because, from HER position behind the counter at 180 degrees my opposite, there could be no confusion. I watched her grab the Bear Claw from the ‘top left,’ turn it sideways, shake off the loose almonds and then bag it! My mind and heart could not comprehend the crime that I had just witnessed with my own 2 eyes!

Within 2.7 nanoseconds, my whole being became a battleground! It started with judgment, “does she not know right from left?” When she shook off the goodies, I slid into attempted murder thinking, “how could she be so stupid?” My final crime was selfishness, “demand the fool go back and give you the correct one!” My battle ended in 30 nanoseconds.

Such is the application of today’s Bible Verse. ‘I am a judgmental, murderous, selfish PIG!’ That fact, proven in less than a second, is evidence enough to send me to the Lake of Fire for eternity! But ANOTHER fact QUICKLY overcame and conquered the first. ‘I am a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus.’ Being a Prince, The King QUICKLY reminded me to ‘ACT LIKE ONE!’

I wish I could say that the matter disappeared from my mind immediately. Unfortunately, both satan and my flesh were not willing to let matters quickly go by. Outwardly, I received the Bear Claw in the bag, then kindly thanked the gal for her service. But the battle raged inside all the way back to the table. Finally, I said to Katie, “I have a ‘Word for the Day!”’

Jesus said that those who put their faith in Him WILL suffer for it. Scars from my repeated battles over pride and selfishness are testaments to HIS victorious life in me. Remembering them humbles me, then leads me to Christ-like action. Jerry Reed said, “He who expects nothin’ ain’t gonna be deceived!’ Which is exactly what Jesus insists from me!

In the end, I guess you could say I was mauled by a Bear Claw… for His goodness sake! So what’s YOUR story?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Walking through a landscape nursery, I wasn’t looking for it when I saw it. The plant just sort of ‘popped out,’ causing me to stop in my tracks and stare. Having never seen a pepper plant like that one before, I marveled at it’s beauty. As the sun made the colors shine and come to life, I wanted it!

I had just spent over $60 for milkweed plants. Katie likes spring butterflies and butterflies like milkweed. Since I like Katie, I decided to get some for her. Returning the cart, I saw the pepper plant in all it’s glory! The longer I looked at it, the prettier it got. Though an unusual plant to give to a woman, I figured Katie would appreciate it. So I bought it!

The key to any gift is presentation. Once home, I placed it in front of her flower garden where it would be easily seen… figuring she would HAVE to notice! True to habit, when she came into the house, she passed by the glass doors to admire the flowers. Her jaw dropped and she let out a gasp! “Where did you get THAT?!” “At the pepper plant store,” I replied.

Ephesians 4:8 fulfilled a prophecy of Psalm 68, both which show God receiving and giving “gifts to men.” Which is how it goes! I received the gift of joy in the beauty of the pepper bush. In turn, I presented that joy as a gift to my wife. She blessed me again with the joy of her favor. Which again… is how it goes.

New Life in Christ is promised to all who choose to receive it. But like the ‘flower’ gift of the ‘pepper bush,’ His gift is hidden in mystery. Presentation is everything, and when mystery is added, the gift becomes even more desirable. After he reveals Himself to me, He asks ME to go and show it off to the world by doing things HIS way! In turn, HE gets glory from ‘showing off’ our true colors! And that’s how it goes!

Are people amazed by YOUR Jesus life and asking, “Where did you get THAT?”  Shine on!

“’Drink, my lord,’ she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, ‘I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.’” Genesis 24:18-19

‘Florida’ means ‘Covered in Flowers,’ and because my wife likes flowers, we have our share. Flowering is kind of a necessary hobby for her because she likes pretty. But pretty doesn’t just happen without work! I like pretty too… which is why I married her. Let’s just say ‘work’ and ‘pretty’ kind of go hand in hand.

Water is the biggest need for plants in a hot climate. No water, no flowers. So I came up with a couple of ideas to get water without having to pay for it, then pour it into the dirt! One of those ideas is a rain barrel that catches the rain coming off the roof. Once collected, we fill jugs, carry and distribute that water around to the posies! It’s a daily task.

I know we have 31 jugs which we fill from the barrel, because I counted them. This allows the barrel to collect as much rain as possible. When it is dry, that stored water is a blessing. Yesterday, while passing the time, I was figuring out how much water we use when the story of Rebekah and Issac came to mind. It’s a classic Bible love story that makes a type of point!

The story is in Genesis 24 and is worth reading. Choosing to go deeper, I did both the work and the math. Master Abraham sent his Chief Servant to go find a wife for his Son. With a 10 camel entourage, the servant flipped up a prayer to God, asking a sign for success. That Rebekah was beautiful was not one of them! He wanted to see her work ethic!

10 camels, 26 gallons per camel, a 2.5 gallon water jar, 8 lbs per gallon and over 100 trips to the well produced about 260 gallons, weighing over a ton. And it was transferred QUICKLY! The servant had found His Master’s Son a worthy bride! And pretty too!

I said this is a type of a point, because Bible stories are written to MAKE points. The Master represents God. The Servant is the Holy Spirit. The Master’s Son is Jesus. And Rebekah… since I am a member of Jesus’ Church… is ME! The proof of my character and loyalty lies in just how good and enthusiastic a water boy I am!

Jesus said, “Go into the world and carry the Gospel with you.” And just like I enjoy a smile from Katie as I help with her flowers, I hope and want to make Jesus smile as I enthusiastically splash His Truth around! Cuz I KNOW He’s watchin’!

Get the point?