“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Years ago there was a popular bumper sticker that read, “Working in Florida is a Tropical Depression.” The reasoning implied that there were 2 kinds of people in this state. Workers… and those here on vacation to beat winter’s cold. We STILL call the latter ‘Snowbirds.’ Yesterday, the first of OURS flew away!

Our Church, like ANY organization in this land of sunshine, has spaces reserved for our snowbirds. They come and go with the seasons, but they are FULLY a part of us and are never really gone. It’s kind of like they just stepped out to take a really LONG nap! But we always figure they’ll be back! They’re arrival is joyous! They’re departure… not so much.

When they come in the fall we celebrate, and everything stops until everyone is greeted and hugged. Though not as fun when they leave, they’re never really GONE gone! Because we remember! Sometimes we can see the work that they did on the building or property. Other times we just miss their presence and generosity. Especially habits of bringing cookies or donuts! We miss those too! But it’s their love and smiles we miss the most.

Work, labor and endurance are the products of faith, love and hope. That is what today’s verse says. And while it may be nearly impossible to physically hold those qualities in our hands, they DO leave footprints. Footprints that leave marks on our hearts and no less real than a deer’s hoof print in the mud.

Jesus Christ came into my life and made a HUGE influence on me. So much so, that my life is no longer mine. His visitation made such an impression that I invited Him to stay and make my heart His home. And He did! Which sometimes becomes uncomfortable when He moves out my favorite chair to replace it with an anvil! He’s more of a laborer than a sitter!

We will miss the influence of our snowbirds, as one by one they fly back home. But we are encouraged and blessed by the reminder that OUR footprints are making an impression on THEIR hearts as well. It gives us reason to keep up the GOOD work and effort. Because when it comes to Jesus living in us, for both the worker AND the vacationer… this place is NOT our home!

Where do YOUR tail-feathers call home?

“All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations.” Isaiah 65:2

“WHOA!!!!!“ is all he said! Standing in the yard under a newly trimmed tree, I was talking to the man who had just trimmed it. Being a fellow Jesus guy, our conversation had been good. Up until that point!. We talked about his family, the state of the world and how faith in Christ really does work and benefit us in such an evil age. And then…

I saw his face scrunch up with a look of horror, his eyes focused on my chest! When he said “WHOA!!!” I said “WHAT??” He backed up and pointed to a dime sized spider on my third button down. My mind IMMEDIATELY went into hyper-thinking mode as I tried to understand his reaction… AND what MINE should be!

What blurpped out of my mouth was a question, “is it poisonous?“ He wasn’t sure but didn’t think so. Which left me confused. I said, “It’s a SPIDER dude! Why the fuss?” He told me he hates spiders. But the look on his face showed that he was terrified of them as well. Brushing it off, I could almost hear the spider laughing as it rode its own web to the ground.

Now I’m no psychiatrist, but I’m thinking his reaction came from his imagining the spider on HIS shirt, since his reaction was exactly the same as if it had been. Imagination is just that powerful, and even MORE dangerous than a REAL poisonous spider. And it is something I don’t believe God is very fond of.

If I see a fancy car, a beautiful home or a gorgeous woman, there is nothing wrong in the seeing. But if I begin to imagine it MINE and begin the destructive path to lust after it for myself, I have crossed a line that has condemned men from the beginning of time. I believe that FEAR and LUST are 2 six-guns strapped to the devils sides. And he’s a dead-eye when he pulls em.

God HATES fear and lust because they take people away from HIM. But because He is a lover pursuing a people and NOT a puppet-master, He HAS to give people the choice to either follow HIM, or embrace their own lusts and fears. I’ve found that HIS blessings and faithfulness are FAR more powerful than anything I might encounter along the Worldly Way.

So…. what scares YOU or grabs YOUR attention away from God? 

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11

“Come On DOWWWWWWNNNNN,” was the mantra of the night! Repeated verbally and written all over T-shirts, hats and bags, it was the universal cry of every person at the venue. A longing that those words would accompany their name, giving them a shot at the Grand Prize! We were having fun. We were contestants. We were manipulated gamblers!

A wonderful Christian couple had gotten tickets for a LIVE showing of The TV game show, “The Price is Right!” A group of us had already WON, simply by being asked to join them for the fun and revelry. Expectation was contagious as EVERYONE put on the smiles and attitudes of WINNERS since everyone believed only the most excited and outgoing would be chosen!

Oh the fun we had, as everyone took sides with the chosen contestants. EVERYONE wanted EVERYONE to WIN!!!! And win BIG! It was us against the presenters, with the selfish hope of “please pick me!” running through every vein. If there WAS any skill involved, it was guessing the price of random products! If one didn’t know, the crowd would advise!

We ALL had a BLAST, even though NONE of our group was chosen! Being there as a team made for closer relationships and better friends. But the whole ordeal was actually nothing more than gambling, hoping to win something they didn’t have, or really even NEED!

Reflecting on the experience made me smile, because I have ALREADY WON! I was at the Game Show with fellow folks who love Jesus and are already a part of HIS Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus called each of us to Himself and offered ETERNAL and ABUNDANT LIFE! We all INDIVIDUALLY came to HIM and said “YES!” We are called the CHURCH! And we don’t gamble!

Being called requires confirmation and action. When I cooperate with His call, joining Him on the world stage, my position and work is unique and special. Walking with Him here solidifies my position THERE! And I have already WON the Trip! Now I just have to get down to His business it pleases me that there is no gambling or guessing involved! And I look forward to the time when He will say, “COME ON UP!”

Which direction are YOU headed? Down or Up?

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…” Ephesians 5:15

7 years ago while on vacation at ‘The Cabin’ in the mountains, my kids presented me with a very nice 4 wheeler. It had been fun and adventurous, until the brakes went out and I backed off the mountain onto the load it was carrying… ME! I brought it home and… it’s been at the shop. Going to pick it up, I discovered… I haven’t learned much!

I borrowed a trailer from my son in law and headed up the highway. Once I got it on the trailer, I needed to strap it down. Unfortunately I forgot I had unloaded the container that held my straps, leaving me with 1 old strap and 1 piece of hearty rope 4’ long! I figured that was plenty!

As I tied a first class hitch onto the ATV’s back, I wondered if it would hold in the event of trouble. Not being an engineer, I assumed it would. But to be sure, I decided to adjust my method of driving… JUST IN CASE! I drove in the right lane, and VERRRRY carefully! When I got to my destination, I unstrapped the strap and started backing off the trailer when I felt a THUMP… and just STOPPED! I had forgotten to untie the rope! BUT… it HAD held!

A friend of mine, almost 20 years my senior, just gave me a book entitled ‘Getting Old Ain’t for Wimps.’ Reading through it I realize the truth, that just about the time when you figure most things out, age introduces forgetfulness. What a hilarious challenge! Thankfully, CAREFULNESS got me to my destination without incident. It’s becoming my new friend!

I remember ‘AIR RAID’ drills in early elementary school. Back then, we actually PRACTICED going into the basement and leaning against the wall, older students hovering over younger ones, JUST IN CASE of an air attack from some foreign nation! Even back then, and just like today, I felt bad for the older ones!

I guess, things haven’t changed as much as I thought. Fear and uncertainty still hang around, dumb stuff still happens, and the world keeps moving with speculation on how long! But I have TODAY’S VERSE! And in light of my latest rope trick, I think I’m going to memorize and put it into practice more often!

How about YOU?

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10

It’s CRAZY and settling to be part of a Church Family. After recent world events, a group of our tough guys got together and decided that there needed to be a little more ACTA added to our VERBA JIC… Just In Case! Last night their influence had me laughing and redefining CRAZY!

I don’t pay much attention to the news. The world is reaping what it has sowed and we are seeing the results. Far too often, conversations with friends and strangers begin with, “have you heard?” Prices are going up, stocks of stuff are going down, all while the clambering of war can be heard in the background. Sadly… it really isn’t news at all!

We were at the grocery store last night, picking up some items for dinners this coming week. I realized I wasn’t the ONLY crazy person on aisle 10 when Katie called out, “HEY… LOOK AT THIS!” I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or call for the boys with the white straight jackets! Holding up a can of ‘Chicken a La King meat,’ she said, “wouldn’t THIS be good to have in storage?” And she was SERIOUS!

I’ve never purchased or EATEN canned ‘Chicken a la King meat.’ As I read the label, the ‘serving suggestions’ called out to me. I hadn’t known how much could be done with this ‘never before eaten’ stuff! With over 1300mg of sodium included, I saw myself sweating in the blazing Florida sun with no AC or power. The salt became a plus! SO we bought some!

Fear of the unknown is a strange and powerful weapon of the enemy. The devil doesn’t even have to create all the ways of destruction. He can simply suggest the ‘idea’ of destruction into the minds of sinners… and they’ll do the rest! Often with even more creativity! Enter the Crazy People!

I am a part of ‘The People of The Book!’ What becomes a nightmare for the lost world, can actually prove free entertainment to me! Walking through stores seeing folks wearing masks makes me shake my head in wonder. They created their own world of fear, and continue to take it seriously. But me and my Crazy People have “The Book!”

Today’s Bible verse goes beyond simple information, transforming into a PROMISE for those who KNOW ‘The King!’ He REPEATEDLY said there were TIMES like this COMING! AND to PREPARE, BE READY and WATCH! So Crazy People will! All the while munching on the meat of The King!

Are YOU Ready?

“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20

I had him! And BOY… he was a big one! The funny thing was, I wasn’t even looking for him when he just came along, right to where I was sitting! As with all things fishing, the give and take, presenting the bait, letting him have it and the final set of the hook… failure to LAND the fish is ALWAYS a possibility. By the time it was over, I had lost him… forever!

He had come to my house with a crew of guys to do some work. He was to be here for a little over a week, everyday, right under my nose. With THAT much time I thought It’d be fairly easy to catch him. So I started slowly, asking questions about his life and gently talking about my Master… Jesus. He listened because, well… where else could he go?

He told me of his life, his story, his issues. And I hurt for him. Though seeming to listen, I never sensed him committing to the bait. He’d take it in, but spit it back out. Eventually he trusted me enough to give me his phone number, where I’d occasionally send stories, devotionals or Christian Songs. The job was done and he was gone, but I kept fishing… via text message.

A couple months of long distance fishing produced not even a nibble, so I moved on to other streams, occasionally thinking about ‘the ONE that got away.’ That is until yesterday. Yesterday I got a call from a fish that Jesus HAD caught who told me that ‘big fish’ … had just died from a drug overdose!

I’ve told that story to a few folks, and each one said, “well, you did what you could.” But that line hasn’t produced any sense of peace… only sorrow. Years ago I would use that pain as an excuse to simply hang up the pole for a while and take a break from loss and seeming failure. That is until ‘The Great Fisherman,’ would rouse me to get back in there and cast a line!

From the bank where I fish, I don’t see many fishermen. Waters that used to be calm, are now becoming a tumult. Fishing is becoming less productive and even more dangerous. When I look to my Master for an O.K. sign to stop, He quickly gives me a look that says, “don’t even THINK about it,” as He rows the boat out to even deeper, darker waters!

Taking this kind of fishing seriously has serious consequences. A fish may be just a fish, but the kind of fish Jesus wants are heavenly precious. Today’s Bible verse tells me that I am called to be a ‘Whoever’ who fishes to draw men OUT from death to LIFE! And though MOST will get away, I’m still called to be a fisher of men! So I fish!

What are YOU called to do for the Master?

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

Having trimmed some trees around the pool cage, they lay on the ground for a few days until I could cut them up and put them in trash cans for disposal. It’s a yearly event that isn’t much fun. Which is why I had put it off. But trash day was coming… so it was time. Then the wind started to blow!

Cutting up gnarly oak and pepper tree limbs is one thing. Forcing them into a can is another. Limbs sticking out from their sides caught on others and made the job even harder. Then, a stiff wind caught 2 of the cans and blew them into me, almost knocking me over! All I could do was laugh, thinking God must be playing with me! Then a thought hit, “which god?”

I have found that there comes a “EUREKA” point when God wants to teach me something. A Serendipitous ‘AH-HA’ moment when, if I stop and pay attention, He speaks as loud as a howling wind. Remembering that sound well, my laughing stopped and I tried to focus.

There is an ill wind a blowin’ in our world(s)! A wind, NOT from ‘THE God,’ but from A god nonetheless! And EVERYONE sees it! 2 Cor 4:4 says, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Here… Paul is talking about SATAN! Little g!

I HATE the slogan “God is in Control’ because these 2 verses clearly tell me… He ISN’T. He SHARES control with Little g… and ME! When I see folks freaking out and blaming a President, neighbor, family member or friend for the state of their upside-down lives, I am reminded that it is MY duty to remind them to look closely in the direction of the wind! A BEAST lies there!

As the days seem to grow darker, it helps me to remember that I am in the midst of a war between two Gods. And while MY GOD WILL win over the Little g, He hasn’t yet fought the final round and established His sovereignty… YET! THINKING like a Jesus warrior is FAR more beneficial than thinking like a leaf! And His message is clear! God wants me and mine ALIVE. Satan wants us DESTROYED!

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. The wind blows wherever it wants.” John 3:8

So which god is blowing YOU around? GOD, god or just little ol YOU!   It is up to YOU… to choose!

“…do you think Scripture says without reason that He jealously longs for the spirit He has caused to dwell in us?” James 4:5

Lemmie tell you about Sloanie! That’s kind of a pet name for one of my grandsons. Sloan has a problem… but you’d not really know exactly what it is unless you asked mom or dad. Because of an ear drum issue, he cannot hear out of one ear. This causes problems with speech and pain. But you wouldn’t notice the later! Sloan… is a TOUGH guy!

He’s only 5. But he’s a MIGHTY 5! His heart is sweet and his outside is concrete! He can roll with the bigger kids, get hurt, and just keep going. He’s been through several surgeries to replace the dead eardrum with a new one, but infection has always halted that final step. A surgery was scheduled to clean it up and reschedule the implant. When done… He was done!

No one saw it coming! The surgery seemed to take longer than expected, as family members texted “WHAT’S GOING ON?” When the doctor came out, he said that the infection was isolated and not that bad so… they decided to go ahead and implant the new ear drum!!! And just like that, YEARS of prayer, concern, wondering if and when, simply came to a halt! For now!

Waiting without results is HARD! Because his parents are Jesus folks, they place trust in God and wait to see what comes by that faith. Knowing God is GOOD and LOVING gives hope. Sometimes… unexpectedly! And we rejoice!

I think about God and today’s verse. God is operating, in much the same way, as we do when facing the results of a decision. He created us and implanted a spirit in us that is HIS. And He wants it back! Only HEALED and right with Him! But He waits and waits, hoping and expecting that everything He has done will lead each of us to His door to call Him Father!

God is both tough and tender. I don’t believe He can influence enough to CAUSE or MAKE us His. That decision is OURS. But He often sends us things that help to clarify His goodness and love toward us. When I get those things ‘I didn’t see coming,’ there are no words. Just a deep sense of awe and wonder.

I’m sure Sloan hasn’t seen the last of difficulties that can come with life. But I know that the faith and trust the family places in our marvelous, surprising God will keep us looking up and moving forward toward the hope that is within us. But until we all get home, it’s kinda cool to have a grandson who is part Cyborg!

Who owns YOUR spirit?

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21

Last night, the ladies of our church got together for their bi-monthly Bible Study. For several months now, I’ve taken that opportunity to get with guitar playing Steven to jam a little. For the first time, we found ourselves in the NEW Church Building to do just that! Unlocking the door and walking in, I was hit with the sense of “OHHHHHH!” Which happens every time I go in there!

A few years ago, due to Opportunity brought on by growth and the desire to Outreach, we kicked off a new building program. As with all things “Church” related, money and people issues got us a very nice and very large shell! And while we can SEE the new building from our existing one, it doesn’t really hit me as an Obstacle to Overcome until I walk into it!

I set my original drum set up in there and Steven connected his electric guitar by way of a VERY LONG extension cord, to the church. The spacious building allows for the volume of sound we were producing. I use an electric drum set in the current sanctuary because ‘volume control’ in a little space is a prerequisite! Clearly, the building size changed the way we jammed!

Currently we are on a fund drive to raise money to move to the next phase of our new building’s completion. Due to what is going on in the world around us, the timing couldn’t be more perfect! As I was encouraged to read ‘Revelation’ by a fellow Jesus Guy, it hit me again that, while we won’t know exactly the day or the hour Christ will return, we CAN know the climate and season for His appearance! It’s getting hot around here!

It’s easy to dismiss things when they are not ‘in your face.’ It takes something bigger than normal to open eyes to Opportunity. As times heat up, there is more need to Outreach to those around us. But to get there, the Obstacles in front of me must be seen as Opportunities to Overcome. Walking in that big building, my immediate reaction of “OHHHHHH” now seems prophetic! Today’s verse tells me, Jesus EXPECTS me to OVERCOME!

What Outreach Opportunities does Jesus call you to. And are you ready to Overcome the Obstacles to get there? Because I see Jesus calling us to ‘Jam?’