“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Romans 3:20

“EWWW… What is THAT?” Katie asked me. Which was a silly question… because the box clearly stated what it was. The crumpled package with the packing tape on top was what brought the abnormal reaction from my bride. “That looks DISGUSTING! Why are you buying it?” “FAITH!” I responded.

Going through Walmart, I had turned down the cereal aisle and was immediately drawn to the big yellow price sticker, AND the tape on top, which made the price necessary. The box had been crumpled and, in order to sell it to a customer, something had to be done to appease any buyer. But I had faith in the contents.

The box was not alone. There were at least 8 others sitting there, side by side. I figured something happened at the factory, or in the store, that caused the outside box to get disfigured. Knowing Walmart sells its products with a warranty, I figured I couldn’t go wrong. So I took advantage of the bargain.

Today’s verse sounds a little like legalese. Maybe even hard to understand. But God Inc. has His own set of rules and policies that MUST be met before ‘I’ can get into His Presence in Heaven. To God… “I” have to be PERFECT in HIS eyes! The 613 Commands of God only PROVE I am a disfigured sinner. They can’t CLEAN me.

God’s Law is impossible to keep. Its only purpose proves that I am, ‘in-deed,’ a SINNER. Not only do I look bad to God.. I look bad to ME! I need something MUCH bigger than a low price tag and a piece of tape to get God to notice and purchase ME. And I KNOW it! Thank God for Jesus! Look up and read verses 21-28.

Are YOU in God’s Shopping cart and headed for His House? Because He’s looking at you right now!

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” 1 Peter 1:12

“MAN, IT’S HOT OUT HERE!” Having worked out in the hot, humid, sunny afternoon, I made that statement to my neighbor when he walked out from his house. Sweat was pouring from every pore and fatigue had made it’s home in my body hours before. I was spent. But the job wasn’t done… so I slowly pressed on.

The headphone I wore was connected to a phone. The ‘app’ selected was playing Gaither Homecoming Hymns of old Church antiquity. Occasionally I would stop for a break of ‘Powerade,’ close my eyes and sing along… ‘It is Well With My Soul.’ If someone would have told me I was being watched in awe by Angels… NAH!!!!

Angels know nothing about sweat, fatigue, sickness, sorrow, sin, despair, human salvation or the Joy that comes with it. They don’t exist in vulnerable bodies that require hours of sleep to continue on. Stopping to think about that… I am in awe about being awed! They REALLY don’t understand why their perfect Lord died for me!

To further complicate the misunderstandings of the Heavenly Realm, satan and his army of demons HATE me more than anything! Being the object of love by the very same God who suffered and died for me, I have become the tool by which God will ultimately destroy him. Satan is not awed by me… he is disgusted!

With sweat in my eyes and exhaustion sapping what little strength was left, I whispered “I love you SOOO MUCH Jesus!” It wasn’t until later, upon reflection, that… that 1 little sentence must have sent a GASP throughout the Heavens… on ALL sides! Some being marveled… others made repugnant. But God smiled!

In a war I don’t fully realize, I schlep through days going from fine to frown, not really able to see or comprehend, ‘The Big Picture!’ I meter out my moods with words, feelings and actions that range from dismal to sublime. All on a stage that Heavenly beings intently watch, like a Broadway play. To all spectators, I am surprisingly… amazing!

No… I do not understand it. Most importantly I CANNOT comprehend why MY Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loved me enough to suffer and die for my future place… on a throne right BESIDE Him! The ‘Big Picture’ only starts to come into view when I consider, love and appreciate the Christ, and HIS Father, who made me for this very purpose! Amazing… Grace! Do YOU live in it?

Are YOU being AWESOME? Are YOU connected to the one who loves, saved and wants to use YOU to reach others who absolutely have NO clue what’s really going on? Why not take a moment and Thank Jesus for the honor!

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

My neighbors told me I needed to cut my grass! Well… not out loud or to my face. But the message was very clear and unmistakable. They had cut THEIR grass a couple days before, and now, looking at their well manicured lawn, mine looked like a disaster. If I let it go any longer, my lawnmower wouldn’t be able to do the job.

I gave myself the excuse that I really didn’t have the time. But I’d used that one the day before when I really didn’t. Now, having an hour to kill, I knew it only took 35 minutes from start to finish. So I grabbed the lawnmower, put on my headphones, found the music I wanted to listen to and off I went. It was the hottest time of the day!

It took 3 short breaks for Gatorade to get through it, and when done, I was soaked from head to toe with sweat. But God, long ago, blessed me with a swimming pool. So I jumped in! The prompting by my neighbors was not intentional. They were taking care of THEIR stuff, which made me want to take care of my stuff too.

The Holy Spirit is the Greatest gift Christians have, right next to Salvation in the first place. Residing in the hearts of all believers who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord, He has the same distinct skill my neighbors have. He doesn’t have to SAY ANYTHING to communicate EVERYTHING! When something needs done, or undone, I just KNOW!

I’ve tried a LOT of excuses to reason, argue or simply get out of doing something that I KNOW I should, or shouldn’t do. But in the end, my logic fails every time. I know, that He knows… that I know, He knows! It’s just the way God works. Do YOU have the Holy Spirit? How good are YOU at hearing and following His lead?

How does the lawn of YOUR life look?

“Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5

The night was uncommon from the beginning. Not being Baseball fans, we drove to St. Petersburg to see the Tampa Bay Rays. Our grandson’s High School Chorus was asked to sing the National Anthem, and we were invited. When we left, it was hot and sunny… and we were in a hurry. We arrived early, ill prepared for the storm that was rolling in.

Leaving in a rush reminded me of the Exodus story. I didn’t look or check the weather, so I didn’t even think to take my raincoat. While walking the area, a HUGE storm let loose and we got drenched. We found a little women’s shop and popped in to get out of the rain. Written on the wall was II Timothy 4:7… “I have fought the good fight!”

In the midst of the storm, as we found protection with a fellow believer, we chatted about Jesus. When the storm let out, we made our way to the stadium and watch and sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ We could hear “The bombs bursting in air’ from the lightning and thunder outside, while we sat cool and dry, comfortably inside.

It was a rocky night… but we were safe and secure. Driving home later, the roads were soaked, as a light rain fell almost the whole way home. As I prayed and asked for a safe trip, I could powerfully sense God’s presence inside the dry car that seemed to simply ‘cling’ to the road. I just knew we were safe as God rode along with us.

It is difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit in them. There is no way for me to remember all the difficult and stormy times I have been through with Jesus. But I am still HERE because he has been through ALL of them with me. I have found peace in learning that, wherever lightning and thunder are… ‘God is’ as well.

Have YOU found peace and shelter in the midst of life’s storms? Does lighting and thunder bring YOU comfort? Maybe, now that you know God is in it, you will find no need to have fear as your companion on life’s road.  

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23

Walking into a restaurant, my eyes immediately locked onto a man who, as memory serves, had played high school football with one of my sons… though I couldn’t remember which one. I distinctly heard him say, “Hi K.C.,”which threw my confused memory into a tailspin. I could not remember his name or anything about him!

He was sitting with his wife and daughter, and a man who wore a Venice High School football shirt. I didn’t know HIM either! His daughter appeared about 6, so I said, “SHE is BEAUTIFUL!” He smiled. When we sat down, Katie asked me, “Who’s that?” I said, “You know… he played football with one of our boys.” She looked confused.

We talked about it, Katie maintaining that she didn’t know the man. Which made me try digging a little deeper for the connection. When we got up to leave, I paused at his table and said, “I’m sorry… maybe it’s my age, but I don’t remember your name.” He said, “Jarrod… and you’re Bill, right?” It turned out, neither of us knew each other!

He HADN’T said my name, I just THOUGHT he did. And while he LOOKED like someone I knew… he wasn’t. I find ‘memory fishing’ a more frequent habit the older I get, and ask Jesus to help me remember as the years get stacked up. Today’s verse is a sad story about a scenario that many will find many people… permanently disrupted.

I also met a ‘John’ yesterday at Lowes. Commenting on his being named after a famous book in the Bible. He actually confirmed “that’s where I got my name!” His grandmother was a Christian and had suggested it. Asking him, “so are you a Jesus guy?” He responded… “not really!” I highly suggested he go read ‘HIS’ book… carefully!

Jesus did NOT pull any punches. In fact, no one in History was ever more clear when He said, “I AM The Way… The Truth and The Life!” ‘There is no other,’ was His claim. I can either believe Him and act on that truth, or deny His claim as a lie. But His judgment of me WILL be based upon MY reaction to His Words. Are YOU a Jesus person… REALLY?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

It was right after Bible Study when Vicki came up to me. I could tell she was flustered as she blurted out, “I need a hug!” So I gave her a big one and could feel the tension dissolve. After she let go, she explained what had led to her terrible day. I listened. She then asked some questions. I answered. She smiled.

Ministry is sometimes just that simple. When I am blessed to be part of helping someone who is dealing with worry, stress or anxiety, the blessing received in return is simply indescribable. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of a Jesus kind of hug. And it made a HUGE difference.

There is a story in Luke 5 where Jesus walked up to a leper who was on his knees BEGGING for a healing. In all 3 accounts it says Jesus ‘touched him with His hand.’ But there seems to be more to it than that! The Greek infers there was a full body embrace! Something NO one would do to a leper! Except Jesus!

Stress, anxiousness, worry, fear and doubt are the leprous lesions that continue to cover all of society these days. With what is going on in the political arena, I was going out of my mind. Then I went to see tough guy Mike. We don’t see eye to eye on every Biblical thing. But as we talked, His words became a hug!

The world is a mess. And NONE of us are immune, even Jesus’ people. But today’s verse reminds us that WE are to be Jesus’ COMFORTERS. I read that a 6 second hug releases serotonin and oxytocin into the body of BOTH parties, giving a sense of safety, comfort, empathy and calm. Something we could ALL use.

I think I’m going to work on becoming a little more like my earthy and heavenly fathers… and hug more! How about YOU?

“He said to them, ‘Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law.'” Deuteronomy 32:46

Divinely Overwhelmed! That is the only thing I can feel about last night when, at our little church, 36 men, women and children came on a rainy night to learn and discuss God’s Word! The time was excellent, the Spirit was overflowing, Love was present and fellowship was genuine. Giddy God sat right there among us… and He spoke His Word.

The group of adults varied from old time Christians to folks just getting exposed to God’s Word. Having received the job of Pastor after my father died 24 years ago, our Bible Study regularly held about 5 people… Including my wife and I. Today, most everyone brings their NIV Scofield Bible. For new learners, I give the page numbers.

The Bible Study is called FLAP. One of our old saints suggested the acronym for Fellowship, Learning, Asking and Praying… it stuck. And that is exactly what we do. Prayer requests are taken and petitions are made, then questions about ANYTHING Bible related are heard. But we ALWAYS use The Bible to find our answers.

These days I have to agree with many of our national Church Leaders and Pastors, that the desire to learn and live the Word of God, is waning. Most people today don’t even BELIEVE in God.. much less that the Bible is the pure, inspired Word from Him… to us. BIBLE could mean Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! That’s how WE see it!

I am SO proud and honored to serve this special Body of people who want to know what God has to say about… well… pretty much everything! In the face of pain, sorrow, hurt and anguish, we have ALL had doubts about God, and His Word, coming through for us. But we all agree that, even when we doubted… Jesus Christ has NEVER failed!

So if you’re close, join us at FLAP on Wednesday evening. If not, grab your Bible and find a group that loves to cut into God’s Word to find life’s true answers.. from the Creator Himself. I promise… reading His Word Daily, and asking Him to help you live it, will bring you ‘The Abundant Life’ Jesus Himself promised! Do you make God Giddy by Reading His Word?

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1

I felt good, because I was on a possible mission from God. A fellow teacher with Katie had called for help. She was right down the street and needed a jump for her car to start. Being an atheist she really isn’t a fan, but asked for me anyway. I was there in 8 minutes. Pulling in, I saw a man beside a car with a HUGE “Harris” window sticker!

On one hand, it was awesome to be given the opportunity to show the Love of Christ to someone who doesn’t know Him. On the other hand, I was flustered that right across from us was someone who, I perceived, wanted to take away my hard earned liberties! I had to work hard to make sure my face outwardly showed the Jesus side! But Inside!??

I feel like Moses before Pharaoh… or Job before his self righteous ‘friends.’ Both illustrations have men of God in VERY difficult situations. GOD knew what was going to happen, but His 2 servants didn’t. They were forced to follow through each and every tick of the clock, for a very long time, UNTIL their conditions were changed by God.

God told Moses what to do, and even warned him that Pharaoh was going to not yield. But I don’t see that as evidence Moses was comforted. Job was in exceeding agony with no way of knowing if, or when, His painful condition would end. In looking at the political war we’re in, I see danger. I DON’T know what God is going to do. Or WHEN!

In a country where it seems we are divided in half, the upcoming election will be decided by the number of people who decide to do nothing! I wrestle with the question, “what CAN ‘I’ do?” Because getting flustered does not help! When I came across this Bible verse, I heard God speaking directly to me. He wants me to share it.

This is the hardest lesson I have ‘never ‘really learned… 100%. I am a ‘Child of God’ living among Children of God. We all share in His Heavenly Calling. In the midst of horrible evil and chaos, what am I to do? He tells me. “Fix your thoughts on ME!” He wants me to share that message with YOU! So… what’s on YOUR mind these days?

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!” Revelation 3:15

Walking across the grocery store parking lot, the heat just baked us. As quickly as possible I threw our purchases into the back of the car, shut the door, and headed to the drivers side. Suddenly I heard, “IT’S HOT OUT HERE!” Glancing back I saw a man standing in the middle of the lot, cigar hanging out of his mouth, shirt open… talking!

With sun and sweat in my eyes, it took a second to realize he was talking to ME. I responded with “Yea, that’s Florida in the summer for ya!” He just stood there on the black pavement… then asked, “when’s it gonna get cooler?” With no desire to stand in that heat, I simply said, “well sir, about mid October we should get a break! See ya!”

At the time, I didn’t sense any heavenly nudge or immediate need to join the man in conversation. The best thing for both of us was to get out of the sun. Maybe he just wanted to finish his smoke first. But being the kind of guy who prefers A/C, I felt compelled to DO something about SWEATING. I started the car and AC… and left.

The Book of Revelation discusses the Apocalypse at the end of time. But before it gets all nasty, Jesus has John write love notes to the 7 existing churches. The last one, Laodicea, actually represents the time we are living in right now. Jesus doesn’t have anything good to pat us on the head for, and says he’d rather spew us out of His mouth!

There is no doubt things are getting hot out there. But I’ve the mind that if it’s getting worse, I really don’t have a desire to just stand around in it. I’d rather do something about making it better, or getting out of it. Jesus wants me to read His Word and to GO out and share the VERY COOL News of His grace and Love. Don’t just stand around smokin!

Are you a cool kind of person out there sharing Good News with those who are burning up? If so.. you’re Jesus’ kinda cool! Keep going!