“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Time was what we wanted to save. AND we wanted something quick to eat. Going into the local fast food joint fit the criteria, so while Katie went to select a place to sit, I ordered our food at the counter. I didn’t realize my next move would create such a big issue. But it did!

Going to the drink station, I poured 2 drinks and took them to the table where Katie sat. Because there had been someone both before and after me in line, AND because the Drive Thru was running, I knew I had time. So I sat down to ask her a question. Bad move!

Walking back up to the counter, I watched as 2 servers placed MY order into a bag, having just asked the man in line after me, “for here or to go?” The tickets in front of the servers were in correct order… but they weren’t looking at them. When I finally said, “I think you may have our orders mixed up,” my statement made it worse! They had no idea what to do next!

I get it! Having graduated from Whopper Jr. College back in 1976, I remembered how hectic things could get and how just 1 little thing could throw my system off. One of the big lessons in life is to learn HOW to get back on track and NOT ‘stand there looking like a deer in the headlights’ for TOO long. Lately, I’ve had to remind myself of that lesson.

I have a weakness for distractions like I do with a box of vanilla wafers. Without realizing it, I can hit the bottom with only, “What have I done?” to show for it! Hunger, lack of time, disinterest and a host of other things can set me looking for a way out that is only temporary… and not good. Thank God for today’s verse.

Sin, imperfection and failure are companions that I’d rather NOT have in my boat. But I have to be honest, I DON’T have it all together, DON’T always do the right things and far too often find myself behind the 8 ball of life because of my failure to pay attention. But strangely, it is in those confusing times that Jesus turns out to be my very best friend!

This verse tells me that JESUS marks out the race FOR me, pioneer’s my faith, and then guarantees it will hold me until the end to ensure my victory! I wish I could say that my response in any confusing situation is to look to Him IMMEDIATELY. But that would not be the truth. Sometimes, and far too often, I choose to take the distraction. Jesus never does and ALWAYS points me forward.

So… what’s got YOUR attention?

“Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7 ESV

This year, our annual ‘McChristmas’ Celebration was delayed until January. Last year, we didn’t get to do it at ALL! So this year was planned RIGHT! A huge house was rented for all 20 of the K.C. & Katie McCay Clan and Disney World Tickets were even purchased. Last Thursday, we all arrived to enjoy 4 days together! It was on Saturday night that I was given a very real ‘glimpse’ into what Heaven will be like!

Katie and I spent our Honeymoon at Disney World in 1977, and through the years we have

been there MANY times. It was fun riding the rides with our grandchildren and to watch their eyes and faces light up. Their reactions even made ‘It’s a Small World” tolerable, as we made it through the whole day without any meltdowns! About 8pm they herded people in front of the Castle. ‘The Show’ was about to start!

Though I kind of knew what to expect because I’d seen it in the past, I wasn’t prepared for this! Lights signaled for the music to start, and as rich sounds pounded through us, explosions of light from fireworks shot through the sky and began to build. I’ve never personally seen such a dazzling show! But when the singing started, the words brought me down. It was then… that Jesus took over!

The first thought Jesus shot through my brain was, “THIS is the best that man can do!” I HAD to admit it WAS rather amazing! But sad reality hit me when the words “You are the Magic!” were sung. Why? Because I KNOW there is NOTHING magically good inside me, or ANY human! It was as if man’s greatest crescendo had just given way to the reality of GOD’S Truth! HE is perfect! I am not! Jesus had my full attention!

When Jesus enters my thoughts, depression doesn’t hang around for long. When Jesus showed up among the lights and sounds of man’s greatest show… I was NOT disappointed! The words of Revelation 19, which describe the future ‘Wedding Supper of the Lamb,’ suddenly became VERY real. Because there in front of me, looking to the sky and taking it all in, was my whole family! I could almost hear Jesus whisper, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Now I don’t know that Jesus would abuse the English language by using the word ‘ain’t’ or by dropping His g’s! But His point was made. In MY FUTURE, I WILL be attending JESUS’ Wedding ceremony! And better than any Bridegroom ever has, HE will arrange the show, the lights, the food and the entertainment! And EVERY ONE OF OUR 20 MEMBER McCay Clan will BE THERE! AS HIS BRIDE!!!!!!!! With that thought…there are no more words because I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT BIG! But I’ll BE THERE!

Will YOU?

If you want to see a little of what we saw, here is the Disney New Years Eve show

“I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 15:50

First let me say that I abhor horror movies! Being a child of the light, darkness and gore does not draw me to it for leisurely worthless activity… which is what the Latin word for ‘entertainment’ actually means! But we wanted to kill some time and drain our brains on something DIFFERENT! 

When the ad came up for the movie, ‘Dark Shadows,’ we were intrigued. Katie used to watch the soap opera when she was in Jr. High School, and I had already laughed at the humorous clips! So I hit ‘PLAY!’ True to form, it was…entertaining!  Itch Itch!

Death is a part of life! When it comes, it is usually never welcome. In this movie, there were some intriguing, and even comical moments, where the creators made the meeting between life and death funny and creative (though by even moronic standards, impossible). But that was part of the entertainment! As I read this verse in a book ‘Falling in Love with the Prince of Life,’ something made me shudder!

The final scene of the movie shows Depp (spoiler alert…he’s a vampire) leaping off a cliff to intercept and bite his true love before she dies on the rocks below. As darkness and waves crash over both bodies, a twitch, then a change takes place. BOTH come back to life, to live life forever together… in DARKNESS! Now WAIT A MINUTE!!! I had to at least give credit to the creator for ripping off Jesus!

I am created and born from dust. I have ZERO spiritual life, OR the ability to get it. The best I can do it run around with a dead heart demanding my own way for things that can entertain me until my FINAL chapter! And we wonder why the world is such a mess??? Enter Jesus Christ…who leaps onto earth, takes death for me and resurrects me to new Life in HIM! The creators of Dark Shadows should be sued by Jesus for Plagiarism… but God has bigger plans!

I don’t recommend the movie or genre (horror) for anyone… especially for kids. Why open oneself to spiritual darkness to enter. But being BORN AGAIN, and knowing and Loving Jesus as I do, I have the ability to see that the only success satan can have is to try to copy appealing ideas from Jesus! For me personally…. I like to stick to the real thing!

Do YOU possess REAL LIFE?

“…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

This week officially started Christmas vacation for Katie and I. Realizing that we LIVE in paradise and have access to what millions of people come here for, we decided to become Florida Tourists for the day. Katie remembered visiting a quaint little town with a friend a few years ago, and remembered the enjoyment of the experience. That memory bubbled up into her brain and she blurted out… “Let’s go see Matlacha!” Responding that I didn’t know there was a boy band and town, she explained it was a little town near Cape Coral. So off we went!

When I met Katie, I had no love or interest in art, plays, museums or ANYTHING that wreaked culture. But because I loved her, and SHE loved that stuff, I went along to see that stuff WITH her. Along the way, I picked up a love for much of it myself! Matlacha was simply like overdosing on Art with Hippies! We had a ball!

At the first store we went to, she zipped ahead and was done before I got around the first corner, “I’m done… let’s go!” she said. “WHOA, WHOA, WHOA MISSY!” I exclaimed. “I haven’t even STARTED!” And I wasn’t kidding! I think she was rushing to make ME feel better. But having acquired an appreciation for that stuff, she didn’t need to worry. So we slowed down and enjoyed everything…together!

I got to thinking that my life with Jesus Christ has a similarity. Having been born a piggy sinner, I really didn’t appreciate perfect love and joy. Being a master at being miserable, things began to change when I met Jesus! As I walked along with Him, HIS loves began to become MY loves. As my love for HIM grew, so did my love for Life. And it all came about rather naturally.

There are Biblical demands, rules and commands that can lead one to believe that ‘LOVE’ can be demanded, ruled or commanded! Look at the 1st of the 10 commandments! But those rules aren’t written down to actually MAKE us do ANYTHING. I believe they were written to show what life will look like when we fall in love with God! It just kind of comes natural!

I am not perfect and don’t LOVE EVERYTHING Katie loves. I will cringe at the thought of going to the Opera or the Ballet like she cringes at my road rage! But love changes things. When I accept God’s invitation to love Him, I actually begin to enjoy and take on HIS character as we roll on through life together. I have found His love is more like a journey than a destination!

What have you discovered that YOU love about Jesus?  

“Be angry, and do not sin” Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

No… I wasn’t in a hurry, had no urgent place to be and really didn’t NEED to take the short cut. But I did. So did the guy in front of me…driving a truck…pulling a trailer. I came up behind him as we approached a 4-way stop. He sat there! And sat there……and sat there! He only moved when I tried to go around him. That’s when I saw him in his own mirror… texting!

Naturally I was furious! Anger is in my nature because it’s in ALL of us! “Be considerate of others” was hammered into me all my life. It’s even a BIBLE verse (Phil 2:4)! Growing up it was taught to EVERYONE! But as we all know by now, that is NOT the lesson for the 21^st century! For the selfishly entitled… being considerate is not even in the sub notes! And that angers me!

I ran into a friend who enthusiastically recommended a book on what is wrong in this country. Saying he couldn’t put it down, something inside of me screamed, “don’t pick it up!” And I knew why! In the words of Clint Eastwood as ‘Dirty Harry,’ “A man’s GOT to know his limitations!” I KNEW the book would just make me MORE angry. So I’ll avoid it like the news!

The Bible NEVER says to NOT be angry! In fact, there are several versions of the Bible that get their translation wrong by trying to MAKE the verse SAY what it doesn’t. There is EVIL in the world. God tells us to ‘HATE EVIL’ over 35 times in the Bible. When evil jumps…anger SHOULD be natural. BUT… anger comes with conditions! Sin is not one of them!

I KNOW my limitations and I hate them in me. I get angry at myself when I don’t have patience, forgiveness or compassion. But I also HATE STUPID! When stupid raises it’s head, I lose mine. And I know why! It’s because, like a hard shelled independent clam… ‘I’ am SHELLFISH!

I‘ve been to AA and Al-anon meetings to check them out for ministry purposes. No…I am NOT an alcoholic! But I AM an ICK! And because I HATE being an ICK… Jesus is encouraging me to work on today’s Bible verse. And it’s HARD! I literally have to find ways to train myself to NOT lose my head when I see selfishness in others, or when I see stupid in action! Katie is helping me!

As a Believer and front line soldier in God’s Army, I am called to a higher standard. Training and RE-certification by my Lord is ALWAYS ongoing, and as much as I’d like it to just come naturally as a gift from Him, He doesn’t work that way! So I set here at my computer texting God for answers…all the while the world is bleeping me from behind! I think I’ll be here a while!

What makes YOU angry and what are YOU doing about it?  

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Yesterday was a little bit sad. After all the work of setting up and enjoying the Christmas decorations, and without warning, Katie started taking them down. All those 23 boxes that were unpacked had to be RE-packed and placed into storage until next year. And the celebration of Christmas, at least according to the school calendar, isn’t even over!

If you’ve been to my house you know how beautiful Katie decorates it. With 8 Christmas trees and lights and decorations everywhere, it’s like a wonderland to me. But now, the bright corners have started to become dark. I am remembering that DE-lighting Christmas is NOT delightful! It feels kind of like the last day of a great vacation where the inevitable has arrived! It’s times like this that I envy the Old Testament celebrations God gave to Israel!

Today, Americans go Ga-Ga over Christmas for all the wrong reasons! It is SUPPOSED to be a time that we celebrate the birth of our Savior! Sadly Easter, our next Christian celebration, barely registers as a celebration in the non-Christians world. But back in the days of the Old Testament, God established SERIOUS celebrations with SERIOUS purposes in mind! SEVEN of them to be exact!

A study of the Festivals is an in depth look into the heart of God. I’m not going to go through them here, but you can see them at the link below. The point of all of God’s instructions is to show that God WANTS us to join Him and celebrate His love, grace, forgiveness and presence. And actually He wants us doing it ALL THE TIME!

How can ANYONE honestly not believe that God isn’t like a party animal! Even the Bible verse today encourages us to FORGET what was yesterday, and PRESS ON toward a PRIZE! An ETERNAL Christmas where Christ WILL be EVERYTHING…ALL THE TIME. And WE will be WITH HIM FOREVER! Light celebrating Light!

Admittedly, I don’t care for the de-lighting after Christmas because it reminds me that a special time is over. But I LOVE God’s idea and motivation to LOOK FORWARD toward an even BIGGER celebration that will never end. THAT kind of anticipation gives me cause to serve Him even more in the here and now!

So… what are YOU looking forward to?

https://bibleproject.com/podcast/seven-festivals

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Hebrews 12:7

Since Katie is off work, we decided to do what we don’t normally have, or take, the opportunity to do. We went for a bike ride along the beach. It sounded SOOOO relaxing, romantic and fun. But the sounds and feelings soon gave way to something COMPLETELY opposite…the sound of whining!

Packing the bikes into the truck and driving to the beach started off well, but it didn’t take long to figure out that SOMETHING was WRONG. My bike had a problem in that it wouldn’t coast! Clearly something was causing friction in the wheel and it was clear that this trek was going to be a WORKOUT! Every time I stopped peddling, the bike would slow to a stop!

The weather was cooler and breezy, but I was sweating and hot. Katie started making comments, “you look like you’re pedaling 100 miles and hour but going nowhere!” Huffing and puffing I just wanted to stop. But we were SUPPOSED to be ENJOYING this! So I forced myself to try to keep up with her and finished. All that was left… was a nap!

The Bible verse today is in the New Testament book of Hebrews. But the idea isn’t new! In fact, King Solomon, the wisest person ever to live, had written about it in Proverbs 3! In essence it says, ‘life is hard…and with God as your father, it’ll be even harder!’ If God is trying to gather a crowd, He just lost a pile of recruits!

In 1969 Peggy Lee had a hit with “Is That All There Is.” The chorus goes, “Is that all there is, is that all there is? If that’s all there is my friends, then let’s keep dancing. Let’s break out the booze and have a ball…If that’s all there is.” Tonight being New Years Eve, DROVES of people will search for just that kind of scenario to satisfy an end of year itch! And I’m peddling!

God loves ME! When I voluntarily joined His family, I thought it’d be fun and make life easier. Like riding a bike with something wrong…I quickly found out that “I” am the thing that is wrong! Father God is trying to FORM me into His Son’s image. That takes discipline and work to become better.

But discipline is NOT PUNISHMENT.. It is character building! And I have found that the results of His hand on me makes me more joyful, loving and tougher to discourage. So I press on and grow in His Grace…realizing that becoming a son is a journey… not a destination! Effort, cooperation and obedience are the pedals.

Where are YOU going?

“Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”  Psalm 50:5

Our Church has taken on the mission of standing on the corner of a major intersection holding Gospel signs. We don’t hand out tracks because we don’t get to talk to drivers. But once in a while someone, walking or biking, comes along. Last week, one came by, said he’d come by… but didn’t!

I well remember conversations like this one because they provide hope. Hope that others will see and respond to God’s call to life in His Son. Before he spoke, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a mini Bible. Handing it to me he said he does what we do by passing these things out. We were on equal ground! That is… until I started asking questions. “Where do you live? How long have you lived here? Where do you go to church?” That last question met with a different facial expression as he responded, “well, I haven’t found one down here yet!

His last statement gave me kind of a shock because, as it turns out, he has lived here for 3 years! In fact… right around the corner from our church! And he has never attended! I told him where we were and gave him the 2 most distinct features of our Church Fellowship, that we simply LOVE Jesus Christ (and each other), and that we know and believe the Bible! Christmas Eve service was that night and he said he’d LOVE to come. But he didn’t!

I remember what it is like to be a Church Snob! Long before I became a pastor Katie and I tried MANY churches that didn’t conform to our way of liking, routine or teaching. My dad used to say, “always go to a church at least 3 times before you make up your mind. They could just have a bad day.” So we would! And that is what confuses me.

I can’t tell you the number of times the question comes up after discovering someone claims to be a Christian, “So where do you go to church?” More often than not the answer is, “no where!” And THAT is where they stay! No Where! And that’s confusing!

In reading and researching, I discovered over 100 Bible verses where God and His Son calls Believers to come together and meet. The benefits and duties include praying, encouraging, supporting, teaching, honoring, correcting, training and glorifying God in the process. Like belonging to ANY club… ‘Membership has it’s benefits and privileges!’

In 2022 God is calling you to join Him in His Church. AND to encourage and invite others to join you in joining Him. After all, God’s Clubhouse will last into eternity! If you don’t like hanging out with His people here, there’s a HUGE chance you won’t be hanging out there!

So may I ask? Where do YOU go to church?

SOOOO many people live miserable unhappy and unfulfilled lives.  I SPITE of the fact that God, theri creator, has BOLDLY issued a BLESSING CHALLENGE!  Life not going the way you like???  “TRY ME,” God says!  I can think of NO more arrogant a challenge.  LET ME SHOW YOU WHO I AM!!!!   WHY wouldn’t EVERYBODY take advantage of an offer like THAT???  But most simply ridicule the statement and walk away!  How about YOU?  Are YOU testing and trying out God’s faithfulness and blessings?

You Can’t Outgive God

“See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

My dad, an evangelist, was the original soft touch. I remember him once going off to speak in a tiny church and coming home ten days later. Eventually my mother asked about the offering. I can still see my father’s face as he smiled and looked at the floor. “You gave the money away again, didn’t you?” she asked. “Myrt,” he said, “the pastor there is going through a hard time. His kids are so needy. I felt I should give the entire fifty dollars to them.” My good mother looked at my father for a few moments and then smiled. “You know, if God told you to do it, it’s okay with me.” A few days later, we ran completely out of money, so my father gathered us for a time of prayer. He said, “Lord, you told us that if we would honor you in our good times, that you would take care of us when things are difficult. We need a little help at this time.” The next day we received an unexpected check for $1,200. That’s the way it happened— not once, but many times. No matter what you give, you’ll find you can never outgive God.

Just between us . . .

Are we trusting God with our giving? What blessings, material and nonmaterial, have we seen from our gifts? Do we know someone now who needs a helping hand? Should we share what we have with them? Do we really believe “God owns it all”?  

Heavenly Father, You promised to pour out blessings on those who tithe in Your name. Help us to take You at Your word and to trust in Your provision as we give back to You and share our abundance with others. Amen.

This devotional is taken from Night Light for Couples. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.