“To all in Rome (Nokomis) who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7

Fishing through my pockets to get everything out, I found a quarter, all alone, in my left front pocket. Not knowing what to do with it, I threw it in my truck beverage holder and forgot all about it. “What’s a quarter going to buy THESE days anyway?” I thought. Then I went on with my day… then several more. Not giving that $.25 another thought.

Several days later I found myself at Aldi with a long list of groceries that a single bag or box could not carry. Glancing down into my cup holder lay that silly quarter. It was almost like the Hand of God, fate and Grace merged together with a pre-designed plan. Smiling, I picked it up and put it BACK in my pocket. Then I used it to get a shopping cart.

I distinctly remember, as a kid of 8 years old, my dad handing me a quarter and asking me to walk up to the store on the main street in town and buy 5 candy bars. Since there were 5 of us in the family, he was providing a treat. I always got a Milky Way… and yes, they were the same size then as they are now. Maybe bigger! Off I went.

These days I’ve seen those same candy bars priced at $1.25 or MORE! These days, no one sends their 8 year old walking alone, downtown, to ANYWHERE… much less to a store. Times have changed, but some things haven’t. Today’s verse tells me that just like back then, I am loved by God, no matter WHERE I live, and I am called to be His.

An added bonus, which is ESPECIALLY rewarding in these days, is His free gift of Grace and Peace. I have NO need for carrying around ANY guilt from my past. It has been taken out of my life, and God’s mind, and cast away. Furthermore, PEACE has been added to my heart! I have NO need to worry about A THING! God’s got me in His Pocket!

Have YOU found the greatest gift in the universe? Are YOU walking around in God clothes? Are you feasting on the treats from His mighty storehouse of promised benefits? Are you sharing with others the opportunity that THEY TOO have been called to be God’s Kid? If you’re his.. Why not brag a little today? It’s Friday.. You deserve it!

“…and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:39

Early this morning, darkness was pierced by a flash of light. Within 3 seconds… the BOOM came and rain started to fall. After a few more ‘flash and bangs,’ I got up to slightly open the window. I LOVE sleeping while listening to a good rainstorm. This one did not disappoint. Later, Katie asked, “will your truck get me to work?” “Huh?” I asked.

I hadn’t gone out to LOOK at the road, but she had, and the water in the street was HIGH. Putting on my raincoat, I went out to recon the situation. I wasn’t sure if I should drive in that deep of water, so I did the only thing I knew to do because… ‘I Noah Guy!’ so I texted Frankie, my vehicle expert! He advised going slow, but that I would make it.

Light travels at 186,291 miles per second! Using that fact, it’s calculated that it takes about 5 seconds for the sound of thunder to be heard for every mile from a lightning flash. It sounded like a couple of those ‘flash bangs’ were in my backyard! I just smiled. Once, counseling a lady afraid of lighting, I said, “lightning is the place of God!”

I trusted my friend and car expert, and was able to take Katie to work and get home again. Eternal Life is like a good Government job… not about what you DO, but WHO you KNOW. I know JESUS! As news flashes and the chaos of the world becomes worse and worse, today’s verse always makes me smile. When He comes, it’ll be to get me!

Are YOU afraid in storms? If you know Jesus as your Savior, you can just roll over and smile… cuz Jesus has me… and YOU! If you let Him. By the looks and sound of things in our world, I’m figuring that He’s coming soon! But I’m ready! Are YOU?

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

It was a brutal 2 hours! Four saved, mature, believing men… one young, confused, unsaved man. For 2 hours we shared The Good News… The Gospel of Jesus Christ. And for every common sense fact about God, sin, its penalties and Grace, he came up with another nonsensical reason for NOT believing ‘The News.’ He had his own ‘facts!’

It was like a man standing in the brutal heat and humidity of a day like yesterday… sweat pouring off his entire body. Other men, in a swimming pool beside him, were holding a cold drink saying, “Come on in, you’ll be fine!” But even though the evidence was clear before the dying victim, the refusal to believe was as hot as the sun.

The young lad’s plea was clear… ‘If only we would agree that HIS way of seeing things was superior, we could have the same intelligence as he!’ Explaining that we were ALL in his same boat at one time, and jumped in and got saved from the heat, made no difference. He had made his decision and he was sticking to it. His vote was cast!

1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” Nothing we could say or do would budge him to receive Christ’s life giving water. So we pray and keep trying.

Today is the day to vote in our Counties Primary Election. For months information, both true and false, has gone out to potential voters. Deceptions and lies are both flagrant and prolific. People are being swayed, votes will be cast. We will reap the policies and government the majority elect. It is imperative that you VOTE and make a decision!

Our Father God has a running election that has been going on for 2000 years. The votes have yet to be counted and tabulated, but there are 2 sides. The difference being that each side can choose for itself who they want to rule their lives for eternity. Have YOU cast your vote for Jesus and Heaven? Or are you dug in and holding out for your way?

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 1:1-3

“Knock Knock…” “Who’s there?” “No… Knock Knock!” Cuz it’s a command… not a joke! Today’s verse comes from Paul in His written letter to Timothy. In reality, the instruction comes from God in the form of a command! It sounds like God wants us to pray for EVERYBODY. Even our government leaders! And as I said, it’s not a joke!

Today is a special day for several reasons. It’s a day before we vote in the primary election. But I’ve been looking forward to this day and a meeting with a young man named Josh. 10 days ago, we were standing on our busy corner holding signs for Jesus when this young man came up to debate about the existence of Jesus. It was intense.

I was encouraged when he gave me his phone number and made an appointment to meet with me. Arguing with someone who just wants to prove their own point is a waste of time, but underneath, it seems that he really wants to be convinced that there IS a God. So far, he says, all he’s heard is, “ya just gotta believe!” He wants more info!

This is where The Church and all readers come in. I have the honor of having a few other men who have asked if THEY can join in the discussion! I am blown away! Not so much by a young man who wants answers, but by Christian men who actually CARE enough to want to take part in sharing the Gospel! Today is going to be FUN!

I am asking you, dear reader, to join in as well. Will you pray for Josh and our team? We meet at 2pm today and we need as much Holy Spirit as we can fit into the room… PLUS! And while you’re at it. Why not pray for the president and our elected officials… AND for a fair election tomorrow. It sounds like that is EXACTLY what Paul is saying!

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

‘There’s a storm coming!’ I’m reasonably certain that if you live in Florida, the picture and this first sentence caused your heart to jump. But fear not. That is an old map and there is no storm warning for our area. But there WILL be a storm… coming. Weather forecast says heavy rain tomorrow. Right now, outside my window, it is calm and still.

Having recently been deluged with more water from hurricane Debby than I can ever remember, the shock and tragedy for some is still very real. I’ve lived in Florida for over 40 years and have been through MANY storms. Because of that, I have a tendency to be tougher in the face of hurricanes. I have plans and am prepared as much as I can be.

Most of God’s Word has been around for 2000-3500 years now. It is FULL of warning and predictions of what will happen, especially as we approach the ‘End of Days.’ Having read past prophecies written that came true EXACTLY as predicted makes me aware of what may be approaching. Especially in the political weather I see now… world wide.

I’ve been a Christian a lot longer than I have been a Floridian. Having gone through seasons of life resembling desert experiences, I know what its like to be scared, uncertain and deeply concerned that God just might NOT show up. But in all of my life, I have NEVER EVER seen God… NOT show up! Even if it’s like in the usual… last minute.

The Word of God tells Believers who have trusted and given their lives to Jesus Christ to allow the Holy Spirit to bring them Joy, Peace, Love and Fearlessness… and other things. I am called to go OUT into that chaotic world and TELL people about the Good News of what Jesus has done for ME. Then BRING them GOOD NEWS in face of the BAD news.

That means that I am to first receive His Word and blessing, LIVE it… then go out and TELL about the personal experience of His perfect, exacting love for ME. So daily I read His Word, pray, receive His provisions and try to remember them to tell others of my experience. Are YOU tracking with Jesus and do YOU have some good stories to tell?

Don’t let any storm catch you unprepared! 

“…clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14

“It’s JUST a COOKIE!” “But I LIKE fried chicken better!” “Hey! I’m eating VEGETABLES!” “But it’s DIET Coke.. and I ONLY have 1 a day!” Every one of those simple sentences are really not that simple. Because they are ARGUMENTS in a debate about how I’m SUPPOSED to eat! I just got an A+ on my prostate cancer exam. Then the war began!

In a war there are always 2 sides. The ‘bad’ guy can change, depending on who and how the issue is looked at. Diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago, I have been a reasonably good patient. But lately, I’ve been feeling celebratory and have been craving things like candy, beef, fried foods, soda and junk. All things BAD for me and cancer!

Looking back, I know satan is involved because the status of this altercation has become more like a ‘war’ than a ‘battle.’ It NEVER ENDS and is ALWAYS on my mind! The temptation gets so ridiculous, I find myself making the most RIDICULOUS arguments … ON SATAN’S BEHALF! “It’s only cancer and I’m not going to live forever anyway,” UGH!

I recently learned that satan is the former OWNER of my mind, and ALWAYS has access to plant ‘whatever’ into it. GOD… does NOT! To God, my mind is a holy sanctuary, the threshold of which He will NEVER cross… unless I invite Him. Who and what stays and plays in my brain is completely up to me. The World, flesh and devil are my enemies.

A few weeks ago I bought some peanut butter cookies for the church. I had 1… and LOVED it! Since then I have purchased 4 more packages ‘for the church.’ Last night, I couldn’t stop myself and ate 7! Then someone brought me a box of vanilla wafers! AHHHH! This is a very real war. Craving is satan’s incessant tool for wearing me down!

Lust is defined as ‘an overwhelming desire or craving… an intense eagerness or enthusiasm! Today’s Bible verse tells me to do 2 things, PUT on Jesus and THINK on Jesus. NOT COOKIES! The recipe is the same for ANY lust, be it sex, drugs, food, play, TV or ANYTHING trying to kill my walk with Christ. So excuse me while I go change my mind!

Temptation ain’t temporary! And it’s up to ME to focus on Jesus to make it go away.  What are YOU thinking about?

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

Bun Bun is gone! My Grandson’s pet rabbit ‘Bun Bun’ has been returned to its owner in 100% excellent condition. We took it in for about a week, watched, babied and even spoiled it. We got to know its likes and dislikes, habits and even some of its personality flaws. After it got a taste of freedom, it HATED being penned. But it LOVED cauliflower!

I call ‘Bun Bun’ ‘IT’ now because we had been told ‘IT’ was a ‘SHE.’ Someone who is smarter about rabbits than us looked and said ‘she’ was a ‘he!’ When we set it outside, inside it’s fence, numerous wild rabbits would stop by to take a look. We thought they were saying ‘Hi Bun Bun!’ Maybe they were simply saying, “what the heck is this?”

Once, a wild rabbit stretched its neck between the fence to try to munch on a radish. When Bun Bun left, I took a big chunk of cauliflower and set it in the path of the ‘wild ones,’ expecting they would appreciate the treat! It’s been there for days… untouched! The ‘wild one’s’ simply pass it by. Which could be a perfect metaphor for today’s verse.

Because I belong to God, I have a refuge in which to abide. Sometimes I get a little persnickety, and even cranky, as I look at the world through a seemingly hindering lens of captivity… “but look at how much fun the world seems to be having! Why can’t ‘I’ do that?” Then I hear a news story about, or talk to someone in bondage to, the world.

Unlike ‘wild ones,’ I have food and care that they do not know of. Sometimes, even ‘I’ can become unappreciative of my Savior. Then I look out and see SO much of what the world doesn’t… in the love, grace and abundant provision my Savior has provided lil ol ME! It is then that I turn from looking through the fence and draw closer to Jesus.

There’s an old hymn called ‘Count your Many Blessings,’ that encourages me to ‘name them one by one.’ As I securely look out into this insane world, while munching on some cauliflower, I am grateful for all the blessings I have within the refuge of His mighty hands. Are you? What specifically are YOU thankful for today? Have you told Him?

Why not tell someone outside, about your wonderful experience of Living INSIDE with Jesus?

“He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Mark 16:15

“You Blew It,” was all he said. “Huh?” was my immediate thought. “How?” I asked… trying to be coy while trying to pull off a look of ignorance. Then huffing, I capitulated, lowered my head in shame, and admitted the truth. I mean what else can I do when the guy talking to me was the Lord of the Universe… who already KNOWS everything!

Having just cooked dinner, Katie and I sat down to eat when the doorbell rang. Katie asked, “Who could THAT be?” “Probably just a salesman,” was my reply. Answering the door while chewing, a scruffily dressed young lad said “Good evening sir!” I quickly interrupted him with, “Whataya sellin?’ His, “I’m not selling anything,” really upset me.

Having made a good living in sales most of my life, my report card was filling up fast with poor grades of comparison. He was a mess, he lied, then he tried to cover up the lie. When I called him on it, he insulted me by pointing and saying, “I noticed your door.” My thought was, “what’s wrong with my door?” So I told him, “I’ve got a guy!”

When I told Katie about the conversation she said, “you KNOW it’s bad out there when people start knocking on doors.” Then Jesus stepped in with His BIG RED ‘F’! I’d had EVERY legitimate excuse at my fingertips. It was late, it was dinnertime, I was eating. Besides, I didn’t ASK for door advice. I could feel Jesus’ disappointment. I’d blown it!

About 30 minutes later I thought, “you could drive around the neighborhood to try to find him and hand him a $20 bill! You know.. apologize and try to redeem yourself. I was being humanly stupid. The point was… someone came to MY door and ‘I’ hadn’t taken the time to do what my Savior had commanded me and share His Good News!

So why am I writing this? Well, I am a professional Good News sharer. It’s my duty to do it and to teach and encourage others to do the same thing. So I’m licking my wounds, reminding myself to be more alert, asking for another opportunity SOON, and reminding YOU to do the same. Because if Jesus is YOUR Savior, today’s verse is for you!

Are you ready and prepared? Cuz a ‘knock knock’ is coming.

“Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12

This morning, the ‘click, click, click’ of Katie’s feet have a slightly different sound to them than normal. For the last couple weeks she has poured herself into preparation for today’s first day of school. Pictures of our grandchildren, all dressed for Day 1 this new school year, have been coming across my phone. They’ve grown bigger in many ways!

In the digital age, it’s difficult or impossible to go back and find “First Day of School’ pics of when our kids were little. Hard drive crashes without backup of those days sent old pictures into the unknown. On the surface that may sound sad. But I don’t need pictures to see how far they have come. I have the real people! And they’re AMAZING!

Celebrating the passing of time in ‘firsts’ is human. As a parent, I like to know how my kids are doing, hear what their stories are, and pray, hope and encourage them to keep growing up in the right direction. Increasingly… more toward Jesus. With the world bending towards evil, it is even more important to prepare and point out His Word.

As an adult, I have no picture of my first day back to anything. Every day pretty much looks the same to me. Now, I don’t need pictures as much as I need reminders that I’ve already passed from ‘Boot Camp’ to ‘Battle.’ Which means I start everyday with ‘First things First.’ Bible in hand, I realize the enemy wants me dead… or out of the way!

I have dedicated this new day, as I usually do, to learning how to battle better. Living as an adult in this world is tough enough. Doing so as God’s representative in the Battle for the Ages is a serious ‘Call of Duty!’ And it comes to every representative of Jesus Christ’s Church in this evil world we call today. NOT child’s play, life is serious business!

So how are YOU doing in your growing and learning God’s ways? Are you dedicated to becoming and acting the warrior Jesus has called you to be? Are you doing and learning your lessons well? Are you looking forward to applying what you’ve learned in Home-Work? Because our ‘Rabbi’ is a hard taskmaster with very high expectations.

Up and comers, new babies and God’s children are counting on you. Are you a part of God’s Shield for them? Are you favored by The Master?