“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

As the time change settles in, I am increasingly aware of what happens when darkness comes earlier than expected. As time ticks by, my brain starts to log and remember things that I had forgotten about, or taken advantage of, when the light was shining. Plans now require PRE-planning…or at least a different kind of preparation.

Last late afternoon, or in this case night, I looked outside the church just before our Wednesday night get together, and saw darkness where light had been before. It reminded me that I had just replaced the light bulb over our parking lot. Running out to check it, I found the parking lot engulfed in darkness! That new bulb had burned out…having only lasted about a week! People just arriving now had to walk in darkness to get inside to the light.

With the hotly debated 2020 Presidential election over, much of the nation is left hanging with thoughts of ‘what’s next?’ We STILL don’t know the results and it may be some time before we do. That said, I find it intriguing that BOTH side of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, are united under a mutual blanket of uncertainty. Which may not be a bad thing, since rioters planning to riot now have no excuse to do so!

This morning, as uncertainty and sunrise rose together, I took a deep breath and sensed God’s Presence. What seemed new to me, a perceived dark, anxiousness, suddenly became hidden under the blanket of HIS Light. I was reminded that while I had been sleeping, and horribly I might add, my Heavenly Father, had been wide awake. He already knew all about what was troubling me. And HE was NOT anxious. I smiled when He urged me to join Him.

I love David and his Psalms, since my emotions so often reflect his. This morning I can smile and rejoice with my brother David, who I will one day hang out with, and parallel his sense of wonder that in darkness, God IS my bright burning lamp. He ALWAYS goes before me in both sunshine and storm. NOTHING takes Him by surprise.

I pray that God is YOUR light as well. If He is, you have no need to fear ANY Darkness! Look up and Shine on! 

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:17 KJV

Oh, how well I know THIS conflict! The fight between the spirit and the flesh lives daily within me. The older I get, the more choices I discover confirming that the battlefield of the will… WILL rage on! And I HATE it! As has been said, ‘a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link.’ One of my weaknesses…is Nestle Chocolate!

After the discovery of a fatty liver, I realized I had to make a CHOICE about how I wanted my life to go. “Pay attention to what goes into your mouth,” turned out to be great advice.  And I have lost considerable weight from doing that! But for Halloween, we bought candy bars for the pending Trick or Treaters! Then only 5 showed! Having these little bars of temptation lying around has been causing me great anguish!

The last couple days have been good as I watched my intake. So much so, that I felt like “YOU…my man…have REASON TO CELEBRATE! Besides, those bundles of goodness are SOOOO very small… they only have 90 calories each! Besides, they have PEANUTS (and aren’t peanuts supposed to be good for you?).” Before I knew it I had eaten 3! No wait.. I knew! But after the first bite…I just didn’t care!!!!!

You know how it goes because YOU are just like me. Oh, maybe your thing isn’t Nestle chocolate. And if you’re like me, you don’t HAVE just 1 thing.. but MANY! And the battles continue because the lusts of the flesh are REAL! Having Jesus Christ living inside my heart only makes the battles more vibrant!!! GREAT!

I know enough about addiction to know that the battles are RARELY ever won COMPLETELY… here on earth. There will ALWAYS be a desire for that fleshy thing…as long as my flesh lives! But I THANK GOD because it isn’t an ‘eternal problem!’

Jesus took care of the ultimate consequences of my flusty life by wrapping it all up into a neat little package, taking it on Himself, and then KILLING IT! But the DESIRE remains as long as the flesh remains. And I think I know why.

When a battle comes that I KNOW I cannot win, grabbing Jesus hand is the ONLY way I can make it. And the harder the battle, the tighter we grip! SOMETIMES after a skirmish, I turn to thank him with chocolate on my face! He ALWAYS smiles that loving smile, and then reminds me, ”BUT NEXT TIME…!!!!!!!”

How are YOU doing… baby??

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16

Last night I could barely move without something hurting. This morning, I am STILL sore! I ACHE is a result of a choice I made yesterday. With trees and bushes out of control and needing trimmed, I ELECTED, PICKED, or CHOSE what I would do with my time yesterday. The ‘pickin’ came with consequences that I now have to live with!

Of course I had no idea that I would ache so badly. It’s true…I’m not 25 any more! But since my head forgets to add 40 years to that number, I often think, act and move in defiance of my age. Maybe it’s as a form of rebellion! When “I can still do that” becomes a mantra, it MAY be time to sit down first and REALLY “count the cost” before electing to do something,

Today is Election Day, and millions of people across America will go to the polls and ELECT, CHOOSE or PICK who our governing representatives will be for the next several years. Seeing as how even JESUS participated in an election process, I think it is important that we Believers give the process some import!

“Jesus picked ME!” If you call yourself a Christian, please say that out loud several times. Feel that? Yeah…Pretty good feeling huh? The Bible makes it clear that Jesus’ choice of you was UNANIMOUS among those that got a vote…the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit! But before I get TOO caught up in the feeling of importance, it is important to look at the CONSEQUENCES that come with HIS decision and MY response!

The Bible tells me that Jesus picked ME…FOR A REASON! In other words, He has expectations that He EXPECTS ME to take on as OBLIGATIONS. To be ELECTED by God means that I have a choice in the process as well. Being selected because He expects to see some ‘FRUIT of Good Works’ from His choice, now puts on some aching pressure with consequences.

If Jesus is telling me that MY choices about HIS choices come with expectations and consequences, then choosing NOT to choose is not really a choice! It’s a judgement!   And ‘OUCH…’ that hurts even WORSE!

Got Fruit?!

“If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

Last week, there were some brutally hot days here in Southwest Florida. October is supposed to be cooler, but it wasn’t working out that way. My neighbor has a fiance that just moved here from New England. It was fun watching him ‘sweat,’ working hard to please her as he trimmed tall bushes in the sun. I was in the shade and planned on staying quiet…until I couldn’t any longer.

“Hey pal, you’re killing yourself in this heat. There’s a way to do that down here!” I went on to suggest a hat, to work in the shade when available, hydrate often and to pace himself. Yes…I stuck my nose in his business! But my nose KNOWS a thing or two…and it cares! I assured him he’d eventually learn…or die trying! We both laughed!!!

It takes time to adjust to a different climate. Especially when one has lived in another most of their lives. There are LOTS of sayings that encourage wisdom over brute strength while working. “Measure once, cut twice.” “A stitch in time…saves nine!” “Let the TOOL do the work!” “The early bird gets…” Well, you get the point! And getting the point…IS the point!

So it is with the most critical climate where God wants people to live. And that is in the world called ‘Faith!’ God tells us that FAITH in HIM is a REAL SUBSTANCE and that without it we can NEVER please Him (Hebrews 11). While most people think of faith as some kind of mystical, hopeful, made up attitude in the face of impossible odds, nothing could be further from the truth. Faith in God is as real as the Bible I read to build it! And it takes work, time and practice to build a good one.

The Master of my vocation has a Handbook filled with job descriptions. Fortunately, or unfortunately, mine comes with some SERIOUS requirements. While others may be told to ‘mind their own business,’ MY job description requires me to ‘stick my nose in it!’ If you call yourself a ‘Believer,’ the basis of that title is your pre existing commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Pastors are called to be God’s ‘sign post’ to help direct your path. USUALLY because of a longer learning curve and experience in listening and applying.

In the world of human nature, Faith usually comes off as just plain stupid! Sometimes it actually IS just a smoky wish on the part of the traveler (but dad… I REALLY want some ice cream). But when I am connected to God, through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, His WORD assures me that I CAN know His mysterious will. And when I KNOW it, I am assured of HIS strength and promise that I CAN work, and walk, where the SON shines the brightest!

What’s the climate like where YOU live?

“‘BE’ like-minded, ‘HAVE’ the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 (Emph. Mine)

I have a new friend who is a fellow believer, though not a member of the church I pastor. Having many of the same interests and life situations, we definitely have things to talk about when we get together. I saw him last night and we happened upon an area where we disagree! What ensued after that was a friendly ‘sales pitch’ session to try to convince the other he was wrong. It was fun!

Jesus is a VERY OPINIONATED GUY! In fact, THAT was what got Him crucified! Being God, yet living inside a limited man’s body had some drawbacks. When it came down to God things, He was immovable. If it was an opinion about food, customs or favorites…He remained silent. The issue between my new friend and I was a Spiritual principle. So what to do NOW?

I have faced this same kind of scenario with this election. Knowing God like I do, and reading Jesus‘ definition of who is guilty of sin (see Matthew 5) I tend to get a little nuts just like HE did when He saw the money changers in the temple! Jesus’ reaction was EXACTLY like His Father’s. It was SUPPOSED to be!

I know the issues facing America and what is at stake. The scariest issue for me is seeing how people react when they ‘think’ this is just about what ‘THEY THINK!’ Biblical History from WAY back to the Old Testament proves otherwise. Thinking with a human agenda and advantage comes at a significant price!

Most of the issues facing this election have a ‘God’s view’ side to them. And when God has a view, he expects ME to back HIM up. Take the abortion…issue because it’s a big one. Psalm 139 is clear! A baby in the womb is a person created by GOD! Killing that person in the womb makes one ‘a murderer’ in God’s eyes. Yet since the year I graduated high school, the law of the land protects a person from a murder charge and turns it into a RIGHT!! Now, the Democratic party wants to expand that right to killing babies OUTSIDE of the womb! God is waiting to see how this one goes!

Almost EVERY issue Americans face this election has a ‘God View’ associated with it. A Biblical precedent that is clearly dictated by ‘DON’T,’ or implied through example. LGBT, Borders, national security, free speech and taxation are just a FEW that loom LARGE in God’s opinion book. God WILL reserve judgment until AFTER each of us casts our ballot. THAT is how HE works!

My friend and I are still friends. The issue we discussed will NOT be settled until we get to Heaven and see the outcome. Because the issue is NOT critical or life-threatening to our mutual goals of loving and serving God and each other, we CAN agree to disagree agreeably (Even though he’s wrong)! But when it comes to GOD’S opinion…do you REALLY want to be on His wrong side?

Are you living and voting like God is watching? As Elmer Fudd used to say…”Be VEWY VEWY CAREFUL!”

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

Waiting for our food order, I looked at my wife, who was intently watching a man outside act very strange. It didn’t take long for me to get caught up in the drama as he started throwing things into the air, then gesturing at a man further down the road to ‘come on’ while pointing an object in his direction. When the 2 started to get closer, I dialed 911.

We couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their body language communicated clearly enough. To make matters worse, the phone reception was bad and the operator was asking a lot of questions. So I went outside. Things happened very quickly. FAR too quickly for the 911 operator to keep up, so when the 2 got within reach of each other, I whistled loudly and hollered… “HEYYYYYY… KNOCK IT OFF!” And they did!Late for a meeting, we had to leave but watched 1 man leave, as the crazy man continued to talk to himself and throw things into the air. But at least he was no longer an immediate threat. While I have no idea if the Sheriff’s Department dispatched an officer to the scene, I knew God already had!

Watching the news and election information requires a HUGE sifter! I have heard so many lies and distortions lately that I cannot wait until this election is over. The biggest instigator, as far as I can tell, comes from 2 words stuck together…”I think!” When thrown out to someone who doesn’t agree, it can easily become a fight. And let’s face it…we ALL know when we are looking at a fight.

Looking at God’s Word COULD be a solution! But seeing this verse today actually adds MORE gas to the fire as God PUSHES His followers to ‘TAKE A STAND!’ “CHOOSE!” “ACT!” “PICK A SIDE!” His inference is that knowing evil should be as easy as knowing HIM! And God HATES Evil!

Standing on a street corner holding up Gospel signs is very educational. Having done it now for almost 6 weeks, Our church guys have seen some rather strong reactions. While we LOVE the ‘honks’ and encouragements, we also experience the ugly faced, angry, screamers who are VERY CLEAR in their hatred of anything Godly! Conclusion??? This is NOT an election. This is a Spiritual WAR!

Let me just say it up front…I don’t really CARE about YOUR opinion. I hope I don’t ever stand only on MINE! What matters is what GOD has to say about our opinions, because ONLY HIS TRUTH COUNTS! The question then is NOT about what we may THINK…but about WHO we KNOW! Because there has been a fight escalating ever since the Garden of Eden. And God is VERY ABSOLUTE one sided!

The Bible clearly tells us that NO ONE gets to sit out this eternal debate. To choose NOT to choose is to choose! And God is encouraging us to HATE EVIL.. and to CLING TO GOOD with a LOVING, SINCERE and DEDICATED HEART! Being made in His image…we should KNOW what that means! Anything less puts me on the WRONG side of God’s 911 phone bank!

“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” Mathew 24:21

Cutting grass the other day, approaching bushes that run around the back of the house, a sudden brown streak took of out in front of the mower. A rabbit had been lying there, apparently in hopes of remaining unnoticed, until fear took over and it ran. This is a common occurrence at my house.

My backyard is fenced on 2 sides so there really is only 1 way to go, and that is AROUND. Remaining there would leave the rabbit trapped. Though I do not know why I have them, bunnies of all ages seem to like my yard…until it’s mowing time! When the cutting starts, they wait until the last second, then simply cut and run!

Studying the final chapters of Daniel, there is an advantage to looking backward in time to see how His people responded to God and the times in which they lived. Though written HUNDREDS of years before the foretold events came to pass, God’s Word had been proclaimed, ignored, verified and attacked. Sadly, God’s people rarely heeded God’s Words…choosing instead to hide out and hope for the best. Like a WABIT!

A W.A.B.I.T. is a person who ‘Won’t Accept Biblically Inspired Truth!’ Sadly, that makes up a very large majority of the people of the world. And like the bunnies in my yard, and in spite of the sights and sounds surrounding this fenced-in trap of a world where NO one gets out alive…most choose to ignore, lay low or make a run for it…to nowhere!

I know The Bible. I know what it says and KINDA know what to expect! What is coming, if we don’t pay attention to what God says, is going to be bad…. REALLY bad! With a critical election coming up, many people are choosing to not look to what GOD has to say about how we live. We will either listen, heed and make adjustments…or!!!!

Don’t be a W.A.B.I.T.  

“let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

There are some things that require attention more than others. A broken tire is not as bad as a broken foot! Which may be a horrible example…but it made the point! This morning, while it is daylight, I am executing a formulated, multi-step, long term plan that has required time, effort and money to get done! I’m changing a light bulb!

Daylight Savings Time is going to be over this weekend. Which means that we will go back to standard time. Which means that when we gather together at the church for evening Bible Study on Wednesday nights, we will arrive after dark! Our forefathers had the same problem and erected a very bright light on a very tall pole so our people will be able to SEE in that darkness. That light bulb has burned out…AGAIN!

This BULB is a special one! It is a mercury vapor bulb with a mogul base! What that means is, you can’t buy it just anywhere. I tried. It ended up being an online purchase that required research…something our forefathers knew NOTHING about. Discovery led to choices and I had to decide if I wanted the $8.00 regular bulb or a newer LED type bulb for $65! Long time experience dictated my decision.

I remember when the new LED lights first came out. It was said that “they last 10 times longer!” That decision STILL required mathematics to figure out if a $10 LED light bulb was better than a regular old $1 bulb. Over time, it has been my experience that LED lights do NOT last 10 times longer. And since ‘I’m” the guy who has to haul and climb the big ladder to change it, I went old school!

Political talk and reasoning has gotten rather ridiculous these days. Our founding fathers established this great country on the Word of God, which had been around for THOUSANDS of years. God’s way had proven that God’s way WORKS! So they put those laws down in writing. But just as always, there are people today who do not LIKE living under God’s laws and would rather shoot out the light of our working system!

It is essential that every Christian look at the issues today in light of God’s Word and Truth. Then to vote according to HIS terms. That requires research time and effort. Doing it wrong will guarantee some negative repercussions. Which, if you like living in the dark…may not matter to you. It is God’s reminder to ME that He has made ME to be His Light! And in the darkness, that is a VERY big deal!

Your light is special… let it shine!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

With the election coming up and so much at stake, our Church had been impressed by the Holy Spirit to do what we have done in the past when difficult situations arise. And that is to gather around our flagpole beside the busy road… and PRAY! With dark storm clouds surrounding the Church, 28 of us ventured out in faith!

Puffing like a prophet, I exclaimed loudly that it has NEVER rained when we gathered like this before!”, As the sheepish saints circled, the forces of the spiritual realms heard and saw us from BOTH sides. We could feel the tension as we prayed and our prayers broke through to Heaven. Soon, the tiniest droplets of rain squeezed through. Just enough to make us all wonder. But we held fast.

7 of the 28 of us were children. As we prayed, my mind went back to when MY kids were little. Then back to when I was too. Therefore, it was no surprise when I saw a few of them begin to fidget! Time was having it’s way and it was time to act. Having a few signs, I waved to one the kids and instructed him to start walking and hold it up to passing cars. Soon, all the kids had joined in, the praying went on, and the rain dared not even TRY to dampen our mission!

When the mission was complete, we left the Church to gather at a local restaurant. When the last car pulled out, the rain POURED down. Gathering around tables, it didn’t take long to realize another potential storm was brewing! Though reservations had been made, the restaurant was largely understaffed. As time began having it’s way again, it was no surprise to find all 7 kids, from 3 different families, gathered around 1 table. Was this a test?

Tensions rose, as 1 hour turned into almost 3! As adults were tempted to melt down, I kept watching the children. The longer I watched, the bigger the miracle grew before ALL of our eyes! The kids bonded together and held out to the end without any major meltdowns or reasons to throw in the towel…except for an occasional spill!

As I sit here writing, I can’t stop smiling! Because ultimately, after growing to 30 in attendance, ALL 30 of us kids held to the title of ‘God’s Kids’ to the end! And God SHINED!!!! I cannot tell you which was the most powerful miracle! But I guess we showed ‘em huh? Thanks kids! I LOVE hanging out with y’all!