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Holding on to Christmas Past

In Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, Scrooge dreads the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past. The ghost reminds him of things that were, and things that might have been as he looks back with many regrets. I have no such loathing whenever I recall Christmas past. Rather, I long for the ability to step back in time into any of several Christmas scenes I hold dear. Perhaps you do as well.

Growing up in Indiana, USA, I fondly remember snowy white Christmases as the reflection of colored lights turned every place you stepped into a magical scene reminiscent of a Thomas Kincaid painting. I recall when department stores had animated window displays that came alive before the eyes of a young boy with his nose pressed against the cold glass in wonder. I walked down “city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style.” I have fond memories of playing Joseph in the children’s church nativity play each year. As a teenager I can still feel the cold of singing carols in near zero temperatures at nighttime in a live Christmas tree set up in a shopping mall parking lot. And I’ll never forget performing in a Christmas Madrigal dinner in a very short purple costume with white leotards and mooning the audience as I served them traditional holiday fare. I simply love everything about Christmas past! They are among my most precious memories.

I’m in my sixties now and so much of what made Christmas so precious to me has changed over the decades. I could blame it on commercialization, profiteering, cheesy Christmas tunes, redundant recycled Hallmark movies-all would be right. But I believe it goes much deeper. For me, it seems that the reverence and the awe and wonder about who Christmas is about has been lost, or worse, intentionally replaced by a woke society that has grown uncomfortable with the life that a holy child calls each of us to live year round. The carols of the past, seldom heard today even in churches, tell the wondrous story of God erasing the divide between Heaven and earth and becoming Emmanuel, God with us. You could almost tell the Christmas story from the beginning by these forgotten carols: Oh Holy Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Joy to the World. And yet to many, this story is received in dread much like Dickens’ Scrooge, as an unwelcome call to living a changed life that little baby embodied.

And yet the story of that first Christmas has not changed, and remains a hope for all who desperately seek the peace that Emmanuel brings. A young teenaged Jewish girl is chosen to bear the Son of God while her husband is charged with protecting him and raising him to become the Savior of the world. From that time until now, all who have sought him, the shepherds, the Magi, the lost, the desperate, the hopeless, have found peace and felt the wonder that was first ushered into our world that night in Bethlehem. What a night that must have been! For those of us who believe and follow this Christ child, the holy residue of that night that forever changed humanity, can still be felt when we ponder the miracle of that first Christmas and when we still worship at that manger with lyrics that cause us to remember. Yes, Christmas was but a precursor to Easter when Mary’s soul was truly pierced as prophesied. But our salvation process began with God’s immeasurable love and desire for to become his children through the birth of his child.

My Christmas past is my Christmas present and future and I embrace that hope with all that I have. Christ lives in me because of Christmas. I pray that all who read this may also seek and cherish the salvation and the awe of that special Christmas past!

Merry Christmas and God’s peace be with you.

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

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The Charlie Kirk Effect: A Layperson’s Response

As I post this, we are just days away from one of the largest memorial services in recent U.S. history. On Sunday 60,000 people are expected to show up at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, AZ to pay their respects to Charlie Kirk. Vigils have been held around the world in places like London, the U.K., Australia, South Korea, and hundreds right here in the U.S.. To date there have been over 50,000 applications submitted for new TPUSA chapters, the organization Charlie Kirk founded when he was just 18 years old. Barna Group is reporting a 16% rise in church attendance last week across all denominations, primarily from college aged young adults. In my own church we received 71 new families and baptized 52 new believers into the Christian faith. His podcast has jumped to the #1 spot after his death. Why? Who was this person that the whole world is taking notice of him?

Charlie Kirk was a high profile conservative political activist and media influence. He was a gifted and extremely knowledgeable public speaker who toured college campuses encouraging student dialogue and debate. His beliefs were sometimes controversial and polarizing. But beyond his political affiliation, Charlie Kirk was an unashamed, unapologetic and boldly professed follower of Jesus Christ. Even on the day of his assassination he was recorded proclaiming the truth of the Gospel and Jesus as Lord. With his wife and young children in a tent nearby, the sound of a bullet, a flow of crimson, a world in shock and a voice silenced, or so we thought.

Not everyone agreed with Charlie’s convictions. I too questioned a couple statements he made. His positions remain open for debate, just as he would have wanted. Social media has been inundated with posts and videos from every possible sector, sports, music, entertainment , preachers and activists. Many surprising tributes in word or song have been written in Charlie’s honor. His videos have stirred division between his fans and opponents. Many have been fired from their employment over comments posted either in defense of or in opposition to his views. But one thing for sure is that his uncompromising faith in God has ignited a fire among lukewarm believers who have found a supernatural courage and boldness to stand with Charlie and to publicly confess Christ as their Lord and Savior louder than ever before. His public execution and willingness to be targeted has inspired a generation to eagerly become targets by their own professions of faith. John 12:24 in the Bible reads:

”Unless a kernel of wheat is planted and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels-a harvest of new lives.”

In Acts chapter 8, we read that on the day that Stephen was killed for his outspoken testimony, the followers were scattered and preached the Gospel wherever they went. One silenced voice became a battle cry for many more to pick up the banner and carry the good news into the world. Charlie Kirk, like him or not, was a voice of light in an increasingly darkened world. The celebrations of his death only expose the severity of that darkness. I am but a layperson living my best, through the power of God’s spirit, to display accurately the grace and hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. I admire Charlie’s courage to take a stand for his convictions, whether they were right or wrong, accepted or denied.

I’m humbled by those who have chosen through the link on this page to follow In My Own Words. I attempt to post about hope, love and encouragement. I want to be clear that I write from my personal belief and profession of Christ being my Lord, my Savior and my moral compass. I stand on the undeniable truth of God’s Holy Word, and any partisan views I adopt are not driven by left or right ideologies but by obedience to the commends of Christ and his statement that if we love and profess him, we will obey his commands. I do so with love, compassion, and the same grace that’s been shown to me. God has been too good to me after all these years for me to have any other response. God bless you.

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AI Faith vs Authentic Faith

We have all heard stories of those eagerly waiting to meet for the first time that person they matched with on the latest dating app, only to meet someone they didn’t recognize because they used a false image to hide their true appearance. It happened to me as well. There is nothing more disappointing than high expectations for someone who turned out to be entirely different in the flesh. In a world of artificial intelligence apps and facial filters to alter true images, we are no longer surprised when a person turned out to be completely opposite of their projected image.

That said, the lack of authenticism is nothing new, especially when it comes to living out our confession of being Christ followers. It’s as old as the Bible itself. We read that Jesus called out the religious leaders for being white-washed to the outside world, fake filtered, but being full of death in reality. Consider just a sampling of scripture passages that address false images even in Biblical times:

James 1; If you claim faith but speak evil, your faith is worthless.

Isaiah 29; People honor me in word but their hearts are far from me.

1 John 1; If we profess to have no sin, we are liars…and we make Him out to be a liar.

1 Corinthians 13; If I prophecy, display knowledge and move mountains by faith, but don’t show love, my faith is worthless.

Mark 13; False Christs will rise and miracles and lead even the faithful astray.

The central theme of these passages is about presenting a false outer image that contradicts what is in our hearts. The fallacy of this approach to our public profession of our faith is that God knows and sees what lies behind our filtered image, our hearts and our thoughts. There is nothing artificial about a God who knows all, sees all, hears all-nothing is hidden from Him. The danger for us is that scripture is clear about the coming price to be paid by anyone who deliberately leads others astray by presenting an AI version of our faith with outward images or lifestyles that distort the unfiltered Gospel of Christ. I am a flawed person, imperfect to the core. But my hope is that instead of hiding behind a filter that conceals those flaws, they may be seen as covered by God’s grace in a way that will reveal His likeness through my weaknesses, my mess as a message, my past as His story through me.

Don’t misunderstand me, I wish I looked a bit more like a George Clooney and a bit less like Mr. Rogers. It would serve me better in my bachelorhood. But in my faith journey, I’d rather walk in authenticity according to Romans 13:14; “Clothe yourself with the presence (true image) of the Lord Jesus Christ,” (italics mine). There is no room for artificial filters in a world that is desperate to see the real hope in an unaltered Christ.

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No “Regerts”

Some of you may remember the TV commercial about someone getting a “ No Regrets” tattoo that was misspelled, leading to a permanent regret. Cambridge defines regret as “a feeling of sadness or wrong or about a mistake that you have made, and a wish that it could have been different and better.” Sound familiar? I imagine all of us at one time or another have experienced a regret or two sometime in our past.

As I am blessed to be in my 60s, I try not to have regrets. But perhaps I’m just fooling myself. I call them instead, What Ifs, things I could have done differently. Of those, there are plenty! Maybe you share some of them:

What if I’d have gone to a different high school?

What if I would have planned that date differently?

What if I’d have chosen a different career?

What if I’d have chosen a different spouse?

What if I’d have stopped before that last drink?

What if I would have worked harder to keep my family together?

What if I’d have bought that new Apple stock when it became public?

This list could be endless as you add your “ what ifs” to it. There is no denying that our choices, good and bad, alter the course of our lives. We may not have realized it at the moment, but when looking back, we can see those times when we zigged where we should have zagged. What do we do with this now? May I suggest three things we can do to utilize these to our benefit and to others.
First, don’t dwell on things you would have done differently, or imagine how your life would look now had you made different choices. Instead, be grateful for lessons learned and future opportunities to make decisions based on wisdom gained from your past.

Second, use your past “regerts” to help others you may encounter who might be facing similar decisions. There is nothing more effective in offering advice, than genuine “me too” moments. When helping someone through difficult situations, you are more credible when you can honestly share a time when you were facing the same decision.

Third, for us who follow Christ, understanding that all things truly do work out for our good if we love God and walk in his purpose for us. There is little more powerful or impactful than a messed up life due to bad choices that has been restored into a testimony of God’s goodness, regardless of a life of what if moments. He trades beauty for ashes every time. We may live within the realm of bad decisions, but God has a way of recalibrating us to his intended plan as if nothing happened. Our identity is not in bad decisions, but rather the wisdom gained in the process. No “regerts.”

Still, I wonder what would have happened if I took up golf earlier.

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Whose Voice Do You Listen To?

When I ran track in High School, the parents and students would be in the bleachers cheering for their own kids or school. But there would only be one voice I was tuning in to hear, that voice of my dad. I can’t exactly explain how I could distinguish his voice above the hundreds others, but I strained to hear him all the same. I knew that when I heard him shouting, “run Joe, run, you can do it”, I found an extra gear, a desire to make my dad proud. That was more important to me than any ribbon, but it was only possible by responding to his voice alone.

We live in a world where we are bombarded by voices. There are the voices of a society telling us how to think, how to act, constantly challenging our moral compass or upbringing. There are critical voices of those Job-like friends from the Old Testament, telling us how many ways we are wrong. But I believe that the most damning voices are those of inner enemies engaging in warfare on the battlefield of our minds. I’m sure you’ve heard them too. They are easy to recognize:

”Don’t kid yourself, you will never amount to anything special.”

”Who are you fooling, you know you can’t do this. You will fail like always.”

”If they only knew your past like I do…”

”Stop trying so hard, you will never be good enough.”

Sadly, the voices that echo the loudest, tend to be the one we listen to and ultimately believe. After all, if they are saying the same things, they must be true. But are they?
In biblical times, whenever there was a large event, shepherds would corral their flocks with several theirs until the event ended. Then they would call their own flock out to journey back home. This was possible because each shepherd had a very distinct call that only his flock would respond to. In the course of a day the sheep would hear many calls, or voices, but would only respond to the one true voice of their shepherd. The sheep had to be trained and conditioned over time which voices to ignore and which one to follow. Just like my dad in the stands, I was conditioned to hear his voice over all others . Now I follow the voice of my Heavenly Father.

The truth of a voice is not relative to its volume. Don’t be taken in by loud liars. You are worthy-you are important-you are needed and loved-you are most certainly enough! Surround yourself with people who know you best and train yourself to listen for their voices when your enemy invades. Create a mental filter that detects spam before it is allowed through. Listen to the right voice!

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Do You Still Believe?

Last night I watched a story from the Elf on a Shelf Series. Chippey the Elf was sent to the home of a boy who no longer believed in Christmas. Chippey did everything he could think of to remind the boy of the joy of his past Christmases, old photos, decorations he had made, opening gifts, but nothing seemed to work. The young boy had stopped believing, and even ridiculed his family for their unwavering belief. The boy finally said to the Elf, “If you’re real, prove it. Fly or something so that I can believe!”

Christmas magnifies what’s in the heart. If you are in a good place, everything seems a bit brighter, a bit merrier. But if you are troubled in any way, Christmas can bring you even further down into the dark recesses of despair and hopelessness. Even believers in Christ who have seen God’s goodness in their past, can start to question their faith. If God is real, why are people sick, unemployed, lonely, forgotten? Why does my life look so different from what I had imagined it? Like the young boy, we challenge God to prove himself so that we may believe again, while all the time God is there on the shelf doing things all around us that we miss because of the blurred vision of discouragement and doubt.

When Chippey the Elf flew back to the North Pole, the boy noticed he was gone, and that something seemed not right, a strange void. Only then did he believe again and long for Chippey’s return. Unlike Chippey, God never leaves us, but when we remove him from our lives through disappointment, we too feel an emptiness, a void. Only when we return to him in total trust and faith beyond reason, will we believe again and experience the joy he brought us through the Christ child of Christmas. Reach out in childlike faith and embrace the wonder of this sacred season! Unto us, a child is given. Merry Christmas.

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The Landmines of Christian Correction

”A true Christian would never vote for that party.”

”If you still listen to secular music, you aren’t saved,”

”You aren’t a good witness if you drink alcohol.”

“If you knew the Bible, you wouldn’t get tattoos.”

Have you come across posts like these, or worse, been the recipient of them? Today’s social media platforms have provided a platform for some in the Christian community to become modern day Pharisees with their pious and legalistic judgment. On one of the newer platforms that allow interactive posts from people around the world, it is truly disheartening to witness professed Christians attacking each other over gross misinterpretation of scripture to the point of questioning the validity of each other’s faith. In an attempt to strut their own righteousness, they are showing a lost world what a divided Christ looks like, and in the process, losing all credibility with those who are watching.

We are guilty of wasting an opportunity to reach a global audience with the message of God’s grace, mercy and salvation. However, for some bizarre reason, a few Christians are more compelled to sow public discord with each other over inconsequential theological arguments that become heated, than to instead, post about the goodness of God and the free gift of forgiveness. Jesus told us that the world would hate us because it hated him. But shame on us for giving the world more reasons to be cynical towards us because of our fragmented presentation on media platforms.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1, “…to all agree and have no divisions among you, but be united in the same mind and judgment.”
And in Proverbs 6, we are told that there are seven things the Lord hates, the last being “anyone who sows discord among his brothers.” It’s challenging enough that there are over 40,000 denominational approaches to following One true and sovereign Lord. But when we throw shade at Christian siblings over differing practices or rituals, we are wasting keystrokes that should be used to provide hope and light to a dark and desperate world that needs to see the glory of Christ.

Just because something is wrong for you, doesn’t make it wrong for others. The Holy Spirit convicts each of us individually based on our personal weaknesses. Don’t allow our enemy to make us apply our personal convictions to all others in a divisive way that turns seekers away. Instead, let our words and posts be unified in accurately reflecting the hope found in Christ, and in bringing glory to God our Father.

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Do You Know Your Assignment?

Ephesians 2:10; “For we are his workmanship, created for good works, that we should walk in them.”

I was raised in a church and a faith that told us we should always be seeking God’s will for our lives. That well-meaning admonishment became a burden I would bear for years to come. My friends would tell me that they felt God calling them to be a pastor or to be a missionary in some third world country. While at the time, neither of those callings interested me, I somehow felt left out because I hadn’t heard from God telling me anything about his will where I was concerned. Had he decided that he had no real plans or purpose for me, or that he had enough workers at the time so that I wasn’t needed?

I would imagine there are others who have shared similar experiences. I do believe that God still calls some into specific roles of leadership, such as pastoring, teaching, ministering abroad, etc.. But as the passage from Ephesians shown above reads, we are all called in Christ to do good works, to walk daily looking for opportunities for those works to be accomplished. The Bible is God’s will laid out for us, with things we should be doing continually:

Micah 6:8; The Lord requires that you do justice, that you love kindness, and that you walk humbly with your God.

1 Timothy 2:1-3; I urge you to pray for all people, kings and rulers, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in God’s sight.

Matthew 22:37; Love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.

1 Corinthians 1:10; I appeal to you in the name of Christ Jesus, that there be no divisions among you and that you be united in mind and judgment.

If you were to google or search your Bible app for God’s will, God’s plan or God’s command for us, you would be overwhelmed at the passages that clearly lay out His will for our lives. We can go stir-crazy waiting around for some sign or revelation from God on what your assignment is, or we can do those things that we read in the Word that are already confirmed as his will for us now. God can’t lead us if we aren’t already moving. I can turn my steering wheel all day long. But unless the car is in Drive and moving forward, I’m not going anywhere. Don’t be idle in the waiting; be active, engaged, serving, loving, helping-in movement. In that, we all share in the same assignment, to love people, to share the good news of hope in Christ, and to walk faithfully before others in our beliefs and our testimonies of God’s grace. That is His will for us. That is our assignment!


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TMI-Too Much Information

Back in the day, when I was a wee little lad, life was so much simpler. We had two primary sources of news; the evening news on one of three television stations, and the daily newspaper. For the most part, we would not hear of major news stories until the end of the day, or the following day. Compare that to the present. According to USA Today there are now over three thousand (3,000!) news outlets just in the U. S.. As I look back, what a blessing it was to live so peacefully in relative blissful ignorance of what was going on around the country.

With the emergence of smart phones, we now have the latest breaking news in real time, disrupting our lives constantly. We can be in the middle of enjoying life when we get that digital tone and/or vibration, and we are compelled to stop what we are doing to see what’s happening. “Hold the phone” ( pun intended), there must be something important happening somewhere that probably doesn’t affect me, but that I need to know about. Depending upon how your phone is set up, these alerts can be about the most trivial things-a celebrity gets arrested, the latest trade rumors, what someone posted on Twitter or X, and so on. As the Eagles sung so prophetically, we really are prisoners of our own device.

A correlation can be made between instant news access and a rise in the rate of anxiety and depression. Two studies I read recently, suggest that the anxiety rate of younger adults has gone up 90% since 2005. I’ve personally spoken with people who are extremely anxious about world events, things out of their control that may have little if any impact on their daily welfare. Much energy and emotion is spent on the what-ifs of future things that may never happen, but are causing stress-related illnesses in the present. Even those who profess a faith in Christ get caught up in the chaos of too much information.

I don’t have my psych degree, but there are some things I’ve incorporated to make my life more peaceful in a world that would compel me to worry. The first one is simple in theory but difficult to commit to-just unplug! Remove any news apps on your phone, or at the very least, turn off instant notifications by turning off sound and vibration alerts. Don’t let an alert disrupt a game you are playing with your kids or a nice dinner with your spouse or a round of golf with the boys. If you aren’t personally being attacked by enemy aircraft, it can wait. The second is based on sound Biblical principles found in numerous passages. We are told in Philippians to be anxious about nothing, but instead pray about everything. 1st Peter reads to cast all our cares and concerns upon Christ. John 16 says we can have peace in a world of trouble because Christ has overcome the world. And again in Philippians, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.

Find those things that that give you serenity, a walk in a park, a soothing soak in the tub, that book you’ve been meaning to read, a glass of wine while listening to your favorite music. Google scriptures about peace and read everything the Word has to say about attaining and keeping peace in your life. Turn your Too Much Information into Try More Introspection, and filter out those thoughts and feelings of anxiety that serve only to impact the quality of your day. The unseen forces that wage war for our souls will use any weapon proven effective, especially fear over future events. Would you invest in a stock for a company that is not yet in business? Then stop investing emotions into events that have not and may not happen. Instead, seek out peace and enjoy life a little longer.

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You and What Army?

Sometime during the mid 1950s, a phrase was coined whenever a threat was made to someone. The response would be “you and who else?”. That phrase evolved during the 60s to “you and what army?”. In essence, it implies that the person making the threat can not fight back on their own or with their own strength, and will need a lot more help in order to make good on their statement.

There have been times in my life when I felt like my back was against the wall and my natural reaction was to fight back, but I had neither the strength nor the willpower to do so on my own. We all find ourselves in battles where we feel outnumbered, outmatched, defeated before we even engage. Those battles might be disease, divorce, addiction, depression-anything that zaps our energy and renders us helpless and hopeless.

In the book of 2 Kings, chapter 6, is the story of Elisha and his young servant who find themselves surrounded by chariots and horses of the armies of King of Aram:

“Oh sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried. “Don’t be afraid, because there are more on our side than on theirs!”. Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open up his eyes so that he might see”. The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside surrounding Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire”.

Romans 8:31 reads “If God is for us, then who could ever be against us”, or from the Message translation, how could we ever lose! The next time you are in a situation that seems hopeless, or you simply feel too tired to fight, remember these things. First, God knows your enemy or the details of your circumstances far more than you do. Second, his armies never sleep but keep constant watch over all of his children. And third and most importantly, our God remains the undisputed, unmatched, and undefeated King of all armies. So the next time your enemy says to you, “you and what army?”, you can reply with all confidence “here, hold my beer!”.

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Frustrated With God?

Is it okay to be frustrated with God? I can almost hear the jeers from the Sunday Sanctified at the mere thought of anyone even thinking this, let alone actually asking the question. I admit that there are times when I am frustrated with God, even as I write this. A layman’s definition of frustration is a negative emotional response that stems from something not going your way or according to your plans.

Did you picture your life being different than it has played out? Have you been dealt a hand you weren’t expecting that has drastically altered the life you envisioned? Perhaps you dreamed of the perfect life, the high paying job, the soulmate spouse, the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood, great health and a fit body that defied age, love, peace, joy, kumbaya. Yet here you are in a world where nothing looks familiar to your storybook life. And as a believer, you pray, no you plead to God to honor his word and to grant your prayers according to your desires, your criteria and your timing. I want it all and I want it now!

The truth is that God does want the best for his children. We’re told that he won’t withhold any good thing from us, that he will give us the desires of our hearts. But the condition is that those good things and desires have to line up with his will, not ours. God is not at my ever beckoning call to do my bidding. It’s the exact opposite! There are situations I’ve been praying about for years and the wait is frustrating. But I have to consider two things: first, God is not confined by time, space or matter or he wouldn’t be God. Humans are bound by time but God isn’t. He will work all things out for my good according to his will when he is ready to do so. Two, God knows things about our circumstances that we don’t. He may be preparing you for that perfect job, that perfect spouse or that perfect situation. He may also be preventing us from entering into something that’s not ideal for us, because of his sovereignty. Some unanswered prayers may indeed be his answer to protect us from things we don’t see.

A good friend reminded me just this past evening that God is always with us and completing his work through us, even if it isn’t the way we envisioned our life, and even if his plan requires unforeseen sacrifice. Once I learn that my frustrations are based upon my will and desires, and can yield my plans and desires to his, then will I see that Father Knows Best!

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Yes, I Really Need 100 Shirts!

From the time I was in grade school to the present, I’ve had a fascination with colorful shirts. I recall like it was yesterday, the first thing I bought with my paper route money was a purple shirt, flared sleeves and matching purple bell bottom jeans. I love bright colors, fancy designs, woven jacquards, and especially paisley prints, my signature look. In fact, my friends at church refer to them as Joe shirts, shirts that I would typically wear. Some might suggest I should dress more conservatively for my age. I think not! I just recently cleaned out my closet of older shirts to donate, and I still have over 100, and I just bought a couple more!

However, at my more mature age I’ve come to realize something. While I do love flamboyant shirts, lately I’ve been using them as a distraction. You see, I know what lies beneath them. For most of my life I maintained an active lifestyle and an athletic physique. On most Summer days you could find me wearing no shirts at all, very comfortable and not shy. But as I began experiencing health issues in my forties, that physique went away and my wardrobe grew ever more colorful. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror as I was haunted by the memories of how I used to look compared to the disease ridden shape I was now in. I was no longer comfortable with my appearance and I worried over how I was viewed by others. My colorful shirts distracted others from seeing what I was hiding.

I wonder how many people do the same in their lives. They create false images, facades, to hide what they really look like. This is never more evident than on dating sites when profile photos are so altered by filters that the real person shows up unrecognizable. We do whatever we must to hide our insecurities, our weaknesses, our ugliness. We don’t want the world to see the real person behind the facade for fear they too would be as repulsed as we are. We may hide behind being a comic, buying extravagant gifts, never saying no to friends, volunteering for every event-all to distract others from seeing the real us. But what we see and what God sees, are entirely different!

I tend to look back over the trail of destruction in my wake, but God looks forward into the future plans and achievements he has in store for me. He made accommodations long ago for all my failures, mistakes, bad decisions and disobedience. In Christ, he sees us as precious, bought and refurbished by the Cross, the one he leaves the ninety-nine for. In Luke 12 we are told God sees the smallest of sparrows and that we are much more valuable than they are. In Ephesians 1 we are told that God chose us and knew us with all our imperfections, before he created the world, and that we are valuable to him because of the high price he paid for us. In 1 John 3 we are referred to as God’s beloved children. It’s almost unfathomable that the one who sees all the things we try to hide from others, is the one who loves us the most. Only God sees behind jacquards, paisley, loud colors and sequins. His son died for those very things we try to conceal, the ugliness we don’t want to see in the mirror, the scars from our numerous defeats and the haunts that we’ll never be good enough. We consider all of our disqualifications; God sees us perfected through Christ. We see ourselves as the poop scoopers in the parade; He sees us as Grand Marshalls on the leading float!

In my eyes there are not enough shirts to hide behind, but in God’s eyes I’m free to go shirtless. But I still need 100 shirts!

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God and a Transistor Radio

Back in the good old days before digital devices and streaming platforms, we listened to our music on something called a transistor radio. It fit in your hand and came with one ear piece. They had an antenna you pulled out to get reception. These radios were made by companies like Zenith, GE, Lloyds, Sony and others. The cool kids kept theirs in a leather case with a hand strap and holes to allow the music to flow from the speakers.

In order to listen to your favorite station you had to know their frequency and tune into it manually by turning the small dial on the side of the radio. I recall the dials having grooves on the edge. I would slip my finger nail into the groove for more precise tuning. You needed to be exactly on the station for it to come through. If you were off by a click, the music would be fuzzy. Two clicks and you’d get static. At three clicks you would lose the station completely. And as you moved around town you constantly had to retune to the station due to the variance in air frequencies based on different locations. The kids today just don’t know the struggle!

It occurred to me that I can be that way with God at times. I genuinely desire to hear God’s voice and be in his will, but sometimes my tuner is a little off. There are things that must be done to stay tuned in. If I don’t have a daily routine of time in the Word, I can get off by a click, and God’s voice gets a little fuzzy. If I go days without spending any real time alone with God in prayer, I get the static of being two clicks off. When trials and difficulties come along that I don’t understand, and I rebel or hide in my corner like a small child, I get so far out of tune that I lose Gods voice completely.

Every day in the life of a believer, there are unseen but very real forces whose sole purpose is to screw with our spiritual tuners one click at a time until we lose all frequency to God. Subtle things like a bad day at work, a fight with your spouse, a health issue, that one drink too many, even unanswered prayers, can cause us to tune out God’s voice at the very time we need to hear it the most, and all we end up hearing is static, white noise. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we can recognize the static of becoming out of tune and make the adjustments necessary so that we never lose the ability to stay precisely tuned into His voice and plan for our lives. You could only be a few clicks away from missing out on something great!

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The Insignificance of the First Christmas

Multi-colored lights, Christmas music playing on every radio station, classic holiday shows on TV, the hustle and bustle of shopping on steroids-all to celebrate an annual holiday that has its origins over two thousand years ago. Why has Christmas become such a big deal from such an insignificant event?

Sheep were on the verge of extinction due to the sacrifices required for the sins of man. So out of love, God stepped into his creation in the form of his son Jesus. He wasn’t born of the queen of some great city or the relative of a high priest. He came into the world through a poor, insignificant Jewish teenager named Mary. Hie father wasn’t wealthy but a poor carpenter or mason. Jesus wasn’t born in the temple or raised in the palace of a Pharaoh. He was born in an insignificant holding area for stable animals, and laid in what was most likely a feeding trough.

Christ wasn’t born in Rome or even the holy city of Jerusalem, but twenty-five miles away in the insignificant town of Bethlehem, mentioned in Micah as small among the Jewish clans, an unimportant village. His birth wasn’t heralded through the streets by the town crier, but first announced to a band of insignificant shepherds guarding their flocks on the outskirts of the town. There was little if anything significant about the birth of Jesus. And later on in his life, even the prophet Isaiah referred to him as insignificant. Listen to his words in Isaiah 53:3:

”He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness. People hid their faces from him; he was despised and we considered him insignificant.”

Do you struggle with self worth? Do you ever question your significance? I know I do. Guess what, we’re in good company. Throughout scripture, God used the lowly, overlooked, insignificant things and people to accomplish history changing events. He uses brokenness to create masterful mosaics. He uses our messes to deliver his message. God uses our weaknesses to exploit his power. Jesus had every right to be born in the palace of a king, raised as a prince and heir to the throne of the king. But Emmanuel, God with us, wanted to be accessible to all people, from the greatest to the least. What better way should one of the most significant events in man’s history transpire but through a series of insignificant circumstances involving seemingly insignificant people.

Thank God for the insignificance of an event that forever changed the world and afforded us salvation and eternal life in a new home where insignificance will be a thing of the past. Merry Christmas.

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If Tomorrow Never Comes

I recently celebrated my 62nd birthday. I’m grateful for every year when I consider that so many are not as fortunate. The news headlines alone are a stark reminder of this. A shooting last week in Maine claims 18 lives as young as 14 years old. A hurricane in Mexico that formed with little warning claims another 27 lives. Each day in the U.S. 8,000 die from accidents or illness. Life is precious because it’s not guaranteed.

On my birthday I visited the grave of my grandson Brian, who died exactly one year earlier at the age of 21. As I walked around the cemetery, as I often do whenever I visit, I couldn’t help but notice how many markers bore the same birth year as mine. It reminded me that my number could be called at any time.

God alone knows how many years of life we are each assigned. Some make the mistake of basing their longevity on some high average number. If one is 30 years old and will live to be 90, you can say they are still young. But, if one is 30 and they will die by age 40, they are already old. Many younger people may actually be much older than they know!

In the end, the number of years we have isn’t as important as what we do with them. A lot of old people die having never truly lived, while many who die young lived a full and rich life. I think of former President Jimmy Carter who, in his 90s still built homes for Habitat for Humanity or Mother Teresa, who continued her work in Calcutta until her death at age 87.

Sadly, many who are like me don’t understand the importance and the urgency of making our days count until we are much older, and work overtime in an attempt to make up for wasted years, or to leave something of a legacy behind for our kids to build on. I wish I would have worked less and spent more time with my young family, attended more games, took more photos, weekend trips, family outings. I don’t want Cats in the Cradle to be my life’s song when my time is up.

But even more important is the fact that this 50-80 years on earth is but a grain of sand in the desert of eternity. We focus all of our time and energy on a lifetime that won’t even show up as a blip on the infinite timeline of forever. I’m not big on old time sayings, but one that I grew up hearing rings true:
Soon this life on earth will pass, only what’s done for God will last. Each year that I’m blessed with is another opportunity to make up for a year I wasted, another opportunity to tell someone how much I love them, another opportunity to help out someone less fortunate, another chance to be a friend to someone who is struggling, to brighten someone’s day, another opportunity to dance, to sing, to give, to laugh, to worship, just in case tomorrow never comes.

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Improving Your Game one Stroke at a Time

I love the game of golf! It’s fun, challenging, frustrating and humbling. I’m not very good at it. I’m often asked what my handicap is, to which I reply, golf. I am always seeking out ways to improve my game. I watch instructional videos on stance and addressing the ball. I go to the range to work on the mechanics of my swing. I research the latest clubs and the best balls for distance. I even bought some newly designed tees recently that reduce friction and side spin. And I constantly watch tournaments on tv to see how the pros do it. I have to admit I get upset when in spite of my best efforts, it doesn’t always come together. I put all this effort into improving my level of play and reducing strokes in a sport where there is no such thing as the perfect game. The lowest official score to date is 55, but someone will eventually do better.

I have to ask myself, how much better of a Christ-follower and leader would I be if I used the same approach in improving my faith. Am I constantly watching to see how the “pros” do it? Am I tracking my score to see if I’m improving? Am I working on the weaker areas of my game? Do I play with men who are better than I am so that I may learn from their experiences? And do I get as frustrated when I miss the mark with God as I do when I miss a three foot putt?

I love the Apostle Paul because I can so easily relate to him. He said in Romans 7 that he couldn’t understand why he did the things he knew he shouldn’t, but didn’t do the things he should. It frustrated him because he knew he had a better game inside of him. There are times when I return from a weekend of serving in church, that I feel somewhat accomplished. But there are those times when I wonder why God would use someone so flawed to do something so eternally important. Like golf, there is no such thing as the perfect level of the Christian journey. But I should be always striving to get better, to reduce errors and improve my score. I shouldn’t be content with anything less.

How’s your game? What steps are you taking to improve it? Always be looking for ways to get better, even if just one stroke at a time!

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Your Soul Status

The Oxford Language dictionary defines the word “soul” as the spiritual part of a human being that’s regarded as immortal. I was always fascinated as to why airline pilots, when making distress calls to the towers, refer to the people on board as souls. One reason is to let emergency crews know how many people to search for should the plane come down. It is also to distinguish between living passengers and any deceased bodies they may be carrying in the cargo area. By doing so, they are perhaps unknowingly confirming that souls depart from bodies at the point of death.

There are many who believe that when a person dies, that’s it-there is no more; ashes to ashes and dust to dust with nothing remaining except memories of their existence. I find that an incredibly sad way to live. Even Hollywood acknowledges life after death, from the famed Christmas Carol to Patrick Swayze’s Ghost. And songs from unlikely sources acknowledge life after death as well. Tupac wrote I Wonder if Heaven Got a Ghetto. There’s Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult, Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton, Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan and scores more. Life surely doesn’t end at death.

I’ve enjoyed blogging for almost fifteen years now and I’ve tried my best to offer hope and encouragement to anyone who stumbles across In My Own Words on papaswords.com. But my ultimate objective is and has always been to point people to the hope and love and grace that is only found in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To quote Penn Jillette from Penn and Teller, who is a devout atheist, if you are truly convinced that there is a heaven and hell and a God, how much must you hate someone if you don’t share that conviction with others. I want to be on record with my readers and followers that I believe in Christ and am persuaded that he is the only way that leads to God. He made this clear when he said in the book of John that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to my father except through me.”

We live in a world of subjective truths. Even professed Christians sometimes waiver when asked if there is more than one way to find salvation for your soul. I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. Scripture clearly states there is but one way to save your soul:

There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we can be saved-Acts 4:12

God loved the world so much he gave us his son so that whoever believes in him will be saved-John3:16

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved-Acts 16:31

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

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord-Psalm 37:39

Whoever believes in the son has eternal life-John 3:36

So what is the status of your soul? Should unexpected calamity strike your life, where will you be tomorrow? The Apostle Paul said that to be absent or missing in this earthly life is to be in the presence of our Lord. If along the way of this blog I gave a word or two of hope, great. If I imparted any wisdom, cool. If I made you smile with a funny story, awesome. But more than anything else, I want to challenge you to consider the status of your soul and the reality of eternity, the existence of heaven and hell and a day when we will all have to give an account of our life before the very real Son of God. Jesus paid a heavy price that we may be called friends of God. If just one comes to know Jesus through this blog, it will have been worth the years or writing, the hundreds of posts and hundreds of thousands of keystrokes.

To all who believed in him and who accepted him, he gave the right to become sons and daughters, children of God! – John 1:12

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Bringing Down the Walls

By definition, a wall is a structure that divides or encloses, or keeps others out. Sometimes wall are used as a defense. I love the story in the Biblical book of Joshua about how the Israelites were up against the Great Wall surrounding the enemy city of Jericho. Joshua instructed the people to march around the city once each day for six days in total silence, carrying the Ark with them. But on the seventh day they were instructed to march around the wall seven times. On the seventh time, when they heard the call from the ram horn, they were to give out a mighty, holy, shout of praise to God. At this, the walls of Jericho collapsed and Israel conquered the city. In the 50’s archeologists found evidence of the bricks that made up this wall.

We live in a world of walls. Many of these are walking walls. We tend to build these walls ourselves. We don’t like what someone says to us, so we put up a wall against them. We try something and fail, we put up another wall. We have bad experiences in past relationships, more walls. We have unfounded biases against certain people, more walls. We can even find walls against other church members. There are walls we hide behind, walls of depression, walls of anger, discouragement, anxieties, self-worth, loneliness, the list could go on. Some have built so many walls they look more like an unescapable maze. This is no way to live.

Ephesians chapter 2 speaks about how Christ died to tear down the walls that separate us from others and from God. We are not called to live in isolation for fear of what’s on the other side of our walls. We aren’t allowed as believers in Christ, to hide in the safety of shadows. In fact, we are called a beacon on a hill that can’t be hidden so that all may see God’s light shining through us, unobstructed by walls.

When the Children of Israel needed the walls before them to fall, they cried out to God, knowing they couldn’t do it on their own strength. God empowers us when we become totally weak before him. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Our walls become rubble when we worship him, bow before him, cry out in desperation to him. There is no greater power on earth to bring down the walls in our lives, than the power we receive when we humble ourselves before him in the weakness of our limited human abilities. Only then , when we rise up with God’s power, will we see our walls fall down!

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Life Without Thumbs

The human body is an amazing machine. God created it intricately to perform all life’s necessary tasks. Every part of the body is significant and plays vital roles. Take the thumb, for example. Do you realize how difficult everyday tasks would be without thumbs. Here’s a list of just a few things you can’t do without thumbs:

  1. Button a shirt
  2. Write with a pen
  3. Zip your pants
  4. Use chopsticks
  5. Hold a glass
  6. Tie your shoes
  7. Play certain instruments
  8. Snap
  9. Turn doorknobs
  10. Forget about thumb wars

We may not think of losing a thumb in the same way as losing an arm or leg, but even a digit as seemingly insignificant as the thumb would greatly impact your life if you were to lose them.

The Bible says we are all part of the body of Christ with each part playing a specific role as designed by God:

“The eye can’t say to the hand “I don’t need you” and the head can’t say to the feet “I don’t need you”, so that there’s no divisions in the body. “. 1 Corinthians 12:21

We are all part of the same commissioned team. It’s easy to believe you aren’t significant if you aren’t a speaker or teacher or leader in the church. We don’t need to be seen by everyone in order to be a part of ministry. You minister when you greet people at the door. You minister if you usher them to a seat. You minister if you attend to babies and toddlers during service. You minister if you maintain the building or the grounds of the church. You minister if you pray in private for the needs of your church family or your pastors.

Our enemy is a master of mind games. One of his oldest tricks is getting us to believe we don’t matter, we aren’t important, we don’t make a difference. He tells us that our past disqualifies us from being an effective servant in ministry. But God says differently ! The next time you are feeling like your role in the church doesn’t matter, think of yourselves as the thumbs of the body of Christ. You are significant!

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When God Answers No

The Bible is packed with promises regarding our prayers. “Ask whatever you will and it will be done”, or “God will give you the desires of your heart”, or “God won’t withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly”. These promises can be interpreted that God always say “yes”. But when his answer is a resounding “No!”, our world and sometimes even our faith is thrown into an upheaval.

I recall an episode of the Andy Griffith Show when Buddy Epstein asks Andy what harm would come if he gave Opie what he wanted. Andy answered that his son wants anything flashy that catches his eyes, but that not everything flashy was good for him. It was his job as a father to protect his son from anything that might cause him harm. We may not feel our petitions are flashy or harmful, but God is already in our futures and he knows before we do what is ultimately good for us or not.

I received a “no” response this weekend to something I had been praying about for over one year. I don’t understand the response, and I certainly don’t like the response because I felt I was praying about something for my greater good as a leader and servant. I find it a challenge to reconcile God’s numerous promises to my stark reality, mostly because I’m leaning on my own understanding, not his. I tell others all the time that God is not bound by the restraints of time, and that he is already present in all of our tomorrows. I need to follow my own counsel. We have to trust that he knows what’s best for us from a futuristic perspective. I see a piece of the puzzle; God already has it completed.

Is it that simple to accept his “no”? Of course not, because we won’t understand it until we are standing where he is now and looking back. For now we have questions and disappointments, “looking through the glass dimly”. Trust God when he says “no”. Believe that he isn’t being harsh but loving, seeing the whole path you are just stepping onto. Don’t pull away in disappointment or discouragement, but lean ever more heavily on him, even against your own will, knowing that God’s current denial is leading to something you could never have imagined.

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The Hated Christian

We live in a world where true Christianity is becoming increasingly unpopular. Nothing highlights this more than Pride Month, the month of June. Some of this hatred towards us comes from who and what we represent. However, many of the wounds of Christianity are self-inflicted.

To establish a perspective, I am writing this as a Christ follower, imperfect in many ways but living under God’s grace and forgiveness. Over the course of my sixty or so years, I’ve witnessed the decline of Christianity in the U.S. in ways I would never have imagined. It shouldn’t be a surprise that we are a hated bunch. Jesus said in Matthew that we would be hated just as he was. That’s good, IF we are hated for all the right reasons. Here are some reasons I believe Christianity in America is on the decline.

Christ followers believe in the inerrant truths of the Bible. Those truths are often held in contempt because they challenge how we live and conduct ourselves. Few want to be told how to live life. We believe heaven and hell are real places that individuals can choose for themselves based on their beliefs, or their denial of Christ. It’s not God’s will that any should perish in hell; it’s our free will that determines our destiny. We believe in one truth and one path to heaven, namely Jesus. He said that no one approaches the Father except through him. In a world of the coexistence of all beliefs, this is highly unacceptable to many. We are called to love all people, even our enemies, but to stand up with compassion, against anything that goes against God’s instructions. Have done this correctly?

There are many divisive social and political issues where we as a church have shot ourselves in the foot. Again, nothing shows this more than the month of June. When Jesus dealt with the adulteress and the woman at the well, he did so with compassion and love. He didn’t condone their life choices but he did show mercy in each case. But our response to lifestyles we don’t accept is often mired in hatred and condemnation, not love and mercy. They aren’t welcomed in church and we shun them like the puritan days. We can’t love people into the Kingdom if we can’t even welcome them into our church pews.

Another of our self-inflicted wounds is our assignment of Christ to a political party. Quotes such as “You can’t be Christian if you vote for…” should never be uttered by a loving follower of Christ. In a two party system, such a stand automatically eliminates a full half of potential believers who will never give a thought to anything you have to say about our faith. In losing half of our constituency, it makes us no better than Target and Budweiser!

One last but glaring wound to Christianity is our tolerance of popular prosperity preachers who are allowed to exploit the gospel for a profit unchecked. I won’t mention names but the richest of these false prophets has a net worth of $650,000,000 and owns two jets and an 18,000 sq. ft. mansion. Another recently confessed he had chandeliers in his house worth more than most homes. Why have we tolerated such gross misrepresentations of the Gospel but go into convulsions regarding the LBGTQ+ community? Among the reasons listed as to why people don’t like Christianity, hypocrisy is always in the top two or three. As believers we aren’t afforded the privilege of wavering in our defense of the faith. And yet we are consistent in our inconsistencies when it comes to loving our neighbors and exposing antichrists.

I love my faith in Christ and I love my church, both my local church and the universal church, and will adamantly defend both when possible. I just don’t want to be the reason a brother is turned off of Christianity. I believe Christ is coming back for his church. I believe we are called to share this hope in love with as many who would believe. But I also believe if we are to ever return some lost credibility to the church, we have some house cleaning to do. This may be one of the more controversial posts I’ve written, but I offer it in love in hopes of healing the wounds we’ve caused so that the light of Jesus is all that is seen when others view his church. God bless you all and always. In Christ’s love.

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Someone Died That I Might Live

I apologize to my followers for being absent these past few months. I’ve been on dialysis and it’s taken its toll on my creative juices. However I’m pleased to report that I’m recovering from a very successful kidney transplant, gifted to me on April 4th just before Easter. This has been a twenty year battle but God in his mercy answered my prayers.

I was not fortunate enough to have a live donor kidney available, so I had to go on a three-state waiting list for a cadaver kidney. You must understand the dilemma of praying for such an organ. For my prayers to be answered meant that someone had to first die to make that organ available to me. It is the unfortunate nature of the organ donor process. I began praying for the family of whoever this person would be long before I receive the call that a kidney was available. I don’t know the identity of this person or their family due to medical privacy laws, but I’m eternally grateful to this family. I owe them my life. It is now my duty to take full advantage of this new chance and live my life in such a manner as to honor this person’s precious life-saving gift so that it won’t be wasted.

It’s entirely appropriate that I received this gift on Easter week, a time when we celebrate someone else who died that we might live. Scripture says that only a few would ever die for someone else, but that while we were still in our sinful state, Christ died for us. His death and resurrection gave us a second chance to live eternally with a clean slate. Our old nature exists no longer and we are a new creation.

Just as I owe the family of my donor to live my life to the fullest, I owe Christ my all with each new day I’m given. Ephesians 4:1 says;

“Therefore I, as a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God”

It’s easy as believers to become complacent in our faith, to lose our passion or first love. I’m sure I’ll have times yet to come when relaxing will be easier than serving. But having survived both cancer and end-stage renal failure, I hold precious and dear every new day God grants me. I want nothing less than to honor this opportunity to live my remaining years in his service, wherever that leads me.

A persons death gave new life to my physical body. Christ’s death gave new and eternal life to my spiritual body. I will not squander either opportunity. God bless you all.

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Life is But a Vapor

Much of the country watched in shock as Damar Hamlin, an athlete in his prime, collapsed at midfield during a NFL game from a heart attack that required life saving measures. One week later a young lady here in Las Vegas complained of chest pains and went to the sidelines during a flag football game where she was rushed to the hospital and later pronounced dead. Just a few days after, again here in Las Vegas, another high school athlete died from a similar cardiac episode. In October last year my twenty-one year old grandson, Brian, died in his sleep. How do we address such seemingly premature deaths?

We live in a world where medical technology can extend life, and therefore we expect to live to be eighty years old or more. Anything less is viewed as abnormal. But the truth is all around us. Any of us can die at anytime. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. We define age as a number based on that 70 or 80 year mark. A twenty year old is considered young while a fifty year old is considered older. But if a twenty year old is to die at thirty, he is actually old, while a fifty year old may live to be ninety, he is relatively young. How do we process this?

Job 14:5 reads, “You have determined the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.”

James 4:14 reads “ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning vapor, it’s here for a little while, then it’s gone.”

And Psalm 144:4 reads” Man is like a breath. His days are like a passing shadow.”

Are these passages from the Bible intended to discourage us? No, not at all. If considered correctly, they instead raise two questions:

  1. When my time comes, am I ready to meet God or am I in danger of eternal punishment?
  2. Without knowing the number of my days, am I living them to the fullest and am I making a difference in the lives of others?

There are no free passes to Heaven. There is but one way to enter, and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The world will tell you differently, that there are numerous ways to obtain eternal bliss. Jesus said “ I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” It’s that black and white, no room for interpretation. Having Godly parents, doing good for others, staying out of trouble, these are not enough. When we come to die, God will ask us one simple question: did you know my Son?

And for those of us who call him Lord, are we living up to the high calling of being the personification of Jesus to others? Are we living life as if our time is limited, making memories, loving our families and living as witnesses to God’s amazing grace? When I consider the fragility of life, I want to be certain I can answer these questions with a resounding “yes”, should I never see tomorrow. Can you?

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I Resolve to….

In years past I might have resolved to spend more time in the gym lifting weights. These days I’m content getting out of bed without needing pain killers. It’s crazy how our goals and objectives change over the years. Things that were important ten years ago aren’t as important now and our expectations more closely resemble our current situations. But still, at this time each year we take inventory of our lives and vow to do better next year through expressed resolutions. We make ‘‘em and we break ‘em!

An attitude of self-improvement is noble. Who among us doesn’t want to be a better person, a better spouse or a better parent. I just wonder if we’re going about it the wrong way. Scripture tells us that if we seek God first above everything else, all these other things will be added as well. In chasing results, we tend to overlook the core for the Christian life, closeness with God. If we become more intentional about seeking God, knowing God, following Christ and living in obedience to his Word, we will become more loving, more patient, more compassionate toward others. The deeper our love for God, the deeper our love for others, thus making us better friends, spouses, parents and servants. Instead of resolving to make all these changes dependent of our will and fortitude, we would be better off to seek him who can change us according to his strength and purpose, a strength much greater than our own.

2022 was a year of change. I saw the passing of my dad in May, and my oldest grandson in October. I saw my health decline more as I wait for a transplant. But I also witnessed God’s grace in every situation. I developed Christian bonds that I relied upon during challenging times. I learned that total reliance on God in every aspect of my life doesn’t make me weak, but rather stronger than I could ever resolve to be on my own. This year I want to be even more intentional about knowing God because I now see that this is the key for me being a better man in all areas of my life. Yes, I’m sure over the next year I’ll have my share of missteps, but I’m confident I’ll finish on the right path. If I might suggest anything for you in 2023, it would be that you wrap all your resolutions up in one simple goal to put God first in everything and to seek to know more of him with all your heart.

Have a blessed, safe and healthy New Year.

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Navigating the Emotions of Christmas

For sixty-two years they did Christmas together. This year they will be apart. Mom remains with us while dad will be spending his first Christmas with the Christ child.

Our parents understood the meaning of Christmas and hey did everything to make each one a special occasion. Even during lean years we didn’t know the difference because of their sacrifice to make the day special, which is why Christmas remains my favorite holiday of the year. Christmas then was so pure and simple. Playing in the snow with the neighbor kids, playing a part in the Christmas pageant, visiting the animated window displays of the large downtown department stores, caroling in freezing temperatures- all precious memories of a time now past, a time that can’t be recaptured, just recalled. They were truly wonderful times.

Christmas is the ultimate magnifier of emotions. For some it brings a heightened sense of compassion for the poor and needy. For some it brings back vivid memories and nostalgia of Christmas past. Those in new or healthy relationships find the season resembling their favorite Hallmark Christmas movie. But for those who have lost loved ones or are discouraged or facing challenges, it can be cruel, a stark reminder of when times were better. And for the lonely, it can be the most depressing time of the year, a precursor to an even more lonely New Years Eve just a week away. Even those who have learned how to navigate the emotional highs and lows of the Holiday season, know to tread lightly lest they step on a landline of memories of better times that cause them to stumble ala Griswold watching home movies while trapped in his attic.

Our mom has poured herself into getting out and doing for others in honor of dad, who would have accompanied her until he could no longer leave home. While she has expressed to me the loneliness of missing dad, she doesn’t dwell on it in unhealthy ways. Her faith compels her to serve others in his memory, therefore allowing her recall precious times while remaining proactive in avoiding the solitude of the first Christmas without him. This helps her manage lonely nights when she misses his voice and his presence.

The challenge is real. Almost every Christmas movie is a love story. TV commercials are designed to make us spend money for that special person in our life. Concerts and shows are nice but would be better shared with someone. Every night is a Silent Night, a vivid reminder of being alone. But there are some easy remedies to combat the holiday blues.

1. Take long hot baths or showers and let the warmth of the water wash over you and calm your mind.

2. Bake something from scratch with your favorite Christmas music playing in the background and find someone to give them to.

3. Volunteer. During the holidays there are so many organizations begging for extra help as they serve the poor and needy of their communities.

4. Take an evening excursion through local displays of lights.

5. Try and find an opportunity to go caroling with others, a lost tradition still practiced if you look hard enough.

6. Take time to intentionally reflect on the Christmas story, never losing sight of why we celebrate such a beautiful holiday every year.

On that first Christmas Eve over two thousand years ago Christ was born through human means into the world he created to begin a journey that would reconcile us to his father. He came for the widowed, the discouraged, the lonely, to give us hope and a reason to remember the season. Isaiah reminds us in chapter 41,

“ Fear not for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, I am still your God. I will help you and hold up with my mighty right hand.”

Later Jesus reminds us that he is always with us. Mom will be without dad for the first time in her adult life, but in Christ she is never alone. The same can be said for all of us. Don’t let the sting of isolation destroy the hope Christmas brings to each of us. This wonderful, counselor, mighty God and prince of peace is always near if we seek him. Merry Christmas to all my readers. Thank you for your encouragement. I love each of you!

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Memories of a Simple Christmas

Christmas these days seem so busy and hectic. Even most churches are working overtime putting last minute touches on their programs for the benefit of those who only come on Christmas and Easter. We can get so caught up in the activities of the season that we overlook the benefits of the event, the blessed miracle of that first Christmas, the incarnation of Christ. It wasn’t always that way.

I recall a much simpler Christmas. I grew up in Indiana during a time when most every Christmas was white. It was easy to feel the seasonal cheer when winter scenes permeated our views. We didn’t need Christmas cards to remind us of snowy scenes-we we’re in the middle of them. I remember our parents taking us downtown to view the animated displays each department store would put in their windows. We could stand for hours looking at them. I remember watching people ice skate in our city circle to holiday music playing in the background.

Caroling was still a thing. Our family would take us downtown to listen to choirs singing on the circle or to shopping centers where Carolers would sing the classics rarely heard these days. And Christmas Eve services were simply a nativity played out by the children with all their imperfections, followed by a candle lighting and singing Silent Night. Simple, beautiful, meaningful.

The older I get the more nostalgic I become. Christmas remains my favorite time of the year but I’ll always cherish Christmases past. One thing that hasn’t changed though is the message of Christmas. God needed someone to fulfill the law so that we could be restored and reconciled to him. That process began with the incarnate birth of Christ on that first Christmas night. The angels rejoiced as they announced his coming. The world forever changed that night. The creator stepped into his creation so that we might become children of God.

I pray that as we prepare for the holidays, we take the time to personally reflect on what Christmas means to us and that we don’t lose sight of the simple miracle we celebrate each year that ushered in eternal life and a forever Christmas to those who believe and follow the Christ child.

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Seeing Through a Glass Dimly

He was loved the day he entered into our lives. He had a unique charm and appeal about him. He was the first to take to the dance floor at his mom’s wedding and showed off his moves. He loved music from guitar recitals to becoming the next big rap artist. His words and rhythm were that of an established artist. He was studying to get his degree in architecture, but if you asked him, he was already an architect. He stepped into his dream without the required paperwork because that’s how he lived. The world was his for the taking. And he loved Jesus! He died in his sleep at the age of twenty-one. Now we see through a glass dimly.

One of the greatest mysteries of life is why things happen when they do and why they happen to certain people. Why are people cut down in the prime of their lives? What is the purpose of a premature death? Why does God appoint more years of life to some and not others? If God loves us, why does he take our loved ones, our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, when we want and need them most? Now we see through a glass dimly.

It’s hard to answer questions like these when posed to you, when you yourself are struggling with the same questions. The reality is that none of us are guaranteed a certain number of years or how long we have to live. You may think that twenty years old makes one a young person, but if they only have thirty years to live, they are actually old. Conversely if one is forty but will live to be eighty, they are relatively young. Only God knows at any given time if we are young or old. So what do we do with this information?

When my dad died earlier this year I resolved to be the man I heard described at his funeral. His death created a determination to be a better man and make a difference in the lives of others. When my grandson died last month I resolved to make every day count. Dad’s death created purpose; my grandson’s death created urgency. None of us can recapture wasted days but oh what a privilege to be given new opportunities with each new day to make them count. Life for me is not about what you acquire but rather what you leave behind. Are people better off for knowing me? Are my kids better off because I am their dad? Do people see enough of Christ in my life that they desire to want to know him better? Am I really loving people supernaturally as God does?

1 Corinthians 13 says that now we see through a glass dimly. In other words in this life we won’t have all the answers to the hard questions. We will never be able to understand or even accept God’s higher ways. We will struggle to find purpose in suffering. But the verse goes on to say when we are with Christ we will look back and understand. In my last conversation with my grandson I confirmed his faith in Christ. There will be an empty chair for the holidays and a hole in our hearts that will not be filled in this life. But there will be a day when looking back won’t be important and having the answers won’t matter. I am prepared for that day. I pray you will be as well. Now we see through a glass dimly but then we will see all things clearly.

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Tired of Being Tired

One of my favorite movies is Blazing Saddles, a movie so politically incorrect that it seldom airs anymore. In it Madeline Kahn plays a lounge singer who sings a song called I’m Just Tired. The song is a bit racy and intended for its comedic value. But in reality there’s nothing funny about being tired, and if truth be told I imagine many of us could sing a similar song. I know I can.

I’ve been on dialysis now for twenty-five months. That’s approximately 108 weeks, 1296 hours in a chair, 648 needle pricks with 15 gauge needles in the same 2” area of my left arm. While I’m grateful to God for life sustaining medical technology, I’m so very tired. I operate at about 50% energy capacity as a norm, waiting for the day I can receive a donor kidney and get back to some resemblance of a normal life.

Some of you may be tired too. Weariness comes in many forms. You may be tired of a dead end job that leaves you unfulfilled. You may be tired of constant financial struggles. Some may be tired of being in a relationship that has grown stale while others may be tired of being alone. Maybe like me you are fighting an illness and you are tired of being sick compared to the time when you felt your best. It’s no fun being tired and it can wreak havoc on not only your physical being but also your mental, emotional and spiritual welfare.

But there is relief for those who follow Christ. God is not blind to our weariness and has given us many scriptures to cling to for added energy when we’re tired of dealing with things that never seem to change. He would have us enjoy a life of abundant joy and the energy to endure the hard seasons of life. Consider these passages from his Word:

Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and you will find rest. Matt. 11:28

Truly my soul finds rest in God. Psalm 62:1

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

All who wait on the Lord will find renewed strength. Isaiah 40:31

My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

He gives power to the faint and to him with no energy he increases their strength. Isaiah 40:29.

I know it sounds too simple- a verse here or there somehow increasing our energy levels just like that. But the Word is like vitamins-they work best when taken daily, not just when we’re at our worst. Jesus gave us the Sabbath as a day for us to rest and recharge because he was familiar with fatigue. We would do well to follow his example, leaning on him when life is too tiring for us.
Be blessed.

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Avoid Divisive Arguments

I’m venturing out on thin ice here and I’m certain I’ve posted about this topic previously. However with the mid-term elections upon us and the 2024 campaigns ramping up, it’s time to consider our role as political activists vs. our role as Christ ambassadors. It is possible to do both, but ultimately, one “trumps” the other, and that is where the lines get blurred.

There may be nothing more divisive in the church than a good old-fashioned political debate. Nothing stirs the heated passions more than a face off with someone with opposing views. “This party backs abortion so a Christian can’t support them” or “that party stands for greed and profit so a Christian can’t vote for them”. It is such that even within the loving confines of Christian brotherhood, lines are drawn in the sand-you’re either with us or against us. How can this be among believers? Where in holy scripture are we given permission to label each other based on our voting records?

Don’t misunderstand me, many gave their lives for us to have the freedom and the right to support, campaign and vote for our choice of public officers and I defend that right. But long before, one man gave his life to unite us all under his blood as siblings and children of God first and foremost. Christ gave his life for all who would vote Democrat and those who vote Republican or Independent. Our ultimate salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, and not a red or blue administration. Where we often miss this is when we put our welfare in the hands of a politically corrupt man made system of government, not in the God who dresses the flowers in the fields. If we are in despair and worried because our guy or party isn’t in control, we are in essence guilty of idolatry, trusting in something or someone other than God for our future welfare.

I am appalled at the various social media posts that pop up from those I know to be Christian. The tone and even the terminology often sound anything but Christian. It is fine, if one is so inclined, to espouse an opinion without using divisive terms or phrases that offend others who share different views. Whether Liked or not, all of your followers will see these posts. Can you disagree with a loving tone, or must your language degrade and exclude anyone in disagreement with your position? Can you support a platform without the visceral reactions from a carnal nature? There are many faithful believers who vote Republican. There are just as many believers who vote Democrat. There are many believers who abstain from the process completely. Is any one group more or less faithful? I would challenge you to show me a scripture that supports that. I find just the opposite:

2 Timothy 2:23; Again I say don’t get involved in foolish ignorant arguments that only start fights.

Romans 16:17; I appeal to you brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you…

Romans 14:13; Therefore let’s not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block in the way of a brother.

We all have our own personal convictions based on our history and life experiences when it comes to voting. We are not all called to vote the same. That said, we can not allow the enemy to use those differences to conquer and divide us in the faith. Our ultimate citizenship is not of this earth or any particular country, but rather in Heaven ( Philippians 3:20). God knew in advance that our world and mankind would need saving long before there were any man made political systems were formed. In the end political administrations won’t save you. Only the blood of Christ which unites us can do that. Peace, safety, security and hope are all freely provided through belief in Christ as our eternal savior, and not a political party. And when the man made governing systems no longer exist, our eternity with Jesus and our love for each other will last forever.

“ By this will all men know that you are my disciples; (not by how you vote) by how you show love for each other.”

I love all who read this and I pray you understand my intent to be united in Christ while embracing our different views.

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May I Have a Do-over?

As I approach yet another birthday in my seventh decade, I reflect back on my life with gratitude for all the lessons learned through life experiences. But at the same time I can’t help but to recall times and decisions I wish I could do over. It’s funny to me how much you can love something that you totally suck at. I love golf. If my body and finances would let me, I’d play every day. But I would want do-overs on just about every hole. I know the stance, the swing mechanics and the proper club selection, but rarely does it all come together for a par.

Life can be the same. It’s easy to get caught up in “what ifs”. What if I’d chosen a different career? What if I’d finished college or chosen a different major? What if I’d pursued that dream a little earlier in life? What if I’d chosen a different relationship?What if I’d recognized my God-given purpose and walked in it sooner? As I look back I can easily identify so many situations that I’d do over. Is it the same with you?

Im grateful that my God is a God of do-overs. When you study some of the main characters in scripture you’ll find most were given a do-over. Jonah disobeyed God and ended up in a fish but was given a do-over. David had a man killed so he could take his wife, but was given a do-over. Peter denied knowing his master Jesus not once but three times, but Jesus gave him a do-over. And perhaps the greatest do-over in history, the Apostle Paul, who persecuted and killed those who followed Christ, was transformed and given a humongous do-over that resulted in over half of our New Testament. Gods grace and patience in our lives results in a myriad of second chances. At nearly sixty-one years old I’m finding that to be true more each day.

There is something else equally important. While I’m still a man of many imperfections, I feel I’m finally walking in my purpose. It took me a long time to get to this point. But I realize that every event and every season of my life, including those I may at first wish to do over, were used to get me to where I am now. It really is true, according to Romans, that all things, good or bad, work together for the good of those who love God and are in pursuit of his purpose. Even things sent our way intended for evil purposes, are turned around for our good. Although I might do things differently if given the chance, I can be at peace knowing that God eventually guided my path so that I may be where I am now, even if that path resembles the Israelite journey through the wilderness, a two week trip that took forty, or sixty-one years in my case, to complete.

The rest of your life begins today. Don’t get caught up in things you can’t do over, but rather embrace the fact that in Christ and with his daily measure of mercy, each day can be a do over. Don’t determine your path forward by looking backwards. The past is a history that can’t be changed, but God is already in your future. God bless you.

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What is Your Thorn in the Flesh?

A thorn in the flesh is a phrase used to describe some annoyance or some challenge in one’s life, and is attributed to the Apostle Paul in 2nd Corinthians. Paul had a thorn in the flesh that he asked God to remove more than once. According to Christianity Today his thorn may have been a disease, an eye condition, lust, his singleness or a speech impediment. Whatever it was he asked God to remove it on three different occasions but God refused, citing his Grace was more than enough to compensate for his thorn.

We all have something in our life that could be viewed as our thorn in the flesh. God uses these to help us develop total reliance on his grace. For me it is a twenty year battle with kidney disease. As with any thorn it’s not something we asked for or would have chosen. I deal with constant pain and occasional fatigue. And God knows it hasn’t been conducive to a quality social or dating life. What it has done is develop a total trust and reliance on God’s grace like I’ve never had before. As my body weakens, my spirit is renewed and grows stronger each day. The thorn is inconvenient but I’d have it no other way. The peace that come with the assurance that God’s radical grace will get me through anything is a gift of priceless value.

Whatever it may be that keeps you reliant upon God for a daily ration of grace, as hard as it may be, rejoice in it, knowing his grace is working out something much more wonderful and eternal than the temporary setbacks.

The Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and be GRACIOUS to you.

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One Step at a Time

An old philosopher once said the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. That is such a profound truth and so applicable in my life. For the past two years I’ve been on a spiritual journey. I’ve learned many lessons and re-learned a few I’d forgotten. Perhaps the most important lesson has been to not be afraid to take the next step.

I remember going through haunted houses when I was younger. There would always be that one section that was pitch black with zero visibility. Even though you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, the only way to get through the section was to keep stepping. Life for us may not always be that mysterious but there will be those times when the future is unknown to you and all you can see is the next step.

I love how scripture tells us that each of us are born with a God-instilled purpose and mission established before our birth. It’s rare that a five-year old might know their purpose and mission. Im sixty and I’m still uncertain of my destination. But I’m more certain than ever before that I’m on the path God chose for me. If I stay true in my commitment to Christ and submit every aspect of my life to him, I’m assured that my steps will be guided by him even if I don’t know where they lead. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 119 that God’s word is a lamp for our feet, a light for our path. God provides just enough illumination for us to determine the next step in our journey.

From learning a new dance to beginning a twelve step program, life is a series of taking one step at a time. I believe God doesn’t always reveal to us the complete picture of our life because we would be overwhelmed. Instead he gently guides us one step at a time. Don’t be afraid of stepping out and don’t be in a rush to skip steps in the process. Enjoy the journey and contentment of simply taking the next step.

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Goodbye for Now

My dad has been the inspiration for several of my posts over the years. It should come as no surprise that even in death he inspires me. One week ago today we had the privilege of saying goodby for now as we celebrated his life in a send-off fitting a saint. He ran the race well and finished it strong and is now in a place he called home. Dad was truly homesick for Heaven.

In the whole process a couple things came to mind. There was a great outpouring of sympathy for the family with nearly everyone in the final viewing line telling us how sorry they were. While I understand the sentiment, I wondered if they had heard the same eulogy I heard. Dad’s entire life was based around the Christian faith and hope that death was merely our transition to the promise of eternal life with Christ. Anyone who knew dad knew how long he had suffered. We could not comprehend the pain he endured daily with little complaint. Only hourly doses of morphine gave him comfort in the end. Dad dreamt of the land described in Revelation 21 where every tear would be wiped away, and there would be no more death or mourning, no crying and no pain. Now he is there, one more saint watching out for us from a heavenly vantage point. There is nothing to be sorry for. Yes we’ll miss him until we arrive but we rejoice that he no longer suffers in the arms of his Savior.

Another thought I had regards the usual cliches often expressed at funerals. They are the feel good cliches, we’ll see him again, in a better place, God needed angel, etc.. Dad would be the first to tell us death is not a free pass to Heaven. You don’t get there simply by living a good life or by knowing a Christian. Salvation and redemption does not come by proxy. You have to have a personal relationship with Christ based on your confession that he is Lord. We can’t pray someone into heaven who lived a life of denial of Christ. Dad was the real deal. He taught us Christ, showed us Christ and lived out Christ everyday of our lives. We will see him again because he left us a legacy of faith and a clearly marked path to follow. Its with confidence that we hold to the promise that to be absent in this earthly body is to be present with our Lord.

Up until the day before dad passed he was highlighting scripture in his Bible. The Word was his key to heaven and he was anxious to open the door. The empty place he leaves behind on earth is only a reminder that he finished the course and has graduated with honors. He was ready, we’re ready. Are you?

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Everyone’s Story Matters

The year was 2009. Our band had been invited to do a worship concert at the Mens Prison in Kingman, AZ. As soon as the guards opened the doors to the hall the room flooded with men in their prison orange. It had been decided that at the end of our worship we would each introduce ourselves and give a quick testimony. I would go last and then introduce the chaplain. One by one our band members gave attention grabbing testimonies of how God had delivered them from abuse, addictions, habits, etc. , some ”me too” stories the inmates related to. Then came my turn. How could my story compete with theirs? I lived a relatively boring and sheltered life in comparison. As an athlete I had never dabbled much in drugs or alcohol. I didn’t have a story of some miraculous spiritual conversion being pulled into the light from the dark. I had been raised in a Christian home by two Godly parents. I was in church whenever there was a service. We were insulated from from drugs, sexy, alcohol, pornography and any other temptation common to teens. I was never allowed to go down that path. Boring. Or was it.

It dawned on me, that was my story. I was spared the pain of hangovers, withdrawals, unwanted children. I was raised in the knowledge of Christ-it is all I’ve ever known. That was my testimony, the grace of God over my life due to parents who prayed over me from my infancy, so that’s the story I told. It must have been good because when I tried to turn it over to the chaplain, he told me to keep going and I delivered an impromptu sermon on salvation and hope that resonated with the inmates. Many of them responded to the invitation to accept Christ. My story mattered.

Don’t ever feel that God can’t use your history, colorful or boring, to change the life of someone who can relate. God chose 12 men to be his apostles. Some were hated, some had reputations and others no one knew. This group of different stories turned the world upside down as they shared with anyone who would listen. I believe God puts people in our path with similar backgrounds that want to hear what we have to say about Christ and his mercy which covers all of us.

What’s your story? Would it make a great movie or a funny gif file? Praise God for stories of redemption and restoration, for marvelous life-changing transformations and for parents who protected their children from the pain and consequences of bad choices. Your story matters; tell it as He urges.

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A Mother’s Love

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The bond is formed the instant she realizes something strangely wonderful is happening. Her hopes are confirmed with the news that she has conceived. She is about to experience the miraculous cycle of life-a new life created in love is developing inside her womb and the countdown begins to the day when she will first see his eyes. Already she is protective-already, there is no son like the one she’s about to bear. The blessed day of his introduction to the world arrives and he is placed upon her stomach for the first time. His appearance, his perfection, his cries instantly remove all residual pain that accompanied his entrance-she is in love with this wonder from God.

Through the early months the bond grows as this miracle receives from her breasts. Every day brings something new.  As she holds him she can see how he fixes his eyes on hers, how he studies her expressions and listens to her sounds of love, until that one special day, when all the cute baby gibberish yields to that first recognizable word-Mama! Her name formed in his tiny mouth brings with it a level of euphoria that only a mother can fully appreciate. He recognizes and accepts this unconditional love he is receiving from this lady and has given it a title-Mama. She feels a blessing words can’t adequately express.

Soon the dependence from limited mobility gives way to the first steps. She feels pride and yet another strange feeling-the birth of worry. Now she has to watch over him with more diligence and remove any obstacle that might bring him harm, a task that from that day forward will never end. She is now his protector-a guardian against anyone and anything that might cause her son harm, a task she undertakes ferociously.

He is now a young free spirit, active, fearless, experimenting.  The day comes when the father removes the training wheels from his first bike, expecting a fall or two, a possible abrasion and maybe even a little blood-a learning curve that must be met. She is not ready for this day and wants to follow closely to catch him when he falls and save him from the pain, but the father holds her back-it must be done if he is to learn. He falls, looks immediately to his mom but gets back on the bike and takes off. The bond grows some more.

They spend the days dancing in the kitchen, working in the garden, shopping for groceries, playing in the park. He is her constant companion and joy and fills her days with laughter. She hardly notices his unkempt clothing, the dirt he drags onto the floor, the mess he leaves at the kitchen table-she sees an angel at play and finds great reward in being a witness to his every move, grateful for this time that just the two of them will share, and not fully appreciating how quickly it will pass. The bond grows.

As much as she wants to turn back time, she can’t and the first day of school arrives, way too early. With all the hesitation of a mother bird pushing her chicks out of the nest, she releases him to the world for the first time and plans nothing for the first few days so she can be waiting and relieved when he exits the school building, another aspect of her experience that will never entirely go away. She watches as he becomes a social being, making new connections but still heavily dependent on his mother’s bond, something he too will never fully outgrow.

She is there to witness the effects of his growth, with full knowledge of what’s to come, but like the removal of the training wheels, forced to watch it happen and be there for the scrapes. She prays for him and awaits the inevitable-the first fight, the first colorful words he learns, the first time he notices a girl, the first kiss, the first boyhood crush and the first heartbreak. Each time she is there with healing and comfort and protection-the bond grows.

The years seem like months as he receives his high school diploma and prepares for college life, most likely far away from home and from his mom for the first time. Nothing has prepared her for this day-the motherhood manual didn’t address this scenario and her faithful prayers are put to the test beyond what she was anticipating. She has dealt with colds and baby teeth, cuts and bruises, dates and broken hearts-she has never faced separation! He has always been the little boy placed on her stomach at birth, close, safe, dependent. She doesn’t like this feeling-it’s uncomfortable, but again a necessary part of the cycle of life. For perhaps the first time she feels unneeded. The best of marriage doesn’t fill her need to mother. She prays for his safety and her comfort.

Finally, he is home again, and with news-he has found love. She experiences another strange sensation. Joyful for his return but faced with the reality that she will have to share her son with another who will fill all the needs that until this time she has met. Again, she has to release him. At the wedding she is the honored guest of the groom. She has learned to accept her new daughter into her life-she hopes as a mom she has taken advantage of every opportunity to prepare her son for adulthood. She takes a quick mental survey to see if she left anything out. With the words “I do” she feels a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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She is not ready for the overwhelming flood of emotions as she gets another chance to dance with her son, now a man. He has become the embodiment of everything good she has instilled in him from the first day their eyes met. He holds her with a sense of love, appreciation and gratitude that only a son can fully express to his mom. The bond has outlasted every strain that was put on it-it is strong and tangible. The song can’t last long enough-she doesn’t want this moment in time to end-it is her reward and she is relishing in it with every note and every step. This is a mother’s love for her son in full manifestation. The bond is secure.

Love completes its cycle as news come that she is soon going to be a grandmother. The day comes when her grandson is placed in her lap for the very first time. The bond is formed.

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Church Live or Online?

The numbers are in after our Easter celebration. My church in Henderson, NV was humbled to minister to over 38,000 in our five services! We have not seen numbers like his since before the pandemic shut our doors. For many it may have simply been a chance to check off their church box for the year while for others, it was their first time back since Covid.

Our church was offering services online via live stream as were many other churches across the nation. Our online viewership has increased ten times since the pandemic. Our live attendance is down about 30% but coming back slowly. If your health or work schedule prevents you from attending live, online is a great option. However, I’m a strong advocate for attending live whenever possible. These are just a few reasons why.

When you are engaged in live worship with hundreds or even thousands of like-minded believers there’s a sense of God’s presence that is hard to duplicate in your home online. I compare it to watching your favorite sports team on television or being live in the stadium with fellow screaming fans-there is no comparison.

Another thing that happens only in live services is the edifying of the church. In Ephesians 4 Paul tells us that we each receive certain spiritual gifts that should be honed in the church for the edifying of the Body of Christ, or the church. You need to minister to others using the gifts God has given you. Your story may help others. This doesn’t normally happen in your living room drinking coffee in your pajamas.

Another benefit of live attendance is networking with friends and forming strong bonds of support you can rely on in times of crisis. My circle of strong men who I count as friends have been my lifesaver these past few years. Time shared together is more precious than well meaning texts.

One out of three have stopped attending church in America since the pandemic and those who attend church have dropped below 50% for the first time in decades. Don’t be a part of a trend but jump in and get wet. Immerse yourself with all the benefits of a live worship experience whenever possible. Don’t settle for anything less than the live experience.

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More Than Jewelry or a Tattoo

I have a tattoo of a cross on my back and one on my shoulder. I also have both a silver and a gold cross on chains. The cross is one of the most used symbols in all the world. It is interchanged as symbols of both life and death, horror and beauty. Perhaps nothing in the world has been more misunderstood than the cross, specifically the cross Christ died on.

For most people around the world, this is the beginning of Holy Week when we pause, reflect on and remember the events that are central to our beliefs and salvation. But in a world of seeker friendly churches and feel good messages, many go right to the empty grave and ignore the important significance of the cross. Our church fathers had it right singing hymns such as The Old Rugged Cross, The Cross Made a Difference, At Calvary, Near the Cross and many more. But the message of the cross is not popular in many churches-it doesn’t preach well, it does’t make you feel good.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, but Jesus didn’t come to inspire beautiful glittery cards and holiday music. Instead he came to be sacrificed on the cruel cross to cover once and for all the sins of mankind from Genesis to his eventual return for us. It’s a beautiful mystery too grand to fully comprehend. Another beautiful hymn, How Can it Be That He Would Die for Me, remains a prevailing question today. But consider this nugget of gospel truth-God is all knowing. He didn’t send Jesus to die for us IN SPITE of knowing how badly we sinned against him, rather BECAUSE he was fully aware of our sins! ”While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. He died for the government officials who gave into the demands of the people. He died for the Pharisees who convicted him through a false trial. He died for the Roman guards who flogged him nearly to death, plucked out his beard and hammered the nails into his hands and feet and raised the cross. There is no one and no deed that is so horrific or too great that the cross does not cover! As those who have been forgiven from our sins we should embrace and cling to the beautiful horror of the cross.

Because of the cross we have healing; because of the cross our sins are forever removed from us and remembered no more. Because of the cross we now have direct access to God who desires above all else that we develop an intimate relationship with him. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians ” I want nothing more than for you to accept Jesus Christ and him crucified.” It’s great and right that we celebrate this Sunday the empty tomb. There is no grave we can visit because he is risen. But don’t be too quick to disregard the significance the cross plays in the resurrection. Rather reflect on the fact that Jesus took on the punishment of sin, which is death, so that we may be called children of God! It’s a mystery too great to for the human mind to comprehend. We don’t need to, we simply accept it with a grateful heart of humility and pass the light on to the next person. Be blessed this Easter.

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God is Already in Your Tomorrow

Bodily aches and discomfort, insomnia, tiredness, high blood pressure, digestive issues, sexual issues-all symptoms of a person who worries too much! You can also throw in anxiety and depression. We are a world of worriers and it shows in our overall physical and mental health.

A recent poll showed that more people, about 54%, were pessimistic about 2022. There is much to be concerned about around the globe; the lingering Covid virus, high inflation, rising fuel prices, unemployment or under employment, housing costs, health issues and on and on. All of us have been impacted by at least one or two of these issues directly or within the immediate family. The issue is at what stage does concern and awareness give over to worry and stress? And how can we navigate life’s challenges without yielding to worry?

Worry is nothing new. Jesus addressed it Himself along with others in Biblical times:

Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything praying over everything-petition God and He will give you perfect peace , Phil. 4:6-7

Look at the birds of the air. The don’t sow or Collect their food into barns. Yet your Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they? And who by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan? Matt. 6:25

Cast all your worries on Him because He cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7

These are but a small sampling of Scriptures dealing with worry or anxiety. A simple Google will lead you to more verses like these.

I was a worrier all of my life. I like to be in control in certain situations. It has taken most of my 60 years to learn how to completely trust God in everything. But for those who follow Christ, the scriptures hold true that He gives us a supernatural peace that can’t be adequately described outside of our faith. During a year when I had no income coming in God met every need. On paper it didn’t make sense but in reality my needs were always met and I had an overwhelming peace that they would be.

We sing a song in church titled I Don’t Know What Tomorrow Holds but I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. I’ve learned especially in the past couple years that God is already in my tomorrow. He knows what I’ll be facing so He equips me with the tools I need today so that I’ll be prepared when I arrive. If God always operates in that realm, what do I have to worry about? Worry may be natural. God’s peace is supernatural. In a world of chaos, I choose peace over worry. You can too!

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Finding Peace in a World of Turmoil

Through advances in technology we now have access to World news instantly. Through a click on the remote or a keystroke on a computer device we are instantly plugged in to news around the globe, most of it being bad news. There are ongoing feuds between notions, new start up wars or aggression between others, natural disasters happening globally, and the next mutation of a germ wreaking havoc around the world. It seems you can’t hide from the daily dose of bad news short of unplugging yourself from the outside world.

When you add to this those personal issues like divorce, sickness, unemployment, etc. it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to find peace, at least within yourself. The more aware you are of things happening around the world the more your peace gives in to worry. I am by nature a worrier. I would surrender my peace over my income, my health, who’s in the Whitehouse and even how far my team would go in the NFL playoffs. As a follower of Christ, this is not how we are called to live.

We can attempt things to find peace, such as yoga, exercise, getaways, even a warm bath with soft music. However these are merely escapes that are at best temporary. Within hours you’ll discover that all the stressors are still there. It is only through a personal relationship with Christ that one can find a lasting, unnatural peace that doesn’t diminish over time or circumstance .

If we belong to Christ we have these promises to help us find and retain peace in the most difficult of times. Here are just a few of those:

Peace I give you, my peace, not the peace of this world. Don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

I have told you these things that in me you will find peace. In the world you will have trouble but take heart, I have already overcome the world. John 16:33

Be anxious about nothing, rather pray about everything. And the peace of God which surpasses human understanding will guard tour hearts and minds in Christ Jesus . Phil. 4:6, 7

You keep him in perfect peace because his mind concentrates on you and he trusts you. Isaiah 26:3

The mind of the flesh is death but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Since we have been justified by faith we have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:1

This is just a glimpse into the promises of attaining peace, but they are conditional on having a relationship with Christ. I can tell you how wonderful it is to face life’s twists and turns having an inward peace that cant be properly expressed to those outside of the faith. And yet it is so easy to receive. God’s gift of salvation is free to all. In an easy and humble prayer, express your belief in Christ. Acknowledge that he died for you and rose after 3 days so you could live forever. Ask him to forgive you of all your past sins and to help you navigate life with his peace. Agree to live your life for him and walk in obedience of his plan for you. If you’ve done this you can have God’s perfect peace wherever you are and whatever you are facing. God bless you.

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Is Hell for Real?

I recently viewed a commercial for the Freedom From Religion Foundation featuring Ron Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan. This foundation is comprised of atheists, agnostics and non-theists, with a mission to educate the public about non-theism. His closing statement was ”I’m Ron Reagan and I’m not afraid to burn in Hell”. That statement caught me off guard. I’m grateful to live in a country where religious freedoms are protected and whose citizens are free to worship as they choose, or not. Yet that statement by Ron Reagan got me thinking, just what do we know about hell and why are so many not concerned?

I accepted Christ as a young boy after seeing an illustrated sermon about hell. I remember seeing fake flames and hearing screams from people who had died not believing in Christ. As a young impressionable boy, it scared the Hell out of me. When the altar call was given I remember almost running to the front because I didn’t want to end up in Hell like these people. Salvation Insurance Policy, not the best way to come to believe but I eventually grew into my salvation for the right reasons. It’s just as difficult for me to believe the arrogance of those who adamantly deny the existence of Hell as it is for them to believe my absolute convictions that Hell is real.

So what exactly do we know about this place Hell? As believers who accept the Bible as God’s word we can reference the scriptures to get a clear image of Hell. We know that Hell was not created for us but for Satan and his followers. It’s not God’s desire that anyone spend eternity in such a horrible place. The following are some scriptural descriptions about Hell:

A lake that burns with fire and sulfur, Rev. 21:8

Eternal punishment, Matt. 25:46

Torment day and night, Rev. 20:10

Smoke of their torment rises day and night forever, Rev. 14:11

Eternal separation from God, 2 Thes. 1:9

Weeping and grinding of teeth, Matt. 13:50

Gloomy darkness, 2 Peter 2:4

Eternal fire, Jude 1:7

Unquenchable fire, Mark 9:43

Unquenchable thirst, Luke 16:34

However you wish to interpret these passages, Hell is a place that offers eternal torment with no hope of escape or second chances. Just as there have been stories of those who had near death experiences and describe what they thought was Heaven, so has there been similar stories describing Hell experiences with descriptions eerily similar to how the Bible describes it, falling down a shaft or into a dark pit, screams of agony, unbearable heat, total darkness, undeniable stench of burning sulfur, etc.. Why anyone would say that they aren’t afraid of Hell is difficult to comprehend. Why risk the existence of such a horrific place only to be eternally wrong?

Hell doesn’t preach well in churches. It goes against the Feel Good Goosebumps God people prefer to hear about, but one simply can not profess the reality of Christ without accepting the existence of Hell. The price Christ paid on the cross was specifically to save us from this awful punishment for our sins. You can be wrong about many things with opportunities to correct your views. But if you die not knowing Christ, you will spend eternity replaying all the times in your life when you were given the invitation to believe but didn’t, the ultimate Hell.

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I Like Big Buts…

Yes, a sure fire way to get me on the dance floor is to play Brick House. And yes I admit to knowing all the words to Baby Got Back and have proven it a time or two at karaoke venues. While my vices haven’t changed much in my mature years I’m not referring here to the female anatomy but rather the conjunction.

“But” has many uses in the English language as a preposition, an adverb or a noun. It is sometimes followed by bad news. ”We’re sorry but we have to let you go”, or “I love you but I need a break”. But my favorite is when used as a conjunction introducing a phrase or a clause that contrasts with what was previously mentioned in a positive way, e.g. he stumbled but he did not fall. When used in scripture ”but” often implies wait, there’s good news, a way out, still hope, something far better.

There are so many buts to choose from in scripture, and as with anatomy everyone has their preference, here are a few of my favorite buts:

The wages of sin is death BUT the gift if God is eternal life.

My flesh may fail BUT God is my strength and my portion forever.

There is no fear in live BUT perfect love drives away fear

You intended to harm me BUT God intended it for good.

For God sent his Son not to condemn the world BUT to save it.

It is no longer I who lives BUT Christ who lives in me.

Be anxious over nothing BUT in everything by prayer and petition make your requests known to God.

Youths grow tired and young men stumble BUT those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar like eagles.

In this world you will have trouble BUT take heart, I’ve overcome the world.

God did not give us a spirit if fear BUT a spirit of power.

Now you understand why I like big buts. Throughout scripture God has a way of laying out for us the current condition of sinful man BUT always shows us the way out. There is nothing more comforting when you are going through rough times than that little three letter word. As long as I have eyes to see I will appreciate God’s unique creation of the female form, BUT even they don’t compare to the promise of hope in scripture. So, yes, I like big buts and I can not lie.

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Forgetting What’s Behind or Auld Lang Syne?

That time is upon us once again, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. It’s a time when we look back at the year and resolve to do things better in the year to come. We resolve to improve our health, our diet, to be more productive, to make more money-to be a better version of ourselves. Wise investors buy into gym stocks in January and sell off in February for an easy and predictable return knowing how quickly we give up on resolutions. We ring out the old year with a rendition of an old Scottish drinking song, Auld Lang Syne. Us Scots know a thing or two about drinking songs. In the original version of this song there are five stanzas, each ending with a toast or draught. By the time the song ends a Scot will be feeling pretty good.

Auld Lang Syne means ”of better times” or ”of days gone by”. We are to look back with fondness on good times shared with family and friends whenever ”brought to mind”. However Paul says in Philippians to forget what’s behind and press forward anticipating what’s to come. Is this a contradiction to days gone by? I want to suggest both are possible and healthy. Let me explain.

We are all unique individuals with lives based upon our own history, experiences and memories, mostly good but a few bad. We are also equipped with the ability to filter which memories to cherish and ponder and which ones to erase or delete from our mind. Pleasant memories can be motivational. Before the pandemic you might have had a great job so you know you have the qualifications to have one again. Your relationship may have ended but you remember how magical the years were when they were good and you know you want that again. You remember how good you felt at 175 lbs. and you know you can get there again with discipline and a change of eating habits.

But there are those memories that can be haunting, the failures, the mistakes, the expectations not met, the low times when motivation was nonexistent, not the kind of memories you raise a glass to. Perhaps the Apostle is referring to these types of memories when he urges us to forget what’s behind and press forward. The disconnect for some is their filters are not activated and these haunts rush in hidden among the pleasant memories. These haunts are dream killers and road blocks to self-improvement or any resolution.

In order to prevent making resolutions with a shelf life of three weeks it’s imperative that we go into our settings and turn on our spam filters to block any incoming negativity so that only pleasant motivational memories remain. God no longer remembers our past slip-ups, why should we beat ourselves up over things God has already thrown into the trash bin? It’s time to empty our trash bin and clear all cache going into the new year. In Christ we have a purpose and a plan that can’t be defeated if we learn how to keep our minds fixed on good things.

God says look, I’m doing a new thing; God says I make everything new; God says in Christ are are a new creation. As we enter the new year I pray God blesses you with good health, spiritual prosperity and the resolve be all He intended you to be so that Auld Lang Syne might include days to come. Have a blessed and peaceful New Year!

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Still Holding on at Christmas?

The phrase ”holding on” is mostly used to describe a positive action, e.g. holding on to a dream or holding on through tough situations. Many songs are written about holding on, images posted on social media to just hold on and even commercials tell us to hold on a little longer. It should be a good thing, right? So is there a time when holding on is not a positive action?

Depending on what you are holding on to, the answer is yes. Many walk about holding on to hurts, pains, old history and baggage that weighs you down. I lost my job so I’m angry at my old boss even though I have a much better job now; my friend said something behind my back even though they sincerely apologized for it; he or she betrayed me and broke our trust even though you’ve recovered and are in a healthier and more fulfilling situation now. The list is as long as Santa’s. It’s somewhat similar to old Marley dragging behind the chain he forged in the Christmas Carol, a burdensome load. However unlike Marley we aren’t doomed to carry it forever.

As believers in Christ we are encouraged to give these burdens to Christ. Scripture tells us to cast all our cares and worries on Him. Christ asks us to trade our heavy loads for His, a much easier and lighter load. The Apostle Paul encourages us to cast off every weight or burden that weighs us down so we can run the race with more ease.

Some walk around with their arms full of all the things they are holding onto. But if your arms are so full of things you won’t let go of, there is no room left for the blessings God is saving for you but can’t give because you can’t carry anything else.

Each Christmas our trees are usually protecting pretty boxes we can’t wait to open. Maybe this year there should be another box, a different one if you will. Some of us may need a really big box. In this box place all your hurts from the past, painful memories, grudges, past failures-anything weighing you down. Close the box and present it as a gift to Christ. I know from personal experience it’s a gift He will be thrilled with this Christmas. Only then will you have room in your arms and heart to receive the good things from Christ that you can gladly hold on to. Merry Christmas!

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Are You the Nine or the One?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, traditionally a day we set aside to give thanks for all we’ve received throughout the year although it has morphed into the first official day of Christmas with little thought given to gratitude or God. Reflection has given way to football and strategic planning on which stores to hit first on Black Friday.

In the Gospel of Luke there’s a story about ten lepers who came to Jesus hoping to be healed. They shouted to him from a distance because according to Jewish law they were unclean. In testing their faith Jesus instructed them to present themselves to the priest, the only person who could declare them clean. While on the way to the priest they were all miraculously healed and their skin restored. Only one of the ten, a foreigner, came back to thank Jesus for his miraculous healing, bowing at His feet. Jesus asked him ” didn’t I heal ten, and yet only you have returned to thank me.”

We live in an entitlement society, that is automatically feeling we are entitled to certain things. This may be true of those of us in the Church as well. False teaching leads us to believe God is up there just handing out free stuff like a hired department store Santa Claus. We sit on His lap, tell Him what we want and find it under the tree on Christmas, just like we’re supposed to. There is a difference in receiving by faith and expecting by entitlement.

Every good gift comes from the Father but anything given us by God is not given based on our own merit. In fact we don’t deserve any good thing from God. It is only through His grace and mercy that He delights in gifting us. In a spirit of arrogance I feel we’ve forgotten how to pray fervently to God for what we are seeking. We have forgotten how to see the miracles in the small things. We have skipped Thanksgiving in anticipation of what will be waiting for us under the tree.

It took a really rough year for me to finally learn how to grateful for the simple things like the beauty of an overcast day or getting out of bed to start each new day or treasured friendships. I’m grateful for the free time my health condition has afforded me to serve more in church. I’m thankful that I can detect God’s involvement in directing my steps. Im grateful for a church where for once I feel like I belong.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Message Translation, reads ”Be cheerful, no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Jesus to live.

God, may we consider your goodness and faithfulness daily and extend to You our gratitude in every situation and not just one day per year.

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Starting Over at Age 60

I used to watch a soap opera with my grandmother, The Days of Our Lives. I remember the opening vividly as an hourglass was shown as the narrator said “like sands in the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” This makes sense if you’ve ever watched an hourglass. I’m sure it’s an illusion but it seems like when all the sand is on the top half and the hour is just beginning, the sand seems to be passing slowly. But as more sand enters the bottom and the hour is almost up the sand appears to be passing much more quickly.

I had the blessed and surreal privilege of turning 60 years old this week. I can state without a doubt that the sands of time pass more quickly the older you are. As I look back I still remember the ”firsts” of my youth, the first crush, first kiss, first job, my first car. But my more recent ”firsts” are my first grandchild, my first health scare and my first AARP card. Its easy to look back and wonder where the years went.

The blessed and wise discover early in life what God’s calling is and they embrace it and pursue it. The not-so-wise either run from their calling or take way too many precious years to discover it. Being honest, I fall into the second category. Life is full of distractions and God knows I’ve had my share through the years, as have most of us. In those times our perception of God gets skewed. Instead of being predestined we feel like we’re being persecuted; instead of being ordained we feel oppressed; instead of being justified we feel judged. We minimize our achievements and successes and exaggerate our failures. We tend to disqualify ourselves from the purpose God has already approved because we look back with our tainted human vision instead of looking forward with our Spiritually corrected vision. Except for God, no one knows us better than our nemesis, Satan. He is a master at using our unfiltered negative thoughts to our disadvantage so that we disqualify ourselves.

It took me longer than others but I can now look back and see that the lessons I learned were for a greater good as I begin this next and perhaps final chapter of my life. I must confess my life at 60 is not as I envisioned it. I’m single which was the farthest thing from my mind at this age, I saw myself participating in the Senior Olympics but instead Im grateful to walk a few miles. I thought I’d be retired and living peacefully near some water but instead I live in a condo on the Las Vegas Strip. And yet I love my life because I can finally see God’s hand and direction in it. So at age sixty I’m starting over again. In enrolled in a two year ministry leadership academy. I’m actively engaged in combatting the unforeseen health challenges. I’m writing my third book. And yes, in God’s timing I anticipate and welcome the opportunity to find love one final and life lasting time.

When I was young I viewed sixty as being old. Although my body betrays me at times, I feel like I’m just getting started. I could lament the wasted years by looking back at a trail of destruction or I can look forward with eager anticipation of how God will use me in His service. As a writer I know how my story ends. But as a follower of Christ God finished my story before I was even born sixty years ago. I will be as surprised as everybody else to read the last chapter.

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For Christians Everyday is Halloween

361535-slasher-films-halloween-resurrection-screenshot  It’s here again already-Halloween. It’s a time for scary costumes, trick-or-treaters, classic movies and ghost tales.  Oh, and the whole church debate thingy which takes scary to a whole new level. Say what you will-I have fond memories of my days as a kid in Indy gathering as much candy as I could-I still struggle with sweets! And I recall taking the boys out when they were old enough to enjoy the experience. It’s funny to me how this particular holiday causes many to seek out the thrill of being scared senseless.  Even as church youth we went to the scariest settings we could find for that ultimate chase for the annual feeding of our dark side.

One of my favorite movies and all time classic scream traditions is the Halloween series with one of my favorite actresses Jamie Lee Curtis, the reigning scream queen. In her movies there seemed to be nothing she could do to escape, outrun or kill the demon Michael Meyers as he kept coming back to life episode after episode, sequel after sequel. She was haunted by him from her early teenage babysitter years through the time when he had a teen of her own. The character Michael Meyers was ruthless, persistent and seemingly impermeable to death or destruction.  I still don’t know if he’s dead.  I fear as long as Jamie is alive, Michael will pursue her.

This movie series is the classic metaphor for the Christian experience.  We are told in scripture that our battles on earth are not against flesh and blood but rulers of the earth, demonic forces unseen but very real. No matter how much we may pray, attend church or read scripture, there are battles going on within us and around us by the Michael Meyers of the unseen world.  I’m convinced that the more devoted one is to their faith and practice, the more vulnerable to attack by our haunting enemies.  It’s a classic battle strategy to take out the strongest first.

Spiritual warfare doesn’t have to manifest itself in our lives ala Linda Blair and the Exorcist. More times than not the attack is subtle in nature-that quick glance, the one drink too many, that innocent flirtation with someone other than your spouse.  You tear down defenses one brick at a time until there is a large enough hole for a full on attack. The Apostle Paul was engaged in these battles as he recorded for us that the things he knew he should do, he didn’t, and the things he knew not to do he did anyway.  If you walk through life as a believer but are not tempted, not tested or challenged in any way, you are disengaged in your faith, and the battle, for the enemy has evaluated you and deemed you not to be a real threat.

The good news is that we also have unseen Heavenly protectors who will battle for us.  In 2 Kings 6 Elisha prays the God will open the eyes of his young assistant and when He does, the young man sees a host of Heavens armies in chariots of fire encamped around the hillside ready for battle. We are told that the war is already won, but the battles until then can be fierce.  Halloween may be a man made and fake holiday with no real substance, one we know to be artificial, thus the constant pursuit of the ultimate scare. But for believers, the scares can be real if we don’t properly prepare for war.  So be careful and keep your defenses up at all time against incoming attacks, even when they look like Jamie Lee Cutis.

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You Are Enough

The year was 1977. I was a Freshman and through the season’s results I had qualified for the City Track Meet featuring the top performers in their event. My event was the 440 yard Dash, now known as the 400 Meter. The starter gave the command, runners took their marks and the gun sounded. We were off. I quickly made up the stagger and took the early lead, as I had done in most races before. I maintained the lead down the backstretch and out of turns 3 & 4. I could hear my schools fellow athletes cheering me on as I raced for the finish line. I crossed the line having run my personal best time and setting a new Freshman record for my school in the event.

I finished in fifth place!

My best was not good enough. It was a tough lesson.

Fast forward into my adult years as I navigated dating, marriage, parenthood, careers, business ownership, and even ministry-I found myself in many situations where I did not feel good enough. I tend to grade myself not so much on accomplishments as on failures or on things left undone. I would suspect many of us have been there at some point.

As believers in Christ we have an adversary who lives solely to trip us up by reminding us of our shortcomings so that we lose sight of our gifts and strengths. He knows which buttons to push to create self doubt which can lead to us questioning our worth, our purpose and even our standing with God. This is a process I’m all too familiar with. These are the times I’ve written about in the past where we have to filter out or take captive those negative thoughts and feelings and rely on the Word which never changes even when we do. Here are just a few of those verses to keep handy.

“You formed me in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I’m fearfully and wonderfully made”, Psalm 139

“Consider the ravens…yet God feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than birds.” Luke 12.

“For we are his work, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God planned beforehand”. Ephesians 2.

“ You were ransomed from futile ways …with the precious blood of Christ”. 1 Peter 1.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be considered the Children of God”. 1 John 3.

We live in an age where we are bombarded with what the world calls good enough. Young girls are made to feel like they must be a certain weight and body type to be accepted. Men are led to believe only a six figure income and a certain car make is considered successful. Parents are only as good as their children turn out to be and on it goes. The trap is in falling for the world’s critique as opposed to our status in Christ. We know that in Christ nothing can separate us from His love or goodness or diminish our place in His purpose for us. We aren’t perfect and will never be. Our church motto is It’s Okay to Not be Okay. God doesn’t use perfect people. He uses obedient people and then makes them perfect for the task.

I am enough!

You are enough!

Your two fish and my five loaves are more than enough when surrendered for His purpose. More than that, God is enough and always will be.

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What Level Are You On

I’ve never been much of a gamer. I’ve saved a ton of money by not being addicted to the latest video game craze. That said, when Covid hit and I found myself secluded to my Las Vegas condo for days at a time I downloaded a game on my iPad to help pass the time. As my body weakens with age I rely on more cerebral exercises. I assumed I would go through the levels of this game and then delete the app and find another game to keep me busy. I easily breezed through the first few levels with little real challenge. Before long I was at level 100. Surely there must be an end to this soon. Suddenly I’m at level 200, then 300. Does it ever stop, I wondered. As of last evening I’ve now cleared level 1040 and there appears to be no end in sight with this game. With each level I clear, there is a new and more difficult level waiting for me. Will I ever master this game? Is there a final level of achievement?

It dawned on me recently that my spiritual journey is very much the same as this game, and while I’ve been on this game for over a year, my spiritual journey has been ongoing for over 50 years, with no end in sight. As I ponder the two I see several correlations between my game and my faith walk. The first is that if you are serious about growing your faith, there is always another level waiting for you. Even the Apostle Paul realized this when he says in Philippians 3:12 “not that I have already attained all this”, or not that I have cleared all the levels. I just recently started school again and being reintroduced to passing tests. Scripture tells us to consider it a joy when we are tested. It’s a process with no apex of completion.

Another similarity between the two is that each level is more challenging. The first few levels of my game I completed with just one attempt. Soon it was taking two or three. These past few levels have taken me many attempts or even days to clear. You don’t grow if you aren’t tested beyond your current capabilities. How boring would my game be if each level was different but with the same easy degree of difficulty. I’d soon grow weary of it and stop playing. God continually tests and refines us to be suitable for the purpose for which He formed us. You can’t get there by skipping levels. I also saw that with each level I needed the skills or wisdom I learned from the previous levels. When a barricade pops up and you recognize it from a previous level, you recall what it took to clear the obstacle. Our tests aren’t trivial, they are by design. I can’t become a doctor without going to Med school or a lawyer without going to Law school. I can’t pass a generic curriculum and then decide to be an architect. I have to study the applied sciences specific to my calling. So it is with your faith walk. God will equip you with all the skills necessary for the task He has for you by putting you through tests that will teach them to you. He does nothing haphazardly.

Another correlation I see is this; when I clear a level, I receive a new tool or weapon I will need in the next level. I may not realize this at the time because I haven’t been in the next level yet, but God has. God is already in all my tomorrows and He knows full well what I will need when I get there, so he tests me and equips me today on this level. It may be a surprise to me but He has already laid out my next 1040 levels and should I live that long, with the clearing of each test I become better equipped for what’s ahead. God said He formed us while we were yet embryos. He knew before we were born what His will and purpose was for our life and put us on a course of specifically designed levels to get us where we need to be. Life would have been much less difficult if I had learned this in my 20s and not my late 50s.

What level are you on? Do you embrace the challenge for what it is or are you like I was years ago dreading each new day and giving up numerous times before advancing to the next test? We are never left alone during these tests. God says many times in scripture that He is with us THROUGH each level. He doesn’t lead us around the barriers but shows us how to clear them to gain wisdom for the next. Growth is painful but true strength comes from endurance and being stretched beyond our comfort zone. See God’s testing for what it is and embrace it with joy. God bless you on your journey.

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The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Back in the late 70s I was in a Christian band called Resurrection, not to be confused with the more popular REZ band. We played venues that included churches, schools, parks and special events. One of our more requested songs was one titled Jehoshaphat. According to the story recorded in the Bible, Jehoshaphat was King of Judah during a time when all the people were faithful and obedient to God. Word came to the King that a mighty army was coming from the East with the intention of raiding the city and looting it of its gold and treasures. This troubled the people greatly as they were outnumbered. So the King and all the people did what they needed to do, pray to God and seek his direction. God answered them in no uncertain terms. He spoke through a man in the crowd named Jahaziel as recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:15;

“Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem. This is what the Lord says. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of their vast army. This battle is not yours, it’s Mine”

I’ll be turning 60 years old soon, and I look back on my life at all the times I chose to fight battles that weren’t mine to fight and I realize how foolish I’ve been. I have a losing record while God stands undefeated. Why are we such a stubborn people when it comes to taking up our own battles when the Lord of Heaven’s armies is waiting on us to give Him the go-ahead? I believe this is especially true of men. We have this hunter-gatherer-conqueror mentality that gives us a false sense of confidence to wage war against enemies God never intended us to battle. It is not natural for us to admit weakness or vulnerability when faced with life altering situations, and so we take on our various enemies time and time again while we put God on the bench. How foolish can we be.

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. It is only when we are desperately out of options and totally dependent upon Him that we too can stand back and watch what God will do and how convincingly He will destroy any enemy that comes up against us. As it reads in Romans, if God is standing for us, who could ever come against us. I’m reminded of Elisha’s servant as he expressed his fear at the surrounding army. Elisha asked God to open his spiritual eyes to reveal the flaming chariots of Heaven which far outmatched the opposition. I’m embarrassed as a long-time believer that it took me so long to learn this lesson or how many times I had to retake the test. I still have a lot to learn, I’m far from where I expect to end up.

It’s easy to get caught up in our surrounding circumstances and forget what we know to be true, that God is always faithful. This is the simple truth that I must rely on. God is sovereign over all. God is not limited to time and space. I don’t know what tomorrow holds but God is already there and He knows what I will need when I get there, so equips me today. the processes are often painful and confusing, and to be honest, sometimes unwanted, because we only see through our natural eyes. tomorrow is a piece of a puzzle that God has already completed. It all makes sense when the process is completed and the battles are won.

Let me close with this simple analogy. We are playing for the NBA Championship. We are down by a single point with 5 seconds to go. The ball is in my hand and the pressure is on, when all of a sudden my teammate, Michael Jordan has an open lane. Do I take the shot or give it up to the Greatest of All Time for the guaranteed win? Why take up battles with a losing record when God stands wide open and has NEVER missed?

by

Out of the Darkness

I have always loved amusement parks. My advancing age has not diminished my love for thrill rides of any kind, especially rollercoasters. Growing up in Indiana, I had a favorite amusement park called Indiana Beach. We would visit it several times during a summer and would sometimes stay in a cottage across from the park for several days at a time, allowing for multiple visits to the park. One of my favorite rides was one called Mystery Mansion, a ride that took you on a slow moving car though two stories of total darkness. The mystery remains what was actually in the mansion as it was too dark to see even your hand in front of your face. As you might imagine it was a very popular ride with young teenage couples, or so I was told.

The ride took you through a series of twists and turns, uphill and downhill until you had no real sense of direction until you suddenly popped out of the darkness on the second story just for a few seconds before disappearing again into the darkness behind the double doors. Navigating once again through more darkness you eventually see the glare of a small light. As you approached it you could see that the light was that of a locomotive coming at you. By the time you recognized it a very loud train blast pierces the silence and your car suddenly veers out of its path just in time to avoid disaster as you burst back into the daylight. After being in the dark for so long the daylight is blinding but welcomed. Everyone exits safely to search for the next adventure, except the young couples who got back in line for another mystery trip, or so I was told.

Our faith journey at times can be like a ride through the darkness but without the thrills or the assurance that we will eventually see the light. Through situations that we will all find ourselves in we go through periods of darkness when the path before us can’t be detected. Psalm 23 speaks of walking through a valley of shadows. We are coming off of a year that found people in the darkness of illness, the darkness of unemployment, the darkness of uncertainty, wondering if and when they would ever re-emerge into the safety and familiarity of the light. And for some, when they could see a light piercing the darkness they wondered if it was the end of the tunnel or like the mystery ride, the light of a train heading towards them. It is in the midst of total blackouts that we must remember that we are children of the Light, Jesus Christ.

There are numerous scriptures that refer to Christ being the light that are precious to hold on to when we feel swallowed up by temporary darkness:

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light”, Matthew 4:16

“Though I live in darkness the Lord will be my light”, Micah 7:8

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can not overcome it”, John 1:5

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness”, John 8:12

“Even darkness is not dark to you for you make the dark to shine like day, for darkness is as light to you”, Psalm 139:12

“The Lord id my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear”, Psalm 27:1

David, a man described as being after God’s own heart, spent many days in the darkness of caves where he hid from those trying to kill him. But even in moments of his greatest darkness he remembered where his light and help would come from. David would recall how many times in his past that the Light had rescued him from overwhelming darkness. It is in these dark places we find ourselves in from time to time that we too must remember that Christ is our light and that He has already overcome the darkness of painful situations and will never leave us alone in these times of trials and testing.

All of us have our personal darkness stories, but when we can completely trust in Christ and follow in His light, just like the Mystery Mansion ride a time will come when we will burst from the darkness into the welcomed warmth of the Light, just as we always have before! Your journey may not be as fun as a thrill ride right now, but the light at the end is not an oncoming train but rather Christ waiting to welcome you out of your darkness. Peace.