A Bad Penny Always Turns Up

Rephrasing the title, “with a two acre yard, the first place I step is in dog poop.” Put it another way, “what goes around comes around.” I use to hear this all the time, “no matter what I do, it always fails, I maight as well not try to do it in the first place.” The mother of invention wouldn’t have gotten very far with that kind of attitude. Or how about, “if it weren’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.” How does the Bible put it, “What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22). “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.” I think these proverbs can be somewhat disgusting. Yet, that is the nature of sin—disgusting.

Today’s culture doesn’t like anything unless it is sanitized and done just right. Messy is a word they avoid. Not that they aren’t Messy, but they do not like it when other’s messiness invades their space. Then again, who does. 

The Apostle Peter described the messiest of people in his day. “Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed” (2 Peter 2:10-22).

He is talking about people who have once tasted the good things of God and then walked away. They have lost confidence in the Lord and his promises. What does he say to do when the bad penny returns? He tells those who have remained firm to remember that, though He tarries, He will still come back. “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” In the face of doubt, in the face of questions, in the face of trouble and temptation the answer is always the same, Jesus. Jesus always arrives at the right time, Jesus strengthens us at the right time. Jesus provides an escape at the right time. He will return at the right time. 

A bad penny might always turn up, but our savior will always keep his promise. I’m just saying...

Life’s Dirty Little Secret

The world is made up of secrets and lies. We either button our lips or cast doubt and deceit onto everything. My biggest secret is hidden deep in my heart.  If you have a secret, the mere mention of it causes you to tremble. If it is someone else’s secret,  just the mention of it perks our ears. What is he hiding, what could possibly be so devastating that he wouldn’t want anyone to know? What is your secret? 

Secrets, especially the kind we are embarrassed about, are more than hidden bits of information. They foster deciept and lies. If we are afraid of being found out, a new narrative is formulated so as to hide the terror and distract others from its course. Secrets lie in the darkness. We find the darkness cold, and use blankets full of holes to keep warm. Lies burn holes into the fabric of our lives, and keep us neither warm or safe.

What is the answer to secrets and lies? It is truth and foregivenes. Bringing secrets into the light of truth can cause pain and distrust. We are judged for our secrets and condemned for our lies. No matter if the judge has his own secrets and tells his own lies, your secrets distract us from his. But what if truth is accompanied by forgiveness? What if the community of God is a safe place for secrets to be revealed? What if instead of judgement we offer mercy and extend an offer of a better life? Is it possible, that in darkness I could truly be warmed? Maybe then I would tell you my secret? I’m just saying...

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Proverbs 11:13

Life’s Dirty Little Secret

The world is made up of secrets and lies. We either button our lips or cast doubt and deceit onto everything. My biggest secret is hidden deep in my heart.  If you have a secret, the mere mention of it causes you to tremble. If it is someone else’s secret,  just the mention of it perks our ears. What is he hiding, what could possibly be so devastating that he wouldn’t want anyone to know? What is your secret? 

Secrets, especially the kind we are embarrassed about, are more than hidden bits of information. They foster deciept and lies. If we are afraid of being found out, a new narrative is formulated so as to hide the terror and distract others from its course. Secrets lie in the darkness. We find the darkness cold, and use blankets full of holes to keep warm. Lies burn holes into the fabric of our lives, and keep us neither warm or safe.

What is the answer to secrets and lies? It is truth and foregivenes. Bringing secrets into the light of truth can cause pain and distrust. We are judged for our secrets and condemned for our lies. No matter if the judge has his own secrets and tells his own lies, your secrets distract us from his. But what if truth is accompanied by forgiveness? What if the community of God is a safe place for secrets to be revealed? What if instead of judgement we offer mercy and extend an offer of a better life? Is it possible, that in darkness I could truly be warmed? Maybe then I would tell you my secret? I’m just saying...

Flying With The Eagles

I love watching bald eagles. I remember standing on the beach of Echo Ranch, Alaska, seeing an Eagle fly in, swoop down and snatch a fish out of the water. Moments later it would stand on the ground tearing into its prey. Eagles are majestic, powerful, and inspiring. When I lived at the lake house, in Pandora, Ohio, I saw a couple of Eagles perched in the trees across the water. Rebecca was walking our little dachshund when one of the Eagles began to circle over them. She quickly called him back and took him into the house. Eagles are not only powerful, they can be terrifying.

Our feathered friends are not the only Eagles. A singing group, of my generation, produced some good music and lyrics. The following is part of one of their songs:

I was standing

All alone against the world outside

You were searching

For a place to hide

Two people experiencing life and searching for meaning; the first alone, standing against the world, the second searching, alone and hiding. The singer continues:

Don't you worry

Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride

The world is changing

Right before your eyes

Now I've found you

There's no more emptiness inside

When we're hungry, love will keep us alive

The first person assures the second that life changes quickly, but because they have found each other, life has 

meaning, the emptiness is gone, and the hunger they experienced is satisfied by their love. It’s a great sentiment, and one for which we have been created. Love between a man and woman is to bring the kind of meaning and satisfaction described by the Eagles. If only it were so simple; to live off love. Yet, even in the good feelings of love, sin tears at the fabric of God’s best until even loving couples find themselves alone against the world, and hiding in the bushes from ther Creator. Another song writer wrote:

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint. (Isa. 40:28-31)

How do we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint in a world that is ever changing before our eyes? Only if we trust in the only one who doesn’t change, the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. We find meaning in our relationships when they are grounded in the unsesrchable nature of God. When we trust in Him, His promises, His plan, His Word, then we mount up on wings like eagles and sore to the heights of the heavens. His love will keep us strong, His love keeps us alive. I’m just saying...

Medium or LARGE

I’m standing in line trying to figure out what I want; I’m information intolerant. That’s why I like McDonalds. “Number 1, please.” It makes it easy for guys like me who get the same thing every time. Well, except for today. I noticed the Smokehouse, and it looked good. So I said, “I’ll take a smokehouse please.” To which the gentleman responded, “single, double, or crispy chicken.” The crispy threw me. “I’m, sorry, what’s crispy?” He replied, “do you want a single, double, or crispy chicken,” I still didn’t get the chicken part, and I wasn’t sure what was crispy. I thought maybe it was the onions, which looked crispy on the menu. “I’m sorry, what’s crispy?” “The chicken,” he said. “Oh, that’s what’s crispy. I will take the single with the meal.” He asked, “single burger or single crispy chicken?”  Patience, patience, “I’m a beef man, the single burger, please.” Without skipping a beat, “medium or large?” Really, another choice! The problem is that I want a medium fry and a large drink. Since it’s not Buger  King I wasn’t sure if I could have it my way, but we are in America. “I want a medium fry and a large drink.” “Not a problem,” he said. Finally I was finished. “For here or to go?” Ahhhhh.

Choices, everyday we are faced with countless choices. Some of them are simple and others can be overwhelming. Some choices have low impact, and some can change everything. Few choices, I have found, are life shattering. They may be important for the moment, but will not change you or the world forever.

Examples of important, but none earth shaking:

1. Which profession you will chose.
2. What college
3. The kind of house to live in

Important and earth shattering:

1. Who you marry
2. Friends you surround yourself with
3. What you believe about God and how you will follow

Earth shattering decisions are about relationships, morality, faith, and justice. Often people focus on problems, that may be important to them, but have little impact for eternity. We argue over little things like dirty dishes, the color of walls, programs at church, style of music, and procedures. I would rather acquiesce to others opinion or let someone else take the lead, than to get distracted from the things God has called us to do. “Choose you this day who you will serve. As for me and my house,” Joshua Said, “we will serve the Lord.”

“Multitudes, multitudes,

in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near

in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:13

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Matthew 8:34-36

These are the earth shaking choices we are faced with daily. What choices will you make? You want to super size that? I’m just saying...

2x4x8 X $2.68 = #@&*#$

It’s a great idea. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my grandchildren, but math, measuring, cutting might all be beyond my talents. I have spent, literally, hours looking and trying to figure out the best materials to use (light weight enough but sturdy) for their age, and at the most reasonable cost. Do I use 2x4’s, 2x8’s, 1x8’s, 2x8’s, or do I not use wood at all and go with pool noodles? I like the pool noodles because they are light, can be used anywhere in the house, and are great for sword fights (by the way I am making child size Lincoln logs). And since I have told them they will be getting a big surprise I have to come through. Of course they don’t know the surprise, so maybe big refrigerator boxes will do.

Counting the cost. It’s more than just money, it’s skill, time, tools, effort, enjoyment, and even desire. What is my motivation? What will keep me going when I really don’t want to finish? For my grandchildren’s, build yourself playhouse, it will be their smiles, giggles, and hopefully hours of fun.

Jesus said, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’...So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27-33.

Jesus is very clear about the cost of being a disciple — Everything! There isn’t any cost comparison; is this way easier than another. There are just two choices, the broad way and the narrow way. “Broad and easy is the way that leads to destruction, and many will find it.” “Narrow and hard is the way that leads to life, and few will find it.” Hard or easy? I would like the easy route. Life or destruction? I would like life. If immediate gratification is what drives you, then the easy way is what you will choose, and your blindness will keep you from seeing the precipice until it’s too late. Yet, if you are one who will take the long view, the hard and difficult road leads to life. But once you start down the narrow path you find that our savior carries the burden, his yoke is light, he is always with us, his love is unending, and his body surrounds us. 

I have counted the cost of building my grandchildren’s playhouse, around $190. Not bad for hours of fun. I have counted the cost of following Jesus, EVERYTHING.  Not bad for an eternity with God. But then again it all belongs to him anyway. Have you counted the cost? I’m just saying.

I Can’t Wrap My Head Around It!

I’ve always wanted to be a guitarist. Ever since the 3rd grade, when I carried a guitar around strumming tunes without chords, until I took classical guitar after our 3rd year of marriage. Rebecca worked at Carmalou’s House of Music, teaching piano, and I took lessons from one of the most interesting guys. He said he had played for Gladys Night and the Pips. He also attended church with his wife, and though not a believer felt he should write Christian songs (no one else was). One evening, as we were tuning our guitars, he sad that the universe was made of music. At the time I thought he was just a little out of tune, but he might not be to far off. As one blogger noted!

The logic is that sound waves are a force that travel through particles, and you had every single particle possible. So it was a reaction with the entire universe. It had the power to create the universe in that one instant, so is it such a large leap in logic to say that God was the one who utilized that moment?

In the Bible, Genesis 1:3 states "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. " It simply shows the power of God speaking. In John 1: 1-3 it also states "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. " He was the Word, a spoken form of sound. Even when the angels are interacting with God like in Job 38: 4-7.

Particles, waves, mathmatics, it’s all very overwhelming to me. Consider the following standard model equation.

Unless you’re a Math Nerd (no offense intended) it won’t make any difference if I make the picture bigger. The equation is suppose to explain how everything works. I’ll take their word for it. Here are some pictures of the beauty of math.The beauty and scope of math and imagination is amazing, but if such beauty can de derived from what we (some people) can comprehend, how much more can come from the mind and magnificence of the unfathomable God of Creation.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans’ 11:33-36.

When we stop to worship, whether in church on Sunday Morning, or in our daily devotions, if we can get lost in the mystery of our Great God our worship would be purer, deeper, and more magnificent. I’m just saying...

I Need Good News!

Sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, the rain fell harder and harder. Cars passed, splashing dirty water everywhere; all over me. No one seemed to take notice of a small boy waiting. My tears mixed with the rain and my broken heart wanted to know why I had been forgotten. A car slowed down, it looked like my mom’s, but it wasn’t, and it sped up and drove by; splashing more water. I needed good news. 

Finally, the car slowed to a stop, my mom, reaching across the seat, pushed the door open, “get in,” she said. “What are you doing sitting in the rain? Why didn’t you stay inside?” No apology, no explanation, no hug for letting me feel abandoned. Just the same old thing, it must have been my fault. I needed good news.

Good News. We all need good news. 

“The word of the Lord remains forever.

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

That is good news, even in the rain. The rains of life, however, obscure the blessings. We sit drenched, holding on to the idea that God loves us and wants the best for us, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if he would manifest himself before us? Just once?

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8,9

Yes, it would be nice, but the good news is not dependent on it. We rejoice with inexpressible joy because the rain brings a rainbow, because death a resurrection, and our perseverance brings salvation through our blessed savior. Now that is good news! I’m just saying. 

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

The visitations are over, the funeral service is concluded, and Dan’s body has been committed to the earth. Now it’s time to go home. I can’t imagine the next steps for ten family. I pray that I will be able to exhibit the grace shown by Marti and the family when my time comes. It’s a grace born of faith and hope, a surety of our savior’s promised resurrection. But even in this, the quiet reality will sink in and to those who were the closest it will be the hardest. 

Yet, life goes on. It’s the way of the world. Tomorrow brings a whole new set of problems and challenges. We cannot stand still, for the kingdom of God does not reign in the hearts of all men. Jesus said, “that unless a kernel of grain falls to the ground and dies there cannot be life.” He was referring to himself, but the truth can apply to all those who die in the faith. Their deaths serve to remind us that sin and Satan are not finished. Until that great day in which Jesus casts sin and death into the lake of fire, we will constantly be reminded of its sting at the passing of each friend. So until that great day, we are to lift up our heads to the harvest, for it is ripe and ready. We are to pursue the Father, pursue righteousness, pursue the Kingdom, and pursue the lost.

Moving doesn’t mean forgetting, it’s about bringing meaning to the death of those we love. If we abandon hope, then we have abandoned Christ. If we Abandon being part of the church, we have abandoned the body of Christ. If we abandon our mission, we have trampled the cross of Christ. Moving on is looking forward to the great things God has instore, and gives hope to those who look to the passing struggle and say, “I can do it to.”

Tomorrow is Sunday and I will start my series in Philemon. It’s the first step back to normal. And though there is a pew that is slightly empty, I know that Dan is celebrating with us. His vantagepoint is better, and harmony sweeter, but our hearts are in tune and we will worship together the glory of our savior and King. Here is to a new day. I’m just saying...

Why I Write, It Helps

There are moments where I am just paralyzed. I sit staring at my iPad, or find myself looking off into the distance. Focus is my problem. My mind wanders and when it does it seems to fall back to thinking about my friend Dan. I spent some time with his body yesterday. It was surreal. He looked peaceful, and I know he is, but I couldn’t help think about my own brothers, especially my oldest, John. He is about the same age as Dan, but Dan has been more of a brother to me, even though I have only known him for two years. The common faith that Dan and I have, and the mutual love for Jesus trumps all other common bonds. At the same time, I know Dan would want me to take every opportunity to share the gospel and trust The Father for their salvation. 

Writing these thoughts helps me to process my feelings, to understand why Dan’s death has hit me so hard. But that’s Dan. If I thought it possible Dan would be sitting down with angels helping them develop some sort of plan. I also think he is a tad disappointed because there are no marriages in heaven to mentor. I am sure the Father has him working on some of the rooms we will be needing when we arrive. Ladders aren’t a problem anymore. But all of this aside, death is always a time to stop and take stock of our own lives. What are we doing? Who and what are we living for?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Guess who is part of that great cloud of witnesses? Dan is Cheering us on, just like he did when he was with us. He was my “John the Baptist.” But Dan is not my focus, Jesus is, and that’s how we cope with the loss of family and friends. We grieve, but with hope, and ours is in the Lord. So, we look past the sorrow, past the grief, past the vacant spot to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

Jesus’ death brought grief, but his resurrection brought victory. For this reason we hope and find peace. For this reason our sorrow is but for a moment. If we focus on anyone other than Jesus, the sorrow becomes overwhelming and paralyzing. The darkness will push out the light. But Jesus is the light and life, and in him there is life, now and forever. I write these things to help me focus on Jesus, and that’s what Dan would want. I’m just saying...

I Like Little Things

My name is Paul. “Hi Paul.” And it means little. For the life of me I don’t know why my parents would name me little. Maybe because I was small when I was born, more likely they just liked the name. Names have an affect on you, like the country song, “A Boy Named Sue.” As a result I have always liked small things. My wife is petite, I had a small horse, all my dogs have been small (except for Porthos, but I am over compensating), I have a small motorcycle, and I like walking short distances. All of this because my parents named me Little (I have a friend named Paul Title, that’s right). 

There are a lot of small things in the Bible too. Jesus said to let the little children come to him. He kept his Aposltes to twelve and his inner circle to just thee. All you need is a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed. Zacheus was small, and of course the smallest person in the Bible, Knee high-miah. Ok not funny. Even the Apostle Paul is said to have been short.

Why does this matter? Because the smallest, shortest, verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” I know that the verses were put there by men, but of all the verses in the Bible, this one was chosen to be the shortest, “Jesus wept.” The scripture only records Jesus weeping twice, over the spiritual darkness of Jerusalem, and this passage. There were other times I am sure, in Gethsemene, the beatings, and on the cross, but none of them specifically says it. So, what is the context of the shortest verse in Bible that moves Jesus to tears? The death of his good friend Lazarus.

Following this verse it says that the people around him observed his tears and speculated that it was because he had loved  Lazarus so much. His tears, Jesus’ tears, God’s tears, were for the death of a good friend. Therefore, It is ok to cry, it’s manly to cry, and to cry in public. 

My good friend Dan passed away this week, and I will be involved in the funeral. Yesterday I was preparing what I will say, and I wept. A flood of emotion came over me and I knew I would miss him, but that’s OK! If Jesus can weep, so can I. Continue to pray for the family over the next couple of months as they adjust to a new  normal, and remember, it’s alright to weep, both tears of joy and tears sorrow. I’m just saying...

It’s Friday, But Sunday Is Coming

In a time of mourning, the best words to say is Scripture. Here are a few, with a video.

• “In the world you will have trouble,” Jesus said. “But I have over Come the world.”
• Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
• “In my Father’s house are many rooms, and I go to prepare a place for you,” Jesus said, “if it were not so I would have told”
• “All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me,” Jesus said.
• Jesus said, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”
• An Angel said, ““Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

It’s Friday, But Sunday is Coiming!

The Day After Grief

There really isn’t a day after grief. The loss of someone you love is never easy, even when you know they are with the Lord. The empty place where they sat, or slept, is an image of the empty place left in the heart. But that is why it hurts so much, because there was so much love. The Psalmist said, 

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

Nothing happens that God is not aware of. His sovereignty stands, even in the mist of pain and sorrow. It is His sovereign will that gives us hope and comfort. To those who know Him, His thoughts are precious, because, as Paul said, “He works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to His purpose.” There is nothing we can do, for Him to love us more, and there is nothing we can do for Him to love us less. In Christ we have the strength to face each day when our flesh doesn’t feel like it can. In Christ, we have the peace that surpasses all understanding, when our flesh wants to live in turmoil. In Christ, we have the wisdom to see past the momentary pain towards something grandeur. But it has to be in Christ.

 

So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

The number of our days is written God’s book. Therefore, we are to number our days. The first is about the fragility of life, and the result of Adam’s sin. We all die. The second, is looking at each day, each moment for the precious gift that it is. It’s a count down, and a reminder that we are but mists, and that days are too short not to focus on what is really important — Loving God, Loving each other, and loving those outside the kingdom. 

If there is a rift between you and someone in your family, go and make it right. If your friend doesn’t know Jesus, share the gospel. If you need to be saved from your sin, repent and believe in the sacrifice of Jesus. Number your days and set your heart toward wisdom; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 

Today, I am going to reexamine my life and ask, “Father, who can I love today? Who can I show compassion to today? Who needs a helping hand? Father, make my days count.” I’m just praying.

Goodbye Friend

Today is a sad day, as family and friends begin to mourn the passing of a good friend. The first question that will come to many people’s mind is, “God, Why?” After finding him so quickly, why? After the helicopter pilot, who knew him, beat the storm to get him to the hospital, why? After such a good day on Tuesday, why? After so much life left in him, to love, to minister, to give sacrificially of himself, why? And the question lingers unanswered. 

After Mary and Martha asked Jesus the same question, at the passing of their brother Lazarus, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” The question isn’t why, but do you believe?

The only remedy for sorrow is hope. The Apostle Paul said, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” So, in Christ we have hope.

Dan will always be, “remember[ed] before our God and Father [his] work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” He loved others because he loved Jesus. The last time I spoke with Dan, I said I wanted to get a 1971 MG sports car. He said, “whatever makes you happy.” I replied, “Rebecca makes me happy.” Through shallow breathes he said, “yeah, Marty makes me happy too.” Jesus and Marty are his two greatest loves. 

What about you? What are your two greatest loves? Who is your first love? Do not let this moment pass you by, for today is the day of salvation. The scriptures says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It also says, “if you confess with your mouth, and believe in heart, that Jesus was raised from the dead, you will be saved.” In yet another place, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 

Today is a defining moment for Dan, as he was ushered into the presence of Jesus. Today is a defining moment for the family as they mourn his passing. Today is a defining moment for his friends, who will miss him greatly. Most of all, it is a defining moment for you who are not followers of Jesus. 

Do you believe? Dan’s just saying...

Scam, Scam, and I almost Fell For It

All those times I sat with my in-laws or my mom, and talked about how scammers target the elderly. How they should be careful not to listen to smooth talking men on the phone. I thought, “I will be more savvy when I am older.” Pride comes before the fall. Yesterday, Rebecca got a phone call from “Apple Security Alert” saying that one or more of our Apple products was hacked, and that we should speak to a tech to make sure we were safe. 

I spoke to the tech and he told me to go to the settings on my iPad and open the restrictions tab. There is no restrictions tab, of which I had been looking for earlier that day. He told me that I had been hacked and that the tab had been removed. Sounded good. In order to help me I needed to go online, from my desktop, and give him access to my computer. The whole time Rebecca and I cautiously went through the steps he outlined. Before I pushed the submit button I asked him to verify that he was from Apple. He said to look at the customer service number on the Apple website and match it with the number he was calling from. They matched. I was a little more amiable. I went backup to the desktop and put in the code and was ready to press return when caution got the better of us. I told him that the computer had too much sensitive data on it, and that I didn’t want anyone to have, even limit, access. We hung up. I did a google search and found that Microsoft and Apple would never call to tell you that you have a virus. There is no way for them to know. Don’t ever give someone you don’t know access to your computer. I felt so old.

Gullible is another word for trusting, and deception is Satan’s greatest tool. From the beginning, Eve was deceived, and the whole world was plunged into darkness. Paul told Timothy,

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12-15).

Darkness clouds men’s eyes, so that they do not come to know the truth. And what is that truth? That salvation comes through faith in Christ. Is sin real, the deceiver says, “no.” Do we need to repent, the deceiver says, “from what?” Is faith enough for salvation, the deciever says, “you need to work harder.” Do I need to live a holy life, the deciever says, “it’s not necessary.” The only way to fight against a scammer is with truth. As Paul told Timothy, “remember and be acquainted with the sacred writings.”

First, have your repented of your sin, and believed that Jesus died for your sins, and that God raised him from the dead. If not, today is a defining moment for you. If you are a believer, are you in the Word of God on a regular basis? Are you grounding yourself so that when the deciever plies his schemes you will be prepared? 

I was sitting in the living room when Rebecca’s phone rang. She came out and said their calling again. “Hang up!” I’m just saying...

Watching Them Walk Down The Road

You never stop parenting, whether your children are two or forty two. Love, care, nature, worry are still strong 
motions, especially for moms. And the worst passage in the Bible for parents is Genesis 2:24, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Watching your children grow up and leave is met with different emotions by mom and dad. Dad is like, “yeah, peace and quiet.” Mom walks from room to room and mourns the quiet. 

Yet, that’s the way of life. If the apron strings are not cut, the unhealthy familial relationship can kill the new couple. At the same time, parents remain parents, but parenting changes. No longer is the relations parent to child, but adult to adult. Some would say that it is still parent to child, that our children are always that. But to hold that view is to see our children as a child, or at least they will think that. No adult wants to be seen or treated like a child, even those who act like one. That means that we have to trust that our inadequate attempts at parenting will bear fruit of well adjusted adults, who can make good and right decisions. 

What if our adult children, however, are not following after Christ? How do we, who love the Lord, help our adult children find the righteous path of Jesus?  Here are some great suggestions by Ron Edmondson 

Here are 7 suggestions for parenting adult children:

Pray continually – Pray like crazy for your adult kids. Intercede for them. You don’t even have to tell them you are – although occasionally I suspect they’d like to hear it, even if they act like they don’t. In fact, discipline yourself that when you’re tempted to worry about them you start to pray for them. It’s far more powerful and one of the best ways you can influence them.

Speak reservedly – Don’t share every opinion you have about how they should be handling their life. That’s a key word. It’s “their” life. And, they may not tell you in so many words, but most adult children want to live their life. Just like you probably want to live yours. You can share on occasion, especially when asked or you know they are about to make a major mistake, but if you share everything it will eventually be noise not influence in their life. The sobering reality is when you offer too much input into, again “their” life, you diminish the impact of your voice when they need it most.

Model for them – Be the maturer one in the relationship. That makes sense, right? You’ve got more experience, shouldn’t you have more maturity? 

I’ve known parents who give the silent treatment to their adult children, because they didn’t call when they should or perform as they expected. Is that the mature response? And, does it work? It may guilt a response, but it doesn’t promote health in the relationship. 

I know others who use manipulative innuendos or put undue pressure on their adult children to call them, be at certain events, or just to respond to them emotionally in a certain way. (And, I get it. You miss their attention and long for it.) But, again, depending on your skill of manipulation it may guilt a response, but it doesn’t build the long, lasting and healthy relationship you will eventually want to have with your children. 

Model the behavior you think your adult children should have. They will likely follow actions more than words.

Remember you were once their age. That’s a key. Remember what it was like to be their age. You wanted to explore. You had dreams. You were scared at times. Confused. Not sure what steps to take. Some days you were just trying to hold it all together. You didn’t know everything. You were still learning. (Hopefully you still are.) You got aggravated at parents at times. And, those parents got aggravated at you. Remember? Try to identify with them by remembering you at their age again. You can influence them better if you can identify more with their season of life. 

Keep the door open. Always be available to them when they make themselves available to you. (Even when they wander. Remember the Prodigal Son story we love so much!) As soon as you close the door to them, when you draw hard lines on the ground or place strict rules upon the relationship, it will be much harder to open the door again. That doesn’t mean you have to let them take advantage of you. (That’s not even good love.) You can set boundaries, especially those, which are in your home or for their ultimate good. (But, make sure it’s for their good and not for your personal preferences.) There may be some non-negotiable issues, but let those be rare. Be generous with grace and forgiveness. Remember, you’re trying to develop a long-term opportunity to influence them.

Love them more than their life. You may not love all the decisions they are making. You may even think they are making a mistake. Again, if there’s an open door to share your insight — share it. I find writing a letter is sometimes the best way, especially if communication is strained. But, the fact is again, you are not raising — you’re influencing. And, they may or may not accept your influence. So, love them — generously and unconditionally — more than you love the current decisions they are making with their life. And, make sure they know how unconditional your love is also. It will guard your influence — if not now — in the future. And, you’ll be very thankful you did in the days ahead. 

Guard the heart. Guard your heart and theirs – above all else (Proverbs 4:23). Keep in mind you want the opportunity to speak into their life for years to come. Be intentional here. Be careful making statements or doing things you may later regret or that will push them further away from you. When you pray, pray for their heart – and yours. Just as you tried to protect their heart all those years they were in your home, keep protecting their heart. 

Hopefully, if influence is protected, if they can understand your intentions towards them are good and you will have invitation to speak into their life, from your success, your failure, and your experience. 

And, lastly, remember, you raised them for this. You raised them to be adults and to embrace the world and to take risks and to be themselves and to be who God designed them to be. They’ll explore just as you did and they’ll make mistakes just as you did. Lord willing, and with good intentionality, your best days (and some of the funnest days) are still to come as a parent. 

Happy parenting! I’m just saying...

Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll

Some people are afraid to press the link. We can’t talk about this at home, but the internet, anything goes? Of course that was the slogan, “anything goes,” of the sixties. Lax discipline, free love, and a morality based on the desires of the flesh. It was suppose to usher in an era of enlightenment, as drug induced experiences elevated us into a new plain of existence. How did that go for them? I rode the waves of the hippie generation, in but not really of it. Not involved in drugs but definitely living for self. 

God reflects His character in us. We are the image barrier of God, but sin has marred that image, and telling children what not to do is insufficient. Parents not only need to teach, but to model God’s image in them. Proverbs tells us, 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches...The prudent sees danger and hides himself...The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life...Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them...Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out...He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend...The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!” The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit...to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you...Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings.

A name says everything about a person; his character, his reputation, and his trustworthiness. A man with a good name:

1. Cares about his conduct before God and others.
2. Humbles himself before others because he fears the Lord
3. Is On guard against the a perverse and crooked generation whose attitude is negative and complaining.
4. Is pure in heart and has a grateful attitude. 
5. Works hard and learns a trade to better himself and the people around him.

“Son, remember you’re a Perkins.” What would my boys say that means? Is it honorable, respected, and is it godly. Discipline is the tool we use to build these characteristics in our children. We teach them that hard work is purposeful, that giving is good, that a positive outlook in life is catchy, and that a pure heart is most attractive. The world would have us think the opposite; leisure is the goal, close friends is community, crudeness is being real, and immorality is freedom from the old puritanical ways; all the while believing the world owes them something. How do we train up our children to chose what is right?

1. Time. The number one thing children want from their parents is active time together. Go on picnics, ride bikes, play games, and lose once in a while men.
2. Teach. Information at age appropriate levels is always good. Teaching children to read the Bible. Explain to them who God is, His handiwork, and his love for them (go get ice cream).
3. Transparent. Be transparent before your children. Let them see you win and fail. They will watch to see if you apologize like you tell them to. Their eyes are always looking to see if you lie, steal, yell, and curse god. When you are a good example of the characteristics you are trying to instill, they will want to be like you when they grow up.

Loving, consistent, discipline. Time, Teaching, Transparency. These are the essentials for developing the next godly generation. They are frame works to guide in the adventure called parenting. 

Tomorrow: “Watching them walk down the road.”  I’m just saying...

Spare the rod, waste a good stick

A few years ago, the story was told, that an American boy, living in Singapore, was caught keying cars. There is no such thing as little crimes in Singapore. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to caning. An out cry from the U.S. could be heard around the world, except for in Singapore. The crime rate is so low that people feel safe there, second only to Tokyo. Their surveillance, strict laws and swift discipline has curbed the crime rate drastically. The west, however, has seen crime increase and speedy trials decrease. 

Caning is not new or foreign. The principle of slapping nuckles is the same. In fact my own experience with American caning taught me some valuable lessons. In the third grade spelling was difficult for me, and often I had to take my failing marks home to be signed by my parents. My brothers, to my surprise, were willing to help. They showed me a fool proof way to forge my mom’s name. Well, fool proof to a third grader. My third grade teacher saw right through it, and my lie received three wacks with the school paddle (Remember the good ole days). Did it work? Ask my ninth grade teacher (that’s right 9th grade). I am not advocating any form of discipline at this point, but I think my generation swung the pendulum too far the other way. What does Proverbs have to tell us?

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him...Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true...Words of the Wise Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge...Do you see a man skillful in his work? 

Everyone craves three things, even our children: 1. A spiritual experience, 2. Loving relationships, and 3. Purpose.  But sin has warped every good thing and turned us toward selfishness and self interest. That’s why we don’t need to teach our children to be bad, only to be good, and there are only three things you need to accomplish good parenting. Are you ready? 1. Loving, 2. Consistent, 3. Discipline, grounded in God’s word. 

We teach our children that God loves them, but they experience that love through us. The greatest gift parents can give their children is to love each other with all their hearts. Sin tells us that children are resilient and weather their parents’ divorce, that it is better for everyone if spouses split. Homes are better without abusive parents, but that isn’t what I’m getting at. Before you have children, while you have children, and after your children are gone, your primary relationship is with your spouse. If you love one another you will not have a problem loving your children, and they will not have a problem loving God. Read Ephesians 5:22.

Consistency is a challenge when it comes to disciplining our children, for two reasons. First, those little faces are so adorable who could ever discipline them. Secondly, they are the biggest terrors to walk the face of the earth and you will do anything to shut them up (deep breath). Yet, children thrive under consistency, because then they know what to expect. They will try you, they will conjole you to get what they want, but in the end their little psyches need parents who are strong and loving, not wish washy friends.

Discipline is often confused with punishment. Discipline can be harsh or soft depending on the situation, but discipline is always for the child’s benefit. Discipline is a military word that focuses on performing the same task over and over until the soldier acquires the necessary skill. It is the same with children, they learn early that good behavior is rewarded and poor behavior inolves pain. The reward part is easy, so let’s talk about pain. In early childhood it is important that defiance receives the harshest discipline, but other acts of disobedience should have discipline that fits the offense. 

If I asked my son to not touched something he is not suppose to touch, he was sternly told no, and engaged in another activity. If he went back to the object the discipline was repeated. If he did it a third time his hand was flicked. If he did it again his hand was flicked. If he did it again he was spanked. Each time the severity grew and applied consistently. After each flick or spanking his offense and punishment was explained with a hug, reassuring him of our love. As my boys grew older the same process was repeated with age appropriate discipline and punishment. By the time they were teenagers we had gained their respect, they knew what to expect, and our love for them was unquestioned. 

We failed often, but those were teaching times when we would confess our own sin, apologize, and asked them for forgiveness. There were tense moments and tender moments, but over all, if you are loving, consistent, and disciplined, your children will grow up in the way they should go. This is nothing new, it is how God treats us. 

Tomorrow will be “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.”  I’m just saying.

Dad, Teach Me To Dance

I’ve had two dance lessons in my life. Square Dancing in the 4th grade, in Altas, Oklahoma. The second was with my wife, Rebecca for an anniversary. We went for a two hour ballroom dance, private, lesson. That’s pretty much the last time I danced, accept for weddings which I will venture out for slow dancing with my wife. It’s not that I don’t like dancing, or that I think it is wrong. I just don’t have any rhythm, so why subject people to a lot of awkwardness. 

I have, however, come to the conclusion that if I had a daughter I would have learned, mainly so that she would know how a true gentleman treats a woman (let’s not go where you’re thinking, I do treat my wife like a true gentleman, just not on the dance floor). There is just something about teaching them as a child and then the last dance at their wedding (stop it, I’m tearing up). At any rate I have three boys and I taught them how to play paintball.

Training your children to grow up as godly young men and women is much like dancing. If you do it right, keeping in the rhythm, and knowing how to lead, they will most likely turn out strong in their faith. Over the next couple of days I want to explore how to engage our children in the dance.

How do we successfully pass to the next generation a passion for God? Proverbs 22:6 instructs us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This isn’t a promise, but a proverb, and proverbs are general rules, that if this done, the out come is most likely this. But what does it mean to train up a child in the way they should go? If you read the proverb in the context of proverbs chapter 22, there are some very instructive insights to the question. So I am going to do a no, no in the blog world, I am going to have you read a very long text. Here is Proverbs 22, and observe the highlighted words.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. Words of the Wise Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.

Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them. Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

Let’s list the highlighted words and phrases and see what kinds of instruction the proverb gives us for training up a righteous generation.

1. Good name (favor)
2. The Lord is maker of both the rich and poor
3. Fear of the Lord
1. God shows himself trustworthy
4. Training a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it.
5. Don’t go into debt (borrow is a slave to the lender)
1. Don’t go into debt
2. Prudent
6. Unjust people will reap what they sow
1. Seek what is right and true 
7. Don’t hang around with negative people
1. Don’t make friends with angry and wrathfilled people.
8. Pure heart
1. Stay away from pornography, prostitution, and immoral person
2. Guards his soul 
9. Gracious speech
1. Humility 
10. The Lord watch’s over those who seek knowledge
1. Apply your heart to God’s knowledge
11. Don’t be lazy
1. Work hard and develop a skill
12. Don’t spare the rod of discipline
13. Don’t oppress the poor
1. Don’t rob the poor 

Above is a road map to training up the next generation of godly followers of Jesus. The question is how to apply the characteristic in such a way that builds faith and doesn’t drive our children away. Within the above characteristics are some tools that will help. Tomorrow we will look at the disciplines that God has given to facilitate the process. 

Tomorrow “Spare the rod, waste a good stick... and other myths”. I’m just saying... 

Pink + Blue = Black & Blue

Isolated, alone, he sat pondering what had just happened. He couldn’t understand how a small comment could grow into such a big argument. Now the splashing wave and the whistling wind were all that kept him company. “I’m tired of this,” he thought. “If this is the way she wants it, then I won’t go home, ever!”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. Their marriage was over. If he could be so insitive after all these years, then he will never change. She was only trying to help and he snapped at her, said she didn’t know what she was talking about. “I’m tired of this,” she thought. “If this is the way he wants it, then he can stay gone, forever!”

These conflicts happen all the time, whether in a marriage, a family, a dating couple or friends, hurtful words against good intentions. Misunderstanding instead of communication, and the best of relationships can be derailed. Why do we fight so much? What makes being in a close relationship with someone, make being in a close relationship so difficult? We are naturally drawn to one another because people are created for people, and the closer the relationship the greater chance for hurt and disappointment.

We rarely care what others think, unless we truly respect them. That’s why her intent to help bothered him. If we look further into their conversation we find that he was fixing something that he wasn’t good at. It was his responsibility. When his wife suggested some alternative ways, it made him feel inadequate. Instead of accepting his wife’s suggestion as a gift, he saw it as criticism and he lashed out. She, on the other hand, could have waited until he asked her to enter his world. It might have taken a long time, but what he needed was a cheerleader, because he hated what he was doing. 

Conflict is inevitable. We stumble with the flesh, and it rears its ugly head at the most inconvenient times. In those moments, take a deep breath, guys, and say, “she’s a well meaning woman.” And women, when you think he can’t do anything right, find the one thing that he does and praise for it, if he goes to work faithfully, thank him for being a good provider. He might not show it, but it will thrill him down to the tips of his toes. I’m just saying.,,

Gnats, Flies, and Pestilence

This past week, with the new construction at the church, there has been an over abundance of flies and gnats in my office. They could fly anywhere they want and I would be ok to share my space, but they have this annoying drive to buzz around me. Before you think it, I have showered. Swatting at them makes me feel powerless, I’m not as fast as they are. I think that’s why they come around, to taunt me; Belzabub, lord of the flies.

But I will not be undone, I remembered a simple gnat catching solution. Fill a small comtainer with water and add a little dish soap. The solution attracts the gnats, it’s too slippery for them crawl out, and walla they are dead. The gnat filled container gave me a sort of macabre satisfaction. The problem now is the flies, or rather The Fly. There is always just one, and if I do manage to kill it, there is one waiting in the wings to take it’s place. An odd sort of tag team torment. And so it is with the way of the world.

The best known pestilence of the Bible is Moses and the plaques. The Egyptians were tormented with gnats and flies respectively. My own experience, however slight, has given me a new appreciation for the Egyptians’ torment. I would have gone mad, and so upset where the Egyptians, Pharaoh almost let the Israelites go. Hard hearts and misery go together.

Revelation 6:8; 9:1-11 speaks of two more times of pestilence; much worse than the plagues of Egypt. In chapter six the fourth horse of the apocalypse let’s loose famine, diesese, and pestilence to torment the people of the earth. In chapter nine the fifth trumpet is blown and a terrible creature, that is a mixture of a locust and scorpion, is let loose, “And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them” (Rev. 9:6). Only those who are of the elect will be spared. 

Revelation is a fascinating book full of imagery, that is often not taken literal and is spiritualized so as not to make it as awful as it sounds. Imagery or real, the fact is that it will be terrible. The horror of the event would make Hercules shutter. But we read it with morbid curiosity, a fascination that is rivaled only by a Stephen King novel. Yet, we, as followers of Jesus, should be motivated by this book. It is both a warning and a comfort. A comfort, because it is a reminder that the wicked will not get away with their injustice. A warning, because the horror will fall on all those who do not believe—even our loved ones.

Take a moment to pray for a lost family member or friend. Ask the Lord for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Become the beautiful feet that brings good news. I’m just saying...

Riding The Narrow Road

Since I had my back surgery, I haven’t been able to ride my motorcycle. I should  put that on my bucket list. I look at it every time I go out in the garage, and the open road calls my name. There is nothing like the wind blowing against you at 60 mph. The destination isn’t important, it’s the journey. I know that sounds cliche, but it is true. The wide interstate is great for getting somewhere fast, but the winding, narrow roads take you on the most interesting rides. If I had the time I would take a trip around the United States. Rebecca riding with me would be the best, but she doesn’t have the same love for the open road as I do. I have thought about getting a sidecar and teaching Porthos to ride with me. I know, it wouldn’t be the same.

Narrow roads can be lonely places. South Bend Texas, and I was by myself, too far, less gas, and a long way from a gas station. I hadn’t seen traffic all day, down around the Rio Grand, and the promise of a gas station was short lived by torn out pumps. So, I did the only thing I could, prayed, and set out for the closest gas station — 25 miles further than my gas consumption. The rolling hills afforded me coasting time, low gears and a lot more praying. When I arrived at the gas station, I figured out my miles per gallon, and praised the Lord. I usually only got about 50 miles a gallon, but this time it was close to 70! I have been very careful since, but I know that God set the wind to my back.

Narrow is the road, Jesus said, that leads to life. It’s not an easy road, but it takes you places more wonderful than you can imagine. I have met and known some of the most wonderful followers of Jesus. Some have suffered persecution and others have had a life of ease, yet, both have blessed me tremendously. God gives us today, that’s it. There is no promise of tomorrow, so each moment is a time of gratitude. It also means that each decision is important. Each relationship valuable. Each breath an exhalation of praise. Tomorrow is Sunday and I plan on making the most of it with some of the most wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ you could ever meet (and I’ve met a lot of them). Here’s to the narrow road—Here’s to the journey. I’m just saying...

Upside down smile and a Furrowed Brow

There are so many things that I want to do. The other day I  said my bucket list was empty, I had done it all. Then I thought, “that’s crazy, if I’ve done it all, then there is nothing left to live for. I started filling my buck up again. Here are the top five on my list:

1. I want to go to Israel.
2. I want to go to Rome.
3. I want to go to Morocco.
4. I want to perform my grandchildren’s weddings (that might be considered more than one).
5. I want to do all this with Rebecca.

There are times I will set out to do something and Rebecca will ask, “why? And I will reply, “that’s the wrong question, the real question is. ‘why not!’ Life is serious, there are so many things that need to be done. Bills need to be paid, children need to be raised, houses need to be cared for, and disciples need to be made. I want to throw up my hands and yell, let’s laugh and play and frolick all day (see how I made that rhyme?). But that’s not the way of the world. Too many serious things happening around the us, and the upside down smile and furrowed brow scold us back into our proper place. Jesus said,

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matt. 11:19.

I think Jesus enjoyed life. Yes, there was a very serious side of him, but he could enjoy a good wedding, or party. I am sure I come off as a little globe for some, but there is a serious side to me as well. It wants to jump out and put a furrow on my brow and shake my finger at everyone. We need to make disciples, of course, but can’t we have fun along the way. I’m just saying...