Stop, Start!

 So today is the first day of the New Year. A day when people decide to make a new start. Start exercising, start dieting, start whatever. I have never understood this mentality. Why wait to start something. I'll start on January 1st. I'll start on Monday. I'll start on the first day of the month. Why not start now. 

When Jesus called His disciples, they didn't tell Him, lets wait till Monday, first of the year or month. They dropped what they were doing and followed Him immediately! Lets not hesitate when Jesus calls us. He wants an immediate response, not a pause or hesitation.

Luke 9:59 Living Bible

59 Another time, when he invited a man to come with him and to be his disciple, the man agreed—but wanted to wait until his father’s death.

Luke 9:61 Living Bible

61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will come, but first let me ask permission of those at home.”

So some things to do as we enter the New Year.

Stop looking back with regret. You cannot change what happened, but you can use what happened to change how you respond the next time something comes up.

Stop thinking that you cannot overcome something. An addiction or bad habit. God is the chain breaker. Jesus came to set us free.

Stop thinking that God doesn't care about you. Stop blaming yourself or others. Stop saying yes to everything. You are allowed to say no. Stop saying no. Stop doing to much or to little. 

Then stop what doing what you know you shouldn't be doing. You know right from wrong.

Start each day in prayer and Bible reading. Converse with God to start your day. Get into His word. What a way to start your day! Then as you proceed during the day, start showing more grace and forgiveness.

Start new habits. Start obeying Gods word. What The Bible says, put it into practice. If you have hurtful relationships, start trying to repair them.

Then most important, start to trust God! Everyday, every hour, minute and second! He never changes. The same yesterday, today and forever. He is the one constant.

Hebrews 13:8 New Living Translation

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

So no matter what changes happen to you or around you, God is and will always be there! You can count on that!

Happy New Year & God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Tear Drops On My Keyboard!

 A few years ago, Taylor Swift released a song titled "Tear Drops On My Guitar." Well, I kind feel that way, except I don't play guitar, but I know how to type really well.

I've been feeling very verklempt this Christmas season. Not sure why? It all started when I heard an Elvis Christmas song on the radio that my step dad would play every year while opening presents when I was a kid. We buried him in June! Not sure that I'm missing him so much as the memory of those Christmas mornings. Every. Single. Christmas. Elvis played in the background.

I started thinking about those days. As a kid, our family would cram ourselves into our grandparents living room on Christmas Eve to open presents. Then as the family grew larger, we moved down to their basement. Everyone was present. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and some drunk carolers. Good times, back when you could have strangers in your basement and not fear for your safety.

Then one year it was over. Both of our grandparents passed away. The glue that held the family together. Just wasn't the same after they passed! Then before you knew it, more people started passing away. My dad, my mom, one of my uncles. Christmas was really taking a hit, for me. People that really made it special were gone. Just like my grandparents, Christmas just wasn't the same.

So for some reason this year, the remembering of family who are no longer with us, really hit hard. That stupid Elvis song! Just had to hear it. 

I think that God was telling me that everything will be okay. Even though some important people were gone, there were plenty left to celebrate with. He was right, just like He always is. I (we) could share the memories of my mom, uncle and grandparents. How they made Christmas special for us. We could laugh and reminisce with the others. Remember the funny stories. Trust me, there were plenty.

I take comfort in knowing that I (we) will see all these family members again, with the ultimate celebration in Heaven!

So I encourage you tonight. Christmas has passed for the year of 2025. We are on the cusp of a new year. Make it a new beginning with you families. Cherish the time you have together. You'll never know when it will be the last time that you see one another.

Ephesians 4:32 New Living Translation

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

God bless & Happy New Year!

Rev. Kev.

(Let Them Know) They're Seen.

 Yesterday I had a doctors appointment. As I was leaving the office and walking down the hallway towards the elevator, I encountered two Hispanic woman cleaning the bathrooms. I said hello to them in their language. I asked how they were doing and wished them a Merry Christmas, in Spanish. The smile on their faces when I greeted them and acknowledged them, priceless. They don't know it, but that was one of the best Christmas presents I could receive.

I spoke to them the same way that I spoke to the college educated endocrinologist. Just because they were cleaning a bathroom and didn't have the title of Doctor didn't mean I couldn't speak to them. I treat everyone the same. College educated or not. Speak English or not. Everyone is someone. I'm probably the last person they thought that would great them and acknowledge them in their own language. 

Isn't that what Jesus teaches to do? To speak to each other in love? Doesn't matter their background or where they came from. No one is above anyone else.

Ephesians 4:29 New Living Translation

29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Jesus never put anyone above anyone else. He spoke to all the "religious" leaders, the Pharisees, Sadducees and all the leaders who taught the law. 

He didn't shy away from talking or acknowledging people who were not in leadership. Just regular people. He didn't pass on talking to the Samaritan at the well. He did so even though He was a Jew and she was a despised people group. (John 4: 1-42)

Did He avoid acknowledging the woman with the issue of blood? No, He stopped and engaged her. She wasn't to low for Him to talk to. (Mark 25-34)

I know these stories have deeper meaning, but I'm just showing how Jesus didn't ignore anyone due to their place in society!

So I encourage you, that the next time you see someone whether it be a janitor, doctor, truck driver, lawyer, whatever or whomever, greet them the same. The smile you'll get in return will make it all worthwhile!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

So Close, Yet So Far!!

 So last week I ordered a part for my Jeep (shocker I know). It was one of those deals that if you order it in the next 3hrs, 23min you'd get it by a certain date. Well that has been an epic fail. Still waiting for over a week for it to arrive.

A day or so after ordering I tracked the shipment. It was shipping from somewhere in Kansas. It left the original destination, made another stop in Kansas and then made it to Bridgeview, IL. Okay, great. I should get it either later that day or the next. Nope! Didn't happen. The next day I checked again. I couldn't believe what I was reading. It went from Bridgeview, IL to New Berlin, WI. What?? It went from being about 66 miles away, to over a 100 miles away. So, it lost over 40 miles going the other direction. Instead of coming west, it went back North. Ugh!

So needless to say, I am still waiting. Not that I need it right away, but when you order something, you would like to receive in a timely fashion!

So like usual, my mind started thinking. I started thinking about how many people come so close to Jesus and then turn the other way. So close they could reach and touch Him, but withdrew their arm or hand and walked the other direction.

I started thinking about the young rich man who asked Jesus about getting into Heaven. He didn't like the answer that Jesus gave him, so he turned and walked away.

Matthew 19:21-22 The Message

21 “If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.” 22 That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go.

Instead of doing what Jesus had advised him to do, he chose his wealth. Over following Jesus.

What are we choosing as our "wealth" over Jesus. Is it our lifestyle? Jobs, cars, money? Instead of Eternity with Jesus, we are choosing our Earthly goods.

Luke 9:23 Amplified Bible

23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

One last note about the order. I cannot blame the shipper. All they can do is hand off the package to the delivery company in hopes that they do what they are supposed to do. That's why I don't trust in trucking or small package delivery companies. 

Psalm 118:8  Living Bible

8 It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Holding It Together!

 I went out to snow blow our driveway and sidewalk on Saturday evening, during the big storm. I didn't want to have a foot of snow to snow blow on Sunday, so I thought that I would do it in shifts. I did the first one Saturday. 

During the final run, while I was finishing the sidewalk, the handle of the blower all of a sudden came loose on one side. I looked down, and the twisty knob and bracket were gone. They were/are somewhere in the snow pile! Thankfully I was pretty much finished. I put the snowblower away for the night. I would worry about repairing it in the morning.

The next morning came and I looked for a bolt of some kind that would fit in the handle to hold it together until I could get the correct one. Bolt after bolt, were either to big, to short, always to something that wouldn't work. Then I saw this plastic blue screw. I do not know where it came from, or where I got it, but there it was, sitting, waiting. I reached in and pulled it out. Looked at it and thought, "why not." "Lets give it a chance." It was long enough. It fit through the hole. Next question is, would it be strong enough to hold up to the job? It wasn't a flimsy plastic, it was pretty sturdy. I slid it into place, started the snow blower and set off to see what would happen. Wouldn't you know it, it held up. Did not break or fail. 

Winning.

Like I stated earlier. I do not know where this came from. Or where I might have ever needed it, but God! He knew that on November 30th, 2025 I would need it. It wasn't the right part, or size, but it worked. God knew exactly what I needed at that exact time.

Then I started thinking about people. How many people are using things that don't fit, or are exactly what they need to hold their lives together. Some reach for a bottle, or other substances. They hope that a bottle or other substances will make them feel better. Make them feel, at least for the moment, that they have things together. Let me tell you, there is no hope in the bottom of a bottle. No hope in using other things to make you feel better. The only real hope is found in Jesus!

Psalm 107:27-28 New Living Translation

27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

I keep thinking about the woman with the issue of blood. She had heard about Jesus and the healing that He could perform. She put her hope in Him. If she could just touch the hem of His garment. She did and she was healed instantly. She had tried every other method available to her to get healed and nothing worked. Finally she turned to Jesus. (Mark 5:25-34)

So I encourage you, that after you have tried everything else to get yourself together, try the one who actually can. Jesus Christ. He is the right length, the right size, the right everything! No worries if He will ever give out, like that blue plastic screw will eventually. He never will.

Psalm 73:26 Amplified Bible

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Here We Go, Once Again!

 So the Christian rock/metal band Skillet has released a Christmas song. Their first one, ever. It's a nice cover of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" They did a really nice version, then they add a little bit of metal to it. The volume cranks up, the vocals get louder. They Skilletize it! Everybody seems to be losing their ever loving minds over this. Calling it demonic, satanic, whatever their offended little selves can label it.

I for one, in my opinion say it is not demonic or satanic. It's just a rocking cover of a Christmas song. They don't change the lyrics, or the message. Everything is the same, except for the style of music that it is being sung to. The Christian hard rock band Bride released an entire Christmas album. Same with Stryper. The Christian metal band Deliverance released a cover of "Silent Night" that is anything but silent! Not a peep out of anyone. But as soon as Skillet releases a Christmas song people are up in arms.

Like I have said many, many, many times. Not every song has to be the Gaithers or Pat Boone. Those artists are fine for what they do. Others need something different. What is wrong with a screaming guitar, pounding drums, an awesome bass line and some killer vocals to get Christs message across? NOTHING!

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but here I go once again. Christian metal or rock music is not demonic or satanic. Just because you may not like it, or care for it, it is not of the Devil. If they lift up the name of Jesus and give Him all the honor and glory. Point people to Him with their lyrics, nothing wrong with that. Like I've said numerous times, but I'll say it one more time, I have worshipped more with these Christian metal bands than the "traditional" Christian artist.

The last time I checked, wasn't God The Creator? He can use whatever or whomever He wants to draw people to Himself. 

God can speak to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3).

If we don't speak, the rocks will cry out. (Luke 19:40).

So those of you who want to judge Christian metal or rock music for not being Christian, I offer you this.

Matthew 7:1 Amplified Bible

7 “Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly].

You will never change my mind. No matter how many times I get the side eye from people, and I get it plenty trust me. I and my metal loving brothers and sisters will continue to worship The Lord with loud and heavy music. Like Pastor Bob Beeman says all the time and I agree with 100% "We Are Metal, We Are Family"

Amen.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

From Saul To Keven!

 Believe it or not, I used to be like Saul. Not in the murdering Christian sense, but mocking and making fun of them every chance that I got! I would attend someone's wedding or baptism at church, I'd pull into the parking lot blasting Slayer, Ozzy, any kind of non Christian metal there was. I wanted to show what a cool guy I was. I wasn't. I'll admit, I was a jerk!

When I knew that some Christian relatives or friends were coming over to our house to visit, I would look out the window to see them getting out of their car and start blasting Kiss' "Hotter Than Hell" album and song! Again, to show how "cool" I was! I wasn't cool, I was acting like an infant, only I didn't know it.

I always believed in God. I never knew there was a "walk" with Him. If you would have asked me at any given time during my youth if I thought that I was a Christian, I would have said yes. In my mind, all you had to do was believe that there was a God. I did, but lived a totally different life, far from God!

Then I met a beautiful young woman who was a Christian. The only difference between her and others who claimed that they were Christians, she actually walked the walk. I could sense something different about her. The way that she carried herself. The way that she lived her life. She was the real deal.

She invited me to go church with her. She wasn't pushy about it. She just said that when I was ready, I should attend with her. So one Sunday I took her up on her offer. We meet at her apartment and off we went. Skeptical I was, no doubt. We walked through the door, and the air was different that I had ever experienced before. When the pastor had finished speaking, he gave an altar call. Before I even knew what was happening, I was raising my hand and accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior. I had my road to Damascus moment. Jesus was calling me. My eyes were opened that very second. I realized that I had been blind to the ways of Jesus. There was more than just believing, I had to follow as well. My life forever changed in that moment. A decision I will never regret. (Acts 9)

Fast forward a few years and out comes a song by the band Newsong! It's titled "I Am A Christian." This song sums up my life perfectly.

It starts out stating that I am a Christian. Okay, I am a Christian, or Christ follower. Then it states that I am a Pilgrim. I'm on a journey but I am not alone. Jesus is with me. He goes before me, leading me in the ways that He wants me to go. 

Deuteronomy 13:4 Amplified Bible

4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and you shall fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect], and you shall keep His commandments and you shall listen to His voice, and you shall serve Him, and cling to Him.

One step at a time. One foot in front of the other. Don't lose your focus. Stay focused on Jesus.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.