Why Not Today?

Me, like most of us are gearing up for the beginning of a new year. New possibilities, new hope, new start, new everything. Most of us use the start of a new year to start a new diet. Start a new workout regime, a new reading program, new anything. 

We usually do this during the year as well. I'll start exercising on Monday. I'll start my new diet on Monday. I'm going to start reading this book Monday. It seems like we always put everything off until the start of a new week, month or year. I don't know what the first of the year, month or week have to do with anything. It's almost like it's a magical date for us to get started. 

That's not how it is when we accept Jesus. He wants us to follow Him right away. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Like the lyric's from a popular song go, *"Tomorrow May Not Be There For You."* You are not guaranteed another day. So why wait to accept Jesus as your personal savior? If you are ready to do it, do it today. Tomorrow might be to late, and then what?

Romans 10:10 Amplified Bible

10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.

If you don't accept Him right away, today, and pass away without repenting and turning from our sins, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God!

I pray today that if you are seeking God and His salvation that He freely gives. Do it today. Ask him to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. Don't wait another day. Like I mentioned above. Tomorrow might be to late.

God Bless you in 2022.

 Rev. Keven

* Song lyric taken from the song "That Smell" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1977.*

Know Where To Turn.

 The picture above is a flag that I have hanging in my office at work. It is kind of hard to see, but it is a Christian flag. It is all white except for the blue square with a red cross in it. I put it up a few months ago just to let people know where I stand. 

Anyway.

I went on vacation the week of Thanksgiving. My co-worker who filled in for me, told me the following story after I asked him how everything went while I was gone.

He said that one day he was having difficulties with the computer and printer. He grew so frustrated with the whole situation that he had to stand up and get away from the desk. He told me that he ended up by the flag. In fact even the side with the cross on it. He said after a few moments he felt calmed down enough to try the computer and printer again. This time everything worked perfectly. I told him that was God.

You see, even in his frustration he knew where to turn. Even though he is not a believer per se, he still knew to turn to the cross for help. He knew that even a few moments spent in front of the cross, God would give him peace and everything would work out. And it did! I know it's a cross on a flag. It still represents Jesus. Jesus tells us to come to Him when we need.

Nahum 1:7 Living Bible

7 The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is the place to go! And he knows everyone who trusts in him!

As he told this story to me, I was thinking about the flag and why I insisted I had to have it in my office. Well, here is one reason. I am sure that there will be plenty more to come!

So I encourage you today. If you need help of any kind. Comfort or anything else. Turn to God. He and He alone can help you.

Matthew 11:28 New Living Translation

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

As we near the end of 2021, (and what a ride these last two years have been) let's all take the time to rest in Jesus! Refresh ourselves and get ready for the new year that is just around the corner!

God Bless!

What's Your Power Source??

 Our pastors wife preached a sermon last week on this subject. Where do you get your power? And what is the source of that power? She was talking about being exhausted and just couldn't keep up with the hectic life that had been transpiring with her and her family. How many of us can claim the same thing? We are worn out, exhausted and just plain done. We have come to the end our physical energy. We have nothing left in the tank to give! With the pandemic still wearing on us. Mask on, mask off. School. Go in person or attend online. Shopping with shelves empty. Prices on everything rising. Determining if we really need that, or can it wait. Trying to navigate this new "normal" for our families and lives. It is exhausting!

Like she pointed out, most of us are worn out because we are trying to do it ourselves. We know God and trust Him, but we leave Him in behind. As if to say "it's alright Lord, I got this." God's like "oh really??" "Do you now!"

Proverbs 3:5 Amplified Bible

5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

We are still human and sometimes we still put our trust in people. How many times has someone let you down? To many times to count I am sure. Yet we still rely on people all the time. We rely on family, friends, co-workers and in some instances the government. And they have all let us down at sometime or another. 

Micah 7:5 New International Version

5 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend.

We need to stop saying to ourselves that we can do it on our own. It has been proven time and time again that we can't. We need to get back to the source of our energy, JESUS! Plug into Him and let Him power us.

Ephesians 6:10 Amplified Bible

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

So I encourage you. No matter how tired, worn out and exhausted you are. Give it to Jesus. Our eternal power source.

Matthew 11:28 Living Bible

28 Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. 

Go to Jesus and rest in His ever loving arms! Have Him renew your strength.

God bless!

With This Ring!

 

Today during a slow moment at work, I caught myself staring at my wedding ring. The ring is silver and has crosses around the whole band. I was staring at the band, but more so staring at the crosses and what they mean to me. When I picked this ring out, my fiancee (now wife) and I were in the jewelry store looking at rings. When I saw this one it was like all of the lights in the store went out and God had His light shining on this one. So of course, I chose it.

So while staring at the crosses on the ring today, God brought back many memories that have happened since I put this ring on my finger. Good, bad or indifferent. Things that He has done for me, with me and through me. It's like He had me choose this ring with crosses on it to remind myself daily of  Jesus and the love that He has for me. Just like the ring itself is an outward expression to the world of my love and commitment to my wife, the crosses are an outward expression of Jesus' love for me. Just like our wedding ring is a circle and means that our love for each other will go on forever, that's how it is with God's love towards us. God's love never ends.

Lamentations 3:22 New Living Translation

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

God reminded of many other things whilst staring at my ring. 

God has a plan for me - Jeremiah 29:11

He will never leave me nor forsake me - Hebrews 13:5

I am a child of God -  Galatians 3:26

He loves my unconditionally - Jeremiah 31:3

He gives me eternal life - John 10:28

He is my Savior - Acts 4:12

I got all of this just from staring at my wedding ring for a few moments. God has been so good to me. Faithful & loving. Protecting and providing. Lifting me up, encouraging me, even when things don't go as I planned. 

His ways are not my ways. His thoughts are not my thoughts. I thank Him for that. Because if they were, we would be in a lot of trouble!

God bless you all!

Preparing A Table??

 The inspiration for this post comes from a Casting Crowns concert I attended last week. The singer was talking about Psalm 23 and how he thought that it was weird that the Lord would set a table for us in the presence of our enemies. 

Psalm 23:5 The Voice

5 You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace.

I have many friends and family members going through, or have gone through some difficult times. Cancer, diabetes, heart problems, COVID, almost anything that you can think of, people I know have battled it or fought against it.

As I find out about family or friends battling diseases or sickness or whatever they are facing, I always pray that God would come with His mighty sword and with one swing take it all away. One swing of His sword would take away cancer. Diabetes, and all other health issues. Especially this virus that keeps coming around. I know so many people that have been sick with COVID and have died from it. I pray that The Lord would put an end to it. Let Your sword swing freely. I trust and know that He can surely do it.

Never during my prayer time about bringing a sword, have I ever thought that He would answer with  a table. A table Lord? Really?

It's like God saying to me "come, sit and rest a while." "I will provide for you what you are in need of." He set it up in front of my enemies in spite of them. They could not stop it or prevent it. They had to look on and witness God in action on my behalf. The more that I pray for friends and family, the more God pours out His soothing oil on me. He continues to fill my cup with His grace so that I may continue on. He is The Lord of abundance!

So I encourage you today. If you are praying that God would bring His sword and remove stuff from your life but He delivers a table instead. Sit at that table and enjoy being in the presence of God. Bask in His goodness.

Sometimes we need a table, not a sword!

Amen!

Why Not Us?

People ask me often why God allows things to happen. "Why has God allowed me to get sick?" "Why is He allowing hurt, pain and grief?" When I hear that I usually think to myself, "why not us?" God allowed His own Son to be bruised, so why wouldn't he allow us to get bruised?

Isaiah 53:10 Living Bible 10 

But it was the Lord’s good plan to bruise him and fill him with grief.

Do we think that we are better than Jesus? That we shouldn't have to suffer any sickness or pain? If God allowed His only son to suffer, we are no better than He was.

Acts 5:41 The Passion Translation

41 The apostles left there rejoicing, thrilled that God had considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

The apostles left rejoicing that they suffered for following Jesus. That is how we should respond to what is happening. We should be rejoicing in our suffering. To be on the same path as Jesus. He suffered and died for us. Took the sin of the whole world upon Him. So what is it to us to suffer for following Jesus?

We often pray for healing of our sicknesses and diseases. Some are healed physically, others are healed, just not in the way that we thought that they would be. God calls them home to Him, then they are perfectly healed.

When my mom was sick a couple of years ago. In and out of the hospital for four months. Me and my family prayed for her total and complete healing and for her to leave the hospital. All she wanted to do was go home. Well she did go home, just not to her home here on earth, but her home in Heaven. God healed her and got her out of the hospital, just not the way that we thought that He would.

So whatever you are going through, sickness, loss, grief, pain, etc... Count it all joy that God thinks that you are worthy enough to suffer for Him.

Remember. If we are not healed here in this life, we are healed for eternity with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:8 New Living Translation

8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

Amen!

Predicting Snow, Predicting The Return Of Jesus!

With the title of this blog, both events seem to be very difficult to do. The weather people have all this fancy equipment to use to predict the weather. Doppler radar, satellites, computers, and they are still wrong it seems most of the time. How many times have we been warned "big snow storm is coming!" Then nothing materializes. They get us all worked up for a big letdown. Predicting a snow storm, or snowfall of any kind seems to a hard thing to do. Even with all the equipment and knowledge.

That's the same with trying to predict the return of Jesus. The Bible give us a list of things that will happen before His return, but some people think that the know better than God, The Father! We've had pastors, false prophets, scientist all try to predict the return of Jesus. Guess what? All have failed. They get everybody worked up with what they think will be the end of the world, and the next day, we are all still here.

Nobody knows when the return of Jesus will be. Some think that they can outsmart God. They would be wrong!

Matthew 24:36 The Message

36 “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

Since no one knows the day or the hour, we should always be prepared for His return. It could happen at any moment.

Just like when the we prepare for an impending snow fall. We get our shovels out. Prepare our snow blowers. Make sure we have supplies in the car in case we get stranded. We need to prepare for the second coming of Jesus.

How do we do this you may ask. Well, we need to pray. We to be in close communication with The Son. Talking with Him daily. Then we need to dive into Gods word. Read Scripture to see what God wants from us and how to live until Jesus' return. We need to repent of our sins and get right with God! Start living the life that He has called us too. We need to share our faiths with others. We want others to know about Jesus and the salvation that only He can give!

How many times have you woken up in the morning to be surprised by snow? It wasn't called for or even in the forecast. Yet, there it is. All over the ground and your car. Very inconvenient to say the least.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 The Passion Translation

2 For you already know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and as a complete surprise.

Just think, one day, Jesus will return. Just like that unexpected snowfall. But unlike the snow, His return will not be an inconvenience. It will Glorious! So be prepared. ALWAYS!!

Facing A Daunting Day.

 We work with dock appointment calendars where I work.  A typical, manageable day is about 5-6 trucks. One day this week I had one day that looked daunting to me. There were nine trucks scheduled for me that day. Eight to unload and one to load. On top of that, it was the day that I need to leave on time because I go volunteer after work. So it looked pretty daunting to say the least.

Philippians 4:13 New Living Translation

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

I knew that I would get through the day because Jesus would give me the strength to do so. I can do all things. Even when things look daunting. He strengthens me. Gives me wisdom & knowledge to be efficient. 

So I start on my first truck and finish pretty quickly. I thought to myself, "wow, that wasn't to bad." On to the second. Again it went pretty smooth. This went on throughout the day. I kept unloading truck after truck. Marking them off the calendar as I went along. As I headed to lunch, I looked at the calendar to see how I was doing. I had already knocked out five of my trucks. "Wow, I'm not in to bad a shape, heading into the afternoon." 

After lunch, the next truck had already backed into the dock. So I went to work. That truck was finished. Then the next one was finished. Only had two left and I had two hours to get them done. I thought that this was really going to happen. Finish on time. And that is just what happened. Both of my remaining trucks showed up and were loaded and unloaded by 2:30. Now all I had to do was put some of the product away. With the product being put away, paperwork finished & forklift plugged in. I punched out at 3:31. Thank You Jesus. 

The day may have looked daunting on paper, but GOD!

Mark 10:27 New Living Translation

27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

When I looked at that calendar before I started my day, I knew that I couldn't do it with my own strength. I needed God to help me. I needed Him to lead me, guide me and direct me on how to pull this off and still get out on time to go volunteer. Guess what? He came through. Just like He always does. God made me dauntless to face the day.

So I encourage you today. No matter what you are facing. It may look daunting in the natural. Put it in Jesus' capable hands. He is able, more than able to help you through. I know many of you are facing more difficult situations than my busy day at work. Jesus is in the details. Nothing is to big or to small for Him!

Psalm 55:22 The Passion Translation

22 So here’s what I’ve learned through it all. Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.

God Bless.

RK!

Conversation With A Trucker!

 I work on a shipping/receiving dock. I deal with truck drivers all day. In the nine years that I have been at my job, I have gotten to know a few of them pretty well. As they have me. If you know me, I like to talk to people and get to know them and their stories. There is a person on the other end of the paperwork that they are handing me.

I was talking with one of my regular drivers this week and we were talking about attitudes. He told me that I am the most pleasant person that he deals with on a regular basis. Then he continued and included our whole team from both locations in that statement. That all of their drivers really like to come to our company because they know they will be dealt with kindness, respect and able to get them unloaded without an issue. I thanked him and said that we try. He told me that we are doing very well.

He knows that I am a Christian, so I told him that Jesus makes all the difference in the way that I walk and talk to people. He knew what I was saying but still said that I was doing it the right way.

There is a line from one of my favorite Christian metal bands. The band's name is Bride and the song is "Rise Above". They have lyrics in there that are some of my favorites from any song that I listen to. "Christ Lives In Me." They repeat it two or three times. But I love it, because it is true. Christ lives in me. He makes me what I am today. 

Galatians 2:20 Amplified Bible

20 I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

My driver friend said the word pleasant to deal with. That means not only my actions but my words. The way that I speak to him and others it just as important. We are to lift each other up, not tear down. Words have a way of doing that, unfortunately. I want to speak kindly to people. Encourage them with what I say. So many people are so mean and hateful towards each other. He told me that I wouldn't have any idea on many people he deals with like that. I can imagine.

Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

So my prayer tonight is this. That whomever of you that I encounter in public. Whether it be a restaurant, grocery store, clothing store, wherever, that I speak words of love, affirmation, & encouragement to you. May you feel the love of The Lord in my words and actions.

God bless you all.

Rocks!

I have a walking stick that I take with me every once in a while when I go hiking. I went to Starved Rock yesterday for some alone time with me and Jesus. The beautiful trails, canyons & trees. It was a beautiful day to go for a hike. One on of the trails I came upon some children and their moms going the opposite direction. I stood to the side to let them pass. One of the young girls said to me, "hey, nice staff." I thanked her, then thought "wow, my stick has just been promoted to a staff." I happened to be walking on a rocky part of the trail, so of course I thought of Moses and him striking the rock to make water come out. I took my newly appointed staff and hit a rock on the trail. Nothing. I tried a couple of more rocks, still nothing. I thought that my staff was broken. (LOL) It didn't work because God didn't tell me to strike the rock like He told Moses!

Numbers 20:10-11 New Living Translation

10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.

So after that little bit of fun that I had thanks to that young girl I continued on. I was praying and thanking God for His marvelous creation and beauty. I walked into one of the many canyons there and was surrounded by stone walls. I started praising Him for such a creation and how long it  must have taken to cut out it's shape. While I was walking around touching the walls and praising, The Lord brought another scripture to mind. It was the one where the rocks cry out if you're silent.

Luke 19:40 The Passion Translation

40 Jesus responded, “Listen to me. If my followers were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!”

Well, being where I was at that moment. The stones were not going to cry out because I was silent. No I was praising, thanking and worshipping The Almighty God. The Creator of all things. Including this magnificent canyon that I was standing in.

So I encourage you today. If you ever need to get alone with God, a hike is a good place to start. Marvel in His creation. Look at the trees, listen to the birds and the animals scurrying around on the ground.  Listen to the waterfall. Take it all in. Breathe it all in. Give thanks and praise to our God, who deserves it all.

Checked At The Door.

 Have you ever gone some place and then feel like Jesus checked Himself at the door when you got there? I have. Usually at work. He goes with me from the time that I wake up, all the way to the front door of the building. Then once we get the the entrance He is like, "okay, Keven. You'll be on your own from here." And then I enter and punch in and start work. I know this isn't the case. He is with me and has been with me the whole time. He has proven that over and over again with the way that things have gone. When I enter with a good attitude and feeling good about work, the workplace immediately starts to beat me down. Work load, schedules, drivers, other employees. The list goes on and on. It's those days that I feel Jesus had checked Himself at the door. 

It's like He is saying "Okay Keven, go in and get beaten up and roughed up and then come back and I'll be here waiting for you." I picture this scenario like a parent taking their kid to their first day of school. Mom or Dad can only take you so far, then you have to go it alone. "Don't be afraid little Tommy." "It'll be alright." "Just go in, I'll be waiting for you when you get out."

It's like Jesus is using those moments for me to trust Him more. He is with me, but I feel alone. A test possibly. To see how I react to certain situations that arise. Let me tell you. I fail miserably. Every time! I let the work place get the best of me. I get angry, frustrated and upset. It just shows me that I need Jesus. Always! Everywhere!

There are days when I feel like quitting. Who am I kidding. I feel like quitting everyday. But then I think about Jesus. He didn't quit. Even when faced with the scourging and beating that He knew was going to happen, He still followed The Fathers plan. I know He has a plan for me at work. He has shown it time and time again.

Colossians 3:17 The Message

17 Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way

So on those days when I feel like Jesus checked Himself at the door. I need to act, speak and work like He is right there with me, because He is. If I feel alone, it's because I moved, not Jesus!

I pray that every word out of my mouth and every action that I do, it glorifies God and points people His way! Whether I feel like He checked Himself at the door or came in with me!

God Bless.

Reduced Down, Raised Up.

 My mom and dad have both passed away. Mom almost two years ago, dad ten years ago. Upon reflecting recently about their lives, they both had a way about them. They say that opposites attract. Well it makes perfect sense on why my mom and dad got divorced. They had very similar personalities. They both liked to laugh and have a good time. They were loved by everyone that knew them, except themselves.

They both were full of life. My dad loved to play pranks and joke around with people to get a laugh. My mom just loved having a good time and laughing with whom ever was around.

Then in 2011 my dad got sick. In and out of the hospital until one day he didn't come home. He went home to be with Jesus. His final years of his life, he lived in a veterans home. A very small bedroom with very few personal items. When he passed, my brother and I went to the home to pick up a picture of him to use for his obituary. When I entered his room, I noticed for the first time how small it was. I thought about how he lived prior to that. He lived in a double wide with nice furniture and things. In the room I noticed that he had been reduced down to a picture on the wall, and a few things sitting on his dresser. Then from that room he was reduced to the size of a coffin. And finally reduced to a six foot hole in the ground.

2019 my mom got sick. The same as my dad, she was in out of the hospital for a few months until we got the call one night that she thought that she was coming to the end. She passed away close to eight hours after receiving that call. Being with her those last few hours, I looked around at the hospital room and it seemed quite cold. Except for family being around her, that was the closest thing that she had that resembled home. At home she pictures of everyone on her fridge. Grandkids, kids, family, friends. If you meant something to her, you were on the fridge. Just like my dad. I noticed how she had been reduced down to this hospital room. Then when she passed, she to was put into a coffin. Then after service were finished, she was reduced even further to an urn. Then finally to a small hole in the ground when she was finally buried.

I think back on both of my parents. So full of life. Their minds were still intact, their bodies just gave out. Their race had finished. God called them home to him!

1 Corinthians 15:53 New Living Translation

53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

Now and for eternity, they will never again experience pain, suffering, tears, disease. They are made whole by Jesus. How do I know this you may ask. I know that both my mom and dad were saved in their later years. I know that they are in heaven. I will see them again.

So for my dad who had been reduced down to a six foot hole and my mom an urn and probably a three foot hole, they have been raised up to live in eternity with Jesus. Their humble little earthly homes have now become Heavenly homes.

John 14:2-3 The Passion Translation

2 My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am.

I cannot wait till that day!

God bless.

Neither one lived an exorbitant life. They both worked and lived in small humble homes. My dad lived in a double wide and my mom in a two bedroom house.

Short Staffed!!

How many of us have seen this type of sign whenever we go out to eat? It seem like these signs are everywhere now a days. No  matter if it's fast food. Sit down. Everyone is having this issue. What I have discovered over the last few weeks or so, is that the people in the food industry i.e. Host/hostess, servers, managers, cooks, dishwashers, etc. etc. are starving for or longing for customers to treat them with kindness, patience and respect. They can't control the other workers who decided not to show up.

That's why we need to be kind and patient with them. Respect them for showing up to their job, even though they know some of the customers are going to be rude, inpatient and disrespectful towards them. Like I said before. It's not their fault the restaurant is short staffed. I have read stories about the police being called because of a drive-thru line taking to long to fill orders. Really! Seriously! Your going to waste more time by calling the police. What are they going to do? Issue a ticket for making the food to slow? I mean really!

My wife and I have been repeatedly thanked by the wait staff for being patient with them. We always say no problem and thank them for being there to wait on us. The look on their face when we compliment them for just showing up for work. The smile that we get. They thank us and thank us repeatedly for saying that. I tell them that all customers should be kind to the wait staff. One server told me that it is very few and far between when people are actually kind to her. She very much appreciated us telling her that, as she was the only server working the whole restaurant.

I'm not saying this to say, "wow, look how good we are". Not at all. We are just trying to show Jesus to people. If we are rude to the staff, what does that say about our witness? Kind of punches a whole in it! You know them Christians. Acting just like the world. Getting bent out of shape just because their meal took a little longer than usual. Haven't they noticed that I am the only one working the floor?

2 Timothy 2:24 Amplified Bible

24 The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone.

So I implore you as you go out tonight or any night for dinner someplace. Be patient, kind and respectful to the staff. You have no idea what they are going through. They might be doing two or three different jobs because someone else decided not to show up. Be loving to them as well. Tip them well. Even more than you usually would. They need to know that they are appreciated.

Ephesians 4:2 The Passion Translation

2 With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another.

So 'Bon Appetit' 

God bless!

Black & White & A Baseball Game.

 A friend of mine invited my wife and I to go see the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a Cubs fan, we are Cardinals fans. The game was played at Wrigley Field. We arrived at the stadium, made our way to our seats, and were ready for the start of the game. We had four seats kind of in the middle of the row. I sat on the outside seat of our group. Just before the game began, an African-American gentleman proceeded up the stairs and into our row and sat down beside me. First thing he did was introduce himself and asked for my name in return. We fist bumped each other and settled in. I'm not sure settled is a good word. If you've ever sat in those upper deck seats. They are really small. So you are always trying to adjust to get comfortable in them. So your not really "settled" per se.

As the game started and progressed, he and I talked. We talked strategy. We talked about mistakes both teams were making. Discussed passed balls that got by the catchers. He lamented that back in the day, that just didn't happen. He was an old school baseball fan. We talked about catchers like Johnny Bench. Thurman Munson. Carlton Fisk. The ball very rarely made it passed those catchers. I told him that today's catchers are to focused on their offense now, not defense. Unless you are Yadi Molina. He is in a whole different league.

The reason I bring all of this up is this. If you listen to the media now a days, this gentleman and I should not have been sitting next to each other or even talking with each other. The media seems like they are trying to divide the races into black and white. We can't intermix or interact with each other. According to them.

Well, not only did we break the mold of that kind of thinking, we totally shattered it. We sat by each other for the whole game. Talked with each other for the whole game. Enjoyed each others company. Every time we had to adjust to get comfortable in our seats, we jostled each other. Each one of us always apologized for doing that. We kept telling each that they were good. No worries! That we are all in this together.

The only differences between he and I were, he was black, I am white. He was a Cub fan, I am a Cardinals fan. We had a few similarities. We were both tall, bald and male.

If you know me very well at all, you know that I really don't see color. He was just a fan sitting next to me rooting for his team while I rooted for mine.

Mark 12:31 The Passion Translation

31 And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.”

This gentleman and I were neighbors for over three hours and nine innings of baseball. We both cared about what happened to each other as the game went along. We made sure to do the best that we could to make sure each other was as comfortable as possible.

When it was all over and the Cardinals had won their 15th game in a row. He got up and not only shook my hand, but also my wife's and my friends as well. He bid us farewell and he disappeared into the sea of people.

So, take that you naysayers!! We can and will get along just fine! God Bless!

The Debate Continues.

 A year and a half later, the mask debate has not died down. Not even close. We're told to wear masks here and not there. Inside yes, outside no. On and on it goes. People are still on both sides of the debate. Some say they work, while others say they don't. Me, I'm not sure. I know I have not gotten covid since wearing a mask. Who said I would have gotten it without a mask? I have to wear it at least 8 hours a day at work because my employer requires it. Do I enjoy it? Not really. Kind of bothersome. A bit harder to breathe not going to lie. But if they are paying me and require it, then I'll wear it. Just like every other kind of PPE they require.

Want to know what else I don't really like to wear or use? Seat belts. Steel toe boots, hard helmets, sunscreen. The list goes on and on. Just like seat belts don't stop car accidents, or steel toe boots don't stop your foot from getting smashed. Same with a hard helmet. If something heavy enough falls on your head, it's going to get crushed. Sun screen doesn't prevent you from getting sunburn. It will lessen the effects, but you could still get it. That's how the mask works. It's not meant to or supposed to stop the virus. It is just supposed to slow down the spread of it. It makes it harder for someone to breathe directly on you, or you on them.

Like I said earlier. I'm not really sure of the effectiveness of the mask. All I know is that me and my family have not had covid, and we have all worn a mask when required.

I am not for or against wearing a mask. I don't agree with it being forced on people. To me it is a personal decision. Wear it fine. Don't wear it, fine. Just don't judge me or others for what we are doing or not doing. We are doing what we believe is right for ourselves and families. 

Just like driving a car without a seat belt and getting into an accident. Or not wearing sun screen and get a sun burn. You know the consequences of those actions. But it's still your choice.

The same with the vaccine. Get it, don't get it. Personal choice, right? Well unfortunately that debate rages on as well. Again, if me and my family get the shot, we are doing what we think is best for our families. Same goes if we don't get the shot. We chose to not get it and that's what we think is best for our families.

I'm just tired of everyone trying to force their opinion on others. I have seen other Christians and even some pastors who mock and criticize people who do either of the acts. To me, that's not what being a Christian is. Doesn't Jesus call us to love one another? Regardless of our vaxed or un-vaxed status? You did or did not get the vaccine. Not for me to worry about. Same goes for me. If I got it or didn't get it. What concern is it of yours? Again, it's our choice and what we believe is best for ourselves, our families and our situations.

Philippians 2:3 The Passion Translation

3 Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves.

Christ calls us to be in unity. Not a divided people. This is exactly what this virus/pandemic is doing to us. Causing a mass divide amongst His people. People who should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.

Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

So I urge you today to respect other peoples opinions on this mask/no mask, vaccine/ no vaccine debate.

May God bless you on whatever decision you make!

Almost Got To Meet Jesus!

 This past Saturday, my brother and I went to see Stryper in concert. They played the Arcada Theater in St. Charles. The show ended around 12:00 AM. We were headed home and almost to Sycamore when we came real close to meeting Jesus. You see, a car coming from the other direction swerved into our lane and forced us off the road and into the ditch. Luckily it wasn't a steep ditch, more like a grassy shoulder. We were able to drive on it and navigate it no problem. We decided to turn around and follow this lane offender to see what they were up to and alert the authorities if needed. We didn't have to go far to see that they had crashed head on into a guard rail about an 1/8 mile after they forced us off the road. We called 911, met with the officer and then made our way home. A little shaken but thankful we were alive. Thankful for Jesus' arm of protection around us. I told my brother that God isn't finished with us yet, that is why He protected us from a possible head on collision.

Those that know me well, know that I had another car accident experience about 30 years ago, where we should have died. My friend and I were out cruising and we ended up in Big Rock. I thought that I had more time than I had and pulled out in front of a construction truck. He tore off the front end of my car. I can still see the wheels going across in front of my face. The driver was so sure that he killed us that when he got to our car, not only were we alive, we were out and walking around. He could not believe it. The only injury was my friend who head butted the rear view mirror and it fell into his lap. 

The connection between these two events is the band Stryper. In the actual accident, we were listening to their cassette "To Hell With The Devil". I firmly believe that because we were listening to their music God saved us from a certain death. I wasn't a Christian then, but I sure liked their music. Didn't really pay much attention to the lyrics of the songs. Just jammed to the music. 

 That accident 30 years ago, God had a plan for me. He wasn't finished with me quite yet. Fast forward 30 years. I am now a Christian and also a pastor. See, His plan. I had no idea.

So this second event we had just finished watching Stryper perform live. To me it was worship. I had my arms in the air, not fist pumping, but in worship. So again, I firmly believe that because we worshipped with Stryper, God saved us from certain death once again. This band has a connection with me and being saved from bad things by God. Listening to them and now really paying attention to the lyrics, God honored that. No one can tell me different.

Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Thank You Lord. Thank You for Your protection and the band Stryper!

Do You Believe??

                                                               

I was given the t-shirt pictured above for volunteering at a News Boys concert. Their tour manager told me I could pick from anyone of the shirts they had hanging on the wall. I picked this one for a couple of different reasons. First, it came in my size. Secondly I picked it because it had an American flag on it with the words "Do You Believe". Being my moms son, I loved the flag and patriotic motif. It also was asking a very interesting question. Do you believe in The USA? Do you support America? My unapologetic answer was and still is..............YES!!

                                                     

With everything that is going on today, I still believe that America is the greatest nation in the world. No matter what our current leaders are trying to do it. I have great pride in being an American. Standing for our National Anthem with my hand over my heart. Ever since 9/11 happened, every time I hear the National Anthem, I get teary eyed. I don't know why, I just do! That scene with Sammy Sosa running onto the field with the American flag in his hands, oh my!! If I am ever at any kind of event where the American flag will be carried by, I stand to my feet in honor, respect and reverence. This flag, the American flag is for all Americans. No matter what race you are. No matter what gender you are. No matter, if you are an American, the flag is for you. Now I know there are people who will dispute this and that's alright. Not going to change my actions towards it one bit.

Now my mom was as patriotic as it gets. You would have thought that she served in the military, but alas, she did not. Her house was adorned with wall hangings, towels, magnets, pictures, on and on of American decorations. When she passed away we even bought an urn that had the American flag all over it. We dedicated a park bench at the local school for people to sit on. You guessed it. It was red, white and blue! We even had an American flag engraved on her cemetery marker.

As much as I miss her, I am kind of glad the she isn't around to see what is happening to the country that she so dearly loved. She would be sick & heart broken to see and know what is going on today. 

Isaiah 5:20 New Living Translation

20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

I think this why we are in the shape that we are in as a country. We have everything turned upside down. We are calling good evil and evil good. Everything is opposite of what God wants for us.

We need to pray for America and her leaders! Pray like never before. That we will repent and turn from our wicked ways! Only then and maybe then will we ever return to greatness.

So yes, I do believe that America will be great again! It may take some time, but we'll get there. God has a plan for us. Just need to be patient and wait on The Lord!

2 Chronicles 7:14 New Living Translation

14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

This is my prayer for the good ole USA. That we repent of what we are doing, turn from our wicked ways and seek God in everything that we do. He will hear us and heal our land. Oh what a glorious day that will be!!

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The Mosquito.

 I like to drive with my windows down when the weather is nice. Sometimes I get some flying insects in the van. Flies, bees, mosquito's, whatever, no big deal. Well the other day I had a mosquito flitting about across the windshield. From driver side to passenger side and then back again. It kept doing this the whole time while I was driving. I had all the windows down once again and when I came to a stop, I tried to shoo the mosquito out the open window. It had no intention of doing that. Every time that I would try to scoop it or swat it out the window, it would fly the other direction. It was like it was comfortable being inside the car, when there was an open window for it to fly out of and be free.

I thought about us, you know, people. How we are like that with the sin that we are in. We think that we are trapped inside when all along God has opened a window for us to get out of. It's almost like we are too comfortable in our sin to see the open window. God speaks to us, nudges us, shows us the way out, but we are to blind to see it. Out that window is the unknown. A different life that God wants for us. Inside is something that I am used to & comfortable with!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Amplified Bible

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

God wants us to be set free from sin! He doesn't want us to be trapped by it any longer. He always makes a way for us to escape. We just have to obey and follow His leading. Like one song says. He is a way maker, a chain breaker, He is a prison shaking Savior!

1 Corinthians 10:13 Amplified Bible

13 No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

So  my friends let me encourage you. If you are embedded in sin and you see no way out. Seek God and He will show you a way. He will open a window, door, whatever means necessary to get you out of there. Don't be like that mosquito flitting about in comfortableness. God loves you too much to leave you there!

Church & The Gas Station.

 Now you may be wondering what those two places have in common. Well, let me tell you. I visit each one once a week. I fill my car up with gas about once a week to get me to where I am going. I go to church once a week (actually twice) to fill up spiritually to get me through the week.

I was thinking about this as I was filling the tank in my van the other day. I thought that this is sure a lot like church. I mean you fill your vehicle up and run it all week until it gets low on gas and then do it all over again. So that's like church. I go once a week, get filled with the word of God, some really good worship, enjoy the company of other believers, get my iron sharpened and then go out and empty myself throughout the week, then come back and do it all over again.

How does one empty themselves during the week? Well, I tell people about the Gospel of Jesus. I give testimony for what He has done for me. I volunteer to make a difference in my community. I worship as I go about each day of the week. Just like a car uses gas by going places during the week, the same is with us as we move about in our circle of influence. Family, work, shopping, volunteering. What ever it is that you do, empty yourselves of what God has filled you up with.

Colossians 3:12-14 The Message

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

As we go about our days, we strive to live like this. This what God wants from us, and that takes a lot of energy and strength. So from Sunday through Saturday our energy should be completely zapped and we are ready to be refueled. What better place to do that than the church with other like minded people.

Hebrews 10:25 New Living Translation

25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Lord I pray that I may be empty so You can fill me with Yourself and what You want from me.

Amen!

Adult Film *Star*

 Just to make myself clear, I have not viewed or watched any of this persons movies. So to say that she is a star, I cannot say. I had no idea who she was until this story came about. All I know is that she is in the 'adult entertainment' business.

So apparently this "actress" had VIP tickets to a Turning Point USA (Student Action Summit) event in Florida. As the story goes, upon arrival at the event she was denied entry because of who she was and what she did for a living. She faced backlash from the Christian organizers for attending the event.

 My question is this. How did they know who she was? How did they know what kind of career she was in? This was a conservative event with Christian organizers. So I ask again. How did they know who she was?

Then my second question is this. Why was she kicked out? From pictures I have seen, she was wearing a conservative outfit. Not showing any skin at all. She wasn't there selling herself or her films. Or even recruiting for the business. She told people that she is a conservative herself. She was happy to be with fellow conservatives. So again I ask. Why was she kicked out? Aren't we as Christians supposed to love everybody, no matter their profession or lifestyle choice. We hate the sin, but love the sinner. Right!

Matthew 7:3 Amplified Bible

3 Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye?

I wonder how many other people there were liars, cheaters, smokers, gamblers, adulterers, watch pornography, etc. etc. I wonder how many LGBTQ people were in attendance. If we look at it that way, they should have all been kicked out.

Romans 3:23 New Living Translation

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating for this woman or her career choice. What I am advocating for is her right to be there along with everyone else. 

John 8:7 English Standard Version

7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

I have read other stories about this event happening and the author says that you cannot be a conservative and be in the adult entertainment business. That may be true but, to me you can't be a conservative and deny people just because of what they do for a living. The organizers were worried about her being there because there were kids there as young as 15. I get that, I really do. But how many families have gone out to dinner and the parents have a drink or two and then drive home. What is that showing their children? It's okay to drink and drive. Or the other things that families do while together. To me this whole situation is very hypocritical!

If we are to follow Jesus' standard of accepting people, He accepted everyone. Tax collectors, adulterers, criminals, everyone. We are not to judge. Jesus is the judge, over everyone.

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].

I know that this might not be the popular opinion amongst my friends, but it is my thought on this whole thing.

God bless!

Bowling. The Game of Life??

My family and I went bowling last weekend. It was the first time in a very long time that we had done that together. We had a ton of fun. While the game went on and the frames went by, I kept watching the ball being thrown down the lane, the pins being knocked over, the machine that would pick up the pins and set them back in order and the ball being returned to throw again. It started me thinking about life. The ball represented life. The pins were people, the pinsetter was God and the frames were the days of our life.

You see, the bowler would throw the ball (life) down the lane towards the pins (people). Sometimes the ball would knock over a pin, several pins or even all of them. Then the pinsetter (God) would come down and set all the pins back in place again. Then we would move onto the next frame (day of life). Then the whole cycle would start over again.

Isn't this just like real life? Some days we get knocked down a little, then God picks us back up and puts us back in place. Sometimes life hits us all at once, and just like a strike in bowling we are knocked down completely. God is still there to pick us up and set us back in place. Day after day, just like a frame in bowling.

Lamentations 3:23 New Living Translation 

23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

So just like moving into the next frame, God moves us into the next day. Just like the next frame we try to bowl a little better, so it is with the next day. We try to live a little better, be a better person.

Remember while bowling how excited you were if you threw a strike or picked up a spare? Or even got excited if you didn't throw a gutter ball. That's how it should be with the day that God has given us.

Psalm 118:24 New Living Translation

24 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

So let's live our days (frames) the best that we can. Strive to do better no matter what life (ball) throws at you. We have a God (pinsetter) in heaven who loves us and will pick us up and set us in place again.

Obnoxious.

It was a beautiful day out, so I had all my windows down as I left work one day last week to head over to do my volunteer shift. I stopped at our local Steak & Shake to get a snack. I placed my order and pulled forward so the next car could pull up and order. The car behind me had a couple of guys in it who were just being obnoxious. They were rude to the person taking their order, just being rude in general. Then they set their eyes on me. You see, on the back of my van I have several things that identify that I am a Christian. Stickers, license plate holder, even my license plate itself. All of a sudden I hear from the car behind me "praise Satan!" "Praise the Devil!" Being yelled in my direction. I'm like, "oh great." Then I started to judge them. Telling myself what a complete bunch of jerk, losers they were. Then The Lord reminded me,

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].

Then I felt The Holy Spirit nudge me, telling me not to judge them, but to pray for them. So I started praying for them. I prayed for softened hearts, that Jesus would reveal Himself right there in their car. I asked Jesus to forgive them for they knew not what they were saying (even though I'm sure that they did). (There I go judging again). I'm still a work in progress!

Then I heard one of their car doors open and close. I'm like "here we go." You know that Christianity is under attack more than ever these days. So I thought that things were going to get physical. I kept looking in my mirrors and could not see anyone. I left enough space between me and the car in front of me to make a quick escape if I had to. I kept looking and looking. Nothing. No one was out of the car that I could tell. Phew!

Then I noticed that it had gotten really quiet. No more verbal jabs, no more mocking. Nothing. When I was finally able to pull forward enough to be able to actually see their car from a better angle, I noticed that not only had God shut their mouths, He also had them roll up the windows. Thank You Lord!

I immediately thought about the story of Daniel and how God had shut the mouth of the lion while Daniel was in the lions den.

Daniel 6:22 Amplified Bible

22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the mouths of the lions so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also before you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

So I urge you not to judge other people. I know that it is really hard as I still do it myself from time to time. We need to pray for our enemies. Pray that our lives reflect Jesus and His love for all.

Birds Of The Air.

 This afternoon on my way home from work, I had to stop at a stop sign and wait for my turn to go. It so happened that I was sitting next to a little grass field. I noticed a whole bunch of birds flitting around and making a whole bunch of noise. There was so much commotion that I took a harder look at was going on. I noticed there was a Cardinal, Blue Jay, Robin, and a couple of other kinds of birds that I couldn't recognize. They were all chirping and singing, flying to and fro. Walking on the grass, dodging each other as they flew past one another. To me it looked like they were having a grand ole time!

It got me thinking about us. You know, humans. How come we can't be like that? Talk and laugh and joke around and just have good time with each other, no matter what we look like. Lift each other up, instead of tearing each other down, just because of their race or nationality! 

The birds didn't care that each of them were a different kind of bird. They were just enjoying themselves and each other.

Matthew 6:26 The Message

26 “ Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

If birds are free to be themselves in the care of God, how much more can we as the children of God. He cares about the birds, but He cares so much more about us.

Jesus is love, not hate. He wants us to love one another, no matter what nation or tribe we come from.

Romans 12:10 Amplified Bible

10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;

We are all part of one big family. The family of God! He created one race, the human race! When I look at some of my coworkers who are different than me, I don't look at them as being African American, Hispanic, or any other race. I see them as Mr. Mrs. or Ms. My brothers and sisters in Christ!

Galatians 3:28 New Living Translation

28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[a] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

So I encourage you tonight to be like the birds of the air. Be free with each other. Sing and dance. Goof around and be free to love each other. Have fun and enjoy each other. Life is too short to go around hating people just because of skin tone.

Remember, Jesus died for us all.

Pedal To The Metal.

 How many of us feel like our lives are like having the "pedal to the metal" lately? With things seeming to start to open up with the pandemic, it seems like we are busier than we have been in a long time. Work, meetings, games, practices. The list goes on and on. It seems like we cannot have one more thing added to our calendar or we just might go crazy. We run so fast and so far that we grow weary. We don't know when we'll be able to get some much deserved rest.

This is where Jesus comes in.

Matthew 11:28 English Standard Version

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

That's just it. Jesus doesn't want us to be weary or heavy burdened. He wants us to come to Him and rest in Him. He is the Prince Of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

It seems like the busier that we are, the less time we have for Jesus. To me the word busy is an acronym meaning, "Being Under Satan's Yoke". I think that is what the enemy wants, to distract us from time with our Savior. The less time we spend with Him, the more the enemy can tempt us into doing something not worthy of God.

Psalm 46:10 New Living Translation

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!

You see, He wants us to be still and spend time with Him. Not running to and from. Always on the go. We need to take time to refresh, rest and renew our strength. How do we do that. We read our Bibles. Spend time in prayer. Communicate with The Father! He longs to hear from us.

Isaiah 40:31 English Standard Version

31 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.

So I encourage you to push the pause button every so often. Seek after and spend time with God and He will give you a new strength to keep going. Don't put Him on the back burner thinking that He is just another thing to do. He is the only thing that matters. We need to start acting like it.

I'm Not Rich, But I'm Not Broke Either.

 I saw this somewhere on Facebook the other day. It was a meme saying that the person was not rich, but not broke either. I don't live in a giant mansion, or drive the most fancy and expensive cars. Have vacation homes across the globe. Don't have a Maid or a butler to help take care of the home. What I do have is a family, house, car & job all provided by God. I don't have any of this on my own. He has provided for me and my family.

Matthew 6:26 New Living Translation

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

If this it what you consider being rich? Then yes I am. But I still have to work for it. God provided all the above, but He also provided me with a job to make sure that we don't go broke. I get up and go to work everyday, even when I don't feel like it. When I am totally exhausted or burned out, I still go.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 New Living Translation

10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

I don't know about you, but I like to eat. I like to buy things and do stuff. If I don't go to work, none of this will happen. It's a fact!

I've been lucky over the last 9 years of working where I am working. I have received a raise every year of employment. We have received bonuses and have never had our hours cut. In fact work has increased during this pandemic. I say lucky but what I really mean is blessed. It has been God doing this on my behalf. I turned this job over to Him from the very first day. 

Colossians 3:23 Amplified Bible

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

So I want to encourage you today. If you have a roof over your head, a bed to lie on, food to eat & a family that loves you, you are a rich person! Don't compare yourself to what others have. They may have the fancy car and big house, but they may not also have a loving family. Or know the love of The Father!

So....You Think You're A Good Person.

 How many of us have family and friends who think that they are good people? They can't believe that they aren't invited to things, included in conversation. "I can't believe that I wasn't invited to that party or event." "I can't believe that I've been left out of (whatever it is)". "I can't believe that nobody is talking with me." They go around complaining about all of this and then make the statement, "I'm a good person." "I don't know what's wrong with people." That is where we go wrong with that kind of thinking.

The Bible tells us a different story about people, and their goodness.

Psalm 14:3 New Living Translation

3 But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!

You see, in our minds we are good. We do good things for our community. We have families. We aren't out committing any crime. We are productive members of society. This is our flesh speaking. We don't see anything wrong with how we are living. We think that we are good people.

Micah 6:8 Amplified Bible

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?

How many people have you come across that really live like this? I can think of a lot of people who are  not kind to anyone, nor show any compassion to anyone. Over blown ego's. They think that the world revolves around them, and they let you know it. No one lives up to God's standard. We think that we do, but alas we do  not.

Romans 3:23 New Living Translation

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

So I urge everyone tonight to continue to chase after God. Continue to seek Him and what He has for you. Humble yourselves. 

Ephesians 5:1-2 Amplified Bible

5 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

Garbage In, Garbage Out.

A couple of weeks ago I was having one of the worst weeks of my work life. No matter what I did or tried to do, nothing seemed to go right. My schedule was crammed packed with deliveries of product and  outbound shipments. Those who know, I work by myself. I am the shipping/receiving department. So I was overwhelmed with trucks. Then I had spacing, electrical and time issues. Everything just seemed to keep piling up on top of one another. Not a good week.

I figured out that during that week, I had changed the music that I was listening to on my way to work. I took out my worship music and put in some classic rock. I just wanted a change. Boy did it change. Not for the better either. Not that I was listening to anything aggressive like Slayer or Pantera. Just some REO, Styx, Journey. You get the picture. So while I'm listening to this music, I keep hearing a voice saying "the joy of The Lord is my strength." I heard this over and over again. I'm like "yes Lord, I know that, but I just want to listen to this stuff." So I kept on rocking out to the classics. And my week continued to go down hill. Everyday I kept hearing, "the joy of The Lord is my strength." And then He added 'Rend Collective' at the end of that statement. They are a worship band from Ireland. I know that they have a song titled "The Joy of The Lord Is My Strength". 

So  Monday rolls around and I'm gearing us for another super busy week. Before I pulled out of the garage, I changed cd's (I'm still old school). I put in Rend Collective and low and behold, that song came on as I was driving. Crazy right. Not with The Lord. He knew. He just wanted me to know. So when I got to work, I check my calendar and what do you know. The work load lessened, by quite a bit. Thank You Lord. Sometimes I can be a bit stubborn! No, you are saying. But The Lord kept after me, reminding me of who He is.

1 Kings 19:11-12 New Living Translation

11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

So I encourage you today to be careful of what you allow your eyes to see and ears to hear. Music, movies, tv shows, whatever. It can affect you in a very dramatic way! Good & bad.

And never ignore the still small Voice of God!!

Good Friday Plans.

 Like me, some of you might have Good Friday off of work. What are your plans for the day? Shopping, movie, hiking, biking, whatever else you could do today. I'll tell you what. Whatever you have planned for the day, is nothing like what Jesus did for us on this day! 

What did He do for us exactly you may ask.

1. He was betrayed by one of His disciples (Judas).

2. He was tried and convicted in an illegal trial.

3. He was sentenced to crucifixion.

4. He was beaten beyond recognition.

5. He had to carry His own cross to His place of execution, all the while being spat upon, insults hurled at him. People hitting Him.

6. He was nailed to a cross and raised up between two other criminals.

7. His side was pierced with a sword to make sure that he was indeed dead.

8. He was taken down and placed into a tomb and a big rock was rolled across to block the opening.

All of these events can be found in The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 11-19

We call this day Good Friday. Doesn't seem like a very good day to me. Everything He went through was horrific. An accurate representation of this event can be seen in the movie 'The Passion of The Christ'.

So while we go about enjoying this day off of work. Let's remember what it is really all about. Jesus died a sinners death for us, so that we may live sin free.

Lets live a life worthy of His death and everything that He went through for us. We deserved that punishment, not Him! That's the kind of God we serve. He was willing to die for us.

Romans 5:8 New Living Translation

8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Grumble, Complain! B & M! (Whatever Else You Want To Call It)

Grumble & complain. B & M. I'm sure there are many other letters or words that you could use to say the same thing. If we are honest, most of us do this. A lot! I know that I sure do. Especially at work, when things do not go my way (or the way that I think that they should go).

Philippians 2:14 English Standard Version

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Anytime something happens at work that I don't agree with in my mind, I am the first to start complaining about it. I have been doing this so much lately that I fear that I am becoming known as the "complaining guy". I don't want to be known this way. I try to follow the above verse but darn it, it sure is hard. When things happen in my department, I keep thinking who do they think that they are doing this too? Don't they know how things work here? I almost take it personal, which of course is not true! It's just the way that things work out sometimes. Just because it is not the way that I like it, or do it, doesn't mean that it is wrong.

Colossians 3:23 Amplified Bible

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

I feel that every time I complain about something, it goes against God. I am not showing Jesus to people when I am complaining all the time. He has me at my job for a reason and complaining about it is not it.

Don't get me wrong. There are some things that you can complain about that are a real complaint. I just pray that God gives me discernment to tell the difference. If you complain about everything, nobody will take you serious when you have a actual real complaint.

James 1:19 Amplified Bible

19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];

I work in the S&R dept. at my job. We have daily calendars with appointment times for the pick ups and deliveries. Some days I only have two or three trucks scheduled. Others I have eight to ten trucks. Those are the days that get my grumbling and complaining.

I have a day like that coming up next week. I decided that I am not going to say a word. Just take the day as it comes. Jesus always helps me out, why would He not on this day. Before I left for the day on Friday, one of the deliveries for that busy day had already been moved to a different day. See, Jesus is already at work. Before we even get to that day, He's intervening on my behalf. Love that about Him!!

So I urge you. If something is getting you annoyed and you start to grumble and complain about it. Give it Jesus. It has taken me awhile to get to this point (even though I knew to do so). He will help you out. Just be patient while waiting. He is never late. His timing is always right on!

Running The Race.

 Covid 19/Corona virus. Mask wearing. Social distancing. Hand washing. Wiping everything down with sanitizer wipes. No large social gatherings. Businesses closed. Churches & schools closed. Almost everything shut down. This is the course that we have been set on for the last year, plus. People are getting tired, fed up with it all. Ready to hang it up, drop back and punt if you will. This is not the way that we thought that the last year would go.

Isaiah 40:31 New Living Translation

31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

I think that is what The Lord has been doing during this last year. Wanting people to put more trust in Him. Place our trust where it matters most and He will renew our strength for the next obstacle of our race, which have been many this past year.

People keep saying "What about all the trouble that this pandemic caused?" I lost my job, business, etc. etc.

John 16:33 New International Version

33  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus never promised us a trouble free life. 2020 proved that. But we can take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. With His help we can overcome anything.

So it seems right now that we are on the right track. Vaccine seems to be working. More and more things are opening up and letting people in. Slowly, possibly getting back to normal....ish. So if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and what He can do for us. Not what the government says that they can do. We will be much better off.

So I urge you today to keep pressing forward. It may seem bleak for some, but remember, Jesus overcame the world, so can we!

Mirrors!

I turned onto a street this morning on my way to work. I was headed West and the angle of my mirrors and the angle that the sun was shining, it reflected off of all three of them and light up the inside of the car. The reflection nearly blinded me as well. I actually had to flip my rear view mirror up like I was driving at night with a car behind me. That is how bright the sun was reflecting off of it. So naturally I started thinking, (I know it can be dangerous) about "wow, I want to shine this bright for Jesus!" I want people when they look at me, to see the love light that is Jesus reflecting off of me, just like these mirrors! Just like the mirrors made the sun shine very brightly in the car, I want The Son to shine very brightly on us! So much so that when people look at us, they notice something different about us. We have a light or a glow about us.

Matthew 5:16 The Message

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

We are not to hide the Light that Jesus has placed in us. We are to be at the top of a hill, shining brightly for all to see. We are to be pointing people to Jesus, The Son. The ultimate light source!

So how exactly do we shine the light of Jesus to those around us? Glad that you asked.

Watch what you say: 

James 3:8 Amplified Bible

8 But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil [undisciplined, unstable], full of deadly poison.

What kind of entertainment are you letting enter your eyes and ears? My wife and I have a saying around here "garbage in, garbage out!" Be careful of what you consume, entertainment wise!

How are you using social media? Are you using it for good? Or are you starting arguments and strife? People are watching us. To see what and how we post. Are we honoring God with what we put out there??

Finally, think of others needs. Lift up and not tear down. Encourage each other.

Luke 6:31 New Living Translation

31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you

So let me encourage you today to let your light shine bright for all to see. Let The Son shine in you and through you. Let it be so bright that people will have to adjust their mirrors!

God bless!

You Are Not Alone.

 Let's be honest. How many of us feel lonely or alone these days? Stuck at home, unable to go places or see people. This virus is sure weighing on people. If you are able to go out, you have to wear a mask, so you still don't really see people like you used to. You feel like you are the only one going through this. You feel invisible. Nobody notices you anymore. With the mask and all the restrictions, you just kind of fade into the background!

Well have I got good news for you. You are not alone. Jesus is right there with you. Sitting beside you. Standing beside you. Holding your hand, comforting you.

Deuteronomy 31:8 Amplified Bible

8 It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

The Lord will not leave you. That promise is true. People will abandon you all the time, The Lord never will. 

Matthew 28:20 Amplified Bible

20  I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Psalm 118:8-16 The Message

8 Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.

There is a song out by Zach Williams called "There Was Jesus" It's a song about Jesus always being there. No matter what happens.

Every time I tried to make it on my own, and instead fell flat on my face - there was Jesus.

When the life that I built comes crashing to the ground - there was Jesus.

No matter what kind of pain you have gone through. Loss of a loved one. Divorce, bankruptcy, anything - there was Jesus.

Through fires or floods - there was Jesus.

I think that you get the point. No matter what low point you have been at, or the highest point you have been. Jesus has been with you, every step of the way! Even when you didn't know it.

I pray that as we continue through our lives, that we feel Jesus warm embrace more than ever before. Telling us not to worry. He is with us.

Cost of Love.

Valentines day is just around the corner. Millions of people will spend millions of dollars on chocolate, flowers, cards, food just to show their significant other that they love them. Our human version of love and what we think that we need to spend to show it.

God has different ways to show us His love and the cost.

John 3:16 New Living Translation

16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God loves us so much and cares for us so much. It only cost Him His Son. Can you imagine God calling you and saying "Keven, we need you to sacrifice your daughter for the greater good of the world." I would be like, "umm, I don't think so." I'm not willing to pay that price. That cost is too high. But that is what God did for us. He gave His only Son. For us. So that we could have eternal life.

John 15:13 Amplified Bible

13 No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.

How many of you are willing to lay down your life for your friends? I may not have died physically, but I have absorbed some of the punishment that was meant for my friends. Things that they really would have gotten in trouble for. I ran interference for them. Deflected some of the blame to myself. Even though I didn't really have anything to do with it. I loved my friends and didn't want to see them get in trouble. So by loving our friends, it may cost us our lives! Is that a price you are willing to pay?

So no matter how much we think that we need to spend to show our love to each other. Consider what God has done for us, in showing us His love.

John 13:34 New Living Translation

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

So let's walk this out. Let's love each other just as Jesus has loved us. No better example of love to follow.

1 Corinthians 13:13 Amplified Bible

13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

Love and God Bless!

What Team Do You Choose??

 

It seems like everyday there is a new attack on Christianity. Keep putting us down for our belief in Jesus. Keep mocking us, knocking us for our faith. No matter how much they slander us or persecute us, I'll pick team Jesus! Every time! Why you may be asking yourself. Well, what better team to be on. He is my King, Savior, coach, manager. What ever you want to call Him, He is in charge. Best part is? I'm already in His lineup. I'm not penciled in, He has me written in the palm of His hand.

Isaiah 49:16 New Living Translation

16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

So what better team to be on than someone who knew you before you were even born?

Jeremiah 1:5 New Living Translation

5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.

Every coach or manager that I have ever played for has taught me life lessons along with teaching me more about the game and how to play it. What can I say about Jesus and what what kind of life lessons He has taught me.

The pages of The Bible are full of His lessons for us. How to live our lives in such a way, that will please Him and bring glory to His name!

John 10:10 Amplified Bible

10 I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

You see. This is the kind of team that I want to be a part of. Abundant life. Prosper, hope, future!

Unlike the other team, The Enemy. He has different plans for us. They are not good plans either! He wants to tear us down. Cause us to sin and distance ourselves from God.

John 10:10 New Living Translation

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

John 8:44 New Living Translation

44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Murder, lies, evil. Not the kind of team that I want to be a part of.

Jesus is Life and Love. Satan is death and destruction.

Which team will you choose??

    

    

Faith Over Fear.

After unloading a truck at work the other day, I took the drivers paperwork out to him. He got out of the truck and greeted me. He  knows that I am a pastor, so he asked me if we could say a prayer for his brother who has stage 4 colon cancer. I told him I can absolutely do that for him and his brother. So we prayed right there beside his truck in the dock. When finished he said to me that I was not afraid to pray anywhere at anytime. He really appreciated the prayer for his brother and the told me that we need to have more faith over fear. His statement has resonated with me ever since that day. I see it on t-shirts, posters, bumper stickers and even on pop sockets. Faith over Fear.

I started thinking about what if we really lived it out instead of just having it printed on material things. How many times in the Bible does Jesus tell us to fear not? A lot of times.

Exodus 14:13 New Living Translation

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. 

So  many people are afraid today. Afraid of what the future holds. What tomorrow brings. It's understandable. We want to know what is going to happen, what's coming next. Listen to what Moses is saying though. Stand still and watch. The Lord will rescue you. All we have to do is just stand still. How many of  us find that hard to do? This is where faith comes in. Believe in what The Lord will do. He is always acting on our behalf!

Hebrews 11:1 New Living Translation

11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

So no matter what comes against us. What makes us worried or afraid, God is with us & for us! He is our protector. People may try to mock you and make fun of you for your faith. But stay strong in The Lord.

Isaiah 54:17 Amplified Bible

17 “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed;

And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.

This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.

So lets put into practice having faith, not fear. God is in control. We just have to let Him do His thing. 

Romans 8:31 New Living Translation

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Amen!